Finds!

Historically, i've got a penchant for finding nice things. During my trips abroad, i'd find these little nooks and crannies that sell fab stuff at even more fab prices. When I was in Mexico, my friends were astonished at my talent in picking out a shop at random and finding all sorts of treasures there. Even my anfitriones were shocked because I could get bargains using my limited Spanish. (I actually got 50% off on one painting by offering the sales lady a cigarette!)

Even here, my colleagues who are Hong Kong locals are astonished at the things I find, and/or the prices I pay for them. In one conversation, KC told me that a lot of Parisians haven't been to the Eiffel Tower just like a lot of Pinoys haven't been to the Rizal Monument. The reason being people tend to ignore what they know is there. This is my theory why my local colleagues haven't discovered my "discoveries."

The past few weeks, I've been collecting a couple of ULTRA FABULOUS FINDS from places as obvious as Pacific Place to odd spots like Yip Fat in Kwun Tong. Whilst I might have more than 10 finds, let me present the top 3 of the moment:

1. Macintosh Quality Sweets Chocolate


My lola used to bring us these sweets way back in the 70s. I'm not sure if it came from the US or Europe that time, but what struck me most was its packaging. The old one was a square tin which was white and with a purple border. There was a soldier and dame painted on it, along with a street scene which to me looked like London. Now, the packaging is still made of tin, but it's purple and round. Good thing it still had the soldier and dame, so they kept the important piece of the branding puzzle.


Inside you get an assortment of chocolates and toffees. Surprisingly, my old favorites are still in production. The choco-coconut eclair is still there (imagine a chocolate covered bukayo), and the orange choco crunch is still as orange-y and crunchy. They still come in brightly colored foil which remind me of those jewelry boxes in Little India. Another thing that hasn't changed is the "catalogue" where they identify and describe each sweet. This is SO vintage!

FOUND AT: 7-11, Yau Ma Tei

2. Adidas Y-3



Yohji Yamamoto's initial designs for Adidas really didn't do it for me. But when I saw these pair of red leather, orange soled Y-3s, it was love at first sight. Being a scorpio, red is really my color of choice. The degree of red on this pair is just right: not too deep but not too bright either. The orange sole gives it just the right oomph for people to stop and give it a second look. Instead of the 3 stripes, it has Yohji Yamamoto's signature on the side. The total package screams: A-TT-I-T-U-D-E!

And yes, they're ultra comfy. It's so soft, it feels like i'm wearing pillows!

FOUND AT: Adidas, North Point Store

3. Antik Denims



The first generation Antik Denims were pretty boring - at least the men's line. The back pockets had the traditional "Antik" stitching which wasn't too exciting. I think their women's line which had felt, rhinestones and embroidery had a lot more oomph and aaaaahhhh. But when I saw these babies, my Tough Jeans almost dropped and walked out by itself! The cut is the usual Antik Denim: low rise, boot cut, roomy around the thigh and calf. The white stitching on the hem was also present, which made me feel like it was "the usual suspect." But when I looked at the back pockets -- WOW!



The right pocket is made of leather and horsehair - which makes for an odd but eye-catching combination. It helps further the "cowboy" concept that Antik is trying to champion, but unlike Wrangler or Levi's which is very Wyoming, this pair is like Las Vegas gone western. This pair makes a statement whether you're looking at it from the front or behind, ergo, whether you're coming or going, you can expect one or two people to stop and check it out.

FOUND AT: Seibu, Pacific Place

Tomorrow's a weekend. That means i'll be off to forage for new fashion finds and surprise my colleagues all over again.