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My retail therapy at the SM Store

By JOANNE RAE M. RAMIREZ, The Philippine STAR Published Jun 21, 2024 9:10 am

It all started with a, “Size small, kayo, Ma’am?”

Though that ship (size small)  has long sailed for me, it grounded me—by making me firmly rooted by the array of jumpsuits, dresses, tops and skirts of SM Woman and SM Woman Casual.

And connections were made, indeed, and they definitely weren’t “small.”

Bagging it!

A pleasant and welcoming atmosphere, a feast for the eyes, and the adrenalin rush when I scored such great connections—his was, in a nutshell, my retail therapy recently at the SM Store.

For Filipino families, the SM Store has always been a quintessential part everyday living. Whether you are looking for the latest trends or classic pieces, to celebrate a milestone, or like me, looking to shop for new pieces to add to my wardrobe, SM Store has always been a default store.

Parisian brand wedge sandals

It was great visual therapy to see the many sections of its Fashion Department, with a vast collection of clothing, shoes and accessories featuring both international and local brands, catering to various styles and budgets. It was so well-lit too, the better to see the “therapeutic” items.

I do believe the store embodies a quality that has stood the test of time- customer experience, not just the clothing pieces. Sales associates turned into stylists and photographers with a genuine desire to serve and make your in-store experience memorable.

Coco Cabana Strappy Floral Embroidery Dress

Back to my wardrobe upgrade- I was so pleased to see pieces that celebrate effortless charm and understated refinement. It rejects the notion that elegance must be synonymous with discomfort. Instead, it promotes the idea that true style radiates from within. This trend finds beauty in simplicity, favoring clean lines, soft fabrics, and relaxed silhouettes.

Relaxed or effortless silhouettes mean comfortable and loose tops, relaxed-fit trousers and flowing maxi dresses. These styles blend comfort with elegance, offering versatility for various occasions.

Semi-cropped sleeveless blouse and satin pleated skirt by SM Woman

The SM Woman and SM Woman Casual are some of the local brands I must say really fit my style—most of their items are made of cotton-blend materials, soft twill, and come in muted color palettes that create a cohesive look and exudes timeless sophistication. There were pops of color, too.

Another brand to look out for at SM Store is Coco Cabaña. Experience relaxed elegance with their colorful pieces.

Coco Cabana Floral Puff- Sleeved Dress

To accessorize my relaxed and muted look, I had to do layering for my jewelry. Rather than opting for bold statement pieces, layering allows for a more nuanced approach, adding depth and dimension to an ensemble.

Elevate any neckline with layered necklaces of different lengths and styles. Combine dainty chains with pendants and chokers from AXCS to create a chick, layered effect that draws attention to your whole outfit.

Tie knot dress by SM Woman

To complete my wardrobe upgrade, I had to drop by the shoe section and got myself a pair of Parisian footwear. The key lies in selecting footwear that effortlessly elevates any get up while providing all-day comfort.

In a world where fashion trends come and go in the blink of an eye, relaxed elegance stands as a timeless beacon of style. At SM Store, I found pieces that allow me to exude style from head to toe, effortlessly without breaking the bank.

More importantly, genuine customer service and the actual customer journey in store is a trend that will never go out of style.

Now that’s no small deal!

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Editor's note: BrandedUp is designed to provide you with insightful, inspiring, and educational content created by The Philippine STAR in collaboration with brands like SM Store.