Autumn in Seoul: Opa Gangnam Style

The Gangnam-gu (Gangnam District) in Seoul is undoubtedly the trendiest and the undisputed home of all brands expensive. Bespoke.

If you're looking for high-end shopping, this is the place to be. 

This is a district where people shop, leisurely. On the other side of the city, tourists go there to shop but the queue at Prada and Louis Vuitton are long and can be crazy. But here even time is a luxury they all can afford. 

Xx

Sheng

The Landmark

The Landmark to me has always been just a link from Greenbelt to Glorietta. I've passed many times. I've checked out its wares but only on the floor where I can easily exit to my intended destination.

I must confess, I don't like to shop at The Landmark. Yes, the price point is easy on the budget. But service-wise, it's so backward. It's as slow as the pace of a snail on a bad day. So, I made a decision not to put my temper to the test. 

But last night, I had an epiphany. What if the upper floors hold some treasures that I would have not thought possible to be just waiting to be discovered? Off I went up to the fourth level where the home and children's department are located. Lately, I've been obsessed with plants, planters, pots, tea pots, pretty jars and cake stands.  

The recent renovation made the place look bright, modern and spacious. 

Glass Jars galore! All sizes.

Obviously, the counter sign isn't part of its renovation efforts :-)

Ok, these are plastic plants but you get the picture.

Rows and rows of synthetic plants arranged in attractive jars/pots. A wide selection of empty pots can be found in one section. The quality of the pots is surprisingly excellent -- nice quality glazed pots in varying colors, no uneven surface and chipped parts. 

Although personally, am more interested with real, live plants -- to some whom synthetic plants seem more practical in terms of care and attention, then this is definitely, a haven.

Am going to go back tomorrow to linger at each interesting piece on display at a price that will not burn a hole in the pocket. See it for yourself, too.

The Landmark

Ayala Center

Makati Avenue, Makati City

XX

Sheng

Retail Therapy with Cath Kidston

Cath Kidston is heart. It's everything dainty and bespoke at the same time. If London (and Sterling Pounds) aren't such heavies (on the pocket), I'd go grab some of these. 

Love this overnight bag.

And this is just perfect for summer.

Or this for the coming rainy season. 

If you're pining for those childhood memories, these may come in handy.

 
 While at it, why don't you add these?

 
This is what down time does to me. I do internet window shopping. Online retail therapy at your finger tips. Now, if only I can have the lunch box set?

XX

Sheng

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.

If you're on twitter, follow me at shiela_culpa and if you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment. And hit share. Would love to hear from you. And oh, follow my mood board too, at Pinterest/shiela_culpa

XX