Woodbury Common Run #2

Dad's in town during Thanksgiving season - so a must-do is indeed another trip to the outlets to cash in on the Thanksgiving sales and complete my Christmas shopping. So off we went bright and early this morning at 9am.

It started off relatively peaceful and civilized and eventually became madness resulting in my Dad exclaiming how he never wanted to do Thanksgiving shopping ever again. But we left (11 hours later!!!) with a full car trunk and exhausted from the day's shopping, not to mention my Christmas list all checked off. How awesome.

So here's the highlights from today's run (without giving too much away for Christmas surprises):

• COUPONS!!! Thanks to being a VIP at Chelsea Premium Outlets
• Workout gear from Lululemon (the lowest prices I've seen so far!)
• Renewing my love for cardigans at JCrew
• Longchamp (another unbeatable deal!)
• Juicy Couture & Betsey Johnson trinkets
• And finally, an awesome, early Christmas gift courtesy of Dad from Burberry :)

Low lights include:

• Skipping several stores because of the long lines, including Coach, Prada, Banana Republic, UGG (the UGG line was INSANE!!! guess those boots are still very much in demand..)
• Trying on 2 gorgeous Emilio Pucci dresses realising I cannot afford either even at outlet pricing
• Looking old in DVF
• No size @ Nine West!
• Disappointing selection at Neiman Marcus Last Call & Saks Off Fifth
• Not going back to Barneys to get a Marc Jacobs knit motorcycle jacket :(
• Never ever being able to go to every store you want to in Woodbury Common...

I'm exhausted and won't be shopping till Seoul (fingers crossed). Time for bed. Good night and happy Christmas shopping to you all because, I'M ALL DONE!!! Hee hee hee...

+J

Today Jil Sander's collection +J, at Uniqlo opens and boy was there a line! As much as I've been practicing great self control over my shopping habits - I couldn't say no to a grey woolen pea coat, one out of Jil Sander's 100 piece collaboration with Japanese basics mecca. *Sigh* With prices this affordable, it was hard to resist. My pea coat came in black & grey - Jil Sander's signature minimalistic and monochromatic aesthetic.

The selection was great for basics - cashmere cardis, sweater, crisp shirts, woolen blazers & coats. Apparently according to some line-bloggers, there were more men than women. My co-worker picked up 2 coats for her husband. Great shapes and well-fitted, I slid into the heathered charcoal pea coat and was thrilled at the fit :) I had to get it. It was Jil Sander afterall - probably the closest I'll ever be to the designer :P

I spoke to a salesperson and asked about replenishment - word is they will replenish tomorrow morning and that's it - the collection will be sold until its all gone. Happy Shopping & welcome to October!

ps: those Uniqlo cords that I wanted, aren't on sale anymore...good for me I guess! :P

My Money Saving Tips

After my big splurge a few posts ago, I decided I need to scrimp & save on some things for the next couple of months or so. Sadly, those Uniqlo cords I wanted to get might be out of the picture, though $19.90 for a pair are really unbelievable..so we'll see how long I can hold out for...

But I did come up with some money saving tips that I thought I might share with everyone, so here goes:

• Find inventive ways to style your hair - curl it, mimic a salon blowout. Whatever it is, styling your do refreshes it & buys you time before your next trim. So dust-off those curling irons and wake up a little earlier & put some effort into it. People notice, trust me.
  
  
• Save on color cosmetics - especially the trendy stuff. Eyeshadows and lipsticks in experimental colors for the season don't have to be expensive. Drugstore brands will do just fine and if you're worried about the colors not being pigmented enough, just make sure you use an eyeshadow base/primer.
  
  
• Always be on the lookout for good sales/deals - Old Navy has fantastic deals on basic tshirts and tank tops. Forever 21 and H&M are my go-tos for current trends. Uniqlo is awesome for affordable basics too. Being in NY, we have sample sales galore - so hit them up and stock up on the classics.
  
  
• When shopping online - ALWAYS look for coupon codes. You never know when you can get an extra 15% off or free shipping.
  
  
• Buy handmade - I've found great items for very affordable prices from Etsy.com These are up and coming designers trying to make a small living from their crafty hobbies.
  
  
• Buy refill packs of shampoo/body wash etc instead of new bottles. You will often save a few dollars by reusing your old containers.
  
  
• If you have small pets like I do, like hamsters or guinea pigs - recycle things around your home for them to play in or use instead of buying feeders or bowls from stores. An old tissue box, toilet rolls and paperbags make fun toys, makeshift feeders & hideouts for them.
  
  
• Jojoba oil is a great multi-purpose product! Use it to treat split ends or as a hair treatment. It can also be used as a makeup remover (since it leaves no residue) and foot & hand treatment for dry skin & cuticles!
  
  
• Invest in neutral nail polish to save you trips to the manicurist. Neutral colors last longer and chips are less obvious and they're easier to paint on.
  
  
• Reinforce the soles and heels of your new or current shoes to make them last a lot longer and always consult a cobbler before throwing away a pair of old shoes/boots to see if it can be salvaged.
  
  
• Pack your own lunch to work!
  
  
• Drink your own homemade coffee or tea rather than ringing it up at Starbucks while on the way to work
  
  
• Make use of a water filter rather than bottled water or if you are the bottled mineral water drinker - look out for deals. The other day at Rite Aid, I saw Smart Water on sale for 5 for $5!
  
  
• Don't ever be shy when asking for samples. This gives you the opportunity to try new products without paying full price.
  
  
• Make use of drugstore coupons and weekly deals they have. Often, essentials are featured like toothpaste or toilet paper and even cosmetics are sometimes buy one get one free!
  
  
• Subscribe to magazines - its MUCH cheaper!
  
  
• Never be afraid to look for cheaper alternatives online. Especially if you know what you're looking for. I found my Hot Tools curling iron for more than 40% off online than if I bought it at a beauty supply store. My vacuum was also at least 50% off too. Amazon has books which are sold used but really are in quite good condition and you save anywhere from 30%-70% off the retail price. This doesn't exclude designer/branded items too, my gf got awesome deals at Yoox.com - she paid $70 for a pair Giorgio Armani flats and $60 for a Marni skirt!
  

I do hope this proves to be useful information - in this economy a little bit can go a long way. Would love to hear any other money saving tips any of you might have! :) Go forth & save!

Fashion Week begins!

The end of Summer is commemorated by NY Fashion Week and to begin the festivities: Anna Wintour's brain child - Fashion's Night Out. A celebration of fashion where brands and retailers all over the world in fabulous cities come together to encourage shopping :)

Being fortunate enough to live in the ultimate city of fashion and work in the heart of a fashionable neighbourhood, I strolled the streets after work with some friends and checked out the festivities which involved freebies, appys, lotsa cocktails and champagne and apparently celebrities - which I was completely oblivious to :P Boo. I think I left Tory Burch a few minutes after Russell Simmons arrived. I missed Anna Wintour at Bloomingdales and I did see the crazy line-up at Bathing Ape which must've had some sort of celebrity (it was Kid Cuddi - WHO?)

Of course, I was also following the tons of live play-by-play tweets as I roamed the streets. But an early day of work the next day prompted me to retire early and head on home at 9pm. I do hope this is repeated every year - it seemed like a great success and apparently Jason Wu alone, moved about $30,000 of merchandise so I hope it did the retail scene a little good this slow back-to-school/fall buying season.

It's a Friday night, I'm exhausted from work and chilling at home with Willi and am in dire need of catching up on NYFW's first shows & my September books, doing my laundry and general apartment cleaning/tidying up.

Ah...it's nice to be home :) Happy Housekeeping!

Home Sweet Home

Ah, its good to have some quiet time. It's been a busy the past few weeks and I'm finally

alone in my apartment and I'm enjoying it.

A little packing, organizing, cleaning and pottering around the apartment is something I never thought I'd enjoy. Ha! But look at me now! Surfing Crate & Barrel, West Elm and Etsy.com for cute pieces I can add to my new home

and apartmenttherapy.com for decorating inspiration.

Lazing my Saturday morning away with a hot cup of "teh tarik", with

Dog Whisperer on the telly PERFECT!

Here are some snippets of my work-in-progress pad:

I really need to stop

shopping...Perhaps after Woodbury Common, I've gotten a little carried away with my recent purchases.

Fab coral wedges from 80%20 on sale and today, half off a Foley + Corinna Mid City Tote...What's a girl to do??? It seems Summer in the City is ridden with unbelievable sales. ARGH. Time to put away the credit card.

Woodbury Common Run #1

Two fifth's of the Lee clan are staying with me and we decide to hop into a zipcar and drive to Central Valley, NY - home of the famed Woodbury Common - designer factory outlet mecca! We clearly did not estimate our time correctly and ended up forgoing several stores but that always means we'll be back again. Nevertheless, we did quite well for ourselves.

Woodbury Common is quite overwhelming - with hundreds of stores both high-end designer like Chanel, Dior, Balenciaga etc to Chelsea Premium Outlet regulars like Banana Republic, GAP, Nine West etc. We planned a strategy of attack and at the end of the day, we did pretty very well for ourselves and scored awesome deals.

The highlight? A fabulous pair of DVF peep-toe patent pumps from Saks Off Fifth (with additional 30% off thanks to the VIP coupon book! SCORE!) - and they make me smile when I wear them & actually are quite comfortable.

I'm looking forward to my next trip there already! Thanksgiving sale perhaps?? *wink*

e-shopping.com

So ever since I started working full-time, my hours aren't quite 9-5. I spend alot of time at work and realise I have very little time left for myself. As a result, laundry gets piled up, the apartment gets messy and cluttered, my legs remain fuzzy and my hair overgrown. Which leaves no room for frivolous shopping of course. No room whatsoever. In fact, I actually have to make time to go shopping. Even grocery/supplies shopping.

Thankfully, stores open late in Manhattan, even on weekdays and there's always the internet. Recently, I made several big purchases online because I simply didn't have the time to buy it in-store. Having moved into a bigger, better space - I needed a 2nd air conditioner and, much to my father's insistence - a bigger tv. So I bought them online via Amazon.com and Bestbuy.com respectively and am awaiting their deliveries this week. Whilst perusing Amazon.com, I also invested in a small safe and found some great photo frames for cheap! Click add to cart and I was ready to checkout :D How easy!

I am still in need of a sofa and unfortunately, IKEA doesn't let you buy sofas online. However, upon looking at my fairly empty apartment, I feel inspired to make sure this cosy abode will make my mother proud. Hence, I spent a great deal of last night in bed browsing www.apartmenttherapy.com and getting plenty of good ideas for small spaces and decluttering tactics. Clutter seems to be my biggest problem as my dad pointed out to me this weekend. I must somehow overcome it.

So, off to IKEA I go this weekend, as well as other cool websites and thrift stores with eclectic housewares. I intend to do all of this on a decent budget and come out with a fabulously decorated apartment. And then, photos will follow to document my interior decorating work-in-progress project :)

The one thing I can't seem to get away from...

The Harajuku Lovers Label has FAB shoes. I found this delicious fact @ DSW and my girlfriend and I tried on these lovelies and I'm smitten! I'm sheepish to buy them because over the weekend, I already purchased 2 pairs of shoes... :S Yeah, I just might have a problem...I can't say no to a gorgeous pair of shoes. Bags, clothes, jewelry - I can pass them by...but a FAB pair like these? It was so hard. Plus, they are comfortable! Sigh...should I???

Let me see if I can stay away from H&M tomorrow

Matthew Williamson's capsule collection for H&M is available starting tomorrow at select New York locations. Thankfully, none of the Soho stores will feature this vibrant collection which means less likely a detour for me.

For those of you who aren't trying desperately to save money, go splurge at the following locations: 34th & Broadway, 51st & 5th and 59th & Lexington. Happy shopping while stocks last!

Once you find it...Buy it!

So after a long day at work and amidst the torrential downpour, I popped next door to Old Navy to see if I could pick up some of my favourite sheer long sleeve tshirts. I couldn't find them, partly because it was a winter basic and its spring now. Though our weather today wasn't indicative of spring-time warmth. So I browsed and saw that they were having a swimsuit sale.

I've always liked Old Navy swimsuits. They're affordable, cute and fit me to a tee. Most of my swimsuits/bikinis are from Old Navy, often bought on sale prior to Summer. (Smart eh?) Recently, I've developed an attraction to one-piece swimsuits. Partly because my figure isn't exactly 6 pack, toned abs but also because its so chic and subtly sexy, when you have cut outs and plunges in the right areas. I purchased my first one-piece from Old Navy about 2 years ago - it was cute: navy, white & blood orange, geometric graphic prints, in a retro boy shorts cut. Sported it in Cape Cod and in Mexico!

Today, my attention turned to 2 distinct pieces: A sexy, sleek black deep plunge halter, with ruching and a racy, brown & white zebra print deep V cut out one piece with a brass ring between the bust. I peeled off my layers of clothes and slipped these 2 on and fell in love. Damn did I look good! :D All for the price of $20 a pop. SCORE!

Can't wait to hit the beach again and bring these sexies out! RAWR!

Anthropologie in Canada!

It was only a matter of time when this eclectic chain would come to Canada. Its urban sister, Urban Outfitters has already entered the malls and streets of Canada and I'm pleased to hear that Anthropologie will open its doors in Toronto on April 22 at Don Mills and then in West Edmonton Mall in May and Yorkville in July. Eventually, I'm hoping to see stores in Vancouver!

I must...

I must profess my love for Uniqlo again. Being back in the workforce in Soho allows me to peruse the store at my leisure. Recently, they're having this amazing jean sale - $49.90 for 2 pairs with free alterations of course. So I picked up a pair of skinnies (which closely resemble J brand's) and a pair of straight legs (the season's hot boyfriend style)! I simply couldn't resist :) Uniqlo is awesome for basics - the other day, it was absurdly cold in the office and I wasn't dressed for chills - I popped over and bought a merino wool cardi in baby blue for $19.90! How convenient! My mecca for basics!

PS: for all you Singaporeans out there, you're getting a Uniqlo of your own too!

They've arrived!

My presents have come in early! Spring boots! Not too shabby for an online purchase - On sale, Free Shipping & an extra coupon for 15% off on top of the sale price makes Daphne a very happy birthday girl.

Suburb Alert!

Beauty junkies Rejoice! There's another addition to much anticipated Sephora arrival to Vancouver. Along with the eagerly awaited location in Pacific Centre in downtown, I've discovered that Coquitlam Centre is getting its very own Sephora too! Right across from H&M! Yay!

Spring 09 window shop

Being back in Manhattan means I get to check out the retailers spring trends via my favourite past time - window shopping. I browsed one of my favourite retailers today for the latest season's looks translated into affordable, fast fashion and was pleasantly surprised! So much so, I had to hold myself back from whipping out my credit card & swiping it all on new clothes for Spring. Despite the economic downturn, Spring fashion is still fresh and very affordable!

H&M has a to-die-for Spring 09 collection!! I wanted EVERYTHING I saw. Billowy tops and bottoms, lots and lots of volume. Icy pastel palettes, florals and lots of neutrals like taupe. Tulip skirts, dresses, tops. Lots of layers - cupcake style on tops & skirts. Ruffles & sheers seen on everything. Here are some pieces I spotted in-stores today:

Photos courtesy of Modefeber

Happy Shopping you guys!

Oh the weather outside is frightful..

so at the mall today with my brother & his girlfriend, I snapped up a fabulous furry vest! I've been toying with the idea and then spotted my Columbian classmate of mine sporting a fabulous one in class. And that was when I decided I'd get one for myself, BUT only at the right price, right look & faux fur please. And today at the mall, I found it at Le Chateau, amidst the crazy last minute shoppers, for a VERY good price that didn't put another dent in my already depleted bank account.

Along with that, I picked up some other great pieces:

• a fab Foley + Corinna inspired black tote
• a black & emerald houndstooth cardi
• turquoise reflective aviators inspired by Top Gun which was on tv last night!

Bonus - nothing I bought was at regular price. Whoopeee!!!

Rockin' Rocks!

Shopping update amidst finals week: Scored 2 Rocks & Republic's for less than $200! Sa-Weet! No more jeans shopping for 2009. Hahaha!

Marked down Madness

Tis the season to be shopping! This weekend was fruitfully spent in retail therapy. And much to our delight, the sales in stores are simply too good to be true! Here are some awesome deals that J, his sister, Eloise & I took advantage while they visited NY this weekend:

• One of J's favourite stores in SoHo is having a closing down sale because they lost their lease, so all Energie stuff is 70% off. I scored Diesel jeans for $99 and an awesome leather jacket for $40. Tons of designer jeans were marked down more than 50%, designer sunglasses were 50% off too. Licia Atelier jewelry is available there too & if you pay cash, you might get an extra discount. J also got a pair of Blackstones for 85% off and I got Chooka rainboots for $20. We walked out happy campers, so for all you Manhattanites, go check out Lounge in Soho on 593 Broadway before all the good stuff is gone.
• Prada is having a sale too - select men's and ladies' product is 50% off. I nearly died when I saw the bag & clutch I drooled over earlier this year on sale for 50% off. ARGHHH!!! My empty pocket said no.
• Over in the West Village, the Marc Jacobs store had a crazy line-up, clearly there was some awesome deal we were missing but the long line in the cold made us give it a pass. Perhaps on a weekday morning?
• Olive & Bette's store is 50% off - Autumn Cashmere included! Gorgeous cardigans...Sigh.
• Club Monaco - take an additional 30% off
• Bloomingdales - J scored a great Zegna item on sale for 30% off.
• Ben Sherman - 50% off all suits
• If you're looking to experiment with makeup or cosmetics, now's the time because Sephora has awesome deals on gift sets where you get everything packaged beautifully & for a fraction of the original cost.
• Kenneth Cole - there was an awesome 1 day event which was 40-50% the entire store.
• J & I scored shoes in the West Village for a steal - another poor store was having a closing down sale. I got Vans for $20 and he got Onizuka Tiger shoes for $40. Clearly the boy & I share a mutual love for footwear :D

Ahhh, so many sales, so little money...Happy Shopping everyone, just 10 more days till Christmas!

Christmas in a Cup

I'm no paid advocate for Starbucks but a classmate of mine recommended I'd try the Peppermint Mocha offered during the Christmas season in their signature red cups. And boy was it yummy!! Like After Eight in a cup, it's the holiday season embodied in a chocolatety minty cuppa joe. Mmm...perfect for rainy Vancouver and blistery New York winters! The holiday season has also gotten me into the mood of shopping & picking up gifts to check off my Christmas list.Other great holiday items I picked up as Christmas edges closer include:

• MAC Cosmetics Holiday 2008 Passions of Red Fascinating Eyes Palette
  
• A festive burgundy winter puffer coat
  
• Red suede knee high boots from Chinese Laundry
  
• A fab red lipstick which I've test driven at school & got awesome responses! :D

Christmas is less than 3 weeks away...Better get cracking on those Christmas lists & send out those Christmas cards! Happy shopping!