Something new, something small, something red

 

In the past couple of months, I was in a special mission to find a SLIM long (continental) wallet. My objective is simple. I want a continental wallet that can easily fit into my Celine Trio or Dior Miss Dior Promenade (check both bags here). Currently I have several continental wallets (last family photo here) but there is only one wallet that can fit into those bags (this one here).

To be honest, it was not an easy task as most of continental wallets had a standard design, i.e. plenty of credit card slots, a coin compartment, 3-4 compartments to keep money or receipts, which caused a rather bulky continental wallet. My requirement was simple, where I wanted max. 2 compartments (just to keep money and receipts), 6 credit card slots and NO coin compartment and the width of wallet must be less than 10cm.

Well, I almost gave up for my mission (and almost decided to use a small bi-fold wallet) until I saw this wallet in Bottega Veneta store (By the way, the wallet was kept in men's section as it is actually a men's long wallet. No wonder that I never knew this wallet before as I kept looking at the women's section). The size is just perfect and its details match to my specific requirements. Yay! I then became more excited when I saw a true red colour from Bottega Veneta's Cruise 2014 collection, called 'New Red'.

Without further ado, here is my New Red continental wallet which has become my favourite wallet in the past one month.

Recent Longchamp haul

About a month ago, Longchamp held its annual End of Season sale for the fall winter collection. Of course I did not miss the event especially when the SA called me in advance and advised me for the upcoming event ;)

So on the first day of sale event, I went to the store, stayed inside the store for total 15 minutes (I was in hurry) and went home with a big green 'Longchamp' paper bag. Well, I bought 3 Le Pliage bags: 2 Le Pliage Cuir in cumin and bilberry and 1 Le Pliage Plumes in bronze. All are in medium size (length 32cm) with long strap.

In my opinion, the Le Pliage Plumes bag is quite unique as Longchamp claimed that it uses printed moleskin fabrics and the fabrics feel super soft!

All these bags have been actively on duty in the past one month. They are great for daily bags and the medium size is just perfect for me.

See the printed moleskin fabrics of Le Pliage Plumes in close up. There are many 'Longchamp' letters printed randomly all over the fabrics surface. What a great details!

 

 

Pssstt, please check out my other Le Pliage Cuir bags here.

V73 Birkin-inspired canvas tote bag

V73 is an Italian brand that designs and makes a Birkin-inspired bag made from canvas. They claim that the bags and accessories are made in Italy (not made in China!).

I was so tempted to get this bag as I read quite positive review from bag lovers around the globe. I have seen the other Birkin-inspired bags from Banana Taipei (a Taiwanese brand) or Thursday Friday (a US brand) and one thing that I noticed was that both brands uses unlined canvas fabric to construct the bag. Hence the inside pocket was relatively minimum (only one open pocket) and the bags do not have a nice structure (very very slouchy).

The Birkin inspired bag from V-73 is different. It is made from thick canvas and inside is lined with red cotton fabric (yes, red lining is always nice). And since the bag is lined, there are some functional pockets built-in inside the bag. Even there are 2 zip pockets with unique metal zipper pull, i.e. in number 7 and 3.

The bag is decorated with metal buckles on the front side which improves its aesthetic look. Another decoration of the bag is a set of bag charm which I do not feature in this post. Oh, and the bottom of the bag is protected by some metal feet.

Although the bag is made from canvas, it is actually a rather heavy bag. I guess it is due to the thick canvas, lining and those metal hardware used in this bag. Because the bag is heavy (even when it is empty), I  have intentionally removed the metal bag charm to reduce the weight.

I have used the bag in the past one month and yes I quite like it. I have used it as a pilates bag to keep my exercise clothes and I guess this bag would serve well as my pilates/gym bag.

If there is a smaller size for this bag then I might interested in getting another one which would be nice for daily handbag *wink*

 

 

The bag has plenty of pockets!

 

 

 

I bought the bag from Reebonz.com and was so surprised when I received the package. It was delivered inside a huge black box from Reebonz. And with ribbon tied on it. Nice!

End of season SALE is on!

Yes, year end is coming very soon and my favourite brands start to have their regular end of season sale events. Yay!