Saturday, January 10, 2015

The Perfect Work Bag - Tory Burch [Deal Alert]

The Perfect Work Bag - Tory Burch [Deal Alert]

Happy Sunday everyone! :)

Now that I got my perfect work shoes, it's time to move my attention looking for the perfect work bag. I don't know about you guys, but I love deals. In that case, deal.com.sg is my best friend. I was really fascinated when I found out that deal.com.sg got a promotion on Tory Burch tote bags.

Before I go straight away to discuss about the deals I found, let me make myself clear that I do not get paid to write a blog about this deal. I write this article because I purely think that these deals are the deals nobody should miss, and I am just dying to share these great finds with you all <3

Tote bag makes a perfect work bag. I picked these two because of the shape, size, weight and color available that I think make them perfect to be used as work shoes. So here it goes:

My pick #1: Tory Burch York Buckle Tote for S$199.00


Dimensions:
  • Height: 11 inches (28 cm)
  • Length: 15 inches (37 cm)
  • Depth: 6 inches (17 cm)

My pick #2: Thea Chain Slouchy Shoulder Leather Bag for S$299

  • Dimensions:
    • Height: 10 inches (26 cm)
    • Length: 13.5 inches (34 cm)
    • Depth: 6 inches (15 cm)


    Tory Burch is a US brand. Knowing where the brand comes from will help you so much in checking how much the original value of the product is, thus will letting you know how much you could save if you were to buy the product. What I did is I checked online for how much the bag is in the US.

    For the Tory Burch York Buckle Tote (my pick #1), the price is S$199.00. I checked online on Toryburch.com for US region and it shows the price is $245. To make it easy, just think that it is S$245 (in Singapore dollar currency). So in a way if you're buying the tote bag through deal.com.sg, you would save more than S$45 value.

    While for the Thea Chain Slouchy Shoulder Leather bag, it is priced at S$299.00 at deals.com.sg, and at $495.00 at toryburch.com. Personally this is my favorite because let's be real, the york buckle bag's design is not so exclusive. Meaning, other brand like Michael Kors, DKNY, and Coach all have the same exact design and material. The only difference you'd get is only on the logo.

    I know by experience that Tory Burch bags have a great quality. They are durable and they look classy to wear for any kind of occasion. Not that just you could buy any of these two at a reduced price, you also could select option for home delivery.

    Sunday is my favorite all time to go look for deals. If you are like me, happy looking [and shopping]! ;)

    XO,


    Maria

    Charles & Keith black (work) shoes - Reviews!

    Hello everyone!

    If you read my previous article, you know that I was looking for work shoes for my very first big girl job. If you haven't, you can click on here to read the aforementioned article.

    So after eyeing 3 Charles & Keith black shoes on the Sale section online, I decided to go down to Charles & Keith stores themselves to try on the options I have in mind. Reasons being are:

    1. I wanted to make sure that they are exactly how they look in the picture
    2. I wanted to try them on because work shoes MUST be comfortable
    3. I don't want to go through the trouble returning the shoes if I don't end up liking them
    4. This is kinda an added benefit, but hey, I won't need to pay for a shipping fee =p

    Out of the 3 I had my eyes on, I was able to get these 2 (though I got them in a different 2 locations):

    (1) Basic pointed heels in black (S$39.80 from S$56.90)


    I got this baby at Charles & Keith's 313@Somerset outlet. I tried it on and it looks nice and it doesn't hurt. First thing you need to keep in mind, if you try on shoes that already hurt your feet on the first try, look out. It's not worth the money I'd say. So there it goes, I like this piece so I bought it for the same price as it is stated online (after discount but inclusive of 7% GST). I bought this on a Friday, and couldn't wait to try it on. So I ended up wearing this pair to go out with my husband. I love how this pair is also versatile to be a going out shoes as well. I felt great for the first 2 hours standing up, dancing, and walking nonstop, which really shows that this shoes is indeed comfortable to wear for a long time.

    (2) Pointed Wedge Pumps (S$37.70 from S$53.90)

    I got this one at ION Orchard outlet. Again, also the same price as it stated online (inclusive of 7% GST). This also looks exactly like it shown online and when I tried it on, it feels comfortable. It has a nice grip on my feet so I could confidently walking on this pair without worrying it would come off from my feet. This is important because the wedge pumps I had before didn't have a nice grip. I wore it to a conference once and I also tripped several times because of the shoes. So obviously, that quality is important. I certainly wouldn't want to embarrass myself in front of my boss or colleagues by falling down. I've worn this for a dinner event and it feels okay. I didn't have the opportunity to stand on my feet a lot though, but at least for the time being I wore the shoes, the sides of my feet didn't feel hurt.

    I did not end up getting the black flats because they look different than what I thought. I do not like the back of the shoes' detail (the rivet). I know since the beginning that the shoes would have "a combination of materials to create a texture finish," but in my opinion it just doesn't work nicely on the shoes. The combination of the material makes the shoes looks cheap instead.

    In conclusion, I recommend basic pointed heels and pointed wedge pumps for its versatility, polished look, and comfy-ness. In my opinion for the quality that those two shoes have, they are great value for money [they are less than S$40] :) I've looked around for work shoes thoroughly considering other brands as well like Nine West, Zara, and Aldo, and I think for this time being if you need work shoes, these 2 are great deals you could find in Singapore.



    Happy Saturday,


    Maria






    Tuesday, January 6, 2015

    What's in the name: The Newlywed Journal

    What's in the name: The Newlywed Journal

    me & my hubby

    Ok. So the blog's name is The Newlywed Journal, and it consists of post about Food, Fashion, and Deals. Where's the connection?

    The Newlywed Journal brings the topic of food and fashion to a whole new level that is suitable for newlywed or married couples.

    And why is that? Being married requires a careful financial planning strategy. Depending on your financial situation combined, you might not eat out as often like you were still single. Nor will you go out every weekend like you would back then.

    Instead of SPEND, SPEND, & SPEND, you should be thinking of spending smart. It gives a new challenge, but trust me, it is also enjoyable (if not more). The area I'd like to focus on is food and fashion. So I'd post about items or deals on food and fashion that I think are worth investing in :)

    I know that many fashion blogs out there are largely directed towards singles, or one gender. While on my fashion page I'll explore deals for both males and females, in case your hubby doesn't like shopping like mine =p And it'll focus on office look that are suitable for Singapore hot weather.

    While for food page, I'll publish healthy recipes for two that require 30 minutes or less to prepare. Those recipes are really suitable for busy professional couples out there. Eating in is always a good way to save money, as well as to bond with your spouse. Take my word on that.

    Back to the financial realm of married couple, yes being married has its own benefits. You might not spend as much on housing because you and your partner are living together now. But living together also has its own challenge. How much will you cook, how much will you spend on groceries, entertainment, etc? Now that you have a bigger financial goal down the road like buying a house, making an investment, or sending your children abroad, every penny matters. Hopefully you, my dear readers, will find this blog useful :)

    Yours trully,


    Maria


    FASHION - Choosing the perfect work shoes [Deal alert]

    Choosing the perfect work shoes [Deal alert]

    pc: http://www.marocmegamall.com/image/magasins/charles-keith.jpg

    Singapore is the home of Charles & Keith, and I LOVE that brand very very much. My first purchase from this brand was for my high school prom. It has been over 6 years and my heels I purchased back then are still in great condition. 

    In my opinion their shoes are priced reasonably, comfy, and long lasting. I can dance all night or run on Charles & Keith shoes feeling no pain. Since then Charles & Keith has been my to-go brand for shoes.

    So now that I got my first big girl job, it's time to look for the perfect work shoes. Since it's around New Years time, there are many sales going on. Charles & Keith happens to be one of the many brands that are currently having sales at this point of time, and naturally I checked their sale page online. I was (and still am) really excited to see how many black shoes are on sale that are also my size (which is 36). Oh how I love shopping in Asia! 

    The perfect work shoes I have in mind is it must be black, because black is a versatile color, and it looks professional. I have narrowed down my choice and would like to share with you guys my top 3 pick. Are you ready?


    Pick #1: Pointed Ballerina Flats (Black color) S$37.50 from S$46.90 
    For practicality, black flats is a must. Think about rainy days (like literally). I don't know about you, but I will be taking public transport to go to work. As much as I love Charles & Keith heels, I do not want my shoes hindering my safety and efficiency to work. I am not a big fan of flats, but look at the tip of the shoes! It's pointy and it's down-to-earth sexy. This shoes is also available in burgundy and silver color.



    Pick #2: Basic Pointed Heels (Black color) S$39.80 from S$56.90
    You can never go wrong to go basic. This shoes used to be available in 3 colors, but now, only black is (which is just perfect for my need). I love the silhouette of this shoes, and the heel itself is not too intimidating. Just by looking at it, I know it won't tire me out even if I had to stand on it for hours.



    Pick #3: Pointed Wedge Pumps (Black color) S$37.70 from S$53.90
    Personally wedges is my least favorite style, but I know that there would be days when I feel the need to put my legs and feet to rest, while still want to look tall at the same time. There also would be days when I have a long day standing on my feet. In those two occasions this wedges would be my savior. At the time I purchased this shoes (Jan 6), the shoes are still available in 3 colors: white, purple, and black.

    Imagine how happy I was finding these 3 gems. They are totally worth investing in. Black shoes will never go out of style, and you could easily transform your office look to evening look sporting the same shoes. No fuss. Love it. I can also imagine myself wearing these shoes on other occasions too that is not for work-related function.

    There are a few other black flats, heels, and wedges available on Charles and Keith sale page. But these three are just my top favorites. I judge them based on the silhouette and the height of the heels. To order them online, you have to spend at least S$150 to be eligible for free shipping. Otherwise there will be S$9.90 shipping fee. 

    OR you could have the information online as a reference and once you get to the store, ask the shop assistant to help you order for the shoes you want. That what I'd do to avoid paying for shipping fee =P

    Happy Tuesday!


    Maria





    Happy New Year 2015!!

    Happy New Year 2015!!


    I know that it's almost a week late, but hey, it's not THAT late, is it? ;p

    So far 2015 seems to be an exciting year to me. I'll officially move to Singapore tomorrow (Jan 7), start my job next week (Jan 12), and have a minimoon with my hubby on that weekend. Oh! Did I mention that the week after that would be my birthday week? Tee hee. It's just the beginning of the year, but I already have lots of things to look forward to! I'm thankful and I hope that throughout the year I could maintain this positivity I have now :)

    One of my New Year's resolutions is to blog about my life in Singapore. It'll be my first time living in Singapore. I'll have new job, new friends, new environment, new role. It'll be challenging. I'll have to adjust myself a whole lot to many things. Though my hubby is a Singaporean, but he just moved back to the country not too long ago. So starting from choosing a place to live, deciding on phone and internet plan, we figured them out together just like a newcomer would.

    I love to cook, and my hubby loves to eat, so that what the Food section is for. On the Food section I will post about my home cooked "healthy fast food" recipes. No MSG, no processed food as the ingredients. I love to make food from scratch, and the idea of efficiency. I'd like to promote the idea that healthy eating habit is attainable and easy, even if you're a busy professional like me. You just need to know the tricks to do so :) The food I cook typically requires no more than 30 minutes, so I hope the busy professionals out there can gain benefit from reading my blog.

    The Fashion page will discuss about good finds for both males and females. I do a lot of shopping for my hubby, so I thought why don't I share about the males fashion page as well? My Fashion blog will focus on office style for Singapore weather that is hot all year round. 

    While for Deals section, I'll post about deals happening in Singapore that interest my domestic goddess side. It'll typically be deals related to leisure activities (food, movies, travel and health and wellness) and consumer goods (household items). So if you're looking to read post and review about deals on gadgets, you have been warned.

    So Food, Fashion and Deals. There you go!

    To the exciting year ahead. Cheers!


    Maria


    pc: Taken from http://appsforpcmania.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Happy-New-Year-2015.jpg