Category Archives: Shopping

Retail goodies

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Here are some retail news that I received lately — unfortunately, these ‘goodies’ are for UK shoppers only.

Redeem Nectar points on Amazon UK
Nectar logoIf you live in the UK, I strongly urge you to sign up for a Nectar card. It is probably the best rewards scheme program that I’ve joined. Since I joined, I was already able to redeem my points to get items including a compact digital camera. This is primarily because there are so many ways to collect points.

Anyway, in my inbox today, I was informed that you can now redeem Nectar points towards Amazon UK vouchers.

500 Nectar points = £2.50

This is great because there are quite a lot of things I’d like from Amazon and looking at my current points balance, I could get something worth £41. Of course, if I shop more at places where I could earn points, I could get more!

Shop online from Gap UK and Banana Republic
Finally, online shopping is now available with Gap and Banana Republic (my favourite store!) here in the UK. Long wait is over! Hurrah! Just about time, really. With this new service, both stores are offering free delivery for orders of £50 or more — plus returns are free by mail or in store. To avail of the free delivery, quote UKFREE50 at checkout.

To start shopping online, click on the logos below.

Banana Republic logo Gap logo

By the way, this post is NO way sponsored by Nectar, Gap nor Banana Republic.

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Style up to the season

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One of the fantastic things about living in a place with four seasons is that you get a different wardrobe for each one. You need not buy a new one each time but of course, it would be ideal if you go shopping for every change of season. It is even more fun for women because we are not simply limited to shirts and trousers! Women will always have a staple item in their wardrobe for each season.

Senior Babes Stay Hot | Photo credit: Let Ideas Complete via Flickr | Used under Creative Commons (Attribution-Share Alike)

Senior Babes Stay Hot | Photo credit: Let Ideas Complete via Flickr | Used under Creative Commons (Attribution-Share Alike)

Winter, of course, is dominated by overcoats. One can be as lavish as having a mink coat although you may encounter some issues with some animal rights group. Or you can have a simple wooly one with a classic cut that you can wear with anything. The 2009/10 winter season saw a lot of boxy shoulders, wide collars and military-style coats.

Best friends cardigan | Photo credit: AnnKika via Flickr | Used under Creative Commons (Attribution)

Best friend's cardigan | Photo credit: AnnKika via Flickr | Used under Creative Commons (Attribution)

For spring, the staple has got to be the cardigan. Because it is not as warm enough yet to shed the outer layer and wintry conditions could drop in once in a while (although it seems to making plans to stay for good here in the UK), we need something to keep us warm but not too sweaty. For me, I love the granny cardis with big and chunky knits.

Karma | Photo credit: Dardo Eloy via Flickr | Used under Creative Commons (Attribution-Share Alike)

Karma | Photo credit: Dardo Eloy via Flickr | Used under Creative Commons (Attribution-Share Alike)

Summer is definitely marked by dresses. Women should be proudly showing off those pins in metres of light textiles. To me, wearing a dress is like beaming sunshine and cheeky girliness to a bright, summery day. Materials like chiffon and linen are my favourites on this time of the year.

Autumn Calls | Photo credit: greencandy8888 via Flickr | Used under Creative Commons (Attribution-Share Alike)

Autumn Calls | Photo credit: greencandy8888 via Flickr | Used under Creative Commons (Attribution-Share Alike)

Finally, trousers makes more sense in autumn. They keep your legs warm, which could help in regulating the temperature for the rest of your body, too. Trousers that are non-wrinkly are perfect for a stroll down the park or the country to watch the vibrant hues of oranges and reds that dominates this season.

I’m sure that many of you will disagree with what I wrote here but that is precisely the beauty of it. Women can express their individuality in style in the clothes they wear for every season in the year.

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Nokia 5800 Xpress Music is cool

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If you’ve landed on this page because you were looking for a comparison between the Nokia 5800 Xpress Music with another phone — may it be iPhone or Samsung Omnia — then I’m afraid you will be disappointed. I haven’t had first hand experience with any other touch phones prior to this Nokia Tube (the nickname for the 5800 Xpress Music). If you’re searching for reasons whether to buy the phone then perhaps this post could help you in making that decision. After all, I was once in that position.

Nokia 5800 Xpress Music
(Image credit: Linked from TechFresh.net, Consumer Electronics Guide)

There has been a number of articles and blog posts that refer to the Nokia Tube as the iPhone killer. To me, that means nothing at all. When I decide to get a new phone as part of my annual upgrade with Vodafone, cost is always a factor. What phone could I get without (a) changing my monthly cost and (b) paying anything in addition other than the postage. It is such a delight that a system exists here in the UK where I have access to cool phones without having to pay for it. When I began looking at the possibilities, I actually had my eye on the Samsung Omnia. But I wasn’t sure if Vodafone would give it to me for free for my upgrade. On the weekend that I could request for the upgrade, I checked their website and found the Nokia 5800. I googled it and found that many people had been comparing it to the iPhone, which, as I said before, means nothing to me. I was looking more about its features and usability. After several reads on blogs and several fora, I decided to order the Nokia 5800.

Three days later, I got my new phone (like the one in the image above) and I was well pleased with my choice.

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Me and my tango shoes

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Learning Argentine tango is addictive! It should come with a warning! I have several reasons why I started learning and why I am still hooked. Big time. But that is, perhaps, for another post. But I will let you in on one of them — SHOES.

I am a self-confessed shoe addict and I have more than 50 pairs. When I began learning tango, I tried on practically every heeled pair I got but only one was good enough to keep me stable on the dance floor. It was a pair of cream Laura Ashley mary janes. I didn’t bother putting a photo of it because it is well tattered now.

Tango shoes are not widely sold here in the UK. Eventhough there are dance shops that sell dancing shoes, they are quite low heeled compared to the more popular tango shoes these days. For me, tango is a lot more expressive if you dance with at least 3-inch heels! It feels more passionate and sensual. My Laura Ashley pair were of the correct height but like I said, I’ve worn them to bits now. So I decided to search the internet for my very first pair of proper tango shoes.

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Discovering Primark

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This part of my continuing series to shell out handy and personal advice on how to cope with the credit crunch. The tip: shop at Primark.

Cue all posh shoppers simultaneously screaming, “Noooooo!”

But hear me out… there is no doubt that Primark is cheap. It’s cheaper than Zara. It’s cheaper than H&M. And for most people, including me — until now — think that cheap = low quality. So, what could possibly possess me to urge people to shop at Primark? Everyday clothes. You can get plain basic t-shirts for £1.50. Jeans from £6. The styles of their clothes are modern and retro. The quality is quite acceptable for a trip to the supermarket or even a drink with friends. Possibly not the kind that you’d wear for an interview or a power presentation/meeting though.

The main reason I wandered into the Primark mothership, err… flagship store in London is lounging clothes or in Filipino, pambahay. There were top and bottom sets for £4. I was also after some sleeping clothes and they have pajama bottoms from £4, too. In Marks and Spencer, they cost about £15, almost 4 times more expensive! I thought that if I was to wear these clothes only when I’m at home (or perhaps a quick run to the corner shop) then why pay more?

My first visit to the store also yielded me a good slip dress — the ones that are so in fashion these days — for a mere £12. The material is cotton and nicely cut. If I was to see it on another person and not knowing it was from Primark, I’d think that they were from Warehouse or even Oasis.

My point is, you can find a good buy in Primark. An occasional item that you would wear on a girly nightout (which mine is, for a hen party). Or, something that you’d wear every ordinary day. No fuss clothes. Get more for your money. That’s what Primark is to me now.

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