Trendy fashion rules at TriNoma’s third level, and no store gets more trendy than Topshop, the fast-fashion emporium managed by the Robinsons Retail Group. Though the TriNoma branch doesn’t carry Kate Moss’s line, there are loads of new items every Thursday for both women and men to scour, with hot-off-the-runway looks at prices that won’t break the bank. Check out the Moss-inspired vests made for layering, the metallic bags, and the new dress line Laura for Topshop, a very up-to-the-minute addition since this is the year of the dress. Topshop’s young audience, who like their fashion fast, edgy, and more trendsetting than trend-following, would definitely approve.
Topshop/Topman is on the third level of TriNoma.
Hallmark Babies: From cards to cardigans
We all know Hallmark as a greeting card and stationery company. But in the past century it has diversified into clothing, bedroom products, cosmetics, e-cards, computer software, digital entertainment, and TV channels in over 100 countries. Hallmark Babies is a new infant and kidswear line for 0 to 6 years licensed by Hallmark USA. Its slogan “love, care, touch” has special meaning: “Love” because every piece in the line is designed by caring mothers who know precisely what babies need; “care” since every precaution has been taken to ensure product safety; and “touch,” as all items are made of the finest fabrics for the softest feel and the best protection. Hallmark, which originated in the USA in 1911, hasn’t forgotten its roots, though. Give a Hallmark Babies gift and you get a free card with sentiments as sweet as the clothes.
The first Hallmark Babies store in the Philippines is open at TriNoma’s Kids Zone on the third level, tel. 901-3238.
Birkenstock: Birk to the future
Before flip-flops, before plastic clogs, there were Birks. Because of their slipper-like comfort, these German-made shoes were all the rage among Gen-X college students in the United States. My BFF loved her sandals so much, in fact, she would wear them outside in the wintertime — with socks, of course. Partners Jao Pajaro and Dina Reyes finally opened the first Birkenstock store at TriNoma. This 200-year-old brand has gone from hippie chic to fashion-y in a smart adaptation to the times. But the signature contoured cork/latex footbed is still there, keeping them the most comfy, healthy shoes on the planet. I love their stylish Madrid bakyas, their 300-type Sparta sandals, and was looking for the new line styled by German supermodel Heidi Klum. Alas, the store doesn’t carry it due to its luxury pricetags. Not to worry, though. There’s already enough chic in the current collections to satisfy even the most finicky fashionista.
Birkenstock is on the second level of TriNoma.
Five Cows: A new breed of ice cream parlor
Those who can remember wax nostalgic about the old Magnolia Flavor House. Thanks to its supplier, Nestlé Creamery, Five Cows is, in essence, the new Magnolia Flavor House, but expanded into a full-service restaurant and transplanted into a 21st-century mall. At this resto-cum-ice cream bar, old favorites like banana splits and strawberry sundaes jostle for best-seller position with new items like the Ferrero Crunch Supreme (vanilla ice cream with chunky bits and chocolate hazelnut filling) and the Marble Slab Concoctions (where they custom-mix your choice of ice cream with toppings, fillings and syrups). Owner Michelle Chang-Co and her four partners tweaked the menu so that even if it skews towards 80-percent dairy, you can have a full meal first and save the ice cream for later. Start with the soup of the day or salad, choose from pastas, pizzas and mains like fish and chips, fried chicken, chops, and steaks (a 250-gram rib-eye only costs P790). With current touches like free WiFi, even the most lactose-intolerant among us will have memorable times at this new breed of “ice cream parlor.”
Five Cows is on the fourth level of TriNoma, tel. 910-3748 or 910-3948.