Here's my 2017 edition of sneakers that I am currently obsessing over.  Tell me down below which one is your favorite!

CURRENT WISH LIST: SNEAKERS
New Balance 620 70s Running $74.99  in White Asparagus with Pink
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Nike Air Max 1 iD $150
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Nike Air Huarache Ultra Si $130  in Gym Red/White/Gum Light Brown/Gym Red
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Nike Air Huarache Ultra $115  in Cool Grey/Black/White/Anthracite
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Not everyone likes shopping but if you're traveling to a different country, it can be worthwhile to pick up a few souvenirs! Similar to food, shopping ranges from cheap to high end. If you are looking to purchase a lot of souvenirs or clothing, I would try the underground malls connected to the subway stations. My favorites were the Goto or Gangnam and Myeongdong underground shopping centers. There are others as well like in Dongdaemun and Jonggak. Goto is the biggest one that I visited and definitely the most crowded. I would stop by on the weekdays if possible.


Thinking about a pricier purchase? You can try haggling in some of the shops in the underground malls. Most prices are set but if the item is above $70, it's worth it to try and get them to lower it a bit.

To get to Goto mall, take the subway to the EXPRESS BUS TERMINAL STATION, EXIT 8. Bonus! This is also connected to Famille Station. It's like this fancier area with a variety of international food options. The Banpo Bridge is also nearby if you are interested in seeing the rainbow lights show at night. Within the Goto mall are food courts on either end so feel free to grab a bite while you're browsing.


If a traditional mall seems more appealing, the biggest ones are COEX and Lotte World. COEX is nice since it's attached to the aquarium, so you can kill two birds with one stone. Both have extensive food options as well. COEX is also connected to Parnas Mall, with a lot of higher end brands. I liked that COEX had a mix of expensive and more affordable brands. The aquarium was fun as well, though definitely very pricey. If you are in the area, the Bongeunsa Temple is also nearby so be sure to check that out! To get to the mall, go to SAMSEONG STATION.


Lotte World Mall is divided into two areas so be wary when you first enter the building from the station. When we entered, we thought the mall only had designer brands. After viewing the directory, we realized there's a bridge to another side (also where the food is). I believe it's on the fifth floor but once you cross the bridge, the other building will have more affordable clothing options as well as several restaurants. There's a bubble tea shop right past the bridge, which I recommend! To get here, go to JAMSIL STATION.


As I mentioned in my other posts, university areas also have a lot of shopping. My favorites were Ewha and Hongik.


Here are some other tips you will need to know:

* Some places will charge you extra for a plastic bag. It is worthwhile to carry an extra tote bag if you plan on buying a lot. Same goes for supermarkets!

* If you're buying something cheap, chances are, the quality won't be that great either. However! I have found quite a lot of good sweatshirts for under $10 USD so it's not applicable to everything. Just try not to have high expectations.

* Many shops, particularly the ones on the street or in the underground malls, do not sell clothes with sizes. They are 'free' size. One size fits all. I have also seen this in several clothing stores in traditional malls. I mainly eye-balled and hoped that it would fit (though some places do have fitting rooms).

* Sometimes they will sell you the item on display. I always try asking to see if they have a new one in stock and more often than not, they'll check for you!

* Sales people can be VERY aggressive here. Do not let that deter you from making your own decisions and do not be afraid to say no if you really do not want to buy something. I've had quite the few ladies being pushy as soon as I touch something on the rack. Not all of them are like that but it's something to be aware of.


....And that's a wrap! My next and final post will be general tips that helped me during my trip!

Hello my dears! Can you believe it's already the end of April because I seriously can't. It's just about time for graduations and parties and all that good stuff so I thought I'd bring to you a gift guide for those high school/college grads in your life! I'm also having a hard time finding the perfect gift and figured that I can't be the only one struggling. Whether you have a lot of money or don't have much at all, here is a nice variety of items that may work for you.

If you have any other gift ideas, please let me know down below!

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UNDER $50: "I'm eating-from-the-dollar-menu broke"
(1) Magical Thinking Good Vibes Pillow (2) Personalized Tumbler (3) Inspirational Calendar (4) Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Camera Case (5) Brushed Steel & Leather Business Card Holder (6) Garden Custom Stamp
These gifts are great whether your friend or family member is dorming after high school or getting a new apartment after college. Fun pillows and calendars as well as any other general home decor item can be a wonderful gift. They'll think of you every time they use it! Items like business card holders can also be great for networking through clubs or through work. For the photographer in your life who wants to document special memories, a cute instax carrier is perfect! Last but not least, my favorite, personalized stamps are a beautiful present because he or she can use it to send letters and packages back home. It's also really nice if they have moved to a new city or place to add a personal touch to all kinds of mail and commemorate the move!

UNDER $100: "I make a few extra bucks on the side"
(1) Bose Soundlink Bluetooth Speaker (2) Cheero 6000 mAh Danboard Power Bank (3) Beats by Dr. Dre In-Ear Headphones (4) Personalized Rocks Glasses (5) Kate Spade Cedar Street Rose Passport Holder (6) Herschel Novel Duffel Bag
My sister actually has the Bose speakers and I can safely say that they were the best gift. She loves using it to listen to music in her dorm room, jamming out with her friends. Along the same lines of music, good quality headphones can be a great gift. It can be used in the library to zone out other students studying or used on the commute to work or school. And of course, if he or she is using it to listen to music on a phone or tablet, a power bank might come in handy! This cute one can charge two devices...perfect for tech savvy graduates and also great for making friends. Know a guy who loves drinking? Just graduated and now has his own place? Personalized glassware can be so posh (also useful so other people don't drink out of your glass). For those who are planning to study abroad or travel a lot for work, a passport holder can be a wonderful present. It's functional but also pretty! Duffel bags also make great traveling items (or double as a gym bag/laundry bag/weekend bag).

OVER $100: "I'm balling and flaunting it"
(1) Movado BOLD Watch 25mm (2) Vitamix Pro 750 (3) Salvatore Ferragamo Tramezza Bifold Wallet (4) Ted Baker Adira Colour Block Shopper Bag (5) Ted Baker Alanie Hanging Gardens Suitcase (6) Fitbit Blaze
There are certain accessories that can really amp up your professional game and watches are one of them. I like this sleek silver one because it's not too thick of a band and it's a color that works with every outfit. Next, a good blender is all the rage. Eating healthy is so important whether you are living on your own or tempted by the endless meals in the cafeteria. A fancy leather wallet can also be a great gift because it's something that can be used everyday and it looks so chic! Same with a good tote bag. Carry it to class with notebooks or to work with files...it's a staple. A suitcase can be a bit of a splurge item but having one handy makes traveling a breeze. I especially like carry-on sized suitcases because checking in luggage is a nightmare. Lastly...gotta work off those extra pounds put on by freshman fifteen or because you (or your graduate friend) has been binging on takeout food. A fitbit is great for the grad who likes working out or needs motivation to work out!

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Are you considering buying any of these for your friends who are graduating? Or maybe you are about to reach that milestone and would like one of these gifts for yourself. I'd love to hear your thoughts so leave it below as always :)

Hello my friends!

Welcome back to my blog. If you're new, hello hello~ Be sure to check out the rest of my page, add me on Twitter, and follow me on Bloglovin'!

If you're anything like me, you'll know the challenge of picking out the perfect gift is one that comes around more often than I expected. It seems that every few months, I'll be stuck trying to buy multiple presents for multiple people's birthdays and truthfully, it's getting harder and harder to one-up the previous year's ideas.

Having friends or family members with hobbies is nice but that's not something we can control. Also, knowing people who are actually in need of things all the time, such as socks or basic T-shirts, is great but most of the people I'm associated with are well equipped to handle their own fashion essentials. They have everything they need and they have the means to buy what they want. So what are people like you and me supposed to do when it comes to gift-giving? I don't have all the answers. Actually, I don't have answers. But here are some things that may tickle your fancy or inspire you in some way on your gift shopping journey!



Carry on carry on(1) ASOS Tote Bag With Stud Detail $52
(2) ASOS Mini Suede Lace Up Duffle $31
(3) Nasty Gal Batteries Not Included Chain Bag $33.60
(4) ASOS Embellished Chain Cross Body Bag $48
(5) BDG Mini Saddle Bag $34
(6) Skinnydip Exclusive Pineapple Cross Body Bag $54


Knick knacks and accessories(1) Loli Swim Toasty Egg iPhone 6/6s Case $35
(2) Triple C Smart Cordz Retractable Charge Cable $35
(3) Sunnylife Cactus Neon Light $22
(4) Cat Butt Magnets $12.99
(5) ASOS #Heart You Keychain $14
(6) Peek a Boo Cat Bubble Umbrella $40


For the cooks in your life(1) Copper Infuser Tea Pot $49.99
(2) Croquade Heart Waffle Plate $39.95
(3) Hatching Chick Cookie Jar $12.99
(4) Aqua Ceramic Scone Pan $14.99
(5) Chef'sChoice Electric Egg Cooker $39.95
(6) Avocado Cuber $17.95

Leave it down below if you want me to do a birthday gift guide for the men in your life :) I hope this gave you guys some ideas of what you can buy as birthday gifts. Obviously, there are a lot more specific items you can choose depending on the person but I just found these to be very cute and unique!


Bye for now,
Jenn

Hi everyone! I'm back this week with another tips post to help you shop smarter in 2016. Just a tiny disclaimer: I'm not saying that these are rules you absolutely must follow. They're meant to guide you and inspire you to shop in a more thoughtful way. By taking the time to assess your purchases, you can buy pieces that you'll actually get a lot of wear out of and use the money saved to indulge in other things like vacations or charity funds or bills. This doesn't apply only to clothing but anything that you can spend money on that isn't really a necessity.

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Are you buying the item because it's on sale or are you buying it because you actually like it?
You'd be surprised how many people shop for products based on price rather than personal preference. Often times, it becomes a situation of convincing yourself that you'll wear the $10 jeans at least once. It must be worth the $10. Wrong! If you don't truly love the piece, you'll never reach for it in your closet. It becomes wasted space and money.

If it's a clothing item or shoes, did you try it on at the store first?
I hate bringing home clothes that end up not fitting. Not only that, it's hard to envision how it will look on your particular body without trying it on. Sometimes I realize that even though it fits, the material doesn't feel right or the cut isn't flattering. If you have the time, please try it on!

Does it fit?
Again, it's important that you aren't buying something because it's trendy or cheap, especially if the piece doesn't even fit properly. I've experienced this with jeans where it might be a little baggy around the waist but I convince myself to buy them, thinking I'll wear a belt with it. I never do. I never touch them because I have other jeans that fit way better. Same with shoes. I've bought boots that look really cute but hurt my feet so I end up not gravitating toward them as much.

How much wear will you get out of it?
This is a hard question to answer, no doubt. When you're out shopping, it can be challenging to imagine how an item can coordinate with other pieces in your wardrobe. Instead, my tip would be to think about how it fits into your overall style. Do you wear pieces like this often? If you're trying something new, ask yourself if it styles well with basic items that you most likely do have, such as black jeans, white t-shirts, chambray button ups. That way, even if the item you want to buy is outside of your usual style, you'll know you can get wear out of it if it works with pieces you definitely know that you own.


You don't have to cut yourself off completely but set a monetary goal in mind when you go shopping and try not to spend over a certain amount. If you come across something that you absolutely can't live without but it happens to go over the limit, don't feel like it's the end of the world. Buy it if it means a lot to you to have it. The monetary goal is to help curb any impulse purchases and also to help you keep track of how much you actually spend during these shopping trips.

One of my favorite ways to do this is to literally use only cash to pay, and to bring the maximum amount I'd allow myself for that shopping trip. That way, I'm forced to shop more thoughtfully and to consider what purchases are worth my money.


Have you ever bought a shirt or a pair of shoes or even a necklace and realized when you got home that you own something very similar (or even the same item!)?
I can't even tell you how many striped shirts I have. That being said, it helps to familiarize yourself with what you own. What pieces do you have the most of? Maybe try not to buy anymore of the similar style (unless you really wear all of them often). That also means knowing what you don't own. You may have a ton of black dresses but you don't own any that are formal. Or you may fill your closet with brown ankle boots. The next time you go shopping, it could be worthwhile to look into brown ankle boots with different textures, shapes, heel heights, etc. Or you could buy different colored ankle boots instead. Knowing what you have and don't have can help you make wiser decisions about what to buy and what to add to your collection.


You can have a separate account set aside for fashion items as long as it doesn't interfere with other fiscal obligations, such as bills, loan payments, etc. Even $20 per paycheck can add up and you won't feel as guilty about spending it because you have already set that money aside specifically for shopping purposes.


If you don't already have an idea of how much you spend per trip, you can jot it down in a journal or notebook. You can also make an Excel sheet, whatever works for you! See how much money you're using for fashion purchases per month and it will be a lot easier to know where you want to cut back or even how much you want to cut back. The great thing about this is that you can be as detailed or as vague as you want. If it's too difficult to list each and every purchase, you can start by documenting the total amount per trip. Being aware is the first step to shopping in a more meaningful way.


Shopping online can be dangerous because it's very easy to add items to your cart. It eliminates the process of feeling the item and there are often a lot more choices online. My tip would be to add whatever you want to the cart, take a break, and then revisit to see if you've changed your mind about anything.

It's almost like writing an essay. The first time you write the entire thing, it can sound very good and you may not notice any grammar errors or whatnot. The second time you read it, you start to notice sentences that can be moved around or an odd wording that could be edited. Revisiting something with a clearer mindset can help you see better. So while you're in the shopping mood, add items to your cart that you want to buy. Come back in a few hours and reconfirm that you truly want to buy those items. You'll save yourself from having to return a bunch of products!



What are some shopping tips that you have for saving money or just for preventing your closet from overflowing? I'd love to hear your thoughts so leave them down below!


Bye for now,
Jenn

I recently did some shopping on Cyber Monday and realized how difficult it was to shop for gifts on a budget, especially when you're buying for people who already have everything!! Not only that, buying gifts in general is a daunting task because people tend to be picky about what they like (we are human after all). Anyway, I thought I'd lend a helping hand by digging around for sweet bargains that will make everyone happy this holiday season :)

Let me know: what's the best present you've given to someone??

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Men

#1) Hoes Hoes Hoes Sweatshirt $19.90 (Originally $34.90) #2) Wheel of Shots Game $15 #3) Build Your Own Batmobile $12.54 #4) PF Candle Co. Travel Jar $12 #5) Sriracha To Go Keychain $8 #6) How to Swear Around the World Book $16.11

Women

#1) Heart Fairisle Hot Water Bottle $18.81 #2) Graphic Sleep Mask $5.97 (Originally $9.95) #3) Diament Jewelry Initial Keychain $10 #4) Elegant Touch Xmas Nails $12.52 #5) New is the New New Sweatshirt $19.90 (Originally $32.90) #6) Magical Thinking Pyramid Mirror Box $18 #7) Emotional Baggage Tote $9.90 (Originally $19.90) #8) Kittea Tea Infuser $14

Unisex

#1) Flannel Flask $12.50 #2) Maki Tack Set $8 #3) The Mindfulness Coloring Book $9.95 #4) Fabric Card Holder $9.50 #5) Mini Rectangular Luggage Tag $10 (Extra $10 for Monogramming) #6) Sober Mug $15.90

I tried to include fun gifts but of course, there are other cute things you can buy for under $20 like socks, scarves, gloves, wallets, etc. I think books also make a nice gift, especially inspirational ones or specialized subjects for those eager to learn something new.

Is there any other gift guides you'd like to see? Leave it below!

Bye for now,
Jenn

As with most items that I purchase, I like to thoroughly check that it's in perfect condition. After all, I'm handing over my money with the expectation that this product isn't damaged so of course, I need to pay extra attention before I bring it home.

When it comes to shoes, I seem to go over the top in playing Inspector. Although shoes will get busted and worn over time, I like to make sure that there are no defects and that these shoes will actually last me. So what do I look for when I shop for shoes?


COMFORTNo matter how good a shoe looks and how close it is to what I'm searching for, I always have to consider its comfort. For me, a shoe is useless if I can't wear it for more than an hour. I need to at least be able to walk in it without wanting to change out of it. (The only exception I have for this is heels but let's dive into that later). With comfort as my priority, I'll check to see if there are any stitches that rub against my foot the wrong way. Next, I'll look at the cushioning. Not all comfortable shoes need to have a cushion but I give it extra brownie points if it does. Then I'll see if the front of the shoe is too narrow or wide. You want the shoe to look flattering but if it's too narrow, your toes will pinch together and if it's too wide, your feet will look bigger than they actually are. Finally, I'll look to see if the sides of the shoe are rubbing under my ankles the wrong way. This is a personal issue. There are a lot of flats and heels that fall right under my ankle bone and it just hurts when I walk. I will also check to make sure the back of the shoe doesn't rub because I am not about that blister life.


MATERIALAfter that, I have to consider how it's made. The one thing I can't stand is buying specifically boots that are glued down to the sole. If you've ever bought a cheap pair of boots, you'll know what I'm talking about. There's a thin film of glue holding everything together and I just can't trust that it'll hold up to New England weather. My favorite and personal preference is when you can see a stitching around the shoe and the sole. I feel that it's more secure and less likely to open up after a couple of wears. In my experience, these kinds of boots have lasted me the longest. For other shoes like sandals, I look at what it's made out of. For sneakers, my main priority is if it feels stiff or not. Depending on the material, some sneakers can feel very suffocating so I try to avoid that.

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SOLELastly, I will check the sole. A lot of shoes are made with a very smooth and slippery-feeling sole. While it adds a very sleek and luxurious look to the shoe, it's highly impractical for walking on smooth floors. I don't know about you but I certainly don't want to fall on my butt like that. Even though they have those grip things you can stick to the bottom, it just isn't the same as having a sole with some traction to it. I'm partial to rubber soles because they don't slip and it's okay to wear when it rains or snows outside.

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EXCEPTIONSLike I mentioned, heels can be an exception to an extent. I still highly value a shoe that has comfort but if I can't wear it for over an hour, it's okay as long as it doesn't rub against my foot the wrong way. I only ever wear heels for formal events and because it's not an everyday shoe for me, I don't consider how long I can actually wear them for. If I do need to wear a heel for a longer period of time, I'll find a wedge heel. There's more stability and it's still classy. After that, pretty much everything else applies. The material has to be nice (preferably leather) and the soles can't be slippery. I mean, high heels + slippery sole is just asking for a disaster.


Those are all my tips for buying shoes! What are some of your tips and tricks? Is there anything you absolutely must have in a shoe before buying it?!

Need Supply Co. is actually a website that I discovered just recently and I'm gutted that it hasn't been in my life sooner.

If I had to compare, I would say it has a Zara feel to it? Maybe mixed with a bit of Nastygal. So if you like shopping at those places, then this might be a fun site to browse around! (I certainly spent a good chunk of time window shopping...but, then again, when don't I??)

Do you guys like wishlist posts? Let me know down below because I have no idea if these are boring or not but maybe it'll inspire you enough to spend money? Just kidding :) or not.

Gabardine Pantalon by A.P.C.
Chock a Block Necklace in White by Maslo Jewelry
Pyramid Dangle Collar Necklace
Egypt Cuff
Gertrude by The Horse
Louise by The Horse
Quimat by Senso
Penny Dreamcore Boot in Burgundy by New Kid
Form Oxford Pony by Cheap Monday
Penny Teaser in Burgundy by New Kid
V Back Dress
Astoria Shirt Dress in Cream
Classic Flare Coat by Opening Ceremony
Pom Pom Pullover by Opening Ceremony
Personally, I love picture-ridden posts because I'm such a visual person and seeing the actual product brings it to life more than if I just sat here describing in detail the specks of pony hair on a pair of shoes and the straight cut of a jacket.

Though, ironically, the amount of rambling and lengthy descriptions I forget to spare you all of far surpasses the amount of things I say in person and in real life. Here, I can write as much as I want to about stuff that I like and take my time to analyze what I want to say.

TANGENTS.

It's endless.

So tell me your thoughts! Have a gander around the site and leave a comment about what would be on your wishlist. or which of the above you'd like to own. or just leave me a comment to say hi. :)

~Jenn

Hello everyone!

I'm here today with a haul (so rare). But literally, this is the first time I've posted anything like this on my blog so hopefully you guys enjoy it? :)

Not trying to brag or blahblahblah. Just want to share the good deals I found today and maybe give some shopping ideas for you guys!

H&M; $9.95I found this in the boys' section. Total random event but I find that some of their clothes fit better because I have a short upper body. This white button up fits me perfectly, the quality is surprisingly nice (thicker fabric than normal), and for $9.95...definitely give it a try if you're looking for one!

H&M; $10.00When I first saw this, I wasn't sure what to make of it because it was kind of plain and a little granny-ish but when I tried it on, it looked super awesome. Reminded me of a shift dress but not quite the same.

H&M; $7.00Absolute steal. I love that it's black and white. Again with the palm trees, I don't know what to say. It's a nice pattern. And funny story but there were several of these skirts in different sizes and mine happened to be the only one with a belt. The shopping gods felt like gracing me today.

H&M; $17.95I've been on the hunt for good work/interview pants for a while now but didn't want to spend a lot. I already purchased a few from H&M before but they didn't have a zipper in the front or butt pockets so it felt a little awkward to wear with tops tucked in. Is that just me? I felt like my butt was so exposed.

Macy's; Levi's; $14.99My sister wanted to see if there were any Levi's on sale because they're our favorite brand of jeans/jeggings and Macy's usually has good sales on them. Well...today, there was a rack with a sign that said $24.99 on them and I thought, whoa mad cheap. I scanned it and it turned out to be only $14.99 so you bet I snatched them up quick.

Marshall's; Levi's; $24.99Yay, haven't bought a decent jean jacket since...I was 10? Haha. Anyway, I was looking to see if I could find any chambray/denim shirts for my sister since she's been wanting one. I spotted this right away since it was a light wash. One touch. One touch and was completely blown away. This denim jacket isn't made of denim but whatever it is, it makes the jacket soft like buttery suede and kind of drapes on my body. I loveee it.
For those of you who are curious (the few of you), these pictures were taken by my sister because her camera is far superior to my Blackberry camera. :)

I hope you guys had a wonderful day! Happy shopping :D

~Jenn