All about Shopping!

I popped by the Marks & Spencer sale yesterday on a whim. It is on from now (date of writing) until March 30, 2008. Marks & Spencer, being a UK brand, their prices have always been on the high side. I used to find that it was cheaper to buy stuff from M&S in London (after conversion from GBP to RM) than to buy them here in Malaysia.

However, due to competition M&S has now dropped their prices in Malaysia so their things are now quite affordable. I used to buy lingerie from M&S - their bras are nice (not La Senza sexy nice but still nice) and of good quality.

But yesterday, what I picked up were 2 pairs of shoes!

Selected shoes from Marks & Spencer are 50% off - huge savings. My sis bought 2 pairs too for under RM100! That was because each pair she bought only cost RM49.50 after discount.

The best deal I got was on the pair of suede ankle boots. They cost me under RM70! Who’d believe it? And yes, they are both very comfortable indeed.

Ah I love sales don’t you?

Tags: Fashion, My Buys, Sales, Star Buys by ParisB
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With Chinese New Year coming round the corner faster than a speeding mat rempit (hooligan ) I decided to pick up some traditional decor for the home. Nothing is more traditional than Pussy Willows.

Pussy Willows represent spring because that’s when the silky shoots put forth, but also represent the inflow of money (because of its Cantonese pronunciation of the name so I’m told) and so most Chinese homes will have some stalks of pussy willows.

I found some affordable pussy willows at Ikea, to my surprise. They retail for RM16 for a bunch of 12 stalks. In the city when I checked flower wholesalers, they were going for RM20 for a bunch of 10 stalks. So I guess Ikea does have its uses too!

Tags: Household, My Buys, Where to buy? by ParisB
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If you love having Christmas or Chinese New Year any festive themed items around the home, you might have realised that they are really quite expensive to buy all at a go as the holidays or festivities approach.

So, the trick is to plan ahead. If you find and buy your festive or holiday themed item early, you are more likely to get them at a good price before they get snapped up, or before prices go up.

Alternatively, buy them just after the festive period or holiday season when retailers want to get rid of their excess stock. These holiday themed items are less in demand during the year and so retailers are likely to let them go at hefty discounts.

I bought these Christmas themed bowls from Tangs department store in Singapore just after Christmas at a hefty 70% discount. They ended up being something like S$2+ (RM8+) each. I also got a few sets of decorative snack plates at just slightly over S$7 (RM16) for a box of 4.
I plan to use them throughout the year because they look so festive and bright and cheery but I know they will come in handy next Christmas if I decide to hold a party then. Don’t you love deals like these?

Tags: Household, My Buys, Star Buys, Tips by ParisB
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One of the hardest things to buy in my book, is a mobile phone. The reason being that the selection out there is so vast and varied that you would do to be boggled by the choices available to you. However, in my recent phone buying experience, I drew up a little checklist anyone might find useful, when buying a mobile phone.

This checklist wouldn’t be applicable for anyone who already has their heart set on a particular brand or model though. It is for people like me who suddenly find a need for a new mobile phone (in my case due to theft) and don’t have a particular brand or model in mind.

• Budget - I set myself a budget and tried to work within my budget. Many good phones can be bought for under RM1,000 as I found out.
• Specifications - Work out what you want in a mobile phone and then work within budget. I wanted a phone that could make and receive calls, send and receive SMS, have a decent camera, have bluetooth, and is slim. Others might place emphasis on a good  radio or on a good camera. I was less fussy about those bells and whistles.
• Original sets - I always believe in getting an original set i.e. one with an original warranty because if a problem arises with the phone you can always take it to the original manufacturer to be repaired or replaced if needs be. I am aware of sets known as AP sets which are cheaper but these sets aren’t covered by a manufacturer’s warranty and are thus at risk.
• Know your retail price - Always know the original retail price before you start your shopping. A friend got conned by a vendor who tried to sell him a phone at higher than retail. I too was quoted higher than retail rates before, so always check the retail prices before starting
• Shop around - From experience, I’ve found that shopping around a few different mobile phone vendors will give you a good idea of what a fair price should be before you start bargaining.
• Bargain - If you buy from a reseller in Sungei Wang Plaza or Low Yat Plaza, then you can bargain with them for a good price, or have them throw in some freebies. Some are willing to oblige if they want to close a sale. I ended up buying from one of the vendors because he gave me a good price without too much haggling, and was honest and pleasant which plays a big part  my decision to buy from any particular vendor.
• Check the phone before accepting it -  A friend found that a phone he bought was filled with unknown numbers. It turned out it was a phone that had been used before that by persons unknown. Once it was pointed out to the vendors they were quick to replace it with another new set.

This list is by no means exhaustive and if you have any further tips to add, feel free to leave a comment. I’m sure it’ll help someone out there who might be shopping for a mobile phone too! Incidentally, I ended up with a Samsung D900i for RM880. It fulfilled most of my requirements so I was happy.

Picture credit of Hachimaki

Tags: My Buys, Shopping hazards, Warnings by ParisB
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