Le Shopping...

Now lets get straight down to the point.  Shopping in America is amazing... not because it's cheap.  I mean honestly, I was earning Ringgits and every time I purchase something I automatically multiply that amount by 3.2 times.  However, eventhough it's a high multiplying factor, the end result is still considerably cheaper than anywhere else in the world!!  Shopping here is amazing too because of the many different types of brands available.

Macy's window display for Christmas.  Gorgeous!

With beautiful store front displays and sales happening all over the place, how can one resist shopping??  


I love jeans.  Nothing makes me happier than buying the perfect pair of jeans and trust me, that ain't an easy task!  My favourite brand of jeans is "7 For all Mankind" jeans and America is the cheapest place I have found for this particular brand.  Example.. my first pair of jeans from this brand is bought in Sydney and I paid over AUD300 for it.  I bought a new pair in San Francisco for USD109.00.  Fine, this pair was on sale but even at full price, it's still cheaper than prices you would find in Australia and definitely cheaper than Singapore!

Thank you Phong for taking such a good picture that doesn't make my behind look like a blimp. :)

I absolutely love this pair of jeans and I honestly haven't said that phase in a long long time.  Upon trying out this pair, I opted for size 26 as that was my usual size and the only other size available was size 24!  After secretly checking the price in the privacy of the changing room (I didn't want to look blatantly obvious that I was only aiming for jeans that were on sale!) I was happy that the sales price was marked down to USD149.00.  However I felt that the jeans were a little loose fitting as the material was of the stretched kind.  Feeling somewhat brave, I tried on size 24 and not only did it fit perfectly.. I immediately noticed that the marked down price was only USD109.00!!!  In my mind, this jeans is already considered sold. :)


At the cash register however, once the jeans was scanned in, the price showed that it was indeed USD149.00 and that someone has marked it wrongly to USD109.00.  That's why don't do markdowns in writing!  But I sure ain't complaining because guess what.. customers are always right!!!  The nice sales lady immediately told me she will match the price written!  There is nothing I love more than a bargain!!  Not only did I find an awesome pair of jeans, it was on sale and even after that, I managed to get it for USD40.00 less.  BARGAIN!!!!

All around America there are many outlet locations.  The most famous ones are the Premium Outlets and brands there includes BCBG, Coach, Nike, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Gap, Banana Republic... and hundreds more.  I am not joking.  So Phong and I decided to visit Gilroy Premium Outlets which is over an hours drive away.  We decided to go on 26th December, or more commonly known in America as one of the biggest sales day in the year.  (Apparently Boxing Day is not a term that is known here... )

After stalking people in the parking lot for over 30 minutes, we finally found a parking space (I will not mention whether it was an actual parking or not.. :P) and proceeded to join the hoards of bargain hunters looking for the best deals.  

As it was the day after Christmas, I initially assumed that this massive queue was for Starbucks as I assumed they were nursing a hangover and needed a caffeine fix.  But just looking at the ratio of 95% asians lining up, I concluded that yes this queue is indeed for Coach.  That explained the tour buses parked all along the street at Gilroy!  Needless to say, I wasn't allowed to join the queue as Phong threatened to drive home if I did... :P

After 2 hours of walking, all I bought was a dress for Chinese New Year.  Why you may ask?  Well everyone always assumes that Outlets are cheap, but they always forget that the stocks that they mostly carry are standard items such as polo shirts, jeans, and off season items that couldn't be sold off cause well.. they are ugly.  Once in a while you will find amazing pieces and one shop in particular that you can find this is in BCBG!  I absolutely love BCBG dresses and it's one of the only few shops I aim for in the Outlets.

Just before we left the Outlets, I noticed a shop handing out free bottles of mineral water to patrons entering their premises.  Being slight dehydrated from all the walking, and being asian (:P) I couldn't pass up the chance for freebies!  It was then I realised I had walked into a shoe shop and it was where I bought my new favourite pair of boots!

Vince Camuto.. Never ever heard of that brand before but just look at the packaging!  Looks expensive doesn't it?  Not only was it only USD79.00, there was an additional 20% off just because it was Christmas!!  BARGAIN!  So for my Christmas, my handsome husband bought me a beautiful dress and pair of beige suede boots.  Another bonus fact.. Jessica Alba has the exact same style of boots!!  :)  


So apparently everyone knows how great prices and brands are in America.  Not only that, you can shop for anything and everything online as well!!  And majority of them offer free shipping to anywhere in America.  So guess what our apartment has become???

Boxes from numerous online shopping shipments.. 

We should start a new posting company.  I'm thinking PLD services.. Phong Laura Delivery services!  :)