Shopperholic

Dress: Shein | Shoes: New Look (Similar here) | Ring Jessica Buurman (Similar here)

Once again, a huge thanks to Samson aka @braidstrong (instagram) | braidstrong (website) who takes lovely photos.

Hello!

So I've been trying to save money by avoiding online shopping but it's been pretty disastrous. But I've managed to get some really awesome not too expensive things from Aliexpress which is basically like the version of Taobao that caters to people who can't speak/read Chinese but still want cheap stuff. I love Aliexpress but shopping on the site requires patience because there's a lot to take in and go through. Plus you have to read the reviews and because there are multiple vendors selling the same things, you have to make tough decisions with which vendor to buy from. Overall I've had mostly pleasant experiences, although I've had cheap phone covers not get delivered before. But overall I'd say the percentage for that happening is pretty low. 

Anyhoodle, I just wanted to share some of the cool stuff I've bought recently, bearing in mind though, that it's actually not that recent since it takes bloody forever to ship. But that's just one of the drawbacks if you want cheap stuff. 

So you know how I've really been into these Fitness Blender workouts yeah? So I usually put the video up on my iPad, and for the longest time I'd borrow my mom's tablet stand. Well I decided it was time to be a big girl so I got my own. And I think it's awesome because not only did I buy it for US$2.49 with FREE shipping, I also think it's perfect for travel since it's so compact. I am mighty pleased with myself. 

On top of that, you might have noticed that little white thing in the last picture above, that's an audio amp which is just like a little plastic shell that you can attach to your iPad to amplify the sound. I didn't get this from Aliexpress, but rather, from Amazon. I had originally seen a product like it called Sound Bender that was featured in the TV show Shark Tank and I needed it because my iPad 2 speakers are really bad. I wanted to buy the Sound Bender cos of the cool name and the inventor but I needed it to be shipped pronto so I signed up for the Amazon Prime membership free trial and found that Audio Amp was eligible for the fast shipping, but not the Sound Bender. I had it shipped to my godma in the US who then brought it to Singapore to me as she flew in a few days after the delivery was made. Thanks godma, love you. Thanks Amazon, I love you also. Although you don't really always ship to Singapore (Boo) and your stuff can be pricier (double boo). 

The boo tried using the audio amp on his iPad (which is maybe a 3 or 4) but it's a bit too slender so it slides off. Anyway, his iPad speakers are better than mine so he doesn't really need it. I like it because it's so portable and it really does amplify the sound quite substantially. Don't expect THX movie quality sound obviously but sound that's loud enough to be heard over my panting as I exercise.

Moving on... Because I'm an action packed woman, I decided to be extra action and buy these weighted glove from Aliexpress. I'd been looking through Amazon but couldn't find the right weight (and also the look that I liked) that would ship to Singapore. I managed to find these babies which are awesome because they only cost US$5.30 but I've just realised I paid like $17.54 in shipping but ok it still comes to only $22.84 which is cheaper than the ones sold in stores here so I guess it's still a win. They each weigh about 0.5kg which seems little but I'm pretty sure I'm going to be aching after using them. Get ready to see my big guns BANGBANG!

Lastly, I decided to replace my existing lunch bag (yes, I'm a kid who brings a children's lunch bag to the office) because I wanted a lunch bag that I could sling over my shoulder (I often carry a lot of things to work so I need this extra convenience). My existing one was getting kinda mucky and only has a top strap. I also wanted one with a zip because I felt that the one I had often opened up because the velcro wouldn't hold. I ordered this on Aliexpress and have zero complaints because it's SO CUTE and it's exactly what I wanted - insulation material within, shoulder strap for easy carrying, cute pattern, right size to carry breakfast and my afternoon snack. Anyway, this purchase drove me a bit mental because there were SO many options and I really had so much trouble deciding. Multiple vendors were selling variations of this bag with different patterns and styles and also slightly different prices but I just went with the one that made me go 'aww' the most.

I'm so happy, you guys. But now I'm basically back to being addicted to shopping and as I type this I have Aliexpress open and ready to make another purchase - a makeup brush holder (I NEED THIS OKAY?)

Thanks for reading!

Dope stuff

Top: Forever 21 (Similar here) | Skirt: Paul Smith (Similar here) | Shoes: Charles & Keith (Similar here)

Clutch: Kate Spade (Similar here) | Necklace: Nichii (Similar here) | Ring: Jessica Buurman (Similar here)

First up, my deepest thanks to my friend Samson aka 7braidstrong who does cool stuff like take photos of me drinking coffee. It was, in his words, dope. 

I'd like to follow up this post with my usual ranting and raving but I think it wouldn't really do justice to his photos so I'll just let you soak them up and enjoy the tall drink of water that is yours truly. LOL.

Follow me on instagram for daily shenanigans at alexwearsstuff. And follow him on instagram for super dope artsy stuff at 7braidstrong.

Clown

Dress: Romwe | Shoes: Romwe | Bag: Charles & Keith | Earrings: Vincci (Similar here) | Ring: Vintage (Similar here)

Where has time gone? It's nearly the end of the year! Also, wasn't I just sixteen yesterday? WHAT HAPPENED??? 

So recently I've been daydreaming about my dream home of the future. Being the ultimate planner, I've got it almost all planned out except for the part where I pay for it. DAMMIT. 

I've visited a whole bunch of showflats and actual flats (is there a different way of referring to them?) recently and here's what I've learned about house-hunting:

1. Interior decor really makes a difference and I'm really easily fooled by nice furniture.

2. Apartments are tiny these days but also really really really really really really really expensive. 

3. The windows in showflats are 'for show only'. 

4. Real estate agents like having long pinkie fingernails.

5. Asking questions like 'hey is that other flat across the road cheaper?' will not get a desirable response.

I'm so grown up. 

Anyone have any apartment hunting tips? Or actually, more importantly, does anyone have any tips on how to make a ridiculous amount of money in a very short time without having to sell one's soul or body?

Thanks for reading... Now give me your money.

Testing my patience

Dress: Shein | Shoes: Pedder Red (Similar here) | Bag: OG (Similar here)

Sunglasses: Vans | Earrings: Vintage (Similar here) | Ring: Vintage (Similar here) 

I like this dress because it reminds me of this: 

 

Pic from wikipedia

Did you know that this is called a 'Test Card'??? I didn't. I wonder if this still pops up when there's no TV service. I feel like I should print these out and hold them up when I'm in the office and people are badgering me for things. I'll be all, 'sorry, no service, please try again later' and then try to hypnotise them with the pattern. 'You will bring me a coffee and a bagel and then leave me alone... and you are also getting sleeeeeeeepy.'

It's been a looooong two weeks. Not only have I not been actually watching any TV, I've also been working like a maniac. Anyway, what I really wanted to say is.... Look into the test card... You are getting sleepy... Give me all your money....Meh. It was worth a shot.

Thanks for reading! 

Ain't no mountain high enough

 

 

Dress: Shein | Shoes: Velvet (Similar here) | Bag: Gracious Aires (Similar here)

Earrings: Gift (Similar here) | Ring: Jessica Buurman

I really hope you sang the title of this post when you read it. Sister Act was the bomb. I guess I'm suddenly thinking about mountains because my dress has a mountain printed on it but more importantly, because I just purchased my first pair of trekking shoes!

Sweet-ass new pair of shoes

Come late September, I'll be running around the Dolomites in my sweet-ass new Columbia hiking shoes. If you recall, I went to Yosemite last year and went hiking up a pretty awesome trail. I did so in my Nike track shoes but after the two days of intense walking, my shoes pretty much gave up on me (not that my Nikes weren't good, they had already been through a lot of my stinky feet action over the course of 3 years).

I didn't want to put my cool new Nike flyknits through the same ordeal since I still like to jog in them, so I bought these new shoes. They're not exactly very pretty but they feel really sturdy and supportive. I'm not sure why they don't make chio-er hiking shoes (LIGHTBULB! Business idea!!) but these are not too ugly right?

Anyway, the boo was buying a new pair of soccer boots at Queensway Shopping Centre so I tagged along and I ended up buying these for what I think was a steal - $110. The retail assistant told me that I need to break them in so I guess I'm gonna be stomping around for awhile. I wonder if I could get away wearing them in the office. Hmmmmm.

Anyway, even a noob hiking enthusiast knows that good shoes make a huge difference so I thought I'd share what I know so far. Also good for your consideration if your budget is even tighter are these shoes that Nic recommended. She says they are cheap and good, as are many of the other shoes on the site, apparently. Now I'm kind of wishing I hadn't bought mine on a whim because man these Quechas are cheap!!! Plus I trust Nic's expertise in shoes because she is really a pro in comfortable footwear and doing actual research before making a purchase.

Oh well. Thanks for reading!

Snake charmer

Top: ASOS (Similar here) | Skirt: Lavish Alice (Similar here) | Shoes: Valentino | Clutch: Sportsgirl (Similar here) | Sunglasses: Ray Ban

 Necklace: Twentyeight Lane (Similar here) | Earrings: Vincci (Similar here) | Ring: Jessica Buurman | Bracelet: Butler & Wilson

In today's fast paced world, it's hard to find someone to love, to cherish, to belong to. With this rapid explosion of people, most of whom are glued to their phones, tablets, laptops - it's hard to actually find the 'one' and connect to him or her in a meaningful, non-filtered way. Take the story of this woman for example, who, after having dated someone for about 6 months, ended up losing her dog!

I would seriously go batshit insane if someone stole Nacho. I would totally do the routine from Taken and I would hunt that son-of-a-B down and DESTROY him. Fortunately, I'm not playing the swinging singles game so the whole Tinder, Match.com, OkCupid, Paktor game isn't for me, although I think some people have been pretty lucky with it, except for lady mentioned above of course!

Anyway, I hope that if you're enjoying the singles game, you'll be careful and take every precaution to safeguard your pooch/cat/hamster/snake/imaginary pet/etc. 

Thanks for reading!

Joining the rainbow parade

Top: Uniqlo | Skirt: Sheinside (Similar here) | Shoes: Old (Similar here)

Bag: Sheinside | Ring: Far East Plaza (Similar here) | Sunglasses: Pieces 

With former Olympian Bruce Jenner transitioning to her real self - Caitlyn Jenner, transgenderism has really become quite a hot topic. I recalled an article I read a while back which I found very interesting and which covered what I think would be a dream job for me. "Inside the World of Femme Coaching" is about how women are hired by transgender women who are transitioning or have transitioned from biologically male to female. In order for these new women to better navigate the world in their new femme identities, they turn to femme coaches, women who teach trans women how to display the subtle intricacies of feminine behaviour.

That is just AWESOME. And I think I would be really great at this for several reasons:
1. I am a woman both biologically and mentally. Although spiritually, I am a fire-breathing possum
2. I love to nag coach
3. I love to spend (other people's) money on things
4. I am open-minded but also good at keeping secrets
5. I am all for makeovers, makeunders and making magic

So to all you new women out there, please consider this my cover letter. I'm available and my rates are low. Also, welcome to the sisterhood.

Thanks for reading!

In case you hadn't noticed...

Dress: Smooch the Label (Similar here)

Necklace: Modcloth

Clutch: Gift from Wendy (Similar here)

Sunglasses: Ray Bans

Ring: Gift from Wendy/Meimei (Similar here)

Shoes: Linea Lidia by Luciano Padovan (Similar-ish here)

The great thing about wearing a gigantic unique necklace is that it works as a great distraction from anything funky about oneself. Like if I had a big zit on my nose, I'm sure you wouldn't have noticed it. Because the necklace is all pickmechoosemeloveme.

Something I've noticed in my working life is that it seems common practice to be asked things like, 'why do you have a pimple?' and other such questions or comments based around one's appearance. I know it's a harmless question and isn't meant to be disparaging but it kind of comes off that way, don't you think? Believe me, I didn't choose to have that zit and unless you're able to make it magically go away by knowing its reason for being, I really don't want to have a conversation about it. 

Anyway, just having one of those rambley pointless days. The boo and momster were both on vacation leaving me alone with my dog and with my thoughts so there were one too many monologue moments. I'm looking forward to talking to some humans again soon.

Thanks for reading!