Listening to: "I need a miracle" - DJ Skribble

Okay, so here's the deal. About a week ago, upon returning to Melbourne, I made a pact to myself that I am really not going to shop this semester. Of course, not entirely cut on it but to wisely limit my purchases to only necessary items that don't cost too much, you know? In other words, sensible shopping. Anyway, everything seems to be going well - until I randomly decided to check out one of my favorite boutiques, To The Max.

As I first step foot, I realized that most of the stocks were cleared out (I'm guessing whilst I was away for my 3-week holiday) and to make things worse/better (depending how you look at it), the new collection's completely unappealing to me. Good on you, Nabila, I thought to myself. I decided to take a 360-degree look at each rack, trying to find at least something nice around that justifies my 500-metre-walk from my place on a rainy day.

All of a sudden, out of nowhere, I saw them standing nicely on the rack, almost too nicely.Yes, what stood there was a simple piece of short black-and-white-striped dress with metallic zip that runs from the top to bottom of the dress. Oh shit, that's very similar to the one I've seen in a fashion blog during the Milan Fashion Week, only it's navy blue with a different cutting, of course:



And next to it was an oversized 80's-inspired three-quarter top with a small zebra print.

What started out to be an innocent gesture developed into something undoubtedly more serious. I was having second thoughts though - the price would have to be at least $100 for the dress alone, right? I mean, most of their dresses are above $200 and up to $700!

Wrong. I couldn't believe what I saw. Ok, I knew it wasn't going to be THAT expensive since it was a simple summer dress yet $59? I smiled in rejoice!

The next battle was to try it on. Please god please let it fit me. After a slight 'technical' problem, I decided that those two were just perfect for me and how can you defy something like that?

You just don't.

So, I did what any average person in my (by the way, size-9) shoes would've done and got them - well, I truly believe that was sensible shopping - when I take the time and effort to try things on and think it through before buying it, and debating whether the price was reasonable and whether or not they're versatile enough - something I normally don't do all too well.

Tick. Tick. Tick.

After I paid and spoke to the sales girl (somehow she's always around when I buy my stuffs there), I opened my umbrella and headed outside to face the harsh winter rain. The weather sucks, I'm hungry and my flats were completely soaked in water. Amidst all that, I played the chicken dance in my head (something I habitually do when I'm happy) while placing my right hand on the umbrella and the other on the bag.

It's not so bad, after all.