The Summer Look: Global Brands, Discounted Prices

CEBU, Philippines - Dressing up this summer can be fun, practical and trendy. Whether road-tripping with friends, or sweating it out in the in the gym, or bumming on the beach, or getting busy at work, style and comfort can be achieved together.

Often, it's the highly driven individuals who are most fashionable and brand conscious. But, at the same time, they are smart enough to go for great deals - great finds, good bargain. And they are sure to find it at The Outlets.

All items at this fashion source are guaranteed genuine, not overruns or class-A fakes. As the hot season further unfolds, The Outlets is a good destination for fashionable picks. They offer a variety of trendy pieces.

Beach Bum.

Summer, of course, is almost synonymous with the beach, or the swimming pool, for that matter. Pastels are the color of the season, especially nice for beachwear. Actually, bright colors are in vogue as well if preferred. Moreover, something retro, bold and sheer can take the vacation look to another level.

Those wanting to show off their beach-ready bodies will find the Reef Sweetheart Bra and the Reef Aqua bikini a flattering pair. The others, those not so comfortable showing what they've got, may try something more subtle, like the Giordano Maxi Dress.

Patterned sandos are the way to go for men. When mix-matched with board shorts - either plain- or multi-colored - from Reef, the combination comes out great.

Flip-flops and sunglasses are always to be at the top of the summer-look list, of course, for both men and women. Converse's bright-colored flip-flops are good to go with any summer outfit. The cat-eye or mirror lens are recommended for ladies; the Oakley Jupiter Stanley eyewear for men.

Workaholic Fashionista.

Summer goes on not only at beaches. Many stay at work, either on a summer job or regular job. But work is no reason to be left behind of the summer fashion. Slim fit chinos does it for men, paired with anything from the comfortable and ease-for-movement polos and Dockers All Time Khaki, and with Reef Deep Corsac to complete the entire business getup. The Giordano Oxford Shirt, Giordano Coat with Elbow Patch, or a Giordano Sweater are equally good options. With a bit of styling, they make a slick outdoor business look.

Stylish collared wear works well for ladies.

Giordano offers a variety of styles to choose from. Skirts complete the business look. With a tucked-in upper, the skirt only needs to be in a color that matches the top. It is advisable for the workaholics to go for darker colors for business getup. Dark colors are classy and elegant. Black-and-white is okay, as always; it never goes out of style at the workplace. For outdoor, Oakley's large polarized sunnies go well with pulled-up-to-a-bun hair.

Casual Wear

Summer calls for more frequent trips to the mall or somewhere out to chill with family and friends. Wherever the destination, denims are a fad of the season and Levi's remain to be a reliable option. The Levis Bold Curve Straight Jeans is specifically constructed to combat sweltering hot weather; it's made of fabric that creates a cooling effect on the body.

And jeans are never out of style. The ladies look better in jeans that comfortably hug the shape of the legs. Men exude an air of casual chic in a pair of jeans topped with plaid shirt of an easy color. Overall, men and women alike get both comfort and style with jeans. Slim cuts are a great pair because it allows for tucking in or letting it hang. A Giordano Blue Cardigan is okay to pair with a Giordano BSX White Tank Top and jeans for a lighter outfit.

While men are going for a more colorful wear this summer, women are on for the neutral look. Tops from Giordano are a good choice with a collection of mostly whites and neutral colors. A sleeveless denim jacket pairs well with a fitting white top inside, for that unmistakable denim look. Light-colored jeans are a trend, too, and go smoothly with affordable items from the Peso store.

Button-down shirts are the highlight for this season. White or denim button downs are easy to pull off. It recommended for men, and easy to pair with accessories from Dockers, like the ever so stylish belts, and sunglasses from Oakley, for a look that's as trendy as can be.

Sporty Type.

Fitness interest goes full blast in summer, and sports is a most common activity. Matching a favorite sport with the right outfit keeps every sporty dude in style. Adidas offers a variety of jerseys for the boys, as well as Adidas Climalite Tank Top for the girls.

The best gear is something practical yet fashion forward. And Adidas is known for its wide knowledge of the sportswear. Women, in particular, can achieve that cool, laid-back sporty look with the Adidas Techfit Sports Bra. Nike Swip leggings, Nike Zoom Wild Horse Running Shoes, and, of course, a Nike Water Bottle to complete the look.

These items and more are available at The Outlets in Pueblo Verde, MEZ 2, M. Patalinghug Jr. Road, Basak, Lapu-lapu City. It is the first factory outlet shop in the Visayas and Mindanao to provide global brands, like Nike, Adidas, Converse, Giordano, Levi's, Dockers, Timberland, Reef, and Oakley, at discounted prices all-year round. The store is complemented by a mix of dining outlets and green open spaces. With Laralee Villaver (FREEMAN)