Wednesday, August 31, 2011

The Itsie-Bitsie Shopping Spree Promo!


Here's how:


Chic Kicks for Kids: Cienta Shoes


Sure, I love French style, but I like Spanish style too! One of my favorite bloggers is Mireia Oller of My Daily Style from Spain, and I like how, in my mom's native Laguna parlance, "posteriosa" (fashionable and done-up) Spanish women are. Plus hey, don't we all love Zara? I also love Hoss Intropia, Bimba y Lola and oooh!, alpargatas in a rainbow of colors!
 


Moms like me can add Cienta shoes to our list of Spanish staples. Cienta is a line of shoes that are designed and manufactured in Spain. Not only do they come in classic styles in practical colors that will go with a lot of your little ones's clothes, these shoes are guaranteed to promote and conform to the natural development of a child's feet. They are priced well too! Ranging from Php1200 to Php1500 a pair.

Here are some styles for the boys:




And some more for the girls:





To see more styles and to purchase, check out Cienta's website at http://www.cientashoes.ph

For more info, feel free to contact them via:

Email: cientashoes@gmail.com
Cel #: +63916 479-0113

Monday, August 29, 2011

Hopscotch Kids Now in The Philippines!


If the little girl in your life is like Berry, she will enjoy this new product we brought in! 

You see, for a time whenever I put polish on my toes (this is Khaki Vert from Chanel and not Hopscotch ha!)


Berry would also want some on hers (she applied this herself when I said she couldn't put color on her toes).






The problem is, I am worried about chemicals seeping into her still delicate nails. She also has a habit of putting her finger in her mouth, and I get visions of polish on her nails being ingested. But she was so insistent before that I had no recourse but to give in.

Thankfully, I discovered Hopscotch Kids, the "premier non-toxic, eco-friendly alternative to solvent-based nail polish!" Here is Berry wearing Red Rover, Red Rover:


Oh, and did I mention it is water based? Berry playfully painted my Celine Luggage Tote as well:


And thankfully, it was easy to take out! Whew!

Hopscotch Kids does not have harsh smelly chemicals. It is free of toluene, dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, acetone, FD&C, coal tar and lake colors – so it’s good for kids, and good for the Earth too.

I usually just put one coating on Berry, and just re-touch every few days. If we need to remove it or apply a new color, we use the Hopscotch Kids Polish Remover, which is a soapy polish remover, there's no acetone in there! When you use it to take off polish, it will get a bit sudsy and soapy. FYI!

Hopscotch Kids in the Philippines comes in 10 fun and happy colors (see topmost photo) and are proven kid safe and pregnancy friendly as well! So preggy ladies, if you want to put on polish but are worried about  harmful fumes & chemicals, this is your answer to prettifying your nails.

Hopscotch Kids is currently available:

- online at Shopspot
- Sesou Nature Source at the Ground Floor of Alabang Town Center
- and soon at Chicify

If you own an eco-friendly/baby/maternity store or a beauty/nail salon, and would want to carry this polish as well, email me at manilafashionobserver@gmail.com!

Thurston Hatchett, Inc. is the exclusive distributor of Hopscotch Kids in the Philippines.

Friday, August 26, 2011

MFO Anniversary Blog Giveaway: A Signed Copy of Before Ever After


NOTE: THIS CONTEST IS OPEN TO LOCAL & INTERNATIONAL READERS!

5 days until August ends, and what a fun month it has been huh? Thanks to all my readers, old and new for being part of the fun ride! I would like to end my series of amazing giveaways with one last special prize: a signed copy of Before Ever After by the author herself, Samantha Sotto! Coffee and cake, not included (hehehe).

Not only do you get a signed copy, I can guarantee you a rolling good time with this book. It is just so amusing, a real page turner. I ended up finishing the book in a couple of hours. Funnily, I read several chapters of the book while waiting for Berry to get out from her class. If I were Samantha, I'd be writing a book instead of reading one, haha! Anyhoo, here's your chance to own a signed copy, which I am sure will earn a precious spot in your library!

Even if you've joined the other giveaways, you are still welcome to enter the Before Ever After Giveaway. If you would like to win a signed copy of Before Ever After, here's how:

1. Follow @samanthasotto and myself @cd_mfo on Twitter

2. Like Samantha Sotto, Author of Before Ever After and Manila Fashion Observer on Facebook

3. Leave a comment* with your Twitter ID & email and share:

- Tell us about your dream European destination!
- How long would you want to stay there?
- Who will you travel with?


*If you would prefer to enter the giveaway via private email to me, do all of the above and send an email to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com with the title: MFO Before Ever After Giveaway and leave a comment on this post saying, "MFO, let's follow the chickens!"

AGAIN: THIS CONTEST IS OPEN TO LOCAL & INTERNATIONAL READERS!

General Rules:
- Giveaway is for the whole month of August 2011
- Giveaway closes on 11:59 pm on August 31, 2011
- Winner will be announced by 1st week of September on MFO and via private e-mail
- Anyone can enter for a chance to win any of the Anniversary Blog Giveaway prizes, but can only win once
- No need to send multiple comments or emails per Anniversary Blog Giveaway prize. One entry per prize is sufficient

Singapore Eats: Din Tai Fung

Choose your own adventure, feel free to order everything you like!

One of the first restaurants we ate at here in Singapore was Din Tai Fung. Rated as one of the world's Top Ten Best Restaurants by The New York Times, Din Tai Fung has its roots dating back to Taiwan more than 39 years ago. Our friends Raffy & Frances took us to lunch the first time we met up here, and since then, we have been coming back when inspiration strikes.

It's easy to get overwhelmed with all the choices, but we've found our magic combination that always hits the spot:

Of course, people flock to Din Tai Fung for these:
A huge novelty is watching the xiao long bao makers at work in the kitchen, behind a glass partition. I swear, every time I pass by and see xiao long bao being freshly made, I want to go inside and order their soup dumplings! Then again, I also feel the same way whenever I see a photo of Paradise Dynasty's colorful, flavored soup dumplings (which deserves a post of its own, of course).

My friend Sarj got me hooked on their fried rice with pork chop. I know, I keep on saying I don't really like eating pork, but this one is one of the ehem, expounding exceptions. The meat is tender and flavorful, and the fried rice is a perfect complement to it.

The three course meal isn't complete without a bowl of noodles in beef broth, Berry loves this! The soup has a delicate taste to it, that it's not at all strange to say it's refreshing. Hot soup that's refreshing? Yes, strange. But trust me on this one.


I really should be more adventurous in trying more of their dishes, rather than always getting our trusty tried & tested combination. The thing is though, by the time we get seated at a table (and the wait is always quite long for dinner and especially mealtime on weekends) decision fatigue sets in and we always end up with the meal we know we'll be happy with. I find that there are less people during lunch time on a weekday, maybe that's the perfect time to try and go for something new!

Din Tai Fung is operated by BreadTalk Group. There are ten restaurants in Singapore: Paragon, Junction 8, Tampines Mall, Wisma Atria, Raffles City, Jurong Point, 313@somerset, Baits@Resorts World Sentosa, Marina Bay Link Mall and nex@Serangoon Central.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Grandma's Secret Spot Remover Works on Shoes and Chairs

This morning, I met up with my friend MM, who was in town for a business trip. Over breakfast at Food for Thought, she asked me about Grandma's Secret Spot Remover, because she was planning to give it to her mommy friends for Christmas. My other friend Kristine brought up the same thing, so I have decided I will think of a nice gift packaging for it, because it seriously is a brilliant idea! I will let you know once I've come up with a cute way to give it to friends, so you may all place your orders for Christmas, heehee!

Anyhoo, all this talk about Grandma's Secret Spot Remover also reminded me about my friend Ingrid aka The Baghag's success story with Grandma's. Her DH stepped on her favorite pair of DKNY espadrilles, and she was understandably distraught...
I told her to try Grandma's but she was worried about a ring forming around the treated stain (you know, those water stains on canvas). I told her no such thing will happen, and true enough, Grandma's came to the rescue! ;)
Here's another happy story. My sister Nicole was cleaning her plastic chair, to no avail. She tried using Pledge, but the dust stains wouldn't budge. She tried scrubbing it with detergent, still no effect. She then experimented with Grandma's Secret Spot Remover, and as you can see here, the left side treated with Grandma's looked pretty clean, while the right side remained dirty:


Encouraged, she went ahead and treated the whole back with Grandma's and of course, it looked good as new:

Amazing right? Didn't realize Grandma's works on plastic too! Then again, Grandma's is a miracle product, so this shouldn't come as a surprise! ;)

For the complete list of Grandma's stockists, click HERE! We are adding more to the list, including Chimes Felcris in Davao, select National Bookstore branches and at SM Fashion Forum, so watch out for announcements! To my readers in Singapore, Grandma's is also coming soon to retail stores near you!

MFO Anniversary Blog Giveaway: A Php2,000 GC from MYTH

MTYH in Greenbelt 5 is my go-to place for party dresses. Not that I go to a lot of parties, but hey, it always pays to be ready. I bought a dress at MYTH by Joel Escober a few months back, and while I have yet to wear it, I am glad I have it on hand. So somebody, please invite me to go somewhere fancy, haha!

I love this white lace dress by Joel Escober at MYTH, as seen on Lifestyle Asia Magazine

Today's giveaway is a Php2,000 GC from Ruby Gan & Jayjay Onrubia-Puno of MYTH, which will go to one lucky reader. Use it to buy something edgy from ProudRace, an accessory by Chris Diaz, or help defray the cost of one of their gorgeous dresses or a shirt by Randy Ortiz.

MYTH's talented roster of Filipino designers will really take your breath away, so whether you win a GC or not, each one of us should really pay the store a visit. Check out some of the features on their clothes and accessories, in the MYTH blog.

Even if you've joined the other giveaways, you are still welcome to enter the MYTH Giveaway. If you would like to win a Php2,000 gift certificate, here's how:

1. Follow me @cd_mfo on Twitter

2. Like MYTH and Manila Fashion Observer on Facebook

3. Leave a comment* with your Twitter ID & email and share:

- Who are your favorite Filipino designers?
- Do you enjoy going to parties or celebrations where you have to dress up?
- When you need to dress up for a fancy or formal occasion, do you have something made or do you buy off the rack?
- Where do you shop for formal shoes & bags?

*If you would prefer to enter the giveaway via private email to me, do all of the above and send an email to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com with the title: MFO MYTH Giveaway and leave a comment on this post saying, "MFO, let's party!"

General Rules:
- Shipping within the Philippines only
- Giveaway is for the whole month of August 2011
- Giveaway closes on 11:59 pm on August 31, 2011
- Winner will be announced by 1st week of September on MFO and via private e-mail
- Anyone can enter for a chance to win any of the Anniversary Blog Giveaway prizes, but can only win once
- No need to send multiple comments or emails per Anniversary Blog Giveaway prize. One entry per prize is sufficient

Beauty High Tea Series: Studio SnR x Bobbi Brown



My sister Nicole was lucky enough to attend Studio SnR's Bobbi Brown Workshop last week. Today, she shares her experience with all of you dear readers. Makes me wish I was there as well. I need to learn how to put on makeup, seriously. Incidentally, for those in Manila, Studio SnR x Majolica Majorca happens on September 3!

My sister has always been the go-to-girl for fashion advice. But if there is one thing she’s not an expert of, it would be picking out and putting on makeup. Yes, that’s right. MFO is no makeup guru. (Sorry Ate. You said it yourself. Haha!) In fact, none of my sisters are. (Of course, I am all about skin care first, heehee - MFO)
Here's Nicole, no make-up

One day, I was online on Facebook when Ate messaged me, asking if I wanted to attend a makeup workshop. I do not know a single thing about makeup, so I ecstatically said YES! After that she made me choose between Lancome, Bobbi Brown, and Majolica Majorca. I had difficulty choosing but I decided I wanted Bobbi Brown the most!!!




For a moment I was hesitant. One, it was going to be my first time  to attend a beauty workshop. Two, I’ve never attended an event alone. Three, I was worried I would be around pros & enthusiasts. Lastly, I didn’t own anything Bobbi Brown nor did I have any brushes. 

My sister reassured me that the workshop provided all the materials and there was no reason to be shy. Hihi. I was easily convinced and decided to take the opportunity! After all, its Bobbi Brown!!! How could I pass up Bobbi Brown??? I have heard so many wonderful things about it! It was something I came across while reading Teen Vogue as a teenager, and my friends would often rave about their products. Finally, I reserved online because there were very limited slots, and then I confirmed my slot to the very cordial Sydney Go.

The event was held on August 20, 2011 (day after my birthday!) at Studio SnR, on the 3rd floor of Millenium Place. Millenium Place is a 5-story building, and is easy to locate because it is right across Metrowalk on Meralco Avenue. I walked to the venue from my friend’s house in Alexandra because it was quite near. I was excited and nervous at the same time! I was worried I would be sitting beside aficionados using all these jargons!


Thankfully, the studio had a quiet and relaxed atmosphere. It was not filled with an overwhelming amount of people. I was handed a cute, mysterious paper bag that later on I found out, cleverly contained make-up materials from Nippon Esthetic Solutions and candies. I was easily impressed because I was such a NEWB. For most people it would be nothing but for me I was amazed by even the disposable stuff. For some reason it felt like a Princess Diaries makeover moment.

I was led to a room where there were two tables with individual mirrors, brush sets, magazines, and a Bobbi Brown pamphlet. I was seated with a very friendly set of people. I scanned around the room and I saw this table with an array of lipsticks, blushes, eyeshadows, foundation, concealers, etc. I wanted to play with all of it!


I was approached by a kind Miss Carrot who helped me pick the right shade of foundation, and then afterward, Sydney welcomed me and showed me around. At the corner was a Coffee Bean mini bar where I got my favorite Chai Tea, and then there was also yummy food to munch all throughout the event. (We loved the chicken fingers!)

The class was really for Beginners. Ina and Noel from Bobbi Brown were very well-spoken, amusing, and most of all very helpful. I learned a lot of things that I didn’t know about before, like the pre- makeup regimen. I was even able to correct a lot of mistakes when applying makeup. The class was great! We all had a good laugh. I had so much fun and I really enjoyed it!!! Oh, and they handed out a loot bag too!

A make-up palette from the Bobbi Brown loot bag, this one pa lang, sulit the workshop fee!

What I love about Bobbi Brown is that it is light on the face! It doesn’t itch either. Most of all, it looks so natural. It doesn’t look matrona or fake. It enhances what you already have. It accentuates your nice features. It’s like it really wants to bring out your beauty, not replace it with a different look. It is really a practical, no-nonsense, pang-everyday look. Not over-the-top-im-partying-tonight. 


I think Ate Tin would enjoy it. Its very MFO. The workshop was absolutely worth it. I highly recommend the Studio SnR workshops! 

Thank you sooo much Ate Tintin and Sydney for the extremely pleasing opportunity!

Visit Studio SnR on Facebook! The last of this Beauty High Tea Series is Majolica Majorca, which happens on September 3:


Written by Nicole Abu, all photos courtesy of Sydney Go

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

MFO Anniversary Blog Giveaway: 5 Php5,000 GCs from Religioso & Studio 546

We have covered satchels, sheets, family and nursing mom essentials, as well as shirts for the kiddos. But we are a fashion blog after all, so we have to have something that's fashion and beauty related, right?

Well, here's what's up! Consider Yvette Ilagan of Religioso and Studio 546 your fairy godmother! For this giveaway, we are giving away 3 Php5,000 GCs from Religioso (the label known for classic designs with a flourish, which Yvette designs with her sister Choc)...

...and 2 Php5,000 GCs from Studio 546 (at Level 5 of Shangri-La Plaza Mall).






So you can buy a pretty dress, or prettify yourself, without worrying about the bill. Because we've got it covered! ;)

Even if you've joined the other giveaways, you are still welcome to enter the Religioso/Studio 546 Giveaway. If you would like to win a Php5,000 gift certificate to spend on a pretty dress or pamper yourself at the salon, here's how:

1. Follow me @cd_mfo on Twitter

2. Like Religioso, Studio 546 and Manila Fashion Observer on Facebook

3. Leave a comment* with your Twitter ID & email and share:

- What do you do when you want to reward yourself? Do you shop or go to the salon?
- What's your no fail, feel good outfit?
- What's your favorite salon/spa service?

*If you would prefer to enter the giveaway via private email to me, do all of the above and send an email to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com with the title: MFO Religioso/Studio546 Giveaway and leave a comment on this post saying, "MFO, it's time to prettify!"

General Rules:
- Shipping within the Philippines only
- Giveaway is for the whole month of August 2011
- Giveaway closes on 11:59 pm on August 31, 2011
- Winner will be announced by 1st week of September on MFO and via private e-mail
- Anyone can enter for a chance to win any of the Anniversary Blog Giveaway prizes, but can only win once
- No need to send multiple comments or emails per Anniversary Blog Giveaway prize. One entry per prize is sufficient

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Join Project Runway Season 3!


Do you have what it takes to take Filipino fashion to the global forefront and be one of the fourteen designers to compete in the hopes of becoming the next big name in fashion? Auditions for Project Runway Philippines Season 3 starts this August nationwide. 

Auditions started at Pryce Plaza Hotel, Carmen Hill, Cagayan De Oro City last August 20-21, but still ongoing! Here's the sched:

Marco Polo Hotel, Lahug, Cebu on August 27-28
Hotel Supreme, Magsaysay Avenue, Baguio City on Sept. 3-4
Jungle Gym, Kamagong Street, Makati City on Sept. 6-7

Audition is open to Filipino citizens, who must be at least 21 years old. Please bring a portfolio of your work including three completed outfits of your own design.

Set to premiere on ETC in February 2012, this third sesaion of the internationally loved show looks to set the runway on fire. Iconic Filipino model Tweetie de Leon-Gonzales takes over as host for the new season, bringing with her years of experience as a model both locally and abroad. Joining her is acclaimed designer and faculty head at the Asian Institute of Fashion, as mentor and returning judges internationally renowned designer Rajo Laurel and top model Apples Aberin.

Awaiting the winner of Project Runway Philippines is a 10-page fashion spread in Mega Magazine, 500,000 pesos cash, start-up business package of 10 units of sewing machines, a short term fashion design course at a top European Fashion School, a 2 month apprenticeship with Asian Institute of Fashion’s top industry fashion professionals, and a full scholarship for a 4 year AB Fashion Design program at the Asian Institute of Fashion at iACADEMY.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

MFO Anniversary Blog Giveaway: Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump from BabyMama


Around May last year, my friend Mi'Ann Reyes-Oblea of BabyMama and myself had a fun contest here in the blog. 16 entries, 1 winner, a little over a year and 11,690 Facebook Likes later, Mi'Ann and BabyMama have become synonymous with breastfeeding advocacy. The BabyMama page has become a nurturing and encouraging online community of breastfeeding families, and MFO is happy to have played a part in growing a forum for everyone to talk about breastfeeding!

Since August, my anniversary month, also falls during Breastfeeding Awareness Month, this contest sponsored by BabyMama is for breastfeeding mommies, moms-to-be and family & friends of nursing moms and moms-to-be.  

Here's what you may win for yourself or your loved one, an Ameda Purely Yours Dual Breast Pump valued at Php8,800:

- Individually adjustable cycle and suction controls
- Closed system design prevents milk and moisture from entering tubing
- Keeps outside air away from milk
- Weighs less than 1 pound
- Can run on A/C adapter or 6 AA batteries
- BPA-free
- Comes with 220v Euro plug
- Parts made in China; Assembled in Mexico

Even if you've joined the other giveaways, you are still welcome to enter the BabyMama Breast Pump Giveaway. If you would like to win the Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump, here's how:

1. Follow me @cd_mfo on Twitter

2. Like BabyMama and Manila Fashion Observer on Facebook

3. Leave a comment* with your Twitter ID & email and share:

- Why should women breast feed?
- What are the challenges of breast feeding?
- What is the best advice one can give to encourage a mom to breast feed?

*If you would prefer to enter the giveaway via private email to me, do all of the above and send an email to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com with the title: MFO BabyMama Breast Pump Giveaway and leave a comment on this post saying, "MFO, this is great!"

General Rules:
- Shipping within the Philippines only
- Giveaway is for the whole month of August 2011
- Giveaway closes on 11:59 pm on August 31, 2011
- Winner will be announced by 1st week of September on MFO and via private e-mail
- Anyone can enter for a chance to win any of the Anniversary Blog Giveaway prizes, but can only win once
- No need to send multiple comments or emails per Anniversary Blog Giveaway prize. One entry per prize is sufficient

Friday, August 19, 2011

Urban Ashram Manila


To all aspiring and practicing yoginis in the Pasig area listen up! 

My friends recently put up Urban Ashram Manila, the first Green Yoga Association certified yoga studio in the Philippines. But more than being committed to earth-friendly and responsible practices making use of natural lighting and ventilation, I think the best thing about Urban Ashram is that they aim to be an urban sanctuary "for every person, regardless of age or previous experience, to discover yoga and deepen his or her practice." Which means, yes, newbies are very much welcome, no flexibility required!

So much so that apart from Vinyasa Flow and Ashtanga and Hatha Yoga classes, they also offer the FNR (Flexibility Not Required) series, which is supposed to be a fun and accessible way for you to get into yoga, without having to worry or be intimidated about not being flexible or strong enough to start your own practice.

Ask them about tailored classes too, so if you have injuries or if you're pregnant, but want to continue doing yoga, you have an instructor ensuring that you are practicing safely.

For fees, packages and promotions, click HERE!

P.S.

- There's a great introductory offer right now, FREE classes during their Open House: August 20 to September 3, but limited slots so only, so make sure to sign-up ASAP! 

- You may also take advantage of the current promotion - Php1,000 for 15 consecutive days of practice

Visit Urban Ashram Manila at Suite 302, 3rd Level, 3 Brixton Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

Hours:
Mon-Thurs: 6:30 am - 9:30 pm
Fri: 6:30 am - 8:30 pm
Sat: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sun: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Email: info@urbanashrammanila.com
Phone: +632377YOGA (9642)
Website: http://www.urbanashrammanila.com

MFO Anniversary Blog Giveaway: Tee Hee Shirts from Proud Mama

When Berry was still a wee one, and she wasn't really wearing shoes yet, her tiny feet were cradled in Trumpette socks from Aunt Sarj and Funky Feet socks from Aunt Pam and Aunt Rochelle. Both were the cutest socks ever, made to look like shoes. But, while Trumpette is from the US, Funky Feet happens to be homegrown. Sheryll and Riana of Proud Mama came up with the adorable concept, along with other mama/baby products like reversible nursing blankets, Funkytubes playsleeves, bra extenders, shopping cart covers and more, such as these playful Tee Hee shirts that will boost your child's imagination by leaps and bounds:




These shirts come in sizes: small (fits a 2 year old), medium (4 y.o.), large (6 y.o.) and are available online at Proud Mama Store

Now, for the best part, 4 lucky readers will each get to win 1 shirt of choice, for that little shark/dinosaur/fairy princess/butterfly in your life!

Even if you've joined the other giveaways, you are still welcome to enter the Tee Hee Shirt Giveaway. If you would like to win a Tee Hee Shirt, here's how:

1. Follow me @cd_mfo on Twitter

2. Like Proud Mama and Manila Fashion Observer on Facebook

3. Leave a comment* with your Twitter ID & email and share:

- Which shirt and what size do you want?
- In your opinion, what should little boys and/or little girls wear?
- What was your childhood dream/ambition and have you fulfilled it?

*If you would prefer to enter the giveaway via private email to me, do all of the above and send an email to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com with the title: MFO Tee Hee Shirts Giveaway and leave a comment on this post saying, "MFO, for the kiddo!"

General Rules:
- Shipping within the Philippines only
- Giveaway is for the whole month of August 2011
- Giveaway closes on 11:59 pm on August 31, 2011
- Winner will be announced by 1st week of September on MFO and via private e-mail
- Anyone can enter for a chance to win any of the Anniversary Blog Giveaway prizes, but can only win once
- No need to send multiple comments or emails per Anniversary Blog Giveaway prize. One entry per prize is sufficient

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Meeting Florence


I finally got to road test Anthology's freshly released gum-soled oxfords, Florence. And my verdict? The leather is soft as soft can be. As in ballet flats soft. I got confused, I swear. How does it look so sturdy and so structured and be as soft as this? And the gum soles, hello? Is there a Nike Air Sole inside or somethin somethin? Did Anthology just pirate a sneaker engineer off Nike to get this gum sole thing going?

But before I show you more pics, let's indulge Berry. She saw me taking a photo of my shoes and she wanted in on the action too:


Now, back to the shoe:


I like that it's clunky and a bit chunky. But not too out there. This one is timeless. A bit more casual than the usual all leather oxfords, I think this is going to look great with shorts too! Yesterday, I wore it with skinny jeans. To offset the chunkiness.


Since I was out anyway, waiting for Berry's playschool class to end, I decided to pop by Zara so I can show you how these shoes look like with black trousers. You can style it in a trendy way with the cuffs rolled up...


Or you can do full on androgynous with the shirt fully buttoned up to the neck, and the pants worn the usual way. If my shirt were fitted, I probably would blend right in with the other dudes at Pitti Uomo!

shirt: Equipment, pants: Zara, shoes: Anthology

Each pair costs Php 3995 and currently available at Anthem Rockwell, Anthem Shangri-La, Anthem GB5 and at http://anthologyshoes.com

For inquiries or orders, email info@anthologyshoes.com or contact 0917-89-ANTHO (26846).

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

MFO Anniversary Blog Giveaway: Grandma's, BugBand & Vapor Soove

This giveaway is from my family to yours! I have put together 3 mini gift packs composed of 5 items each (to celebrate 5 years!) - 2 bottles Grandma's Secret Spot Remover, 2 BugBands, 1 Vapor Soove.  

Consider it a care package packed with plenty of thought for your family's welfare:

- Grandma's Secret Spot Remover is a biodegradable stain remover that will work on all your family's tough to remove stains. Perfect for stain magnets!

- BugBand, a DEET-free insect repellant that I just brought in, is perfect for the entire family (Dad can use it when he's out cycling/playing golf, Mommy can use it when she's out running, the kids can use it every time they are outdoors) and of course

- Vapor Soove (a camphor-free chest rub that is safe for babies 6 months old onwards) for the sniffles.

I swear, all these products work! I can't live without them, and I am sure, once you have tried these, you won't be able to think of life without these ESSENTIALS in your family's life! Seriously, I panic whenever I am about to run out of Grandma's. Berry does not play outdoors without BugBand wrapped around her ankle. Two days ago, Berry got a cold. She slept overnight with Vapor Soove rubbed on her back, chest and the soles of her feet, and she slept so well. The following day, tadaa! Cold was gone. Seriously. I credit it to lots of liquids, mommy's touch and Vapor Soove. (Oh and I use Vapor Soove too when I have the sniffles!)

I wish I can do an Oprah and give you all my readers a care pack each, but right now, we can only have 3 winners. If you've always wanted to try these products, or you just need to replenish your stocks, here's your chance!

Even if you've joined the other giveaways, you are still welcome to enter the Grandma's, BugBand and Vapor Soove Giveaway. If you would like to win this 5 product set, here's how:

1. Follow me @cd_mfo on Twitter

2. Like Thurston Hatchett, Inc. and Manila Fashion Observer on Facebook

3. Leave a comment* with your Twitter ID & email and share:

- Have you tried any of the 3 products above?
- What does your family do on weekends? Do you spend it outdoors? Indoor?
- What do you do when you or someone in your family has colds? 
- Where do you shop for baby/children's items - for yours or your nephews/nieces/godchildren?

*If you would prefer to enter the giveaway via private email to me, do all of the above and send an email to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com with the title: MFO Family Essentials Giveaway and leave a comment on this post saying, "MFO, I need this !"

General Rules:
- Shipping within the Philippines only
- Giveaway is for the whole month of August 2011
- Giveaway closes on 11:59 pm on August 31, 2011
- Winner will be announced by 1st week of September on MFO and via private e-mail
- Anyone can enter for a chance to win any of the Anniversary Blog Giveaway prizes, but can only win once
- No need to send multiple comments or emails per Anniversary Blog Giveaway prize. One entry per prize is sufficient
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