Ready for UNIQLO Ala Moana?
Tomorrow is the day of the pop-up grand opening.
Featuring Hawaii exclusives as well!
Nike Wishlist Update 1
This is the first update of probably several of my Nike Wishlist. Remember, this list is the Nikes I would get if I can find them deeply discounted. My original wishlist includes:
- Air VaporMax Utility
- Air Max 270
- Odyssey React
- React Vapor Street Flyknit
- LeBron 15
- Air Jordan 1
The first change I’m making is taking the VaporMax Utility out of the rotation. I still love its look but after watching a review of this sneaker by Hes Kicks, I’m hesitant due to the squeaking and chaffing. If I find a pair, I’ll try them out of course, but instead I’ll probably opt for one of those “Past Meets the Present” hybrids like the Air Max 97 VaporMax or Air VaporMax Plus. I gotta like the colorway though.
I’ll leave the 270 on the list for now but again, I’d have to find a great looking pair. With so many variations coming out, this shoe is ultimately bound for discounters in a about a year.
The original Epic React runner still has the nicer colorways than the the Odyssey React, but for fit purposes, the Odysseys are a better match. These stay on the list. So do the React Vapor Street Flyknit if the price, color, and fit are just right.
Win or lose in the NBA Conference Finals this year, LeBron James continues to impress. Getting up in age, he’s still producing and playing at an unreal level. To pay tribute, I’d go for the LeBron 15 (which reminds me, did LeBron even switch to his Solider line this post season like he’s done in the past?). The LeBron 15 high top version is cool but the LeBron 15 Low sounds better for me according to the Weartester’s reviews by Duke4005 and Nightwing2303.
The Air Jordan 1 would have been crossed off this list if Nordstrom had come through. But instead, I took a loss with the AJ1 Shadow. Again, so disappointed with Nordstrom and its wonky inventory system, but I digress…
Another Nike that caught my attention recently is the new ACG Dog Mountain. Yeah, weird name, but kinda useful to have an outdoorsy shoe that can take a beating. This shoe may eventually replace the React Vapor Street Flyknit in my Wishlist.
So here’s my Nike Wishlist updated for May 28, 2018.
Air VaporMax UtilityAir Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)- Air Max 270 ($170)
- Odyssey React ($120)
- React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
LeBron 15LeBron 15 Low ($150)- Air Jordan 1 ($145)
- ACG Dog Mountain ($110)
My Odd #rossfinds – Nike Gyakusou Socks
You never know what you’ll find at Ross, and although not a big find, I did have to look twice when I saw these socks cast to the side. The Nike label didn’t look typical, and it isn’t.
These socks are from the NikeLab, and the style code of SX7234-524 say these are Nike Gyakusou NikeGrip Unisex Quarter Socks. Originally priced at $28, these socks were $6 from Ross. Personally, I wouldn’t pay $28 for a pair of quarter socks, but I’d do $6 even in a Purple Dynasty/Olive Khaki colorway. They do look cool…
I Gotta Flip this SPAM on eBay!
Update: So while the EST199N label is a match, the canning date is out of range of the recalled products.
So Hormel Foods sent out a recall of it SPAM Classic due to metal found inside. Supposedly, Hawaii is unaffected by the recall of 228,600 pounds of SPAM since supposedly none of the cans were sent to Hawaii.
The identifier of the recalled items have the Establishment number (EST. 199N) printed on the bottom of the 12-oz cans. It looks like this.
So unless the period of “EST.” vs “EST” makes a difference, I have one can of these recalled products. Any takers on eBay?
Double Air Jordan Loser!!
Not once but twice in the same day I became an Air Jordan loser. First, I totally missed the sneaky launch of the Off-White Air Jordan 1 collaboration in the UNC colorway. I learned of the drop one hour later, so it’s no surprise I took that loss.
A few hours later, I get an email from Nordstrom. I had ordered a pair of Air Jordan 1, Shadow colorway at a discount earlier in the week. Sometimes Nordstrom surprises me with what they carry, and they were clearing out the black and gray AJ1. After much refreshing and retries on their online store, my order successfully went through with a confirmation email. Well I guess a Nordstrom confirmation email is easily reversed with a cancellation email.
Dammit, Air Jordan loss number two of the day!! The day was just about a bust except for one saving grace at Starbucks. I hadn’t paid attention to their ads, but I scored a BOGO offer in the afternoon.
So I had two Caramel Macchiatos, one for each AJ1 I missed out on.
Uniqlo Pop-Up Coming to Ala Moana
In just under one week, Uniqlo is opening a pop-up location at Ala Moana. Before it’s permanent location is opened, the pop-up gives shoppers a taste of what’s to come.
To find the pop-up location, head to the Center Stage and take the escalators to the third floor. The pop-up will be right there.
You know this place will be packed for weeks to come. That’s just the way Hawaii works. But now I see the foresight and sagacity of Ala Moana’s management… To control the impending throngs of visitors to the Uniqlo pop-up and redirect foot traffic to enter from various pathways throughout the mall, this safeguard is in place.
Yes, the main Center Stage escalator right outside the pop-up is not in operation. Akamai!
Ba-Le Kailua Closed
Not sure when this happened but Ba-Le, a mainstay in Kailua for decades, is now closed. The storefront now looks like this.
From its days in Don Quijote then moving down to Hekili Street, this franchise provided affordable and tasty Vietnamese sandwiches and other dishes. I loved their iced coffee ratcheted up caffeine levels. Sadly, the owners decided to move on and out of Hawaii (so I hear), but hopefully, this gap is quickly filled. The Pig and the Lady (or Piggy Smalls) would fit nicely in this lineup of boutique shops…
eBay Tip: Running vs Golf Shirts
When it comes to shirts, golf doesn’t but running does… sell that is. Although golf shirts look sharp and can be worn in non-sporting situations, they simply don’t sell. I think there’s just too many of them out there, and although the prices are deeply discounted, they just don’t move.
Running shirts, on the other hand, surprise me. There’s really no other ocassion to wear a distinctively-looking running shirt other than for running. But I guess as the miles add up, the shirt needs to be replaced. When I list a running shirt, it quickly gets watchers and does sell relatively quickly. Not just ordinary shirts mind you, but higher-end Nike ones made of their premium fabrics. Yeah, these shirts do cost more, but they do move so you’re not stuck with inventory.
Ross Kaneohe Remodeling
I’m not quite sure how extensive it’ll be, but the only Ross in Kaneohe (for now) is being remodeled. The store is still open for business but the interior is changing around. Sections have moved and are crammed together while other areas have been cleared out.
My shopping flow has been thrown off by all the movement, especially in the shoe section that’s gotten very tall and narrow. It’s super difficult to scan the shoe racks at close range. Hoping the layout gets spaced out as the remodeling proceeds.
In general, the store layout now feels like the Ala Moana location, and rumor is this Kaneohe location had to refresh since the new Ross location is opening down the street in Windward Mall.
Nike Wishlist
If you were able to get (current) Nike shoes at a significant discount from their normal retail price, which pairs would you pick up? Here’s what I’m eyeing.
Air Vapormax
Yeah, I wouldn’t pay $190 for Nike’s latest Vapormax 2, but at half price, I’d do it. Actually, I’d strongly consider the funky Utility variant. The Utility appears to have more structural support and is just not your typical sneaker.
Air Max 270
While I like the overall look of the 270, with so many color ways coming out, these are bound to hit the discount stores eventually. So by being patient, that $150 price tag may drop to $50, better than $75 at 50% off. So pass unless there’s a dope colorway available.
Odyssey React
For pure utilitarian purposes, I’d get the Odyssey React. The Epic React looks better, but the Odyssey model seems to have improved upon the Epic and is cheaper. I also want to see what Nike’s answer to the Adidas Boost is like.
React Vapor Street Flyknit
Now this React-equiped model is not made for running but is a everyday lifestyle shoe. It’s odd, it’s long-ish, and it’s different. Again, a consideration if under $100 and super comfortable.
LeBron 15
This is definitely a long shot. Historically, LeBron James’ signature shoe hasn’t fit me well, and I really don’t need more basketball shoes. But if there’s an awesome colorway to be had for around $90 then I’ll be rocking’ a LeBron 15.
Air Jordan 1
Maybe it’s all those Retros that have released recently, but I find myself wanting a pair of the OG Air Jordan 1. While I’d love certain color ways, I’d settle for any that look good. I have a hard time paying modern prices for retro shoes, but the AJ1 is a classic that forever changed the kicks game.
So that’s my Nike kicks wishlist for now although I’ll probably update it in a few months. If you could pickup a few pairs of Nikes at half off, what would be on your feet?
My Current Excuses for Not Blogging
The flow of blog posts has been low recently, and here are my top excuses.
- eBay and Ross
- Hearthstone: The Witchwood expansion pack
- Killing Eve
- Business Wars podcasts
- Yoga Warrior 365
Vince Is the Real VIP of VIP Towing
It’s never a great way to start the day with your normally dependable ride to and from work (and everything in between) stuttering and eventually stalling roadside. Really, it’s a crappy way to start the day.
A call for roadside assistance was sent to VIP Towing, and after a 90-minute wait, a VIP tow truck comes ambling towards me. Enter Vince. He pulls up, greets me, apologizes for the wait, and gets to work. After a few minutes, we’re hooked up and on the road. During our ride to the service center, Vince gets to talking and his personality shines. His laid-back demeanor and reassuring nature is what I need during this stressful morning. He talks about loving his job and tells some of his adventures at work.
The ride with Vince really turned the morning around! If you ever need a tow and get VIP Towing, ask (or hope) for Vince. He is the real VIP.