I apologise for not updating. I dropped off the face of the earth in order to spend time with my grandma on my mom's side in Surabaya (she had a stroke years ago and isn't doing that well physically), and I stayed at my aunt's place where there was no easy internet access.
Once I'm back in Singapore, I took my granny on my dad's side to ION, the newest shopping mall on Orchard road and there I saw Diane Von Furstenberg, Ms. DvF herself, getting interviewed at her new store opening. I wanted to go in and tell her how wonderful her designs are and to take a picture, but I didn't bring my camera (sob). Anyway, this Twitpic was just posted to LV's Twitter account and I thought it was share-worthy.
Of note, the Sensual Pump featured in this gorgeous picture comes with LV's signature golden sole. Hot, isn't it?!?? The golden sole is compelling enough to go up against Louboutin's red soles. However, I would have preferred it if the front was more rounded to give more room for our toes and also, if the golden sole didn't just stop halfway down the shoe (a rather abrupt and indecisive design, don't you think?). What do you reckon?
Saturday, August 22, 2009
LV Sensual Pump with LV signature golden sole
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Louis Vuitton Irene Bag
Monogram Irene $2,640
Irene Espresso $3,890suede and embossed patent leather
Irene Coco $3,890 Along with the Totally Monogram tote, Louis Vuitton has also come out with the Irene on Jun 6th this year. It was first shown in LV's Pre-Fall'09 collection back in January and can now be found under "New Arrivals" of the online Louis Vuitton store. You know the bag is a hit because it is out of stock online and replicas are already available all over the internet (Yes, perhaps even before the real one was released).
There is a number of details I love about this bag. The little rectangular pieces that hold the straps are very cute, and the straps themselves are bigger than what you would find on the Neverful bag, which means that it would be more comfortable resting on your shoulder. The drawstrings on the bag gives what would have been a bucket a much more interesting cinched shape. All in all, the bag should look good on almost anyone. My favorite is the Irene Coco (because I'm into gray bags). What about you?
Here's a really cute Youtube video of the Louis Vuitton window display at Fifth Avenue, NYC. You simply gotta chuckle.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Where are all the pretty shoes?
Picture: Resort 2010 Louis Vuitton (Style.com)Here's a question I want to post. I know that Louis Vuitton has A-MAY-ZING shoes (because Marc Jacobs is crazy and cool like that), but why can't I ever find any of them in LV stores (in US and Canada)?
My friend, G. L., said that she had seen beautiful LV shoes in Paris and London stores. How unfair is that? Basically, fashionistas are restricted by their environment, which should come as no surprise. It's hard to be involved in fashion when you live in a slow sub-urban area. Thankfully, for internet-savvy people, their "environment" includes that of the limitless virtual environment. For the fashion exposure we get online, I'm extremely grateful.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
LV and Takashi Murakami 2nd collaboration
Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami are doing it again. Their first collaboration was during the spring-summer 2003 season. This time, the lively Superflat monograms are back again and I'm filled with anticipation. To whet your appetite, Murakami has created a film animation to follow his Superflat Monogram film from 2003. The new film is dubbed the Superflat First Love (you'll see why by watching it here!).
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Louis Vuitton Totally Monogram Tote
Heard of Louis Vuitton's new bag? You should. Bagsnob.com talked about it May 15 and the rest of us who are signed up for news from LV also received the email. The Totally Monogram Tote is out and LV's online store at its official website has taken over the role of eLuxury's online LV boutique. Available in three sizes (the PM, MM, and GM) like the Neverful bag, it is about $200-$300 more expensive than the Neverful counterparts, and it has more functionality worked into the simple design. That is, there are two side pockets in the Totally Monogram Tote and a zipper on the top of the bag to make sure everything stays inside the bag. I love its added functionality, and think that it's a good move by LV considering how the Neverful bag is one of the most popular LV bags and some people might shy away from it because of its wide open bucket style. If you can't decide if this is the bag for you, consider this alternative.
The Totally Monogram MM Tote is already available for rent on Bag Borrow or Steal in both the Damier and the LV Monogram. The MM Tote cost $1,000 usually but for $44 a week or $130 a month, you can borrow it from the Bag Borrow or Steal website, which was featured in the Sex & the City Movie. That way, you can try it out and see if you really want it before you make the commitment. Kinda like moving in with your boyfriend before marrying him. Or maybe you really like the Totally Monogram, but it is summer, so you would like to carry the Damier Azur around for a few months before you buy a Totally Tote in traditional monogram. Well, that's what the Bag Borrow or Steal site is for. There is also a white patent Chanel Quilted Flap Handbag that I would love to borrow for the summer weeks before fall comes!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Louis Vuitton Inclusion Bracelet, Hoops, and Ring
(From Left to Right) Inclusion Bracelet Transparent (Small) $305
Inclusion Ring Transparent $235
Inclusion Hoops Transparent $385
What do you think? Are the LV Inclusion accessories cute, fabulous, or simply not worth that much money? Those who are familiar with my bag preferences know that I do not fancy monograms very much. Yet, I was drawn to these accessories at first sight, and honestly think they would make a great gift. The main reason for this is because LV successfully rejuvenated the classic monograms by placing them irregularly. Thus, the patterns are pleasing and the monograms are subtle to the eye. Plus, the bling factor is high with the spotless Swarovski crystals. It looks young and fun with a tinge of luxury.
On a side note, a thought came to my mind when I saw the Inclusion collection. Did LV want to reclaim more market share in the accessories department after seeing consumers being so in love with Hermès enamel bracelets? Unfortunately, since they were priced comparably, I have a feeling the LV Inclusion collection will not become as popular as the Hermès enamel bracelets. Hermès is, after all, Hermès~.
By the way, there is also a Monogram Inclusion Phone Accessory, Speedy Key Holder, Hair Cubes, Hair Barrette GM and PM. Very cute.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
$5000 Louis Vuitton Giveaway by PurseForum
What is up for grabs: Louis Vuitton Keepall 45, Louis Vuitton Pegase 50, Louis Vuitton Poche Toilette 10 and a Louis Vuitton Evasion Tote, total worth almost $5,000!!
When: Tuesday February 3rd 2009, 9 am PST through Tuesday March 3rd 2009 at 11:59 pm PST.
How to enter: Click here and head over to Who What Wear to register. You’ll need to grab the promotional code from here and enter it when you register.
Friday, November 07, 2008
New Louis Vuitton Monogram Etoile v.s. Suede Embossed
(Right) Monogram Canvas Etoile Partenaire PM Agenda $510.00
Well, no, it's not. I personally think it is plain lazy to introduce new bags with so little inspiration. However, to be fair, the shopper and bowling bag themselves are new designs and very cute bags (when I ignore the quilted monogram). The gold twist-lock closure in front is a new addition to LV bags. And even that made me wonder if LV took from the popularity of the twist-lock closures of Chanel bags and applied it directly to LV locks. Also, the prices of the Etoile bags are more than double the price on most other classic monogram bags.
(Right) Monogram Suede Embossed Wish $4000 USD (approx)
Across the globe, you'll find yet another series of cute new bags from LV with a strange element in their construction. Only available in Japan, the monogram embossed Whisper PM/GM and Wish are made in suede. However, these bags have python skin handles attached, which drives their prices way up into the $4000+ range. I really do like these bags with the little locks in a corner. They look like one of those easy-to-use, young-looking, classic bags, that I can pass down to my daughter. I just can't justify buying a suede bag at $4,000+. What do you think of the new bags from LV?
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
The Louis Vuitton Neverful evolves!~
From right: The original Neverfull bag in Monogram Canvas, Neverfull in Ebony Damier and Neverfull in dark brown Crocodile.
I got wind that BeautyTamaki is looking to buy the evolved Neverfull in Ebony Damier because it is prettier than the original Neverfull. The original Neverfull in Monogram canvas has been so popular that you will always find someone donning it on the streets at any given time near Taipei Sogo or 101. My cousin has it. BeautyTamaki's sister has it. And to give absolute proof of the fact that it is popular, a number of Neverfull fakes have appeared on the market! (Ask me for the picture! I have it!).
Right now, the only places you can get the elusive Damier Neverfull is in Japan and Hawaii. In other places, the release date has been pushed back to Spring 2009 for some undecipherable reason (the salesperson at Holt Renfrew tried to educate me but I really couldn't understand her).
Other than the Damier, I find the Neverfull in dark brown Crocodile extremely suited for my taste. I'm not a monogram type of person, even if LV has one of the best monograms you could find. Unless I find something colorful like Richard Prince's LV Watercolour Monogram bags, or something with such muted monograms that I could hardly see, I would probably never buy a monogram bag out of my own accord. Fortunately, they have finally come to their senses and made a Neverfull that even I could like. Even though the Neverfull in Crocodile looks like it is merely Croc print, it now looks much more sophisticated and cool than the original! What can I say? I have a soft spot for exotic skins...(See more detailed pictures of the Damier Neverfull and Croc Neverfull after the jump).
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Dark, unstructured bags under $2,000 USD
A friend of ours is looking to buy a bag under $2,000USD. She is sick of the boxy structure in her bag collection, and she hates getting her light-colored bags dirty. We couldn't resist dipping our fingers into this challenge: the search for the perfect, dark-colored, unstructured everyday bag for under $2,000 USD. Of course, a Bottega Veneta would be perfect, especially during such joyful period as the memorial sale in the States...a BV Julie, a BV butterfly tote, *mumble mumble, mumble*... ... ...ANYWAY, here goes. ________________________________________________________ Divive Bags that were too expensive... Jimmy Choo Saba Bag from Spring/Summer '08
From Givenchy, consider the Nightingale bags in all kinds of sizes and skin (ranges from $1,495 to $2,195 at Barneys). Ashley Olsen carried hers around all of last year and the bag exploded in popularity with bloggers and Hollywood stars everywhere. While we're talking about Givenchy, there are many who loved the design of Givenchy's Bettina bags (the small brown Bettina costs $959, while the medium black one costs $1,049). Once you release the lobster clasp at the front of the bag, it becomes a tote shaped somewhat like the YSL downtown. Personally, I find that the clasp makes it hard for me to reach into the bag. Instead, I prefer Givenchy's Pluto shoulder bags (that I saw in person in the mall beside FarEast Hotel on Dunhua). A small purple Pluto costs around 47,000NT and a medium black one costs around 54,000NT. They are incredibly adorable since they were fashioned after a dog with floppy ears. Dog lovers beware of the hole it might burn in your pocket~~~....JPG)
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From Chloe, we propose the Saskia Square Tote ($2,005) and the Padlock Leather Shopper ($1,718.63). I'm sure you will forgive us for including the Saskia Square Tote even though it is $5 over $2,000 and sort of a boxy shape. It is, however, wonderfully roomy and so eye-catching regardless of whether it is in taupe or in turqoise. Plus, you can wear it over your shoulders with the detachable straps or carry it by the Lucite handles. The Padlock Leather Shopper has the classic Chloe Paddington Lock on it and is big enough to carry anything you want with it. Drawback? The lock plus whatever you may throw in the bag will most definitely be a burden to your shoulders..JPG)
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From Miu Miu, there is the Miu Miu Ruched Large Bag ($1,384.94) and the Leather Vintage Clip Front Shopper ($1,188.65). Imagine the 15" H x 19" W Ruched Bag in a dark color. If you like the balloon shape but wish it was more elongated, look for the Miu Miu Gathered Top Tote (Large for $1,270, and Medium for $1,080). As for the Clip Front Shopper, its dimensions are 14" H x 18.5" W x 6.5" D, and the cool vintage leather is the point here. The bag is simple, sexy, and entirely effortless.
From Lanvin, we present the Padova Sac ($1,855) and the Pirouette (Fall '08: retails for 1544 €). Both bags are subtle and luxurious. The Padova's shape is reminiscent of Bottega's Julie bag, but Lanvin's distinct strap and hardware detailing defines it. You might have to wait a litte for the Pirouette, a brown calfskin bag with blue water snake handle. The scrumptuous calfskin juxtaposed with the blue watersnake handle really sends ripples into my heart.
From Diane von Furstenberg, here's the Wrap Bag ($900), which incorporates her signature wrap style into this new and highly popular bag. In fact, it is so popular, it's sold out in many stores. I guess we can only keep our eyes and ears peeled for when stores get another shipment of this simple yet interesting bag..JPG)
From Mulberry's Spring and Summer '08 collection, you'll find the Agyness ($1,595). It's rather self-explanatory and has caught the eye of many since its appearance. Mulberry has been coming up in ranks in the opinions of bag aficionados. Also, if the Agyness reminds you of Jimmy Choo's Maddy bag with zippers across the front, at least Mulberry made the Agyness bag softer, with better lines and curves, subtle details (plaited details on the side), and more femininity than Jimmy Choo did..JPG)
From Jimmy Choo, you'll find several versions of the Alex Shoulder Bag ($1975 for the Suede, $2,175 originally and on sale at $1,522 for the Leather). While they aren't the freshest bags out there, their design is chic and modern.
From Jill Sander, the Braided Handle Hobo ($1,850) blows an ultralight breath of fresh air to all that sees it. If only we can find it online in a dark color... But don't lose hope! Something might turn up for the Fall!!! (FYI: Except for slight variations in shape and an absence of the pretty braided handles, Jill Sander has many black leather hobos online that are similar to the bag above.) The nappa leather spans 11" x 16" x 6.5" with a 8" handle drop.
From Sonia Rykiel's french design house, the Judy bag was borned out of her Spring and Summer '08 collection. Supple calfskin paired with braided handles, there is a lot of attitude in this bag despite its softness. One might also consider Sonia Rykiel's Darling bag, though it doesn't pack quite the same punch as Judy.
From Derek Lam, we present a kaki-colored shoulder bag called Hera Hobo with Ram Hardware ($1,450). The interior is divided with a center zip compartment and outer magnetic-snap compartments. Mildly distressed leather is ruched in the front and in the back, with a 7" strap drop. This bag is neutral and mysterious, as if it hides a soft and intelligent secret in its sleeves. It epitomizes Derek Lam's designs in its womanly and wry ways.
From Fendi, the Baby Spy Bag ($1,470) is included because it is so damn cute in person. In black, there is a young, dominatrix feel about the bag. The classic Spy became popular a few years ago and since then, countless incarnations, mostly hideous, have been forcefully impressed on our eyes and minds. That's why it is so surprising to see the Baby Spy and find it so easily digested and very pleasant to be around with! Armed with a 4½" drop on the double braided handles, this bag is about 13"W X 6"H X 7"D in dimensions. 
From Marc by Marc Jacobs, we had to post this well-made leather bag in case you haven't bought it already. The name of the bag is Dr. Q Groovee (rather funky, don't you think?). At the affordable price of $498, this bag is certainly a good buy from a known name. Unfortunately, it's not in stock right now, so look in-store!!!
brown or black suede ($2,450)
black or off white nappa leather ($3,050 for large, $2,450 for medium)
Louis Vuitton Mahina XL and XXL
XL costs $3100
XXL costs $3900
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Louis Vuitton Clutches '07-'08
Louis Vuitton '08 Summer clutch - The Monogram Motard "Afterdark" (USD$1,860)
Louis Vuitton '08 Summer clutch - The Monogram Motard "Beforedark" (USD$2,940)
Clutch bags have been the rave for the past couple of years and they have been appearing so uniquitously that I doubt you could have missed it. This summer, Louis Vuitton collaborated with Richard Prince and came out with a pair of Monogam Motard clutches. The "Afterdark" bag is an interesting version of the foldover clutch, while the "Beforedark" bag can only be described as a dainty evening bag pretending to be a clutch pretending to be an evening bag. Both bags combine monogram motard leather, silk lining, and golden brass pieces for a mix of modern and retro elements. A removable acetate chain strap gives the "Beforedark" bag more versatility and character, while wide handles on both bags makes them easy to hold onto.
Ok, so that's kind of cool. But the romantics in some of us may crave a softer and more glamorous look. And if you are a fan of LV, you really don't have to switch loyalties. Just last Fall, LV came out with a gorgeous oversized clutch in metallic shades. Scarlett Johansson posed with it and they looked absolutely scrumptous together. Made out of wool and silk Monogram Limelight, natural cowhide leather trimmings and twill silk lining, the unstructured nature of the clutch may not be everyone's cup of tea. Yet, there is something to be said about the marriage of softness (in the materials) and boldness (in the size and metallic colors). Personally, I feel that the Monogram Limelight does exactly what its name promises and brings attention to whoever is carrying it. Just be wary of what might be brought under the spotlight!~
Scarlett Johansson in the Fall '07 LV ad campaign holding a Monogram Limelight in Pearl. She became the face and spokeperson for LV in early 2005.
My friend holding a Monogram Limelight in Copper, Louis Vuitton's clutch for Fall '07
