Modern Simple Living

Uniqlo Quality Decline: A 2023 Shopping Haul Retrospective The biggest takeaway from my 2023 Uniqlo purchases is simple: most of the items barely lasted a few months. While Uniqlo was once known for delivering solid quality at affordable prices, that value proposition no longer feels reliable. Out of everything I purchased, only the green U Crew T-shirt remains wearable today—and even that has noticeably faded. The most disappointing items were the Supima Cotton T-shirts, which shrank significantly and developed holes within weeks of regular wear. Before 2020, Uniqlo consistently delivered durable basics at reasonable prices. Today, the prices remain affordable, but the quality no longer matches what the brand was known for. What Failed (and How Quickly) I purchased these items in 2023 expecting them to function as long-term wardrobe staples. Instead, the majority deteriorated far sooner than expected. Supima Cotton T-Shirts: Shrunk significantly and developed holes within a few weeks...

Watch Collections Update I've decided to skip any new watch purchases this year and focus on my current collection of six watches : Rolex 114270 Omega 2531.80 Zenith Cal 126 Casio A168 Casio G-Shock 5600 Apple Watch SE2 Overall, I feel quite content with this lineup. My daily wear typically consists of the Apple Watch, though I often swap it out for the A168 or G-Shock. The versatility of the humble A168 continues to impress me. Apple Watch Updates I've added a silicone case protector and screen cover to the Apple Watch, as I've found that the screen scratches easily. Usage Patterns Update - 6/12/23 Recently, I've established a routine where I wear the Apple Watch throughout the day to track my activity rings and workouts, then switch to my Rolex in the evenings. I've come to appreciate the Rolex as the most comfortable watch in my collection. In many ways, the Rolex Explorer feels like the 'perfect' watch. Wearing it gives me a sense of accomplishment, e...

Shoe Rotation Update I've settled on Nike as my preferred brand, moving from Onitsuka Tigers to Adidas , and now focusing on Air Jordans . Here’s my current shoe rotation: Regular Rotation Air Jordan 1 Low - Reverse Black Toe - 9.5M Air Jordan 1 Low - Flight Club - 10.5M Air Jordan 1 Mid - Tartan Swoosh - 9.5M Miler’s - 10M Special Occasion Shoes Air Force 1 Low - 9M Comfort Adjustments I've decided to use insoles in my older shoes to enhance comfort, particularly for the Court Vision . I aim to hold off on purchasing new shoes until 2024, when I may consider getting another pair of Air Force 1s. Impressions of Jordan 1s I’m really impressed with the Air Jordans—they’ve taken me through various cities, including Tokyo and Busan . To make room for future purchases, I'll wear out the Court Vision's as I think most of my shoes feel a bit small. I’m contemplating moving up from a size 9.5 to 10 . Update - 6/11/23 After enduring discomfort with my previous sizes, I...

I’ve been enjoying the diverse coffee options in Korea, and it’s great to see how much the scene has evolved since 2018. There’s a fantastic variety of flavors now, moving beyond just rebranded American products. Here’s my current ranking of some of the options I've tried: Coffee Rankings Origin Toffee Nut Latte - A+ This has been the standout for me so far. The flavors are rich and perfectly balanced, making it a delightful treat. Twosome Latte - C Unfortunately, this one was too heavy on the milk taste for my liking. It didn’t quite hit the mark compared to others. HBAF Almond Snacks I tried the HBAF brand snacks, and they were pretty good! The pizza garlic flavor was particularly interesting and added a nice twist. Vending Machine Coffee - Cantana Latte - B- A convenient option for just 1,000 Won! While not the best, it's acceptable for a quick caffeine fix, and I’d buy it again when needed. Maxim T.O.P. Sweet Americano - B+ This offers a clean, simple taste with a pleasan...

Tokyo to South Korea: A Week in Busan I just wrapped up my stopover in Tokyo and am now heading to South Korea for a week. The trip primarily focused on spending time with family and enjoying the Nampodong area in Busan. Here’s a recap of my journey: Itinerary Overview Day 1: Flight from Tokyo to Busan Day 2: Ananti Hilton & Lotte Outlets Day 3: Nampodong - Family Dinner Day 4: Nampodong - Lotte Mall Day 5: Nampodong - Lee’s Pizza Day 6: Busan Coastal Walk Day 7: Flight back to LAX via HND Day 1: Arrival in Busan I arrived in Busan from Tokyo and opted for a relaxed evening. After a haircut, I enjoyed dinner at a pork BBQ restaurant. After a long day that began at 4 AM in Tokyo and a crowded train ride, I decided to take it easy. Day 2: Ananti Hilton Busan I spent the night at the Ananti Hilton, which was a luxurious experience for about $300 a night—something hard to find stateside. I had lunch at the Lotte Premium Outlets while shopping. The Tonkatsu was good, though I thi...