Loot: Simply Swatch

This model is called "Once Again" (aka GB743), circa 1999

Gender neutral and utilitarian. LOVE. :)

I've wanted to own a Swatch again for a very long time, probably since the very first gift I've ever cherished was a martime-themed Swatch from my parents for my 8th Birthday. Swatch has a very special place in my heart. :) Generally speaking, however, I've only been able to admire their designs from afar. Their designs are so wonderfully unique and funky, but I prescribe to a more everyday functional and simple style. 

I thought about getting a Michael Kors watch like a lot of people, but found them to be bulky, heavy, and not really me. Plus, I was worried that metal bands would cause an allergic reaction, especially under sweaty Asian summer conditions. I had pretty much given up the thought of wearing a wristwatch again until I saw this simple gentleman sitting at the duty free shop in Pudong Airport today. Welps, snatching this watch up was the only good thing that came out of my flight being postponed today.... Hawaii (again) tomorrow! Fingers crossed.

This is a really cool website that shows you all the different styles Swatch has come out with over the last 3 decades. And I just found my original watch!!!!!! Memories... :)

Loot: Mother of Pearl iPhone Case

OMG. Escher at my fingertips!!!! 

I saw this and fell in love. You're mine.

If there's one overused tool in this modern age then I vote for the iPhone -- I spend so (too?) much time on it emailing, Whats Apping, Draw Something'ing, Tiny Towering, Google Mapping, and yes, calling. Once in awhile. ;)

Because of its constant presence, the iPhone has become a little part of ourselves, and perhaps another expression of our identity. There are a lot of interesting iPhone cases out there, and I daresay you can probably deduce what kind of person someone is by this alone. There are sleek and simple cases, functional cases, hipster cases, cases that only your middle-aged parent would use, blingbling jeweled cases, cartoon animal cases, no cases... 

As for me, I guess I would say that I like patterns, handicrafts, natural materials, all bundled by a sedated portion of glamour. 300RMB on Taobao for a cellphone case is quite expensive, but I need a little everyday fancy, and having this piece of art in my hands is worth the price. :)

A Girl's Best Friends

I wear same 2 rings and same 2 bracelets everyday. I never take them off, not before a shower or bed, and rarely for other pieces of jewelry even if they hopelessly clash. I'm a lazy and sentimental gal. :) 

- A pinky ring that my mom gave me before I left New York, a simple white gold band with two small clear stones representing Mommy and Me.

- A vintage looking amethyst ring that I wear on my right ring finger, bought last summer at Bali's "silver village" as a representation of self.

- Red glass beaded bracelet, bought at Taipei Main Station's underground market for 50NT.

- Simple string pull bracelet with several small tiger eye stones from Ko Phi Phi, matching another one that I gave Vicki.

When I do wear earrings they're usually hoops the size of a small orange -- I guess they're part of an urban identity that I've held onto since high school... ha! :p Other than these go-to pieces, most of my jewelry have sat entangled in a mangled mosh pit from New York, to HK, to Taiwan, to Nanjing, and now Shanghai. I've culled many an item during each transition, so everything that's made the cut is currently indispensable, fitting a certain mood, situation, outfit, quirk. 

Oldest piece: Gold star earring I wore during most of childhood that lost its mate. Sad... :( 

Other life milestone pieces: Heart-shaped amethyst ring (lapse of judgment) from Zales (lapse of judgment) that I got for my Sweet Sixteen (lapse of judgment). Black dangle earrings from Senior prom. 

New pieces: Faceted silver knuckle rings (set of 3, primed to dish out ultimate pain muhahaha!). Leopard ring.

THANK YOU TAOBAO, for making it so cheap and convenient to purchase anything and everything, including jewelry display stands!!! I seriously love Taobao like a fat kid loves cake. After getting my package today, I spent a few hours separating my lump of treasure into an ultimate display of blingbling. Do you know the agony of painstakingly unknotting a nest of chains??? I swear, little voice in your head just starts begging you to just rip the damn thing apart already. It takes a lot of self-control, guys... O_O

But the end result was awesome, and I'm really glad I took the time to do organize my stuff. Now I won't have to paw through my baubles hoping that I actually find what I'm looking for.

Take a look -- my collection is well edited, if I may say so myself. ;) 

Loot: Prada Satin Lucite Heel

Say hello to my new investment piece, courtesy of Bluefly at over 70% off!

I love the clear lucite heel, it's a fresh modern twist to a polished dress shoe. 
I think we're going to have a very fruitful relationship. :)