Lucky colors for the Year of the Earth Ox

Wouldn’t life be so drab without color? Of course, there are colors that simply make you look good and feel good, and then there are the lucky colors that attract good fortune in the Year of the Earth Ox.

At the annual forecast of Joseph Chau at the Mandarin Oriental, Manila, the noted geomancer named the following as the lucky colors in the Year of the Ox: green, beige, yellow, brown, light blue, sky blue, silver, and black. But if you’re curious (yellow) about what the world’s color experts say, here goes: Bright, vivid yellow is the top color for 2009. With the global economic recession giving us the blues, yellow screams optimism and hope.

The experts also say that purple will continue to reign in various reincarnations — as greyed-out violet and redder purple, for instance.

Don’t be blue, but think blue — as in clear, blue skies. Yes, blue is the new eco-friendly green.

Given the uncertain times, if you want to play safe, go for brown and grey. They’re old reliables you wouldn’t want to discard like a good old friend.

All these colors — and more — you’ll find in the many assorted name brands at SM Manila, located in the heart — or is it the belly? — of the pulsating city. Added good news is that a lot of the stores are offering discounts of up to 50 percent to welcome the Year of the Ox! Shouldn’t you feel so lucky?

Have a colorful 2009!

American Boulevard: Hats Off To 2009!

What’s hot at American Boulevard at SM Manila? The hats or caps, of course! They’re cap collectors’ snazzy finds. No need to pass the hat as these avid collectors are willing to shell out a nifty sum for these chic beauties, that luckily sell for only P499 to P699.

Hats off, too, to the store’s wide assortment of products that include shirts for him and her, jackets, recyclable totes (now, how very toteful of them), dresses, accessories, ID and cell phone holders.

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The American Boulevard is at the third floor of SM Manila with telephone number 521-3268.

Arrow: A Sure Hit

Arrow, a US brand, is on target. When it comes to men’s polo shirts, Arrow is a certified hit. The short-sleeved polos are from P1,499.75 to P1,699.75. The best-selling colors, according to officer-in-charge Sheryl Beato, are purple — yes, these days, a lot of men no longer cower like shrinking violets at the sight of purple. Fact is, they wear it like a badge of honor. Green and pastel hues are hot, too.

But of course, Arrow also has something for women, like those chic jackets, now offered at 20-percent off up to Jan. 31.

It’s bull’s-eye for Arrow!

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Arrow is at the second floor of SM Manila with telephone number 525-2357.

Esprit: The Youthful Spirit Of The Times

For the free spirits, there’s always Esprit — easy and free. This youthful global brand speaks of the spirit and look of the times, which make us forget the gloomy economic outlook.

Just one look at the window display of Esprit in SM Manila and your heart goes pitter-patter. The new arrivals are bound to make everyone’s spirits soar.

There are tops and bags in the auspicious maroon color.

Get ready for red in 2009!

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Esprit is at the upper ground floor of SM Manila with telephone number 400-4705.

G-2000: The Buzzword In 2009

Gee! It’s G-2000! You don’t have to go to Hong Kong to snap up the latest in fall fashion — or prom fashion: There are trench coats at P3,150 and jackets at P2,700 for men and women. There’s a set of slim-fit pants and blazer that’s guaranteed to make a dramatic entrance at the JS prom.

Gee! That’s fabulous news!

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G-2000 is at the second floor of SM Manila with telephone number 400-5596.

Gingersnaps: A Pregnant Pause For Fashion

Expectant mommies can expect only the most stylish fashion for pregnant women at Gingersnaps. Yes, you can be preggy and still look very pretty, what with the lovely tops (from small to XXL) and pants (garterized to fit the belly, whatever stage it is in) at Gingersnaps. The tops come in the popular colors of lavender, peach, brown, yellow, green, blue/grey.

There’s infant wear, too, for boys and girls — much like Mommy’s “mini me” version.

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Gingersnaps is at the second floor of SM Manila with telephone number 522-8098.

Genevieve Gozum: Toothsome Fashion

When it comes to fashion trends, Genevieve Gozum always puts its best foot forward — make that best boots forward! Not falling behind in terms of fall/winter fashion, it’s got boots that are a steal at only P1,999, P1,699, and P1,399.

To complete your winter getup, don’t forget to pack a leg warmer, only P199, if your feet are taking you somewhere shivering cold. To further ward off the cold, get a scarf at only P450. There are bangles at P100 for two and shades for only P299.

Surely, fashion has never been this toothsome!

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Genevieve Gozum is at the third floor of SM Manila with telephone number 400-5638.

Lucky gems

Ding Velayo, Inc.: Shine On

Ding Velayo is the real deal in gold, diamond, pearl, and colored stones. It’s been around for generations without ever losing its luster. 

To die for is the aquamarine set of ring, earrings, and pendant, at P120,000 — or P72,000 after the 40-percent discount. There are his and hers garnet rings, among a fine selection of the latest in jewelry.

Velayo does cleaning, gold plating, soldering, resizing, restringing, installation of stone, and resetting. It also accepts made-to-order jewelry.

It’s truly a gem of a store!

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Ding Velayo is at the third floor of SM Manila with telephone number 400-5423.

New Looks For The New Year

In with the new and out with the old. That’s an age-old wisdom that we grew up with. And that doesn’t just mean material things. What matters is not just how we look on the outside but how we feel on the inside, too.

SM Manila takes care of both. Especially during these stressful times, we could use some de-stressing or even pampering.

Surely, the stress is on de-stressing.

Buff Spa: For People Who Knead People

The Buff Spa is for spa-cial people — for people who knead people. It’s got a whole range of packages for a new buffed and detoxified you. To pamper you literally from head to toe.

Its paraffin retreat is touted to stimulate blood circulation, to soothe, and to relax.

Go ahead, relax and smell the flowers!

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Buff Spa is at the fifth floor of SM Manila with telephone number 404-1834.

GNC: To Diet For

Wanna know how Kris Aquino got rid of her unwanted mommy fat after she gave birth to her and James Yap’s baby?

It’s no secret that Kris subscribes to a GNC diet that includes CoQ-10, ginkgo biloba, vitamin C, and cranberry, among other supplements available at GNC. All that costs only P5,000 plus after the 30-percent discount.

For males who like to look as buffed as Richard Gomez, try Goma’s Mega Men, antioxidants for active men. These supplements also support vitality and sexual function. Not convinced? Ask Lucy Torres-Gomez.

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GNC is at the upper ground floor of SM Manila with telephone number 524-6072.

Healthy Options: Living The Healthy Lifestyle

After all that guiltless holiday binging, it’s time to repent.

Healthy Options promises to zap that fat with its Green Tea fat burner, which doubles as a supplement because it’s got antioxidants. It speeds up metabolism so with continued use, you can lose weight in three months.

There’s a wide variety of supplements available at Health Options.

Name it, they probably herb it!

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Healthy Options is at the second floor of SM Manila with telephone numbers 400-5636 and 40.

Nature’s Way Aromatherapy Salon: This Way To A New You

Need a massage? Follow the beaten path to Nature’s Way Aromatherapy Salon. There, you surrender yourself to the trained therapists and just let the frenetic world go by as you get the pampering you deserve.

You may opt for the body scrub with runny honey steam (P750) or the choco mud body wrap that promises to delay the aging process (P950).

Chocolate never tasted this good!

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Nature’s Way Aromatherapy Salon is at the fifth floor of SM Manila with telephone number 536-9468.