Keep calm and save up!

At the start of this year, I made a resolution to cut back on my shopping sprees and impulsive tendencies to book flights. I have come to realize that, at 24, I should probably be saving more moolah if I want to be taken seriously as an "adult". I looked at my closet and saw clothes I have barely worn twice. I saw my photos of thrice (or more) a year travels just to satisfy my insatiable wanderlust. I looked at my savings account and realized that I have to give up either my dreams of independence or my shopping and travelling habits.

Credits

Short of cutting up my credit card, I needed to stop buying clothes I don't need and quit booking trips I don't really have to take. I told myself there's plenty of time for that in the future. In fact, the only thing that's keeping me sane is a promise to myself that I will travel my heart out in two years if I managed to curb my wanderlust whims.

On a bittersweet note, I'm very happy to report that my efforts to monitor my spending habits are somewhat effective. My accountant office mates have devised a surefire way for me to monitor shopping sprees. Every pay day, I would only spend the allocated amount on my "wants". They also devised an Excel sheet for my needs, which I also use along with my own Excel savings sheet on my mutual fund investments, salary savings deduction, and some expenses. Mitch even gave me a Beabi handy dandy organizer where I can stash my cash!

I'm normally a fluke when it comes to keeping new year resolutions, but I'm proud to announce that it has been TWO WHOLE MONTHS since I shopped for clothes or shoes. Mind you, it's pure torture just passing by my favorite shops. I barely spend fifteen minutes inside Zara, Topshop, or Mango in fear of relapsing. I'm also guilty of mock booking trips on airline websites at least twice a week but have never gotten around to actually confirming the flights. I'm taking it one a day at a time with small baby steps. It's not easy, but I'd like to make it work. Here's to adulthood and maturity!

More Orchard Road shenanigans

Orchard Road will always have a special place in my heart. It's where Jake and I constantly met up last 2011 so we can have quick dates (he was there with family, and I was with officemates) at Ben & Jerry's and Cotton On. Also, for a shopaholic like me, Orchard Road will always be a shopping mecca with all my favorite brands!

316@Somerset has always been my favorite mall. It's where Jake and I initially met up for a quick hi and hello before heading to Clarke Quay on our first time here. Aside from Cotton On, it also has Forever 21, Zara, and Cold Storage where I like to buy giant Hello Panda cans and OWL kopitiam roast instant coffee packs for pasalubongs.

Now, it's even better because H&M has decided to set up shop right beside 313@Somerset! I went crazy inside.

It's best to walk down the whole stretch of Orchard to go mall-hopping. There are nice mini-parks on the side street for cooling down if window-shopping ain't your thang.

I also love Takashimaya mall since it reminds me of Times Square in Hong Kong. My cousin Inah, who has been working at MBS, went with us that day and was a huge help since it rained and she was our expert guide at the underground mall loops and passes. 

She also treated us to this amazing mudpie ice cream cake at Kinokuniya! Heaven on earth, I tell ya.

My sister and I mainly enjoyed Takashimaya since its Kinokuniya bookstore branch was way bigger than the one we visited at the Paragon mall in Bangkok. We also found the elusive original novel of The Phantom of the Opera here! We literally had to drag the heave metal ladder to this corner just so we can get the book before anyone else did (yes, we're THAT obsessed with it).

I also went to Tangs to get Jake's Happy Socks pasalubong. I would totally wear these funky socks if I were into sneakers! There is currently no store in Manila which carries the Happy Socks brand so I was happy to get some for my fashion-conscious boyfriend.

Since it was raining, we didn't get to take a photo of the ION Mall facade. We DID get to enjoy the crazy sale at Rubi Shoes, though! Ah, I wish I lived here if only for the shoes. The Cotton On branches here in Manila only carry a limited style range. Inah even helped mom with her shopping and directed the mudra to her favorite Nine West and Charles & Keith shops.

This really is the place for shopaholics.

Tsim Sha Tsui love affair

We loved Tsim Sha Tsui so much that we went there twice--during our first and fifth days to properly explore the area. Mong Kok was a bit overrated so we didn't spend that much time shopping there except when Jake explored Sneaker Street and we had a blast at H&M over at Langham Place. (Okay, Jake and I came back so he can get his limited edition kicks). But most of the time, we went over to TST to shop and dine when we were in the Kowloon side.

I had no idea what BEA stood for but I'm assuming it's a bank. I posed with every sign I saw. It's pretty cool to have a bank named after you. Haha.

Our favorite parts of TST were Nathan Road, Granville Road, Chatham, and Mody Road. These roads housed the unique shops and eateries. Tsim Sha Tsui is more urban compared to Causeway. Here, it's purely all about the fashion and style experience. We fell in love with Granville Road where most college students shop and where fashion students at the nearby art institute sell their designs. It was pretty amazing to walk up and down the roads and walk in and out of the shops.

There's a shop called Chocoolate! Cute!

I lost Jake for a bit while I was engrossed looking for clothes. I found him here, on the second floor of a shop called Loading. It's his kind of place--all cool graphic tees, caps, and accessories.

We also went to Knutsford Terraces where we had a break at Ben & Jerry's! Jake and I unintentionally shared two scoops of Chocolate Therapy and Cookie Dough, only to find out there's a pint called half baked which combines the exact flavors! I'm really hoping this combination is available at S&R!

Up the stairs going to Knutsford Terraces. It's a whole strip of restaurants and bars with a chic, urban vibe. I can just picture ourselves sitting there, people-watching while sipping on beers and cocktails. Ah, I love this place.

On our fifth day, we ended up at iSquare which was right at the MTR exit. These three had a blast looking for CDs at hmv. I, on the other hand, bought One Direction souvenirs for my cousin. (Ick, I know)

Here's us walking towards Chatham Road from Nathan! It's never boring 'cause there are a lot of shops to look at. However, you have to go here after lunch since all the shops open late.

 

I looked up and spied a building with a roof made of crystal drops! It was dazzling under the sun! Fancy shmancy.

 

We popped inside a 7/11 for drinks and found that they still have Coke Slurpee! I really do wish the 7/11 in Manila still offers this, it's my favorite drink! I hate their strawberry and blue flavors. I only want Coke!

Some interesting shops and bars we passed along the way to Stussy. TST is a haven for cool brands!

Hair of the Dog bar!

Haha.

We spent an hour or so inside Cotton On, which is still cheaper in HK compared to the newly opened branch here in Manila. I was able to get a peplum top for my sister at $49 (Php 270)! The TST branch at Granville was also four floors huge so there was a wide selection of styles. The nearest H&M was a couple of blocks away so we were happy to stay here.

wearing H&M collared top, F21 skirt, cherry keds

TST is the place to be if you want up and coming/hipster-ish brands. You can also get your trusted brands there if you want the mainstream fix. Argh. I can't wait to blog about our Tsim Sha Tsui foodie finds!

Take me back to Causeway Bay

There's a place that I would always love to visit, no matter how many times I've been there already. The first time I stepped onto a busy Times Square plaza two years ago, I knew I would keep coming back. It gives me butterflies in my tummy every time I'm there. Just the sight of trams, shops, and the feeling of being a part of the Causeway Bay action makes me wonder why I never thought about staying here forever. This is the main reason why we chose to stay in Causeway Bay right in front of Times Square--we wanted to wake up and come home to our happy place.

These waffle egg balls were so yummy! There's a stall selling these munchies right below our place. They make for a great midnight or pre-lunch time snack.

I really can't get enough of Causeway! During the course of our six-day stay, we explored it and went to the major shops to fully soak in the atmosphere.

Denim jacket and studded top from Topshop, shorts from Zara, Accessorize necklace

On our fourth day, we split up with Jake who went to check out his own brands, so the girls and I went shopping by ourselves. We had a blast at Sogo department store and bought lipsticks, make-up, and bags. I can't believe how cheap they sell Clinique and Nine West here compared to Manila! The girls also took the chance to stock up on YSL and Givenchy lipsticks since we can't find the brands in old Manille.

Me and my obsession with trams. I'm an old-fashioned gal.

We explored the side streets of Causeway and had a grand old time going in and out of the shops. Hong Kong shopping is crazy! I long to find a street here in Manila where you can find back to back shops in every street. The malls were also the best--Times Square, Sogo, and Hysan Place kept us occupied pretty much the whole time.

Knitted frayed cover up from Dorothy Perkins, scalloped top and daisy dukes from Topshop, Aldo necklace

A couple of steps away from our place are the specialty shops. Here's one of BAPE, another Joaquin-favored brand.

And we dropped by Cath Kidston! I was so excited to go here, since we also had to buy stuff for our officemate. It's like a girly land exploded inside.

Here's Jake after our morning shopping. The perks of staying in Causeway while shopping? We get to drop off our bags before we proceed to our next destination! 

I almost forgot to shop at Bershka which was just inside Times Square. Good thing I came across it while on my way to Denim and Supply to meet up with Jake on our last night. I swear it's such a happy place! I got a quilted bag for only $159, what a steal! Trousers were at $199 each!

Happy boy getting his chambray shirt! He's gotten quite attached to Ralph Lauren during our whole trip.

Jake really loved the area, 'cause he got to buy beers at the K shop a couple of steps away from our place right in front of Times Square. Even when it's late at night, the whole place is bustling. I love this place!

Happy times! We're definitely staying at Causeway again next year! I can't wait to walk around this place for days!

Into the land of Chatuchak and Platinum

When in Bangkok, I recommend you stay at Ds67 Suites, a small boutique hotel with an awesome coffee shop in the lobby. The rooms are well-furnished and affordable, the service is great, and it's about a minute away from the nearest BTS (Phra Khanong) station which makes it easy to go around the city.

For a cheap Php 70, when converted, you'll go gaga over their own special brew of iced coffee. In fact, I'm willing to head to Bangkok again just for another cup of that perfect strong blend!

Of course, Bangkok is a shopping mecca for girls like me who love clothes. Since we were there during the worst part of the red shirts rebellion, most of the malls were closed. We DID get to shop at the famous Jatujak--where they sell everything from puppies to clothes, and spent the whole day just exploring two sois (or streets). They sell really cheap dresses and tops and I went gaga over them. You have to be prepared for the heat, though. It can get hot and humid in there, since it's a dry market with no air-conditioning.

We also went to Siam Paragon and had a blast shopping for books at Kinokuniya. Bookworms will love this place. 

And right across the road from Paragon was an ongoing sale of high-end brands. We only checked it out. The prices were still too steep even at 80% off!

But hands down, my most favorite shopping spot at BKK will always be Platinum. Imagine a huge mall only housing tops, dresses, skirts, you name it, they've got it at affordable prices! I remember only paying Php 200 for tops and dresses. I must have replenished my entire wardrobe when we were there. We went back twice and would have gone every day if it weren't for our scheduled tours.

Which explains why I exceeded my baggage limit on the way home. Totally worth it.