vintage finds from paris and london

Most of the time when I was on vintage hunting trips, luck was hardly on my side. However during the vintage hunting trips in Paris and London, I had a little bit of luck and also some extra money to spend - my so called vintage fashion fund. 

Vintage slip (perhaps from the 50s)

Vintage mother of pearl buttons 

I bought the vintage slip and vintage buttons from a store in Les Puces. And I also for the first time I tried bargaining as there few stains on the  vintage slip - just trying to push my luck a little. Well, if you don't ask, you will never know. The seller was kind enough to offer some reduction. As for the vintage buttons, I bought them for future sewing projects. Mostly probably a blouse or top.  

Vintage 90s does 50s dress 

When I was in London, I stayed in Notting Hill area and everyday, I passed by a vintage shop with no opening hours information. Such a mysterious shop! One Saturday afternoon, I purposely walked pass the shop hoping it would open. And indeed it was opened for business. Whether I had luck in finding something for myself or not, I was excited to explore the shop. As always, I would check out offer rack first and this 90s does 50s dress was calling out to me.  

Vintage bag (era unknown, brand: Rakhams for Harrods Store)

Looking for vintage at the Portobello Market was fun. However, sometimes it was either the piece was not my size or it was over my budget. When I was about to leave the market, I stopped by at a stall selling mostly pre-loved items. Then the lovely golden velvety bag stood out and caught my eyes. Without much hesitation, I decided to give the bag a new home, half way around the world!

I never thought during these vintage hunting trips I had luck. Now, it is a matter of time to wear the dresses. As for the bag, I think I will let it rest for now until a suitable occasion arise.

Have a great weekend everyone. Till my next post, stay chic!

outfit post: strolling around the ancient town in a floral vintage dress

Visiting the ancient town of Hoi An has been on my list for a while. Recently I am happily to tick off Hoi An from my list. The ancient town of Hoi An is awarded as a UNESCO World heritage site. The site is  a well-preserved example of a south-east Asian trading port of the 15th to 19th centuries, with buildings that display a unique blend of local and foreign influences.

Chinese style architecture

Lantern shop

Outfit: vintage dress, lace belt, vintage Ferragamo bag, sandals

The best way to enjoy Hoi An is wandering around and getting lost in this little beautiful ancient town. If you are a fan of Vietnamese coffee, take a break and enjoy a nice cup of coffee in a local café. Better yet, find a rooftop café or a riverfront café to enjoy the breath taking view of Hoi An whilst sipping your coffee.

This lovely floral vintage dress has been in my wardrobe for ages. I bought this dress in a flea market in Kuala Lumpur. When  packing for this trip, I thought to myself; why not pack this piece? And it was a good decision.

How is your summer so far? Hope you had a great summer and soon be ready for fall. Until my next post, stay chic!

outfit post: it's a knot

outfit: thrifted vintage top, thrifted denim skirt, vintage Ferragamo sling bag, shoes with tassels

I love pussy bow blouses and I bought this top at Mee & Gee from HK$10 rack; what a great find! Instead of the normal bow, I tried tying a square knot. It looks a little 'relaxed' than a bow. When I think of pussy bow blouses, I relate it to secretaries (no intention of stereotyping here). Therefore, I thought of a square knot. And I think it turns out good - what do you think?

wanderlust: 9owls vintage, seoul

After visiting Simone Handbag Museum, I strolled along Dosan-daero 13-gil and came across a relatively big and outstanding signboard of comic strip like. Then my eyes caught the word 'vintage' and I gasped. I was excited to find a vintage store! At last, I could check out vintage in Seoul. 

The shop is well curated with vintage designer pieces such as bags; Chanel, Versace, Ferragamo, clothes from the 70s to the 90s, extensive collection of accessories such as necklace, earrings, hats, gloves or sun glasses. I was drooling over vintage Chanel bags... Oh, how I wish I have money to splurge on one or two vintage Chanel bag!

Whilst browsing around, I noticed this rather rare or unique Ferragamo bag. Most of the time, I see bags with vara bow (or perhaps it's just me...). Anyway, once I put it on my shoulder and looked at myself in the mirror, I knew I was in trouble.Needless to say further, in the end I bought the bag. 

Details of 9owls vintage:

Address: Sinsadong 546-3B1, Gangnam district, Seoul, Korea

https://www.facebook.com/9owlsvintage  

Do check it out if you are vacationing in Seoul. 

Have a great weekend and stay chic!

strolling down the memory lane of wing lee street

Wing Lee Street, a street name that was scribbled on my to-visit-list for over a year now. Only recently I have made a brief trip there. The houses here are tong lau style. Tong lau is tenement buildings built in the late  19th century to the 1960s in Hong Kong, South china and Taiwan. It was designed for both residential and commercial uses.

Over the years the houses became run down and there was a plan to demolish and redevelop them. However, the plan was scrapped thanks to the movie, Echoes of the Rainbow. The movie was filmed at this street and won the Crystal Bear for the Best Film in the Children's Jury "Generation Kplus" category at the 2010 Berlin Film Festival.Currently there are couple of blocks have been renovated and there is an information office.

 

Couple of run down blocks

How to get to Wing Lee Street? Well, take the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator to Caine Road. Exit when you see the sign 'Caine Road' and turn right. Walk along this road until you see a road sign; Shing Wong Street. Walk down the stairs and on the way, you will see a couple of cafes. To your left is Wing Lee Street.

After visiting Wing Lee Street, you can visit Select 18; which is located on Bridges Street.Just take left when leaving Wing Lee Street. Walk down the stairs until you reach a road. Turn left and walk for few minutes. The shop is on your left.

outfit: leather jacket, vintage blouse, thrifted belt, boyfriend jeans, boots, vintage bag

As for my outfit of the day, I have mixed modern or new with vintage. I used to pair the floral pussy bow vintage blouse with a pair of slacks for work. So, I thought to myself, why not pairing it with a pair of jeans... So, that was how my outfit was put together.

How was your weekend so far? Still recovering from New Year's party? Recharging for work on coming Monday? No matter what you do, have a good one!

Till my next post, stay chic!

References:

http://www.timeout.com.hk/big-smog/features/32439/streetwise-wing-lee-street.html

http://bluebalu.com/2013/12/01/wing-lee-street/http://bluebalu.com/2013/12/01/wing-lee-street/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wing_Lee_Street

new acquisition: vintage chanel classic flap bag

Since my first purchase of vintage Chanel (beige) flap bag in 2012, I have been looking online and offline for an affordable vintage Chanel black classic flap bag. The search is over now. I have, finally, purchased a vintage Chanel black classic flap bag. I am not sure the name of the bag’s model; it is not 2.55 flap bag. It is slight square-ish. Its measurements: approximately 7 inches (H) X approximately 10 inches (L) X approximately 3 inches (W).

After hours and days searching (mostly) online resellers based in Hong Kong and Malaysia, I came across with a promotion of a reseller based in Hong Kong. Prior to this, few times, I came across good bargains with Malaysian resellers but I was not ‘quick’ enough to place an order. These did not hinder me to continue my search until one day. I saw an advertisement. A vintage Chanel classic flap bag was approximately 43% discount reduction for a limited period! The original price was HK$13,800 and promotion price was HK$7,800 (approximately RM$3,300). This was a pretty good bargain, a vintage classic flap bag for less than HK$10,000 or RM$5,000. 

I almost wanted to check it out straight away (after work, of course) but I waited patiently until the weekend. At first, I thought some lucky girl would have purchased the bag already by the time I visited the store. However, to my surprise, the bag was still there when I visited the store. “Oh.. is this my lucky day or what?,” I thought to myself. Owning a vintage Chanel black flap bag has been on my wish list for a while now and I have been planning and saving money to purchase it in few years but I have never thought that I have the opportunity to buy on that day.

It is a four (4) series bag (1996-1997) and still in good condition with minimal scuff on the bottom corners despite it is 18-17 years old bag! The bag however did not come with an authenticity card. Now, of course the employee of the store would say it is an authentic bag but with some knowledge on how to authentic vintage Chanel bag would come handy in this kind of situation. On another note, the reputation of the reseller is important as well. Since Hong Kong regulation is pretty strict on counterfeit goods and the reseller is Japan based company, these gave some of reassurance.

I guess, there is no need for me to say any further but the rest is history…. After few inspections on the hardware – the chain and zip, the material - lambskin, the stitches etc., I purchased the bag! I checked it from my wish list but now I have been toying with the idea to buy either vintage Chanel tote bag or vintage Chanel sling bag…. I am beginning to wonder if I have slowly developed myself becoming a vintage Chanel collector. If I am financially ok and with a bit luck; why not expanding my collection? 

As February is the birth month of the iconic 2.55 flap bag, I am planning to post few entries on Chanel bags. So stayed tune!

Last but not least, Happy Chinese New Year to those who are celebrating the festivity. Have a good and prosperous year ahead! Stay chic and stylish too...

affordable vintage chanel bags do exist...

 

My search for an affordable vintage Chanel bag goes on either in HK or Malaysia. I came across these two bags online a while ago. It is great to know that affordable (below RM3,000) vintage Chanel bags (still in good condition) exist but I guess my timing is not right. Need to grab it fast next time!

Happy Labour Day and enjoy the holiday!

yet another second hand branded store...

www.italystation.com

Italy Station is another second hand branded store that I came across online lately. Whilst I have not been to any of the shops, but by checking online I have my eyes on these lovely vintage Chanel bags already - yikes or yay?!?

HK$11000 = RM4320

HK$13800 = RM5410

HK$11500 = RM5410

What do you think of my choices?

Note: All photos are taken from www.italystation.com

fulfilled

Yay, yay! Two of my birthday wishlist items have been fulfilled. I splurged myself on a vintage (90s) Chanel bag and a pair of crocodile embossed leather Ferragamo shoes. Checked on ebay and found an exact pair and these lovely shoes are vintage. Did the same search on the vintage Chanel bag. The exact bag is sold here, for over one thousand pound sterling. Bought these items from Mymilan Milan few weeks ago for a fraction of what is charging in pound sterling. I guess I was lucky to find these within my budget. Now, I have to start saving again as I am still looking for vintage Chanel brooch or earrings and perhaps another vintage Chanel bag in black. Hhhmm...

Happy Easter and have a good weekend.

tapestry bags: a sneak peek into the past

1960-70s tapestry bag from an antique shop in Ipoh

1980s (?) tapestry bag

Tapestry bags have been one of my obsessions for a while now. And for this post, I did a little research to share a bit more on these lovely bags.

Tapestry bags are made with a unique and stylish tapestry design. Tapestry is a type of textile art such as embroidery or needlepoint. These bags can be made of leather or composite materials woven with tapestry fabric, which is more durable than regular fabric.

Its history goes back to the 1800s, where at that time, hand woven tapestry has became an important part in fashion. One of the earliest areas for weaving tapestry was Aubusson, central France. Tapestry bags produced in Aubusson are acclaimed as the most luxurious created. The tapestry designs during that period were inspired and based on romantic scene, garden or country scenery. Frames of the bags were decorated lavishly with semi-precious stones, pearls, enameling, cameos, glass jewels, faux embellishments and many were cast in heavy embossed silver.

1950s (?) tapestry bag

Maker's label: Walborg

Close up of the bag

In the 1930s to 1950s, tapestry bags were made using machine. The French still maintained their position as the best tapestry bag producer or maker. Romantic portraits and countryside scenes were popular tapestry design during this period. As for the frames, they were mainly embossed brass but some were plated, celluloid, Lucite or as such material. A few had stones or other adornments.

Regardless what some of us may call tapestry bag - grandma’s bag or auntie's bag – tapestry bags has a long and interesting history. French tapestry bags are considered the best and treasured by today’s collectors.

Reference:

http://www.pickyguide.com/clothing_and_accessories/tapestry_bags_guide.html

http://www.go-star.com/antiquing/tapestry_handbags.htm