SM Southmall 3 Day Sale's 3 Way Save

Fashion Walk at The SM Store

SM South Mall turned into a frugalista shoppers' playground today. Check out my previous post about their 3 Day Sale, 3 Way Save to find out why. As expected, the mall was packed with smart shoppers and I joined the club early today, armed with my mini calculator and inside my head, fashion inspirations for summer.


The SM Store - Soiree

Almost everyone's goal at The SM Store was to purcahse Php 2,000 worth of items. Not a surprise when you can get Php 100 worth of savings coupon for reaching the threshold. SO, with my 2,000 budget - my focus was super sharp on my favorite SM Store Brands - Soiree, Betty, Red Head, and Chill. 


The SM Store - Betty

Sweet dresses are the top trend this summer. Actually, if you choose classic styles then you can wear them all year round. I have a soft spot for dresses as they are super versatile and create a flattering, soft look.



Printed pieces from some of these brands were up to 50% off! I couldn't believe my eyes as they are not even off-season. It must be every shopper's lucky 3 days!



To break the monotony of classic styles in my wardrobe, I purchased a Red Head printed short dress. Originally, it was around P799. Now it's just about P400 after the 50% discount. Mission accomplished!

At Chill, I purchased a classic golden mustard textured dress that look so simple and stunning. I've been looking around for this. The price was P1,199 and it came with a slim belt. But wait! There was a class discount of 10% so I only paid P1,000 :)



Now, all eyes on Betty please. I just love this brand so much even if I just discovered it a couple of months ago. If you peak into my closet I have at least 3 Betty dresses now. The style is classic, sweet, and simple. Don't be fooled with 'simple' though because I just love dazzling it up with statement necklaces from SM Accessories. (I'll blog about this more later. Hint: their summer collection just launched!)

I seldom have a pink dress so I took the 3 day sale opportunity to grab one. Betty's prices are always affordable so I didn't mind that they were not slashed at all. P599.75 for my little pink dress, sweet!

Grand total of my dress shopping spree was P2,709 and this earned me my P100 savings coupon! It was very easy to claim near cashier 15 where I also claimed my raffle stubs. This was a first for me, I never experienced cash backs in my entire shopping life. I used the P100 savings coupon right away to buy discounted diapers for my son. Good mommy!



Of course, you have to be prepared when you come to the 3 day sale. So heads up to all of you going to the last day tomorrow - choose items you want to fit first, grab possible sizes, and fall in line at the fitting room.

There are several fitting rooms but with discounts this big, expect to fall in line. Wear flats and clothes that you can easily remove for effective fitting. If you have a Prestige or silver/platinum BDO rewards card - you get the privilege of not lining up.


All the wait was worth it for me with all the savings I made, not to mention my fantastic fashion picks :) So off I joined my partner and son to dine at The Black Canyon Coffee, located at SM South Mall's food street.


SM South Mall Food Street - Black Canyon Coffee's winning Pad Thai
See, we saved a lot so we could happily splurge and eat our favorite Asian fare.


Black Canyon Coffee's deliciously Japanese Katsu

Toy Kingdom was also on sale so we got Ashton a flashy Hotwheels ATV, complete with Disney Cars safety gear.



This day was such a winner, thanks for the extraordinary experience SM and I heard this won't be the last certainly. Now I'm on the lookout for the next SM Supermall to hold their 3 day sale, 3 wave save!

The Off Price Show now in Manila - Shop famous brands at discounts

While driving through EDSA, I thought I was dreaming when I saw a bus advertisement about The Off Price Show. I knew it was a regular event in the UK but in the Philippines? Wake up to a 3 day shopping bliss starting from 28-30 September!




I'm so excited to attend this shopping event franchise for the very first time. This is happening at my oddest shopping mecca, The World Trade Center. Would you believe I do most of my bulk shopping there every Christmas season?

Paying full price is a swear word in my thrifty dictionary. For sure smart shoppers will be there early so I'm planning my trip and start at exactly 10AM. This might be a good chance for me to own my first pair of Melissa shoes.

And how many of us daydream about IKEA furniture? I am not brand conscious but the ergonomics and space saving features of this brand is just awesome. IKEA is not all about furniture, they have baby and toddler stuff too. Plus points for my toddler Ashton!

According to my sources, this won't be a mediocre show. All retailers will be selling stock at 50-80% off. I hope this is true because I've got a lot on my shopping list:

- Clothes for Ashton
- Plain cotton shirts & shorts for me (just can't have enough)
- A flat pair of shoes
- Comfy shift dresses
- Polo shirts for my husband
- Quirky stuff from Ikea

Aside from shopping, visitors can also enjoy the food center, and a styling and fashion show.

Here's a tip: Make the most out of your shopping day by wearing flats, bring lots of eco bags, and don't forget that The World Trade Center has a nice restaurant on the second floor where you can dine in peace if you wish. It's also my secret pit stop when my legs are dead tired from all the walking.

Are you excited yet? I am! See you all at The Off Price Show :)

Shopping day at SM Manila's 3 Day Sale

Oh Manila, my SM Manila! Last Friday, my husband and I happened to be in the veins of Manila and decided to try our luck at SM Manila's 3 Day Sale. We've been watching too much TLC shows like Extreme Couponing that we are now self-pledged bargain hunters.

And Manila is the home of flea markets that it's not hard to imagine how the bargain culture can transverse into a shopping mall like SM. Especially when the sign is as big as this:



We were greeted by a flock of shopaholics, window shoppers, and the loud fiesta-like boom box SM has setup near their entrance.




It was the 31st of August, a day before the first day of the first 'ber' months. We heard our first 2012 Christmas song inside the Department Store.

Onto the Department Store where famous fashion bloggers have collaborated with SM to bring new collections like this to life. Fashion fit for it girls, we're so lucky this A-level fashion is accessible in a jiff.




I liked this Betty cardigan which was also on sale. 50% off from P649. What do you think? Excuse my hair, I rode the jeepney to SM :D



Almost all the shops were participating, including Solo. I read they released Pupung Comics shirts and just had to go in. I wish I were early because choices were already limited when I arrived.



They have loose shirts like this on sale though. From P645 to just P349. Plains and soft cotton blouses are great for anything.



You can wear them as they are or add accessories if you need to go somewhere important. I wear my plains with just shorts because I'm now fashion lazy like that.


I didn't forget to shop for the little boy. At SM Department Store, I look out for Disney apparel for my 2 year old. Lo and behold, I found rows and racks of discounted kiddie wear.



Lightning McQueen shirt for just P250 from P500 at 50% off.






And more shopping for the big boy (my husband). These polo shirts now retail from P300-P250. Perfect for his daily activities and I love how flexible collared polo shirts are.



It's not hard to imagine why we spent so much time in the Department Store. I found Maybelline was also having 20% off discounts. Just had to try new eyeliners :)





To cap off a successful shopping day, we tried a new and exciting joint in SM Manila called Kung Fu Kitchen. This restaurant deserves a blog post of its own.

Here we are finding comfort in Asian cuisine.



We loved the 3 Day Sale at SM City Manila and can't wait for our next SM adventure!

SM Department Store Holiday Fashion

How many parties are you attending this season? One, two, perhaps your fingers are not enough to count. Holiday means reuniting with family and friends, frenemies included ;) So I am sure the big question is, what are you going to wear?



If you're smart you know you don't have to cut an arm and a leg to afford updated and chic cocktail dresses. And that's why I am sharing with you these ultra-chic pieces from (drumroll please) SM Department Store! Take note, most cost between Php 300-Php 1,000.



Gorgeous artistic prints will make you stand out instantly

And classic plain pieces is the perfect attire to wow. Match it with your favorite jewelry.

Below is perfect if you have "belofied" arms, I don't *yet*

I like this too, comfy and carefree look with the right pop of color

Which of the items above do you fancy? There's more inside the SM Department Store - I'd recommend the one in Southmall because it's newly refurbished. Last time I went, every ultra fasyon pieces were available :)

Shopping shopping shopping!

Saizen: Daiso in Manila

I had my share of dreaming about a trip to Japan and exploring concept stores like Daiso. Well, we can all stop dreaming because the very first authentic Daiso store has opened in Manila under the name - Saizen.

Saizen has opened several stores but their latest branch at Robinson's Place Ermita is the closest to the Daiso stores in Japan. If you step inside Saizen, it's the same as stepping in a real Daiso store. From the look, the shelves, and the items - everything is crazy Japanese.


Go loco over Japanese cosmetics. Rows and rows of affordable makeup to try.

Unlike other price point shops, the items in Saizen are always worth your 85 bucks. Beauty addicts can feast on Japanese cosmetics like pearl powders, compacts, eye shadows and wait for this - nose shadow!



Then there are the Saizen favorites, surely you've heard about their charcoal natural pack that lifts black heads and other impurities.



And when it comes to healthy snacking, trust the Japanese on that. Green tea, dried seaweeds - take your pick. No wonder local celebs love snacking on these :)



The store is huge but the thick excited crowd who want to shop Japanese during the store's opening was overwhelming. The counter was brimming with shoppers, carts in tow.

Aside from beauty and food products, there are kitchen wares, toys, cute stationery, and even gardening products.

Saizen Shopping Tips:

I suggest going by yourself so you can concentrate on each and every item.

Take time to read the labels, this way you'll find out how to use the products and discover surprising gems!

Use their mini Japanese shopping carts to free your hands and browse more conveniently.



Plan your visit and list down items you need, take note of your interior design themes - Saizen gives you interesting Japanese designs that can add pops of colors and fun to your space.

Visit Saizen at Level 1, Padre Faura Wing, Robinson's Place Manila.

Green Products at #Blogapalooza

More than 50 presenters were in attendance at the recent Blogapalooza but what got my attention are these brands who've injected green in their operations. I am a fan of free trade goods but always seek to patronize local brands made within the country. These products do not travel miles to get here, that means less carbon footprints while providing jobs for the Filipinos.



1. Human heart Nature - their products are 100% Pro-Philippines, Pro-Poor, and Pro-Environment. All their raw materials are thoroughly researched to ensure that they are naturally derived, are not processed using environmentally toxic processes and do not become toxic when released into the environment. They also use recyclable bottles in their packaging to minimize our contribution to the country’s overburdened landfills. Natural is good for you, so I am thrilled to have these Human heart Nature lip balm and sanitary spray. As always, only buy what you need.



2. Tree Hugger - Can you remember how many pens you've lost? The barrels made of plastic end up feeding the landfill and no matter how cheap these ballpens cost, the expense it tolls the environment is huge. Enter Tree Hugger pens - quality pens and highlighters out of recycled cartons and biodegradable plastic, and pencils made out of old newspapers. They are a growing trend and are available at National Bookstore.

They also partnered with the HARIBON FOUNDATION so that every pen and pencil you buy not only decreases plastic wastes and saves trees through the use of recycled paper and of biodegradable materials; you also contribute to the reforestation of our country through the GIVE A GIFT TREE DRIVE.



3. Healthy First - is a refreshments and foods manufacturer that use carrots and other local crops for their products. I personally tasted the carrot juice in four seasons flavor and it was delish! They come in plastic bottles though but are a healthier alternative to just drinking water. We need the betacarotene to ward off toxic. My husband also received a carrot loaf from Healthy First and I cannot wait to try it. Using available vegetables and incorporating them into pastries is my way to reduce food waste. I've baked dozens of banana bread and loaves to save bananas from spoilage and become healthier.



4. Oryspa - is a spa products supplier, their products are made from rice bran oil - so there's natural for you. Our swag included Oryspa natural baby powder and a balm with a minty eucalyptus scent. It's also 100% Filipino under Kutitap Aromatherapy Crafts, a reputable manufacturer of candles and a training institution of home-based alternative crafting.



5. Easy Phamax Wheat Grass - literally green, I am a wheat grass afficionado and there's no other way for me but to buy the Honey Wheat Grass powder from Easy Phamax. It makes me feel good instantly, especially after gorging up empty calories. To save the earth from sachets, buy them by the bulk. I buy a tub of Honey Wheat Grass (made of carton and tin) and send the empty tubs to the recycler.

Why don't you give these green products a try the next time you run out of beauty products, pens, and healthy drinks? :) You can also check out websites like Ethical Ocean for educating blogs about being green.

Shopping: Forever 21 SM Makati goes on Sale

The best time to get a new wardrobe is during a SALE.

One of the best places to get them is Forever 21.



Aug 19 10AM-12nn:
10% off on regular priced items when you use your SM Advantage Card/BDO Rewards/SM Prestige Card

20% off on regular priced items when you use both your F21 Mastercard and SM Advantage Card/BDO Rewards/SM Prestige Card, with min purchase of P5K net of discounts

Aug 19-21: 10% off on regular priced items when you use your F21 Mastercard, with min purchase of P5K net of discounts

Aug 19-21: 5% rebate when you use any BDO credit card, with min purchase of P5K net of discounts

Forever 21 Mastercard holders can get in as early as 8:30am. Just present 1 valid I.D. to enter. One entry per card.

SM Accessories| City Safari by WWW

When it's raining, we wish it's summer. We wish we are not stuck indoors and can brave the city jungle. So what would you wear? Take a cue from the latest collections available from SM Accessories. Rawr.

I've taken the liberty to mark all the items I LIKE from their poster.



I just realized how cool it is to be able to pick out items from a poster, that should save us time browsing at SM. Worry not because 99% of the time, all items in their ads are really available on the racks. Take it from me, your Department Store insider ;)

Animal print headband - is a Hollywood staple. Here's how Ms. Hilton works it:



And it reminds me of you guessed it, Rachel Zoe.



It really brings attention to the face, so before putting it on make sure you have the right hair and makeup. Tie your hair back for a slimming effect unless you have really good hair like Paris. Prints are explosive and does not go well with Einstein hair. Keep it sleek and clean.


Lace's Bib Necklace from SM Accessories, WWW PHP 299

Bib Necklaces - I hereby declare them as classic pieces because they were once a trend and has managed to stay on. In my wardrobe at least. I've written many many times how a P199 bib necklace (most of my collection came from SM) can make old ensembles shout fasyon! in an instant.

In fact, I love how my necklace (photo shown above) I bought from SM Accessories enliven an old outfit last week.

Cocktail Rings - are great for casual wear, I feel like royalty when I am wearing one. Save for it's quiet hard to work and write with them. Definitely for fun and non-working days.



Now here's your assignment, which do you like from this other poster from SM Accessories' Q3 collection?

They also have an ongoing promotion because hey, it's Women's Month! :) Get a free shower caddy for every P 1,000 purchase at SM Accessories.



Only from August 1 to 31, 2011. Happy shopping readers! :)

Shopping: SM Accessories RED SALE

Have you experienced any of SM's RED SALES? If not then here's your chance to join the shopping mayhem.

The SM Accessories RED SALE is happening today at the upper ground floor of SM Manila until June 26. Fashionable items for men and ladies are up to 50% off and as low as P50. If you're looking for accessories that fit your style and budget, then don't miss out on SM Accessories' RED SALE!

I have an exclusive peak of items to look out for:



Bangles and cutesy headbands for you and your little sisters :)



Purses and scarves



And don't forget statement pieces that are budget friendly.

A word of advice, browse the latest copy of your favorite fashion mag to find out what are the latest trends in accessories and how to wear them. Choose accessories that have the most drama or, the most versatile pieces if you are on a budget.




Enjoy shopping and don't forget your green bags :)