Tag Archives: Handbags

Louis Vuitton Prefall 2013 Damier Paillettes Speedy 30

LV Prefall 2013 Damier Paillettes Speedy 30 -Black
LV Prefall 2013 Damier Paillettes Speedy 30 -Black

For the prefall 2013 collection, Louis Vuitton launches the Damier Paillettes  (limited-edition) line, which is a reinterpretation of Louis Vuitton’s iconic Damier canvas design. Paillettes means “sequin” in French. This new line is available in Speedy 30 and comes in three colors: red, blue, and black. Each has sequins embroidered on its checkerboard pattern and has matching leather trim. The sequins on the checkerboard are slightly off-line to create a sophisticated appearance.

By looking at the surface of the bag you can see that there are 20 small sequins in each individual square. What you won’t be able to see is that each sequin has two extra layers of sequins sewn tightly underneath. In my opinion, this subtle work of art emphasizes the design and makes the bag really stand out.

When it was first launched in June, I knew I wanted it the moment I saw it. But I couldn’t decide on which color to get (red, blue, or black). I think the red is very pretty, but the leather trim seems a bit closer to the brown leather on Louis Vuitton’s original Damier Ebene Speedy bag. I thought about getting the blue color. The color is very refreshing and eye catching. But I wondered how versatile this blue would be.

I chose the bag in black in the end. I think black matches well with any of the colors of almost all my outfits. The black sequin is a bit less flashy during the day and it’s glamorous at night. It was the perfect choice for me!

Louis Vuitton Prefall 2013 Damier Paillettes Speedy 30
Louis Vuitton Prefall 2013 Damier Paillettes Speedy 30
Louis Vuitton Prefall 2013 Damier Paillettes Speedy 30 - Red
LV Prefall 2013 Damier Paillettes Speedy 30 – Red
Louis Vuitton Prefall 2013 Speedy - Blue
LV Prefall 2013 Damier Paillettes Speedy – Blue
LV Prefall 2013 Damier Paillettes Speedy 30 -Black
LV Prefall 2013 Damier Paillettes Speedy 30 -Black

(Retail Price: $2,360, Louis Vuitton)

 

5 Things to Try This Month – July 2013

Here are my top five things I would like to try this month.


Asian-inspired Fine Dining in Las Vegas

Andreas Restaurant at Encore, Las Vegas

Andrea’s restaurant in Las Vegas is the latest addition to the Encore hotel. I’ve been wanting to go there since they opened. It’s a trendy restaurant with steak, seafood, Chinese Dim Sum, and Japanese sushi.


Dream Interpretation Journey

It’s a unique kind of spa experience offered in QUA Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. During the session, the trained dream coach will help you to better understand your dreams using Jungian archetypes (whatever that means!). For fun, I’d like to try it while I am in Las Vegas for my friend’s bachelorette party.


Pamper Your Skin with the Secret Oil

Kate Somerville’s Dilo Oil Restorative Treatment

Try Kate Somerville’s Dilo Oil Restorative Treatment,$65. Dilo oil is the common natural ingredient the native women on Fiji Island use to protect their skin from aging. Kate Somerville’s Dilo Oil Restorative Treatment combines dilo oil with other beneficial ingredients to improve skin hydration and firmness.


Reinvented Louis Vuitton Speedy 30

Louis Vuitton Speedy for Prefall 2013

Louis Vuitton has reinvented its iconic Speedy 30 with sequins on Damier canvas for Prefall 2013 – Damier Paillettes. The bag has already been launched and comes in three colors: red, blue, and black. The bag in black is my favorite.


Unlined Sexy Demi Bra for Summer

Victoria's Secret New Unlined Demi Bra

Victoria’s Secret launched new unlined demi bra for its “Body by Victoria” collection. The new bra is made of thin layer of lace. It’s sexy and perfect for summer weather. I have my eyes set on “Lilac Frost” and “Timeless Pink”.


Louis Vuitton SC Bag by Sophia Coppola

Olivia Palermo with Louis Vuitton SC bag designed by Sophia Coppola by WhoWhatWear

Being a celebrity has a lot of perks, especially when it comes to fashion. Earlier this month a picture of Olivia Palermo was taken. She’s holding a Louis Vuitton SC bag designed by Sophia Coppola. The design has been around for a few years, but the color (bright red) is new. The official launch date for this bag is June 28. If you are a special customer of the Louis Vuitton store, you get the early peek on what’s going to be launched in advance. You could put in your order, but you won’t be able to take your new bag home until the official launch day.

I’ve seen the bright red SC bag Olivia Palermo held in the picture in the Louis Vuitton store. It’s a bit expensive-$4,850, but I have to say that the design (kind of like LV’s Speedy) and material (all leather) are great. Usually Louis Vuitton’s speedy bags come with the Louis Vuitton signature lock. The SC bag has the signature lock, but the lock is wrapped in the leather in the same material as the bag itself. The keys to the lock are also wrapped in the tussle that holds the lock. Overall, it’s a unique bag and comes in three new colors: bright red, brown, and orange. I like it in bright red the best; it’s chic and fashionable.

Can you image how great would it be if you can have the early access to the bag before the launch date? If I buy a new bag, I’d be so happy if I could take it home without waiting for weeks.

Jimmy Choo Spring 2013 Sale is Now On

It’s the time for Jimmy Choo’s sale for Spring collection. If you missed the pre-sale last week, don’t miss the official sale which started on Saturday, June 1. The sale is available online as well as in-store. Selected Spring products from both women and men shoes, handbags, and accessories are now available at 30% off original prices.

Jimmy Choo is one of my favorite brands for shoes. I am constantly looking for any sales on Jimmy Choo. Both Nordstrom (save up to 40%) and Neiman Marcus (save up to 33%) are having a sale on Jimmy Choo shoes. However, the items on sale are quite limited.

I have to admit that shopping on Jimmy Choo’s web site is a lot of fun. I feel like a little girl going into a big candy store while I am going through the pictures of the sale items. There are three shoes showcased in each row. While I scan through each row I get excited from the anticipation of waiting to see what items will appear next. There are more selections available if you get on the site early enough when the sale begins.

I couldn’t resist the temptation of Jimmy Choo’s famous Lance strappy sandals, especially when I see them on sale in tangerine metallic watersnake. What can be more gorgeous than wearing this pair of Lance with a white or yellow dress during the day and a simple black dress at night in Summer time?

If you like Jimmy Choo’s Lola in floral printed python, featured in the Spring Summer ad campaign and mentioned in my post Print is the Fashion Trend for Spring 2013, you are in luck! It’s on sale for $1,001 (originally $1,495).

If you like Jimmy Choo, make sure you don’t miss the sale on Jimmy Choo’s web site, and Nordstrom. Enjoy your shopping!

Jimmy Choo Lance in Tangerine Watersnake
Jimmy Choo – Lance in Tangerine Watersnake
Jimmy Choo – Lola Floral Python Platform Pump
Jimmy Choo – Lola Floral Python
Jimmy Choo - Biel in Orchid Glitter Fabric
Jimmy Choo – Biel in Orchid Glitter Fabric
Jimmy Choo - Belle
Jimmy Choo – Belle

Print is the Fashion Trend for Spring 2013

One of the essential fashion trends for the Spring is print. Prints can be spotted on handbags, clothes, shoes, and jewelry. Popular prints include animal prints (such as leopard and snakeskin), floral prints, and graphic arts.

Many designers, such as Dolce & Gabanna, Marc Jacobs, Oscar dela Renta, Roberto Cavalli, and Stella McCartney, have launched their unique print items for this season.

When it comes to wearing a print, it’s better to minimize the number of the print items on you. Do not wear the print head-to-toe. For example, if you are wearing a snakeskin print dress, don’t pair it with print shoe or handbag. Instead, pair the dress with a mono-tone accessory, such as black pump or light colored handbag. If you want to wear a print shoe, avoid wearing eye-catching clothes that will divert attention away from your shoe. In another words, the print shoe is the focus and rest of your outfit becomes the accessories.

Below are a few examples of the prints launched for the Spring.


Leopard Print

The Marc Jacob belted leopard-print dress is a classic. (left) The black belt and sleeves add the balance to the leopard pattern. The dress by Roberto Cavalli is very sexy. (right)  The leopard print in the middle blends well in the mixed print. And the silk material makes the dress stand out.

Marc Jacobs – Belted Leopard-Print Dress $895

Roberto Cavalli – Mixed-Print Dress & Metallic Belt $5,260


 Snakeskin Print

I really like the Python print dress by Gucci (left). The mixture of green and dark snakeskin makes it a sexy dress for Spring. This Valentino snakeskin bag (left) reminds me of a leopard bag Valentino made for Fall. They are equally nice in an eye-catching way.

Gucci – Light Green Jacquard Python Motif Tunic Dress $2,250

Valentino – Rockstud Medium Snakeskin Tote Bag, Ivory $4,695


Floral Print

Floral print is in for every Spring. The dress by Versace (left) is ideal for a night out. The gorgeous floral python platform by Jimmy Choo (right) is perfect for the season. I’d pair it with a simple white dress, such as Herve Legaer’s Cap-Sleeve Bandage Dress to show off the floral print on this shoe.

Versace – Cutout-Waist Floral Dress $2,250

Jimmy Choo – Lola Floral Python Platform Pump $1,001 (original $1,495)


CUSP by Neiman Marcus Trend Show

CUSP Trend Show

CUSP (by Neiman Marcus) is a recently-created contemporary store that offers new and well-known designers’ products. I attended a CUSP launch party last week and watched the trend show at Neiman Marcus. The event started with light appetizers and cocktail drinks (such as blueberry mojito and beer in mini mugs). The event was followed by the show with fashion models on the runway in gorgeous outfits.

During the trend show I saw many clothes, shoes, and bags in orange (the new neutral) and blue. Two essential elements for this Spring, prints and laces, were also been spotted throughout the show. Among all the items I saw during the event, I have many favorite picks. Listed below are six examples that especially caught my attention.


Black jacket and pump go well with anything

Black is the basic element in every season. You can pull it off with almost anything such as this jacket and pump.

Rebecca Taylor – Tweed Jacket (left)

Christian Louboutin Fifi Spikes Red Sole Pump in Black (right)


Patterns and prints are still in vogue

Diane von Furstenberg – Fleurette Printed Dress (left)

Stella McCartney – Falabella Snake-Print Foldover Clutch Bag, Fuchsia (right)


Orange is the new neutral color for Sping 2013

Manolo Blahnik –BB Suede High-Hell Pump, Orange (left)

Stella McCartney – Falabella Fold-Over Leopard-Canvas Tote Bag (right)


The models wore the orange jacket with the gold finge sandal. This combination brings out the best of each item.

Alice + Olivia – Cropped Zipper Jacket (left)

B Brian Atwood – Metal Fringe Back-Zip Sandal, Gold (right)


Blue makes a great wardrobe transition from Winter to Spring

The purple suede sandal complements the A-line dress in navy to complete a perfect Spring outfit.

Rebecca Taylor – Frayed Fit-and-Flare Dress in Navy (left)

B Brian Atwood – Cutout Suede Sandal, Purple (right) On sale for $340


Lace is a must-have for Spring 2013

This look showcases why lace is an important element of this season. Who can say “no” to such a fashionable look?

Diane von Furstenberg – Lace Dress with Semi-Sheer-Yoko (left)

Valentino – Floral Lace Cutout Shoulder Bag, Pop Fuchsia (right)


Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2013 Speedy Cube

Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2013 Speedy Cube MM in Cream

It has been about five months since the Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2013 women’s fashion show launched in October. I am glad that the selected handbags from the collection finally arrived in stores. Please meet the new Speedy Cube, the reinvented iconic Speedy bag!

The size of Speedy Cube is different than the original Speedy (such as Speedy 25 and 30). The Speedy is usually longer in length and shorter in depth. The Speedy Cube is shorter in length and longer in depth. It is available in Speedy Cube PM (small) and MM (large). The PM also comes with a removable cross-body strap that can be adjusted in length.

If you watched Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2013 women’s fashion show, you’d know that the Damier pattern was part of the main theme in the show. It wouldn’t be a surprise that the Speedy Cube from the collection has the Damier element in it. The Damier pattern on the Speedy Cube is called Damier Facette. It’s shiny calf leather embossed with the Damier (smaller pattern) in a structured shape, which is unlike the traditional Damier in soft canvas. The Speedy Cube PM ($1,990) is available in yellow and Speedy Cube MM ($2,280) is available in cream and camel colors. I have to say that the prices are a bargain for Louis Vuitton’s runway collection.

I think Speedy Cube PM is a bit too small for me. In my opinion, it is cute and would be ideal for petite women. Although the bag comes with a removable cross-body strap, it looks better if it is hand held. I like the Speedy Cube MM the best. The size is perfect for me. Unfortunately, it is not available in my favorite yellow color (only offered on Speedy Cube PM).

Both Speedy Cube PM and MM in Damier Facette are available online and in-store.

Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2013 Speedy Cube PM
Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2013 Speedy Cube PM
Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2013 Speedy Cube MM in Camel
Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2013 Speedy Cube MM in Camel

Fendi Tevere Zucca Mini Crossbody Bag

If you love handbags you probably noticed mini crossbody bags are in since last season. Some good examples are the Fancy Mini Shoulder Bag by Faragamo, Audry Small Crossbody Bag by Chloe, and Alma BB by Louis Vuitton (which has been around for many years but became especially popular this season.)

Mini crossbody bags will stay in vogue until at least Spring 2013. For Spring 2013 Fendi launched a new Tevere Zucca mini crossbody bag in tobacco/ocra (also availables in tabacco/dark brown). This bag in tobacco/ocra caught my attention immediately, which doesn’t happen often when it comes to Fendi bags. Fendi has many iconic bags, such as the Baguette and 2Jours Elite, but I couldn’t picture myself in any of them. They are nice but don’t match with my style.

Despite the fact that Fendi is not my top choice for handbags, I like the Tevere Zucca mini crossbody bag in tobacco/ocra a lot. It is made with Fendi logo-jacquard fabric with yellow smooth leather trim. This color and material contrast make the bag stand out. It’s compact and perfect for day and night. I would wear it with True religion skinny jeans with Christian Louboutin Rolando Hidden-Platform pump or Frye Lindsay Leather Plate boot.

Buy Fendi Tevere Zucca Mini Crossbody Bag from Nordstrom

Buy True Religion Halle Black Clear Coat High-Rise Skinny Jeans from Neiman Marcus

Buy Christian Louboutin Rolando Hidden-Platform Pump from Neiman Marcus

Buy Frye Lindsay Leather Plate Boot from Neiman Marcus

Spring 2013 Fashion Trend Show

I went to the Spring 2013 Trend Show event at Neiman Marcus and had a great time. As always, the fashion show was stunning. It started with champagne and treats (cupcakes, cookies, and cake pops) for the attendees. Followed by the show with models on the runway in gorgeous outfits, great handbags, fabulous shoes, and nice jewelry for the upcoming season.

The two hottest hues for spring 2013 are blue and orange. Blue is a great color for both cold and warm weather, which makes it a perfect wardrobe transition from winter to spring. Orange is always a popular color for spring. This season orange will be a great base color to match with almost any color to create an eye-catching outfit.

Among all the new items I saw during the fashion show, I have many favorite picks: Badgley Mischka Lace Cocktail Dress with Open Back, Christian Louboutin Decollette Polka-Dot Watersnake Red Sole Pump (Black/White), Christian Louboutin Fifi Spikes Red Sole Pump (Black), Manolo Blahnik Arpegeny Snake-Band Slide Sandal, Prada Saffiano Promenade Stone-Trim Bag, Saint Laurent Y Ligne Cuir Gras Mini Bag (Blue).


Blue and orange – the hottest colors for Spring 2013

Love the blue Prada (left) and orange Chloe (right) bags.

Prada – Saffiano Promenade Handbag, Bright Royal Blue

Chloe – Alice Satchel Bag


Gorgeous dresses for Spring 2013

The Saint Laurent clutch and Manolo Blahnik pump match the dress perfectly (left). The Badgley Mischka dress is eye-catching during the show (right).

Saint Laurent – Y Ligne Clutch Bag, Blue

Badgley Mischka – Lace Cocktail Dress with Open Back


Louis Vuitton Alma BB

Louis Vuitton Alma BB

If you are a fan of Louis Vuitton bags, you have probably noticed that the company has been promoting several of their iconic bag styles in smaller versions. A good example would be the Louis Vuitton Alma BB, the mini version of its classic Alma bag.

Louis Vuitton Alma now comes in three sizes: GM (large), PM (medium), and BB (small). Alma GM is ideal for taller women or those who are dressed in professional and business attires. Alma PM is a bit smaller than GM, and it’s good for women of any height. The PM is a bit easier to match with outfits than the GM. And Alma BB, which is in the recent spotlights, is a mini bag that comes with a detachable strap. The BB is perfect for petite women and also works well for anyone in an evening-wear environment.

Once you see the Alma BB, I think you’ll find it adorable. The Alma BB is available in several lines, such as Monogram Vernis, Epi, ostrich leather, and alligator leather. I like it in Rose Velours, one of the three new Monogram Vernis colors launched recently. This color reminds me of a lighter rose color that debuted in early 2010. That was one of my all-time favorite colors.

Alma BB is a perfect day-to-night bag. If you want to get something that stands out, nothing can be better than getting Alma BB in lighter Monogram Vernis. If you want the bag for a night out, you can consider getting it in darker hues, such as Amarante in Monogram Vernis or Black in Epi.

Click here to see the Alma BB in the latest Vernis color, Rose Angelique.

Louis Vuitton Alma BB in new Monogram Venis colors
Louis Vuitton Alma BB in new Monogram Venis colors. Rose Velours (left) and Indian Rose (right).