AC+632 always has, hands-down, the best store window displays in any local mall here in the city…read more Always dressed to the nines and conceptualized with so much imagination and creativity, I always can't help but take a minute to stop and marvel at their story-filled tableaus. An interesting store filled to the brim with all sorts of interesting pieces like fine jewelry, clothes, tableware, garden tools, and all sorts of bric-a-brac, stepping inside AC+632 is like entering the charming boudoir of a 18th century French monarch. The touches found inside are very much distinct that it almost feels as if you were transported into a European city. Make sure to comb through the whole store and keep your eyes peeled for something curious and interesting. Since it's very packed with so much stuff, there might be lots of gems that you might miss out on.

I have such trouble remembering this store's name. Whenever I try to describe this store to my…read morefriends, I usually end up just saying "that expensive store that has a lot of pretty and weird stuff and has some letters and numbers in its name". AC+632 is one of those stores that you really have a hard time trying to fit into a category, as it sells a lot of things--home decor, accessories, clothing, antiques/strange artifacts, body products, and the list goes on. The only common thing about these items is that they are pricey. But, this store really attracts a lot of window shoppers such as myself. The experience is like going inside a museum--you just look at things because it's entertaining and can somewhat be educational. And, their window displays are amazing--all whimsical and tastefully curated. Well...except for the taxidermied animals (I DESPERATELY hope these are fake) and framed, preserved insects such as butterflies that make me SO ANGRY because it's so cruel :(

I dunno how anyone can ever miss this place. For one, it's a got a ton of colorful items inside it…read moreand two, it just looks too good not to check out! I'm not entirely sure what Shelter is, I just know it has super cool items in it. They have home decor stuff like plain colored vases in different shapes and sizes, plates, wall lamp posts and pillows with witty phrases on them! But they also have quirky trinkets like notebooks, note pads, paper weights, journals and scented candles, plus a few chic books! Walking into Shelter is like walking into Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory - diabetes not included! If you're feeling particularly down, in need of some visual inspiration or just wanna see and buy something pretty, I'm sure this place will do wonders for you. If that's not enough, you can always just buy yourself a cupcake from Gigi's, which is located right inside of Shelter.

Anyone walking by this area of East Wing will not by any chance miss this catchy place. Everything…read morelooked really bright and pleasing to eyes. It has that fancy outdoor garden feel that a lot would totally admire. Books about art, interior design and even fashion are stacked in an unconventional manner. However, most, if not all of the furniture and home decors that are on sale are to fancy for me. What I loved about the place is that they house Gigi, a coffee shop that sells one of my favorite red velvet cupcakes. I may not be getting anything from the store but I can just sit on the garden seat, drink coffee, enjoy my cupcake and just appreciate the setup and mind my own business. This way, I can still appreciate the place with spending too much. This can be a really peaceful and relaxing way to kill time while waiting for whatever or whomever.

This store is a gift from God. I'm all about minimalism and if they happen to be on the pricey…read moreside, so be it. At least I'll know that I'll be owning a high quality product that will last for years down the line. Luona Concept Store may easily be mistaken for "just another online store" that attempts to sell home decor, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Their products are amazing and any of their classy as hell pieces are bound to spruce up your home and take it a step closer towards the road of perfection. Check out their website today or have a peek at their Instagram. Luona Concept Store ships country-wide while some pieces can be shipped worldwide.

Am I supposed to be impressed that we now have Pottery Barn? Because I'm not sure how I feel about…read moretheir astronomical prices. Alright. Maybe I'm being dramatic. Or maybe I don't see the fun in it because I'm not into shopping for furniture and items for a home. Yes, Pottery Barn is a store that anyone can go to when they need a bed, a table, some towels, a toy for your kid, a rug and items to make your home pretty. If you don't know what you want but are kinda sure that you want to fill your home with stuff from Pottery Barn, you can approach their interior designers who can guide you toward a better looking house.

Pottery Barn is pretty awesome. I happened to pass by the store at their launch party and had a…read morebrowse around. When I saw the brand, images of a american furniture chain come to mind and I thought it was going to be more for the masses. But when I browsed around, I actually thought to myself that 50% of the items, I would love to have in my house. They really make an effort to make the store look as attractive as possible. They have some cool items you can only find here like some amazing cocktail shakers, cheese serving plates, laundry baskets, candle holders, big glass water dispensers etc. 4 stars because I'm comparing it to Crate & Barrel, which I gave 5 stars.

One of my go-to places in LRI is Heima! It always excites me to see what they've got in store from…read morecoasters, cookie jars, wall decor, posters to book shelves. It's always nice to see and get inspired from the items that they have in store. It's also a good break from all the other furniture showrooms in LRI. Not that I dislike the showrooms and stores there, it's just that when you step inside Heima, you get a dosage of pastel and fuzzy feelings. My future house peg may be all about whites, blacks and greys but if I were to set up something else, I would definitely be buying all the pastel coloured furniture and goodies from Heima! Not only are they a furniture, stationery, scents and vinyl store-in-one, they also offer interior design services as Heim Interiors and custom-make furniture. Their selection of magazines are also good. You may have to get out of your way from your local bookstores to get a hold of magazines such as Oh Comely, Fête, Mood, Undecorate and Cereal. It may be pricey the content is oh-so-good! What I like about Heima is that they also have local designs from Leeroy New and they sell casette tapes (!!!), CDs, too. I spotted a Ciudad casette tape just yesterday! I love supporting local brands. You also have to go to one of their parties! For their 6th Anniversary, they had a party at their Brixton branch. They partnered with Young Star, Today x Future for drinks and up and coming bands for the music. It was very festive and you see the camaraderie they've built around the scene over the years.

I love how this shop is curated. It's funky, fresh, and really young. It's good for the design…read morecrowd as they have some exclusive design brands here. So if you're looking for home accessories, furniture, and even art, they have it here. I love the range of watercolor post cards they have here - they can run a little expensive. But it's really worth it if you're looking for a special gift to give to a friend or family member. I believe they also have some design consultancy services, so if that's what you're looking for, you can find it here. TIP: They have a great Instagram account if you're in need of some design porn.

I used to take a lot of walks whenever things would get too shitty in the office.Often times you…read morewould see me walking around in a catatonic state in shops tinkering with their merchandise. It would usually take me 30 minutes or so until I become pacified, renewed even. Most times you would see me inside Dimensione looking at all the things they sell- couches, mirrors, cabinets, candlesticks, clocks; basically everything that would make one's home too pretty to walk away from. To say that what they sell here aren't cheap is basically an understatement- things here are pricey but as they say, you get what you pay for once you see what's inside. All you have to do is graze your hand on a cabinet and you'd see what I mean.

I always get curious when it comes to furniture stores. I'm not an interior designer but I love how…read morefurniture stores can mix and match pieces together. Every time I walk around BGC, I always chance upon seeing Dimensione. I think it's the big display window that catches my attention! I usually enter this store to check out inspiration but because of how pricey the things are, I end up buying nothing (so sad!). The pieces in the store though are very interesting - they mix plastic materials with leather and other interesting things. My favorite part of the store is the display of desk accessories! If only I could make my desk look as lively as the store! It's really fun going around the different areas of the store!

Hit up Dapitan Arcade on a random Saturday morning last month looking for some cute plates to…read morespruce up my dinner parties, and holy crap, I walked out like a kid in a candy store. The place is this chaotic maze of stalls bursting with everything--gorgeous ceramic plates in patterns you won't find in malls, stacks of mason jars for peanuts (grabbed a bunch at like ₱40 each), quirky little gnomes, funky lighting, and even those trendy gold-rimmed teacups that make instant coffee feel fancy. Prices are stupidly low, so my ₱800 budget turned into three full bags of treasures I didn't even know I needed. Haggling was half the fun--smiled, asked nicely, and knocked off a good chunk every time. Yeah, it's hot, a bit crowded, and smells like the wet market next door, but that's part of the charm. Left feeling like I scored big and already planning my next trip for Christmas lights. Absolute treasure hunt heaven. 5 stars, no contest.

If you're a person who loves cheap finds, gets kilig when you see unusual stuff, and doesn't mind…read moresweating when you're bargain-hunting, the Dapitan Arcade is a place that you should visit. Situated along Dapitan St. and Kanlaon St., the arcade is a collection of small stalls and kiosks that sells glassware, murals, ceramic plates, lighting fixtures, decorations, and a multitude of home furnishings at very affordable prices. There are some stuff here that will make you say, "hmm.. I don't really need this thing but it's cute and inexpensive, might as well get it." By the time you leave, you'll have two hands worth of shopping bags. I frequent Dapitan Arcade whenever I need ceramic and wood plates, mason jars and other glasses, and other things that I might need for my cooking and plating. They have a lot of plate designs that are not available elsewhere. When I use them for plating my dishes, it makesmy food feel more sosyal, meaning I can charge more haha. The very trendy mason jars are available here. The normal size ones go for around P50.00. They sell per piece and by bulk. The latter will always get you an ever better price. As early as September, the arcade takes on a more festive look because they start selling Christmas decorations and lights. You want to have a miniature Santa Clause swinging from a light post? Or a robotic St. Nick jiggling his merry booty to some Christmas tunes? Well, they got 'em. And a whole lot of other fun stuff too! When you visit, make sure to bring your "kapal" face so you can ask for discounts. Take away: unusual finds and good deals. Your P1000 pesos will go a long way here!

I am in love with Crate and Barrel!…read more I had time to kill and stumbled upon the store in SM Aura recently. What struck me was the selection of premium glassware and ceramicware. I could just imagine having them at my home and transforming our home meals into instant fine-dining experiences. I am a firm believer that food and beverages taste better the nicer the china and glassware are! I was hooked on the immense selection for wine, spirits and beer. There apparently is a proper glass for whatever drink you have - ale, stout, lager, whisky, cognac. Name it. Ah. One day I will have a properly stocked bar in my home with proper glassware and proper implements and all my fellow Yelpers will be invited!

Crate & Barrel is a place that I like to go to whenever I'm in need of a breather. I've come to…read moreMegamall for the sole purpose of coming through C&B, and I've also walked through this place's doors just because I so happened to be in the area. Either way, I always enjoy the experience of walking through this place as I've grown older, I've invested more time, energy and resources in beautifying my personal space as opposed to purchasing makeup or clothes. I find that it makes me happy. In this sense, C&B offers exactly what I'm looking for: kitchenware, bathroom stuff, home decor, garden stuff, and everything in between. Everything is chic and pretty; an asset to any home.