Sneaker Find at Marshalls

So my husband was just trying to kill time at Marshalls while waiting for me to finish work. And then he tells me of this certain sneaker that ended there at a really low price. Since I really know nothing of sneakers I decided to trust his judgment.

We somehow picked up this Nike Air Penny II at just $60. I looked it up on Foot Locker to check the price and the sizes that were still available were going for $130+. It seemed too good to be true. If I had been back home, I would instantly think it was a fake. But then this article clearly explained how some "rare" sneakers end up at Marshalls. 

http://www.complex.com/sneakers/2017/01/how-sneakers-end-up-at-marshalls

I guess my husband had been lucky on my birthday. Call me cheap but I really, really like shopping at Marshalls.

Kate Spade Outlet finds

I think of myself as a very stingy/frugal person but of course I have my low EQ moments and indulge from time to time. But I am a sucker for great deals. Initially, a trip to the outlet store would always end up with me buying a thing or two. But then, the proximity of the outlets and with nothing better to do, frequent trips resulted to no purchases at times. In fact, I have ended up comparing prices depending on the season and with other stores. A lot of times, I feel that weekend deals are traps because the price don't really vary much but just gives you the impression of so. I probably should elaborate more on a separate post. For this one, I will try to focus on some observations I've had of bag purchases from Kate Spade.

Not that I have a lot of Kate Spade purses but for some reason I thought their outlet items looked a little on the cheap side. It was for this reason I read up on some brands producing items specifically for outlets which never sees the day on their regular boutiques. With the number of outlet stores around and the number of people shopping at any given time, it is indeed hard to believe that all discounted items came from boutique clearances. Since then, it felt a little less of a bargain shopping at the outlets especially at Kate Spade because I thought I really was not getting any discount. The money is more for the brand name (bragging rights) than the make and quality (at a discount). Nonetheless, this didn't stop me from constantly perusing their deals but I mostly zoned in on the clearance items. To me, that's where the real deals are, the rest are just deal traps. 

But then, one time, this sales lady recommended this specific bag I was trying to decide on, more than the other. Other than it looked nicer, she said it was from their Kate Spade boutique. After that experience, I am more on the lookout for real deals from their Outlet stores of boutique finds more than anything else. So far, here's what I got as a basis for identifying if it's a made-for-outlet purse or the boutique ones.

Boutique purses:

1. The spade symbol outside the bag is made of metal.

2. The inside of the bag has cute prints for its lining.

3. Again, there is a spade symbol that is again made of metal inside the bag.

4. One bag which I ordered online (not from the surprise store), actually came with a dustbag.

Outlet purses:

1. The Kate Spade brand is printed only (which I am tempted to try if I can scratch them out...) or a solid metal (this I am not 100% sure).

2. The inside lining is black (the two I got so far), with the words Kate Spade somewhat embossed. Makes sense from a mass production standpoint to bring the cost down.

3. Inside the bag there is no spade symbol made of metal, instead is a cheaper version of a stitched patch or something to that effect.

4. No dust bags so far from my outlet hauls (whether boutique or not).

I honestly prefer to buy if I can manage to find a really good deal of boutique versions of the bags than outlets because I feel the value for money is more in there. For me, the discount is not misleading because it was really sold at one point for the listed price unlike the outlet stores who only probably post the "MSRP's" as more suggestions and as a marketing ploy. However, to some, Kate Spade is Kate Spade so as long as the price is less then 60% off the "MSRP" then that's already good. 

Love-Hate relationship with Tieks

I first heard about tieks just probably 3-4 months back when someone posted in a facebook group. Seeing the tag price and how simple it looked, I quickly dismissed it. I was not at all drawn to it and thought I was not its market. I was quite happy with the Cole Haans I managed to snag from DSW on clearance sale. Prior to that, I settled for any random brand that would sell cute ballet flats after getting tired of wearing heels. VNC/Vincci, Charles and Keith, Aldo, Coach, MK, G.H. Bass, korean street vendors etc. It wasn't until that Cole Haan pair when I realized that these flats could be comfortable. You see, I'd trade them with sneakers/NMDs anytime when heavy walking is involved.

"Curiousity killed the cat."

Curiousity got the better of me though and I found myself wanting to splurge and indulge in some retail therapy one time that tieks was just back in the radar. Also, not to mention that I was out on a business trip where I had to wear steel-toed shoes which weren't exactly my taste leaving me with a hefty luggage for Just a one week trip. It was the perfect excuse to give tieks a try. It could be perfect for travelling and I had some extra funds.

My first pair was burgundy. I tried to break it in as all other posts I've read told me to. The big toe problem did surface but now that I've been wearing it a lot, it's a very comfortable pair that feels like second skin. Honestly, sometimes I don't realize it is that comfortable until I switch to my non-tieks pairs.

Barely a month later, I found myself, splurging on another pair. This time, with my husband's choice of color, cobalt. It is now my favorite pair. 

I definitely want to add some more but I need to be practical and sensible. Also, since joining the group Tieks Anonymous it made me feel paranoid of how I use mine. My husband takes better care of his Jordan collection than I do with any shoes.

I'm definitely conflicted so for now, a wishlist would suffice, until I can add them to my tote guilt-free.

Look Rich

These days, I find myself wanting to spend and buy more high-end items in a less thoughtful manner without need or justification. In short, just giving in to whims and maybe perceived self-actualization and competitiveness. That one bag I bought somehow had me wanting to buy more, to enjoy my earnings instead of always thinking about savings and ROI.

Then I saw a timely reminder which had Facebook's CEO picture with the caption, the idea is not to look rich but be rich. That hit me. I started getting addicted to trying to dress myself up, to set myself apart and make me think that people would notice the message "hey I made it". So here I am salivating and planning on my next luxury item while my net worth is not even .01% of Mark's. Oh boy, do I love these little reminders that puts things in perspective and regain focus. The challenge is not to fall into the habit of looking for material rewards every so often. Get rich with experiences than look rich. Live below your means, not within and all the more not above.

Photo grabbed from Mark's FB page.

Carry On 20

Ladies and Gents after several brand hopping, online window shopping, some failed attempts (that's another story), internal conflict, forum scouring, I finally jumped the gun and found my first splurge bag. The stingy side of me, originally dropped the idea altogether but after discovering this brand, it was more than happy to give in and indulge me. My wallet is happy, my stingy self is happy and my EQ is happy. I think I ended up reading all entries from the purse forum just to get to know the brand some more.

 

I exchanged emails with the SA, Louise, who was very helpful with all my questions as well as including some pictures as I requested. Since I have already done my research though, I have my eyes and heart leaning towards a certain direction already. (SO to all the lads and ladies for posting about this brand.). It was the color that I was ultimately undecided on but most weren't available except for the walnut brown. As much as I wanted the other colors than this, putting me on the waitlist would be a bad idea as I knew it might end up in smoke if I don't buy it now. She did tempt me with a few other extras but I stuck with my goal and budget. Besides, I wanted to first give it a try to see if it looks nice in person. Exactly, a week later from my first email, I found a box on my doorstep. In it were two envelopes, one with the receipt and the other was a handwritten note from the SA with some other details about the product and the brand, Faure Le Page. Of course, the shopping bag, dust bag came with the bag as well. Now, the bag, I... LOVE... IT!!! It's the right size and color, not to mention it's so my taste!! It's versatile and practical enough that I think I can use it many ways, not to mention I can stuff more than just the bare essentials in there (I tend to carry more than the usual most days.).

 

As much as I'd like to gush on it some more, I'd have to savor, I mean save it for another day. I hope I'd get the chance to post something like what's in my bag for this one. It's one of those I found difficult to find in my online research.

Also, I am on the lookout of what the total damages will end up being including taxes. The bigger problem though is I might like their totes, pouches and wallets too. uh-oh...

*** runs to closet to find old stuff to sell...

Samurai!

Recently, I realized that when I look for gifts for the husband, they are not available. Why? Because they are limited releases and the only chance to snag them would be at a high mark-up from resellers. It is sooo frustrating. Jordans, NMDs, hats, jerseys and even watches.

So, when this handsome (or beauty), Seiko Prospex SRPB09 - Samurai,  came up while I was on the hubby gift hunt and it just so happened it was being released at the same time, I wasted no time. I immediately went on an online hunt for this product. I was getting deflated when it was turning up on the reseller market already. I did snag one from here: River Edge Jewlers. The good news, no state tax (from where I am at)! And it seemed like a legitimate and an authorized seller. I am so happy I didn't have to resort to the gray market to be able to purchase one. It seems that the demand in Asia and my home country was driving the price up. I managed to get it at a lower price than the reseller I got in touch with. Luckily, it didn't seem like this was as popular here so I had less competition and plenty of chances to buy it. Also, I don't think there would be fakes in the market already for a model that was just released. It made it easier buying it online.

 

 

It's supposed to be an anniversary gift but I couldn't contain my excitement so I ended up showing it to him anyway. It was a success of course! He loved it! Big points for the wifey! :)

This is not an apple watch review

When I learned of those smart wearable devices, I contemplated on getting one for me or for my parents but it felt too expensive for me. The stingy side of me prevailed. While I could see some benefits, I thought rather than depending on technology for monitoring my step count etc, I should just try harder to lead a healthier and active lifestyle. I also became a technophobic with thoughts of exploding cellphones and now to actually attach one to the wrist might be a bad idea. So, I thought to myself, I don't need one and I will not be a slave of these "innovations". To some extent, don't you feel that if we become too dependent on them, the future as shown in the futuristic/fictional movies Wall-E or I-Robot will soon become our reality. 

 

Fast forward to December, my friends gave me a fitbit Flex2 as a prewedding gift (I trust that they were not subtly hinting for me to lose weight.) and then my now husband gave me an apple watch. So, of course I had to use it. I wanted the fitbit because I got jealous and envied my friends who were trying to one-up each other in terms of the number of steps taken. Anyway, since I couldn't use both so the fitbit was left for my mom to use. I have but used my apple watch almost everyday since. I have configured my watch in a way that it displays a lot of info on screen including: step count, date, time, temp in Celsius or Fahrenheit (still trying to get used to the temps units...), and my hometown time. Although I am able to track my step count, I don't think my habits have changed to actually conscientously meet a daily goal. I have gotten used to seeing this explosion of data when I glance at my wrist that on the occasions I end up wearing my other watches (mostly because I failed to charge the watch), I feel that the information I am told is insufficient, as if my wrist is lacking and naked. Sure, it tells me the time, which is what a watch is supposed to be for in the first place. But what's the temp (which is quite good to know especially winters where I am at can jump from lows of 40's to highs of 90's the next day.)?, How many steps do I have (as if it mattered and makes any difference)?, I need to know! I have yet to maximize the watch so other than that, it has been just handy for quick reading of messages while teaching or driving, for doing one minute planks, and camera timer functions. My main deal is that wish I could pick up calls from VoIP apps such as viber, FB messenger etc. without having a bluetooth headphones with me. I am still resisting those Airpods which again are chargeable devices. My carbon footprint is just terrible with all these things and how much glued and hooked I am to them.

 

Now given that the watch has now become a staple, it makes me rethink if I should get that watch I've been eyeing on for a while now. Maybe I shouldn't and just get a D&G Sicily instead (no, that designer bag story still has no conclusion). 

Finding my First Designer Bag

Admittedly, the insecure part of me longs to have a designer bag for once. I've been resisting just because but then there are extra funds right now which got me thinking. Now may be the time to splurge and indulge before more adulting kicks in, before kids, etc.

With the mindset that I will not buy and spend that much money on a bag after this, I'm down to choosing amongst the following: 

1. Speedy bandouliere 25 

2. Speedy bandouliere 30

3. Siena MM

4. Siena PM

5. Turenne PM

You have no idea how many hours I've wasted reading forums, looking at the designer websites, Nordstrom, Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, etc. just to find me a nice bag. I've considered MCM, Prada, YSL, Givenchy, Gucci, etc. But eventually ended up with the above. I also got addicted to Bao Bao but I think it's best to go for a classic considering I don't plan on following trends and be supporting a lifestyle that would get me to buy bags every now and then at those price points.

Aside from the reasonable price, I want somewhat low maintenance thus, the aversion to leather. Prada is still in my head though but it seems one of the five is the most feasible and reasonable. Problem is, I said I want to get only one and yet here I am toying with the idea of getting the Siena MM now and then a Speedy Bandouliere 25 sometime in the future... *ugh* Why did I have to be this insecure to want to buy one? "Yayamanin kasi!!!"

Sale Galore!

Many folks say that it is actually a good time to shop after the holidays. Many stores do have their sale events following the holidays possibly for a new season and to boost what would otherwise be a really slow quarter. It is after all the time when most folks try to recover from all the holiday spending for gifts, parties and just good old shopping. Zara normally has their F/W sale during this time. It seems even luxury brands would also have their own version. I saw one post from a personal shopper I follow of a crazy line and failed attempt at cray-cray shopping at Hermes. (That and also of Asians being the predominant clientele. Maybe it's also a cultural thing, to be a sucker for good deals. For personal or for other gains.)
I've been desperately trying my darn best not too shop too much but the stingy/frugal side of me has this effect of not being able to resist what seems to be good deals. Before I left Manila, I probably ended up spending $100 equivalent to 4/5 pants, some shirts/shorts or dresses. If that weren't enough, Kate Spade tells me about a one day only sale for a specific item which was to my taste, fortunately or rather unfortunately. It was hard to pass up because I have made an observation that the surprise shop and factory outlet store items tend to be different and appear to be of lower quality than their "normal" boutiques. This is what I especially observed for Kate Spade alone. I think it is quite easy to spot an outlet item vs one that's not for this brand.
It didn't end there though, a trip to DSW at Mall of America ended up with two flats. And then I dropped by Macy's. Apparently, they have this last act sale where prices go down to about 70%++ off! If it weren't for the fact that I had to rush to the airport, I probably have spent more than I what I did for clothes. Also, it was tax free in MN for clothes and shoes!!! Why was I not aware of it until now?!