Well, after all the hooplah with the Neverfull, I decided to have a day of good food and fabulous art. I took my brand new Mini Lin Speedy 30 to my favorite restaurant Lauriol Plaza. We were greeted by our waitstaff friend Gladys who promptly snatched my Speedy from me and began sacheing (sp??) down to my "VIP" table. I was alone but I got a table for four and food was out in just 10 minutes. We felt special.

Here he is sitting right next to me and enjoying our dessert.

After which, as a patron of the arts, I decided to take him to a special exhibit about American Impressionism at the Philipps Collection.


I think my favorite of the featured artists was Ernest Lawson. My Speedy didn't agree with me. Here he is all tuckered out and sunning himself at the entrance of the Gallery.

LVOE, LVOE, LVOE IT!!!

Just came from Neiman's to exchange the Neverfull with a classic shape of the house of Vuitton, the Speedy 30 in Monogram Mini Lin. I know I cannot hope to be the great Audrey but here's my humble homage to her. (Monogram Mini Lin Speedy 30, Neiman Marcus June 30, 2007)

Here's a pic of the misaligned seam that I mentioned in the previous blog. There are several posts in the the purse forum about this being noticed by fellow Neverfull owners. Someone mentioned that the France Neverfull does not have this problem. Also, it was mentioned that the fabulous and unique lining of the Neverfull tends to bleed onto the new vachetta thus creating an unsightly stain. Could it be a USA manufacturing flaw or is it possible that we are just being too critical about material things? What say you Ginevra? Would your face become dourer if I returned the Neverfull?

Neverfull playing the piano

After much thought...well, not really...I decided to rush to Neiman Marcus and grab me the Neverfull. It's a wonderful bag and the first of my LV that is made stateside. I met an extremely helpful SA and was very pleased with the transaction. I even had to drive back minutes after I got home since I astutely noticed that the stars and flowers were not aligned on one seam of the bag. She must think I am the customer from hell! Turns out, most of them were not perfectly aligned. I LVOE, LVOE the Neverfull!

The associate in Saks informed me that the Neverfull cannot be reversed on its lining. This pic from www.thebaghag.blogspot.com shows otherwise.

(The Beckoning Portals of Louis Vuitton, Chevy Chase)


It took every ounce of willpower for me to restrain myself not to purchase the Neverfull GM. After work, I found an excuse to have my luggage tag heat stamped with my initials with the secret hope that I would casually bump into one of these new releases. I not only bumped into one, but I fondled, tested, looked for the datecode, ascertained the lining, gauged the vachetta and finally imagined myself walking out with it...I shook myself from this reverie and went home instead empty handed. But then again, tomorrow is yet another day...sadly, I found out today that my favorite SA Sophia has left the company.

I was surfing the Purse Forum and somebody posted this website of LV's that have a lot of discontinued items. Sadly, it is written in Japanese and I tried what I thought was the e-mail link to inquire if they understood English. Unfortunately, an error message came up. Oh well, just wanted to post this interesting piece. I like how the straps are not parallel to each other. http://www.aisai-jp.com/

The Neverfull line that just came out is garnering mixed reviews from LV fans. Pros are that it is affordable, reversible and quite roomy. Cons are that it is an open bag so security of its contents are an issue and that the lining is acutally bleeding onto the vachetta. Some also say that the thin straps are not at all comfortable and that it slips from the shoulder. Apol said with disdain that it "looks like a basket". I was offered this bag on one of my trips to the boutique. I like the fact that it is reversible and that there is a substantial expanse of the monogram canvas on it, but I am not in LVoe with it...yet...(Photo: The Purse Forum)

Just stopped in on Arjay's blog and look what I found! His Damier Azur Speedy 30 sitting pretty on their marble stoop! I was very instrumental in the purchase of this fabulous baby so he is close to my heart. LVoe it, Arjay! Visit him at: (www.arjaysjourney.blogspot.com).

I noticed that on my new Panda Pochette, an extra circle stamp can be seen right next to the "S" in the word PARIS of the heat stamping. I didn't think much of it at first, but I found out in my purse forum readings, that it signifies that the item was purchased by an LV employee. No wonder the pochette is still in like new condition even though it is 3 years old! The rational explanation behind it being that it's some kind of internal accounting so that the item cannot be returned at full price since I assume they get a discount. Hmmmm...you learn something everyday.

I found these unique pieces from 2004 that is called Ambre. Shown in pics are GM, MM and PM. I distinctly remember seeing this line on the streets and I thought back then how wonderful they were. Come to think of it, I guess I knew all along that I had a hidden desire to own an LV but didn't have the courage to come out of the closet or in this case come out of the trunk. (Photo: The Purse Forum)

Ever since I saw the latest Chloe shades at Nordstrom back in March, I've been in LOVE with them. They are flattering, girly, fun and most of all different from all the other shades on the streets. And it seems that the stars think so too, as many of them have been spotted wearing them.Ex-OC stars, Mischa Barton and Rachel Bilson wearing the Myrte. Ooo and I LOVE Mischa's jacket.
Lindsay Lohan and Cameron Diaz also sporting the Myrte.
And I must say, I agree with most of the stars here and prefer the second rounder one better, the design combined with the shape which is just so much more flattering, makes it perfect.The one Rachel has on is different, but definitely not as flattering. The aviator style sloping down thing makes it look more masculine and a bit sad- should shades have personalities that is.
For the longest time I was lusting after these hexagonal ones. Because I thought, well, I already have squarish ones, why not have a hexagon one? And these look great. And I also liked the off-white color too. But alas, after trying them on several times, I had to finally admit that they are not for me. Maybe I've become so accustomed to large frames now that I just can't accept smaller frames anymore...
Then at the store I tried on these ones (the lower rounder ones) in purple and it looked awesome. This shape is flattering and yet still different with its large round metal frame, half silver, half purple. Now THIS is fashion. But alas after MUCH debating, I finally decided that I'd like to wear them for more than one season and with that half silver and half purple rim thing, it was too trendy for me

In the end, I bought a similarly styled paired sans the dual colored rims, from Marc Jacobs in brown (I know, it doesn't quite look brown here, but it is. I considered the purple ones and they're much pinker than this). While the metal frames and round shape style is still the same, this design is much simpler, more feminine and much more classic. The only downside is that this design is not very condusive to sticking it on my head like a hairband cause the nose thing gets in the way. But I'll live ;)

Photo Credits: Chloe, Mischa Style, CoutureCandy and Life & Style.

Well, I've done it again. Even in Hong Kong, I was able to return a recent purchase. I was surfing through let-trade's website and found a brand new, squeaky clean, Murakami Panda Pochette. I immediately set the wheels in motion if I can get that one instead of the soho backpack. I e-mailed first, then called overseas. NO ANSWER. On my second call (I was running outta time coz' HK time was almost 10pm) Someone answered and said that there was no problem. Phew...I decided to get the pochette instead, due to several reasons. One, it was a Murakami Limited Edition. I know that for the Western aesthetic, the Panda is quite freakish. But for someone like me who grew up with Japanese animation, I think he is adorable especially with his tush showing on the reverse. Second, upon close scrutiny of the pics provided by let-trade, I noticed that the vachetta on the soho had much scuffing and water stains. I prefer the vachetta to age with me, with my own scuffing and stains rather that someone else's. Even though it is a great bag that I know I could use, I went for the brand new pocheetoo. Lastly, did I tell you it was a Murakami?!

So here's hoping that I made the right choice and that my little panda would be here by Monday. (Murakami Limited Edition Panda Pochette, June 28, 2007, Hong Kong) Gozaimasu domo arigato!

My LV mulling was halted last night from 9:oo to 10:oo pm by Paris Hilton's appearance on Larry King Live. I dunno why I sat there for a whole hour hearing her say that she has "served her sentence" for the nth time. I do love her though and I hope that she truly has learned something from all of this. The question is, what will be her next sighting avec LV? Perhaps a humble Neverfull to match her au naturel look.

Yesterday evening, BG and I went to do something really girly together -we got our eye lashes permed. For those of you who have never heard people getting their lashes, it's basically getting your eye lashes curled permenantly. Well, permenant for maybe a bit more than one month, but really, that's permenant enough since it's likely your lashes will fall off naturally around that time.

The procedure takes around forty-five minutes to an hour. Now I can't describe the whole, exact procedure because my eyes were closed the whole time but from what I understand, the facialist curled and glued the lashes around a small, round piece of plastic thing. The facialist also applied some perming chemicals onto the lashes. After 20 minutes, the facialist applied more chemicals. After another 20 minutes, the facialist used oil to remove the checials and glue and that plastic strip thing. Voila -you've got curled lashes.

OK, so the newly permed lashes look a bit clumped together (because not all the glue could be removed without the facialist scrubbing too hard,) but give it a few days and you'll look like you've got naturally curled lashes. This wasn't my first lash perm, but it was BG's. BG forgot to keep her eyes completely shut during the procedure so the chemicals stung her lashes a bit. So if you're planning to get your lashes permed, remember to keep your eyes shut tight!

Perming our lashes only cost us around HK$80 each, that's around US$10 each. It's totally worth it because curled lashes make one's eyes look so much more awake. Plus, now I don't have to curl my lashes or apply mascara on for my normal days. If anyone is trying to decide whether to get their lashes permed -do it! Anyone else had their lashes permed before?

In 1996 Louis Vuitton celebrated the centenary of the Monogram Canvas. The design was created by Vuitton's son Georges and is considered to be the very first designer label of our times. He did this to prevent counterfeiting. Ironically, only 1% of the world's items with the LV logo are actually from the company itself. LV has become the most copied designer label in fashion history.

To mark this momentous occasion, Louis Vuitton Paris decided to invite several of the big names in the fashion industry to present their interpretation of the company's 100 year history. They were: Sybilla, Vivienne Westwood, Helmut Lang, Manolo Blahnik, Romeo Gigli, Azzdine Alaia and Isaac Mizrahi.

The company also decided to resurrect its Damier canvas that year with a new line of products. The damier of today usually has dark or ebony leather trim but for the centennial year, they were outfitted with pure, natural vachetta which creates a lovely contrast to its somber browns. I'll end my spiel with a picture of my latest acquisition from that limited collection: Soho Backpack with Damier Canvas and centenary numbered vachetta trim.
(June 27, Let-trade.com, Hong Kong)

Surfing the net before I head out to dreamland, I saw this car in google images. There's something strangely wrong about it that I can't put my finger on. Is it the mega-obsession or perhaps the extreme kitschiness that engulfs it? A guy in DC used to have one but his was a white car with black monogram. Didn't work quite as well. I guess if I had a choice, I would choose the classic brown...yawn...

I LVoe, LVoe fur but fairly recently I am beginning to change my mind. The internet is filled with how the industry treats the animals before their untimely demise that I have chosen not to add any more to my collection. Besides, winter in DC does not warrant the wearing of fur. I must admit though, that finding this LV made me stop in my tracks. A magnificent piece from the 2004 Le Extraordinaire Collection. There are only 8 that exist in the world and it costs a whopping $15,400 (seller claims). You could buy a car with that!!! It sold for under $7,000. See link: ebay.com
I bet my dear, darling pets wouldn't appreciate it if this came into the house. It is still fabulous though.

Like an old couple...Piolo and Ysabella

Last post for the day is this pic of me at the lobby of the Millenium Hotel in Times Square with my Naviglio. I LVoe their larger than life paintings that dominate the main lobby. According to the SA in the Soho branch, the Naviglio is one of their hottest bags this season and they can't seem to hold it in-store. I dunno if that was just sales talk but it definitely put a big smile on my face! Grab one at: eluxury.com

From top: Excursion Monogram Canvas (June 22 Chevy Chase, MD); Naviglio Damier Azur Canvas (June 12 Chevy Chase, MD); Porte-cartes Simple (June 15 Chevy Chase, MD); Mini Pochette Accesories Trunks and Bag (June 14 Chevy Chase, MD); Groom Pochette Wallet (June 7 Chevy Chase, MD); Reporter Monogram Canvas PM (May 28 Fairfax square, VA)

For those of you who are not familiar with what a Balikbayan box is, lemme enlighten you. A Balikbayan box is a box that is specifically designed to meet the maximum allowable measurements for air cargo. Filipinos who are overseas across the globe would come home, bringing with them food stuffs, clothes, shoes, toys etc...to their families. The normal luggage cannot well accomodate all of this, so through the Filipinos' ingenuity, we have developed the Balikbayan Box to allow us to maximize whatever we can bring over. The box' measurements ( 23 3/4" X 17 3/4" X 18 3/8") are so unique that you can only purchase it from a Filipino store. You can't get it at the Home or Office Depot or not even from the Post office. I betcha that if you are in a busy airport and you see two or three of these boxes (we are not satisfied with just one, since you are allowed two per passenger), a Filipino is not far behind. I even had a porter tell me on one of my trips if he can help me with my "Filipino Louis Vuitton". My dream would be to own one of these boxes made with the Louis Vuitton Monogram canvas. So if by chance Patrick-Louis Vuitton is reading this blog of mine, maybe he can have one made, send it to me and call it: Le Balikbayanne Box. Check out this link from NPR.

I think I prefer the LV in Soho (116 Greene St) because it is less likely to have tourist traffic. The Soho area is both eclectic and interesting. Its cobbled streets and brick lined buildings cast an old world charm that is very well suited to its buffet of luxury brands and street vendors. Troy and I just happened upon the store as we were searching for Chinatown.

A whole stack of antique trunks greets the visitor to remind you of the company's 150 year old history. It was already closed so I didn't mind having my picture taken with these fabulous trunks alongside my humble "trunks and bag mini pochette" from Arjay.


One wonders who were the fortunate prior owners of these pieces. I know for a fact that Vuitton has a client list of who-owns-what along with the lock combinations. I couldn't wait to visit the store the following day. Who knows? I may one day walk into these portals to purchase my very own trunk in the specifications of a Balikbayan box!

Born out of my current LVOE of Vuitton items, I was keenly aware of what people were carrying as I walked the streets of Manhattan. Of course, the perennial Speedy Monogram Canvas was everywhere. I only saw one Speedy damier azur so you're still good, Arjay. My favorite is this messenger bag this Japanese guy was sporting. I must admit, I was a little embarrassed because I hounded him down to take a quick pic so that I can show you guys. Here are my best shots. They are kinda blurry but I believe it looks like from the Mini Lin family. Best match is the Saumur. Check out the link from eluxury.

Ahhh...Monday morning and I am still heady from the weekend's hectic pace. Travelling by bus could be quite tiring. The trip up was not so bad, but the trip home was awful. What should have taken us only 4 hours lasted 6 hours. Traffic was horrible and our driver had to make a total of three bathroom stops for himself! Big guy, small bladder. But I was quite content. I had the opportunity to go to three of New York City's Vuitton stores and saw some interesting pieces for future acquisitions. Here's a pic of my Excursion during the bus ride.

Jeff's family had a wedding to attend to this past weekend in New York City and of course my top priority was not to attend the festivities but to visit one of Louis Vuitton's World Stores--the 5th avenue branch located on 57th street. I have been to New York many times before, but this is the first time that I saw it through the eyes of LVOE. I was excited and wanted to purchase a vachette tag for my new Excursion. The place was huge, consisting of 4 floors and as I waited for my tag to be brought out, I took a snap shot of the suspended antique trunks within the store. I was promptly berated by a security guard who looked like one of Capitol Hill's secret service agents. I guess they have a need to protect all those precious goods of theirs. What struck me most about this store, was that there were several Japanese sales associates. My light reading for the bus ride was "Louis Vuitton Japan: The Building of Luxury" by Kyojiro Hata. It basically tells how Japan saved the LV brand with its avid clientele, so I was impressed that there were SA's that catered to the stream of Japanese tourists in the Big Apple. Well, that's it for now. I'll post the other pics tomorrow.