I don't really like splurging on clothes, since I move around a lot and I find that packing a ton…read moreof clothes into boxes is such a boring and arduous task. I am very content with the tatters that I have been wearing since college, but whenever my old t-shirts and sweats bite the dust, and I find that I have been repeating outfits far too often, my first choice would be to shop in the Taytay Old and New Public Markets. Local residents and buyers from neighboring cities alike flock to the "Lumang Palengke" and "New Taytay Market" to snap up really cheap clothes. I have been told by a friend that there are plenty of RTW and garments factories around Taytay and Cainta, and the factories often sell overruns and rejects in the "bagsakan", which then distribute the wares to the "tiangge" sellers in the old and new market. People have their different opinons about which location is the best, but I find that the New Public Market, near the McDonalds in the highway leading to Angono, Rizal , sell more menswear and casual clothing. The suki buyers swear by the quality and the durability of the stuff from the tiangges, and I couldn't agree more. I have bought several sweaters, t-shirts and hoodies at such ridiculously low prices. I once walked out of there with 13 pieces of clothing, which I bought for roughly P800 only. How is that not a good deal? All you need is a trusty pair of shoes, lots of patience and a bit of your haggling skills so that you can get great discounts from the sellers.

The trouble with shopping online is you run the risk of getting the wrong size, the item not…read morelooking like it did on the picture, or you even losing money from fake sellers! Yikes! But the tradeoff is that you really find so many unique items that you just don't find in the average brick and mortar store. So when you hear of a place that bridges the gap, omigod it is a godsend! Empire Fashion Cafe is a new shopping mecca that does exactly that by putting up physical stores for your favorite Facebook and Instagram shops! It's a building that stands right along Lilac so it's perfect for after indulging on some good food from the blossoming eat street. All those uniquely designed bikinis, day dresses, minimalistic casual sandals from homegrown, independent fashion brands all under one roof! It's like the curated bazaar of your online shopping dreams, heehee! Super cute stuff! P.S. The "cafe" part in the name is cos there's literally a cafe in one half of the place with a real coffee shop atmosphere. Nothing too fancy but they have your cappuccinos and cold frosty drinks, along with some cakes. Haven't tried if they're any good though.

The place to go in Manila for handmade leather shoes for gentlemen…read more Great craftsmanship, beautiful products and a manager who is not in it for the big money but for the satisfaction of giving a wonderful product to the customer. Really worth a visit, even though Marikina is not next e.g. to Makati. Indeed, some hope that not all is lost in Marikina's once famous shoe industry. Good luck to the Black Wing team for the future.

Artwork!! I always tell myself that if I ever end up living in some other country, the thing I'll…read moremiss the most is buying t-shirts from Artwork. (And eating chocnut. One cannot live a life without chocnut.) You know how people ask you if you prefer style over comfort? Yeah, no. I prefer comfort, all the way. Two daily 2-hour commutes going back and forth from Paranaque to Quezon City does not allow you to dress stylishly. I own 3 pairs of sweatpants, if that's any indication. You'd think dressing like that I'd get to school looking like either a) a hobo or b) like I just got out of bed (and not even in the "I woke up like this" Beyonce way, more like the literal "I woke up like this, seriously, I'm still wearing my pajamas" way). Nope! Fear not, fashionistas, I get to school looking like a decent human being thanks to Artwork. Most of my closet comprises of graphic t-shirts from Artwork, they're cheap and super duper comfy, and they look good too! I especially love their "stolen from grandpa's closet" line (or something to that effect); the designs are vintage-y in nature and super cute. One of my favorite shirts from there is a sushi-patterned t-shirt - it's quirky and comfy and belies my utter love for sushi. I also bought a cropped baseball-tee from Artwork a few years ago, and wearing that with sweatpants and sneakers is the COMFIEST. OUTFIT. EVER. Like wearing pajamas to class! And it looked good! Artwork also has an array of pouches and bags with quirky designs and some pretty awesome notepads and notebooks too. The only thing I don't like is that some of their designs are a little loud and a bit gaudy, but every so often they have some GREAT shirts, and usually the price never goes above P500! If ever you're in need of a comfy graphic tee, I suggest you head on to your nearest Artwork branch and revel in the glory of casual-comfy clothing options.

I checked their website before I visited their shop. I was immediately impressed with the number of…read moregowns you can rent out in a snap! not to mention every gown i picked up was beautifully made. their couture designs are even LOVELIER! :) to bad i i'm not getting married yet. but when i DO I'm sure my wedding gown will be made by Royanne camilla.

From the owner: Our Specialties are focused towards effortlessly elegant gowns, we love designing wearable fashion…read morethat conforms and compliments the women wearing our creations. Our services includes Bridal and Debut gowns, Couture/ made-to-measure and designer gown rentals, we also offer various types of Debut and Wedding gown packages as well. We invite you to visit our official website to learn more about RoyAnne Camillia Couture and our services, Contact us for inquiries or to set an appointment.

Owned and operated by fashion blogger, model, and art student Pat Henson, Costa Swimwear offers…read moretrendy neoprene bikinis and unique original designs that I think Pat makes herself. It's gotten a bit of a following with its cheeky tagline "Never stop beachin'." The designs are these basic one-color styles that only play on necklines, straps, and strategically-placed cutaways, yet remain simple and tasteful. They're quite minimalist but are still eye-catching and not too plain. I love how most of the colors are neutral blacks and whites with the occasional pop of colors like coral, mint, or cerulean. Check out the Luana bikini. Or the Kalini bikini, which is their most classic design. Pictures are all on the official Instagram (@costa_swimwear) of the online store. Ordering is simple- you just have to send in your "order form" which is this standard message template with your name/number/shipping address/payment date through text or viber, and then you make the deposit for payment. Your item's then shipped to you within 1-2 working days. Easy peasy.