Taipei Haul

Taipei has always been on our wishlist again ever since my colleagues joined. Recently, our wish came true as we took this short trip together. I'm really glad to have these big fans of Taiwan as colleagues, introducing us to new things during this second visit of mine!

We took a crystal cable car up to Maokong for lunch and tea, ate their local favourites like lu rou fan and mango snow ice at Ximenting, as well as enjoying some jap bbq at the happening Kanpai restaurant, where we can kiss for free meat! Also, we heard some beautiful voices at EZ5 live house (aka 音乐餐厅), where apparently A-mei has ever made a surprise performance at. We clubbed at Room 18, popular among young Taiwan celebs, but we didn't get to see any, unless you count MTV VJ George!

Of course it isn't complete without great SHOPPING! Like I always do!

Ximenting, Shi Da Night Market, as well as my favourite Wu Fen Pu are really fantastic shopping areas. My biggest success this trip was from Wu Fen Pu, a huge market with rows and rows of little shops that specialises in wholesale, but also entertains a little shopaholic like me.

Having honed my Bugis Street shopping skills, within 1 hour and 15 minutes, I had successfully found quite a bit of awesome steals, while my colleagues had retired for a coffee break in less than 20 minutes.



Some people find street shopping tiring as there are just so many clothes packed into one small store, and so many stores with similar clothes, they just end up browsing in a blur. And they emerge empty handed, not seeing anything they like.

I find that it does take training of some sort... and I realise I usually apply the following quick tips:

1. I'm glad I'm on the slimmer side as most tops are free sized. Most shops do not allow for fittings so I usually go dressed in as light an outfit as possible for easier comparison.
2. I don't need to walk into every shop because there are many duplicated stocks.
3. Generally, the clothes from the stores nearer the entrance are slightly more expensive than the stores that are further in. But when I'm on a hol and time is of the essence, paying a few extra dollars is worth it.
4. I usually take a little bit of time to stand outside each shop and observe the overall fashion style of the shop. I've noticed that each owner has a slightly different fashion style and chances are, they may pick the clothes that suits their style to sell. I usually observe the clothes on the mannequin and on the racks that's in front of the store. It's usually the tell tale signs of the general fashion trend in the store. If I like what I see, I'll walk into the store to explore the racks.
5. Usually, if the clothes appears nicely arranged or on plastic covered hangers, they tend to be a little bit more pricey. I don't rule it out completely because it tends to mean better quality, more unique designs or more wears in the long run.
6. To get into the mood, I'll usually find an easy buy first. Something not too expensive, simple but pretty. Something I'll wear, like a laced camisole or some leggings. Once I've 'opened' my purse, the momentum will kick in.
7. Once I've found one outfit I like, I'll tend to look around the store for another. They are usually more ready to give a bit of discount if I buy more than one. But I'll always remember not to waste too much time bargaining or I'll run out of time shopping!
8. When I'm not sure if I'll ever wear an outfit or when I'm not sure if it's worth the money, I'll leave the shop but will make a mental note of its location. If I find myself still thinking about it at the end of my shopping trip, I'll head back and buy it. On hols, regrets are the worst hangover ever!
9. My motto is "shopping lists are party-poopers". From past lessons, I've learnt that if I stick to lists, I'll end up trying to find "that one" and missing out on the many others.
10. Two pairs of eyes are better than one. I'm so glad I have Mr Yap who shares my fashion style and knows what he likes on me.