Favourite Luxury Items

This could be seen as a spin off rant about the 'rich asian' I posted recently in the how to dress cool post. Owning luxury items is not a bad thing. I love luxury items but what I hate are the tasteless ones or ones worn in bad taste. Below are a few of my favourites.

1. LV Belt

It takes a special person to wear the Louis Vuitton checkered logo belt. Similar to the gucci belt, this is worn not to keep your pants from falling down, but to ensure everyone around you can see how rich you are. Conveniently forgetting that daddy paid for it, the wearer will tuck his polo shirt in (quite possibly a Black Watch RL polo - see below) to ensure maximum visibility. Small man syndrome is also a by product of the LV belt. A very special person indeed.

2. Moët & Chandon NV Champagne

This champagne is actually not that bad. However, what really riles me about it is how people that do not know anything about quality champagne, rave about it like its the most amazing thing on the planet. The fact they even know about it is only due to clever marketing and that moronic rich guy with no taste that keeps ordering it. Whilst when it hits your lips, Moët might have quite a nice taste, it is the rather crude finish that I find off putting. So before you try to classify yourself as more refined, might I suggest you try Pol Roger or Veuve Clicquot which has a much nicer crisper finish. If you still prefer Moët then at least you have an opinion and I will have no choice but to respect that.

3. Prada Sandals

The trademark of the 'rich' Asian. I think it's at its worst when worn by under 30s. At a time when you are trying to look trendy and keep up to date with fashion, this sandal is about the least trendy thing you can own. All you really have is a $500 pair of sandals that say I have no taste or imagination. It's usually coupled with a bad taste polo, leather jacket and/or the aforementioned LV belt. Note the only times that this item is acceptable is when worn by its intended targets; dads wearing 'dad' outfits and Arab gentleman wearing robes. 

4. Black Watch Ralph lauren

I love Ralph Lauren. There's so much to love about it and I own quite an extension collection of it. However, the Black Watch line is undoubtably one of the worst items to have crossed into mainstream fashion. As its intended purpose (ie you actually play polo or at the very least, support it), I think it's more than acceptable as its very similar to any sporting team jersey. However, when it's worn by people that probably have never ridden a horse let alone don't know anything about polo, this tells me one thing. Fashion Train Band Wagon. Just like my cashed up idiots post, please please please have some knowledge about why you identify with the brand and not because of the size of the horse (and your overinflated ego).

5. Samsung Galaxy Note

Once again I don't hate samsung nor the Galaxy. I think they have the potential to be very useful for certain people. I have flirted with the idea of getting a samsung but unfortunately I haven't found a defining advantage which keeps me loyal to my iPhone 6. 

So why is it on the list. A lot of it has to do with a certain type of user. I was recently told I was stupid for having an iPhone because I didn't have this one special feature. I was then shown how on a galaxy note that with the split screen feature, I could be on Facebook and Twitter at the same time. This guy was obviously wearing a LV belt, tucked in Black Watch polo and would definitely have been wearing Prada slippers if daddy let him buy them. Seriously, how bloody retarded do you have to be if that is your pinnacle in life. Sitting on social media to further your life of poor taste and a lack of accomplishments. Now if you're a YouTube star, maybe it's justifiable but if you're the product of daddy's credit card you can go play in traffic. At least then you'll be more interesting.

Rant over.

#Hanbaobao

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Getting Through Writer's Block

Today I'm struggling to fully develop an idea that I can write about. Which poses the question of what can you do to get past writer's block?

I think most 'blockages' (writers', creativity etc) are due to anxiety. Maybe it's the anxiety of coming up with something meaningful or has some 'w'ow' factor. Or maybe it is the anxiety of failure. The sooner you identify the specific cause, the sooner you can overcome it. 

In my case, I think I might be feeling the pressure of maintaining such a high standard of blogging (the pressures of having one fan are getting to me). I don't know why, but admitting this seems to have made me more relaxed to the point I think I can feel the creative juices flowing. It seems to have got me halfway through this post so it must be working.

So building on this idea. I think it applies to a wider set of circumstances. How many things have you not done, due to anxiety. Is it kicking that bad habit? Is it getting the confidence to ask that person out? Is it not pursuing something you're passionate about?

Hitting the ripe old age of 25 has made me realise that it's time to face multiple 'anxieties' and roundhouse kick it in the face. I encourage you to do the same. You don't have to be doing what society dictates but by my next post I challenge you to have faced an anxiety and start becoming more comfortable with yourself.

I've now come up with  a couple of good ideas that I'll publish very soon so stay posted.

#Hanbaobao

Why You Should Own A Significant Watch

In life there are very few things that are truly important. Almost everything in this world is superficial and if it wasn't for clever marketing, we wouldn't own half the stuff that we do.

However, what is important is that you quantify significant landmarks. This doesn't necessarily need to be with a physical gift (although it definitely one of the easiest ways to do it). In any case, the way in which you quantify it must has significant meaning. It should not only represent where you are currently at but also how much more you still have to go. Without this, the gift is meaningless.

For most people, the gift you pick/get given for your 21st birthday or graduation present will say a lot about you and what you may achieve in the next 10 years. It is essentially your next building block. This is why I say you should own a significant watch. Similar to the Tiffany key, a significant watch is a sign of passage from child to adult or from amateur to professional. However, a watch goes far beyond that. The watch you choose reveals a lot about your state of mind. If you choose one that is a passing fad, chances are you currently don't have high aspirations and this may lead to struggles in a few years time when you are forced to play catch up. If you choose one that is so fancy that you can't wear it often, chances are you may be chasing something unrealistic. Ultimately, you should choose one that reflects your personality and your goals. 

For my graduation present, I bought myself the Calibre 6 from Tag Heuer.

Calibre 6 Heritage

To me the Calibre 6 represented a number of things.

1. It showed that if I work hard, then I can succeed in my goals

2. It was a watch that would age with me over the 10 years

3. I like a life of luxury and if I wanted this to continue I would have to continue to work hard

4. It was not the top model, which reminded me of the long way I still had to go

5. The fine craftsmanship shows I like attention to detail

6. The stylish design matches my Montblanc collection...

Choosing something that constantly gives you some purpose in life or serves as a reminder that you are building towards something, is a great thing. It will help you quantify those times when things are crap and you have to question if it's all worth it. It's your go to place in a moment of self doubt. It is the motivation to get up in the morning.

Don't fret if you hate your graduation present though. You can always change things you don't like about yourself. What is important is to understand why you made those decisions and then if you choose to quantify future landmarks, make sure they serve a purpose.

I'm not sure yet what is next for me. However, when I do, I hope to see you there too. 

#Hanbaobao

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How to Dress Cool

There are currently a few types of 'cool' asian stereotypes that piss me off. At some point in time, these trends decided it was the shit and have spread like Kim Kardashian and/or herpes. As a fellow Asian I have definitely been guilty of a few fashion faux pas.

What am I talking about exactly you might ask? Well our version in its shittest form generally stretches from trying to replicate hipsters/roided up idiots at a music festival to the my dads a lawyer Ralph Lauren wearing douche look.

I'm most probably somewhere in between here when it comes to fashion but what I want to get at are three main stereotypes.

1. The Asian Gym Junkie

This guy probably didn't have a lot of positive self esteem when he was younger. So as any good over correction does, once he adds some muscle, he suddenly gains confidence. Unfortunately, it doesn't stop here. As the muscles grow, so does the ego. Overcompensation becomes this guy's forte and the clothes become tighter and smaller. Due to the fact most Asians are under 6 feet tall, this guy will soon resemble a disproportioned action figure doll and/or has such severe small man syndrome that his head might just explode if he isn't told how nice his side boob is. Dude, you need to calm down. Chicks dig fitness and confidence, not dickhead (well the ones worth keeping do).

Digital Synopsis

2. The 'Rich' Asian

The second guy is the rich asian. They have daddy's credit card and absolutely no style. Their idea of spending $1000 is probably an iPhone 6 plus plus plus plus S and a givenchy t-shirt that's 4 sizes too big (the big the better hey?) or one that has a logo bigger than item of clothing itself regardless of whether it suits them (not possible you say? Go find that guy and tell me I'm lying. I know you know one). It doesn't end here though. The true 'rich' asian will also insist on paying for things as a way of showing how 'powerful' he is. He then will constantly remind you of it as if he was doing you such a massive favour. To this guy I say, 'Mate, you need to find some clothes that actually make you look like a normal human being and once again calm the fuck down. People worth keeping around will like you for you and not that gucci belt that's slicker than your hair.

Digital Synopsis

3. The Street Style Asian

This one is the most interesting. Of the three stereotypes, I find this one is probably the least offensive. However, I think that's what pisses me off more. The inspiration for a lot of this type of clothing are 6 foot 4 black guys growing up in the hood of America. What the fuck does a 5 foot nothing Asian who can't ball for shit and grew up with all of life's essentials, know about the brand? Then there's the hipster cross over of this stuff. Not wanting to be left out, they happily pay $500 to look homeless (way to show you are a real hipster). At least go to the op shop and stop being such a twat.

Digital Synopsis

Now before you all get on the band wagon and throw hate, let me say that if you are of at least average height and relatively lean, then the over saturation and mass production that is the global economy, will mean that you should look half decent as any of the three stereotypes. I'm not critiquing you. I'm after the over compensators who really need to get over themselves and become an asset to society.

Remember people. Confidence is good but too much dick makes you a slut.

Can you guess which one I am?

#Hanbaobao

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Why We Choose Toxic Over Boring

This post is a request from an anonymous reader. Looks like I have one fan now. Look out, I'm going places. 

So this post is about why we choose the toxic over the boring.

I've lost count of how many times I've seen people (including myself) choose the toxic over the boring. Our generation is essentially so controlled by social media and what it means to society; 'The HEY LOOK AT ME. SEE HOW AWESOME I AM AND WHY I AM SO MUCH BETTER THAN YOU!!!! #HASHTAG #HASHTAG.'

It is because of this that, our generation is constantly buying things we can't afford to impress people we don't like, at levels that have never been seen before. (I know I quoted this before). Everyone also knows that good things take time. As such, our generation is so easily tempted by the 'dark side.' The way to a quick buck. This is why our morals and ethics constantly move into the grey area as we struggle to project the idea we are 'living the dream' whilst in reality, we are probably not eating for a week just so we can pretend we are kings and queens on the weekend.

Now not all of these decisions are immoral or unethical. They are however; TOXIC.

Toxic, is the occasion when you date the asshole and friendzone the person that's good for you. Toxic is the consumption of drugs, to make your job more manageable. Toxic is selling your friend out for free entry to a club or to raise your perceived social standing.

This occurs because toxic is exciting. Toxic makes you feel alive. Toxic gives you the ready made excuse that it's okay because the person next to you is undertaking their own form of toxic. Toxic is probably even good for the soul; in small doses.

However, just like the food pyramid tells us, too much toxic is heading for disaster. And when you crash and burn, who's forced to pick up the pieces? Probably someone who isn't as toxic as you, and therefore is forced to deal with your shit because if they don't, you'll throw toxic their way.

Social media will either evolve or die out and the same will happen to you. If you keep choosing the toxic, you will eventually turn into a sad sad person. So maybe swallow your pride, get out there, find your role model and get some life experience. Then come back and brag about it. You won't be toxic or boring then. You'll be interesting.

Anothermag

#Hanbaobao

The Importance of Role Models

Today at work it was painfully obvious about how important having access to good role models is. Currently, the middle level staff generally don't look up to the senior staff. The senior staff are either blind to their own 'success' or they don't know how to fix it. As such, the junior staff (myself included) are stuck in a painful limbo, where the good staff will eventually burn out and quit. The reason I put this down to is to the lack of access of good role models. We have recently lost good staff members to this exact reason. What troubles me the most is that this situation had been repeating itself throughout my life and as such, it worries me as I have my quarter life crisis.

I'm sure my situation is not unique but I've struggled with having (in my eyes) good role models my whole life. I didn't have a tough upbringing in any sense of the word so call this a first world problem if you will. What I did have could maybe be quantified as a misunderstood upbringing.

Like a lot of people, their parents grew up in a different time. Wants and desires were different and it was essentially a different time. More things were accepted and less was questioned. This meant that as long as the basics were covered; food in your stomach, a roof over your head and a safe environment around you, that's all you need to succeed and therefore if you didn't you were either wasting their time or not trying hard enough.  

In most cases this is probably true. Mine sure was. I can honestly say, I've never really given something my all and that has wasted people's time and money. 

Which brings me to the point of this post. A good role model will help you remain focused and achieve a common goal. I've never had access to a good role model that understood me or I truly identified with. To put this in perspective, I grew up in a suburb with very few Asians around. As such, I didn't know I was of 'Asian descent' until I was probably 10 years old. I didn't identify with my mother and father and at the time I couldn't understand why I was picked on or why I had to do things that other kids didn't. As such I acted out in more ways than one.

Having Asian parents probably didn't help either as this meant I had to do 'extra curricular activities' instead of going bike riding with the other kids. Coupled with some talent, I soon found myself miles ahead of a lot of kids in my class. I even remember I was IQ tested by some guy that came to the school. However, because all I wanted to do was to belong, I absolutely hated this fact about me because it singled me out against the other kids and as such this mindset probably hampered my intellectual development. I don't think my teachers couldn't handle me either so that's probably why I got in trouble so much.

My parents thought I had 'everything', food, clothes, education etc, and therefore couldn't understand why I was being like that and I was punished accordingly. It really makes me wonder if I had had the 'right' role models around me then (remember it had to have been in my eyes), I wonder what could have been.

This got better as I got older; moving to the eastern suburbs when I was 10 definitely helped (I was a southern boy until then). The problem here was whilst, there might have been more people I identified with, I was reaching puberty and therefore my needs in a role model changed. As such, a similar cycle happened.

Multiple variations of this has continued to happen over time and its only recently that I've really understood the importance of having the right role models at that point in time. I want to stress again that at no point did I have to live through any hardship or any traumatic event, but I think that a lack of exposure to any sort of strong emotions also held me back. How else, can you figure things out if you haven't experienced the extremes in one way or another.

So to bring this back onto topic, you can see the importance of having the right roles models, even if this means swallowing your pride, cooling your ego and admitting you might not be the right person at this specific point in time.

To use a sports metaphor, at one point my office resembled a poorly run football team, maybe quite akin to Port Adelaide in 2012. The rosters full, the management positions are full, but the product was shit. I wouldn't say we are very good yet but we maybe resemble Manchester United in 2014. Good in some areas but still really shit in a lot of others. What really needs to happen, is senior figures need to become more nurturing, junior staff need to be included more often (we are the future). This has to be taught overtime and become part of the culture. It doesn't stop there though. You need to find your role model. That's the biggest thing I've learnt recently. No one can provide it for you unless you know want you want to be like. It doesn't and probably shouldn't be only one person, but if they're not in your current environment, take the risk and go looking for them. Life is really too short for 'what ifs' and 'could have beens.' 

It took me 25 years to reach this point. It doesn't have to be that long for you. Find that person and start achieving.

#Hanbaobao

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TOD'S - Italian Shoes at Their Finest

I thought I was overdue for another fashion post. Today's topic is the Italian brand TOD'S. I am a massive fan of this brand and currently own three pairs of shoes (shown below).

Suede Chelsea Boots, Leather Lace Ups and Gomino

Gomino

Let's start with the Gomino. Probably the most impractical pair of shoes I own and yet I love them. Incredibly comfortable, yet the design on the soles offer no protection from any nasties on the ground.

Yes, I know they are meant as a 'driving shoe.' How pretentious do you have to be though to only use them as the intended purpose? You could get the City Loafer but I think they're pretty damn ugly. Anyway I wear them as much as I can. I even bought a more 'practical' pair of Hugo Boss Loafers but was quite dissatisfied with the overall product so ended up returning them. On a side note, make sure you spray the suede though, unless you are trying to give them a one of kind vintage look (my girlfriend accidentally did that to her mulberry Alexa bag).

Leather Lace Ups
Next up is the amazing Leather Lace Ups (this link is the closest I could find from their current collection). Brown leathers with a navy suit are all the rage at the moment. So of course I bought these to accompany my suits. 

 

These shoes have been ridiculously comfortable (unlike my burberry ones) whilst looking incredible. The only downside is a lack of protection for the soles. I'll suggest either getting some temporary stick on ones or go the whole way and get a sole protector attached onto the sole. I'm currently using the temporary ones as I can't bring myself to make permanent alterations to the shoes yet.

Suede Chelsea Boots

Last but not least are my Suede Chelsea Boots. I got these a couple of years ago (they have aged really well) before TOD'S changed the sole design to the current rubber design (as shown in the link). 

These came with a smooth sole similar to the leather lace ups shown above, except with thread stitch inseam. Unfortunately like most high end shoes, wear and tear on the sole happened quite quickly. At the time I was quite new to the luxury shoe game and I allowed the sole and heel to deteriorate a little bit too much. As such, I was forced to get them resoled with a new heel and sole protector. Thankfully, I haven't had any problems with them since.

Overall, if you take the necessary precautions and treat them well, TOD'S is an great show brand and I highly recommend that you try some on and see for yourself.

#Hanbaobao

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