Sneakers, Zappos.com and Delivering Happiness

This post is about my love for sneakers; my Zappos.com experience; and Tony Hsieh's--Zappos.com's CEO and owner--book, Delivering Happiness. 

Sneakers! 

My love for wearing sneakers started when I was six years old. As early as that age, I already dressed up on my own and I would most of the time put on my used-up crimson red Mighty Kid sneakers with two adjustable Velcro straps each shoe. Thinking about that pair of sneakers immediately activates my sentimental side--love that comfy, funky and cute pair.

Wearing sneakers is not a phase that I overcame when I got older, got more mature or left college. Instead, my inventory of sneakers even improved now that I have my own money to buy nicer pairs. That doesn't mean that I shall easily burn P6,000 for a pair--that is still a lot; I am still always in the look out for good deals and that was how I came across Zappos.com. Zappos.com offers a pair of Onitsuka Tiger sneakers for as low as P2,000--50% to 60% lower than most of the Onitsuka Tiger models being sold at Philippine malls. 

My pine and lime green and gray Onitsuka Tigers is so far my best pair of sneakers. This specific color combination is a Zappos.com exclusive--that made me want to own this pair more. 

Zappos.com


My Zappos.com experience was absolutely pleasant. They immediately--at real-time--replied and offered a solution to my Facebook-posted concern. Aside from the fact that the website was so easy to use and complete. Having all the must-haves of a winning website, Zappos.com easily became one of my favorite shopping sites.

Delivering Happiness

Months after buying my first pair from Zappos.com and recommending it to my friends--talk about the power of word-of-mouth--I came across "Delivering Happiness" as it is one of the required reading materials in the company I recently joined.


Delivering Happiness is a book on how Tony Hsieh was able to build Zappos.com as one of the best companies to work for in the United States. His story is proof that perseverance,  hard work and--of course--passion are key in making it big in everything a person does. The book also zeroed in on how a strong company culture is linked with its success.


The book was heartwarming and inspirational. It makes me want to be part of the Zappos.com family. And if in case I find my way to Las Vegas again, I shall make sure to take the Zappos.com head quarters tour. Can't wait!

Not so Aztec

Two weekends ago, my niece asked for my help in coming up with an Aztec inspired outfit since she had to attend a similarly themed debut party. 

Google defines Aztec as a member of the American Indian people dominant in Mexico before the Spanish conquest of the 16th century. Aztec prints then are patterns of distinct and bold colors; assorted shapes, including diamonds and triangles; and different ranges of thick and thin lines. 

I don't have an Aztec-ish apparel, so the outfit I came up with doesn't have the colors, shapes and lines I mentioned above. Instead, I threw in lots of statement-making accessories to make the outfit pass for the Aztec-themed party. 

In coming up with a theme-inspired outfit, there is a way around it and it doesn't have to always follow the theme from A to Z. Researching and knowing the basics about the prescribed motif shall be a very big help. In this case, since the Aztecs are American Indians and their photos online clearly show big and bulky accessories, I decided to stick to that. The paisley prints too that I chose are as busy as that with the Aztec prints. So you see, I was able to eliminate buying a new dress or top! 

Total outfit cost is Php1,260 (USD30)

Breakdown of costs:

• Top - bought from a garage sale, Mango, Php220
• Skirt - Bunny, Php350
• Necklace - bought from bazaar, Php250
• Big gold bangles - Robinsons Dept. Store, Php240 (Php80 each)
• Bracelets on right upper arm - bought from bazaars, total of Php200
• Bangle on left arm - gift from friend