Work seems to pile up a foot higher every day as we draw closer to the "ber" months. Traffic becomes more inescapable. Every trip to the ATM gives us a minor panic attack at the sight of dwindling funds. And above all that, we still have to trudge through the crowds, shell out more cash, try to get creative with gift ideas and tick off anywhere from 50 to 500 names from our Christmas shopping list only to find ourselves bruised, battered, burned and broke.
There must be some other way, I wonder, because, quite honestly, Ive really had it. I can get sappy and say how we have all lost the point of the season and forgotten why we even celebrate it. I can get cynical and decide to quit spending on ungrateful friends and unappreciative family folk. But basically, it all boils down to the sheer craziness of it all. I refuse to fall into the same trap year after year (after frigging year) because its just turned into one giant mother of a mess. We have turned Christmas into the biggest guilt-trip of all. You expect a gift or you wont feel loved. You feel obliged to give a gift in return. Then theres the guilt vibes we send when we wrap a "recycled" gift. Guilt, guilt, guilt. Gross.
With the ever-growing, "real" problems of the world and even within our own backyard, I pretty much refuse to subject myself to anything thats a waste of my time, money, and sanity. So what Ive opted to do this year is to take the money I wouldve spent on buying gifts for my friends, co-workers and family and pooled it into a fund for those who need it much more than us. I have chosen childrens charities (like the pediatric ward of PGH and CRIBS); a friends chosen the environment (Luntiang Pilipinas, World Wildlife Fund, Philippine Animal Welfare Service); while another has chosen to support education (by sponsoring a child through school, or donating to a charity like Sa Aklat Sisikat). You save gas, you save time, and, check it out, you might even help save a life. (I cant believe its taken me this long to realize this!)
But this idea has left me at a bit of a crossroads. Because I work in retail, I feel like Ive just committed treason. How can I possibly discourage shopping at the shopping-est time of the year (when every shop hopes to reach its quota and make up for the weak months prior)? Well, as I like to say, "You can take the girl out of fashion but you cant take fashion out of the girl." Meaning to say, I may be fed up with the crazy Christmas crush, but I know how we all could use some retail therapy now and then.
If youre going to go shopping this time of year, I guess you should just do it smartly. Plan ahead (this is your cue get going now!). Get resourceful (have your four-year-old son paint a card that you can re-print and mail out). Try not to waste too much wrapping paper (if youre just buying the ugly cheap stuff, think of saving the trees instead). Stick to five stores (max!) where you will finish shopping for all your gifts. Lastly, if youre going to spend eight grand on a necktie for your beau, and you wont even buy one measly sampaguita lei from a street kid, then go take a hike!
I scoured our city for five of the hippest stores in town, and interrogated their owners and fashion buyers. Maybe they can clue us in on whats new, what to buy, and what keeps them going when the mad rush cometh. Now people, enjoy! But please, dont shop til you drop.
Richie Ortega
Co-owner of Souk Gallery, designer/partner of When I Was 5; designer for United Pop (a new line for Crossings Dept. Store), Modi (Modern Indigenous) and her own line of bridal and cocktail frocks
What is your own personal message to the world this holiday season? Please stop the fighting and divisiveness. We all come from one ultimate source. Were one and the same.
What do you love about your job? I love that my time is unstructured, flexible and never boring. My mind is constantly engaged. It nurtures creativity, and I get to travel. Its great meeting so many new people through Souk.
Whats the best gift to give and receive under P1,000? Unicef Christmas cards for P365 a pack. Also, the Tao-Tao necklace of Modi for P700. Its a double whammy if you give gifts for a cause.
Name your favorite holiday trend. Velvet and lace.
If you could buy only one thing from your store, what would it be? Pia Riveras painting, "Open for Inspiration." She just had an art exhibit in Souk Gallery last Oct. 6.
Mia Borromeo
Consultant/managing director for Mix and Atelier M
What is your own personal message to the world this holiday season? Despite the times, we still have so much to be thankful for. Let us always be grateful for all of Gods blessings and be generous in sharing them with others.
What do you love about your job? I love retail; I think its in my blood! And I love how its so multi-faceted buying and putting together an edited collection each season; dealing with clients; meeting interesting people; and making so many great friends in this business, both in and outside of the fashion industry. I have a lot of fun styling photo shoots and planning in-store events.
Whats the best gift to give and receive under P1,000? A donation in someones name to a worthy cause. It goes a long way.
Name your favorite holiday trend. Jeans worn with ruffled and embellished tops.
If you could buy only one thing from your store, what would it be? Blue jeans. My current favorite is Habitual super great fit!
Candy Reyes
CEO, Ishq Inc. (which means she does everything from purchasing, design, operations, etc.)
What is your own personal message to the world this holiday season? "At Christmas, play and make good cheer for Christmas comes but once a year." Thomas Tussern, 16th-centurey English poet
What do you love about your job? Everything! I love that its not boring, and that I never do the same thing everyday. I love that I get to meet a lot of people, and work with a lot of creative minds. I love that I can make something that I love and take it around with me. I love that I get first dibs at the store!
Whats the best gift to give and receive under P1,000? There is so much you can buy for P1,000 if you know where to look! Free massages are always a good gift!
Name your favorite holiday trend. Ive always enjoyed all the sparkly stuff that comes out in the holidays. I think its the perfect time to have fun getting dressed up. This year, I like all the ruffled Victorian blouses and tweed jackets with those sparkly brooches.
If you could buy only one thing from your store, what would it be? The vintage-inspired beaded clutch. I could see myself using it for years!
Jappy Gonzalez
Fashion buyer of Homme et Femme
What is your own personal message to the world this holiday season? Its been an "interesting" year... I look forward to the next year and may it be blessed!
What do you love about your job? That others appreciate our rationale to fashion.
Whats the best gift to give and receive under P1,000? A scented candle.
If you could buy only one thing from your store, what would it be? The Balenciaga mens messenger bag.
Loralee Baron
Associate brand manager/ buyer, Rustans ladies "high street" division
What is your own personal message to the world this holiday season? Christmas is simple give something to the people important to you. Take this opportunity to thank the people who touched your life during the year and make them feel special. Remember waking up on Christmas day as a kid? I feel as if we experience that feeling less and less every year. We shouldnt forget how great Christmas is despite being drowned by the realities we face today.
What do you love about your job? How its turned me into a very dynamic being. Ive learned so much from the training, traveling, and buying, which have made my job colorful, meaningful and fulfilling.
Whats the best gift to give and receive under P1,000? Personalized gifts. But when strapped for time, I give Acca Kappa cologne from Rustans Essenses its unisex, comes in an elegant package and can be wrapped in the ever-reliable Rustans wrapper.
Name your favorite holiday trend. Tailored pieces in black and white and cropped jackets and pants.
If you could buy only one thing from your store, what would it be? The Fendi Spy bag.