More Orchard Road shenanigans

Orchard Road will always have a special place in my heart. It's where Jake and I constantly met up last 2011 so we can have quick dates (he was there with family, and I was with officemates) at Ben & Jerry's and Cotton On. Also, for a shopaholic like me, Orchard Road will always be a shopping mecca with all my favorite brands!

316@Somerset has always been my favorite mall. It's where Jake and I initially met up for a quick hi and hello before heading to Clarke Quay on our first time here. Aside from Cotton On, it also has Forever 21, Zara, and Cold Storage where I like to buy giant Hello Panda cans and OWL kopitiam roast instant coffee packs for pasalubongs.

Now, it's even better because H&M has decided to set up shop right beside 313@Somerset! I went crazy inside.

It's best to walk down the whole stretch of Orchard to go mall-hopping. There are nice mini-parks on the side street for cooling down if window-shopping ain't your thang.

I also love Takashimaya mall since it reminds me of Times Square in Hong Kong. My cousin Inah, who has been working at MBS, went with us that day and was a huge help since it rained and she was our expert guide at the underground mall loops and passes. 

She also treated us to this amazing mudpie ice cream cake at Kinokuniya! Heaven on earth, I tell ya.

My sister and I mainly enjoyed Takashimaya since its Kinokuniya bookstore branch was way bigger than the one we visited at the Paragon mall in Bangkok. We also found the elusive original novel of The Phantom of the Opera here! We literally had to drag the heave metal ladder to this corner just so we can get the book before anyone else did (yes, we're THAT obsessed with it).

I also went to Tangs to get Jake's Happy Socks pasalubong. I would totally wear these funky socks if I were into sneakers! There is currently no store in Manila which carries the Happy Socks brand so I was happy to get some for my fashion-conscious boyfriend.

Since it was raining, we didn't get to take a photo of the ION Mall facade. We DID get to enjoy the crazy sale at Rubi Shoes, though! Ah, I wish I lived here if only for the shoes. The Cotton On branches here in Manila only carry a limited style range. Inah even helped mom with her shopping and directed the mudra to her favorite Nine West and Charles & Keith shops.

This really is the place for shopaholics.

Tsim Sha Tsui love affair

We loved Tsim Sha Tsui so much that we went there twice--during our first and fifth days to properly explore the area. Mong Kok was a bit overrated so we didn't spend that much time shopping there except when Jake explored Sneaker Street and we had a blast at H&M over at Langham Place. (Okay, Jake and I came back so he can get his limited edition kicks). But most of the time, we went over to TST to shop and dine when we were in the Kowloon side.

I had no idea what BEA stood for but I'm assuming it's a bank. I posed with every sign I saw. It's pretty cool to have a bank named after you. Haha.

Our favorite parts of TST were Nathan Road, Granville Road, Chatham, and Mody Road. These roads housed the unique shops and eateries. Tsim Sha Tsui is more urban compared to Causeway. Here, it's purely all about the fashion and style experience. We fell in love with Granville Road where most college students shop and where fashion students at the nearby art institute sell their designs. It was pretty amazing to walk up and down the roads and walk in and out of the shops.

There's a shop called Chocoolate! Cute!

I lost Jake for a bit while I was engrossed looking for clothes. I found him here, on the second floor of a shop called Loading. It's his kind of place--all cool graphic tees, caps, and accessories.

We also went to Knutsford Terraces where we had a break at Ben & Jerry's! Jake and I unintentionally shared two scoops of Chocolate Therapy and Cookie Dough, only to find out there's a pint called half baked which combines the exact flavors! I'm really hoping this combination is available at S&R!

Up the stairs going to Knutsford Terraces. It's a whole strip of restaurants and bars with a chic, urban vibe. I can just picture ourselves sitting there, people-watching while sipping on beers and cocktails. Ah, I love this place.

On our fifth day, we ended up at iSquare which was right at the MTR exit. These three had a blast looking for CDs at hmv. I, on the other hand, bought One Direction souvenirs for my cousin. (Ick, I know)

Here's us walking towards Chatham Road from Nathan! It's never boring 'cause there are a lot of shops to look at. However, you have to go here after lunch since all the shops open late.

 

I looked up and spied a building with a roof made of crystal drops! It was dazzling under the sun! Fancy shmancy.

 

We popped inside a 7/11 for drinks and found that they still have Coke Slurpee! I really do wish the 7/11 in Manila still offers this, it's my favorite drink! I hate their strawberry and blue flavors. I only want Coke!

Some interesting shops and bars we passed along the way to Stussy. TST is a haven for cool brands!

Hair of the Dog bar!

Haha.

We spent an hour or so inside Cotton On, which is still cheaper in HK compared to the newly opened branch here in Manila. I was able to get a peplum top for my sister at $49 (Php 270)! The TST branch at Granville was also four floors huge so there was a wide selection of styles. The nearest H&M was a couple of blocks away so we were happy to stay here.

wearing H&M collared top, F21 skirt, cherry keds

TST is the place to be if you want up and coming/hipster-ish brands. You can also get your trusted brands there if you want the mainstream fix. Argh. I can't wait to blog about our Tsim Sha Tsui foodie finds!

Of unsmotable Girls and bohemian trustafarian wardrobes

I have this tendency to become obsessed with fictional characters on television series. First, there was Rachel Greene form FRIENDS, Karen Walker from Will and Grace, and Daenerys from Game of Thrones. These days, my sister and I have been watching the first season of Girls and although I am pretty sure I'm an uptight bitch like Marnie, I have been nursing a girl-crush on Jemima Kirke's bohemian trustafarian character, Jessa. She's too pretty not to have a crush on. 

I mean, her fashion sense has totally inspired me to dress like a bohemian hipster. Case in point, I am totally obsessing over her printed Zara palazzo pants!:

Of course, it's quite difficult to achieve considering my wardrobe is a cross between Marnie and Shoshanna's prim and proper girly styles; BUT, I am now un-regretting the numerous Topshop cutesy tops I bought since Jessa has found a cool way to pull them off: with jeans and rainbow barrettes!

No, I don't think I can pull off a kimono in broad daylight or wear a hippie wedding dress but it's nice to know it can be done. 

Time to stock up on hippie/hipster/bohemian pieces! Who says an uptight bitch can't dress like a free bird?

Wardrobe pegs for rainy days

It's stress season so every once in a while, I flip through my Mango catalogue for some comfort and inspiration. They're also on sale so I'm dragging my mother later to buy some key pieces which she'll hopefully offer to buy for me, for free. 

I already bought the white eyelet top below but I made a big mistake of checking out their online catalogue. Once you realize you can't pull off a look with just a couple of pieces, you can't sleep until you finally have a workable capsule wardrobe. Damn you, Kate Moss.

What made your heart race today? Useless crap from Topshop

Welcome to another edition of stuff I definitely don't need but who cares I want it:

I definitely want need another blazer for work to add to my collection. I want one in denim or something bright. And preferably one that goes well with my daisy dukes.

And I need coral pants, just because the Duchess of Cambridge herself wore them. Oh, Kate Middleton. I'm going to replicate your entire wardrobe one of these days.

I also want this cut out tunic. I haven't tried it on at the store but I think I can pull it off after a week or two of dieting. Or maybe I can just not breathe and do that "stomach in" thing the whole time I'm wearing it?

I recently made the rounds at Zara and Mango and have spotted some key pieces I need. Oversized blouses, candy colored denim shorts, pastel blazers, and some denim jeans. Now, where do I get the money? I'm really starting to hate the extreme irrevocable measures I've imposed on myself when it comes to saving money. Seriously.

P.S. I'm definitely saving up for Cotton On, though. I will never forgive myself if I don't shop on opening day.

Photo cred

From matching pastel blazers to ballet flats

My officemates and I have searched far and wide for Mango's latest line of pastel blazers. We were planning to get one each (pale yellow for me, pale pink for Dana, and the beige one for Mitch) but the damn things sold like hotcakes and every branch soon sold out.

And because we're too impatient to wait and see if they will re-stock, I was thinking we can settle for these darling MNG ballet flats in the meantime:

Don't judge. When we're all stressed and swamped with work, it's the shallow stuff that makes us happy.

DIBS ON THE YELLOW ONE!!!

Lusting over Mango's SS12 collection

I really do wish stores would hand out their lookbooks as soon as you step inside the shop. If Mango had handed me their SS12 lookbook while I was there with my mom last week, I would have bought those plain shirts and sweaters. On the rack, they looked uninteresting; but once you see the styled versions, you'd be banging your head on the wall wondering why you didn't buy some while your mom was feeling generous.

Can't wait to go on a shopping date with her again. I'm prepared this time around.

Cotton On in Manila confirmed?!

My office mate Mitch, who lives in Binondo, just informed me that Cotton On is about to open at Lucky Chinatown mall. There's apparently a shop window with the logo and everything. Lucky Chinatown mall is this new upscale premier mall in Binondo that recently opened this week. But enough of that, my brain is short-circuiting right now trying to process this piece of information. COTTON ON IN MANILA??? I cannot process this. I don't know how to feel, honestly. I'm happy 'cause finally I can buy the clothes here without going abroad but on the other had I feel sad 'cause it might turn out to be another Forever 21 scenario. You know, where you can't buy a single piece of clothing without spotting someone wearing the same item. Also, I have a Hong Kong trip lined up and I've been looking forward to hoarding Cotton On clothes again.

I'm heading on over to Binondo later or this week to verify this piece of information for myself. If H&M opens here before my trip and if (God forbid) SM turns it into another jeje brand, I am going to throw a bitch fit. 

My heart is still palpitating. Jesus.

On another note, happy memories of our Singapore shopping/hoarding trip almost convince me I can be happy they're bringing Cotton On here. Still bittersweet, though:

Surprise finds at Tomato

I'm really picky about where I buy my clothes. I am what you can call a brand snob and only stick to my favorite shops. However, after scouring the whole mall yesterday for blazers I can wear to work, I almost gave up 'cause I couldn't find anything within budget at my usual haunts. See, when I buy clothes for work, I make sure I don't spend more than Php 1000 'cause it's totally not worth it to splurge on pieces that only my boss can appreciate. 

I almost gave up until my mom spotted some awesome blazers on display at Tomato! Imagine! Here's the black and white one I got, I'll write about the gray one in another outfit post:

I was really surprised to see well-tailored blazers at Tomato. I never thought I'd like their clothes. And at Php 850 each these are really cheap! They fit me so nicely I'm even considering pairing them with casual clothes outside the office. I've always believed a perfectly tailored blazer can make any outfit look smart. Now I don't have to agonize every morning wondering how I can make my outfit "meeting-appropriate". I just love cheap thrills.

2012 wardrobe wishes

This year, I've decided to invest in some key pieces to make me look more presentable but youthful at work. I have always been against the staple corporate attire pieces and would rather go for fun and versatile items that can make up a capsule wardrobe.

Because I change styles erratically, here are some of the pieces I'm currently lusting after:

A perfectly fitted cardigan. I need one that can double as a casual suit so I can wear my tube and sleeveless tops without getting a citation for inappropriate attire. I know I've been trying to boycott Zara after an unpleasant incident with their customer service so maybe I can look for another style from another brand?

Denim tops and a jacket. I blame this one on Jake. (Topshop)

Anything oversized, really. I have a current thing for butterfly sleeves and loose tops which I can't explain. I guess they make me look more skinny? (Topshop)

Time to save up! Or maybe I should wait for Hong Kong and spend all my moolah on H&M and Cotton On instead? 

As if I'd last THAT long.

New wardrobe pegs for the boy

So, the boyfriend's thinking of jazzing up his wardrobe from graphic tees, jeans, and Nike kicks to something more gentlemanly and Gosling-ish. I must say I approve. And because I'm a supportive girlfriend, I picked out a couple of looks for him to use as reference. 

My favorite man-blogger Bobby from thisfellow.com has perfected the rolled up sleeves look. I can totally imagine Jake wearing this, except for the shoes:

And of course, David Beckham. The boy's been hankering for a denim jacket or polo and I think this is the perfect choice paired with gray or khaki pants:

Something for cold December nights or when the rainy season's in full swing:

Because he will always be a frustrated wigga, no matter what: (I am loving the layering here)

And you can never go wrong with a plain, fitted varsity jacket paired with a plain tee and awesome hair:

Can't wait to hit the shops next weekend!

All other photos from theurbangent.com