Body buffer

Buying the right gift for the right person can be quite an intimidating task.  It is often the case that the receiver has absolutely no use for the gift so the present either gets shelved or recycled — I’m definitely guilty of this. 

I delight in giving gifts that will end up being put to good use and not just earn packrat space in the attic.  In this endeavor, I like to look towards stores or brands that carry items that rate high on style and use.

Power Mac/The Apple Center

Power Mac and its chain of Apple center stores have been around since the early ’90s.  They carry the largest selection of Apple products in the metropolis. Being quite the Mac addict, the Apple Center in Greenbelt 3 never fails to make my mouth water. The flagship store boasts the most comprehensive lineup of Apple products, peripherals and accessories. It also houses a dedicated tech support counter, a training center and a service center within the same store.

Aside from carrying spanking new line of iPods, Macbooks and iMacs, the store stocks really cool items to pimp that Apple product.  There’s the pink croc laptop bag and the Philips Swarovski-embellished iPod earphones for the Paris Hilton-esque girlfriend. The hi-fi Shure earphones will definitely please any techie.

Aura Athletica

In a fashion era where wearing athletic gear is not just limited to the yoga or Pilates studio or the gym, Aura Athletica is one place to shop for cool sportswear that look great even for going out. The store carries a number of high-end workout gear. 

Lululemon Athletica is a yoga-inspired athletic apparel company. The brand’s aim is to create components for people to live longer, healthier, more fun lives. Founded in Kitsilano, Vancouver ­— one of the healthiest places in the world — the first Lululemon store not only featured a design studio/retail store but also shared space with a then fledgling yoga studio.

I’m a huge Lululemon fan because it’s just so comfortable and hip. Aside from it being my fave yoga or gym gear, I love wearing it on long haul flights because you feel like you can just live in the clothes.

Aside from Lululemon, Aura just filled their racks with La Made and Skyler.  Both are excellent brands that use high-tech fabric to create designs that not only look great but feel fantastic to wear. 

Cheers!

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Powermac and Apple Center branches are located at Greenbelt 3, Power Plant Mall, SM Megamall, SM City North Edsa, SM Mall of Asia and TriNoma. Aura Athletica is located at the ground floor, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center. French Connection, Rustan’s Black Label, Sinequanone, Betta Carano and U boys are available at Rustan’s department stores.

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E-mail me at djmontano@pacific.net.ph.