Cravings :: Louis Vuitton Indian Rose Collection

Hello Everyone!

In the past, I never was particularly interested in Louis Vuitton other than for its Neverfull GM (the huge tote bag) and the iconic Speedy 25. However, recently they released a collection of monogrammed patent ("vernis") leather in a hot fuchsia called "Indian Rose". Since this collection has come out early this spring/summer, I've been constantly looking at it!

I was debating of getting one of the smaller items, like the Zippy Coin Wallet, Cosmetic Pouch or the Cles Key Pouch (above) such that I can have my very own piece of the collection, but the price is really hard for me to swallow. The Zippy Coin Wallet is $500 and the Cles is $370! Likewise, I was really drawn to this collection because of the Alma BB pictured below.

It was inspired when I was looking at the Instagram of HRH Collection! She makes the bag look so cute. Sigh... why does this bag have to be so expensive!

Aside from the price, considering my student lifestyle, a bag in monogrammed bright patent leather may call into question my financial status. I really like this bag, but I also think that the monogramming is quite ostentatious? But I guess for $1,550, you probably want to most ostentatious bag so you have more bang for your buck (like a pair of Christian Louboutins vs Jimmy Choos - you want the red lacquered sole to show for the amount you paid!). Additionally, I come from a middle-class society, so people around me would most likely recognize the logo but also question my finances for it? Additionally, I also feel its slightly disrespectful to be flashing a pricy bag when others around you can't really afford various necessities or swimming in debt (though that is their problem). Likewise, I wouldn't wear this in a workplace as it is too flashy. So what is the practicality of the bag for me (despite the handles and the crossbody meets my physical handbag credentials)? The other question is how long would I enjoy this bag for? Is this just a phase or something I really really really love? Do I really want to spend a month's worth of rent on a bag that I'm only going to love for a short time?

Anyways, inspite of all my worries, I've also found another bag I really love in the same colour! The Monceau BB.

I also really like this bag! In addition, there are photos online of Miranda Kerr wearing it and it looks really good on her! (Plus it doesn't hurt that Miranda Kerr is one of my fashion icons/celebrity girl crushes)

And the Elle September 2013 feature on Miranda Kerr's closet shows it lounging comfortably in her shoe closet.

And the promotional pictures from Louis Vuitton makes it look very classy dressed up - which means it has the ability to be dressed up or down!

I like this just as much as the Alma BB because the patent leather isn't monogrammed so it isn't quite as ostentatious. But the fact it isn't monogrammed and is smooth patent leather means that fingerprints and scratches are more visible. Lastly it is $1,7300 - $180 more than the Alma BB.

Plus for the same amount of money, I can put this money towards my "Chanel Flap Fund" (where, if I would like to buy it before I turn 25, I need to save $200/month to account for prince increase and taxes by the time I'm able to purchase it -- I'm a little behind on this since I don't save $200/month just for my Chanel bag) or another bag from another designer that is more practical for my lifestyle, like Marc Jacobs (cheaper and less questionable), Prada (more timeless) or the Paraty Bag from Chloe (not well known, no logos).

Anyways, what do you guys think? I'm just trying to write down my thought processes here to see if it's really worth saving up for. It's also a seasonal colour so I don't know how long its going to be in stock for or when it's going to be discontinued since I'm not familiar with Louis Vuitton sales patterns (ie: Chanel season items are snapped up literally within an hour, well not quite but within the day).

Thanks for reading!
elle xx

PS: Wrong colour but I just saw Wendy from Wendy's Lookbook also has the Monceau BB but in Rose Velours! I really like Wendy as a fashion icon as her style tends to be very iconic and timeless. She really thinks about her purchases in the long picture (though recently she's been going more trendy but generally quite timeless).

PPS: I really dislike the Louis Vuitton website! It's really slow and it takes forever to find what you are looking for! >:(

OOTD :: Brunch at Tiffany's

Leather Jacket: Danier, Scarf: Alexander McQueen, Bag: Mom's Chanel, 

Jeans: TNA, Boots: Michael Kors

New in my Closet :: Hot Pink Leather Coach Crossbody Bag

Hello Everyone!

So I recently went to Hawaii and during my trip I bought this crossbody bag from Coach! I've been eyeing this crossbody for as long as I could remember and I was ecstatic when I was able to score a deal on the bag at Macy's! The best part of this bag is that it's versatile! You can wear it as a crossbody, double up the strap and wear it as a shoulder bag, or you can take off the straps and use it as a clutch!

The bag (new collection here) is regular price at $198 + applicable taxes (Toronto has 13% tax). However, I was able to get mine for $120 + 25% off (in store promotion) + another 20% off (Macy's Card Discount) for $72 + Hawaiian taxes (5%)! Pretty awesome right? That goes to show waiting pays off in the end! 

Thanks for reading!

elle xx

OOTD :: First Day of School

Jacket: Danier, Chambray Shirt: American Eagle, Tank: Jean Machine (Black), Aritzia (Heart), Jeans: Abercombie & Fitch, Boots: Vince Camuto, Bag: Longchamp

Today's was my first day of school as a continuing education student! I haven't officially convocated with my Bachelors yet but come November it will be official! For those who are wondering, I'm a Human Health & Disease Major, but I'm currently taking some literature courses in continuing ed! I must say, for any female students - a huge cute tote is quite important! Mine has quite a beating, as I purchased it in Paris (I got the Longchamp bag with the Eiffel Tower on it!) in 2011 - the bag has seen 2 years of abuse. I highly recommend students to invest in a Longchamp as a 'designer' school bag as it is made of nylon and is quite durable and very light. Additionally, the bag can be placed in a backpack as it is easily folded! 

For the rest of you starting school - best of luck in this school year and enjoy it! I feel ridiculous saying it - but school will be the best time of your life! I haven't officially graduated and I miss my school dearly.

With love,

elle xx

Haul :: Mac Warehouse Sale - September 2013

I must say, although my binge warehouse sale shopping has gone down quite a bit (part maturity, part unnecessary; less fast fashion - save up for more worthy fashion investment pieces), the once highly coveted MAC Warehouse Sale is quite a drab. 

My dearest readers, I would not recommend you buying tickets from your sources unless you know that you will be buying and that the savings are worthwhile. Save the $10 to put towards a lipstick from MAC's current collection. The two following reasons are why I recommend you not to go to the sale.

- Not a lot of selection! What used to be multiple tables of eyeshadows are now limited to warehouse sale items that haven't been sold out by the previous warehouse sale. This also applies to blushes, compacts, and lip products. At most there are now 2-3 tables with ~8-10 products on each of them. I also found that the skincare selection has been shrinking as well. Foundations, mascaras, and concealers still have a decent selection. However, if you know that you absolutely need multiple bottles of Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation in Sand - go for it. For $12 a bottle (retail ~$40+) those are savings worthy of the ticket & gas money.

- Lots of "cheap" & "useless" items! What they do have a lot of in the MAC warehouse are those Clinique makeup pouches from the gift with purchases and the holiday gift tins (the tartan collection from 2 years back if anyone knows of it). Note these are just the pouches and tins themselves - sans the makeup. They are pretty cheap ($1-4), but for that price, you can get a much cuter one at Forever 21 or wait for your own gift with purchase makeup bags.

Aside from that, I was able to pick up 2 angled brushes by EYESBYDESIGN. It was a buy one get one free special. One brush was $8; thus an average price of $4.

I am also disappointed to report that the MAC Warehouse no longer gives out gifts! And for those who were wondering - the charity bag is very similar to the last warehouse - the same 2 duo shadows and same price ($5) - but a different eyeliner pencil/lip gloss (i didn't study the box too well but the box was a shiny brown opposed to the traditional MAC black packaging).

Thanks for reading!

elle xx

PS: For those who are wondering, my mother obtains these tickets from work!

Handmail :: Souvenirs from Taiwan and Hong Kong

Hello!

So my oldest and best friend went to Taiwan and Hong Kong for a month and returned with these goodies for me ! 

From a Taiwanese temple she got me a charm for good luck in love. The other items is a blue nail polish in a teddy bear bottle (so adorable!), a green macaron keychain (addicted to macarons!) and two headphone jacks - my favourite Rilakkuma and Chip (as she is Dale; and she has the matching one). 

Absolutely adore these gifts! Thank you Rizzoli :) <3

Thanks for reading!

Elle xx