My Christmas Present- Jordan 11's Space Jam Edition

I remember when I was in middle/high school, all the kids at my school had the coolest kicks in the world. We were sporting uniforms so the only thing that we had freedom over was our kicks. I had some cool shoes, but they weren't as cool as all the Nike's that came our during that time.

Anyways, I remember when the Penny's came out, then the Air Max 97's, and Jordan 11's (this could possibly be in the wrong order) Oh the Jordan 11's! Possibly the best pair of Jordan's ever! I would've scooped up a pair when Nike released the Jordan 11+12 pack a while back, but I was torn between shoes and something else (I seriously don't remember what). Anyways, a few weeks back I was reading Freshness, and learned (a little too late) that they re-released the Jordan 11's. It wasn't just any re-release, it was going to be the "Space Jam" edition. The same exact pair that MJ worn in Space Jam.

I ebay-ed the shoe right away, found them in my size (thanks goodness), and watched. On December 26 at 1:30 PM, I was the proud owner of a pair of Jordan 11's Space Jam Edition. The price I paid $150 + shipping. These were shoes that I skipped out on once in my life and I wasn't willing to skip out on them again. I might not even sport them or take them out of the box, but if I ever become filthy rich, I will put them in a glass case along with my Penny's and Air Max 97's. There will be a plaque outside of the case saying "Shoes Amelia couldn't afford as a child"

Btw, these shoes have been known to increase in value. I wasn't sure how many were released, but all I could tell you is that it was pretty limited!

Bose QuietComfort 3

Ever since I was little flying on airplanes I wanted Bose headphones. Those mesmerizing headphones that seem to let anyone that wears them forget they are on a plane.

Now that I will be going on a 5 week trip flying to 3 countries I had to get a pair.

After much research I choose the Bose QuietComfort 3. Designed for portability and comfort, it folds into a neat carrying case but is still soft on the ear. The noise canceling technology is one of the best in the market. I can't wait use them on the plane! Original price is $349 USD but went to Craigslist and found used ones for $150!

UPDATE: brought my precious Bose to the first stop, Hong Kong, and it was broken. I didn't even get to use it at all! Called the service center in Hong Kong. They were so nice and helpful even when they suspected my Bose headphone to be fake!arrrgghh They could have not helped me but instead they gave me a trade in. Thanks! - Your Loyal Fan

Michael Kors Watches

I been looking for stylish watches that double up as a bracelet. While visiting my cousin in San Diego we took a trip to an awesome outlet in Palm Springs. Wow! It had Gucci, Uggs, L'Occitane, and so much more of outlet stores.

My cousin showed me her favorite watch store. It was a Fossil store but also sold refurbished watches and other designer watches. That's when I came across this Michael Kors watch. The picture does not do it justice because it actually has a beautiful shiny gold finish. It reminds me of gold nuggets and this only costs $39!!! I am definitely making this shop my exclusive store for watches.

For the Airline Industry

Miami, Florida

San Jose, Costa Rica

Hong Kong, China

My bf and I are going on a one month trip across several continent. It started with a great deal from American Airline to go from Boston to San Jose, Costa Rica for $300 (another friend of ours is from Boston). Then we started looking for flights to San Jose, Costa Rica. It has a layover in Miami, Florida so we decided to stay in Miami for one week and Costa Rica for one week. Leaving from SF cost us $$524 per person.
Then we thought why stop there? I really want to take my bf to Hong Kong. So we searched all over the web and in Kayak for tickets to Hong Kong as well. That was $810 per person.

Total Injection: $1334 x 2

Mr. Frosty

 

*I live in a poorly lit apt, please forgive me for the poor quality picture.

I've been a fashion blog reader for over 2 years now, and I just adore reading blogs about random purchases and tips on perfecting the perfect look with the ideal accessory or what not.

One day, while reading cupcakes and cashmere.  Emily, the blogger, coincidental that we share the same name, blogs about her daily beauty routine.  Emily, a California native, discusses on how to obtain the fresh and healthy glow look.  In one of the steps, she uses Mr. Frosty by Benefits to highlight her cheeks and brows.  This multiple usage highlighter can be used to also brighten up your eyes, by applying it on the corners of your eyes. 

This is a guilty splurge yet again, for approximately 150 HKD ($20USD). A not needed purchase, but I've noticed it doing wonders. I usually take 5 minutes on my morning beauty routine; I have a bad habit of over sleeping.  I need my extra five minutes of shut eye.  Once rolling out of bed, I use my 3 steps of Bare Mineral, apply my blush, and then Mr. Frosty for the final touch. Surprisingly easy and simple.  Just draw onto the areas where you want highlighting and use your fingers to smudge/blend it onto your skin.WAALA!

Jurlique Misting Spray

With the 28-33 Celsius weather in Hong Kong, my skin has been extremely oily. I've been sporting the T-ZONE grease look for 6 months already and I've had enough. Oil blotting paper doesn't do anything for me, so I've started experimenting with other products to control my oil excretion.
While browsing through the May issue of LUCKY, I read up on Kidada Jones, Quincy Jones' daughter, maintenance routine for clear skin.

I've learned to stay away from traditional moisturizers. After cleansing, while my face is damp, I spray this on to lock in moisture and keep my skin from feeling tight. I also use it after applying makeup to set my foundation. -Jones

I really needed to find a solution to my oily skin, so I visited a nearby Julique counter and asked them for oil controlling products. They tried to sell me a set of products, but tempting as it was to try the set, I wasn't ready to invest 700 HKD yet. So, I just asked for their misting spray. From the picture, you see I did walk a way with what I wanted, oil controlling mist spray that you can spray whenever you feel your skin lacks moisture or feel facial oil creeping up your pores. I've been using this for already three weeks and it's not that bad. As for the price, a 30ml bottle at 220 HKD is quite steep. The life span of 30ml bottle is approximately 1 month depending on how many spritz and how frequent you spray. I've been quite addicted to the scent,a lemon citrus tangerine zest, it's quite soothing and refreshing.

Second Time

While on a road trip I found a little town called Madrid, NM. It's pronounced Mad-rid, not like the Spanish city. That's when I ran across this necklace made of an old watch. It's from a Canadian designer that uses old broken watches to make jewelry. From the tiny print it looks like the watch brand was Belora from Swiss made.
Economic contribution $45 USD.

My Car Crapped Out!

This is a huge economy booster! No product was actually made but it was labor intensive! My car broke down in the middle of no where!!

Yes it was at Four Corners, the only place in the U.S. that 4 different states connect at one spot. It's nothing special but they have a little spot where you can take pictures. 60 miles from civilization my car craps out!

It took $105 to get me and my car towed to the nearest city. Make matters worst only a Lexus Dealer can fix my car because it had something to do with my laser cut key! The nearest Lexus dealer was 500 miles away! So I towed my car for $1,000 to Denver Colorado. Then I had to rent a car for two weeks because I am not about to forfeit my vacation that costs $600. So finally to fixing the car it costs $900 to change all the locks and keys.
Total for this fiasco $2,605 USD! (and that doesn't include how much it took for me to return the car and get myself home to San Francisco)

Humid and Hot

H&M's snap button tank dress - 99HKD and vibrant red sling purse- 99HKD. You can always rely on your friendly H&M for great steal. Although this sling purse isn't Rebecca Minkoff's $198 USD purse, the vibrant red purse adds a touch of retro 80's look with the patent patch.
As for the snap button tank dress, it's a size 38. I opted for a larger size, the clingy material doesn't work well with the humid weather in HK. Oversize and casual is where it's at and let's not forget COMFORT is key. My purchases aren't breaking the bank, but small purchases always rack up the bill.


Cotton On, Australian clothing brand, is quickly gaining momentum in Hong Kong. Cheap and chic at the same time. The store seems to be an equivalent of OLD NAVY. This flutter sleeve dress with braided leather belt costed me 199HKD. Light and casual, great for the weather.

L'Occitane En Provence

Even at an economic recession we have to take care of ourselves. I love the L'Occitane brand for its eco-friendly nature. I don't mind forking out more money for some clean sensible products. It also has one of the most amazing shea butter lip balm and body lotion. This purchase was about 170 USD.

Not a Rolex, but a CASIO

If I could only afford a ROLEX, that would surely impact the economy. Casio would do its deed for now, but once I get that hefty paycheck in maybe the next couple years; I may upgrade towards a Michael Kors timepiece.
This purchase was 198HKD.

Katia Russian Tea Room

Spending time for a friend's birthday is a must. We all went to try Katia Russian food in SF for Alex's birthday. It was delicious, authentic and I was stuffed! The bill coordinated with it. It was $60 per person, even the unemployed buddies put out. Total cash injection tonight $700.

How I saved the econ and the Puppy

I went to the Berkeley Animal Humane Society today and adopted this cute little terrier. His previous owner suddenly passed away =(.

People with dogs know that dogs are a life time commitment. They can get very expensive and is the livelihood of many stores like pet food and grooming.

The total $ injection I put back into society from my savings account is:

$290 adoption fee

$229.83 purchasing doggies necessities

$519.83 Total today.

This doesn't include the visit to the vet and her vaccinations. That will cost around $80.

Also $40 a month for grooming, $30 of food a month and examination annually. Average life span is 15 years. That makes about $216,000 for it's life.

Miss Marc

Miss Marc by Marc Jacobshair tie for $48 USD at Nordstrom. Her smile was too captivating to resist!

Marc headband

Marc by Marc Jacob headband at Nordstrom for 78 USD.

Leopard Bangle

I bought a leopard bangle in Mong Kok for 20HKD. I am obsessed with accessories, a statement piece goes a long way. It can change a whole entire wardrobe. The interesting usage of leopard's tail as clasp sold me on this bangle.