(Almost) Death by Sale

Last Wednesday, my shopping addiction was brought to new heights (and risks).

Debenhams announced their BOGO Sale (Buy One, Get One) on the newspapers that morning, and it was what all me and my friends could think about. As we left work that afternoon, the exodus to Kingdom Mall (akaMamlaka) commenced. We tend to go there for Debenhams because it's nearer to where we live. When we reached Arouba Road, we were already quite suspicious from the outside because of the traffic that surrounded the whole area and the perimeter block guarded by Saudi soldiers. My friend's dad said that there might be Royals in the building. We didn't give it much thought because we were able to get inside Mamlaka. But I noticed that it was weird that there were no vehicles dropping off ladies and even the London Taxi Cab Service was not where it used to be. We arrived inside the mall at around 6:00 pm and were surprised to see that the stores were closed (even though it wasn't prayer time). The food court was spotless and I could tell that there were only about 20 people in total of the whole first floor of Kingdom Mall. Something is definitely off. I mean, it's the freaggin' BOGO SALE for crying out loud! How can there be NO people rushing to Kingdom Mall at this time!?!?

It was until one of our fellow Kabayans who had a walkie-talkie, approached us and said, "Ma'am, may bomb threat po sa Kingdom" (Ma'am, there is a bomb threat in Kingdom building). The three of us looked at each other, almost thinking the same thing, "You must be kidding." The man explained that there was a bomb threat at the SAMBA (Saudi American Bank) area at the 42nd/32nd floor (?), and that all the people in the Kingdom Towers were evacuated--even the guests staying at the Four Seasons Hotel. It happened a bit earlier between 5:00 to 5:30 pm when it was announced over the mall's sound system that a bomb threat in the building. It turns out, people panicked and stormed out of the mall in rush. The cleaning lady at the female restroom told me about how fathers /brothers/husbands rushed inside the restroom to get their relatives. I could only imagine it as chaos!

So, there we were, contemplating on whether to stay at the mall or go. We wanted to stay mostly for the reason that once the bomb threat clears, the mall is OURS for the taking and everything else our hearts desired at Debenhams will be at our disposal without worrying about competition hogging the racks. We thought about leaving for the sake of preserving our existence. But, somehow, the idea of scoring great deals on this Sale remained a priority on our minds. See, didn't I tell you in the beginning of this that my shopping addiction has reached new heights and risks? Shoot me, shoot me NOW! Hahahaha.

Confessions of a Shopaholic (to the nth level!)

We also couldn't tell our parents because we knew that if we did, they will demand our butts home in an instant. So instead, we drafted texts on our celfones, something of a "last goodbye" kind of effect of a text, just in case an explosion blows off, we'd just hit send and at least, we will leave this world doing what we love: shopping. :P Somebody knock me over the head!

In some sense of seriousness, the girls and I decided that if the threat doesn't clear out in 30 minutes, then we'd leave. Since most of the mall's employees were still around, we figured the threat wasn't so imminent. And besides, if there was a real danger at hand, how come we were able to enter the mall so easily? Without even the soldiers reprimanding us to enter? And there were still a few people with us, who looked like shoppers too. Therefore, we decided to chill and wait.

Eventually, the bomb threat cleared at around quarter to seven. Unfortunately, it was time to the last salah, so we had to wait for another 30 minutes before we could invade Debenhams. When we finally did, parts of the place looked like Haraj with clothes strewn all over the floor and some racks were even pushed over. We really felt for the salesmen who lloked like they had a lot of extra work ahead of them. I heard that some of their colleagues didn't return to work anymore after the bomb threat so they were forced to face the mess and possibly, more customers who'd arrive, all by themselves.

Sad to say, the whole excitement surrounding our voyage to the BOGO Sale was anticlimactic. I didn't get much stuff as I hoped I did, but only three or four items that were really worth it. I'll post it as soon as I photograph my purchases. For now, I'll just leave you to think how chronic my shopping addiction is.



Cheers!
-ec-

Winter Essentials

Winter time has definitely made it's presence felt in the city. It's now difficult to get up from bed in the morning, just because the cold keeps calling you back to bed. Coffee sales are up and laziness is in an all time high. Perhaps our bodies aren't just made to combat the cold weather and that is why bears hibernate (Ano daw? Paki-konek nga!) Haha. Well, the Pink Tarha ladies will definitely be combating this winter season....in style! Here are our favorite winter style essentials for the season.

From Shoegarfreeruby's (R) closet:

Violet, wool hat with a bow trim from Jasper Conrad

Black wool cap with bow from H&M

Black, knitted scarf from H&M

Wool hats are very 'haute' fashion forms this winter time. Kick your outfits up a notch with pretty hats that will keep your heads warm and pair it with a knitted scarf to complete the look, just like R does. Since our heads are the most visible parts of our body when we're out in public (because we are in our abayas), hats and scarves are the accessories we can do away with.

From Maryhadalittlehump's (M) closet:

Stripe sweaters from MNG and The XDye Knitwear

These three sweaters are M's favorites. Since she is a slim lady, stripe patterns do well for her. Colors this season are particularly dark and plum-ish. The green one is reserved for Christmas gatherings. Layer these sweaters over a crisp, white blouse and you got yourself a trendy top to go to work with.

From Eyecandy's (E) closet:

Cotton scarves (and one silk scarf) from Debenhams and Marks & Spencer.

E is big on scarves. It's her favorite accessory during winter (apart from boots and gloves). A good pop of color always go well with her abaya on..so with a scarf, you can't go wrong! It's simple and the color you choose shows a little personality. E's favorite scarf is the pink one (Pink Tarha represent, represent yo!). Boots are also big this season, though we're still waiting for the sale season to get ourselves new pairs of boots. We're still clacking away with our old ones...when we got them though, we'll sure feature it!

Other staple winter apparels are ponchos, socks, stockings, leg warmers and gloves. Be sure to have one handy or else you might freeze! A special someone to give you warm hugs are beneficial too. Paano na lang ang ilan sa amin na malamig ang pasko? I guess it's just layers and layers of clothing for us then! Haha.

Sundrenched (S) is in the Philippines at the moment so we weren't able to get her favorites photographed. It was E by the way who took these pictures at her family's living room adorned with Christmas decor. Can you feel the Christmas spirit yet or what?!

Keep warm! :)

Mid-Season SALE Alert!

This is why we prefer to read our news straight from the paper: we get to read stuff that the online version doesn't have... like a SALE sign for instance.

Look at what we saw in today's Arab News:

Shoegarfreeruby's fave store!

Eyecandy's comfort zone.

Where we find nice jeans.

For the mothers out there.

It's the mid-season sale people! As the stores get ready for the Winter season, the autumn/fall season (and spring/summer too) clothes are now on sale. Good thing, you can still get good clothes for the cold days on the autumn line so it doesn't hurt to scour the stores. Also, in the wake of the typhoons that hit the Philippines, we're sure you have a lot of clothes in your closet that you're ready to let go now to make way for new ones. So donate those that you've outgrown but still in good condition clothing items that you have and take advantage of the sale season. Or you can buy tank tops and tees (some going for as low as SR5 each) in bulk in some stores and donate them too. For those who are going home for the Christmas holiday, buy your pasalubong now (if you haven't done that during the past sale seasons already).

Hmn, the PT Ladies are currently bankrupt. Huhu. But oh well, at least we've given you the first dibs on what's in store for this week.

PS. Pssst! New Look and Topshop are on their sale period too, but don't tell others we're the ones who told you that. ;)

Corporate Appeal

How hard is it to pull off a corporate look? It takes a lot of effort especially if you're one of the Pink Tarha Ladies. We do not like wearing the executive look because they're way too much effort-ful to conjure. We're doubtful if we can last a day in it. Our Collage Week on neutrals was the most formal we can get ourselves to wear. Corporate dressing? Not for us. We only wear them once in a blue moon, or when a challenge to power dress comes. Like last Monday!

The challenge was to come to work in a power dressing aka corporate mode. We had visions of tight pencil skirts and sky-high pumps like those working girls you see in the Makati Central Business District but of course, we have to subdue everything here. Subtlety goes a long way anyway. Here's how powerful we can get:

The Pink Tarha Ladies Tigresses
(Mary is still absent due to sickness. But she's doing well now, folks!)

Shoegarfreeruby's eclectic mix of colors

Batwing cardigan H&M Blue and white smock dress CITYMAX Black slacks (old) Gladiator sandals H&M Bag BETSEYVILLE by Betsey Johnson Black headband BERSHKA Earrings MS. SELFRIDGE Watch CASIO BABY G

Even if black and white is the main theme of the day, R ventured off the world of usual power dressing by incorporating color to her wardrobe. Her bag is definitely not something you'll see in the corporate ladder but so what?! If you have a bag like that, don't you get the attention worthy enough to get you to the top?

Eyecandy's touch of 'rock it!'

White polo and black round vest MARKS&SPENCER Ash gray plaid slacks RED HERRING (Debenhams) Black patent mary jane PEACOCKS Red crocodile purse LIZ CLAIRBORNE Black lace headband FOREVER 21 Grey plastic bangle CITYMAX Dogtag necklace CENTREPOINT Crystal drop-earrings ACCESSORIZE

Black, white, and grey... learn the most basic in corporate attire but don't stop there. Take E's cue on making the look yours by infusing your own style. She's still the rockin' and rollin' girl with her go-getter, always upbeat attitude. The red clutch, the floral headband, and the dangling earrings make quite a statement don't cha think? They catch the eyes of the beholder... and those looks will probably linger for more than just a while.

Sundrenched's classic approach

Blazer MS (Centrepoint) White tee ZARA Black wide-leg slacks NEW LOOK Black pumps F&F Mode Layered bead necklace PROMOD Black hand bag Thrifted from HARAJ

She's the only one who wore the blazer but to minimize the formality of it all, S chose to scrunch her sleeves to 3/4 and wore a basic white tee under. With a layered necklace and high heels, who cares if her black and white ensemble is your ordinary take on corporate look?

It might take a while for us to wear the corporate attire again but it sure is hell fun to become "powerful" for a day. Where's our whips? Whapakkkk! ;P

Power Shopping. *bow*

Let the title suffice.

The following contents of this post cannot be justified other than the simple reason that:
"IT'S BECAUSE IT'S THE SALE SEASON, YA'KNOWW"

Shoes: Black, sequined T-sandals from Milano, 50SR (purchased from their Buy 1 Take 1 promo on my first visit) I couldn't find anything else I liked so I grabbed a pair of flip-flops as my free item (not pictured).

Bronze, sling-back, wedged 4-inch heels. 135SR from Milano (purchased from my SECOND visit during their Buy 1 Take 1 promo). I got the same ones in black as my free item. (So thats 135SR for two pairs basically! :D) And I'm a girl who loves heels!

Even before the sale season began, I already had my eye on these beaded, gladiator-inspired sandals at Parfois. So imagine my delight when I saw that they were 75% off! Originally priced at around 150SR-170SR, I only got them for 43SR! So I bought two. I have another pair of the same style only in white. (I have yet to identify this "disorder" of mine of wanting to buy the same items in different colors)

SUPER PURCHASE: Naturally, I wouldn't splurge on such a tiny little thing, but call it 'love-at-first-sight'...or in my case, love-at-FOURTH-sight! Yeah, when I first saw this clutch I was smitten and conflicted at the same time. Smitten because it was just too adorable to pass on and conflicted because it cost 97SR (previously priced as 195SR)! Two prayer times and four comebacks to Accessorize later, I finally grabbed the clutch, marched to the cashier and paid with my eyes shut! As I walked out, I cradled the clutch to my chest and said, "You're mine!" Haha. Check out the matching earrings too!

Blouses: Subtle pink, plaid top, with ruffles on the front: 40SR
Hot pink, plaid blouse: 50SR Debenhams' Collection at 70% off.

Dyed-green, boho top with tassles from Red Herring, 60SR (70% off).

Casual grey top from Next, 35SR (70% off). I'm loving the feather details on this one.

Cardi-Love: Black, knitted, short-sleeve bolero from Debenhams' Collection. 90SR from 230SR. I am a sucker for boleros and cardigans. *dreammmy*

Black wrap-around cardi from the line Rocha John Rocha for only 50SR! (originally priced at 140SR)

4 pants and a skirt: Black denim pants from New Look (40SR), denim flare jeans from New Look (50SR), charcoal high-waist slacks from New Look (50SR), ash-grey plaid slack from Red Herring (26!SR) and beige+white boho plaid skirt from New Look (30 SR).

Accessories: Ala-diamond studded "O" and "oblong" earrings from Coast. Check out the prices! Masaya magmukhang mayaman (kahit na hindi) *apir!*. Unless I would meet someone willing to give me the outrageously expensive versions of these, pwede rin! ;P

Cocktail rings from Dorothy Perkins, all 10SR each.

In the middle of this post, I got a call from my "informant" on this weekend's mega sale. Debenhams will be having a Buy 1 Get 1 promo with all items that are 70% off for three days only! That's tomorrow KSA readers: 29-31 July 2009. So, should you expect a Part 2 of my Power Shopping series? Hahaha, my wallet will be the judge of that!

I need a drink.


Cheers y'all!


-ec-

Stop at the Red Signs

The SALE SEASON is here! Actually, we're late in posting but if you hurry, you'll probably still get lucky to score the items you've been wanting to get at popular brand stores at lower prices. MNG started the sale season with a subtle green discount sign on their glass windows (Eyecandy and Sundrenched saw them first at the Al Rashid Mall in Al-Khobar during their train trip to the Eastern Province). Other stores have followed suit.

Debenhams

Promod

Topshop / Topman

There are more stores on sale. The good news is, they'll still be lowering their prices anytime soon (maybe a week or so from now). Our advice is this: when you go to the mall now, enter the shops and browse. If you saw a dress or a blouse or anything that catches your attention and you feel that you cannot sleep at night without it safely tucked in your closet... then grab the darn piece and pay for it in its first discounted price. The problem with waiting for the bagsak presyo week is that you might not have the item in your size anymore or the style might just be gone. Stocks are not forever yannow. But if you can still live another week to let go of an item, then wait until the stores drop their prices to 70%. After all, patience is a virtue. :)

We're guilty of saying we're not going to buy until they're waaaaay below their original prices but hey, we're girls... we can always change our minds... especially when faced with hot, hot red sale signs all over. :P

SALE Alerts and more

It's the end of the month, sahod na naman and I'm sure hindi lang coincidence na nagsusulputan ang mga red signs all over.

Well people, this is just to let you all know that MNG has put on the '50% off' signs on their windows since last weekend, as tipped by Sundrenched and Eyecandy who 'saw the signs' in Al-Rashid Mall, Al-Khobar. We have this common knowledge that when Mango starts their sale, everyone else follows. So what's to expect after this? More stores in red of course, until August! Warm-up pa lang 'to.

Oh btw, Debenhams is 50% off too. Just a tip here, Riyadh Gallery just recently opened a huge Debenhams outlet. You may want to check out that first. LOL.

And the best news is for the guys out there. A huge H&M store will open in Granada Mall on August 8 and will be stocking their men's line. Sa wakas, hindi lang kami ang maswerte.

Well, the cycle continues...

Happy weekend everyone!

♥shoegarfreeruby♥

My Weekend Finds

The Wednesday rush to Debenhams was chaos! With Eyecandy23 reporting the status of shoppers at the Kingdom Centre, I just didn’t have the energy to brave the crowd. Add the fact that most of the people you compete with the nice stuff are people you recognize from work! I guess the mere thought of digging through piles of disorganized racks exhausted me already. So instead, I went to my quiet and peaceful shopping haven…Topshop. The decline of shoppers was obvious, since all of them were in Debenhams, Kingdom Centre at this time. Shopping behavior is quite predictable, I know.

Topshop, Sahara Mall

I rarely go out of Topshop empty-handed, that’s for sure. Here are some of my finds, modeled by Carpio the Teddy:

Topshop Grey wool and off-white caps, SAR20 each

Having the chance to go out again on Friday night, I had my fair share of the Buy 1, Get 1 promo but not from Debenhams. This time from Oasis, Granada Mall. Here are my Friday night finds:

Dorothy Perkins Grey knit blouse with cream bow detail, SAR 50
Oasis Scarves, SAR 35

Topshop Sleeveless dress, SAR 25

What better way to conclude the winter (and year-end sales) but with Saturday morning rain, gloomy skies and morning traffic! Since we only get rain twice a year, this was yesterday's surprise...

We're all motivated to go to work today...*lazy*

The Final Steals

Last Wednesday, we teleported immediately to Debenhams, Kingdom Mall to join forces with the whole she-bang of the "Buy 1, Get 1" sale and unite with fellow shoppers alike. It was a hot mess, hundreds of people and clothes strewn everywhere! I felt so much for the salesmen...poor them. It was so graphic, you had to be there to know what I'm talking about. And you had to at least encounter one person that you know who is on the item-hunt. Almost everybody I knew was there!! Haha. It was a circus! And I loved being there! Although wearing my three-inch boots the whole time took its toll on me...but hey, no pain, no gain right?!

The voyage to Debenhams:
I kinda risked my arm for this shot, coz I was trying to shoot it from inside the limo...Photography isn't encouraged (bordering on illegal) in Saudi Arabia, much more in Riyadh, but I try to get away with it as much as I can.

Flags outside the entrance of Kingdom Mall:

Hear ye! Hear ye! Buy 1 and Get 1 Free for THREE DAYS ONLY!! hehe

Can. Hardly.WAIT.

The massive crowd awaits the re-opening of Debenhams in Kingdom Mall after the last salah.



My items for that night:

My free item: Black corduroy skinny jeans from Jasper Conran.
70SR from 150SR.

The night's winner: A checked, frill hem shirtdress with a tie waist belt. I figured it'd be perfect for a summer walk in the park. From Oasis, 150SR from 325SR. I saw this from last week and was so thankful to see that the last piece on the rack was my size!

I bumped into a relative of mine who gave me a hundred riyals, so I basically just spent 50SR total for the night's shopping spree. :) Yay me!

My Debenhams Loot

Thanks to the ad that made Eyecandy23's heart palpitate like crazy, we braved the Wednesday rush to the Kingdom Tower to get first dibs on Debenham's Buy 1 Get 1 free promo. When we got there, we were overwhelmed by the crowd... and the stuff that were literally everywhere. What did we do? Run... and dive in the madness! (You think we'll back out in this kind of sale insanity?! Heck, bring it on! ;)

So after the two evening salats, I finally managed to clear my mind, calm down, and decide which among the items on my bag will I be taking home.

Royal blue satin top and dark blue sleeveless day dress from Topshop
The top and the dress' original price is 225SR. Now they're both down to 65SR. And because it's buy one get one free, I have to pay 65SR only for both! Tell me, how can I refuse this?!

Grey cashmere long top and mint shoulder bag from Dorothy Perkins
The top's original price is 275SR and the bag's a little over 100SR. Now, the top is on sale for 75SR and the bag is 55SR. I only paid 75SR for both. Woot!

There were still a lot of stuff that I want from Debenhams but tomorrow, I'll still be going to war on the last day of the sale season so I'm done with Debenhams for now. Let's see what tomorrow will bring. ;)

Official Holiday

Just when The Pink Tarha Team thought that they’ve seen the best of the year-end sales, they are badly mistaken!

The most-awaited Debenhams Buy One, Get One sale starts today! Seeing this announcement in the local paper disrupted us all at work big time! Sino ba namang hindi matataranta o makapagtrabaho ng maayos nito? It made us all want to rush to Sahara Mall, Kingdom Centre and Granada Mall where all three branches of Debenhams are located.

Debenhams is a famous British retailer of different designers and lines (Matthew Williamson, Topshop, JohnRocha to name a few). Haay, it’s only 10AM, 6 hours to go before work is over…

Today should be declared an official holiday!

Why do we love Saudi Arabia? You answer.

The Pink Tarha Team will give you updates on this post regarding their best finds from this weekend's sale.