Hello Instagram!

Mabuhay!

Goodbye Tumblr, hello Instagram!

What is the Instagram?

It's a simple photo-taking and photo-sharing app that has taken over Silicon Valley and is filling our Twitter feed with fun, cute photographs.

You can get it for free from Apple's App Store.

What's it for?

First, Instagram is for taking pictures, adding filters to make them look retro, and then for sharing them with sites like Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr, and Facebook.

Here's how to sign-up.

I've been uploading like a mad woman on Instagram! Haha! It's really my new Tumblr. I don't post all my Instagram photos on Twitter but if you're on Instagram, you'll be able to view my entire feed.

Here's a sneak peek to what I've uploaded so far:

"3D"

"Eye style"

"Put. The. Phone. Down."
Aryanna obsessing over my new phone. LOL

"I can't wait to bring Dylan to Disneyland!"

Sadly, Instagram is only for iPhones, iPad, iTouch users. I wish Blackberry and other phones have the same app.


Shoppingero/shoppingera, follow me on Instagram: jenniepperson

Balancing Family and Fashion: Mikaela Lagdameo-Martinez

Mabuhay!

On moments when I feel that I can't seem to balance family and fashion, I think of Mikaela Lagdameo-Martinez.

I first met Mika years ago when she was still an upcoming model. She was kyoot, versatile, and professional. Since then, I have followed her career from being a model (she's part of the "Greenwich Barkada"), becoming a mom, to blossoming into a businesswoman... And now a money broker. She is only in her mid-20's, mind you. Wow, right?

She is one of the busiest people I know! What's even more amazing is her ability to balance her time among her family, friends (and sometimes that includes me at the club) and work, yet still manage to look fabulous all the time! Fine. Let's say she has youth on her side, but you can't deny the fact that she has achieved so much at such a young age. Ikaw na, girl!

Thanks, Mika for squeezing this shoot into your schedule! Haha!

Mikaela Lagdameo-Martinez

Mika's style = Crisp shirt + Tailored pant + Designer bag + High heels + Classic jewelry + Light makeup + Well-groomed hair

What are you busy with?
Wife and mother of two. Entrepreneur, Gourmet Pao owner, Model/Co-owner/Manager  of Elan Models International, Associate Editor Luxe Magazine, Vice President PMAP, and the latest, my day job... a licensed Money Broker.

If you had an extra hour each day how would you spend it?
Spend it with my husband and kids :)

How do you balance family and fashion?
Family is and always has been my priority. I know it seems like I've got a lot on my plate- but it is quite manageable. And I still get to spend time with my kids everyday! :) Like I say, it's always about time management. And I'm totally stress-free.

Some people have this idea that life "ends" once you're married and start having kids, but for me, it didn't work that way. Life practically started after -- it blossomed and inspired me all the more.
Not to mention, dressing better too- I remember I used to dress up according to what I'd see on top of my closet, but now it's more put-together.

What's your 9 to 5 and after 5 must-haves?
I always have my Blackberry. My credit cards/wallet/checkbook. Mint. Alcogel. Perfume. Planner. Laptop. Company ID. Calling cards. Heels.

After 5: Home with my husband and kids- books, toys and playtime! I enjoy home service massages and watching DVD's.

What's in your beauty kit?
For everyday, a tweezer, moisturizer, concealer, blush, and lipbalm.

My entire kit at home has got everything -- palettes of eye shadow, blush, bronzers, foundation, all shades of lipstick- the works! I love makeup!

Where do you shop and what are your favorite brands?
In Manila, I love Loalde, Armani, Mango, Zara, Topshop for basics. I go to Rustan's and Bazaars for miscellaneous things.
Abroad, I buy H&M, Cotton On, American Apparel, BCBG, Herve Leger, Pedder.

For jumpsuits, dresses and gowns: Charina Sarte, Martin Bautista, House of Laurel, Veejay Floresca, Religioso, Rosanna Ocampo, Mich Araullo, Hindy Tantoco
Swimsuits: Nothing But Water / Swim
Shoes: Adora, Michael Kors, Stella Luna, Miu Miu, Marni, Christian Louboutin
Bags: Rocio, Chanel, Balenciaga, McQueen, and Hermès (still dreaming about the latter)

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
"I will always give my opinion and play devil's advocate- because I want you to weigh things out and decide for yourself- but once you make that decision, whatever it is- I'll back you up 101%." My husband.


Shoppingera, what have you been busy with lately?

Balancing Family and Fashion: Pauline Suaco-Juan

Mabuhay!

There are two women in the fashion industry whom I consider my best friends: (read: can relate to balancing family and fashion) YStyle's creative director, Celine Lopez (she's single... for now... but she takes care of temperamental dogs, so pasok sa banga ang "family". Haha!); Preview magazine's editor-in-chief; and mother of three kyoot boys, Pauline Suaco-Juan. I love these girls for their ability to juggle family, fashion shoots, deadlines, strollers (I'm not surprised if Celine has strollers for her dogs, haha!), and stilettos!

We rarely see each other because of our busy lives, but once in a while, Celine will ring us up for "Les Girls" lunch.

I was ecstatic to see "Mother Pau" at the recent Shu Uemura event because we haven't seen each other since we went plato-platuhan shopping last December! As usual, Pauline was impeccably chic, clad in an all-black ensemble, toting the hottest (yet understated) Celine bag, and wearing this season's must-have footwear—a leopard print Lanvin x H&M shoezay—very, very editor lang.

Pauline's style = Vest + Sequined leggings + Designer bag + Designer shoes + Cool accessories + Minimal makeup + Polished hairstyle

Describe your job in three words.
So. Not. Possible. This is worse than Twitter :) I can’t possibly be nuanced about my job—best job in the world for me—in three words.

What's a typical day for you?
That’s what I love about my job: each day is atypical. Sometimes I’m stuck behind a desk editing for 15-18 hours; other times am in a glitzy resort on the sub-continent whiling away my time because flights back from Kerala, India don’t come everyday.

If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
Spend it with my boys Elias, 9; Roque, 7; and Max, 2.

If you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?
Assuming I could cook, I’d like to step into Margarita Fores’s shoes—there’s something about feeding people that is so heartwarming and fulfilling.

How do you balance family and fashion?
Fashion is my querida—because it is my day job. The boys are at that age when they want me with them all the time. My second son Roque calls me during deadline and during night-time events and gives me a curfew—really, he’s worse than my husband Raffy. When they’re that demanding, it’s important to keep communication lines open. I can’t tell you how many times Roque has fallen asleep while trying to wait for me to come back home. He knows the reason why I can’t always be with him is because I’m working hard—hopefully he learns life lessons from this.

What's your 9 to 5 and after 5 must-haves?
Hard question to answer—it changes every season, along with the trends.

Where do you shop?
Mostly when I’m abroad because that’s when I have time dedicated to shopping. You know how it is, given enough time I can find something to buy anywhere.

I noticed that your skin looks extra flawless these days, what's your secret?
Really? Thanks! I switch up my skincare brands at lot. Right now it’s Lancome’s Whitening line.

Please share some style advice for moms.
It takes time to understand fashion. You have to train your eye by looking at what the designers have done and how it is interpreted in magazine and blogs. As with anything in life, the more you study, the more you are exposed, the more you try it out, the better you will get at it. If you have the time, it’s terribly fun and an immensely creative experience to try out the trends. If you can’t keep up with the pace, it’s best to develop your personal style: wear what makes you look and feel good. Make sure your clothes are tailored to fit you perfectly—good fit is the key to looking like a million bucks. Accessories put your stamp on a basic look.


Shoppingera, if you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?

Balancing Family and Fashion: Carmina Sanchez-Jacob

Mabuhay!

While killing time at The Fort last week, I gave my friend Carmina Sanchez-Jacob a call and asked her if she could join me for coffee before I pick-up Aryanna. I'm glad she was free to hangout because this woman is so busy!

It took her a few minutes to meet-up with me and without any warning that I will be featuring her in my blog too, Carmina showed up fresh, polished, and stylish. Parang pinagplanuhan.

What's your job description?
Carmina: I'm a freelance Marketing Communications Consultant, owner of clothing label Poivre (available at The Ramp), and a new mom =)

What's a typical day for you? 
Carmina: I've tried to set some sort of system to my once very open-scheduled life since the start of the year... I really don't want to miss out on the little things that my baby learns and experiences everyday and I wanna maintain my sanity while I try to accomplish all my tasks.

My mornings start with a fresh cup of black coffee and go onto answering messages and making calls.  Then, I spend a bit of time fixing up the house which then leads to playtime with my baby boy Tyler (8 months old).  I lunch typically at noon at home with him if I have no meetings and spend the rest of the day taking care of my other work outside and doing all me other errands. Some nights are devoted to preparing a meal for my husband and more time with my baby but half of the week is spent mostly on more business meetings, dinners out and overseeing events at Seventh High where I'm now their MarCom consultant as well.   Some nights, when I get back from parties at Seventh High, I catch Tyler awake for his night time feed so I stay up until he goes back to bed.  It's always a full but fun day.

Carmina's style = Knitted dress + Eco bag + Nude ballet flats + Chloe plastic frame sunglasses + Megawatt jewelry + Polish hair style

Me: How do you balance family and fashion?
Carmina: I really don't like looking dowdy.  Even if I allow myself to be at home haha...  My style is built on a simple formula of basics with accessories and/or color so even when I was pregnant I had my Poivre factory make me some Jersey t-shirt dresses that took me thru all 9 months and even post-pregnancy.

Me: You seem to love jewelry, what do you look for when buying them?
Carmina: I'm all for pieces that I can really wear with many of my outfits since we all know jewelry costs a bit more than everything else that you have on.  I like them to compliment my personality which I feel is built more on classics with a twist.  Like my pair of Jewelmer South Sea pearls (which were my first pearl purchase many years ago when I worked for them.).  When you look at them their not your standard white and round ones. Their button shape and champagne in color which suits me more.

Me: What's your 9 to 5 and after 5 must-haves?
Carmina: For daytime: Tons of water to drink, lip balm, face powder with SPF and a good pair of shoes that I can use as I  run around...  Sunglasses, a lightweight bag and fresh-scented cologne complete my must-haves.

After 6: Just add sky-high heels, a stylish outfit that can take me thru any event and a smaller purse or clutch.

Me: Where do you shop?
Carmina: I shop everywhere and anytime.  In our line of work you always have to have something in your closet to pull out for whatever comes up.  I feel lucky cause I get to wear the sample and first edition stuff from Poivre which takes care of having to think of what to wear.  But for other stuff I shop anywhere from flea markets to upscale boutiques around the city and when I get to travel.  Shopping is a hobby.  I should have been a personal shopper or stylist cause I enjoy scouring the shops for great pieces and good finds.  Just like you!

Me: What's your beauty rituals?
Carmina: I'm addicted to everything from Ilog Maria.  Their glycerin soap and honey-propolis cleanser/moisturizer are my simple beauty ingredients. I also drink as much water as I can.  And walk around a lot when I have the chance around where I live for errands and even to meetings.

Me: What's in your bag?
Carmina: No new mom will survive without her WIPES and alcohol or alcogel.  And everything else that's in my organizer since I'm sort of a girl scout.  That means pocket tissues, IDs, pens, first aid meds, stain remover, a comb, lip balm, face powder, sunscreen, cologne, lotion, a beauty stash filled with concealer, mascara, blush, lipstick, lipgloss, eyelash curler, tweezers, small scissors, hair bands and bronzer (--for instant event preparation.) a USB stick, mints, mouthwash and a bag hook!

I've also learned to really love my android phone which helps me get to some instant emails in between all my other work.



Shoppingera, what's your 9 to 5 and after 5 must-have?

Balancing family and fashion: Amanda Griffin-Jacob

Mabuhay!

Did you know? If there was a model who has basically "branded" her smile, that person would have to be Amanda Griffin-Jacob. In the fashion industry, her smile is pegged by many as the "Amanda Griffin" smile — natural and sexy.

I met up last week with the model turned TV host, now, mother to cute baby Kieran (10 months old), and wife to David and we talked about nutrition, exercise, clothes, and babies! It was nice to see Manda again. She is still one of my favorite models and she's a dear friend. She looked happy, healthy, and beautiful as ever. Motherhood becomes her!

Amanda's style = Cotton jumpsuit + Cardigan + Designer bag + Ballerina flats + Classic timepiece & jewelry + Bare-faced

Me: How do you balance family and fashion?

Amanda: I find these days that the fashion must complement the family rather than being the focus. Now my life revolves around my bouncing baby boy. And whether it is breast feeding him or carrying him or chasing after him I need to be comfortable above all else. Of course, I try not to sacrifice fashion completely. My style is simple and to the point. Kind of like me.

Me: You mentioned to me that you gained 60 lbs. during your pregnancy. Please share with my readers how you got back into shape.

Amanda: Yup. I gained a pre pubescent rather than just a baby! Obviously I indulged when I was pregnant. Having had to maintain a certain weight most of my life it was certainly liberating to not adhere to many food rules. I was chastised by my doctor of course, but I ended up with a very healthy baby boy. I also recognized while the numbers were creeping up on the scale that once I gave birth I would have to work my butt off (literally). I resumed my healthy eating, exercise (once my doctor gave me the go signal): hot yoga & a bit of running, and of course breast feeding is a miracle fat burner. I did give up chocolate for awhile though.

Me: Has being a vegetarian helped you lose the post pregnancy weight?

Amanda: Believe it or not, being a vegetarian makes it harder not easier. In order to feel fuller I tend to compensate with more carbs. The trick is knowing which carbs to eat and loading up on protein.

Me: What are your fashion must-haves?

Amanda: I’m obsessed with Club Monaco cashmere leggings. Obviously not for here but when I’m back home in Hong Kong. My Lululemon cardie (I’m always cold wherever I am). My Jimmy Choo motorcycle boots (I’m in love). My nude Miu Miu clutch goes with anything and everything.

Me: Where do you shop and what are your favorite brands?

Amanda: I am a Club Monaco loyalist for sure. I love their simple yet elegant and timeless pieces. I also love Armani Exchange in HK. When I was in between sizes while losing the preggo pounds I was addicted to H&M for their affordable yet trendy items.


Shoppingera, how has your lifestyle changed after having kids?

Balancing family and fashion: Apples Aberin

Mabuhay!

I met up last week with one of my good friends and co-editor in Philippine Daily Inquirer, Apples Aberin who was visiting from Singapore. Aps, as I fondly call her, is Unilever's Global PR Manager for Pond's. She is also a supermodel (in my opinion, she's the Linda Evangelista of the Philippines) and quite the celebrity here. (I tease her.)

She is probably one of the hottest forty-something year old woman I know! I always kid her that when I turn 40, I want to be like her — tall, sexy and with great skin (Pond's lang pala ang katapat!) Haha! Seriously, if you see her in person, she is stunning! Her skin and body puts some of the twenty-something year old girls to shame. She is a mother of two kids, a successful career woman, and a great friend. Wow, right?

It was nice catching up with each other. I miss her.

Apples style = Oversize worn-in T-shirt + Skinny jeans + Lace-up booties + Messenger bag + Statement necklace (designed by model Tweetie De Leon)  + Man's watch (a gift from daughter Sam) + Manicured nails + Well-groomed hair

Me: How do you balance family and fashion?
Apples: It's never an effort to balance both. Fashion need not take a backseat once you become a wife and mother. Of course, my style has slowly evolved so that form is balanced by function. Generally, though, it's all about having fun with the latest trends and using these to express my personality. Now that my daughter is 19, we have even more fun discussing fashion, trading clothes and concocting different looks.

Me: Your skin looks flawless. What's your secret?
Apples: A skincare routine that consists of really effective anti-ageing products like Pond's Age Miracle. I try to avoid the sun, as well. And I guess good genes help! Thanks mom!

Me: As a career woman, what are your office wear essentials?
Apples: Basics like a crisp white polo, classic trousers, a pencil skirt,  or a little black dress ---all accentuated with stand-out accessories, statement shoes and a nice bag.

Me: What are your favorite clothing and shoe brands? Where do you shop?
Apples: I shop everywhere and I have no favorites, although high-street brands are affordable and stylish enough. Topshop, Zara and the like are dependable but whenever I travel, I  hunt for clothing and accessories by local designers.

Me: What is your fashion mantra?
Apples: Have fun and be yourself!

I'm sure a lot of you remember Apples from the Pond's TVC and her iconic line: "It's OK to be forty, just as long as you look thirty."







Shoppingera, what do you do to keep yourself young and beautiful?

The greatest party on Earth!

Mabuhay!

The best parties are kiddie parties. Despite the stress that the parents go through in organizing one, it's one of the most rewarding feelings because children have the best times! All they want to do is play games and eat cake. The sound of kids laughter is music to the ears... I said laughter.

Ever since I had Dylan, I've been back on the kiddie party circuit. My baby has become quite the party boy. Oh, boy.

Grown-ups have fun at kiddie parties too. I guess eating sweet spaghetti, french fries, dirty ice cream, and participating in the games bring them back to their childhood. I, on the other hand, am not ma-game unless my kids force me to join. Thank God Dylan is too young to twist my arm.

What I do enjoy at children's parties are scoping out "mommy styles" and eating sweet spaghetti... and dirty ice cream... and cake... that's eat. I just love women who rock family and fashion:

Ria Prieto

Agoo Bengzon

Pauline Suaco-Juan

Liz Almoro

Tessa Valdes

Anna Tayag

Happy birthday, Batchy!
Thanks Pao and Ria! Dylan, our nanny, and I had a blast!

Shoppingero/shoppingera, what do you like best about attending kiddie parties?