Artwork's a really, really good local brand for printed shirts that are targeted to mostly young,…read moreartsy-types. I really admire their design aesthetic (DIY, grungey, hand-drawn, paint strokes, collage types of designs). A lot of their designs are derived from pop culture, and they've also managed to incorporate Filipino themes into their designs in quirky, non-cheesy ways. I've bought some clothes at Artwork a few times, but unfortunately I have to limit myself to just a few items. It's not because their stuff is expensive--they're actually very affordable, and the quality is great. It's because since their designs are mass-produced, and their stores are scattered all over Metro Manila (mostly SM stores) which means it's really unavoidable to encounter someone wearing the same Artwork shirt you're wearing on the same day--this has happened several times to me and some people I know. I do think that it's a good idea to hoard all the shirts you want and wear them outside the country, though. Other than shirts, they also sell cool bags, some footwear, and a bunch of hats and accessories. What's great is that each piece still embodies the Artwork aesthetic.

For the longest time there hadn't been any good, local shoe stores that offer trendier and stylish…read moreshoes at affordable prices, until Primadonna came along. Primadonna has the usual styles Filipino women are used to (i.e. flats, embellished sandals, stiletto heels and wedges), but what I loved about Primadonna is that they started having all these other, less-popular styles that are harder to find in local shoe stores. They started having brogues and oxfords, boots (even in those minimalist styles that I sooo love), and even Doc Marten's inspired pieces. Prices vary from as low as Php 600 to Php 1000-2000. I can't say the quality is topnotch, but it varies from style to style, so be wise and inspect how the shoe was constructed. My favorite pair of Primadonna shoes is in fact in red paisley print, and in the same style as a low-cut DM's, with yellow stitching to boot. It has fooled so many people into thinking I got this for at least Php 3000 but I actually just got it for Php 900. So cheap! They also have some bags, but I'm not too impressed with the styles (and also because I am a huge tote-bag girl by heart).

Basketball shoes and workout clothes can be pricey. Good thing there are outlet stores that offer…read morethose things at a marked down price. MJ46 is actually a compound with different outlet stores inside it. Of course Nike occupies the biggest area, but you can also find other sports brands like Adidas, Palladium, Vans and New Balance. The Nike store inside the compound has a wide selection of shoes, even the ones that are already hard to find. When you do see some cool kicks, pray that they have them in your size because stocks go fast and what's usually left are the reaaally big sizes (if your shoe size is 14, lucky you). It's pretty hard to find this place because it's a secluded area inside a really big subdivision. Parking is also a bit challenging when you get there. But don't worry about bringing the kids. They have a play area to keep them occupied while you explore our own happy place.