I compiled my last ‘5 Things I Love’ post in September 2019! So much has happened since then! But it’s a brand new year, so it’s a brand new compilation of random things that I love, mostly happening in January 2020.
Please feel free to share the 5 Things you love too – it helps you think a little and put things into perspective, and breaks down each month into more easily digestible bits 🙂
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Alright confession time. I’ve always wanted a drawstring bag. Its not a popular choice, I realise, but I want one regardless.
I blame it on my aunt who had one while I was growing up and I used to really want one because she always looked so casual-chic carrying hers. I never got round to it for various reasons but I always kept my eye firmly fixed on the Petit Noé, Louis Vuitton’s classic drawstring. Story has it that the Noé (slightly larger) was created back in the day to hold champagne bottles on picnics. Now tell me, how decadent is that?! 😀
The Petit Noé is a smaller version with a shoulder carry strap. There is a smaller version, Petite Noe BB that has an adjustable strap to allow you to carry it cross body if you prefer. I set my sights on the Petit Noé for a long time but never indulged. Recently, I noticed that LV has reintroduced the Noé, Petit Noé and Petit Noé BB to revive one of their most popular iconic bags.
It is also at about this time that I notice a return of the drawstring bags and while walking past the Radley store last week, one caught my eye! Whilst not cheap (and you could probably get some other brands doing similar designs for a smaller pricetag) Radley does do good leather bags and at over 25% savings compared to of the price of an LV, its certainly the “Save” option 🙂
A little while ago, I lusted after the Louis Vuitton Empreinte Artsy MM. The Empreinte Monogram leather is a new leather by LV – pricier (and in my view better quality) than Epi leather but more affordable than say, Mahina! I’ve gone back a couple of time to fondle the new leather and it really is lovely and I’m told, very hard wearing too.
I stopped paying attention after I learnt (much to the relief of my bank account) that the Artsy MM was too large and too heavy for me. But recently, I’ve had 2 bag enablers (LeGeeque and AnT I’m looking at both of you!) not so gently push me in the direction of the new Speedy Bandoulière 25.
This is basically the iconic Speedy 25 done up in empreinte leather, with a detachable strap that allows you to wear it on your shoulder or cross body. The zip is a double zip with gold hardware, reminiscent of the Alma style of bag closure.
I went to have a fondle and gawk at it in store a couple of days back and I have to say, it looks much better in person. It helped that I was served by a very friendly and lovely SA, Syed at the Starhill boutique. I’ve always had better reception at the Starhill LV boutique compared to the ones in The Gardens or KLCC. I detest KLCC the most – it feels like a bar or market in there so I’ve only ever gone there once. The Starhill boutique feels the most luxurious, and the staff there have always been friendly and welcoming, whether I buy anything or not, and no matter how I dress. I have a nasty habit of dressing down when I go to these luxury boutiques. Its a good test of their level of service 😉
I’d not been very into Louis Vuitton of late. Their new bag designs don’t grab me the way the classics do. But recently, I was once again drawn into the world of LV with the Empreinte leather range. I believe it was launched last year and although I would break my no-monogram rule, somehow, it actually looks quite good in a little more understated way.
I do have a soft spot for LV leather products though. They are much better made than the monogram canvas but as can be expected, costs an arm and a leg. Perhaps some day I’d even own something in Mahina leather. Well one can hope 😛
There aren’t many bags in the Empreinte range I like actually, but the Artsy MM is a beaut! This is the Empreinte version of the same design available in Monogram.
I went to check it out in store locally recently and as can be expected, the leather felt absolutely lovely. Its soft and pliable but also feels hardy. It would definitely wear well for everyday wear. But as can be expected, there was a fly in the ointment, other than the price.