Back to Work, Back to School

Came back from the US on a Saturday and went back to work on Tuesday. Surprisingly, jet lag didn't seem to affect me much. In fact, it actually helped me wake up early. I've been doing mostly logistics work, dirty, sweaty job but hey! I quite enjoy the physical work.

Speaking of work, my plan of finding a full-time job didn't pan out so I decided to go back to school and finish the course. As if reading my mind, the school (new administration) sent the first assignment even before classes started. They forgot to send out the full class schedule though so I have no idea when I have to go back to school.

So I've been taking lots of photos for my assignment though I haven't really made any headway. Hopefully, that will change by next week.

And by next week, I hope to get me a new sewing machine. Yey! I initially wanted an industrial sewing machine since that's what we use in school but there's no space for it at home. Also, the prices are prohibitive (for me anyway). Instead, I'm now planning to buy a Bernina 350 and an overlocker. That way I get two machines for the price of what I would be paying for an industrial machine.

BCBGeneration shoes

Remember this pair of shoes? I just found out its style name: Impulse. It also comes in nude but I prefer black.

From US$118.00 to $99.99 to $89.99 to $71.99 excl tax.

For a casual look, I'm going to pair it with this outfit of mine. 

Back from my US Trip Part II

After Georgia, we flew to Florida, less than an hour's flight away.

After cold Georgia, it was a relief to finally have the sun on my face and feel the heat on my skin. What I did notice in both states is that the places are just so far apart. Wide open spaces. You definitely need a car when you're in these states. They say New York is different with its subways and proximity to almost any place. But I wouldn't know.

It was hard not to be reminded that we were in Disney World. Everywhere we looked, Mickey Mouse was there. But I didn't care. I wasn't there to go to the theme parks (though I did go to one), I was there to check out the shopping outlets. =) I went to Prime Outlet at International Drive (it's called Premium Outlet but locals still refer to it as Prime as there's another Premium Outlet at Vineland Ave.) and had fun browsing and buying things at Neiman Marcus Last Call, Saks Fifth Ave Off Fifth, Coach Factory Outlet, Calvin Klein, Guess, etc.

Since I wasn't the type to worry over being on trend, these last season's merchandise at heavily discounted prices, were a sight for me. One of the items I bought was this

I love the way it just envelopes my body. It's made of thin polyester (I'm not a snob; I do wear polyester) but mimics the feel of silk. And it's blue!

Back from my US trip Part I

Despite the long and sleep-depriving travel (about 26 hours according to Zuji but felt like more due to the delays), I enjoyed the brief and my first trip to the US.

I was only able to stay for 2 days in Georgia but I have no complaints save for the fact that Alpharetta was so far from downtown Atlanta. Then again, I suppose it's a good thing. I had a fun time listening to people talk. Their southern accent was just so lovely to listen to especially the African Americans. I had a chat with my taxi driver and he told me about the rich blacks and other celebrities who were living in the expensive suburbs of Atlanta. And how ten years ago, there was nothing but farm lands owned by red necks. Now, Atlanta is growing. There are lots of shopping malls and restaurants and the only thing missing are theatres to complete the cultural vibe.

African-Americans really have a way of talking and communicating. They are frank but they know how to throw in compliments. For some reason, I like the men better than the women though. I find the men so slick. They know what to say to hook you in. They make great salespeople in my opinion.

Talking about sales, I had the most amazing time shopping at North Point Mall. I went directly there the day after I arrived and went straight to Macy's. I had a domestic pass which I printed out and was told to get an International Pass at the Executive Office. I did and got a pass which entitled me to a further 10% off merchandise even those on sale.

So I went around and found this BCBGMaxAzria dress and a BCBGeneration pair of shoes. I forgot how much the dress cost but the shoes! The shoes were originally priced at US$118.00 (before taxes). On sale, it was $ 89.99 but after my pass, I got it for $70.00+ (I forgot the exact amount) (Side note: I had to work my head around adding the sales tax on top of the price. Since each state had a different sales tax, I just added 10% to be on the safe side.)

I saw another pair of shoes, in suede. It had a ribbon at the back which you need to tie into a bow otherwise, it'll be dragging on the ground. After walking a bit in it, I decided not to get it even though they were telling me they'd give it to me for a further 20% on top of the 10%.

Then, I visited Dillards and was amazed at the 70% discount they were giving! Whoah! But I only managed to buy just one item since the sizes just didn't fit me. But a few doors down at Ann Taylor, I scored two dresses at $49.99 each! Can you believe that?

But it wasn't all just for me. I also got V a shirt which looked great on him. =))