Tag: clothing

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Mom in the NYC Subway circa 1970

On this 7th day of August mom would have turned 73. This year also marked her 7th anniversary in heaven. Lots of lucky 7s.

Mom was indeed lucky as a child being the first born to survive. My Lola endured three miscarriages before my mom arrived. Since her birth she was the golden child — like all first-borns — getting anything and everything she wanted.

My dad would tell me stories my Lolo shared with him about mom like how she would have temper tantrums as a child, hurling her body on the floor until she got what she wanted. (Sounds familiar, huh, Dexter?) Little did she know she would then be followed by a little brother and sister. At this point she quickly assumed the eldest sister role providing support and guidance.

She was the first and only from her immediate family to migrate to the United States — on her own. With two small suitcases in tow she and a girlfriend landed in New York City. They settled in an apt in Queens that practically felt like an earthquake when the subway travelled by. Soon after they found work at the United Nations. And that’s where she met dad in 1969. Lucky for him 😉

Lucky for my sister and me too! Lucky for us to have a trailblazer as a mom who will always be our rock and idol. We love you and miss you, mom. Happy happy birthday!

Hello Sunshine!

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Dare I say it? Finally it feels like summer here on the east coast with — so far — a full day of the sun’s rays and warmth.

What’s a girl to wear to celebrate the season? Leave it to my stylin’ mom to help set the trend in the sixties with a mod mini of her own design. Ah, long gone are the affordable days of being able to give sketches to your own seamstress to handcraft anything you dream up. Maybe when I hit the lottery I’ll do the same. Or I could just learn to sew. Or get Glenn to learn to sew.


[Mom’s pic was taken in the Secretariat building of the United Nations probably during a lunch date with dad. Assouse!]

Pint-size fashionistas or their fabulous mommies need not search high and low for the perfect LYD (little yellow dress) this season. La Petite Couture has this darling number that’s never too fancy for any occasion. I see it gracing girls-only birthday soirees and garden tea parties. Or even a barefoot romp on lush [clean] green grass.

Oh summer joy!

Season of the Tunics

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I’ve always adored tunic dresses. Likely due to my mom’s history of clothing dating back to the sixties—including ones she sketched and designed to then have made by a seamstress in the Philippines. They are so effortless and flattering. Here’s a gorgeous pic of my parents during their honeymoon to Ballwin, MO when she met for the first time my cousins Chi, Meesh and Mimi. How adorable are they + their tights?!?

Tunic Dress - Then

As an independent jewelry designer, I have so much admiration of others who also are true to their passions and are lucky to be able to make a living creating beautiful things. New York City based designer Grace Sun‘s line embodies both uptown chic & downtown cool. I can totally see my chic & cool quotients edging higher if this lil flirty number’s in my closet. It’s a featured and favorite piece at the premier online global network of independent designers — StyleTrek.com (brainchild of fellow Academy of St. Aloysius High School alumna Cecilia Pagkalinawan @ceciliaNY).

Tunic Dress - Now

Pretty Printed Pants

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Or as the British say “Trousers.” [Fancy.]

Growing up, a lot of our vacations were spent in Ballwin, MO visiting my dad’s sisters and parents. Even with one suitcase she shared with my dad, she would still have perfectly prepared outfits for each day that matched the occasion. I always loved these fancy pants of hers and she loved pairing it with either this blouse or a loose deconstructed blazer. In this photo, my grandparents — Mama Rose & Papa Ceto — are showing her and my Uncle Monet (in the background) the vegetable garden diligently sowed by my Uncle Naning during a lunch at his and my Tita (Aunt) Josie’s home after church.*

This season, mom would surely adore these flower power slacks. I can see her matching it with her many tops—and purses. I would probably wear it similarly with a tee. Now if I can just find these turquoise shoes too, I’ll be good to go!

*Editorial note: I’m sure they are all enjoying my Uncle Naning’s garden in heaven as all—including my Uncle Naning—have passed on. I know they are watching over us always. Rest in peace, my family.