Coach Rhyder Fall/Winter 2014

Pastel blue Coach Rhyder messenger bag in pebbled leather from Fall/Winter 2014 collection. So pretty!

Photo credit: tomandlorenzo.com

Japan Summer 2014: Shopping haul

Summer in Japan is wayyyy too hot for visiting outdoor attractions (temples/shrines/parks/castles), however, one good thing is the summer sale!

Didn't buy much at Harajuku and Shibuya, though, I think I was overwhelmed! So mostly I bought from familiar brands like Uniqlo, Muji, etc. Oops!

At Shibuya, I shopped at Muji and Lush Cosmetics. First time buying Muji's beauty range, they're not as expensive as I thought:
1) Sunscreen SPF30 PA+++ 150g - JPY800 (RM25.66)
2) Massage Oil Fresh Citrus 150ml - JPY900 (after 50% off, RM28.87)
3) Sunscreen SPF50++++ 30ml - JPY600 (RM19.24)
4) Loose Powder Pearl Natural 6g - JPY700 (RM22.45)
5) Vanity Pouch 10.5 x 17.5 x 6cm - JPY840 (after 30% off, RM26.94)
6) Fragrance Candle Relax - JPY 560 (after 20% off, RM17.96)

As for Lush, I bought the following:
1) Honey Bee bath bomb (JPY600 which is about RM19.20. Singapore price is SGD11.50 which is about RM29.46)
2) Dragon's Egg bath bomb (JPY670 which is about RM21.44. Singapore price is SGD11.50 which is about RM29.46)
3) Ocean Salt 250g (JPY4,020 which is about RM128.62. Singapore price is SGD48 which is about RM122.97)

Entered the famed Shibuya 109, most clothes seemed to be in free size, which was too small for me. On average, I think each clothing piece was about RM100, accessories probably RM30 per piece.

Takeshita street at Harajuku is good for people watching. Very interesting & fun choice of dressing!

Went to Shinjuku at night, it was quite pleasant as it was not as packed as Shibuya. Not sure about daytime, though. There's a Bicqlo there. Bicqlo is a 'venture' between Uniqlo & BIC Camera. At Bicqlo, I shopped at Uniqlo & GU. My husband also bought a lot from these two shops. GU is generally cheaper than Uniqlo. Furthermore, if you show your passport, you get a further 5% discount... whatttttttt!

Read online that there's a shop offering cheap clothing called Shimamura. However, most branches are not centrally located. The one I went to is at Takadanobaba. I liked that they have clothing in my 'current' size UK16, but most designs not to my taste. It's not as cheap as GU.

Did not buy any shoes this trip. Even though cheap, GU and Shimamura shoes were too small for my size 41 feet.

Bought accessories from 3 Coins (300 yen shop). And of course, I visited Daiso (100 yen shop) and Don Quijote.

And finally, splurged on SKII at Haneda airport...
Cellumination Aura Essence 30ml - JPY12,400 (RM396.74. Malaysia retail price RM499). Last year's Japan price JPY12,000.

Helped my friend, J, to purchase a SKII product, too:
Whitening power spots specialist 50ml - JPY11,200 which is about RM358.35 (Malaysia retail price: RM609)

Too Cool for School - price in South Korea (Dec 2013)

So back in Dec 2013 I stumbled into a beauty shop called "Too Cool for School" in Dongdaemun, South Korea.

Besides having an awesome name (I'm probably too old for school, but whatever...), the shop decor is really nice & quirky and I was also really drawn to the products' packaging. Using my phone, I did a quick google search on the brand and found out that there is actually a branch in Bangsar itself! Asked the Korean sales assistant (in Mandarin, no less) to recommend some of their top selling products. In the end, I got these:

1) Egg Mousse Pack - KRW12,000 (about RM37. Malaysia RP: RM73.50 as of Nov 2013)
2) After School BB Foundation Lunch Box - KRW18,000 (about RM55. Malaysia RP: RM99.50 as of Jan 2013)
3) Art Class Pencil Eraser - KRW8,500 (about RM26. Malaysia RP: unknown)
4) Hot Girl Lip Sticker in Blossom Pink - KRW8,000 (about RM24.50. Malaysia RP: unknown)

One of the best things about travel is discovering new beauty brands!

Valiram Warehouse Sale March 2014 - Charles & Keith shoes haul

I went to the Valiram warehouse sale on its first day; weekday lunch time. Was there from 1 to 230pm. Was pleasantly surprised by the vast selection of shoes; I daresay there were hundreds! Everything was at least 50% off; I lamented to a stranger next to me, "where's a girl to start?" and we both laughed out in glee. Also, I am a size 41 and I learnt (since Scholl warehouse sale) that shoe-related warehouse sales favours those with big feet (we are the minority).

Here's my haul, dear readers:

1) White covered heels/pump @ RM59 - Can't say no to moonstone effect

2) Grey open toe platform wedges with ankle strap @ RM69 - Can't say no to wedges

3) Red covered heels/pump @ RM69 - I had a lovely pair of red pumps (rounded toes) from Cats Whiskers once and was sad when it came apart; this is a good replacement; albeit with pointed toes

4) White flats @ RM59 - I know I can probably get the same flats from Vincci / Nose at half the price... Oh well, let's hope these Charles & Keith flats can last longer than those sold @ Vincci / Nose!

5) Taupe covered heels/pump @ RM39 - This is pretty similar to item no. 1, but I like that the V-shape makes my feet look smaller.