Balance in Style

Tags: Career Mom Edge Davao Eshma Bautista-Dumama Estefanie Bautista-Dumama Fashion M&S Marks and Spencer Meg Hernandez Meghann Hernandez Metro Mom motherhood Philippine Fashion

Motherhood changes you in so many ways and fashion choices are no exception to that. The practical and wise selections now lean towards a capsule or multi-functional wardrobe, which allows you to spring from a doting mama to career woman.

“I used to be uber-stylish from head to toe,” says 30-year old Estefanie “Eshma” Bautista-Dumama. All these changed when she took the roles of a politician, a wife and a mother. She may have adjusted to her life as a councilor on her second term, but taking the role of wife last year, and more recently, a mother to 5-month old Sky, is definitely something new to her.

“These days I always keep my fashion and time very flexible. It’s a challenging 24/7 thing with the three hats I’m wearing.”

Wardrobe essentials

In Eshma’s closet, expect to find jeans, white tops, tailored oversized blazers, stylish cardigans, layered skirts, and wrap dresses. When it comes to bottoms, she says, “Pants dictate the ‘casualness’ of every outfit.”

“My style has changed from very stylish—dark, fitted dresses and high heels, etc., to a more comfortable vintage look. I somehow developed this love for neutral-colored clothes.”

Asked about her day to night look, she points out her foolproof mix. “An oversized blazer, or a white button-down top and trousers, with light make-up. At night, I take off my blazer and accessorize. Eyes and lips take on a darker shade.”

“A button-down top is very convenient when you’re a breastfeeding mom,” she adds. “It’s easy for me to pump even at the office or inside the car while traveling enroute to work. Flat sandals also work best for me. It can take me from work to leisure at any time.”

Fashion advice

Eshma dishes about the must-haves from her favorite store — Marks & Spencer. “I love the lingerie. I’m now a big fan of the FlexiFit underwear and pants. It moves with me. Perfect for my lifestyle as a multi-tasking woman active from day to night.”

Giving a piece of fashion advice, she shares, “Go with whatever style you’re into, but be age appropriate. Most importantly, for moms with multiple tasks and are always on the go, never compromise your style! Always try to look good. Not enough sleep is no excuse for not looking your best. When you look good, you’ll feel good and feel energized. Thus, we can accomplish anything even with few hours of sleep.”

A day in her life

“I bond with Sky from the time he wakes up until noon. In between his naps, I check emails and schedules, update work assignments and give instructions while taking my morning coffee. I’m at the office by 1PM and work over lunch, go to sessions. I check on Sky from time to time.

 

She said it’s not easy to juggle her schedule. “But, I do my best. I’m on my first year of being a hands-on mom. I want to witness my baby’s first words, first steps, and considering I’m also a public servant 24/7, schedules can get challenging.”

“In politics, delegating work to a reliable team can make my job uncomplicated. But if it involves legislative matters, I personally take on the matter. I’m lucky to have a husband-politician, we both understand what is required of our jobs. But we make sure we go out on a regular dates and keep the romance alive.”

Fashion: M&S Collection FlexiFit Innovations for Jeggings is available at the Marks & Spencer stores in Abreeza Mall & SM Lanang Premier

Photography: Brian Dexter Medija

Make-up & Styling: Otoy Mercado

Location: Seda Abreeza Hotel

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Story also published on my Metro Mom column in Edge Davao newspaper.