Woo! Spent the day shopping (fun fun) with lots of walking and trying and buying (yay for shoes, shu uemura eyelash curler and little things!) and then having a nice meal at a new place called Mizuya (George St, Town Hall).

As the name suggests, it’s a Japanese restaurant, and they also have a karaoke bar (whose pricings confuse me). It’s quite a lovely place; from receiving the many exuberant “Irashaimase”s with every step we took as we walked inside, the ambience and the lighting on the display sakura tree, to their service – everything was pleasant.

After being introduced to the touch-screen ordering menu (only a select set of menus for lunchtime), we chose our food (“Ooh, I want this” *touch, confirm), and the status of each item were constantly being updated (Next to the edamame was a “cooking” icon whilst our beverage was “being served”). Throughout the course, we can check what we have ordered and the amount it comes to, so there are no mistakes there. We took our time, displaying the food and taking photos (…) and eating, without being gawked at (sometimes, we feel the need to hurry when they look over, even if it’s just a “do you want anything” look)… When we were done, we proceeded to touch the checkout button, and the waitress brought our bill.

My drink: Capricornus because I’m a Capricorn and because it sounded appealing. It was really good actually. But only when cold; I remember the texture of the kiwi and kiwi seeds when it wasn’t as chilled and it was…

Aries: for no other reason than it having passionfruit in it!

Edamame

Beef sukiyaki

Teppan salmon

Mizuya Japanese Restaurant and Karaoke
614 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9266 0866

Map:

View Larger Map

That was a first time at Mizuya, but I also have another two “first time”s in one – I decided to wax my eyebrows (1. shaping my eyebrows; 2. waxing… that’s right, it was my first time waxing! I had laser hair removal done before I waxed!). I’ve always wanted to have my eyebrows shaped, preferably by tweezing… Whilst shopping at Myer, AG told me he saw a parlour for shaping eyebrows, waxing lips etc… A lady came and speak to me and asked if I needed help… Now it whilst people to this and more every day, I felt a little anxious… But I thought, oh well, let’s go for it. They told me waxing was the best way for first time (she told me one girl asked for it to be plucked, and ended up in tears because it was just that bad), quick and easy. It didn’t feel too bad… until the lower brow. Ouch! >< It was over soon enough, and she concealed any redness for me, which was good. She told me to look after them every month. Woo! I felt good – because I must say, I loved my new brows!

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I haven’t written here in so so long! I almost forgot I had a blog! What a fail!

I’ve been really into shopping lately (uh oh!)… and since I am “resting” (read: bludging) these holidays before I start uni again, I’m constantly on clothing/accessories websites (=poor uni student!)… *sigh* I’m hoping that this habit will go away when uni starts… it’d be a miracle though!

That said, I recently made my first order on the Forever 21 website, and received my order in the post this morning. I am very hesitant when it comes to ordering clothes online (as one would)! I mean, the store had awesome pieces; the clothes/accessories looked really good, and all was at a reasonable price.

For the lucky ducks in the US, that is!

One word: shipping!

For them, it’s $USD5.95 to $USD15.95 for standard shipping, which is nowhere near as much as us internationals: $USD34.95 to $USD44.95 depending on the amount you order. Plus there’s a $1000 or 20 item limit (some custom thing), but I’m hoping I’m not THAT much of a shopaholic yet!

So anyway. I found someone in Melbourne (C) who wanted to order, and she recruited another to order so we could do a group order to save on shipping costs. So each of us would order 6 or 7 items, and pay $USD11.67 each. Not too bad… But I live in Sydney and needed C to ship it from Melbourne to Sydney… which is like $AUD11.30 for a 3 kg satchel by express post. So although it was in a group, it was still quite some bit! But decided to go ahead with it anyway, as I found more than 10 things I wanted and even had to cut down!

Next problem with online shopping: sizing!

There’s nothing more disappointing than being excited for a totally awesome dress, anticipating its arrival to find that it didn’t fit… at all (sometimes). So I started reading up on forums and websites to determine what size I would need to get. I did measure myself and tried to compare, but it’s ever so confusing! Reading up reassured myself a little. A lot of the time though, I’d get confused, and give up altogether… And then start back at square one… How I wish for standardised sizing!!

So my conclusion from the websites was that an AU Size 10 (I’m a size 8-10 but leaning more on size 10) would get a medium, depending on what was ordered… I chose my items and generally ordered in medium, and then took the plunge; I sent C my items of interest while she made the purchase.

About a week after that, the items came (today). It was very exciting.

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Firstly, I got Water Painted Eiffel Tower Tee in a Small.

From the site:

A soft v-neck tee featuring a water-painted Eiffel Tower with metallic glitter accents. Solid colored back. Finished hem and sleeves.

• 27″ approx length from high point shoulder to hem, 14″ shoulder width, 34″ chest, 5.5″ sleeve length from shoulder ridge
• Measured from Small
• 100% cotton; Hand wash cold, lay flat to dry

Measurements from the chart (small):

• 3/4 – 5/6
• Bust: 33-34″

My thoughts:

The chart only showed the measurements for the bust, and my measurement is slightly bigger… so that didn’t help much. The description helped a little more, and it sounded close to my measurements so I got it in a small. It fitted really well actually, I was really pleased with the fitting! The material is soft and supple; feels great! =]

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Next was the Dressy Tux Blazer in a Medium.

From site:

Sateen style blazer with a smooth, slightly glossy finish. Features decorative self-covered buttons at the front and cuffs and waist welt pockets. This item has no lining.

• 20.5″ approx length from high shoulder to hem point (front), 18″ approx length from shoulder to hem (back), 35″ chest, 31.5″ waist, 23.5″ sleeve
• Measured from Small
• 97% cotton/ 3% spandex; Dry clean only

Measurement from the chart (medium):

• 7/8 – 9/10
• Bust: 35-36″

My thoughts:

Since I saw that people who were size 10 ordered in medium, I too ordered it. Bust size is correct for me, so I went for it. It turned out to be a little tight actually, but still good – as in, I can do the buttons and it looks as it should, but I can’t wear too much under. Overall, I like the feel and look. =]

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Then it was the Strapless Double Knit Dress in Medium.

From the site:

Strapless knit dress made of thick, double-knit jersey with a smooth, soft, dry surface. Features pleats at the waist and pockets, and elastic at the upper back.

• 25″ approx length from high bust to hem, 26.5″ chest, 25.5″ waist
• Measured from Small
• 76% polyester/ 22% rayon/ 2% spandex; Hand wash cold

Measurements from the chart (medium):

• 7/8 – 9/10
• Bust: 35-36″

My thoughts:

Actually, this was sort of confusing. From the small measurements, bust was 26.5″ (and then the measurement chart said 36″?) and the waist was 25.5″…?! Hoping it was a typo, I ignored the bust measurement. Since I was a bit bigger on the waist to the small, I got a medium. Turned out to be almost perfect! The bust was a bit big, which is a concern since it’s a strapless, but overall I am happy with the size. The fabric wasn’t as I expected. I must confess, however, that prior to ordering, I was too concerned about the sizing to notice the material. Overall, I’m happy with it. =]

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I couldn’t resist the super cute I Only Date Nerds Tee (got in a Medium).

From the site:

An adorable cartoon-like tee featuring a couple and an “I Only Date Nerds” phrase at the bottom. Solid-colored back. Finished hem and sleeves.

• 26″ approx length from high point shoulder to hem, 13.5″ shoulder width, 34″ chest, 6.0″ sleeve length from shoulder ridge
• Measured from Small
• 50% cotton, 50% polyester; Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

Measurements (medium):

• 7/8 – 9/10
• Bust: 35-36″

My thoughts:

Couldn’t really tell from the bust measurement only, but decided to get it since the measurement was right, and the small seemed a bit small for me. However, when I tried it on, it was a bit too big. But not to worry, it’s still a cute top and I can wear tight jeans under! =]

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Following was the Accordion Pleat Skirt in a Small.

From the site:

Love 21 - A short woven skirt featuring playful accordion pleats layered over chiffon ruffle tiers. Other features include an invisible side zipper, fully lined and accent shimmer dust.

• 29″ waist, 14.5″ length
• Measured from Small
• Shell/ contrast: 100% polyester; Hand wash cold, tumble dry

Measurements from the Love21 chart (small):

• Bust: 36″
• Waist: 28″
• Hip: 39″

My thoughts:

They had a different measurement chart for Love 21. This chart offered a more measurements, so that was good. Looking at the description, the waist was a little bigger, but the chart said 28″… that sounded like me. However, the hips measurement was a bit big… so again, I wasn’t sure whether to get XS or S. I went with S though… and when I tried it on, it was quite alright! It sat between my waist and hip, near the belly button, which gave it a good length. The material was unexpected again… but that I didn’t check out. I like the way it looks on. =]

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Last clothing item but not least was Fab Braid Strap Knit Dress in Medium.

From the site:

Pair your favorite flip flops or sandals with our fabulous knit dress for a casual chic look. The braided shoulder straps line the v-neckline while the elastic waist trim hugs your curves. Other features include subtle ruching below the bust, a ruffle trimmed bottom, and a cut-off hem.

• 32” approx length from shoulder to hem (Small)
• 100% rayon; Dry clean only

Measurements from chart (medium):

• 7/8 – 9/10
• Bust: 35-36″

My thoughts:

The description and measurements wasn’t all too informative, I must say. I didn’t have much to go off but I read somewhere size 10 should be a medium in dresses, so I got a medium. When it came, it looked like my size. Wearing it, the V neck was a little deep, and the straps were a bit loose. I don’t know why, but all the sun dresses I own I have strap problems with. Is it just me? Do I not comply with standard upper body length? Not sure, but apart from that, the dress fitted nicely… Though there’s a few things I wonder: What can I do to reduce the straps a little? And whether I could’ve gone into a size Small instead… The dress is cute, and overall sort of happy with this one. =)

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Also got an Eiffel tower necklace, which looks better online than real life. But I love necklaces! They’re bound to fit!

So there’s my first online purchase for Forever 21! Overall, it was good – I must say I’m sort of hooked! Haha Especially love the Twist range – ah so cute!! But still, every time I see a dress I want, I’d think and think and think over and over about the sizing and all… *sigh* But at least now I have more of an idea than before I do know one thing though – I don’t think I will ever be game enough to buy jeans online (and I think I need some soon!)…

Anyway, off to shop some more!
Bye!

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Images courtesy of forever21.com

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