Bakla Ako, May Reklamo?

Bakla’s Practical Fashion Tips is a series of mini-blog posts giving out advice on fashion for the gay man. This ambitious project is, well, very ambitious as I do not really have the authority when it comes to fashion. What I have though is a wide experience in dressing up — be it to the nines or to the dumps (yes, you still have to look good even if you’re just going to the dumps!). The most important feature of this series though is practicality, because we have to admit that even if you don’t have a lot of money to buy clothes, fashion still has no mercy!

Practical Fashion Tip #3: Shoes

In the corporate world, dress shoes (aka leather/formal shoes) are required. Most men buy only a pair of these, while others have two: brown and black. The problem with owning just one pair of dress shoes in the corporate world is that they get old and worn out easily. They also tend to not look great with some outfits. The solution? Buy at least 5 pairs of dress shoes – one pair for each day of the week.

Now you’re thinking that I must be pulling your legs, men’s shoes are normally pricey! But I’m not. 5 pairs of nice leather shoes does not really cost that much. Screw the big brand names and go local! Yes, shoes made locally actually have good quality, great designs and very affordable.

Here’s a list of some stores with very affordable but great looking dress shoes:

B Club – available in major malls
Price Range: P800.00 up
They also have regular “Sale” periods which bring the prices down to P500.00 a pair

SM Department Store – SM Malls
Price Range: P500.00 up
They have great looking shoes and the styles are also up-to-date. Best buy!

Wade (not sure if this is a local brand)
Price Range: P2,000.00 up
Might be too expensive, but when they go on sale, prices can go down to P800.00

Traffic
Price range: P2,500.00 up
Might also look expensive but when they go on sale, prices can go down to P1,000.00 +
(Click here to view a pair of shoes I bought at Traffic for only P1,500.00 because of the sale.)