Style and Soul

You don't have to wait for forever. 

Forever 21, one of the giant US fashion retailers is now in Quezon City. I bet fashion enthusiasts residing in QC like me couldn't be more than delighted with this news. So far, F21 in Philippines has branches in SM Megamall, SM Makati and SM City Cebu. 

Starting April 20, QC stylistas and F21 fans will never have to go that far. 

Looking back at my experience when the first F21 branch opened in SM Megamall July of 2010, I endured the long lines, the crowded store and the packed dressing rooms. I wouldn't be surprised if the very same scenario occurs once again. 

Since I've been to both F21 openings here in Manila, I've come up with a few reminders which are all based on experience, which you would probably find useful if you're a first-timer this Friday.  

Nope! I am not a VIP. I just happened to be there. Napadaan lang. Teehee!

When my friends found out that I would be going to F21's Makati branch VIP launch, they immediately assumed that this is one of the signs na bumi-big time na ako. Of course not! Wish ko lang. Haha. That's one of the things that I hate the most - when people assume something that's not true.

As much as possible, I try not to think of how far I've gone if I compare where I was before I got into fashion. Rather, it's either I always look back to where I started or look up at the people I admire. And going to the launch, with all the VIPs, icons, fashion pillars and accomplished creative entrepreneurs, I knew where I stand and that I still have a long way to go especially in deciding the path that I really want to take.

With the overwhelming sea of fashionistas (some I know, most I don't) who are in bongga outfits, I thought to myself: if this is what I mean when I say "a lot" of people, pano pa kaya yung public opening? Flashback: I waited for 30 minutes to get inside F21 Megamall branch when they first opened in the Philippines last year of July.

Speaking of of a huge crowd of models and hip chics, did I get bitten by the insecurity bug? Well... maybe I guess. Just a little lang naman. It wasn't about the outfits they were wearing. It was about how much they were shopping. Hahaha. That night, I came prepared. If I wanted to, I could have shopped myself till my last shopping budget and ban myself from buying anything for the rest of the month. But because my middle working class instinct told me that I can find F21-ish clothes in other cheaper stores, I just consumed myself in taking photos and window shopping! Care nila diba? Hihi!

Suuupeeerrr daming fasyon during the event but I was really shy to ask fashionable strangers to pose for my camera. I decided to stick to whom I'm familiar with. Haha.