Flair in the City

Online shopping has never been easier!

With countless online shops springing out, the choices are becoming limitless. From stylish clothes, handmade accessories, locally-produced shoes to made-to-order bags, who needs to go to the malls? But how-oh-how to find the good ones?

Here are my personal picks from months of browsing and shopping online. Top 15 Online Shops... let the countdown begin.

Do you want handmade creations to perfect your look? Home to baroque bangles, brass neckpieces, carved Egyptian cuffs and a lot more stylish accessories, Vida's collections are available at The Backstage Store, Debbie Co Atelier, Dressing Room and True Love Veronica Manila.

Flatterbuy accessories by Jaclee are pieces to match your urban to modern style. Long necklaces, beaded creations, colorful bangles and more trinkets, backed up with her knowledge on Interior Design are all pieces to behold.

Another shop to feed your craving for more blings is Sparklers By Louise. From funky to fab necklaces are there to set the mood. Whether you want to wear yummy strawberries, the Eiffel Tower, studded poker pieces or capiz medallions on your neck, you'd find something to sparkle your day.

Cute shopping at its finest--and affordable at that. Colorful plastic bangles, elegant enamel cuffs, vintage necklaces, swarovski earrings galore are some of the pieces you can get from Jam's shop. Who needs expensive trinkets if knowing how to mix and match equally fine accessories can do the trick?

Let Valerie do the shopping for you. Score some unique finds from her trips abroad. Take your look to New York, Tokyo and Paris... and wander away.

Do you have Imelda in you but can't always go for Manolos? Ichigo, "strawberry" in Japanese is a local brand that gives us style and comfort. Be trendy and glamorous in patent ballet flats, peeptoe wedges, and printed pumps. Functional bags are also up their sleeves to match the everyday woman's lifestyle. You can also visit the first all-Ichigo store in Greenhills to see their collection.

Do you want stylish and stunning bags that fit their purpose? From overnight to everyday, De Roca bags are for all bag hags who want the designer look and pizazz.

If you want tasteful bags, then Tiramisu is the way to go. Providing eager shoppers affordable carryalls that are both trendy and functional is Tiramisu's forte. I especially love the cobalt blue satchel. ;) You may also get a hold of Mika's products at Peppered Cherry.

Firstly, the M Barretto patent bags are truly heaven sent. I so love! On top of that collection, Sandy's shop, The Reading Room is also home to a lot of goodies. From Leyende's skincare products, Moonshine clothes to The Perfect White T-Shirt, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The Reading Room is located at the Cubao Expo.

Need protection for your precious laptop? A laptop sleeve from Avee is the cure. Whether you need something basic, retro, safari or want to pick your own, choose a sleeve (or 2) to match any look. Avee's laptop sleeves are also available in Power Mac branches.

Indulge in extraordinary purses for your extraordinary life. Hot pieces in colors that burst are the perfect accessories from day to night. Cathy's bags also carry laptop sleeves from Get NoyP and shoes for the little Carrie in you. Also available in Peppered Cherry, Ilaya Couture and Trunk Show.

Who doesn't know about BBB? Wear artworks from Venny Lex Santos on your wrists, and flaunt the handpainted bangles that scream fashionista. You just have to hurry because Pao and Joyce's bangles are selling like hotcakes! Personalization is also an option, girls. ;) Need I mention they actually come in sizes? Oh, pure love. BBB bangles are also available in F*art and Anthology.

Are you picky? Then start choosing! Then create your own bag! Nina's bags are practical, comfortable, well-made, affordable and truly beautiful. Select your style, your color, your material, then get ready to carry around your very own Buffet bag.

Shopping at Duerr is like bringing runway fashion to your closet. Be sexy, sophisticated and elegant rolled into one with dresses, tops and other clothing pieces with high fashion feel. Get ready to shop and do the catwalk.

Spanish for "cheap clothes", prepare yourself for an ultimate no-hassle shopping spree. Nikki and Kei's ingenious idea of making a shop where customization is the key... fabulous! No need to search through racks of clothing that don't quite satisfy. With La Ropa, you are the most important ingredient. Pick a look from their collection, choose your color and material, and with fine craftsmanship, they start customizing clothes especially for you--without ever emptying your wallet.

And There You Have It

My personal top 15. Of course, there are a lot more online shops that strike my fancy, but those are the 15 that stood out. :)

Notable mention:
Plueys' fashion-forward rain boots, clay accessories by the Bead Lady, and Karrots' cases for gadgets.

Happy shopping!