Bags – TD Style

Bags, Designer, Review, Shopping, Women’s fashion

My new black Hermes Constance 18

March 4, 2019March 4, 2019 Trang Dang

Some of you who follow me on IG may have seen this bag being featured on my recent outfit posts. A couple of weeks ago, my boyfriend had to make a day trip to Paris for a meeting. He so sweetly agreed to meet with my normal Hermes SA for me as long as I arranged everything with her and he only needed to show up!

Long story short, he’s done so well bringing this lovely beauty back to join my bag collection: a black Constance 18 in Evercalf leather.

Pictures do not quite do this leather justice as Evercalf is as shiny and smooth as Hermes Box Calf so there’s a gorgeous sheen on the bag. It’s also a lot smoother and luxuriously buttery to touch!

Below is my first outfit with this bag. I was quite careful not to scratch this bag on first use (didn’t baby it or anything though, still put my keys in and took it through the crowded London tube on a Saturday!) and fortunately, I have found Evercalf not as delicate as I thought.

I will do a more detailed review on the wear and tear of the leather once I have had the chance to use it more.

Hermes Constance 18 green Vert Vertigo epsom leather. Wearing with Zara double breasted jacket and camel cashmere sweater.

Bags, Designer, Fall, Season

Cashmere and Constance

October 19, 2018 Trang Dang

Or my two latest favourites for this coming winter!

When I was younger, style would come before comfort. And trend would come before quality material. I wouldn’t understand the point of spending so much on a luxurious cashmere sweater when I can get one that looks exactly the same from a high street store.

Older and wiser, now you can’t pry my cashmere sweaters from my cold dead hands! Did I mention Uniqlo makes amazing cashmere sweaters for very affordable prices? I bought a couple from them years ago and wear repeatedly last year – they still look brand new.

And of course, the new start of the show: my new Constance in Vert Vertigo. In these pictures the colour is a bit brighter and more vibrant than usual, perhaps because of my camera settings.

One would think green is a hard colour to match. But I’m finding out that this bag goes effortlessly with the majority of my clothes. Perhaps it’s because I don’t have a lot of bright reds which together with greens, will make me look like Mother Christmas.

One thing about the Constance bag is that the H opening is surprisingly difficult to handle for first time users. It took me awhile to work my way around it. Even now, I find it a bit hard to open the bag with just one hand. Anyone considering a Constance for an every day bag, I would advise trying a sample in store and playing around with the lock to see if you like it.

The cherry on top of the cake is this pair of snakeskin boots – new score from good old Zara. They are very comfortable and well made. Many people have complimented me on these and they were all surprised when I told them they were from Zara!

This last shot is taken under my home lighting and actually shows the colour pretty well. Maybe a bit on the darker side but I would say this is more accurate than the shots above.

Bags, Review

A review of my first experience shopping with a Hermes reseller

October 11, 2018May 2, 2019 Trang Dang

*Update 22 March 2019: I will caution all buyers before/after purchasing from resellers to definitely send the bags for authentication. Even though my personal experience with this seller below has been a positive one and my bag was confirmed authentic by the most trustworthy, professional authenticator, someone has recently alerted me that a Kelly bag she bought from this same seller has turned out to be fake.

It has not yet been confirmed whether this seller knowingly sold a fake bag or was scammed by their sources as well but I thought this update is essential to my future readers.

Do message me on IG if you have any questions or have experiences with this seller that you would like to let me know.

Trang

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Bags, Designer, Shopping, Women’s fashion

My interesting visit to Hermes London

September 28, 2018September 29, 2018 Trang Dang

Sorry for my hiatus after my last post – work has been crazy last week so blogging had to take a back seat!

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have already seen my recent new purchase: a Lindy 26 in Rose Azalee colour. I was thrilled to be able to gift myself a lovely new bag for my birthday (gifts to yourself are the best kind, am I right?!) However, what I want to share today are some interesting observations while at Hermes store in London; I don’t think it’s particularly important to name which store (you can probably tell from the pictures below) because I’m sure these things happen frequently at every single Hermes boutique in the world.

Bag lovers like me all know enough crazy stories about Hermes, what people do to hunt for a Birkin/Kelly bag, the conspiracy theories about what’s going on in those stock rooms at the back of the stores, the tips and tricks to ‘score’ a Birkin bag etc. But those are all but stories. I myself have visited many Hermes stores in different countries and have never witnessed anything out of the ordinary…well, until this particular visit right in my home store in London.

My boyfriend and I went into Hermes when the store was relatively quiet. The lovely hostess asked me what bags I would be interested in seeing. I told her I didn’t have anything specific in mind, we just wanted to see what’s available (I think people who straight out said they only want Birkin/Kelly would probably be turned down immediately). The hostess said there were just 2 people in front of us so we took a seat and wait to be served by a Leather SA (Sales Associate for those not familiar with bags lingo Lol).

While waiting, I saw 3 people being served by a young SA, 2 ladies and 1 man. They were shown a bag they didn’t like, I gathered as the older lady began to speak in a loud voice:

Lady: I know you have Birkins but you are not going to show me anyway!

SA: I’m sorry we really don’t have any Birkin in stock.

Lady: I know what you have at the back, you are just never going to show me those bags!

SA: Oh do you?

At this point the lady became quite distressed and walked away from the table and went sit by herself sulking at another corner. Her husband and friend followed her and seemed to be complaining in their local language. She looked to be so pissed off that she was close to crying. She demanded to see the store manager. After awhile, the store manager came to see her but all he could say was a longer, more polite version of what the SA had already told her. They left with what I would describe as extreme disappointment and frustration.

While I was speaking to my SA, another lady came in, holding her phone in her hand. I assumed she had asked to see a Birkin/Kelly bag because when an SA told her they have no bag in stock, she became angry very quickly. The conversation went like this:

Lady: You’re just lying to me!

SA: No sorry madam but we haven’t had a delivery today.

Lady: I have a friend who works at another store who already told me you received a delivery just now! Another store was also lying to me!

SA: I’m really not sure who your friend is and where she gets this information but we don’t have any delivery today yet, maybe you could come back tomorrow..

Lady: I have been here every single day this past week!! Every time a different person lies to me!

At this point, she was becoming a bit hysterical and loud so the SA had to walk her to a desk to sit down and calmly speak to her. This conversation then quiet down so I couldn’t hear the resolution but I can guess how it would go.

My SA and I watched all this happening and I’m sure others in the store overheard too. He said this happens really frequently in the store and this was not even close to the worst they have seen. I feel really bad for the SAs that work there.

Even though I’m crazy about bags myself, I have never seen such emotional display in a boutique, all for a bag. To deal with Hermes, I think it’s best to be calm, cool, collected, and most importantly, polite. If they said no, smile and move on – this is just not your day. There’s no need to cry in the middle of the store because you assume they’re all lying to you. After all, no bag is worth us losing our heads over.

Aftermath photo – pondering what has happened to my bank account.

Unboxing shots of Lindy 26 Rose Azalee, Evercolour leather:

Some bonus modelling photos with the bag ‘cos I couldn’t wait to take it out for a swing around the block!

Such a lovely pink, isn’t it? Makes me so happy just staring at this bag.

Wearing LK Bennett white Charlee cream tweed jacket, Jimmy Fairly cateye sunglasses, Stella McCartney white tshirt, topshop moto blue jeans, chanel white sneakers trainers and Chanel Gabrielle backpack in navy black.

Bags, Designer, Fashion tips, Review, Women’s fashion

The timeless tweed jacket

September 16, 2018September 16, 2018 Trang Dang

Sharing with you today one of my favourite outfits. Why this one specifically?

Jeans and trainers and t-shirt are my absolute favourite things to wear! If you’ve seen my Instagram, you will know I’m not your typical girly kinda girl; high heels and classy dresses are not really my thing. To me, fashion, while all about experimenting, has to first represent who you are. This is why I do sometimes dabble in the new trends to experiment but will always happily go back to my normal style: comfy streetwear with a little bit of ‘French chic’ 😉

This outfit features my favourite moto jeans, a comfy cotton t-shirt, a beautiful bag and topping it off with a timeless white tweed blazer which adds that ‘chic’ element to what would otherwise be a very casual outfit. Casually draping a tweed jacket on top of whatever you’re wearing and you’re set!

I personally think a classic tweed jacket is a staple that every girl needs for those days we want to feel a little bit more elegant, we want our outfits to be a little more classy, we want to channel our inner ‘Coco Chanel’. The kinda outfit you want to be rocking when you stumble into your ex and his new gf on the street (am I right?) – LOL.

This jacket is from L.K. Bennett (also available in black and navy which I think is a very good option for those who are not fans of whites – linked here)

The bag I’m pairing with this outfit is this little Chanel Gabrielle backpack. I was on the fence about this backpack for so long and now it seems so silly – this little one just goes seamlessly with everything!

Before this jacket, I’ve never bought anything from L.K. Bennett before but very pleasantly surprised with the high quality of this piece. Zara also makes more affordable, often trendier tweed jackets but their quality can sometimes be a bit of a hit-and-miss.

*Disclaimer: not at all affiliated with L.K.Bennett, just my honest opinion.

Outfit details:

Jacket: L.K. Bennett

T-shirt: Stella McCartney

Jeans – Topshop

Bag – Chanel

Shoes – Chanel

Sunglasses – Jimmy Fairly

Wearing sandro white lace blouse, gucci marmont pink skinny belt, chanel rose gold pink rectangular mini bag, white straight cut jeans, pink satin mules heels. London summer white on white fashion

Bags, Designer, Summer, Women’s fashion

The prettiest pink bag

September 7, 2018September 7, 2018 Trang Dang

Hiii,

Today let’s talk about this gorgeous rose gold mini rectangular from Chanel!

I love this outfit and how simple and effortless the white jeans pair with this lace top but let’s face it – it’s the bag that takes the cake! This little bag pulls everything together in this outfit. It’s the perfect little touch that seals the deal.

I can do a more detailed review of this bag itself when I have had more time using it but for the moment, I have no complaints! At first I was worries that the light pink metallic finish will be delicate and may be prone to colour transfer or leather chipping. However, I’ve had no issue with this bag!

To break off the white monotone, I’ve added a Gucci skinny belt as well which I thought goes perfectly with this bag.

Outfit details:

White lace blouse – Sandro (on sale, linked here)

Belt – Gucci linked here

Shoes – Miss Selfridge (so pretty and super affordable here)

White jeans – can’t remember where this pair is from but link a lovely pair from ASOS here

celine box bag, celine, white trousers, striped trousers, white sleeveless knit top, summer knit, brown celine bag, drawstring trousers

Bags, Fashion tips, Summer

Summer white on white

August 24, 2018August 24, 2018 Trang Dang

My absolute favourite colour to wear is white – a colour great for all year around but especially summer! However, I’m rubbish at wearing whites: I can’t tell you how many times I have ruined a favourite white blouse/ trousers from various stains that just mysteriously appear out of nowhere!

You have to see me in restaurants wearing tons of tissues like a bib on my collar in the most inelegant manner every time to avoid staining my white outfits. Needless to say, I often look like an idiot.

Yet, that didn’t stop me from wearing whites. Case in point, I have continuously worn all-white time after time in the last few weeks!

*Fashion tip for petite girls like me: wearing one single colour from head to toe can have a lengthening effect and make you look taller! 😉

I especially like how comfortable these trousers are. Makes me feel like I was lounging around my sofa while in fact, I was lounging around on some random pavements…

Pairing with the Celine box bag in tobacco brown – my favourite Celine bag design of all time!

Round pink tinted sunglasses are so in! This pair is from Jimmy Fairly, sold out but I have linked a very similar pair from Coach here.

A much more affordable option but looks similar from Forever 21 here and from Asos here.

chanel gabrielle bag, purple mermaid iridescent, small medium size comparison, different ways of wearing, review wear and tear

Bags, Designer, Review, Summer

Chanel Gabrielle bag review (medium size)

August 20, 2018August 20, 2018 Trang Dang

Like most others, I was very sceptical when Chanel introduced the Gabrielle bag in the Spring/Summer 2017 collection. Even though intrigued by the chain details, I convinced myself it would not have the staying power the Chanel Boy has and would be lucky to not die a quick painful death like the Chanel Girl bag.

I spoke to many SAs at Chanel, some genuinely love the bag but the majority was like myself, they were not so sure. Yet, defying most expectations, the ‘Gabby’ has only become more and more popular with certain colours and sizes constantly sold out in boutiques across the world.

I started my Gabby journey by hunting down this beautiful purple iridescent bag in medium size (I had always wanted something with this mermaid purple combo). I tried both small and medium but decided that the medium size would be more practical. Little did I know I would end up buying a small size just a few months later and now become obsessed with this bag!

Plus, just look at those gorgeous iridescent hardware chains!

In direct sunlight:

There are just so many ways of wearing this bag. And since the time of taking these photos, I have worked out a couple more ways of wearing as well!

Lowering the chain to wear as both a belt and both a messenger bag length.

Wear and tear:

I’m not one to baby my bags too much but I do definitely treat them with general care (no throwing around on the floor and such!) The bag has held up fine – no scratches to the smooth bottom part whatsoever. I have not experienced any hardware chipping either – it also helps that the inside is fabric so I can throw my phones/keys/makeup in there without worrying about scratching the inside of the bag.

Size:

The medium size fits more things than I ever need to carry! As mentioned above, I also purchased the small size which actually fits my daily things well. However, if you carry a bigger wallet, this may not fit in the small sized Gabby but will comfortably slot in the medium sized.

Bags, Designer, Shopping

How a fake bag sparked my interest in designer bags

August 7, 2018August 13, 2018 Trang Dang

Yes, you are reading it right!

I once had a fake designer bag which I bought unknowingly. This may be a strange contradiction but this badly-made ‘fake’ bag has sparked my appreciation for high quality leather goods.

The (fake) bag in question was a lovely Celine bag – at the time I had no idea what Celine is!

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It all started many years ago when I was a fresh graduate (out of high school)! I had no idea about designer anything (was, still am, a big nerd and bookworm) – at that time, the concept of branded goods simply did not occur to me. It was as simple as me seeing a bag on a window display that I like, I buy it.

I had just returned to Vietnam after graduating from high school in Singapore. While waiting to start university in London, I decided to work part-time to gain work experience and earn some extra pocket money. One day after work as I was riding around the city on my scooter, I saw the most beautiful bag I had ever seen. It was just sitting there on a window display, looking glorious in electric blue suede, in the most chic and modern design with these special white ‘wings’ on the side.

Little did I know it was the most popular, sold-out Celine bag style at the time. It (the fake bag) cost half of my part time salary so I saved up and bought it.

Fast forward to when I left Vietnam for London to start university. Oh so proudly I decided to bring my new bag to London. Here was the first time I started seeing many other people carrying the same bag as me.

I started wondering why a random bag in the most random little shop in Vietnam could be so popular in London. Even one of my friends was carrying one. She then explained to me that this is a popular Celine bag. It didn’t take me long to realise I had bought and paraded around a counterfeit item.

Being a good, morally upright citizen of the world (ha!), I of course retired that bag immediately. But I promised myself one day I would purchase the original Celine bag that I had fallen in love with.

Fast forward again through several jobs at uni, lots of saving and voila – I had purchased this beautiful authentic Celine trapeze bag in electric blue with suede wings.

It’s sad that this style has become less popular now and I don’t see people carrying it anymore but for me, it will always hold a special place in my bag collection – it was the first bag that made me realise I love beautiful bags!