Instead of dropping wads on Luxottica labeled glasses, I’ve turned to dropping near nothing on some decently made frames online sent to my door. This blog has all the discount codes and extra discount links you’ll need for a variety of websites that make glasses on the cheap, complete pairs available for under $20 delivered in some instances.
My last one was rather impressive, via Eyebuydirect.com. I managed to get some buy 1 get 1 free coupon from the blog, placed an order on 22nd Dec and received them yesterday, 29th Dec. A week. That is insane fast shipping. It also came with sturdy boxes and cleaning cloths. Even the packaging was decent and they used DHL. The glasses themselves? Two pairs cost me under $70. Both felt really good. Like solid good. The hinges were pretty decent, with a bit of a spring to it and the acetate felt like good stuff. Fit wise, I knew they were going to be ok based on their measurements but it’s always a little hit and miss. Still, I managed to score 2 pairs that I think fit good and are well made and incredibly cheap.
All you really need is a prescription from your optician, a set of measurements of your favorite pair of existing glasses (eye width, bridge, length, eye height etc) and the willingness to accept that stuff made and sent from China/Pakistan etc can be totally legit.
I got the Babbitt, a chunky style in black and the Humphries, a lightweight style in a shade of amber. Both came with anti reflective coating.
Today, I also popped down to Paddo and finally visited the Topshop pop up store on the 2nd floor of Incu. It’s ok. More interestingly, I went into a mod pop art gallery with a great and awesome selection of signed prints by Kozyndan. The gallery in question is Outre Gallery.
I will buy the Takanodaba on Acid when I move house next year.
Oh yea, just thought I’d pass the buck on these leather jackets. Top notch quality shit from Aussie label Vincent & Vincent. I’m only telling you this because they’re having a super sale on their jackets at almost half price. I was kinda eyeing the black nubuck work jacket myself but just can’t justify it considering I’m sitting in my undies cos it’s so hot right now. But still, $360 versus the retail $600 is tempting.
But seriously, if you want a great jacket, get one of these. They fit real slim and short though, but shoot them an email and they’ll sort you out. Sale lasts till end of the month if I’m not wrong.
My parents’ visit provided the perfect opportunity to fleece them and expand my food universe. I brought them to Single Origin & Campos for Coffee, a decent butcher in Hudson Meats, Chef’s Warehouse, T2, Garfish for more fish and il Baretto for Duck Ragu Papardelle. (Haha! Everything’s food related!) Yet, to me, the highlight was Formaggi Ocello’s outlet in Surry Hills. An Italian cheesemonger, it was superbly stocked with hard and soft and blue and washed cheeses that I’ve never even heard of, nevermind smelt or tasted. I finally did get the chance at last. Beautiful Pecorino with Truffles was heaven. Returning soon for more smelly action. They also stock all the good Oz/European stuff as well as some other deli stuffs. But the Italian cheeses are the stars of the show.
The term providore is like really trendy now. As in, if you flipped through the pages of Good Living, the Sydney Morning Herald’s Tuesday supplement for all things food related, you’d probably read it 21287 times in a sentence. So I had this tiny little bit of the creeps when I was walking to find Fourth Village Providore in Mosman. I was afraid it was going to be this overpriced beast of a retail store filled with yuppie scum who make espuma sandwiches on Saturday evenings to impress girls. Then I realized I was a wannabe yuppie scum that wanted to make espuma sandwiches to impress my tummy and duly walked in the door.
The place is located off the main road and on a quieter side street. You can tell from the off that Italian products are big there. A huge wall of risottos and pastas in all kinds of shapes, cannolis packed in boxes, sauces and an array of prosciutto hanging behind a counter. But I was here for the cheese. Which I found and was impressed with. They have a very good selection of local and imported cheeses, including some which they proudly announce as being in Australia for the first time. I also loved the fact that my favorite crackers from the Fine Cheese Co were like, on sale, at $6.50.
There wasn’t anyone to help me out in the cold and musty cheese room and I suppose an Asian “kid” wearing a cap with slim jeans and sneakers doesn’t look like your average wannabe gourmand. Anyway, I chanced upon a real camembert. A petit camembert from Isigny Ste Mere, in Normandy. Which I look forward to. It’s actually warming up next to me right now.
It’s certainly not your run of the mill deli and I reckon it would give Simon Johnson etc a decent run for their money. At the very least, it’s like on the way to work for me. I’m certainly returning for more merch in the near future.
Filed under: Australia, Fashion, Retail, Sydney | Tags: brogues, footwear, koppage, marsu homme
Jus robokopped this pair of Marsu Hommes from their new pop up store. The Artisan Guild & Curiosity Shop is at 263 Oxford Street will be up until the end of July. They’ve got an awesome promotion going on as well, with 30% off all shoes as well as a 2 for 1 special, which meant mein shoes kosting me only ze $150 AUD.
They’ve also got this brill nubuck boot hand finished in store with ink that’s $279 and its uber worth it. Materials, construction, fit and finish is all superb. As expected of the brand which used to retail at Incu for like 4 or 5 bills.
The store itself is also home to many trinkets and knickknacks, including some really awesome spectacles as well as these clocks that go anti-clockwise. EOFY tax returns come quick please.
Filed under: Fashion, Retail, Sydney | Tags: acne, productlust, sydney shopping
Mmm. Acne opened a store in Glenmore Road. Mmm. Too bad I can’t afford much the way stuff is priced here. Which is price in Europa/US&A X 1.68. Will ogle when time permits.
Incidentally, the Swedish label has this collabo with Alber Elbaz. Check it.
Filed under: Fashion, Retail, Singapore | Tags: apc, jumpsuit, sg, shop, steez
I actually shop at more places than just Uniqlo. There’s also Muji for instance. Pricier but better quality, if rather understated in style. When there’s a sale on, I’m surprised people don’t drag shit off the shelves. Not to mention the always interesting food section with stuff like an apple juice drink flavored with perilla (shiso) that made it taste berry-esque. Or the awesome stationery like this dope hexagonal 2 sided pen I scoped. Ultimately, I pulled the trigger on a really solid vegetable peeler for work purposes and a pair of white canvas shoes.
Here’s some other joints that I’m looking forward to visiting if I get the chance. I filtered out quite a buncha stuff, mostly because I’m no longer interested in streetwear stuff. Of which, it must be said, there’s a good amount of here in Singapore. I hope none of these stores have collapsed though.
Blackmarket – they stock Lad Musician and a shitload of local labels according to the website.
Front Row – If only because I want to look at this kooky A.P.C jumpsuit. They probably won’t have it. I also probably will never buy it.
Blackjack/Club 21 – So I can shop for a sugar tai tai.
Style: Nordic – Mainly for Filippa K. I don’t think they have what I’m looking for though.
Asylum – They brought in Chronicles of Never and Diet Butcher Slim Skin. But I’m mostly wanting to ogle some silly, useless objects.
Ambush – Might be interesting since the last time I went there, it was still in Far East and not so nu rave labelled.
I’m sure there’s some more places. I might compile a food list next. All my notes for each place seem to indicate I’m mostly half hearted. I’m expecting all the stores to stock mostly just tees, polos and jeans. I also wanted to mention that I’m disappointed by the selection at the Clarks shop in Suntec. The uncle was pretty nice and helpful though.
Filed under: Fashion, Retail, Singapore | Tags: koppage, sg, shop, steez, uniqlo
Ok I was there at 10-ish and it was packed. The store at Tampines 1 is located on the 2nd floor and its rather small but its expected given that its just Tampines. Although, Singapore being so tiny, you could open a store in Punggol and it might do fine. The locals go where its worth it. They’re smart like that. The crowd was a mix of youngsters and aunties. Its only Uniqlo, but in Singapore, it was kind of a big deal. To me, its largely an awesome basics company, with optional extras. I crow about it only because I’m broke as and it provides my nether regions with a spot of color.
I have to say, I’m a touch disappointed, largely because the Opening Ceremony collabo wasn’t there. Hello Opening Ceremony at the Opening Celebration? Wah lau. Isn’t that kind of auspicious?
I was expecting them to slash most of the selection and basically have a polo/tee/jeans kinda vibe and that was exactly what the store was. So I guess, I was semi prepared for a let down. I just kept hoping that the OC stuff might just make the cut. I’m also expecting, based on conversations with the super lovely store staff, (who helped me get another pair of jeans cos of my fat ass. thank you girls so much!) that the Orchard Ion store will hopefully stock the other stuff, like outerwear, cardis etc. I’m crossing my fingers that the next time I want something, I can just get someone to pop down and grab it and not have to proxy stuff and pay shipping and fees etc.
Anyway, I did get the jeans and some other stuff I wanted. So I’m still ok. Like the auntie behind me in the Q said, “Come all the way here, if dun buy something, feel left out!”. She also said, “Come back next week, when the fever die down, then buy some more.”.
Words of wisdom, although I’m pretty sure I won’t be grabbing much else. Maybe some more socks. I like they socks.
April 9th. Top 10 items to kop.
1. Colored Skinnies in Gray and Electric Blue. Cos I can’t afford Geller and I’m very last season.
2. A gray hoodie. Basic, functional and value for money. Tenets of Uniqlo represented.
3. Basquiat Tee, Black with gold print.
4. Opening Ceremony Check Shirt.
5. Slouchie Beanie.
6. Knit Ties.
7. Underwear.
8. Socks.
9. Mod Polo.
10. Glasses? These look interesting.
11. Navy Roundneck Cotton Cashmere Sweater.
12. Gray Shorts.
13. Opening Ceremony “Suit”.
14. Parka.
Did I say 10? I meant 81751987. Should I continue?
