serious hobbyists

Do you have a hobby? One (or more) that you pursue with some degree of passion? For some it is in creating (baking, cooking, building miniature models, etc.), while others might be devoted to collecting (Hello Kitty, Birkin bags, Gundam items, etc.).

In helping to fulfil life's lil' indulgence, I'm often offered a peek into the life of serious hobbyists.  The enthusiasm is refreshing and sometimes their quest can be relentless.

And there are many reasons why people build miniatures, perfect a recipe or hunt down a limited edition piece. An avenue for creative release or a momentary escape perhaps? Whatever your reason(s), do you have a hobby?

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There are new deals this week, make sure to check them out. 

the ruby slippers

I have a thing for shoes but I like to think I am not in the league of the shoeholics.  It started with a pair that was gifted to me.  A pair of red patent Ferragamo "Carla" pumps with the signature bow.  The Husband names it "Dorothy's Shoes", after the ruby slippers worn by Dorothy Gale in the fantasy tale "Wizard of Oz". 

When I go to the stores, I usually spend a lot of time at the shoe department.  Even when I go thrifting, I'll zoom in on the shoes first before anything else (like bags).  My favourite places to "window shop" for shoes are Nordstrom Rack, NM LastCall and Saks OFF 5th.  These stores have aisles and aisles of shoes arranged according to size and often the premium designers and items on clearance are separated out. The shoes are usually from the main stores which didn't sell and have to make space for the new season.  I've found both classic and off seasons shoes at incredible and irresistible prices.

Besides going to the stores, online sites such as 6pm.com and DSW are great places for finding that super duper deal.  I owned my very first pair of Asics Kayano after spotting it at the clearance section at DSW.  These days I'll watch these sites for the running shoes to go on clearance.

I also enjoy curating my "shoe collection" online since I cannot own them all given my current lifestyle.  But sometimes I cannot resists and will end up bringing a pair (or two) home.  And because I cannot keep every pair, I will have to "let them go" on eBay or Tradesy.  A kindred spirit or someone who needs a great pair of shoes for work or special occasion may appreciate it.

I am still looking for that elusive pair of classic black pumps with red soles.  I once "enabled" a stranger with a $50 off coupon, at the store, as she was contemplating if she should bring home a pair of Louboutin she found in her size.  That gives me hope.

Meet the collection: (Top L to R) *Prada classic suede pumps, Jimmy Choo open toe pumps, Jimmy Choo high heels, Ferragamo "Carla" (my Dorothy shoes), *Gucci suede wedge pumps. (Bottom L to R) *Ferragamo fabric "Carla", *Ferragamo classic flats, Ferragamo "My Joy" ballet flats, Repetto "Cendrillon", Prada suede kitten heels, *Tod's driving shoes.

*Check out my "finds" to see if the shoes are still available.  

If you are looking for something special, drop me an email.

bargain hunting strategies

The September Issue
856 pages of fashion goodies

We are at the last vestiges of summer and the sale season is also coming to an end. We see designers and retailers rolling out Fall/Winter collections. Fashion magazine publishers have also filled the news stands with their own version of the bumper "September Issue". You may not know but this could be the best time to find bargains.

It's probably best to have some bargain hunting strategies or else you'll end up all over the place and missed out on some really good deals. Just like a few weeks ago I was at the mall with the intent of getting children's clothes for customers. But the "back to school" sale left many of these shops in disarray.  Every rack was picked through and items strewn all over the floor and on display shelves.  It was an overwhelming sight so I left empty-handed.

With Labor Day over and everyone recovering from sale fatigue, it was time for me to hit the mall again.  This time, many of the stores were running "final cut", some up to 80% off as they needed to clear inventory.  I was able to snap up items that were marked for clearance with an additional 20% off taken at the cash register.  It's like they are asking you to take it out of the store quickly so that they can stock the racks with new merchandise that were already piling up in the store.

For example, a toddler PJ set was marked down and tagged $3.99 (clearance price), take another 20% off and add taxes and the set will set you back about $3.50.  In the words of the sales associate, "You can't go wrong with that price".  

This time around there was hardly anyone at the stores (on a Friday no less) and I took my time to go through the racks which while over stuffed with merchandise didn't look like they were picked through. As the fashion industry cycle through another season even high-end designers items were on sale, Christian Dior summer dresses marked down to $600 (from $4,000) and you get to take another 70% off at the register (so that'll make it about $200?) or Dolce & Gabbana dresses (marked down from $5,000) were going for another 60% off.

And shoes, how can we forgot those lovely footwear.  As we are heading into boots season (dreadful!), summer shoes and sandals are going for a song.t's important to buy off season, so now it's probably not such a good time to buy that pair of boots you've been coveting or a new cashmere sweater as you change out your wardrobe and get ready for Fall.