Skocial

More sick today. I think work made me sicker - wah. This cold has got me thinking I really need to get a new wool jacket (wink wink). So far my favorite fall wardrobe items have been...
* Marc by Marc Jacobs hoodie
* Jigsaw braided cashmere scarf
* Long sleeve scoop neck cotton shirts from American Apparel

Time to visit Harvey Nichols. Well a girls gotta keep warm!

Not related to shopping, went to go see Hairspray today. It's a little bit different than the movie, but just as entertaining. So fun! Link was not as cute though as Zac Efron. Michael Ball (yes, a man) who plays Tracy's mom is hilarious! We sat in the stalls and during the 2nd half the actors walk right by you and interact a bit.

Going back to work today made me even sicker. How come I'm not surprised about that? :P I love next day delivery. Got my new 50mm f/1.8 lens today. Plus my co-worker let me borrow a 60mm macro f/2.8 with macro flash, and 70-200mm f/2.8. Since I'm constrained to my box of an apartment due to this stupid cold, I just tested out the smaller lenses. Here are some photos using the macro lens. I like this new toy.

Also gave Lisa's Mr. Men toys a photo shoot (newest promo to get you to buy detergent :)

Called in sick today. Been trying to fight this not really getting sick, but almost sick, but tiredness. Slept all day and still feel gross! What else should I try in addition to First Defense and Berocca?!

For being sick and not leaving my apartment until 6pm, I guess I was pretty productive. Bought a new lens - 50mm f/1.8 from http://warehouseexpress.com/. Cheapest place I could find in London, all though I'm not sure when I'll get it due to this postage strike back-up. Hope I get it before I leave for China! Also all caught up on the new season of Heroes too! Didn't see much of season 1, but oh wells. I'll catch up later :).Best thing that happened today was the surprize flowers from Joe today. :) Thanks! I miss you too!

Haven't been taking enough photos of London, so here is a snapshot of the bottom of Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square that I took on my way to meet Caleb at the Bridge Art Fair. Note the wide angle format :) Just discovered this on my Canon SD800.

Good thing I have Lisa around in London still :). She's my surrogate foodie partner and "sweets consultant" -- Hehe.

On the menu this week:
* A trip back to Mexicali on Fulham Road. The carnitas tacos are still the best thing to order there. Spotted the 3rd location today on Berwick Street in Soho. Looks like the location in Notting Hill has the most extensive menu. Because I'm a MexiCAN not a MexiCan't
* Friday, Yauatcha for some gooood evening dim sum and congee. With Lisa around you can never forget dessert! The pastries from upstairs are to die for. i.e. chocolate cake with jasmine chocolate mousse - Yum! I'll be back :) Also, if you are in the mood for tea try the Four Seasons Oolong blue tea. It's very fragrant.
* Beard Papa's to treat my newest team member for getting through his probation period. They have this very berry flavor now, but wasn't too interested in that. Stuck to my fave, vanilla cookie pastry puff -- Yummm.
* Lisa also introduced me to Percy Pigs and Pals (see photo), these natural fruit gummies from M&S. The cow is cola flavor, the sheep is orange and strawberry flavor, and the pig is grape and raspberry flavor.

What's next? Going to try and cook more at home but after I go meet Eunice at the Wolseley tomorrow! Oi.nk Oink. Gotta find a way to replace my non-existent gym membership. :P

Yesterday Lisa took us all to Bloomsbury Lanes where it was 50's night. The girls got into character and channeled the Grease and Betty Page era. Fun! In London, they love these sort of fancy dress parties where you dress up for the party (like Halloween with a theme). This movie house/bowling alley/bar/karaoke bar/diner was super super crowded so we ended up just eating pizza and drinking beers. No bowling. Oh wells, was fun dressing up.

Wedding is done with and Joe is leaving for China tomorrow, so here is the return of Sko (but now Sko-Pak)'s blog posts :).

Joe's leaving dinner (that's what the English call it) was fabulous. We are regulars at Roka, but today we decided to be a bit more adventurous with the dishes. Home made tofu with watermelon and tomatoes, baby oysters with vinegar, scallop skewers with wasabi and shiso. The shochu punches are also yum. If you have a sweet tooth, try the alcoholic drink called 'Hallo Kitty' -- shochu with raspberry, lemon, rose, and sparkling water. Comes in a cute bottle!

We finished off the meal with a walk by Beard Papa's on Oxford Circus. And guess what? They have a new cream puff! It's called

cookie cream puff

Gone to 2 Georgina Goodman samples sales since I've lived in London and I never come out empty handed. I don't know if that statement carries any wait actually because I usually find something at a sample sale :).

Nestled in Shepherds Market, Georgina's handmade shoes are delightfully funky, stylish, sometimes sexy, and sometimes just out right quirky.

Her most recent best seller -- suede or leather slippers hand made in Spain in funky colors and unexpected pattens.

Lisa told me about the latest sample sale this past weekend, but she couldn't make it. I bought her a pair of turquoise suede with metallic turquoise spots painted on. I bought 2 pairs: 1 all metallic turquoise, and 1 black suede with silver metallic spots. Oh so comfy! As with all new purchases and break them in as soon as possible. Have been wearing these slippers all weekend and my feet have never been so happy. Also light weight and breathable so good for summer too.

£160/pair at https://www.georginagoodman.com, or £38/pair during sample sales.
Go check our her new collection in person at 12-14 Shepherd St., W1J 7JF (020 7499 8599).

I heard about MBT shoes years ago, but totally thought it was a passing fitness fad that was trying to suck money off every girl that wanted toned legs.

A co-worker of mine got them as one of her many new fitness regimens in preparation for her wedding(s). Maybe because I'm also preparing for a wedding (which I have noticed has left me susceptible to spending lots of money), I was easily convinced by her that they were worth trying.

I've been walking in them 2 times a week to work now for a little over a month (work is about 4 miles away). Just by doing that and eating only a little less I have noticed toned calves (very sexy), a perkier behind (bootie), and even slightly more defined abs. The funny thing is that sometimes standing still on these shoes feels like more of a workout than walking in them because you have to constantly balance. Small disclaimer -- more defined abs are a result of eating less ice cream too :). Oh the temptation of having Ben & Jerry's available at work.

The price is a bit steep, but if you think about how much you pay for your gym membership monthly and how often you don't use it. The decision is pretty easy. Definitely get these if you live in a city that requires lots of walking. Dunno if it's as worth it for folks that live in LA :). Oh, and they do come in men sizes!

$245 @ http://www.blissworld.com

The latest Jo Malone scent is oh so yummy, want to smell it all day. Blue Agava & Cacao is inspired by the rhythm and vibrancy of Latin music, a sparkling citrus melody of lime and grapefruit leads to an exquisite heart of the blue agava. A sensual blend of vetiver, cinnamon and the primitive rawness of cacao, make an unexpected and surprising harmony.

Makes a great gift for a close girlfriend. Bought a candle in this scent for Amy's birthday, and I could not resist getting myself a small bottle of cologne. Oh the danger of having to arrive early at Heathrow airport, shopping there can be hazardous to one's credit card. Along with Jo Malone, you will find Chanel, Paul Smith, Reiss, and Kurt Geiger eagerly awaiting you at the departure lounge.

http://www.jomalone.com
A few of my other favorites: French Lime Blossom, Verbanas of Provence

Pesca Boutique
244 E 60th St (Cross Street: 3rd Avenue)
New York, NY 10022
(212) 980-1901
http://www.pescaboutique.com
Recommended By: Natalie and Tiffany

If you are trying to be good and by pass Serendipity's Frozen Hot Chocolate, you deserve to skip across the street to visit Pesca Boutique for a cute number to welcome the warm weather. The attraction about this place is not only it's selection (picked up 2 Live in Cyn, www.cynandluca.com), but the store owner also can add padding to any swim suit for an extra $20. This is particularly great for most Asian women (you know what I'm talking about right? :).

Swim suits usually range from $100+. Also check out the cute selection of lingerie and swim suit cover ups. And while you wait for your custom padding to be put in, you can skip over to her daughters store around the corner which features Ed Hardy clothing and more cute bikinis.

I'm supposed to be looking for shoes that match my wedding dress, but I got a little distracted. These Salma sandals from Cole Haan are so sweet. The white patent leather version first caught my eye, but realistically would not wear something so edgy. Too futuristic for me. But these brown ones will contrast nicely with light springy outfits and can work well with bright colors as well.

Is it acceptable to do my wedding registry at a shoe store? :)

Some photos of the Chie Mihara Spring 2007 shoe collection can be found on the Footlux.com website. Yum!

In the same 50% of sale today, I picked up a black button down silk skirt (looks like bottom half of a button down shirt) by Antipodium Button Up line. The labels first line of womenswear that lunched for Spring/Summer 2007. I can't wait to wear it when it gets warmer. I'll take a photo of my outfit the first time I wear it a bit higher than waist level with a t-shirt, heavy belt and flip-flops :). The fabric at the waist is a bit bunched together to create slight ruffles at the top of the skirt and the back is a bit longer.

Wanted to post this up so anyone interested in something 'different' can check out their new store in Soho London. The store features designers from Australia and New Zealand that brings a freshness to London fashion. Everything in their Buttons Up collection is supposed to below £150 and includes pinafore dresses, cropped jackets, high-waisted skirts and trousers.

Antipodium Shop
5a Carlisle Street
London W1D 3BH
t +44 (0)20 7287 3841
Monday - Friday, 11.00am - 7.00pm
Saturday, 11am - 6pm

Still haven't found a wedding dress, but did finally find the perfect pair of black patent leather pumps. I do have my priorities straight people, but I can't help it when a store in London has a 50% moving sale and needs to get rid of their Spring/Summer 2007 stock! :)

My first pair of Rupert Sanderson shoes, but a big fan already. I remember eye-ing the gold Carmen Leather Sandals, but cringing at the outrageous price.

I have to say, they use very soft leather to construct these shoes. First time I remember ever picking up a shoe, then commenting on how buttery soft the bottom of the shoes was. They run a bit small. I usually wear a 38 but bought a 37. Also, because the leather is so soft they are supposed to stretch a little after some wear.

You can find Rupert at www.net-a-porter.com, average price $500.

Joe keeps asking if I am depressed because I buying stuff, but I can't help it if I find good deals :).

Went to the Secret Sample Sale for the first time with Eurie on Friday. We didn't really know what to expect because it was our first warehouse (not designer specific) sample sale, and could have been greeted with a hodge podge of unknown/ugly stuff.

But too my satisfaction (although my wallet had to suffer), I found some amazing deals, and new luvs :). I definitely favored their accessories selection over the clothes. Plenty of Gucci, Balenciaga, Tod, and Chloe from last season starting at 50% off. If that is your poison, I would sign up for the Girls Night-In mailing list, which is the company that supplied the sample sale with an excellent selection of handbags and shoes.

I was gonna say it was love at first sight with the Missoni wedge sandals (photo above), but Joe wouldn't like that. I'm beginning to believe there are good deals in London, even after you convert pounds to dollars. Paid: £150, originally £350. On Zappos.com they were originally $600, now on sale for $325. I win! :) Eurie was laughing at me because I wore these shoes around the warehouse for awhile while browsing to test out the comfort level. Not bad. Foot Petals will solve all unforeseen problems.

I couldn't resist this Tod's T Bag either at 50% off. Needed some color in my wardrobe and I got it! Still selling on StyleDrops.com for $1200 I got it for £300 which is about $600. I win again! I like this game. The small wide pocket in the front fits my blackberry, small pockets on the bottom fits keys/change, and my iPod nano fits perfectly in on the side pockets. I got the small version, which still fits a large book, my london A-Z, bottle of water, umbrella, small digital camera, and wallet. Lovely!

Eurie didn't find anything at the sample sale, so we headed out to Westbourne Grove (Notting Hill) on Saturday to scope out the shops for last minute deals. By now, if stores still have items left over from the January sales they are marked 50% - 70% off. I think Eurie is my good luck charm because we both found beautiful chocolate brown boots by Scorah Pattullo, a London (Camden) based shoe designer. The practical side of me likes the fact the boots have a wider-base/coned shaped heel for better balance. The word stiletto has stopped me from buying boots with heels of any kind for a long while. This was a good compromise.

The Shop at Bluebird
350 King's Road
Chelsea
London, SW3 5UU
Tel: 020 7351 3873

I thought I was done with the January sales, but today Joe and I were desperately looking for some food and sustenance so just popped into the Bluebird Cafe on Kings Road (slow service, expensive and mediocre food so don't eat there).
I remember that Lisa mentioned there was this cute store in the back of the restaurant, but she forgot to mention how big it was! :)

Fancy shman-sy clothes for both boys and girls, shoes galore, modern array of furniture for your new flat, and a collection of fashion books/magazines and music. Go now and get Pedro Garcia and Loeffler Randal at 50% off! I know more shoes! I can't help it when I find a good deal.

Got this pair of satin peep toe Pedro Garcia's for £70 (about $140), when they are selling at Shopbop.com at $228, woo hoo! They run a bit small, so I had to get size 39. Good thing because they didn't have size 38 in pewter (also comes in brown and black). Don't know when or where I would wear these, but good to have when I need to get dressed up.

I had also been looking for pair of trainers to bum around in the weekend. Felt funny to wear cargo pants with boots, even if they are flat. Of course they had to be cute. Found a pair of Tretorn mesh tennies in the perfect color of mauve (reminds me of Stella McCartney for Adidas color palette).

I never thought I would consider paying so much for a hoodie sweatshirt, but look how cute these new Mike & Chris hoodies are! Now on sale at Girlshop.com for 20% if you enter mespree07 at checkout (from Daily Candy Weekend Guide). Full price - $172.

I'm trying to hold out for a bit, but I can see how this would pair perfectly with any spring/summer outfit. Hoping that writing this post will help ease the online shipping itch.

It's not good when you have friends going back to the states who are willing to bring back anything you want if you ship it to their house (thanks Lisa!).

Trying to limit myself to things I need. Which so far have been...
* Nike Imara Run Watch in Gunmetal
* JCrew Matchstick Jeans in Retro Slate Wash (I have another wash, same fit, and they have easily become an essential part of my uniform :)

The month of January in London is the prime example of homo sapiens fully embracing consumerism with fervor! From Dec 28th for about a month, all the stores in London discount last seasons stock from 30% to 70%! And as the month progresses, the prices are cut down even more!

I indulged and finally bought the Chie Mihara Jay shoes (dark purple shoes, image on top of this blog) that I have been ogling for sometime. They became very popular in the states and even appeared in Lucky Magazine. Got a deal at Selfridges, but I think they were the last pair in any size. Woohoo!

I think the reason they have such big sales is not only to get rid of their old stock, but to pull you in to see the new stuff for next season. If you are in London, stop by a Kurt Geiger store that stocks an extensive selection of Chie Mihara shoes. The spring line is beau-ti-ful. Too bad they don't have them posted on the Kurt Geiger online website yet.

* Chie Mihara Website
* Expected Damage to Wallet: Moderate Investment