Mango

Over the years, I've noticed my changing affinity to brands is largely influenced by my ever progressing and changing body shape. The change is not on the up-side. However, I've learned to dress for my shape. 

Yes, I know that I should engage in a healthy activities that will help me control my weight. Whilst getting there, I have to face the realities of dressing for my body, now. 

Right now, the choices are fewer than I would have wanted . But you accept the cards you're dealt with. So, you're lucky when certain brands offer a better alternative. Take for example, Mango. The price (average  = P1,400) point is just right. The quality never fails to impress me. I have clothes that lasted me years. And the styles are up to my alley. I gravitate towards basic styles because I don't want to over-think on my clothes choices. 

If there's a wash and wear hair, to me, there's also a wash and wear type of dresses. Every morning in the shower, I already think about what I'd wear. Oftentimes, I get it right without a mirror to help me figure it out. 

This black shift dress would be a no brainer.

On those days that you feel like the fiery side of you must come out.

On off days, the casual basics come in handy. And for a tropical country where heat and humidity are part of everyday life, breathable cotton is the way to go. 

And for those dress up nights or days, this dress is perfect. Hello, summer!

I am constantly amazed at how life in the city is different from my barrio. Where I come from mango is a fruit -- we eat it either green or ripe. But in the big city, Mango is worn summer or rainy days. And yeah, they're both available season.

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Uniqlo

About two years ago, a brand came into my consciousness. Some random people had been telling me about their exciting purchases at a boutique called, Uniqlo. This is one of the things that make them ecstatic when going abroad. It's a Japanese clothing brand that sells casual wear such as basic tees, preppy shirts and pants, lounge and sleepwear at reasonable prices.

I've been to a few Asian countries myself but all those travels only had me lurking at big brands' windows and shops. I came close to getting in early this year when we went to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for a conference. But alas, the store was already closed when we got there. 

And so I just savored on the stories of my friends. In July though, its flagship store in the Philippines opened its doors at the Mall of Asia (MOA). We tried on the second day but the line snaked through the entire second floor of the mall! Crazy. 

The following day, we went back with a full stomach and a bag of patience. Luckily, the queue was shorter. Bouncers controlled the people inside. Just 5 at a time. 

When it was our time, I was amazed. Totally. The selections are endless. So many choices. Really cool stuff. Now, if I may say, I have a bit of a thing with Japanese brands. I fell in love first with Muji. 

Muji is quite expensive. But Uniqlo's price points are acceptable. We saw families with bags and bags of shirts, pants and accessories. That night I went home with only two items: 2 pieces of opaque leggings. The price was even lower than that of the local brands. 

Last Saturday, we made plans to visit it again hoping that the store won't be as filled to the brim. Wait, we were supposed to check out another international brand that just opened the day before. But we were disappointed with the merchandise on display. We headed to Uniqlo, instead.

I tried several pieces. I fell in love with the crispy cotton long-sleeved shirts. I didn't get to buy though. The sizes are way too small for my big arms and equally big tummy. Drat.

So, here's what I took home. By the way, the mall was on a mid-night sale that night. So, we shopped until our bellies were growling with hunger. 

Really cool laser cut seamless underwear and patterned tights.

Men's shirts that are dry. Bought them for myself for running.

The shop has the widest selection of socks, too. You'll go gaga on your first visit, if you haven't been into a Uniqlo store in the past. 

Have fun! Just like we did.

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