Metro Gaisano Finds

A few weeks ago, I finally had the chance to check out the newest department store in the South (or my probinsya as my friends living in Mordor North like to call it), Metro Gaisano. I was so happy when it opened because it's near home and it's a good source of very cheap finds if you just take the time to rummage around.

Metro Gaisano in Alabang Town Center is quite small and a bit bare in terms of stock on display compared to the bigger department stores in the area, but they do have a few specialty concessionaires and departments that I appreciated.  There's Carolina's, for one, which my sister was quite happy about. They have the usual ribbons, buttons, and sewing essentials and novelties, but they also have a sizeable inventory of fabric. They also have Diva Accessories, a bit redundant since there's already a Diva shop inside the mall. My favorite is the accessories department featuring Cebu designers and brands. I spotted Avatar and Mia Arcenas plus a couple of other designers on display.

The fashion department is quite small and needs beefing up, but I still managed to find a really great pair of black jeggings. I would never have tried it on if it wasn't for the recommendation of their saleslady. I'm glad I did. The fit is perfect!!! Plus the fabric is a bit thick, eliminating the unwanted bulges and lumps that often pop up when you slip into something so tight-fitting. 

Great fitting jeggings for P649.75 only! My friend said her cousin found a similar pair in the plus size section at an even lower price (around P400++). 

Other colors in stock. I'd probably give the white a try if I didn't already have a skinny white pair in my closet. 

I showed it to my friend M, who gave birth a few months ago and confided that her problem area is her butt and tummy area. She tried on the jeggings and she loved it as well! Nakakapayat talaga siya! So I'm happy to say it works on different body types. 

These jeggings hugged my friend's curves nicely. 

My other "winner" buy are these thick canvas placemats in classic patterns. Our old Divisoria-bought wooden stick placemats were already falling apart, and I have been on the lookout for nice ones, so I I'm quite happy I found these. I spotted a few packs bearing Ikea and Williams-Sonoma tags, so at P249.75 for a pack of four, they're really quite a steal. 

Throw pillows are surprisingly pricey but Gaisano has a few designs that are quite affordable. In fact, they had a bunch of one-off throw pillow covers at only P99 each! They had some pretty cute prints on the shelf too (think shabby chic florals, 70s graphics, and polka dots). Creative do-it-yourselfers would enjoy mixing and matching these. 

I loved these ikat printed throw covers at about P349++ each.

The furniture selection is limited but impressive from what I've seen. I read that they also have Cebu furniture makers on the floor so that explains why. The home decors are nice as well—I spotted cute ceramic owls and nice vases on display. 

So yay for Gaisano! Can't wait till they add more merchandise to the store. 

And if you're a Gaisano fan as well, I'd love to know more about your buys. Share them please!

Mia Arcenas Now Available in Zalora

I first met Mia Arcenas at a Hong Kong jewelry show last year where their company booth, Ferimar (of which she is creative director), caught my eye with their sophisticated take on indigenous Pinoy accessories. I saw chunky resin link bracelets that were probably designed for Marc Jacobs, woven clutches made sleek with metallic finishes and graphic mother-of-pearl and resin accents, and a whole slew of covetable accessories that I wanted to buy right off their shelves. It comes as no surprise that the products that caught my eye from the barrage of Zalora ads popping up on my screen every time I open my internet are fresh deliveries from Mia's namesake line. The statuesque Cebuana (she is a Bb. Pilipinas 2012 candidate) has designed pieces that are bold and striking, bound to be commented upon admiringly by your friends and family.

Here are a few of my favorite things from Mia Arcenas:

I want to buy this Silk Fringe necklace (P1500), but I don't know what color to get! Should I get this royal purple number, which would look great against whites and neutrals...

...or do I choose this divine white version? Kaya lang, I'm afraid it won't really stand out against my skin tone and the clothes I normally wear. I'm thinking it would only look really fab on black. What do you think???

I'm also loving Mia's take on the tusk pendant. Hers is suspended from twisted gold wires.  Wire tusk necklace, P2500.

I seriously need a classic black clutch, and this Shell Minaudiere (P6,500) has been tempting me. 

It's sleek and simple, the way a classic black clutch should be!

I know the items are pricier than the average accessory, but I don't mind shelling out a few hundred pesos more for an item that's Filipino designed and made. Given Mia's background, I'm pretty sure these items are export-quality as well. And, they won't be sold in every tiangge and boutique in the metro.

If you do decide to buy, you can get a 5% on Zalora purchases when you use my coupon code KatrinaDy12q (don't forget the caps!).

So wait, should I buy the white or purple fringe necklace? I need your opinions! :)