Cath Kidston

Not all of you might be familiar with the name. And so was I until Anita stumbled across some of their products while shopping at The Curve. It was from one of the stalls on the Sunday Market and it was a fake. Surfing the Net, Anita later found out that it was really a real brand, and she quickly fallen in love with it. I have to confess that it was not my cup of tea, but knowing Anita, she really liked the flowery stuff, so she insisted on me giving the main store a visit when I was in London. We later found out that the main branch was in Covent Garden, and courtesy of Google Map, I found the place. Damn you Google!

The shop was not very big, but oh my God, it was crowded. It was pretty clear that the brand had built up a big following especially amongst the Asian crowd. More than half the crowd in the shop that day were from Asia as far I could tell. Cath Kidston does many things and the shop has dresses - flowery ones of course - to bags, notepads, cups and mugs, books, and wallpapers even. After a 30 minute squeeze and a couple of phone calls to Malaysia, I managed to get what she wanted. And yes, Anita was happy with what I got for her.

There was also another Cath Kidston boutique at Heathrow Terminal 4 - where I got a bag for my Mum, but since I wanted to pack everything into the main luggage bag and travel light in the cabin, I decided to buy everything before I reached the airport. We have yet to find one of their outlets in Malaysia. I pray that one would be coming soon as I couldn't really afford regular trips abroad just to get their products for Anita!

Shopping Time

Contrary to popular belief I’m not a big fan of shopping. So as I find myself in desperate need for some new clothes I decided to go out yesterday. Unfortunately I picked the wrong day. We went up to Pavilion right in the middle of town and being a public holiday – Deepavali –  the whole place was packed. It took us 15 min to drive to Pavilion but another half an hour to find a parking spot. And it was only by sheer luck that we got the spot as I was close to giving up.

We also found out that there was this fashion show going on right in the middle of the shopping mall. The place was full of photographers. It was full of tall women. Since we were caught in a traffic jam on arrival to have some coffee first.  This was when we first noticed the tall leggy women. Nope! I didn’t have my SLR with me. Even if I had, I might incur the wrath of Puan Anita - being left with a broken camera!

Next come the shopping. I’m never been keen shopping during sale. Even though they will bargain to be had I detest the crowd. I detest the long queue. What I did was a jazz rule into Parkson where main sale was happening. Picked up five shirts. Picked up some ties and T-shirts. Then off to pay. I was really not keen to meddle for too long, but there were so much bargain to be had. Took some time to find some new trousers that clearly there were not doing any Dockers there.  Luckily Puan Anita managed to get the boys occupied at the children’s department. Looking at some toys, I don’t think she had much problem doing that. How good was the sales? Most of the line were selling at 40% discount. Even the premium brands had a nice price-cut. Not bad actually!

That's one big shoe!Winding downNext on the list, a case for my MacBook air. I tried a few shops so far, but unfortunately since the product was still new they win any good cases out just yet. I ended up buying some software is instead the main one being the new office 2011. I got it for under RM600 for 3 licenses which I thought was not to bet. Yes contrary to popular belief, when it comes to serious work and by genuine softwares. Plus the fact that my software dealers been put out of business recently.

After the shopping was that it was time for some food. The boys again wanted pizza, just like last night. At least the traffic going home was not that bad.

Fahrenheit 88

I had the chance to visit this new mall in town. I shouldn't said new since I am sure it was only a facelift. It was situated opposite Pavilion, next to Starhill. For the last year or so, with the renovations going on, I was quite curious about what will be on offer. One of the anchor tenant, Uniqlo has yet to open, so understandably the opening of the mall was best described as a soft launch. The place I meant was was Fehrenheit 88.

I was not sure where the name come from but the number 88 was very likely from the lot number of the building. The facade appeared simple and small but once you get inside, the place was surprisingly spacious. It opened up into a 5-story mall, with the top floor housing an IT center, maybe a bit more upmarket than the ones I was used to 10 minutes away at Low Yat. Only 60% of the shops were opened. There were nothing special so far however.

Coming across from PavilionThe main foyer being occupied by a computer game contestA still subdued interior

I must say the shops across the road at Pavilion were much more exclusive. What was striking were the number of shops selling ornaments and ladies accessories. They were everywhere. None o the IT shops were opened. The foyer on the day were occupied by a computer promotion by Alienware. They were hosting a LAN game tournament. Pretty packed. There were then the usual pharmacy, bookshops, kopitiams, banks. Nothing to shout about until maybe Uniqlo comes into town. So watch this space.

Gearing Up

Strolling at The CurveHad to head out to The Curve area yesterday evening to do some last minute shopping. Idlan’s birthday party will be later this afternoon, and for the last few days, I had to go out taking Puan Anita around doing her chores. Everything seemed to be falling into place nicely and InsyaAllah we will have a grand party! 

Irfan said: "I think this is what we should do"First stop was at Mama Min’s swanky new apartment at Armanee Terrace. Very nice duplex units there! Jealous! The cake were delivered but very delicate. On the way back I will have to avoid all the speed bumps and drive at 50 km/h maximum. Ear plugs would be necessary with the honks I will hear from the more impatient drivers behind me later.

There was always time for a quick dodgem. Move!Next, The Curve, for a bit of shopping, then dinner, and more shopping. Puan Anita felt that the goody bags and party packs were pretty light weight still. So, she got some more stuffs to cram in.Diner at Marche, as requested by the birthday boy. Then a stroll. The Curve and the open air area sure looked nice in the evening, although it was still muggy and warm. Sure wish that we live around there but the trouble will be that we will spent too much money shopping. It was already difficult as it was now! 

Irfan still giving his opinionFinally we got everything sorted out. Back home, more wrappings and last minute decorating needed to be done. The party will be from 11, so better get everything sorted out  quick so that there will be no drama in the morning!