I'm in Bonifacio High Street at least three times a week. It's where I grab my favorite drink (Happy Lemon!), walk my dog, run errands, eat dinner every so often. It's one of my favorite places to hang out but I've always wished that there were more shopping choices. I only like the shoe and bag stores there; when it came to clothes, there wasn't anything spectacular.

Until Vogue Concepts opened new stores, that is. :) Bonifacio High Street Central is becoming the next high-street (get it?) shopping mecca. The latest addition is Promod, the French fashion brand! With this new opening, Promod now has 10 stores in the Philippines.

I've talked about Promod many, many times before. Bottomline is, it's a great place to look for on-trend but never tacky pieces to make your existing wardrobe come alive. They also have dresses in classic cuts, as well as the basics like shorts and cotton tops.

This season, Promod presented six key looks that is sure to tickle your stylish imagination. Check them out!

SAINT TROPEZ. Who says summer is over? Mix and match playful pieces with white and  pastel shades that keep you looking and feeling fresh, just like what you need on a hot summer day!

I've been to a lot of events, but it was very new to me when the people of Bench handed me a credit card at the end of one. Lol! That doesn't bode well for my shopping habits, but I've been able to control it so far.

Frankly, the Bench x BDO x Mastercard is my first credit card, and I'm actually glad because shopping with it entitles me to so many cool perks. I'm already a loyal BDO customer (easier to pay through online banking), I love Bench brands, and Mastercard is accepted worldwide. This card is perfect for me!

Dingdong Dantes and Isabelle Daza are the endorsers of the Bench credit card

So, here's what you get when you avail of the Bench x BDO x Mastercard CC!

Privileges:

• DOUBLE REWARDS POINTS for purchases made at Bench & partner stores NATIONWIDE.
• 0% INSTALLMENT options for 4 & 6 month terms.
• PRIORITY ACCESS to sales events.

There are nice stores, but then there are stores where you want to take every single thing home. "It's so me!" you squeal. It takes an epic amount of self-control to walk out with only a few choice pieces but it is done.

Something like this happened to me when I visited Ever New on their opening day.

The store is fabulous, for lack of a better word! The pieces are all feminine and sophisticated - think Blair Waldorf on A-grade crack. Colorful prints and fabrics are arrayed according to a theme.

In one corner, you'll see summery white, orange and hot pink affairs. On another there is a modern nautical combination of green and navy blue. A wall displays glamorous formal wear while another has body contouring dresses in glitzy gold and black. 

Take a look!

Last May 1, Ferretti opened its doors on the ground floor of Glorietta 1. We're very happy with how it turned out, considering that everything was done in a rush! Lol. Think 30 days of no sleep for my boss, the visual merchandiser, and contractor!

Okay, so the concept is like a girl's dream walk-in closet. There's a dash of Victorian flair in the furniture and cast iron chandelier, but everything was kept clean, refreshing, and feminine - just like the shoes Ferretti is known for. We hope that the shopping experience is better with the bigger and brighter store!

Here are more pics to entice you. :P

Bright candy colors for teens and teens-at-heart

How do you feel about new foreign brands coming to the Philippines at breakneck speeds? I'm loving it! More brands mean more options for picky shoppers like me. The important bit is that prices become more competitive. Gone are the days when new brands can enter at prices that are 50% more than their SRP abroad. (Or am I just kidding myself? Still, let's not forget to buy Pinoy!)

Anyway, there's going to be a new clothing brand in town! It's called Ever New, a  brand founded in Melbourne, Australia. Ever New emerged in late 2006 as a start-up retailer and now trades over 120 stores across seven countries including New Zealand, the United States, Singapore, and now, the Philippines.

Their PR sent me a few photos to whet the appetite. If you like elegant, feminine clothes, then I think you'll love Ever New. 

It is an incredibly nice day today, don't you agree? There's a kind of hush all around, a gentleness even. I just wish it won't be too hot later on. 

A gorgeous morning to you all!

Anyway, I just want to share a couple of my S&R finds. When we moved to Fort Bonifacio a couple of years ago, we instantly signed up at S&R. I shopped only once then. Why? Because for a household of two, I thought it wasn't practical to buy in bulk so I just did my groceries at Market! Market!

I've been shopping at S&R these past two months though. It's cheaper in the end because buying more means paying less, plus the meat and vegetables are usually fresh.

Last November, a new fashion brand quietly tiptoed up to the Philippines: Bershka. It’s a brand under the Inditex group, the same company that owns Zara and Mossimo Dutti to name a few. Bershka is like a younger, more carefree version of Zara at more affordable prices so I think you’ll love it!

Expect to see floral and flowy tops, miniskirts, shorts, girly dresses, scarves, and flattering jackets. What’s nice is that the clothes don’t go beyond P1,500, with an average of P700 to P900 per item. Why so affordable, you ask?

Christmas celebrations will start tomorrow, so you should be done with your gift shopping by now. In case you aren't though, troop to VMV Hypoallergenics to get rescued! They have gorgeous holiday sets available, like this one:  

There are tons of sets out there but I think VMV trumps them all. The packaging is gorgeous - boxes come with tissue and some fluff inside, neatly tied with a grosgrain ribbon accented with mistletoe - plus you get products that your recipient will probably love. It looks expensive (but it's not since one set is on averge P1,500). It's already wrapped. The products of VMV are amazing. 

Everybody wins!

The set I have here is called Merry Goin' Round.

Going inside Rustan's and inquiring about prices is nerve-wracking: agree or disagree? Call it shallow but checking out the luxury store was so intimidating when I was still in college! I knew I couldn't afford most of the things there, so I was quite shy and a bit scared to look and ask around. I couldn't bear the thought of being ignored or looked down on.

Now that I'm working though I am less intimidated. :P Once I was over my insecurity I found out that I was wrong about them. The people in Rustan's are actually super nice and always helpful! I love the attendants in the Clinique counter, as well as in Estee Lauder, Bobbi Brown, NARS, Paul & Joe, and Laura Mercier - the ones in Rustan's Makati, where I always visit. They're very warm, easy to talk to, and I never felt unwelcome.

Anyway! I just wanted to share the new website called the Rustan's Beauty Source. At first I thought it was an online store like Beauty Bar, but it's actually more of an online catalogue with photos and prices.

The trend today is to "excessorize", i.e., to pile on different accessories in two or more body parts. I do think it's a fun style and some people can carry it wonderfully, but more often that not it dives into the realm of Trying Too Hard. Accessories are best worn as the highlight of your outfit - not the star of the show. You want people to ogle your face and overall look, not the shiny distracting things dangling from your limbs.

My accessory style is simple, verging between cute and ornate. I pick out sets of accessories and just match them according to what I'm wearing for the day. My sets usually consist of a pair of earrings, bangle, and then a ring, but I take out (or add) depending on the outfit I'm wearing. I don't want to look too overdressed! I group the sets according to their color: goldtone, silver, bronze/ battered metal and level of being casual or statement.

Anyway, I just want to share where I like to get my accessories and why. :)

Pinkbox. Since I re-discovered this homegrown brand last August, I always check out its stores wherever I can find them. There are now more trendy pieces at reasonable price points. I also like that there are tons of choices. Check out the earrings and bangles! 

If you are about my age then you know that Skechers was The Cool Thing To Wear when we were in elementary. I used to dream about owning those platform rubber shoes back then! Remember the heeled rubber shoes? Those were at the top of my list too. But I was just a student then and my mom didn't believe in high rubber shoes, so I could only dream.

Seriously, I had an obsession with Skechers when I was a kid. That's why when the brand asked me to visit a store and to pick my own shoes, I immediately said yes. I normally don't write about sporty brands like this but I thought I'd make an exception for something that was an inspiration during my childhood.

And so, here I have a virtual tour of the big Skechers store in Market Market, The Fort! Read after the jump to see the brand's latest selections and of course, what I took home with me.

Don't you just love how Manila is fast-becoming a world-class shopping mecca? All the best brands are finally arriving in our shoes, and the latest to join the growing list is Japanese casual fashion brand UNIQLO. It's definitely something Pinoys will love because we're very much into laidback basics.

SM, who recently brought Forever21 to Manila, will also carry UNIQLO. It's slated to open come early 2012 so that's something to look forward to next year! The good news is that judging by the pricing of F2, it's reasonable to speculate that UNIQLO pieces will still remain affordable.

Vogue Concepts brought us Promod and Yves Rocher from France, Parfois from Portugal, and Flojos from California. But they're not stopping there! Early this September, they brought in one of London's hottest stores called Peacocks. The fast-fashion brand is London's version of the US's Forever 21, with the goal of translating catwalk trends to wearable retail. 

Here's the lookbook-esque catalogue they rolled out for us (you must look at it from beginning to end, there are so many neat inspirations!)

It’s been only a little over a month since I’ve walked into Promod and Parfois, but I’m pleased to see that both brands have so many new stuff to ogle at! I visited their SM Southmall home this time. Speaking of SM Southmall, I noticed that it’s still being renovated, but I noticed that the look and feel of the place has brightened up since last I’ve been there. Can’t wait to see its new look!

Aside from the new interiors, SM Southmall has also been bringing in more trendy brands. I spotted Cache Cache, All Flip Flops, Charles & Keith, Terranova, and La Senza among the usual local names. Promod and Parfois, two of the most trendy yet sophisticated brands in retail right now, are heading the pack. Here are my top picks!

Promod is already raring for fall. Their latest collections have two color stories: on one hand, they have woodsy tan mixed with rich hues like blue, orange, and burnt pastels. On the other hand, the brand features a stark black and red palette for the corporate woman. 

Warning: lots of photos after the cut!

I'd just like to announce something that I'm extremely proud about. Been working on it these past weeks, and now it's out!

Yes, Ferretti now has an online store! The 16-year old Marikina shoe brand has now gone the e-commerce route. We decided to do it because, well, so many of our followers have been asking us to open stores in other provinces as well as parts of Metro Manila other than the branches we have now. We're definitely going to expand futher soon, but for now the quickest way to address these requests is to open an online store.

Did I say the shipping is absolutely free? It doesn't matter how many you buy or where you're based in the Philippines - we will ship it for free using Xend. If that's not convenience in a nutshell I don't know what is.

Anyway, enough rambling from me for now. Here are some of the designs we have in the store! They're my favorites. :D

Yes, we also have Accessories. You'll remember my favorite turquoise necklace from Ferretti. It's out of stock now, but there are other cool designs in the store.

Many of us regard Giordano as a staid and boring brand due to its track record of mainly selling basic tees (or "Essentials" as the brand would like to call it), but perhaps it's time to do a double-take. Giordano Ball Tees show the fun, carefree side of the brand with its 60s inspired retro prints featuring a more updated twist.

It doesn't hurt that each tee is only P899, plus they can be worn so many ways. A tee could go over a slinky dress, shorts, a body con skirt, or leggings. It can also go over maxi skirts or dresses, belted or knotted. 

I first laid eyes on these Parfois platforms last May, when I became their stylist for the day. I found the shoes a bit pricey though at P2,280, and besides, I was in an accessories craze at that time. 

Good thing I waited! Last Wednesday, I was in Megamall running errands. I decided to drop by Parfois because of the screaming 70% off sale signs, and while walking inside, I was muttering in my head "please be on sale pleasebeonsale pleasebeonsale". It was! I got the shoes for a little over P1,500! 

Thrifted secretary blouse/ Forever 21 embroidered skirt/ Parfois bracelet/ Naccara majorica pearl cocktail ring

I LOVE that a lot of women these days have taken to wearing high heels. Five years ago, did you see females here in the Philippines wearing three to five-inch monsters in the street - outside of fashion magazines? An even better question is, did you see major department stores proudly featuring their highest heels in their displays instead of comfy flats and sandals? No and no. Stylish high heels are a phenomenon that Filipinas have just recently embraced. I love the implications.

For one, this means that we women are more comfortable about standing out instead of being part of the herd. It means we're a little more liberated about our sexuality, discounting the medieval notion that high heels are only for prostitutes. In short, I think that women in high heels feel more empowered and are literally (also figuratively) standing tall. 

This is not to say that women who prefer flats are not empowered, that's too simplistic. It may come down to a matter of comfort, lack of occasion, or some other excuse. But if the only reason you don't have good high heels is fear, then I think it will do you good to finally break out and try it for a change. You'll feel better about yourself and, I suspect, feel a little more beautiful than you already are. ;)

Well, that went on longer than expected! I actually want to talk about Burlington's Biofresh Flexfigel and Sofigel pads! These godsends make women's life easier by padding our pretty shoes with gel inserts so that our feet won't hurt. Simple idea, but an incredibly useful. It's not a new concept but I do like that the pads are affordable and, from what I've tried, quite durable. 

So what's the diference between Biofresh Flexigel and Sofigel?

Yesterday I came from a meeting in U.N. Avenue. That place is horrible! I spent two hours getting there, stuck in Osmena Highway traffic then in a minor flood in Paco. After the meeting, the avenue looked like a parking lot, so I had to walk to the LRT station (in the rain, at that) so I can get to Buendia in one piece. I haven't ridden that train in more than two years! Taft is a nightmare when it rains, and I know this because I spent four years of university there.

Okay, after writing that paragraph, I realized that I sound like a total prick. I'm usually not. But I hate commuting to somewhere unless I can get to it by cab in under 40 minutes. Yeah, me and everyone else.

ANYWAY! At least I managed to get to the Promod End of Season sale in Greenbelt 5 after that grueling experience! It officially starts today but the kind folks at Promod invited some bloggers and their top costumers to get first dibs on the merchandise last night. Needless to say, there was a palpable shopping frenzy in the air as everyone grabbed their favorite Promod pieces at 40-50% off.

There were a lot of great items going for P1,600 below. Staples like jeans and shorts were on sale (their jeans are awesome), as well as accent pieces and tops that are bound to liven up your wardrobe. Notables are the leather jackets that will certainly be useful in the upcoming rainy days, as well as the cute skirts and airy printed dresses that will be nice additions to your current outfit selections.

I SERIOUSLY NEED TO GO BACK FOR THIS SKIRT. PLEASE STILL BE AVAILABLE IN MY SIZE WHEN I RETURN. KTHNX. I'm hitting myself in the head for not getting this pronto, but I was hesitating because there wasn't a sale tag (even though it's in the sale rack)

Creamy white skirt with tan belt. Classic and will give you an instantly fresh look.