A New Phase

Wow, It’s been a while since my last entry. I’ve been very busy at work and I’ve been trying so hard to control my shopping spree. Well, it’s June already which means that my bet period is over and I’m proud to say “I won the bet”.

I realized that my bet period was a very effective therapy for me as a shopaholic. Therefore, I wanna share my experience with you and maybe it could help you too.

I learned a few things from this simple bet with my friends. I AM a shopaholic, that’s the most obvious one. However, despite all those urgency and temptation to shop, I realized that I can control my self and say NO when any temptation occurs. After all, we are the master of our own mind right? It’s only the matter of being in control. It was very hard for me, obviously, but I could still go to malls, to bazaar, or anywhere and I could survive it. I come and go without buying anything.

It’s like dealing with your problems in life, you shouldn’t run away from it but you need to face it and find a way to overcome the problem. Am I right? So, in this case, it’s actually similar, never avoid the places where could give you the temptation to shop, you should just come to those places as usual and face the temptation, then you would find a way to handle those urgency to shop. In my case, I usually set a target or goal in mind. For example; “I will not shop because I wanna win the bet” or “I will not shop because I wanna safe my money and have a huge saving account”. I simply remember my target/goal/vision every time those temptations occurs and it works.

Even though the bet period is over, I still wanna suppress my urgency to shop, so I set a shopping budget and made a promise “I will only gonna shop once a month and the cost has to be within my budget” and hopefully I will not be a shopaholic anymore, wish me luck people!


Happy saving shopaholic….

Cheers,
MissCandyBar
=)

The Cufflinks Store

I remember that I once saw unusual cufflinks in a website of a high end dept. store in London. I thought to my self, "hey, it would be great if someone sell this kind of cufflinks in Indonesia". Well, it's true when people say that you really do have to be careful of what u wish for, cause I have mine come true.

I came across this brand at Brightspot Market on their March 2010 event, The Cufflinks Store, and just like the brand they sell variety of cufflinks. If you're not too familiar with it, then I share a bit about it first.

"A cufflink (also cuff link or cuff-link) is a decorative fastener worn by men or women to fasten the two sides of the cuff on a dress shirt or blouse. Cufflinks are designed only to be used with shirts which have buttonholes on both sides but no buttons. These may be either single or double-length ("French") cuffs, and may be worn either "kissing," with the ends pinched together, or "barrel-style," with one end overlapping the other. Kissing cuffs are usually preferred." (source: Wikipedia).

Okay, back to The Cufflinks Store, at first I only passing by their booth cause I still had other things in mind back then. But luckily, I took a final lap around the market and I stopped by at their booth. I carefully look at each one of their cufflinks collections and I can't help not to smile cause I finally found my long-lost search.

Even though I only have few french-cuffs shirts but I desperately need some unique cufflinks to spruce up my rather normal-looking shirts. Well, that's what I do, I need to be different from the others. I need to have something that can be an icon in each one of my outfit. Yes, I know how ridiculous it may sound, but hey...It's me that we're talking about. Little Miss Perfectionist. So bear it with me, will ya? (Thanks, hihihi).

Unfortunately, since I was in such a hurry, I didn't buy anything from their booth (such a pity, right?). But I do asked for their business card and their web address, cause I would love to see their entire collections.

Well, here I am a month later and I finally made my purchase from the store (after days of browsing of course). I order two sets of cufflinks, The Biker and The Rubix Cube (I'm a fanatic for Rubik's Cube). The first set has arrived safe and sound yesterday and I totally love it! They came with an elegant chrome box as the packaging (very cool right?) and the cufflinks, it's just as great as I thought it would be. They were crafted in such detail and smooth finishing which make the cuffs look so expensive. The second set is still in order cause they were still out of stock, can't hardly wait to see it!

These are the few things that I love about The Cufflinks Store and maybe could be your consideration:

1. Their collections of cufflinks are simply outstanding. It was different from your usual and normal cufflinks which kinda makes your life look so dull. If you're a collector, then this store is definitely a must-visit one.
   
2. They have a high quality product but at a very affordable price, ranging from IDR 150k - 200k.
3. They can put your order on hold if as it turns out your choice is currently unavailable. This is very important for me, because if I already like something, I just have to have it.
4. They are very friendly, very helpful, and very informative. These could actually ease your shopping hustle, right?

The cufflinks Store is only in the beginning of their journey but I'm very sure that it will be a successful one. hopefully your collections will always be innovative and different from the rest. Remember...."Dare to be Different!".

So, if you're looking for an idea for a present to your love one or maybe you need it for yourself, then please check their web and order those cufflinks....
www.thecufflinksstore.com

PS : My Rubix cufflinks arrived and it's beautiful. But I think that I just store it with the rest of my rubik's cube collections cause I'm afraid to ruin such a beautiful thing. Thanks a bunch The Cufflinks Store...Love ya dearly....


Happy linking cufflers....

Cheers,
MissCandyBar
=)

Twinkle + Sparks

I've always been known as Miss Matching among my friends cause I always match the colors of my outfit with my shoes and accessories. So it's no wonder that I have tons of shoes (like most women) and accessories for almost every color. Here's the story of a new member of my earrings collections.

My sister bought an earrings for me about a few days ago, it's just one of her habit to surprise me with gifts, what a blessing to have a sister like her right? So, she came to me one day with that secretive look of hers and gave me a little box and asked me to open it. My jaws were wide open as soon as I saw what's inside. It was the most beautiful earrings that I ever saw. (Thank you dear, I love it a lot!).

Then she shared the story about this earrings, She accidentally found this blog which sells handcrafted jewelries from earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. As it turns out, she's been looking through this blog back and forth for the last few days (okay, I guess that's explain why she's been acting weird lately). I was super curious with this blog and ask her permission to browse it my self.

After browsing the entire blog, I was stunned, simply because it was far beyond my expectation. They have the most divine jewelry collections and it's made from genuine semi precious stones, freshwater pearls and swarovski crystals (most of the pieces are combined). Each design is made in very limited stocks (only 1-5 pieces/design), so it would makes you feel extra special for wearing an unique handcrafted jewelry.

People with this kind of blessing and talent always amaze me cause I could never made the things that they create or did the things that they do. I could see how they put their heart in creating each and one of that work of art, making each piece of the jewelry just gorgeous!

So, if you think that you're bored with your jewelry collections, then I suggest you browse this blog and find your soul-mate which would completes your outstanding looks.

I uploaded 2 pictures, one is from the blog so you could see how beautiful they really are (I hope the jeweler won't mind it, thank you =)) and the other is to show you that it comes with pretty packaging. Looooveee the packaging, love the detail-oriented finishing on the piece, love the unusual tear-drop shape of swarovski crystal, I love it!!!

Browse it, order it, wear it and love it at:
www.twinkleandsparks.blogspot.com


Happy sparkling ladies....

Cheers,
MissCandyBar
=)

Monstore

Have you ever had the chance to really pay attention to our new generation? What did you see in them honestly? Well, I wanna share an eye-opening experience for me.

I used to think that they are mostly very consumptive generation. I would see them wondering at malls, cafes, and even clubs. Most of them are teenager and barely know anything about the real world except for one thing, spending money (their parents' anyway). But apparently I was wrong and I'm glad I did.

They're not just spending money but they're making money out of their creativity and talent no less. It always inspiring and amazing to see people who would have the willingness to thrive for achievement, people who could make realization of their brilliant idea, people who are blessed with talent.

I just discover a brand called "Monstore". IMHO, it's something so unique, genius and awesome combined. They sell a very simple and most basic need of a wardrobe, they sell T-shirts. But what you should know is, they made their own T-shirt's designs, what I mean by made is they draw the design first then print it on T-shirts. Their drawings is what set them apart from other T-shirts. Simple right? But you should see their designs first then you would know my amazement.

This is a growing new brand, but already started to spread their wings to Bandung, Balikpapan, Bali, Singapore and even Australia. This will be the next big thing in the clothing industry, very sure of it.

Hey Monstore, keep your creative mind alive and draw more awesomeness. I'll be sure to follow your work and be a fan from afar.

Please visit their website to see why I love them so much and buy those T-shirts !!!
www.heymonstore.com


Happy drawing monstore...

Cheers,
MissCandyBar
=)

Cottonink

A new rising local brand with innovative clothing lines. I knew them from a friend of mine, she showed me her shawls from cottonink. At first, I'm not interested at all, not because it isn't any good only the contrary it looked great. Something new, something hip, yet something simple. But it's because I'm not so into shawls.

But, few weeks later, I saw their shawls on a website and it just hit me. I need something new to accessorized my outfits in Jakarta's "cold" rainy season cause I'm so sick of my collection of sweaters, cardigans, or pashminas. So, I searched them online and found their web. I looked at every picture and every video posted on their web and I fell in love...I thought, "hey...this could be my new fashion signature and I could wear them with any outfit, any occasion and in any "twisted" style that may occur to me on how to wear those beautiful shawls. Then, without second thought, I ordered 2 shawls.

It worked, everyone just love my new shawls. So when I knew they'd participate in Brightspot Market, I marked my calender and set my mind to buy more of their collection. I ended up buying 12 different types of shawls in different colors to mix and match with my entire wardrobe. It's completely an investment!

I loooooveeee cottonink so much, not just because of their marvelous collections but because the whole package. Like I've said, this is a new rising brand but they have great vision and very talented. IMHO, they have simple concept but they implement it into something different and it makes the simple concept become a hit! Their online shop is the most professional online shop I've ever came across (local online shop I mean). And the fact that they only started in late 2008 then within a year and a half, they already achieved so many things; They have been published in many magazines, they were a great success in most Brightspot Market events, they've been awarded with most favorite brand in the latest Brightspot Market from Cleo Magazine (voted by visitors) and many others.

So, my fellow fashionista, if you're sick and tired of your wardrobe and wanna try something different, then you should just collect cottonink's collections.

See them yourself on:
www.cottonink.blogspot.com


Happy mixing matcher...

Cheers,
MissCandyBar
=)

Brightspot Market

Who would've thought of a brilliant concept like Brightspot Market. I think, who ever came up with the idea is a genius!

Brightspot Market is held several times a year in different location and it's usually held for 4 days. It's an event that gather local and international, new and thriving designers or retailers to present their work. It's mostly clothing line or accessories like bags and shoes. But I like said, it's a brilliant idea.

You will find a unique and one-of-a-thing stuffs, things that you don't usually find in regular shops or shopping malls. Therefore, anything that you buy at Brightspot Market will be a new icon and everyone else will want to have it. Trust me.

The latest event was held in March 11 - 14 2010 in Pacific Place, Jakarta. It was a great success, more than 35.000 people attend the event. It was already crowded since day 1 but you will feel the excitement and the rush of hustling among crowds, searching for your favorite thing, buying beautiful cloths, meeting talented young people and being a part of a history in the making. Truly unique experience.

I think that Brightspot Market keep improving by gathering new designers or retailers to join the event. And once you went to it, you're hooked and you'd be waiting for the next event.

Hope to see you among crowds on the next Brightspot Market.

Check this website to know the schedule:
http://brightspotmarket.com


Happy hustling youngster...

Cheers,
MissCandyBar
=)

Thomas Sabo - The Charm Club

Ever since I was little (well not so little maybe), I always wanted a charm bracelet. I would select each charm carefully, each will represent who I am, What I like, or maybe a piece of memory from moments in my life.

In early 2009, I finally get my chance to have My Very Own Charm Bracelet. Thanks to Thomas Sabo Charm Club for making it happen.

Thomas Sabo sell the bracelet and charm separately which all made from Sterling Silver. The bracelet is available in 3 sizes (S, M, L) and they have plenty of choices for the charms.

The Bracelet cost from IDR 454k - around IDR 1mio (depends on the size).
The Charm cost from IDR 298k - around IDR 3mio (depends on the model).

I've been collecting the charm since early 2009 and would stop buying these if I feel that I had enough charms hanging around. Hehehe...

All of their Sales person in the store was very helpful, friendly and very patience in handling each customer needs (I'm a fussy customer, I want perfection in every thing I buy).

But not only that, they also have a top-notch after sell service. We could clean our bracelet or charm anytime we want to, just drop by the store and ask one of the sales person to help you. Each charm and bracelet has a warranty, they could have it repaired for certain damage with no extra cost. However, they will send our charm bracelet to Germany for the reparation process or they would replace your charm with the new one (same model of course) if they have it on stock (this happen to me one time). I have repaired mine twice and have it replaced once. All came back to me perfectly.

You could find Thomas Sabo in:
Plaza Indonesia Ground Floor
or visit www.thomassabo.com

Happy Charming girls...

Cheers,
MissCandyBar
=)

Mama Bebe Shop Online Store

I know this online store from a friend of mine. It's a good thing that she recommended me this store cause I received nothing but satisfaction of online shop experience. This store will give you full service, lots of choices for baby's and even mommy's stuffs.

This store always has prompt response, helpful assistance, updates you on your shopping status and even discount (sometimes without even needed to ask). What more do you need? Right?

I've learned from experience that online shopping need to be based on trust. Believe me when saying this cause I've learned mine from an expensive one. Well, we have to be smart when we want to shop, if I may quote from Rebecca Bloomwood in the Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella, "Think of it as an investment". So, no matter what you buy and when you buy it, "Think of it as an investment".

I extremely recommend this online store as one of your option when shopping ladies, cause not only that you found things you love but also trust and even friendship on the side. A lovely shopping experience, right?

You could find it on:
www.mamabebeshop.multiply.com
Or contact mynameis.meryl@gmail.com

Happy shopping my fellow shoppers!

Cheers,
MissCandyBar
=)

Skelly Shop

March 23, 2010

I found this new rising brand at The Brightspot Market on their March event. And I fall in love immediately.

I love their brit-pop concept on their lines.
I love their design on the Tees
I love the fabrics
I love the people in Skelly shop which are very helpful and soooo friendly.
I even got a great deal with my purchase.

As I mentioned before, they have a brit-pop concept and basically British style overall, hence the Tee lines with British Fictional Character, such as Robin Hood, Frankenstein, Grenadier Guard a.k.a Queen's Guard, and even other British stuff like the famous Red Telephone Kiosk.

They sold the Tees @ IDR 150k with good cotton fabrics and brit-pop cutting. IMHO, It's quite worth the price.

A little birdie told me that they will make a patent for the Skelly brand in UK and they will launch their clothing lines in Metro Dept. Store pretty soon.

I'm so proud of Skelly Shop's achievement, Long Live Skelly Shop !!!

Cheers,
MissCandyBar
=)