What’s your favorite fashion find?

There’s no denying the joy we feel in finding a real bargain. More people boast about what they got for a song than what broke the bank. Maybe it’s because there’s that treasure- hunter instinct inside all of us – or maybe we’re just cheap. Whatever it is, however fashion may change so fast, it’s hard to let go of real bargains. We love to receive compliments about an outfit looking great when we spent so little on it. So read about this week’s personalities and their serendipitous finds.

E-mail comments and suggestions at monsrt@info.com.ph

LULU TAN GAN, designer: An antique silver bag I found in an antique shop in Paris. It’s timeless.

MIA BORROMEO, consultant, Mix boutique: One of my favorite finds is a ‘60s A-line gown in salmon pink alaskin with silver embroidery and pearl beading which I got for P200 in one of the segunda mano stores along Evangelista. I found it one day while browsing around with Ricco Ocampo and just couldn’t believe how beautiful it was!

Another favorite is a ‘50s piña dress with petticoat from the shop New Yorker. Liz knows how much I love piña and one day she rang me up saying she received a shipment of vintage dresses with a piece she thought I’d like. Sure enough, when I saw it, I loved it. And it was exactly my size. I didn’t mind that the piña had some wear and tear on the fabric; in fact, it gives the dress more character. And the original workmanship, all by hand, is lovely.

LILA ALMARIO, shoemaker: An Egyptian armlet with rows of dangling little coins and flowerets all in silver. I spotted this sexy trinket in a flea market.

CELINE NOVENARIO, assistant editor, Lifestyle Asia: My favorite fashion find of the moment is a string of large black chestnut-shaped beads given by an aunt and uncle who recently vacationed in Hawaii. According to the tag that it came with, these are called jewel nuts and are worn as a sign of nobility. Another interesting thing I learned from that same label was that the necklace was made in the Philippines! I love sharing that bit of trivia every time someone notices my necklace.

MELANIE CUEVAS, beauty editor, Metro and Metro Weddings: Right now it’s ribbons – they’re a cheap and versatile way of livening up a plain-colored top without permanently altering the original style. It’s just all up to the wearer’s imagination.

BIANCA VALERIO, fashion model: My fave fashion find will have to be a Christian Lacroix coat I bought at an ukay-ukay for P100! I am a proud ukay-ukay connoisseur!

FIONA LUCAS, fashion editor, Metro Weddings: "Wayang" batik-print sarong pants from Indonesia were I grew up and a ‘98 World Cup shirt that I got in Paris.

DENNIS LUSTICO, designer: Fave fashion find is my pair of olive Presto rubber shoes which I bought four years ago in Colette. The shape is still great; it’s light and super comfortable. Did a million walk already and still ready to do another one.

IVAR ASERON, designer: My favorite fashion find is my embroidered satin Converse shoes. I haven’t seen anything like it in Manila and a number of strangers have already approached me asking where I got them.