My Salad days

I  discovered Salad by accident during one of my trips to Hong Kong while walking on Granville Road. I saw the big shapes, artsy prints, interesting patterns, necklines and armholes. Having been a patternmaker at some point, it was love at first sight. Surely there’s a genius behind Salad, with the unusual bags and accessories and the most comfortable stretch jeans I’ve ever worn.

I had a chance to meet the chief designer of Salad in Singapore. Her name is Winnie Wong and she was wearing Prada. I took her picture and even rode in the van with her going to the airport.

Salad is one of my must-stops when visiting Hong Kong. And now Salad comes to TriNoma, sharing space inside the Tough Jeansmith store on the third level.

Turns out Salad is the sister company of Tough, the Hong Kong label that built its name on very detailed jeans and accessories. The selection is not as wide as the stock found in Hong Kong stores, but one is bound to find a gem or two (or three) tucked within the racks.

Artwork: Mainstream apparel

You can’t miss this one, with the name spelled out in bold white font and the mannequins with the papier-mâché heads right by the entrance. This has got to be one of the prettiest stores Manila has ever seen — this and Bleach Catastrophe, which are owned by the same people.

It has that cute ticket booth that serves as the cashier, walls painted like graffiti, canvas bags hanging on a man-made “tree,” and the softest silk-screened/appliquéd T-shirts you’ll ever find.

That is, if you can find your size. The sizes run small, so the store is perfect for teens and preteens with tiny waistlines. Also the prices are unreal — from P420 to P470 per T-shirt. I can’t wait to bring my teenage sister here. This is a must-see at TriNoma.

Kevin’s Toys and Library: A fun kiddie corner

Having my own kids has opened my eyes to the lack of kid-friendly activities and places to go in the city. That’s why I appreciate malls that have that special corner where kids can be left to play and jump around while the parents go shopping.

I have two little boys who are anti-shopping, unless it’s for toys or groceries. But of course we would like to take them with us. So we welcome places like Kevin’s Toys and Library.

We’ve been to kiddie corners in many malls, but I have to say Kevin’s is a cut above the rest with the computer corner where kids can play to their hearts’ content, big robots and stuffed animals, swim ball park, and play castle where they can slide, run up the stairs, and explore the “dungeon.”

When my kids saw the pictures, they immediately wanted to go there.

As with all play places in the malls, socks are required.

The fee is P150 per hour and P50 additional for every 30 minutes over.

Kevin’s is now open at the Kid Zone on the 3rd level of TriNoma.

Blue Star: Cool and casual basics

Consider it “Giordano for the masses.” Blue Star is a Hong Kong-based apparel group coming from the Giordano chain with prices 30-percent cheaper than the traditional Giordano line sold in stores.

This was meant to be a budget line, offering basic items in simple, classic cuts and very comfortable materials.

I like their piqué shirts for men, mostly in basic colors of grey, black and white with a simple embellishment of a silk-screened or metallic skull or initial.

For ladies, there are piqué polos with a slightly pleated yoke.

There are plain men’s ringer tees, comfy drawstring cargo pants, basic fleece hoodies for girls, and the occasional cropped trench jacket.

T-shirts are typically priced at P599 to P699, with special deals if you buy more than one.

If you appreciate basic necessities like me (not screaming of prints or branding), then have a look at Blue Star at TriNoma.