Finds below market prices

Recession may have long been upon us, but it doesn’t mean we have to look like it. When it comes to shopping, the smaller the budget, the more our creativity is challenged by repeating — and mixing and matching potential outfits. To look your best without actually declaring a budget constraint, you have two choices: There is, of course, the ubiquitous ukay-ukay where hygiene is always an issue. Then there’s a rather cleaner venue if what you’re looking for is an update on the trends at dirt — and I mean dirt — cheap prices at the Fashion Market! at Market! Market! at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Sealtieline

Adorned on its walls are statement tees (P150 and up), mostly with nationalistic messages declaring one’s love for the country, as well as witty texts on today’s current relevant issues. The “emo” store imports wares from Thailand and Japan, too, with statement pins selling for P20, belts for P200 and beanie hats for P250.

Vurve

To think that the clothing retail industry sell majority for women is unfair. Vurve carries knit shirts that conforms to the body, button-down shirts for work, belts, as well as jeans in a variety of cuts. All items range from P250 to P890.

Swish

Another outlet to shop in without breaking the bank. Swish carries tops, pants, and dresses — all in the latest trends, no less — and mostly for less than a thousand bucks. Accessories like bangles at P150, necklaces from P195 and earrings at P65 add the final touch.

Y-Deal

Exported from Bangkok, Y-Deal’s wares showcase trendy styles, many in tailored forms. The vast selection ranges from P650 to P1,500, in casual, work and clubwear.

Hip Stop

Another must-go shop if you’re looking for office clothes that are anything but blah. Most of the clothes they sell have an architectural feel to it (i.e. structured), but are in no way stiff (there are no rules that you cannot wear yellow to the office, are there?). The best part? The most expensive dress says P2,000 on the price tag.

Chicammy

Never have I seen a store as girly as this, with all the pinks and frills a little girl could ever have in her lifetime. The clothes are locally manufactured, retailing from P329 to P400 for infants and P599 to P699 for girls ages two to 12. Add a headband (P50) and you get an adorable Blair Waldorf wannabe.

Celest’

Women who are looking for officewear that doesn’t resemble what their mothers used to wear in the ’80s must come to Celest’. Sleek button-down blouses (P350), jackets (P400) and pants (P300) give new meaning to polished chic.

Kimi

To see that the shoes at Kimi are made in Marikina makes you proud to be Filipino. A joyful selection of pumps, flats, wedges and even trendier designs like gladiators, in every color and height of heel, retail for P380 to P880.

Preview

For those who want to look updated but not over-the-top trendy, Preview is the place to be. You will find a lot of basics in muted tones, but with sleek cuts. Clothes that are easy to mix and match with your existing wardrobe range from P110 to P1,500.

Ropa

Ropa is one store that sells clothing predominantly for men, mostly clubwear and a few workwear selections that range from P399 to P895. Belts start at P395 and some women’s items, like statement tees, sell for P399 while bags, P495, are in stock.

Coreliz

For those who still need their designer label fix, Coreliz is a one-stop shop that sells overruns at more than 80 percent off its original price. They carry BCBG, Marc Jacobs, Chloé, Diane von Furstenberg and more with prices ranging from P4,000 to P7,000 apiece.

Zed’a Couture

If you are in dire need of a trendy fix without a five-digit price tag, know that Zed’a Couture manages to give you what you need for items less than P2,000. Their stock is mostly on the radar when it comes to the trends (check out their jumpsuit that sells for only P950), while ruffled tops come in around P700. Channel bohemian chic with their maxi dresses that sell at P850.