Having a custom made dress doesn't necessarily mean that it will turn out looking amazing…read more Sometimes, even the best couturiers have their bad days. Enter Miss Selfridge. Miss Selfridge is a good place to buy ready to wear formalwear. It's relatively cheaper than a custom made dress. They have short cocktail dresses and full on formal wear with sparkly beading, embroidery and the works. They usually have good deals on their sale racks but be careful when buying last pieces. There are usually runs on the dresses. If not, the beading tends to be incomplete. A lot of people are afraid of buying ready to wear gowns because they run the risk of having another person show up wearing exactly the same thing. I always buy ready to wear formal wear and I've never had a twin at an event. Even then, it's always a game of Who Wore it Best. Rock that gown and everybody will only remember you.

I always make sure to check the latest collection of Miss Selfridge because they have really nice…read morepieces. I like how their clothing items range from casual to evening wear. I have had times, especially during the sales, where I would buy a lot of great looking tops - may it be for the beach, everyday or corporate wear. There were also times where I am in dire need of semi-formal or evening wear and I would also find it here. The price range for Miss Selfridge is okay especially if you need a dress for a special occasion but I recommend that you wait for their sale if you want to purchase some casual/corporate wear for everyday use. They also have really nice and sturdy accessories - scarves, bags, and very beautiful hats! Some of my scarves from Miss Selfridge have been with me for years and they haven't faded at all. Good price for the quality.

Whenever I'm in Podium to get a cone from Sebastian's (always to get a cone from Sebastian's),…read morethere's only really one store that I visit often, and that's Sewn & Co. in Markati Palazzo. There are a lot of other boutiques and showrooms in the Markati Palazzo, and all of them have more clothes, but the great thing about Sewn is that their clothes are much younger and more accessible, both in style and price, than the others. It's all very sweet and soft, which I do look for sometimes--they had a long, knit vest thing that I liked which was on sale, but I was undecided about it until it vanished from their racks and I regretted skipping out on it. They also carry a lot of other lines, with a focus on women's swimwear and sandals and shoes. They also have a few preppy men's shoes though, so that's something for the guys to see. I always look at their accessories rack, for sure, but there are many other things they have like cosmetics and glasses and stationery other girly things. And if you're into that they're always worth a look.

There aren't a lot of local homegrown clothing brands that approximate the success of streetwear…read moreand skate brands overseas, but the closest one would probably be THE Clothing. Back in 2007, they started peddling their own designs in the curb and parking lots of local events. Their innovative designs and keen pulse on street culture eventually made them successful enough to have an actual brick & mortar store in Cubao X. One of the secrets to their success is that their products are made and offered in extremely limited batches. You aren't even assured of getting one so there's always demand. Some shirts even go as low as 25 pieces only. If you want that particular design, you have to be there early. Merch are usually sold off during events they are part of, which are aplenty. These are held in front of their store complete with bands and a lot of alcohol.

I've always lingered outside THE but never actually been inside because I'm too broke to purchase…read moreany of their shirts even if they only go below Php500. It's a great deal for limited clothing if you ask me but for one that rants about how mahal the ukay ukay shops in cubao are becoming, Php500 is like gold. I've lingered long enough for the shopkeep to notice and stare at me weirdly. So I saunter away and linger back in the day time when they're still closed t stare at merchandise I've dreamed of having. Lately, I've been staring at this uber cool and hipster tie-dye sando (no not the ones you can make at home coz that'll probably suck) with the THE emblem silkscreened handsomely on it. One day.... Also, their events are the bomb with enough chicks to make yer eyes drool and cute tattooed boys that make you grin inside... One day.... One day....

Pink Manila's store in the top floor of Shoppesville in Greenhills is one of my best not-so-kept…read moresecrets for looking good without going broke. This store, where prices are actually cheaper than at any of their other consignors or even online, sells clothing pieces that are both uber trendy (way more up to date and current than a LOT of clothing stores in this country) and very classic. Some are even perfect replicas from leading fashion brands like H&M and Zara; almost the exact same quality for a mere fraction of the price. I can't get over how much I enjoy browsing through this store as I almost always end up going home with an interesting, updated and modern take on popular cuts of women's clothing-- and in really pretty colors and tasteful prints, too. Their selection of clothes is well curated. The fits are flattering and the fabrics are thick and nicely textured.

Don't have any problem with the store. I do love that they change up. The display is quite often…read more My teammate and I would walk over daily and I'm not sure how often they change over the displays, but I wouldn't notice these subtle changes. I love how they have very cool clean clear sections. I do think the outfits are put together by corporate so doesn't allow for a lot of creativity, but things are grouped together pretty closely where you can create nice fashionable looks.

When I first heard that H&M was opening in the Philippines, I was ecstatic. My first thought was…read morefinally! A lot more affordable and trendy options for clothing. No need to visit Hong Kong anymore to go shopping. I was so happy to see that this particular branch was huge! It can definitely take hours to roam around and fit clothes alone. And just as expected, price were affordable. My kuripot always allows me to buy an item or two to my delight. Service-wise, I think H&M is really one of the best. Whilw it can get a lot chaotic and messy at times, you'd have to understand that they have thousands of clothes going in and out of theire store, needing folding, hangering, steamed ,etc. better cut them some slack. Sales are always a delight especially when they come in my size.

Shopaholic's Place is situated in an unassuming corner in Farmer's Plaza and if youdon't slow your…read morewalking, you'll miss the branded clothes inside. It has its days let me say. Sometimes I feel that the shop keep is to blame because I keep seeing hideous dresses on display on the mannequins. But going inside, I tend to find pretty tops like sheer blouses and A-line dresses for a modest (mahal for me) price usually around Php250 to Php350. Their kids' clothes are a lot cheaper and cuter too. They have the cutest cotton dresses for less that Php 200, leggings for Php 100-150 and cotton shirts from Php100-150. I bought my daughter a pretty striped oranged Ralph Lauren (kuno) cotton tee here for Php120. I go home and my mother tells me how expensive it was. So I've been shopping wrong apparently... A star less for the limited choices and the kind of expensive prices.

Honestly, I come here every Christmas to shop for gifts. This is part of my effort to shop and…read moresupport local businesses. Also, Ducks Unlimited offers a kind of nostalgia as they used to have a store across my mom's store in Robinson's Galleria DECADES ago. The reasons I support them -- 1) you get quality stuff (made in the Philippines!) with good fabric and classic designs 2) the sales staff is always so nice 3) guaranteed recipient doesn't have a shirt from Ducks Unlimited 4) the pricing is affordable - their buy one take one deals are great when they have it The challenge with Ducks is that they aren't the most fashion forward and they don't replenish merchandise too often. This means that the stuff on sale this Christmas will still be around next Christmas. But this doesn't bother me, I like to spend time browsing (the staff is always so welcoming) and usually I walk out with at lest 5 shirts or shorts. Look past all the stuff your tito would wear and focus on their classic plain ones. They have simple prints, classic colors, loud colors, wild patterns. Your funny uncle who likes loud prints? They've got a shirt for that. Your conservative dad who only wears black? They've got a shirt for that. It's Chinese New Year or Valentine's and you need a red polo that looks like Lacoste but is better? They've got a shirt for that. You have to dance at your Christmas party and need a fun pattern? They've got a shirt for that. You are learning to play tennis or golf for the first time and want to look the part? They have a preppy shirt for that. You have a baby shower to attend and want to give something different? They have a shirt for that. I've done this. Their kids selection is SO cute. You just have to be creative and envision the shirts for the purpose you need. Guaranteed they have it. Their sizing is a little weird so you need to try it on. If it's a gift, for men, I find their sizing runs big. Fun Tip: Their men's boxer shorts come in a ton of patterns and are my favorite-go to sleep or lounge short. Vastly preferred over the uniqlo sleep shorts. So comfortable and I've washed it several times and no piling, fabric looks the same. I actually have to go back and get more. I also have several of their polos and have gifted their polos to my brother. We're quite happy with the quality, they've withstood machine and handwashings for YEARS. Support Local!

I am just completely in love with this place. Ever since Stradivarius opened up in Shangri-La, I've…read moregone here more times that I can count. I have been a fan of their clothes because of their chic, simple and classy styles. Plus, their prices are relatively lower than its contemporary stores and for a working girl like myself, I make sure I spend my money wisely. I've been a huge fan of Stradivarius' high-waisted denim jeans that I've actually bought myself a couple of pairs, just in case the other gets too worn out and they no longer carry this style. Hahaha. I'm a girl with slightly bigger hips and the fact that this style suits me so well and accentuates my curves the way I want to is just perfection. Apart from these, I've bought my trusty black pumps (which I've gotten quite a few praises because of its classy style), a few boho tops, a few accessories and a bag from Stradivarius. Told you I love this place! Hahaha. If you want clothes that are as hip and trendy as H&M, Zara and Topshop but are not too expensive, visit this shop! I promise it's going to be a challenge not to buy something!

If ukay ukay was classy, this is the place to go. The items here were pre picked by the owner thus…read moretheir quality and overly done pricing. I mean you're paying almost the same price as new stuff from a bazaar for used clothing. But if you really know your shiznit and your way around vrands, you'll appreciate this cozy little spot at the entrance of expo. They have an impressive shoe selection with original but second-hand brands like Tom's, Sperry's, Guess, just to name a few. But mahal! Like a pair could be anywhere in between Php500 to Php1k depending mostly on the brand. They also have used books but nothing worth paying Php100 for.