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Grand Thrift House

Cubao eXpo: The Next Evolution Series

The Grand Thrift House is the home of vintage items, nostalgia and kitsch in Manila. They have several old copies of Wakasan (the dramatic comic magazine made by Carlo J. Caparas) and other discontinued Filipino comic magazines. It is a very interesting shop -- you need to have an eye for what is valuable to cut through the clutter.

Heimish Chic

Cubao eXpo: The Next Evolution Series

Heima is one of the indie stores that recently opened in Cubao eXpo. It provides homey, classy, contemporary designs described as "heimish". The store name is said to be Icelandic for "at home". It showcases weird and bold color combinations that work, and different shapes and patterns that provide a warm ambiance. Perhaps the most coveted items in Heima are the call-out shelves on the second floor (the My Apartment showroom).

A Peak into Irene's Closet

To be fair to Irene, she told me that most of the items/ accessories in her closet was on display in a Tiangge so the place actually is empty except for the vintage clothes. So, this post, will just really be a teaser or just a peak into another one of unique shopping place in the tradition of I Love You store and Marni's room. Although, since I we have not seen the accessories, I would defer including this in the Unique Store series.

Irene's Closet is a tucked away closet -- a store within a home setting wherein you can find the latest hip lines -- from one of a kind Vintage Fashion, Mixed Media Accessories and other unique finds. Each piece is meticulously designed to make it savvy and one of a kind art piece. Just a tip, go here for the Mixed Media Accessories and not for the vintage clothes. Here is a peak inside the room of Irene's Closet.

[Unique.Stores.6] The Color Theory on Proudly Philippine Made Products

Here is another interesting store which features all Philippine Made, specially designed and locally manufactured home decoratives, aromatherapy, bath & beauty products, gift novelties, and fashion accessories. COLOR THEORY subsists on the endeavor to provide consumers affordable yet valuable commodities, support local industries and pioneer in commerce. The store is nice and this is one of those that you go to if you don't the hassle of Tiangge's and Mall traffic this holiday season. This is a good place to buy gifts that is proudly Filipino made (although one could argue that you can also get them from Tiangge or Tiendesitas). I got this also from the Shopkeeper article.

My wife was not so happy about this place because I told her there would be dresses here and she was disappointed to see that there was none. Also, they don't give you price incentive to buy it here versus their outlets in the malls or other establishments. Anyway, I'll give you a virtual tour of this place and decide for your self if you want to check it out.

[Unique.Stores.5] Exciting Vintage Shopping @ Marni's Room

Maarni's Room - 11, originally uploaded by antondiaz.

This vintage shopping trend was started by the I love You Store and I'm now sharing another secret Vintage shopping place called Marni's Room. This is the fifth in the series of unique stores in Manila, and we loved this store even though most of the stuff are pre-owned, some are on consignment basis. The fashion dresses are carefully selected by designer Louis Caparol and his business partner Bobby Carlos ( thanks to Jenni Epperson's Shopper Keeper article for the lead on this) . Louis is very hospitable and you can really take time selecting the dresses, and to top it off he serves drinks sometimes beer if you go late at night or "early" in the morning. This redefines the concept of a shopping gimmick. So where is this place? Who is Marni?

[Unique.Stores.4] Souk Gallery Surprise

Unique Stores, originally uploaded by antondiaz.

I will not attempt to describe what is in store for you in Souk Gallery. Much has been written about this off mall store, and its unique fashion finds are enough reason to visit their two stores. One in Ortigas (covered in this post) and the other one in Estrella in Rockwell.

Lets just say that my wife loves the trendy outfits and I'm glad she think twice about buying it -- Aidan's clothes vs. a trendy christmas dress ? :) You pay the price for getting unique fashion but this is one store that you should check out this Christmas season. Let the photos do the talking, here's a virtual tour of the Souk Gallery.

[Unique Stores.2] We heart I Love You Store!

I Love You Store - 1, originally uploaded by antondiaz.

This quaint basement store along Makati Avenue is a hidden gem in Makati. Carlos had a short but interesting post on the I Love You store and we pass by at 2pm on a Saturday afternoon. They are selling very unique and beautiful clothes that my wife did not hesitate to try on. What surprises me is that they sell vintage stuff, including lomo cameras. We also had a chance to meet Sharon who is one of the wundergirls and she played with Aidan using a mechanical jumping frog (how cool). Highly recommended shop as long as you have cash or check to pay for the unique finds.

[Unique Stores.1] What's in Store for All Seasons?

Store for All Seasons - 6, originally uploaded by antondiaz.

In the spirit of the holiday season, I'll be running a series of unique stores in the metro manila area. You could say that this is one way for me to enjoy shopping around and for my wife to be happy as well :) Although, I particularly don't like shops inside the mall, but who knows there might be that one store found in the recesses in the mall that I might include in this series. First stop, I've been fascinated with the concept of the store for all seasons (SFAS) and we've checked it out if it really delivers on its young vibe and artsy ambiance.