ShopCrazy

The Souk Gallery of Richie Ortega that used to be at the Crescent Building along San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas, will be re-opening at The Ramp in Shangri-La Mall in two weeks’ time. “The area was getting so congested,” says Richie. “It was getting harder for clients to get to Souk unlike before, when there was less traffic on San Miguel Avenue. Of course we wanted to be more accessible, so we’re trying Shangri-La out. Plus, we got an offer we just couldn’t refuse!”

Richie is bringing more labels into the new Souk, such as punk rock brand Soda from Thailand, reworked vintage fashion from Marni’s Room, and Alexis Bittar jewelry from New York. Designer Alexis Bittar has worked with Patricia Fields to create jewelry for Sex and the City. He counts Madonna, Cameron Diaz, Naomi Watts, Mischa Barton, and Eva Longoria among his celebrity clients. Click on the jump to see samples of his work featured in Elle, Vogue, Lucky, and InStyle. (more…)

Back in grade six, our math teacher Mrs. H. put the fear of diabetes in our hearts forever. Everyday, she started the class by talking about all the food she wasn’t allowed to eat. No chocolates, no cakes, no softdrinks, no chips, no fries. Et cetera, et cetera. It seemed like everything was off-limits except icky vegetables like patola. Well, Mrs. H., if you’re reading this, the restaurant of your dreams just opened in Podium. Run, good woman, run!

Sugarnot is the brainchild of Angeli Beltran-Lambsdorff’s diabetic dad, Eli Beltran. He was diagnosed as a diabetic two years ago, but refused to be deprived from eating the food he loved. In November 2005, the Beltrans opened the first branch of Sugarnot along South Superhighway in Makati. Diabetics and South Beach dieters of the south quickly became regulars. Last week, Sugarnot formally opened its northern outpost in The Podium shopping mall. (more…)

A new lifestyle store called Tepiña will be opening in September, but shop owner Rambie Lim gave us an early look at her products.

Piña has traditionally been used for formal wear like barongs and wedding gowns. But Rambie has introduced the precious fabric to everyday wear, with impressive results. A bag made of abaca and Philippine silk with a rattan frame can add punch to any work outfit. Hand-painted halters and wraparound skirts made of Tepiña (a branded piña silk from Palawan) and princessa silk are great for the beach and weekends around the city. We especially enjoy wearing Philippine-made clothes and accessories while traveling abroad, because foreigners are always wowed by them, and we feel like we’ve done a teeny bit to promote Philippine exports. How lovely that we can now wear piña to business meetings and after-work jaunts without looking like we got hijacked from a wedding! (more…)

MANGO Spring/Summer End of Season Sale starts June 21, 2006. Until supplies last. All branches.

POWER PLANT MALL All Brands Big Sale, up to 70% off selected items. June 30-July 2, 2006.

T Shoes and Bags Sale, up to 50% off selected items. Shoes at P499, P799. June 15-30, 2006. All branches.

GAS 40% off selected items, June 12, 2006 until supplies last. Greenbelt, Podium.

DIESEL Sale, up to 70% off selected past-season items. June 12-July 15, 2006. All branches.

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