featured – 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.

multicolour tweed jacket coco chanel brooch vintage style fashion

Fashion tips, Review, Women’s fashion

Tweedy tweed tweed

January 23, 2019 Trang Dang

Being a big fan of Chanel, I have gotten plenty of accessories from the French fashion house over the years. But for the longest time I have stayed an admirer-from-afar of their tweed jackets, both the modern designs and the very vintage ones from decades ago.

To me, nothing is classier than a Chanel tweed jacket. I have been hunting for my perfect tweed jacket in the last year but after countless sessions at Chanel, trying on tons of different jackets, I am still a bit on the fence about spending that much money on a jacket.

Don’t get me wrong, some of them are extremely gorgeous but a Chanel tweed jacket is more of an occasional item to me, not like a Chanel bag that I can wear everyday. I keep going back and forth, over and over again I still can’t make up my mind.

Turns out it’s just perfect timing when Maja of Mia Giacca asked if I would like to review one of her handmade tweed jackets. This lovely multicoloured one I pick is now sold out but there are loads more to pick from the website here.

I really like the vintage but youthful feel of this jacket! The colour goes perfectly with jeans which is what I live in most of the times.

My concern with tweed jackets in general is looking too mature and ‘stuffy’ but this one is a perfect balance between fun and class!

Being a French size 34, I was afraid the jacket might be loose fitting on me like most jackets are. Chanel tweed jackets in size 34 often fit me to a t which is why I’m obsessed with their stuff.

This jacket lovingly made by Maja, surprise surprise also fits me perfectly!

The tweed material is fairly thick and very sturdy. The turquoise silk lining is a fun touch that I adore. Very much looking forward to styling this baby in the summer in my usual combo of blue jeans and white tee!

This is definite proof to me that we can get Chanel quality tweed jackets at a fraction of the price. I did not want to have to compromise on the premium quality by buying random high street ones as I plan to wear my tweed jacket forever. Glad to say with this jacket, I’m not at all compromising on anything.

Travel

My Hong Kong travel guide

January 4, 2019January 5, 2019 Trang Dang

Sorry for my long hiatus! The last couple of months of 2018 have been very hectic for me with loads of studying and revision for my final professional exam (which I passed yayy), and lots of travelling both for work and leisure. In fact, the last 5 weeks of 2018 were spent travelling to 4 different countries culminating with my trip to Hong Kong.

Since I have received many questions from my IG Stories in Hong Kong about places to eat, where to visit, where to shop, I thought it will be helpful to some if I jot down my favourite things/places/food in Hong Kong.

In total we spent 2 weeks here and 1 week in Vietnam this time to visit friends and families while also trying to squeeze in as much chill time in between meetings as possible. My favourite kind of holiday often involves wandering around the streets, finding yummy street food and exploring gems frequented by locals. Considering that, both Hong Kong and Vietnam fit the bill perfectly.

This was not my first time in Hong Kong. My first was many years ago on a tour with my parents. I recalled doing lots of sightseeing, hiking to The Peak and visiting all the obvious tourist attractions Hong Kong has to offer. As such, this time we had the luxury to relax and ‘do as the locals do’ without the stress of ticking off attractions to visit.

Food

Street food/ food court

To me, the best kind of food in Hong Kong can often be found in the most random, unassuming local places you can stumble into.

We were jetlagged for the first couple of days and kept waking up hungry at 4 am. We were in luck as we stayed in Causeway Bay area in central Hong Kong island and there are an abundance of little porridge/ noodle shops that stay open 24/7. By the third time we came down at 4 am to buy pork porridge, the auntie even threw in some free snack to go with!

I recommend walking into these little noodle stores on the streets (you can tell them by the Cantonese written and spoken throughout, there’s little to none English writing anywhere, tiny little tables in cafeteria style, they often don’t bother with any sort of decor). My usual orders are dumpling soup noodles or with char siu pork.

There are also tons of cheap street snacks every corner – definitely try the famous egg waffle but best if you can find one freshly made. Many bigger stores have them pre-made and ready to go the moment you order – these are often cold and tasteless!

If you are hungry after shopping in one of Hong Kong’s gazillion malls, there is usually a big food court in the mall itself. Don’t confuse these with your typical bad, overpriced mall food though – often you can find extremely tasty food for reasonable prices here. My all time favourite is Pepper Lunch (a lunch chain I fell in love with ten years ago while living in Singapore, imagine how ecstatic I was to find them here).

The dessert scene in Hong Kong is very impressive and often just as important (if not more) than the main meal. Try the traditional desserts like ‘tangyuan’ (sesame glutinous rice balls in hot ginger soup) and soya beancurd (tofu pudding in syrup) plus the more hip and trendy ones like matcha-everything or multi-flavoured froyo (pictured).

Boba (because it deserves to be talked about in its own category)

Are you even in Asia if you don’t drink bubble tea?

Are you even Asian if you are not a boba-addict??

There are many many different bubble tea chains at every corner of Hong Kong. I’ve tried like 10 of them and most can do a very decent classic milk tea with pearls. Note that the hot new craze is this black sugar tea which is extremely sweet, so try with caution!

My personal favourite has always been Koi tea (hopeless addict back in my Singapore days), try their Koi tea latte if you get a chance to visit!

Dimsum

So dimsum is also as ubiquitous in Hong Kong as bubble tea. The famous chains are the likes of Din Tai Fung, Crystal Jade etc which are all good (I personally prefer Crystal Jade) but I would absolutely recommend trying the traditional dimsum places where the little old ladies push around carts full of preciously fresh dimsum and you always have to be on alert to snatch your favourite dimsum before it’s gone!

The one we went to was City Hall Maxim’s Palace (pictured) – very interesting experience with great quality dimsum. Watch out for the horrendous queue and infamously long wait though! My friends and I had to download an app to get electronic tickets and luckily it was our number just as we arrived so no wait at all.

Fine(r) dining

We were also fortunate enough to visit a number of outrageously good restaurants while in Hong Kong, these are pricier but worth the splurge if you are a foodie!

A few places that we have been to and thoroughly enjoyed are:

The Drunken Pot (modern Guandong style hotpot) – Tsim Sha Tsui

Fu Ho restaurant (Michelin star for their Cantonese style dimsum) – Tsim Sha Tsui

Putien (Michelin star, Singaporean cuisine) – Tsim Sha Tsui

Matsubishi (Japanese teppanyaki) – Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Wanchai

Dynasty (traditional Chinese food) – Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Wanchai

Lei Yue Mun fishing village (can’t remember name of restaurant but here you pick fresh seafood and the many restaurants there will cook them for you – I had about 10 courses of seafood and enjoyed every bite!)

Shopping

High street

Hong Kong boasts many many shopping malls holding every brand you can possibly think of, from your normal high street brands like Zara, H&M and their Asian counterparts such as Muji, CottonOn, Aland to high end luxury designers like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Hermes etc. There is something for everyone, you just have to have the will to walk and explore!

I am especially amazed by the impressive Christmas decorations at some malls – pictured below is Langham Place.

Check out Mong Kok, Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui for many malls with affordable high street brands. For this purpose, I especially like Hysan Place, Misa Place, Langham Place, Central area, and K11 mall.

High end

If you love high end designer shopping then Hong Kong is paradise for you!

Check out Times Square, Lee Gardens and Sogo in Causeway Bay area for everything-under-one-roof kinda places. Or go to Tsim Sha Tsui where there are massive standalone designer boutiques. My favourites also include Landmark at Central (pictured above) and Elements.

I notice that Hong Kong people are very brand conscious and love their designer accessories (bag spotting has become a fun activity while people watching on the streets of Hong Kong). This is also the reason why secondhand designer shopping scene flourishes here. Check out Milan station’s various branches for used or brand new luxuries from Chanel to Hermes.

You have been waiting for a Hermes Birkin for years and can’t play the Hermes games anymore? Hong Kong is the place for you but also watch out for the occasional superfakes being disguised among authentic finds.

Eclectic local designers

PMQ in Central area is an absolute must-visit!

Two buildings connected by a sky garden each full of local surprises, what can be better?! There is everything from clothes to shoes to jewellery (both for guys and girls), we spent hours here wandering around and even got lost!

Korean/ Japanese style

If you are like me and have a soft spot for good quality Korean/ Japanese clothing, do visit Island Beverly Centre, Causeway Bay Plaza, LaForet and Fashion Walk, all within 2 minutes walk of each other in Causeway Bay area.

Here reside the smaller, independent boutiques with imported clothing and accessories from Korea and Japan. I keep coming back every other day to hunt for treasures, so much that the shop owners recognise me and my boyfriend. Do try to bargain here, the shop owners often expect you to.

Sightseeing

As most touristy attractions have been covered by my previous trip to Hong Kong with my family, this time I actively avoid the popular attractions. However, if it’s your first time in Hong Kong, do take up some hiking, go to Victoria Peak for the great view of Hong Kong skyline.

Try the harbour front at Tsim Sha Tsui where you have a great view of Hong Kong island. Take a ferry and enjoy the breeze on the top deck.

If all the above are not enough, simply take a walk down Central area, take the escalator up the hill and start wandering down the slopes to explore Hong Kong at its best. Or go to Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok to be overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle. During the weekends especially, it will be difficult even to braze the crowds as all Hong Kong-ers and tourists alike pour to the streets for some shopping, some dimsum, some streetfood and of course some boba!

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.