Freepping

Everyone has the right to revel in shopping. While there are people who prefer to cave in other interests, there are also others who surprisingly end up obsessive compulsive at it. Thank God I don't need Shopaholics Anonymous to get me in control with my shopping habits.

Growing up a little inadequate in funds has worked to my advantage. The limitations have relatively trained me to one: choose the best-est item that will work for myself, two: embrace the joy of window shopping and the courage it gives me to spend wisely so I could buy what I really want in time, and three: be more of a mindful shopper.

The good news is that it can work for you, too-- may you be lacking or abundant in cash! And we shall call it, freepping!

Freepping is a word used to describe carefree shopping. It's the context of visiting shops to buy new items without spending too much or fearing to have nothing to spend at all, but only to live for the moment.

It is meant for two things: get the item you want at a price you can pay, and relieve stress-- lighthearted and untroubled-- which essentially makes shopping subconsciously healthy for you. 

If you have watched Confessions of a Shopaholic when Isla Fisher auctioned all her clothes and, towards the end of the movie, the mannequins at an Yves Saint Laurent store were beckoning her again but she resisted and instead portrayed the look of a person who enjoys shopping but is now conscious about her expenses? That's also freepping! The act of shopping at ease. 

The secret to freepping?

Surprise visit your favorite stores-- one after another. Be spontaneous with your search for items that suit your taste. Allow yourself to scour chic finds that you don't expect of buying.

There's something reassuring about buying accidental good stuffs. And this is the most exciting part about freepping. 

But always remember the exact amount you have on hand and stick to it. Learn to muster up the courage to disregard the item that goes beyond your estimates. 

Yes, I hear you!

There are certainly times when impulse buying hits us. Buying prompted by a whim on seeing the item displayed. 

I suggest you check the price first before you feed your eyes with the details of how good that item is. Because when you're already lusting over it but your money's coming short, that's when it gets extremely frustrating. 

Sometimes, better things come later. You only have to learn to detach yourself from things. Who knows you might thank the circumstance for denying you of the privilege to own one item in exchange for something exceptionally better.

But then again, it's still freepping to simply find therapy in "just looking" at the items in stores in the grounds of comfort and leisure. Just for comfort and leisure. Then buy an item or two without going crazy about price tags like we go crazy about calories.

Drop the guilt feelings and savor the moment. That's the real purpose of it all.

Take freepping to a grander scale by treating yourself with feelgood eats, maybe a Belgian waffle and a frappe. But if there's none left in your wallet for this pleasure, cluster your shopping bag(s) on your hand and freely swing them as you walk your way home. This act alone is respite from negative vibes, granted! 

                 #freepping

                       Start hashtag-ing it NOW!

Photo Credits:

pinterest (dot) com

How Much You My Hong Kong Key Chain?

I'm flying back to Philippines the next day. I lumbered out of the train towards Ladies Market in Mong Kok. A mob scene of Chinese retailers and Chinese-looking buyers met me amidst budget price items that overcrowd within talking distance. 

I cracked glances at the Chinese cushions and table runners while my toes cracked intense discomfort from all the walks since day 1. 

A Chinese retailer grabbed my hand as if to skip out of a fast lane.

"Here, vely cheap bags. Only wong hundred dollahs. You buy?" She reached out fake Yves and Burberry on my left hand while she held my right. 

I wobbled a step backward. She offered me lesser and lesser price as I moved farther. But I wanted to look around. To go after items worth buying as keepsakes.

I went from stalls to stalls. By the time I went back to her she held out a plait of novelty key chains, the kind that comes minted in custom-made metals of the Big Buddha, cable car, tram, Bruce Lee, and the famous Hong Kong Harbour. 

I paused for a while. And thought of how our Hong Kong trip went equally tiring and surprising at the same time. I saw the well-lit buildings of the Hong Kong metro, standing half their original size as we looked at them from the Peak. I remember taking the elevators together with the Pakistanis and Indians at the Mansion. The time we got lost in Sheung Wan. And the amazement we felt as fireworks drape the pitch black sky with colors in Lantau.

Everything immortalized in those keepsakes. And these pleasant remembrances from our travels are worth keeping. I feel that personal attachment between a traveler and a destination-- a distinctive kind of experience which can only come alive again in those tiny metal pieces.

The Chinese retailer stared at me the second time like she seriously waited for hours for my response. She gestured at the plaits of keepsakes in her stall and asked, "How much you my Hong Kong key chain?"

I answered her, I'll get all six. 

Photo Credits:

blog (dot) chinatravel (dot) net-1st photo

randomtravelsandrefelctions (dot) com

A New Crush On Charles & Keith

I have never been so vocal about it. Most of the time I make sure my life is nonpublic as much as I am a non-celeb. 

But there are exemptions to the rule. That's when I speak of one among many others, fashion, and the way I assert my preference. And I'm having a soft spot on Charles & Keith's understated colours and subtle design details. 

I am particularly fascinated with the cream tote bag which can be used concurrently as a handbag. More essentials can be tucked inside which is something advantageous when shopping, heading for school or office, catching a get-together, or when traveling. 

The color can basically complement with anything but it can be worn less formally by pairing it with denims or basic colored trousers and tops.

The allure tote bag and the classic and funky belt are another get-up to die for. They can be worn on a Sunday stroll or on a casual date. As though this collection is suitable for a devil-may-care period of the day or they can be pulled together for corporate occasions.

They are multipurpose so they can actually be worth the deal.

Just recently, Charles & Keith announced that they are now open for shipping to Malaysia and Vietnam. It's a good news for the junkies there.

Photo Credits:
facebook (dot) com (slash) Charles (hyphen) Keith