Make Your Own Havaianas 2013

I've been out of the Manila scene for years that I have never ever been to a Make Your Own Havaianas event ever. Ever, ever.

I would see MYOH in photos and read about it in the papers and in blogs. My friend Conci is a fanatic. She goes and lines up practically each year. But I'd be like, I love Havaianas but I do not love those lines and I am not a big fan of squeezing into a crowd. I'm happy with my factory-made Havaianas.

But then! My friend Janice aka Mommy Mundo invited me and the rest of the SoMoms to the media  launch yesterday, and that's when I realized what the craziness is all about.

Me with Jackie, Kris, Jenny, Cai and Jen - nakikiuso ang mga nanay, photo courtesy of @havaianasphils

First, there's the limited edition pair that's only available to buy during the MYOH days.

Each year, Make Your Own Havaianas features a commemorative pair that best visualizes the theme for the year. This year’s theme is “Imagination” and it also happens to be the first-ever collaboration with a Filipino Illustrator and Havaianatico, Dan Matutina, who is renowned for his unique visual mix of handmade and digital, clean and dirty, and old and modern aesthetics.’

“Dan Matutina + Havaianas” is the first glow-in-the-dark MYOH commemorative pair with carbon blue sole and shows two spacemen with space markers connecting the stars to form images— representing how Havaianas invites each and everyone to let loose their creativity brought about by their boundless imagination.

Here's how the glow in the dark Havaianas look like. Eeeez for realz!

Incidentally, when we entered Rockwell Tent, guess what I saw? The Havaianas hot air balloon, with the balloon made entirely out of slippers...

Berry was just inside a few weeks ago, heehee:

We had walked past it on our way to Serendra and she begged to go back to High Street just so she could have a picture inside it. Cute!

Now back to MYOH. 

The next reason is the energy! OMG. It's so fun! From the time you fill out your MYOH form to the actual moment when the Havaianas kid goes and looks for your soles, strap and pins, its exciting ha.

Then when they start putting in the straps...

Punching in the pins...

To seeing your actual slippers all done, just the way you imagined. It's quite a thrill!

So take your imagination to greater heights this summer at Make Your Own Havaianas 2013. Experience the summer vibe that never goes out style with the world’s favorite rubber flip-flops brand. Take part in the Havaianas story on May 2 to 5, 2013 at the Rockwell Tent!

I'm going back and hope to see you there! For more details visit:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/HavaianasPhilippines
Twitter: www.twitter.com/HavaianasPhils
Instagram: www.instagram.com/HavaianasPhils

PS - Incidentally, you get 10% OFF plus pay using your points or miles when you Make Your Own Havaianas when you use your Citibank card!

Emerson Fry

It was Karen of A Loopy Life who introduced me to the world of Emerson Fry years ago. It was called Emersonmade then, but name change notwithstanding, everything from Emerson is still as chic and well-made as ever.

The latest collection is no exception. I want almost every piece. And the way the pieces are styled? Simple yet divine! I feel like wearing these this summer:

And when summer wanes, I will go back to black:

To see the rest of the collection, clickety click!

A Philips Avent Trusted Mom Tests the New Comfort Breast Pump

There are two major things I learned after having two babies.

One is that no matter how many books and parenting magazines I read, how many mommy friends and experts I speak with, and consultations with our pedia that we go through, I will never know everything. There's always a new product out in the market, a parenting approach I should study, a bug we should watch out for, a safety/security alert to keep in mind, or an activity I should bring my kids too.

Second, there never is time for everything. I long for those long gone days when I could spend time going through each grocery aisle. When I could wander around the mall leisurely. When I could read a book, or even a magazine in one sitting. When I could enjoy my meal, savoring each bite and sipping my drink slowly, instead of wolfing it down and gulping, because I have a baby waiting to be fed, carried or entertained.

It is also this constant desire to learn from others and through my own efforts, in as little time as possible, that has also led me to the best products and practices for my kids that work for my own parenting style and our lifestyle. Since I do not have the luxury of time and an unlimited budget to buy and test various products, I always go for the products with the best reviews. And once I've grown to love products I've tried and tested, I am pretty much an advocate for life.

I suppose that's the reason why I've been chosen to become one of Philips Avent's Trusted Moms. From bottle warmers to drinking cups, feeding spoons and bowls, we've been using Avent ever since Berry was a baby and up to now for Xavi.

One of the perks of being a Philips Avent Trusted Mom is that we get a first look at new product releases. One such sneak peek was at the launch of the Philips Avent New Natural Bottle and Comfort Breast Pumps line.

The Natural Bottle and Comfort Breast Pumps are the latest redesign of products aimed to combine breast and bottle-feeding in a way that is as close to nature as possible. The Natural Bottles have an extra-soft and anti-colic nipple as well as unique comfort petals that make sure the nipple does not collapse during feeding. Plus, these bottles also feature a new ergonomic shape that makes it easy for both mom and baby to hold.

Meanwhile, Comfort Breast Pumps are made to help any mother breastfeed for a longer period of time. It comes in an easy to carry bag too so you can bring your pump along everywhere you go.

Small, compact, quiet and lightweight (see how small they are next to an iPhone), Avent electric breast pumps not only allow total ease and comfort while pumping, they also express a lot more milk in less time.

How comfortable? Well, the breast shield has a shorter, integrated funnel so we can pump without having to lean forward. Sitting up straight is of course more comfortable than having to lean forward, and it is that comfortable position that will allow us to express more milk.

Instead of just hard plastic for the breast flange, it has a massage cushion with soft "petals" that gently compress the boobs to stimulate milk flow. It also has a velvety texture which feels warm on the breasts, further helping us relax while pumping milk.

Another great thing about the breast pump are the covers! No need to worry about exposing milk when you have to stop pumping for a bit. With my old pump, I used to just cover it with cling wrap. At least this one is more solid and sturdy.

Apart from bottles and breast pumps, there are also new no-spill drinking cups out. I can't wait for Xavi to test his to see how different this one is from Berry's Avent drinking cups.

The Natural Line will be available in stores by the mid-May 2013. To inquire about prices and product availability, call 7139435 to 38 loc 134 or 143 and look for Rechella or Angela. To view the products or buy ahead, then visit the Philips Avent showroom at:

LJS Corporate Center
550 Magistrado Abad Santos St.
Bacood Sta. Mesa, Manila 

For the latest updates, like Philips Avent Philippines on Facebook.

The Flight/Boiler/Jump Suit

 

Amanda Brooks in a jumpsuit by Isabel Marant, 2010

A page from the book Tomboy Style, 2012

Floral jumpsuit from 3.1 Phillip Lim, Harbour City Hong Kong, March 2013

Maje jumpsuit, Lee Gardens Causeway Bay March 2013

Boiler Suit by MiH via Tomboy Style, April 2013

Amanda Brooks prompted me to buy a jumpsuit in 2011. But I have yet to wear mine. It's still in the closet, waiting for the right time to be worn. 

Tomboy Style has been a long time proponent.

While we were in Hong Kong last month, I chanced upon jumpsuits behind shop windows. A floral one at 3.1 Phillip Lim and a utilitarian piece in army green at Maje.

Will you be jumping into the trend?

Summer 2013 Sunnies: Tory Burch

This is the sunnies case...

Here are some of your choices...

Yes, mostly classic styles, save for the one up front which would be quite fun to wear for trips to the beach. Here's how it looks from the side, the logo is not too out there:

Tory Burch sunnies are not as common here in the Philippines, so if you want something different from the usual, these are great. They're not expensive too!

For updates, follow LuxuryEyewearPH on Twitter and Instagram and Like them on Facebook!

Branded Lifestyle Inc. (BLI) is the distributor of luxury & fashion eyewear in the Philippines.  Brands in their portfolio include Coach, Tory Burch, Polo Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Miu Miu, Prada, Versace, Paul Smith, Oliver Peoples, Bvlgari and Tiffany & Co.

Ichigo for Mommy & Me

Berry gets a kick out of wearing similar clothes or shoes as me. Sometimes she chooses an outfit for me that complements her style. I know it sounds ridiculous, but seriously. She's like, "Mom, I don't like what you're wearing" levelz. Then she goes ahead and picks out something similar to what she's wearing.

So you can just imagine how thrilled she was when Lea of Ichigo Shoes sent us matching "mommy & me" pairs aka Ichigo and Tiny Ichigo.

 

smoking slippers in pink for Berry, black for me

 

 silver flats with velvet bows

Tiny Ichigo is Ichigo's kids line for girls 4-8 years old. Not all styles have Tiny Ichigo versions though, so when you see a pair that you like that comes in yours and your daughter's size, just go for it!

 

Tiny Sybil and Sybil

 

Tiny Nicole

 

Nicole 

 Cynthia & Tiny Cynthia

 

These styles and more are part of Ichigo's newly released collection. Plenty of pretty pastels and sandals for summer that would make your little girl, or the little girl in you clap your hands in delight.

Ichigo & Tiny Ichigo are available at The 3rd Floor Atrium Lane, Shoppesville Greenhills, The Ramp Glorietta/Shangri-la/Trinoma and at the 2nd Floor of Gaisano Mall in Davao. Tiny Ichigo is also available at Club Princess, Bonifacio High Street and SM Mall of Asia.

For inquiries and updates, like Ichigo Shoes on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram @ichigoshoes.

Summer 2013 Sunnies: Prada

Still can't get enough of summer sunnies? Prada has great ones as well. From classic tortoiseshell ones to the statement pair below:

For me, the Portrait sunnies from Fall 2012 is the standout. The curvy acetate detail on top embellished with purple stones evoke the illusion of a unibrow yes, but a fabulous one at that.

I believe Frida Kahlo would approve.

But if understatement is your thing, here are choice frames to choose from:

Apart from sunglasses, there are geek chic lenses for you, fabulous four eyed friends. These have the classic Prada logo on the temples.

Buy your Prada Portrait sunnies and see the rest of the collection at Adora, LS Pascual Rockwell/Shangri-la, Sarabia Rockwell and Almeda Shangri-la.

Wait for more of my posts on the hottest shades of summer from BLI. In the meantime, for updates, follow LuxuryEyewearPH on Twitter and Instagram and Like them on Facebook!

Branded Lifestyle Inc. (BLI) is the distributor of luxury & fashion eyewear in the Philippines.  Brands in their portfolio include Coach, Tory Burch, Polo Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Miu Miu, Prada, Versace, Paul Smith, Oliver Peoples, Bvlgari and Tiffany & Co.

BYS Cosmetics Now in The Philippines!

BYS stands for "Be Yourself", a cosmetics brand that was established in Australia in 2004. 

Designed for girls first experimenting with makeup as well as women who are looking for exceptional quality cosmetics that are also affordable, BYS offers more than a thousand products and is found in over 30 countries worldwide including the UK, France, South Africa, parts of Asia and the Middle East. Japan is its largest market outside of Australia.

That said, when Michelle of My Mom Friday invited us to a make-up workshop hosted by BYS, my fellow moms all got super excited. Guess who also wanted to tag along:

When Karrots, Berry & I got to the venue, we immediately loved the set-up. We had this portable make-up station to use, and I found via Instagram, when I posted this there, that it's available in Divisoria for about Php20,000 a pop. Is that a deal? Or no deal?

When we all got settled into our seats, Angie Goyena of iFace Cosmetics, the local distributor of BYS in The Philippines, warmly welcomed us and told the BYS story.

She  shares that iFace, the Philippine distributor, decided to bring BYS to the Philippines late last year. Currently, BYS is the only color cosmetic brand in the world with the largest range of products and colors. For the eyes alone, BYS has over 100 products/ colors in 12 categories. 

Take for instance, BYS eyeliner pencils do not only come in the usual black and brown, they also come in gold, in neon colors and even with glitter. Even eyeshadows come in neon shades!

They also have the largest range of nail polish with over 400 shades and variants such as Scented, Glow in The Dark, Magnetic, UV Reactive, Chrome, 3D Special Effects, Neon, Matte, Mirrorized, platinum, grafitti, mardigras and more.

BYS is also known for its mineral makeup range. The BYS Minerals Naturale line is formulated with natural ingredients free of chemicals, dyes, preservatives and talc and have passed the US FDA, European Union and Japanese safety standards. So safe that the BYS Minerals Naturale line is ok to use even after skincare and derma procedures like laser, IPL, micro-dermabrasion or a simple facial. 

Another standout from BYS is its line of Baked Cosmetics. The Baked Bronzers and Blushers are made with an innovative formula that keeps oiliness and moisture at bay and hides impurities. Texture is ultra silky and may be used wet for thicker coverage and dry for a more natural, lighter effect. The bronzers give a radiant, luminous glow on one’s face and body while the blushers provide a natural, long-lasting highlight to cheekbones. .

That said, we did get to play with the main makeup line as well as BYS mineral products. The standout for me was the eyebrow pencil and if only I were more adventurous in makeup, I wouldn't think twice about experimenting with BYS colors because not only are the shades fun - like hello, orange eyeliners, they're also affordable!

BYS is currently available in 33 select SM and Watson’s outlets in Metro Manila and a few key cities like Cebu. By the end of 2013, there will be 50 stockists nationwide.

For more on BYS, visit their website, and like them on Facebook!