Nomadic Neons: The Adidas Mega Softcell RL

A night out with friends is a most welcome diversion in a busy life of an advertising slave like myself.

So when I got invited by my friends to try out Mamou at Serendra (a posh restaurant that serves one of the best steaks I have ever tasted together with the creamiest mashed potato), I wasted no time in preparing for the said get together.

Grabbing this opportunity to look my best just to make myself feel a little bit better after working so hard these past few months (not complaining though---only means business is doing relatively well), I took out a new pair that will go well with my bright lime top and jeans.

I've always believed that colors can do wonders to one's tired soul, so I opted for a happy hue.

The Adidas Mega Softcell RL is all that is perky and lively. 

Its neon greenish-yellowish hue is a testament of the attitude it carries. 

Shines brightly even at night.

Like walking on sunshine. Haha!

True to its name sake, the soles are quite soft and comfortable.

Perfect to uplift one's spirit...

and one's fashion statement.

Here's my chosen look for the said night out. 

Di halata haggardness no? :)

Thanks to this nomadic neon pair. Till our next adventure.

The Adidas Mega Softcell RL.

Cool with colors: The Adidas Stan Smith 80S M

Today marks my 15th day of coming out clean.

You see, after feeling guilty about maxing out my credit card on a shopping spree last month, I swore to my two friends that I won't buy any pair of shoes for the whole month of July.

This really feels like rehab for a SHOEpaholic like me!!!!

And admittedly, I feel like I'm experiencing some withdrawal symptoms. Haha!

If you've seen the movie "Confessions of a Shopaholic" ...then you can relate to how I feel right now.

Yup, that bad.

But I'm quite proud of myself for being able to last 15 days without breaking my promise.

If it's a consolation, my friends agreed to me having a grand shopping spree when I fly to Hong Kong next month to enjoy the grand sale, in celebration of my 30th birthday.

Ok, fair enough.:)

But for the meantime, I have to endure this.

It's a good thing though that shopping was the only thing banned this month.

So that means, I could still wear a new pair which I already have.

So to make myself happy, I have brought out one of my funkiest pairs to date.

It's the Adidas Stan Smith 80S M.

A brightly colored pair that resembles holographic walkers.

Promise, depending on its angle, the color combination changes.;)

The fusion of colors and its unique material makes it stand out in the crowd.

High cut and seemingly water-proof so it's perfect for the rainy days.

I love the way its black laces contrast with the brightly colored hues.

But of course, like any other pair from Adidas, comfort was never compromised.

And so does the quality that comes with the price: P 4,995.

Voila, I'm happy again.

Here's a picture of me celebrating at Yakimix for another deal closed.

Fifteen more days baby. 

And I'll be shopping like crazy. Haha.

But for the mean time, I'll enjoy my Adidas Stan Smith 80S M. 

Ranting on a rainy day: A SHOEpaholic's wish list

....little Myke wants to dress up for work and play. :(

But with this kind of weather complete with thunder and lighting and howling winds on the side, that is not possible.

It's difficult to be fashion forward when you dread the thought of getting drenched and oh-so-muddy.

My sentiments exactly.

So here I am forced to wear dark colored clothes and limit myself to a pair or two meant for the rainy season.

I guess summer is indeed over.

But then again, rather than to mope and sulk over this darn weather (while wishing I had the powers of Storm of the X-Men so I can just wave this gloominess away), I'll just focus on creating yet another wish list for myself.

While looking wet and wild only goes in fashion during summer, perhaps I can pull off a statement or two with these pairs perfect for the rainy season:

I already saw and tried on this pair of Adidas Flush Run Boots a couple of months back. Sadly though, they didn't have my size then. I bet others would turn green in envy when they see this show stopper. Quirky much!

The Tretorn Strala can pass for an everyday wear with its relaxed look. Being versatile in look makes it part of my must-have list.

It wouldn't hurt to bring attitude with its altitude. Haha! This high cut Bogs Mossy Oak Camo (such a long name!) is sure to make head turns. 

The silver lining on the dark gray clouds. I love this flashy number from Hunter. Makes me want to be a superhero...with the power to control the weather. *winks. Hehe!

I wish getting any of these pairs was as easy as searching for them online.

Oh well. 

A few more days of rain wouldn't hurt. 

Longer than that....I'll worry afterwards. Haha!

SHOEpper's Guide 4: Paseo de Sta. Rosa, Laguna

I've always believed in hitting two birds with one stone. 

You got it: I had it all planned. Thanks to my careful planning and extensive research. 

The roadtrip to Tagaytay was done for two reasons: a.) to celebrate mother's day and b.) to be able to check out the outlet stores in Paseo de Sta. Rosa. 

Earlier on, what I knew about Sta. Rosa Laguna was limited to the following facts: that it was where my grandmother lives and that it was home to several manufacturing plants e.g. Coke, Ford, Unilab etc.

But while researching on driving directions to Tagaytay (sue me), I stumbled upon an interesting keyword: outlet stores. Outlet stores in Paseo de Sta. Rosa to be exact.

My, my....doing the math means: Outlet Store = Sales + Purchase

Quickly I jotted down the directions and marked the key areas using the google map in my Ipad (I swear I will love Apple forever!). I found out that Paseo de Sta. Rosa, Greenfield City's main leisure capital,  was strategically located along the highway going to Tagaytay and was considered to be the next "it" destination of the south. So go na! Haha!

Finally, my much awaited day came and I excitedly told my Mom and Tita Virgie my plans. Instantaneously, their eyes lit up, much to my satisfaction.

It runs in the family. Haha!

So after spending a whole day in Tagaytay, eating bulalo while being tourist-like, off we went to Paseo de Sta. Rosa.

It was heaven indeed for SHOEpaholics like me. 

Who could have imagined having a haven of branded goods sold for so much less can be found in this rural area?

I quickly scanned the stores in sight. 

Ahh...Adidas. My favorite. I can smell the discounts from where I was standing. Haha!

The 30% -50% discounts were too much for me to take. 

Of course Nike was nearby with its huge shout out. SALE kung SALE!

True enough with discounts up to 40% off.

Bet you weren't expecting to find Benetton here. But lo and behold. 

Not bad at 20% - 30% off on selected items.

It was a pleasure indeed seeing Havaianas at 30% off. 

May not be shoes but having Sanuk onboard is a most welcome treat!

Since summer isn't over yet...never too late for Speedo.

And if the sales in the outlet stores weren't reason enough...perhaps getting a 50% off on my Starbucks frappe was icing on the cake (Paseo de Sta. Rosa is also home to several fastfood chains and restaurants like Jollibee, Red Ribbon, Kanin Club etc.)

We spent the rest of the day shopping to our hearts' content while enjoying each other's company.

Probably one of the best (and most productive, if I may add) Mother's Day celebration I ever had with my mother and favorite Tita.

So next time you're heading to Tagaytay (or even if you're not. Haha!) , don't forget to drop by at Paseo de Sta. Rosa.

It's worth the long drive. Trust me. Our shopping bags can tell. Haha!

A Treat for the Tagaytay Trip: The Adidas Toe Touch Textile

Weeks ago, I already planned to take my Mom and favorite Tita to Tagaytay in celebration of Mother's Day.

I already had everything plotted: from the departure, to the places I intend to take them to, to the shopping afterwards, among others.

But days before, I still had no idea which pair of walkers to wear.

I mean, it will be a semi-long drive for someone like me who's used to just driving around the metro. And the fact that it will only be my second time to drive going there only adds to my exasperation. After all, I only have my google map which can only do so much when my ipad's signal goes bonkers.

Thus, based on actual experience and my limited long-driving skills, I should consider a most comfortable pair in case the drive goes longer than usual. Yup, for someone like me, being lost once in a while becomes almost inevitable. Haha!

I normally go to the mall to de-stress afterwork either to work out at Fitness First or have coffee. Last thursday was no exception. I was doing my usual rounds, thinking about what to wear for the said special occasion when I saw a pair on display at the Adidas Originals Store in Trinoma.

OMG.

Remember my last post about the Adidas Court Adapt? How I got it in a serendipitous way?

Well, it seems like lady luck never did leave my side.

Because right in front of me was another pair I had in my wish list: the Adidas Toe Touch Textile.

It was even more beautiful upclose.

The colorful stripes had my name written on them. Perky!!!!

I already own a pair of pink and blue Adidas Toe Touch so I know for a fact how comfortable this pair is.

Comfortable enough for a...long drive to Tagaytay. :)

I took a look at the tag price and smiled in appreciation.

P 1,995. Pwede. Timely since I saved a lot with the 50% off on Starbucks Frappe recently (haha, yes, am justifying everything).

Funny thing though is that when I got my usual size (9.5 US), I found out that it was way to big. My thoughts were affirmed by the sales person who told me that the Adidas Toe Touch Textile had big sizes.

Guess what? I was down to size 7. Haha! Lotus Feet much? :)

I couldn't care less. What matters is that I can already cross this out on my wish list. Hehe.

So I got the pair and immediately headed home.

My mom was waiting there for me and her next words proved my thoughts right about mother and son sharing a special psychic bond:

"Bumili ka ng shoes no? Patingin. "

And she said that even before I got off from my car. Haha!

Quite proud of my purchase, I showed it off to my Mom who applauded in glee.

Nice. I got the reaction I wanted. So the deal is set. The Adidas Toe Touch Textile is my official Tagaytay pair.

So finally yesterday, my Tagaytay trip finally pushed through.

Unmindful of the long drive, the heavy rains and my poor sense of direction, my Mom and my Tita had a blast in Tagaytay.:)

Maybe because it was time well-spent together.

Or maybe because I finally got my wish.

Of being able to show my Mom and favorite Tita how much I loved them.

And being able to get yet another most coveted pair: The Adidas Toe Touch Textile. 

SHOEpper's Guide 3: Cybergate Mall, Tung Chung, Hong Kong

Recently, I've been getting a lot of queries about my favorite shopping areas in Hong Kong. It seems that most people nowadays no longer equate summer with the local sands and seas.

Instead, most people have seen things my way: why pay much to get sunburned?

Better to indulge in retail therapy instead. :)

After all, the goods last longer than a fake tan. Hehe.

Anyway, going back to my story.

I recently went back to Hong Kong for my retail therapy. After a couple of months working my ass off, I think I deserved it.

Actually I needed it to keep me sane. And prevent me from getting burned out.

Like a hound that can sniff its way home, I found myself navigating effortlessly towards my shopping haven of choice a few hours after settling in my hotel at Dorsett Seaview at Yau Ma Tei (which proved to be in a very strategic location, as it is just a stone throw away from the Temple Street Night Market, the Jade Market and a station away from the Ladies Market at Mong Kok).

Armed with my Octopus Card (a one-card-for-all transportation needs), my little yellow bag (to carry my personal stuff) and my chosen pair of walkers (Zara Espadrilles this time), I braved through the busy streets of Hong Kong and found my way to Tung Chung (after 3 train exchanges), where the Cybergate Mall was located.

For those of you who are not yet familiar with the Cybergate Mall, it is actually an establishment located near the airport, which houses a bunch of outlet stores of different brands. Easily accessible via the Tung Chung MTR Line, the Cybergate Mall has become a favorite destination of both tourists and locals alike in search of original branded goods for less. Yours truly, included.

For SHOEpaholics like me, the Cybergate Mall is heaven on earth. Located within it are outlet stores of some of my favorite shoe brands like:

Adidas

Nike

Puma

New Balance 

Among others.

At a glance though you might be wondering what would set these stores apart from the rest. Well for one, they offer a bigger variety of styles per category, exclusive to the region (some of the pairs I got were exclusively launched in HK, thus none available here in the Philippines. The  chance of seeing someone with an identical pair is when that person  a.:) knows my favorite SHOEpping destination by heart b.) is an avid reader of my blog or c.) robbed me of my precious possessions. Haha! 

The displays were quite attractive and sizes were readily available. 

\

Also these stores offer very good deals, relatively cheaper than the local market place. Some even offer rebates, regardless if you pay in cash or card. Tip: Pay using your credit card as the conversion rate is lower. 

Winner Much. 

And the best part: This year-long sale of goods gets even better during June to August, when Hong Kong officially declares its sale months. Up to 80% off! 

Apart from my favorite shoe brands, other retail stores  can also be found in the Cybergate Mall like Giordano, Esprit, CK, Samsonite, Swatch, Levis, Body Shop, Polo and a bunch of other famous brands.

I can't wait to see you again soon Cybergate Mall. :) Just in time for my 30th birthday. :)