Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts

Friday, October 6, 2023

My first Hermes bag directly from the boutique

As mentioned in my previous post, I was able to purchase an Hermès Evelyne directly from the boutique. I still couldn't believe it. I always asked for this bag whenever I had a chance to visit a boutique. I stopped by 3 Hermès boutiques in Japan and got turned down every time. This time, the expectation was very low. During our stay in FL, hubby offered to take me to Miami for a day of shopping. Bless his heart =) I wasn't sure at first because truthfully, there isn’t anything on my list that I am dying to get. This bag was the only thing and I knew the chance of getting it in Miami was next to impossible. The drive was 3.5 hours from our condo. He talked me into it. We started driving around 6:00 in the morning. Got to Aventura Mall right at 10:00 a.m. Guess what? They closed that day for inventory lol Just my luck. While we were there, I decided to stop by a Cartier boutique to check out some of their watches. I was thinking about a Tank watch. Long story short, I wasn't impressed. For the high price tag, it looks and feels very underwhelming. Glad I got to see it in person. Took it off my wishlist =) Outfit details: I love this dress so much | Straw visor

My husband asked if there is another Hermès boutique nearby. After looking for a few minutes, I told him there is one in Naples and it's on our way back. He said "Let's stop by". I said "No, that's fine". Pretty sure the answer will be the same. He insisted to stop by. The Naples store is relatively new. The interior is beautifully designed. We walked in, looked around for 5 minutes, no one acknowledged us. To be honest, I felt a little intimidated. I told my husband "Let's just go". He said "Let's wait until we talk to someone". About 15 minutes later, a sales associate came over and asked us what we were here for. I told her that I was looking for an Evelyne TPM in any neutral colors. She asked "Do you have a purchase history"? I said "No, I do not". She then handed me an iPad and said "Why don't you fill out your information and I'll see what we have. What?? The conversation went further than I expected but my hopes remained low. While filling out the information, she came out with a freaking orange box in her hands!!! I squealed without knowing what was inside the box. She opened the box and here is the Evelyne TPM in the exact color that I wanted. It's the Hermès Taurillon Clemence Amazone Evelyne TPM in Etoupe and Bleu Indigo to be exact. My husband whispered "Are they going to sell it to you?" lol "I told him, yes, if the SA brings out something then more than likely, they will sell it to you".

I love everything about this bag, the size, the color, the functionally of it. Even though it is not a quota bag, it's just as hard to get as the Birkin/Kelly. I also purchased this beautiful scarf. Yes, it's possible to score an Hermès bag without a purchase history.

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Affordable Spring Haul 2017 (part 2) :: Clothing

As promised, here is part 2 of my affordable spring haul (see part 1 here). I purchased a few items myself and some were sent to me. I feel like I hit a jackpot with Shein this time. Everything works out so great (it's a rare occasion). I put together a short video so that you can see how they look on me. Most items featured below are pretty trendy and under $50.


1. Zara pearl buttons top - I picked up this top last month and am loving it. The bell sleeve trend is huge right now. I love the pearl details and 3/4 frilled sleeves. This affordable version looks almost identical
2. Shein crisscross v-neck top *size S* c/o - This top is available in 6 colors. It's one of those easy tops that can be dressed up or down. The fabric is not see through and wrinkle-free. The criss-cross necklace and the ruffle sleeve are so on trend. Measurements: shoulder-to-shoulder = 14", bust measurement (laying flat) = 17"
3. Shein blue striped sleeveless top *size S* c/o - Blue striped shirt trend is everywhere this season. I personally love it. I love new twists on this classic blue and white striped shirt (not to mention the beautiful embroidery). Measurements: shoulder-to-shoulder = 13", bust = 18", length = 23".
4. Shein lace top *size XS* c/o - I found an identical option here. This is my most favorite of the bunch. It's so beautiful in person. Gorgeous lace detailing throughout. The fabric is very well made yet delicate and feel luxurious at the same time. The choker trend and the bell sleeve trend are so on point. Measurements: shoulder-to-shoulder = 16", bust = 17", length = 21".
5. GAP linen oversize boyfriend shirt *size XS* - Everyone needs a classic white shirt and this one is great for warmer weather. It's loose and baggy on me but I don't mind. I can tuck it in for work or pair it with denim shorts on the weekend. I can also use it as a swim cover-up. It's a linen shirt so wrinkles are expected
6. Boohoo embroidery skinny jeans *size 2* - I've had good luck finding jeans lately. I found 2 pairs of skinny jeans that I am so in love with. Embroidered jeans are the new rage this season (thanks to Gucci). I didn't want to spend more than $50 on a pair of trendy jeans and am so excited to found these. I ordered a handful of items from Boohoo in the past and luckily, I love every single thing. These jeans are thick yet super comfortable to wear. The embroidered detail is so pretty and the most important thing is they fit extremely well on my short frame. I just realized they're no longer available but similar options available here.
7. Charlottle Russe skinny boyfriend jeans *size 0* - This was a random find and I am so pleased with the fit. Again, I don't want to spend a lot of money on trendy items and these jeans fit the bill
8. Shein ripped overalls *size S* c/o - I've been wanting a pair of denim overalls for a while but am not sure how they would look on me. Am I too old for overalls? lol I am still indecisive about them but one thing I have to say is that they fit extremely well. I was pleasant surprised because it's really hard to find a pair of overall that fit a petite frame and look cute. They're perfectly worn in and great rip placement.
9. Shein tie dress *size S* c/o - This dress is probably my least favorite item in this haul. Love the silhouette and the unique design. The material is pretty decent as well. However, it's a bit short on me (I am only 5'2"). I can get away with it but if you're taller, I don't recommend this dress. I paired it with my favorite sandals here but it would look cute with a pair of white sneakers as well

Monday, April 3, 2017

Affordable Spring Haul 2017 (part 1) :: Shoes and Swimsuits

1

Happy Monday, ladies! Today, I wanted to show you things I've been collecting over the past few weeks. I decided to break it into 2 parts - part 1: shoes and swimsuits and part 2: clothing. I am still waiting on a few more pieces to arrive. I put together a video to show you how they look on me. I hope you enjoy something a little different. The swimsuit try-on part is definitely out of my comfort zone. I spent hours working on this short video. I am very new to iMovie and learning as I go. I finished editing this video around 11:30pm last night. It was uploading while I was sleeping. I didn't realize I picked the wrong song until this morning. The music is kind of depressing. I would not be offended if you mute the sound lol. At least, you still can see how the items look on me. Everything featured below is less than $50.



Shoes: If you follow my blog for awhile, then you know I am the biggest fan of Target shoes. I recently threw out 4 pairs of Target shoes and replaced them with some new ones. They served me well over the years. I've never had a single issue with their shoes. They fit and feel comfortable right out of the box.

#1: Merona Kona backless mules: They're the best dupe for the Gucci Princetown mules. These mules run true to size (I took my usual size 7). They're incredibly comfortable and so chic. I wore them to work a few times and got so many compliments. Go get yourself a pair. I promise you won't be disappointed.

#2: Merona denim sandals: These simple sandals are so perfect for spring. They go with practically everything (especially white denim). I decided to go with the lower heel version for practicality (high heel version here). They run TTS (again, I took my usually size 7). Target's shoes are currently buy one get one 50% off

#3: Steve Madden suede wedges: You probably have seen these wedges everywhere. I am glad I finally have them in my closet. I had a hard time deciding between the taupe and the cognac but ended up getting the taupe since my Zara suede sandals are in cognac. They look great with everything. They run a tad big. I got them in a 7 as well but could have gone with a 6.5. I am just too lazy to exchange. I know I will be wearing them a ton this spring and summer. Use code "NOJOKE" for $10 off (making them less than $50). Highly recommend these wedges (other similar versions here)

Swimsuits: I am miles and miles away from a beach and don't see the point of spending a lot of money on swimsuits. I've been intrigued by affordable swimsuits that I had to try them myself. Some were sent to me. Some were purchased with my own money. Trying on swimsuits is definitely out of my comfort zone but I hope it will give you a better idea of how they fit.

# 1: Zaful red swimsuits c/o (size M): *sold out - Found this suit which appears to be identical* This suit is my absolute favorite. A fair warning - It's so confusing to put on. Took me 15 minutes to figure it out. Once on, it's very flattering. It hugs you in all the right places and a black swimsuit is very chic. Online reviews suggest to size up and I did. Took a size M and it's perfect. I would recommend this suit

# 2: Zaful printed one-piece c/o (size S): The print of this one-piece caught my attention. The darling cut out details add a fun interest. However, I can only recommend this suit for short-waisted ladies. On me, the length barely fits. It has shelf bra and removable padding (which is nice)

# 3: Summer Mae one-shoulder two piece (size S): I need a filler item for free shipping and decided to order this suit on a whim. The design is unique and attractive. So happy it fits my body so well. The suit is very well made (double lining). I probably will looking into getting another color. Definitely would recommend this suit.

# 4: Soma intimates swimsuits: Soma sent this suit to me a couple of months ago as a gift. I am not obligated to post but wanted to share how they look on me. The smallest size available was a 32 B (for the top) and S (for the bottom). The suit is very well made but sadly, both are too big on me. If you're a tad bigger than I am and looking for a full-coverage modest swimsuit, definitely worth taking a look

# 5: Zaful leaf print swimsuit: I love the print and have seen it everywhere. However, the cut of the top is really weird. The band is tight on me, yet there is extra fabric underneath my chest. I would not recommend this suit. I also ordered these Vanilla Beach swimsuits from Target (top, bottom). I wanted to have a matching suit with my kids so bad. Unfortunately, I had the exact same issue with this suit so they went back

I also purchased this suit and this suit to try (non-sponsored). It's been 6 weeks since I placed my order and I haven't received it yet. How annoying is that? I am working with their customer service and hope to get my package soon.

I hope you enjoy this post. Stay tuned for part 2 of my haul =)

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Fall Haul 2016

Today, I wanted to share a few items I picked up recently for Fall. If you are a regular reader, you probably know I don't shop on a regular basis (especially for clothes). If you look at my bank statement, you would laugh because I literally spend my $$ on only 2 things: Starbucks and handbags. The rest I could care less about. I typically make 2 large purchases per year: one before I go on a summer vacation with my family and one in the Fall. Last month, I evaluated what I have in my closet and noted down a few items I would need for the coming months

BlankNYCSuedeJacket_SydneysFashionDiary
{BlankNYC suede jacket - size S} - 20% off with code SCORE *more sizes available here*

First up is this suede jacket. This jacket is super popular and I can understand why now. The quality is amazing and it fits like a dream. I couldn't get my hands on this jacket during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale because it was always sold out. I am thrilled to finally have it in my closet. This is a replacement of my leather jacket that I sold recently. I purchased a size small to accommodate layering. It is available at BlankNYC, Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, Bloomingdales and Revolve. I highly recommend this jacket if you're in the market for one.

LeopardLoafers_SydneysFashionDiary

Up next is these leopard loafers (40% off with code FALL). I've been on the hunt for a pair of leopard loafers and these caught my attention. They run true to size. I took my usually size 7 and they fit just fine. These loafers feature memory foam and a cushioned insole designed for all day comfort. I haven't worn them out yet but they feel great around the house. The leopard print is to die for!

Friday, September 13, 2013

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target in stores 9/15

You might have heard of the Phillip Lim for Target collaboration will hit stores this Sunday 9/15. While I have mixed feelings about these collaborations, I am thrilled about this particular one. I am not interested in the women’s clothing from what I saw online but can't wait to check out his handbags. The mini satchel (pictured above) is my most favorite piece in the entire collection. I was surprised to see it only costs $35. I was expecting this bag to be more in the $50-75 range. You bet I will snag one for myself this Sunday =). Check out the entire collection here. Will you be shopping the collection? If so, what pieces are you eyeing?

Monday, July 8, 2013

Fourth of July Outlet shopping

The holiday weekend is over and now, back to reality (a.k.a work). I couldn't find time to post these fitting room pics over the weekend but hope you guys still find this post helpful. My husband and I spent our Independence Day at the outlet mall. We were out for 6 hours and below is what we came home with =) Let’s start off with my favorite find of the day at Kate Spade.

 

Friday, May 31, 2013

My May purchases and cut consumerism challenge

This month, I am joining Amber’s cut consumerism challenge. This is something that I've been wanting to do for awhile. Having a fashion blog, it’s somewhat expected to a “fresh” look every week. To me, it’s not easy to write interesting content without constantly buying/reviewing new things. I wanted to apologize for not putting good content on this blog for what seems like forever. I am struggling with managing everything in my life right now. I recently took on new responsibilities at work on top of my normal 8-hour work day. Between no shopping and absolutely no free time, blogging has fallen to the bottom of the priority list. I will switch things up a bit and hope to put out good content on this blog soon. Thank you for sticking with me!

 

For this challenge, my goal is to spend less than $100 on clothing and accessory purchases for the entire month of May. Well, guys. I am proud to say that I did it. I only made 2 purchases for the entire month. My first purchase was these Mavi Serena low-rise skinnies via Hautelook for $50. Aren't they cute? They will be arriving today. I love the lighter shade denim and hope they fit.


My second purchase was this H&M blouse. I am recently drawn to draped blouses. This one is so light and airy. It looks great with jeans, shorts and is appropriate for work if wear correctly. I am sure it will be in heavy rotation this summer. I am going to set the same budget for the month of June. It will be more challenging because I am in need of a few things for my upcoming vacation. We’ll see how it goes. Thanks, Amber for hosting the challenge. My total money spent in May on clothing: $75 (I am pretty darn proud of myself..LOL =). It was tough but I am glad I did it.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

My Target Haul

Even though winter is in full swing, retailers are starting to clear out their winter stuff to make room for spring arrivals. Target is having a winter clearance sale where you can save up to 70% off. I wanted to share my order that I placed a few days ago.

I've been on the look out for a leather jacket. I wanted a cropped moto-style leather jacket in brown and probably under $200. I've tried on a couple of Kenna-T leather jackets at Nordstrom but they were too big on me. Since leather jacket isn't really my style, I thought it would be OK to get a faux one and have fun with it for a season or two. This side-zip moto jacket caught my eyes while browsing Target's site the other day. It has great reviews online so let's hope it work out.


Saturday, July 23, 2011

Getting my dream Chanel bag (Part IV): Q&As

I wasn’t planning on doing another post on my Chanel purse. Since I’ve gotten a few questions from you guys, I thought I’d share my experiences. Buying an expensive handbag is always a monumental task whether it’s brand-new or pre-owned. It requires a lot of homework to be done. A Chanel bag is an investment. Like all investments, you need to make sure of everything before pushing through with your purchase. Below are my answers to some of the questions you’ve asked:

Q (from Nelah): If you don't mind me asking, did you get it from a reseller? Perhaps you can recommend a trustworthy one. I am so afraid to buy high end bags from ebay to find out I paid for a knock off.

A: Yes, my purse was a pre-owned one. I actually prefer pre-owned over new designer handbags. The money I saved can be put towards something else. I won’t reveal the seller’s name publicly just because I don't want to be held responsible for any purchase from this seller. If you’re interested, please DM me =)

Q (from JenLovesBal): Did you purchase preowned as well? I believe its the best thing to do right now since the current retail prices are insane!!

A: As the price will just keep going up, it makes more sense to go with pre-owned. I don't mind a few scratches at all. Scratches add character to the bag and I won't be afraid to use it. I am not the type of girl who keeps everything in dust bags. If I paid a fortune for it, I’ll make sure I get a ton of use out of it.

Q (from CinnyAngel): What is her size and exact model, just for reference, and for us to compare her to the ones mentioned in your previous post?

A: She is a size small. The measurements are as follows: width = 9 inches, height = 5.5 inches, depth = 2 inches. It was just a tad smaller than the M/L classic flap but wasn’t anything considerable. The exact same purse in brand-new condition retails for $3700. The M/L flap retails for $3900.00. As you can see from the photos, the small was a good size for me.

Q (from Sophia): You mentioned that you found many classic flaps with gold hardware. If you don't mind me asking, which store did you find them at? I'm looking for one with gold hardware, but it's so hard to find one in my area (SoCal).

A: If you’re looking for a preowned classic flap with gold hardware, I've found quite a few listings on MalleriesBonanza and Yoogi's Closet. There is also a store called FashionPhile located in Beverly Hills and San Francisco. Hope that helps!

Picnik collage
{Close-up photos of my purse}

Friday, July 15, 2011

Getting my dream Chanel bag (Part II): Researching...

After convincing my husband that spending $2000 on a purse is OK, the next step is to go look for one =) We stopped by Saks a couple of months ago to try on a few purses in person. With a $2000 budget in mind, I know I wouldn’t have so many choices. If money wasn't an issue, my first choice would be this jumbo flap. It’s so gorgeous! Sadly, the $4000 price tag is wayyy out of my price range right now. I've tried on both the Wallet On Chain (WOC) and the Petite Shopper Tote (PST) in store that day.