My latest acquisition..The perfect casual sandal for a nice sunny day.

This ankle strap sandal features a t-strap adorned with three oversize grommets. NICE!!

Kate Spade Montserrat Jocelyn

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tumbled metallic nappa leather
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unstructured handheld clutch for daytime, weekends or evening
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zipper closure
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interior slide pocket with leather detail
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14-karat light gold plated hardware
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imported
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item no. AH7862337C
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3.1" drop
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Been eyeing several clutches lately. I desire one of these!

Read this in the newspapers today: Has it really come to this?

S'pore costlier than New York
It is the 14th most expensive city for expatriates in the world and 5th in Asia

June 19, 2007
Living in Singapore is now costlier than in New York.

It is now the 14th most expensive city for expatriates in the world and 5th in Asia, according to a survey of cost of living by Mercer Human Resource. Moscow is the most expensive city for expats for the second year running, followed by London, Seoul, Tokyo and Hong Kong.

The survey covered 143 cities across six continents and measured the comparative cost of over 200 items in each location, including housing, transport, food, clothing, household goods and entertainment. It is used to help multinational companies and government determine compensation allowances for their expatriate staff.

The fast-rising housing cost was the cause of the rise in Singapore's ranking, which moved up three places from last year. But the survey found that despite the recent spiralling prices of properties, Singapore is still relatively cheaper than other cities in the region. For example, the rent of an upmarket two-bedroom unfurnished apartment here costs less than half of what it is in Hong Kong. Human resource consultants said expatriates here have been badly hit after rentals soared by 25 per cent to 35 per cent in the last 12 months. MNCs are concerned that this will affect bottom-lines. Although it may be more costly to live here than other major cities, expats can expect the best services from the government. A global research report from consulting firm Accenture has ranked the Singapore government as delivering the best customer services in the world, ahead of Canada and the US. Accenture said Singapore topped the ranking because of its strong combination of innovative customer-centric vision and entrepreneurial attitude, backed by an aggressive approach to implementation. The report is the eighth in a series of annual reports from Accenture that examines the customer-service service challenges, maturity and practices of governments around the world. -- AsiaOne

Dainty lusciousness is this Christian Lacroix satin sandal. With a delicate pink shade, asymmetrical bow, rhinestone buckle, black contrasting strap, and 4" heel.

Dare I say perfection in shoe form?

Taipei

The past week went by all too quickly in a whirl of endless pairs of shoes, dresses & frilly blouses! Those who have been to Taipei will gladly concede to the fact that shopping here is very pleasant as the service is impeccable and the locals are so friendly. Despite our short stay here, we managed to acomplish quite abit and the occasional rain showers did nothing to dampen our spirits!

Recommendations:

Hot Spring: Beitou (XinBeiTou Station) Sweet Me or Spring City. Paid about 800NTD for the outdoor pool with different pools and jacuzzis. Both are expensive going by local rates but overall enjoyable.

JiuFen( 九份): Do visit the moutain town of JiuFen if not at least for the scenary as well as snacks. We took the express train from Taipei Main Station--> Ruifang Train Station (NTD 80 every 30 mins) then a cab (NTD 150) up the mountain. On the return journey, the cab driver offered to send us back to the hotel for NTD 800 which is reasonable if you are travelling in a group.

Sunset: DanShui (Danshui Station) Try to catch the elusive sunset over a cup of cuppa @ Starbucks. If you are game enough do also patronise the stall games; for T-drama fans, this is a familiar sight in all Taiwanese dramas.

NOTE: I have been here several times and still not been able to catch the sunset as the sky is often overcast or it is raining! Good luck!

WufenPu(HouShanPi Station): Despite this place being a "wholesale" centre, do not be misled, most shops have very nice decor and most of the market is pretty much covered. However, do not expect rock bottom prices. We believe that there is a sneaky "wholesalers" price vs. "retail" price which is often quoted. We did try to bargain alittle though some retailers absolutely refuse to budge. Shopkeepers here aren't desperate to sell off their wares! DO check out the shoe shop called Wink! Though prices aren't cheap but the workmanship is good and they export to Japan ( sizes for certain shoe models are really tiny though) We bought 7 pairs from this shop so we were given quite a sizable discount!

Accessories Wholesale: Kiss Diamond @ 太原路 22 巷 ( Near Taipei Main Station) On the first visit, you need to purchase 10 items to qualify for the "wholesaler" card/discount paying the lower price seen on the tags. Subsequent visits using the card, you will get the "wholesaler" price even if u are merely buying 1 item.

Shopping Malls:

Taipei 101 (台北101) for brands like Oasis UK & Ted ( all the more better if there's discount!)

Shin Kong Mitsukoshi (新光三越) for cosmetics brands like RMK, Shu Umeura, Anessa, Sofina, Benefit etc as well as Wacoal Lingerie. Prices are cheaper for some of the brands so do shop around.

Eslite @ Ximenting (西門町) for Japanses brand shoes ( lurve lurve lurve the cute shoe boxes!) and accessories. A bargain especially if there are discounts!

NOTE: Do remember to ask for 5% GST refund esp if u are purchasing more than NTD3000 in the store!

Ice-cream: Coldstone Creamery @ New York New York. Pop by to rest your tired feet. We lurve the ice-cream here. Prices range from 90-200 NTD. Yummy!

Tea is Served!

Quaintessential Afternoon Tea is an elegant English tradition started in the early 19th century by Anna,7th Duchess of Bedford. Items usually include a delicious selection of finger sandwiches, French pastries and freshly baked raisin and apple scones served with jam and thick Devonshire clotted cream etc. Here are some of the best places in London to experience this real treat.

P/S:If you are in London, do remember to make reservations in advance as these places fill up fast and don't forget to add 10% for service charge!

Claridges London www.claridges.co.uk
This hotel is fabulously chic and is a delightful visit. Tea is served in an opoluent art deco foyer with a classical pianist and violinist. Afternoon tea time is from 3pm--530pm dailly. If you are lucky, they also have seasonal tea spreads to coincide with the Chelsea Flower Show or Wimbledon. Cost:31 pounds unlimited refills and sandwich galore

Landmark London www.landmarklondon.co.uk
Located in the fashionisble Marylebone district, this reminds one of the truly last grand railway hotels--combining Victorian opulence and contemporary style. Tea is taken in the Winter Garden--spectacular glass-rooted atrium with towering palms and purple flowered bougainvillea. Tea time is 3-6pm.

Cost:33 pounds featuring a range of sandwiches, teabreads, scones and pastries.

James Restaurant, Fortnum & Mason, London www.fortnumandmason.co.uk

Fortnum & Mason is an English institution. Relaxed and elegant 4th floor restaurant serves tea between 3pm-5pm daily. They also serve traditional dishes using the best British seasonal ingredients. Classic Tea Range 26 pounds Champagne Tea 31pounds

Happiness in a Box

With a tag line "disturbingly delicious desserts" and dressed in saccharine sweet white-pink hues, Gobi desserts attempt to woo with a blend of exquisite packaging and an interesting variety of pastries. Since my last visit, they have added more chocolate creations to the menu as well as whole cakes. If you are in the area, it is worth at least 1 try if not just to view the decor and the packaging.

12 varieties

2 sizes-- Box of 6($12.80) OR 12 ($21)

2 locations

www.gobi.com.sg

A delightful studio @ Bo Phut, Koh Samui offering different classes catering to differing needs. However, regular yoga practitioners might find the classes elementary, probably due to the nature of the clientel (tourists and such) but it is still a nice break and relaxing.

http://www.absoluteyogasamui.com