Soft Luxe Holiday Diaries: An Unexpected Double Holiday, Pho, and Shopping

 

Yesterday was supposed to be piano class, but Teacher mixed up the schedule — and just like that, my family and I suddenly had a double holiday! (Yesterday was Ninoy Aquino Day).  Instead of wasting the day, we decided to make it a Soft Luxe adventure. ✨ Sometimes, the best days are the ones that unfold unexpectedly.

Circuit Stop – Mumuso + Watsons 🛍️

Our first stop was Circuit. I went to Mumuso and Watsons for a few essentials and little luxuries. I picked up the BYS Pearl Pods (so excited to finally test them!) and a new concealer, along with some travel finds at Mumuso — bottles and organizers

There were lots of new deliveries at BYS:

There were more items like mascaras, new CloudSkin items, and more! I wasn't able to take photos of all of them as we were in a hurry. 

Also got these hand foam washes that I've been eyeing for a long time but keep forgetting to buy!

Not everything sparked joy at Mumuso (sometimes their items feel hit-or-miss), but when something does feel right, it’s like discovering a hidden gem. That’s part of the fun of the hunt. Like this tweed blue and white headband:

Greenbelt Stop – Mango Browsing 👗

From there, we headed to Greenbelt, where I did a round at Mango. I took lots of photos of the pieces I loved, but in true Soft Luxe fashion, I didn’t force myself to buy anything.

Some clothes didn’t fit quite right (why do they make smalls that gape in the chest but balloon at the waist? 😅), and some of the bags I wanted were already out of stock. Instead of being frustrated, I took it as a reminder: Soft Luxe isn’t about buying everything — it’s about choosing pieces that honor your body and your lifestyle.

These bags were gone! 

I went there to buy those black pouches that I mentioned in this post, but they're all gone, too! 

Pho Lunch 🍜

Shopping calls for comfort food, so we treated ourselves to Pho. A steaming bowl of noodles in between shopping rounds feels like a warm reset — simple, filling, and grounding. Food, when enjoyed slowly, is always part of the Soft Luxe philosophy.

The boys had pho

I had beef stew

Charles & Keith – The Highlight 👠

The real win of the day was Charles & Keith. I bought a new pair of shoes. What I love about C&K is how their shoes are both stylish and comfortable — something I can wear all day, whether it’s walking around the mall or traveling. Their pieces last for years, making them one of my Soft Luxe staples. Aside from that, they're the only brand in my area that carry my size! And the shoes in that size fit my feet well and not weird like in other brands! 

A Tiny Joy to End the Day 🌶️

When I got home, I stepped outside for a bit of fresh air and picked these beautiful red chilies from our plant. Just a handful, but it made me so happy. There’s something grounding about harvesting from your own little garden — it balances out the rush of travel prep.

My Soft Luxe Holiday Takeaway ✨

What started as a canceled piano class turned into a full day of little joys — from discovering small finds, window shopping, and savoring a hot bowl of Pho, to finally bringing home a pair of shoes that made me feel chic and comfortable.

Soft Luxe isn’t about packing a day with endless activities — it’s about savoring each moment, even when plans change. Yesterday was proof that the unexpected can be its own kind of luxury.

🌸 How do you spend your unexpected holidays? Do you go exploring, or do you stay home and rest?