Being a beauty and fashion fiend can be a nightmare for the wallet (and credit card, and ATM). So many pretty shiny fabulous things, so little…cash. But as a Thrifty Mom with a regular eight to five job, I’ve found ways to stretch my budget and accommodate shopping thrills by spending wisely. Below are some of my favorite fashion haunts for reasonably priced, good quality buys. These are mentioned in my ebook, The Thrifty Mom’s Guide to Style, and some have been featured in detail in my blog’s Where I Shop posts.
Bayo
Bayo Proud to Be Pinoy shirt and Bayo charcoal cropped pants
Hands-down
my favorite local brand. I love the
Bayo aesthetic – not too girly or frilly, but not too edgy and crazy either. Just the right mix of laidback cool with on-trend touches. I live for their mid-year sales, where I can get dresses I’ve lusted after for as much as half off – they’re designed with a classic nod so you can wear them for many seasons. And the best thing is that they fit me! Their XL sizes are generous and never make me want to run away crying.
B Club and Leaveland shoes

Some of my fave B Club buys: Studded peep toe pumps and cut-out ankle booties
When I was still studying my wide feet were the bane of my mom’s budget – I went through my black school shoes like kindling in a flame. To this day, poorly made shoes fall apart on me, which is why I adore
B Club and Leaveland. Found in most malls, they have comfy, affordable (prices start at around Php500) and sturdy shoes. Better than that, their designs are mostly on-trend. The stores’ displays aren’t so flashy so they’re often overlooked, but do enter – you’ll be surprised at what you find!
Forever 21
Forever 21 belt and nude brogues
In the past I had to wait for official business trips to get my F21 fast-fashion fix, so I was among the many who raved when
Forever 21 finally opened in Manila. Their stores seem like vast seas teeming with fashion and the price isn’t too steep. I adore their shoes, accessories and fun, trendy clothes.
Magarbo

Oversized polka dot shirt with a Korean label, thrifted from Magarbo
is
my treasured secret, but since I’m a generous gal, I’m sharing it with you. I’ve seen designer dresses for as low as Php550 here, but even in their regular Php 350 stocks you can unearth unique – hell, even crazy – designs that’ll unleash your inner stylist and will have you raring to put together creative outfits.
Terranova

Here’s the thing about Terranova: they have seasonal collections, which means at the end of spring/summer and fall/winter (hehe) they go on crazy sale. I’d been looking for a nice pair of pleated chinos for a long time and finally found these at Terranova – for just Php595, down from Php1,395! You can have your bungee jumping thrills – this is my equivalent of an adrenaline rush!
SM Department Store

True to their slogan, they really do have it all for you. Looking for a cocktail dress for a wedding? Trendy shoes? Something fresh and outdoorsy? SM’s the first place I check. My recent favorite buys are these Parisian platform clogs (even though they are very treacherous) and this easy breezy Weekender prairie skirt.
Landmark

I stopped working in Makati in 2006 and the saddest thing about that was no longer being able to pass through Landmark on my way home each day. When I do get a chance to visit I go straight to their affordable businesswear staples, like these Moda Plus trousers (plus-sized so they fit me quite well), and versatile knits (warm enough for the likes of fall in Chicago).
Katrina Atienza, writer, wife, mom of two and fashion devotee, blogs at Plus Size Fasyon Mudra. Follow her on Twitter (@iggyatienza).
Shop crazy!
Cook Filipino heritage dishes in a pinch! Chef Theo Zaragoza’s Foolproof Favorites takes you through the essentials of delectable Filipino and Filipino-Spanish classics. More » 
More deals!
