Weekend Vegas Outfits with Revolve
This Majorelle Sweetheart Ribbed set Revolve is perfect for summer. When wearing this, you’ll get stopped and asked where you got your outfit from. An important mention is that the knit material is super stretchy and soft. It feels as comfortable as loungewear! The top is versatile - I paired it with a slip skirt for another outfit. I can see myself wearing the pants during fall and winter as well due to the cozy knit fabric. The inseam of the pants is 25.5”, which is perfect for petites!
This superdown Rachelle Knit Top will dress up any outfit. The fabric is stretchy and the fit is very flattering. Best of all, this top is $48. I paired it with a black slip skirt and created a classy look that was so easy to put together. For another outfit idea, I paired this top with blue jeans to wear more casually.
The RAYE Julie Heel is a minimal block heel that looks great with everything. I have been searching for shoes with a square toe and I’m so happy I found these heels! The woven material is definitely unique.
If you’re searching for a website to do some shopping for clothes, check out Revolve! You’ll find plenty of fashionable styles to choose from.
Summer Vacation Ready with Revolve
It's summer vacation time! For this summer, I decided to travel to Honolulu, Hawaii, and I brought summer styles from Revolve with me. Their website has the cutest clothes, especially for tropical destinations.
Affiliate links are used in this post, which I receive a commission from, at no extra cost to you. You can read my full disclosure here.
This Tularosa Ashley Dress in Light Mauve is an elegant dress, perfect during the summertime. I love the button detailing on the side of the dress because you’re able to easily change the look of the dress within seconds. You can button it up or turn it into a slit dress by popping open some buttons. The material is also lightweight and cooling, which is a plus!
This Lovers + Friends Angela Skirt in Blush Pink is the cutest mini wrap skirt. I styled it with a fitted pink tank top for a day out at Waikiki Beach. The satin finish of the skirt is beautiful and cooling during the summer. While walking around the beach, I received numerous compliments on this outfit. I’m excited to wear this skirt more often with different tops.
If you’re looking for some summer clothes, check out Revolve’s website! You’ll find so many cute styles.
Dior Purchase Experience in Honolulu, Hawaii
If you love luxury items, you probably know that Hawaii is one of the best places to purchase luxury goods in the United States. Dior in Hawaii has special pricing, which is slightly lower than the original U.S. pricing. Best of all, there is no sales tax on Dior purchases in Hawaii!
Other luxury brands offer Hawaii pricing as well, and there is a sales tax of around 4.5%. Here is a link to read about my YSL Purchase Experience in Honolulu, Hawaii. The article also includes a list of other brands that are discounted in Hawaii.
Affiliate links are used in this post, which I receive a commission from, at no extra cost to you. You can read my full disclosure here.
Prior to arriving in Honolulu, I called the Dior store on luxury row to have an SA ship in a new Lady Dior My ABCDior Bag in Blush Cannage and reserve one for me. It was originally sold out when I called to inquire about the stock at this location.
If you are planning to visit Hawaii and shop there, it is strategic to call ahead of time and ask about the inventory. This allows for the SA to help you find the specific item you want and possibly reserve one for you. This is the bag that I have been eyeing for two years, so I wanted to make sure it was available while I was in Hawaii.
The pricing for the bag in New York is $4,700 USD and the sales tax is around 8.9% which would make the total around $5,118 USD if I were to purchase it in New York.
The pricing for the bag in Hawaii is $4,300 USD and there is no sales tax for Dior purchases. The difference is around $818 USD.
The Lady Dior My ABCDior is the same size as the small Lady Diors. However, the special touch of this bag is that you can add personalized badges on the leather strap. You can choose three badges for free and additional badges are $65 USD each.
I had a wonderful experience shopping at the luxury row Dior store in Waikiki, and I recommend this location. Make sure to follow me on Instagram to see how I style the handbag! @emthaw.
Watch the unboxing video of this bag below:
YSL Loulou 1 Year Wear and Tear Update
It has been a little over a year since I purchased this Yves Saint Laurent Loulou bag in the size small, black leather, and gold hardware. This is my wear and tear update on the bag. If you are interested in reading about my purchase experience in Hawaii with the special pricing, you can read my blog post: YSL Purchase Experience in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Affiliate links are used in this post, which I receive a commission from, at no extra cost to you. You can read my full disclosure here.
I have received so many compliments and questions about this bag on Instagram and on YouTube. A year after regular use of this handbag, the leather is still beautiful and puffy. The shape of the bag held up very well and there are no dents on it whatsoever. People often ask if the leather is smooth, grained, delicate, or durable. I would say that the leather is smooth and durable.
Here is the link to this bag: Loulou Small in Matelassé “Y” Leather.
When looking at the flap of the bag and interior, there is little to no wear. I will admit that I still have not removed the stickers that are on the magnetic closure and zipper. The “Saint Laurent” logo still looks very new in person. In the photo, it looks like there is a white reflection on it.
Another concern that gets brought up to me a lot is whether or not the gold hardware holds up well. The color of the gold is a matte antique gold color rather than a shiny vibrant yellow. I prefer this because scratches are less likely to show. The color of the gold has not changed over the year of wear.
This is the right side of the bag. The bag is still holding its shape well and it has not flattened on the sides.
This is the left side of the bag.
Looking at the back of the bag, there are no scratches or discoloration spots. It is still in excellent condition and I see no wear on it.
Although the bag has no feet at the bottom, it still stands upright. The leather on the bottom is also in really great quality.
Here is a YouTube video on my YSL Lou Lou 1 year wear and tear update.
Numerous people have told me that this bag has been on their wishlist for a long time and asked if I recommend it. I would say that it is a beautiful, durable, and timeless piece that will not go out of style. It is a handbag that can be dressed up or down, so effortlessly. After a year of regular usage and storing it properly in its dust bag, it has held up so tremendously. I do not really see any wear on the leather or hardware. If this is something that you have been wanting for a long time, I would say to go for it! If you are planning to travel to France or Hawaii in the future when things get better, the price would be a bit lower in those places. Make sure to check out my Hawaii blog post if you want to know more about the pricing there: YSL Purchase Experience in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Love,
Emily
Starting my own Jewelry Brand: EMTHAW JEWELRY
I am so excited to announce that my Jewelry brand, EMTHAW JEWELRY, will be launching in August! It has always been a dream of mine to start my own business with products that I am passionate about.
Why am I opening a jewelry store?
You know that compelling feeling you get when you put on stunning pieces of jewelry? That special feeling is what inspired me to create my own jewelry brand. I want women to feel extra radiant, confident, and beautiful, with the help of a little sparkle.
What style are you going for?
I will be selling mostly gold-plated elegant and dainty jewelry pieces, which are shipped from New York City. The product featured is the “Arlo” bracelet.
This is the “Bridget” gold pearl dangling earrings, which are the perfect statement piece. They are definitely an eye-catcher!
The online site is temporarily password-locked, but will be publicized in August. If you are interested in previewing our jewelry styles, please check out the Instagram page @emthawjewelry. You can also sign up for the mailing list at the bottom of this post with your email, to receive exclusive information on new releases and sales!
I am open to product suggestions. What jewelry styles/products would you be interested in seeing on my site? Please leave a comment down below!
With love,
Emily
YSL Envelope Medium Bag Wear and Tear Update
I purchased this YSL Envelope Medium Bag in Mix Matelassé Grain de Poudre Embossed Leather in August of 2019 during my Honolulu, Hawaii trip since the price is lower there. If you are interested in reading about my purchase experience and knowing how much the bag costs, check out my blog post: YSL Purchase Experience in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Affiliate links are used in this post, which I receive a commission from, at no extra cost to you. You can read my full disclosure here.
I purchased this handbag in August of 2019, so it has been 9 months since I have been using it. The leather is 100% calfskin leather and textured, so it is very durable. So far, I have not experienced any issues with staining, scratching, hardware chipping, or the bag flattening.
For the front of the bag, you can see that the leather and the gold hardware is still in brand new condition. The color of my bag is in “Dark Beige.” I found it in store at the YSL Honolulu Luxury Row store.
YSL Medium Envelope in Dark Beige (the one I have): https://rstyle.me/+LHeBXYwlll8A51WKPqJN8A
YSL Medium Envelope in Latte : This color seems to be one shade darker.
YSL Medium Envelope in Dune : This color seems to be two shades darker.
Looking at the side of the bag, you can see that it has not flattened at all. It is quite wide, so it fits many items.
A decent amount of people are concerned with the back of the bag, when it comes to nude or any light-colored bags. You can see here that there is no issues with staining on the leather. I rarely wear jeans, but when I do, I made sure to double the chain and wear it on my shoulder. This will minimize the contact with the bag and the pants. I love that there is a pouch in the back as well because you can conveniently place an id, metrocard, cell phone, and etc for easy access. I do not put my phone in this pouch because I do not want the leather to stretch out or get dented.
On top of the chain, there is leather cushioning, so it is comfortable to wear on the shoulders. The logo, “Saint Laurent Paris,” is also stamped on top.
Make sure to check out this video if you want to see the packaging that comes with the bag and modshots!
If you want to take a look at how I style the bag, make sure to follow me on Instagram @emthaw!
If you have been researching about this bag and are interested in purchasing it, I believe that you will love it! It is a classic piece that will easily match your outfits and it is very durable. I recommend that you purchase luxury items at their official store or website. If something were to happen to the bag, it would be best to address the issues to the official store rather than a department store. Also, you receive the original packaging: dust bag, box, and shopping bag. If you purchase it at a department store, you might only receive a dust bag and the bag.
I hope this blog post was helpful to those interested in the YSL Envelope Medium Bag!
Love,
Styling the Yves Saint Laurent Loulou
I purchased this beautiful handbag in July 2019, from Yves Saint Laurent at the Luxury Row boutique in Honolulu. Since then, this bag has been a staple piece that I find myself constantly reaching for. It is the most practical one in my collection due to how much it can hold. I also enjoy using it because of the versatility - I can wear it in 3 different ways (double-chained, crossbody, and on my shoulder). I wrote about my purchase experience which includes the pricing as well. Click here to read my blog post on my YSL Purchase Experience in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Affiliate links are used in this post, which I receive a commission from, at no extra cost to you. You can read my full disclosure here.
I will be showing you the different outfits I have styled with the Saint Laurent Loulou Small in Matelassé "Y" Leather.
Stone Island Lambswool Crew Knit > Aritzia Cohen Pant > Chanel Lambskin Espadrilles
This look is extremely comfortable, yet put together. I love how the slightly oversized knitted sweater looks with my pleated trousers. The colors for my outfit are greyscaled, except for my shoes. The exact color of my trousers and espadrilles are no longer available, so I will link the products in a different color.
Dolman Sweater > Aritzia Stedman Coat > Aritzia Conan Pant > Nike Blazer Low
When I have a wool coat on, I love wearing this bag crossbody. This was one of my favorite looks of the season due to the nude brown tones. I decided to throw on a pair of white trainers, to dress down the outfit. It would be a bit more dressed up if I wore black loafers or heels.
Lace-Trim Cami > Ultra High Rise Jean Leggings
If you know me, you probably know that I love all-black outfits because they are so effortless, yet classic. I love how the gold hardware stands out when I am wearing all black. This was an outfit that I wore during the summertime.
This dress from Aritzia is one of my favorite summer dresses because of the gorgeous strawberry red color and flattering length. Unfortunately, it is completely sold out. Currently, they have another red midi dress but it is patterned and the straps are not adjustable. Here is the link to the new Aritzia red midi dress. There is also a similar style from Revole, which is just as adorable.
Button Cap > Crop Bandeau > Levi’s Wedgie Fit Jeans > Slingback Pumps
This summer outfit received so much love on my Instagram. I usually do not gravitate toward an edgy style like this, which is why many people were surprised by this outfit. Often times, I style the purse with classic or elegant outfits but this shows how it also pulls together an edgier look.
Love,
Hawaii Lookbook
For my 2019 summer vacation, I went to Honolulu, Hawaii to attend my cousin's wedding. Here are some outfits that I wore during my time there.
This white off the shoulder top has a lace-up detailing in the front. There is a zipper on the right side of the top that is hidden. I recommend sizing up, as the material has no stretch to it. I normally wear a size xs but I am wearing a size s in this top. It is priced at $16 usd. The floral skirt is a wrap skirt and the style is asymmetrical. The sizing is true to size. The length is meant to hit mid-calf. I am 5'2 so the skirt is slightly longer. It is priced at $18 usd.
This lace camisole is my go-to summer top that matches every bottom. The top that I am wearing is a slightly older style. It does not have little buttons on the front. There is a very similar top that is being sold with buttons. It is a very easy piece to throw on and it is priced very well at $34 usd. The leopard slip skirt is made of a glossy satin fabric that feels amazing on your skin. There are slight ruffles at the hem of the skirt that is very flattering. It is priced well considering the quality and how often I will wear it. It is priced at $110 usd.
Red dress & sunhat
This is the Rosalie dress in Goji Berry by Aritzia. Unfortunately, it is no longer being sold in stores or online. It was originally priced at $168 usd but I purchased it while it was on sale for $84 usd. The sunhat is priced at $6 usd, which is a steal.
This cream ruffle dress has an adorable tie-in-the-front detail. The silhouette of the dress is an A-line. It is fitted in the bust area and then the rest is flowy. The material of the dress is very thin but not see-through. The quality is not the best but it is alright being priced at $13 usd.
This strawberry dress is so adorable. There are also polka dot patterns on the dress as well. It is fitted on the bust and waist area and the rest of the dress is flowy. In this photo, the dress looks much more fitted because I am sitting. It is priced at $17 usd.
This lace dress is perfect if you are attending a summer wedding as a guest. Many people have turned their heads to glance at me a couple of times when I wore this dress. A little kid dropped their jaw, gasped, and reacted with a "wooooooow." A staff member at the wedding said, "this is a beautiful dress; it is the best dress. You look so pretty! It is not Valentine's Day!"
The silhouette is an A-line and the length is midi. If you are taller, it will hit your mid-calf. Since I am 5'2 and wearing 2-3" heels, the dress hits lower on me. I typically wear xs in dresses but I am wearing a size s in this style. The bust and waist area are fitted and the rest of the dress is flowy. There is no stretch for this dress so I recommend sizing up. It is recommended to size up 1 size for anyone. If you have a larger bust, it is recommended to size up 2 sizes. It is priced well at $89 usd.
This polka dot dress is made of the silkiest material. The material is cool against the skin and is very lightweight, which is perfect for summer. The neckline is draped and in the back, there is a v-line. The bottom of the dress is slightly ruffled, which is a nice touch. The length is midi but it looks like a maxi dress on me since I am 5'2. It is priced well at $50 usd.
This lace mini dress has a plunging neckline. There is a zipper and also a wrap tie that is attached to the dress. The bottom of the dress has ruffle detailing. The material of the dress is not the best. The fabric is not the softest and there are some loose threads. Considering the price of $28 usd, it is not bad.
This pink ruffle bikini is so cute! The top is ruffled and there is a tie in the back. The bottoms are comfortable and not overexposing. They also have ties on each side. I am wearing a size s and it is true to size. Keep in mind, there is not much padding in the cup of the top. There is only a thin lining and support. This is priced well at $12 usd for the top and bottom set. The sunglasses are priced at $95.
Chanel 19B Caviar Quilted Zip Coin Purse in Red
This specific small leather good from Chanel has been calling my name for quite a while now. I prefer smaller-sized wallets rather than full-sized ones because they fit in the pocket of my trousers and do not make my purses heavier. It is also convenient when I want to quickly run to the market, cafe, and etc. Although it is small in size, it can pack a lot of cards, with enough space for cash. Of course, I am a huge fan of the Caviar leather from Chanel since it is less susceptible to scratches. Meanwhile, gold is the metal that I prefer. I knew that I wanted to purchase this slg in a vibrant color since I usually opt for black. So why not a vibrant red?!
The packaging is beautiful, as always
I saw this Red Zip Coin Purse in Caviar leather and Gold metal and I instantly fell in love. It is the most perfect shade of red - a true red. The leather also has a beautiful shine to it. This is priced at $600 usd, before sales tax.
On the back, there is a small slot where you can fit a card or two, which is very convenient for quick access
Inside the Boutique - beautiful necklace decoration in the background
Outside the 15 E 57th St Chanel Boutique in New York City
I am very excited to use this coin purse and I will write an updated review after some time. If you have been eyeing this adorable small leather good from Chanel, I highly recommend purchasing it! It fits a lot despite being compact in size and there are various colors to choose from. I hope this post was helpful to those interested in this small wallet!
Love,
YSL Purchase Experience in Honolulu, Hawaii
If you have not already been informed, Hawaii is one of the best places to purchase luxury goods in the United States. Official Yves Saint Laurent boutiques sell all items for prices that are 20% lower than the online listed prices for the U.S. website.
Other luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Valentino, Dior, Jimmy Choo, and etc also offer cheaper prices. Not all brands offer a discount on all of their products. For example, Gucci's small leather goods are 20% off and their bags are 25% off. There is no discount for shoes and belts. The tax in Honolulu is around 4.5% meanwhile, it is around 8.9% in New York City. With this in mind, I wanted to purchase a luxury purse during my Hawaii trip.
Affiliate links are used in this post, which I receive a commission from, at no extra cost to you. You can read my full disclosure here.
I visited both the Luxury Row and Ala Moana Center locations for Yves Saint Laurent. Out of the two locations, I found my experience at Luxury Row to be better. Ala Moana Center has complimentary parking at their massive lot, which will be a more favorable location if you plan to drive. Luxury Row during the evening to nighttime has a much better atmosphere, that sparkles with lights. If you love walking through scenic and calm places, you will prefer Luxury Row more. Keep in mind that there is no street parking available. There are a few valet lots.
First, I will be talking about my Loulou purchase. I originally wanted the Pale Blush color, which was very limited in stock. There was one available at the Luxury Row location but it was a displayed piece. I checked it out and noticed that the leather was damaged, the shape was worn out, and the hardware had scratches. Even though I absolutely loved the color of the bag, I could not fathom paying a very high price for a purse that had already been worn out before purchase. Definitely try to be a smart shopper, especially when shopping for luxury goods.
Instead, I decided on the black Loulou bag in small with gold hardware because it will match many of my outfits and there were brand new pieces available in store. I love the versatility - it can be worn three different ways: 1) on the shoulder 2) crossbody 3) double-chained on the shoulder. Here is an unboxing video, which includes some modshots.
As expected, the packaging for YSL is beautiful. The chains were carefully wrapped. A dust bag and box provided is also provided. The retail price for this Loulou bag in Small is $1,950.00 in the United States boutiques. With tax it would come out to $2,123.00 if I had purchased it in New York City.
In Hawaii with the 20% off it came out to $1,560.00 before tax. After tax, it came out to approximately $1,630.00 usd.
By purchasing this purse in Hawaii, the bag is almost $500.00 cheaper than in New York City.
Immediately when I walked into the boutique, many of the employees kindly greeted me. There were no other customers inside the store. Many beautiful pieces were carefully displayed. The sales associates were very kind and helpful. They brought out multiple styles out for me and playfully said, "I am giving you even more options to choose from, sorry!"
Outside of the Luxury Row location
At the Modern Honolulu Hotel
The hardware looks silver in this photo due to the lighting. I purchased the gold hardware.
After a week of looking around at Ala Moana Center's YSL boutique and reading numerous reviews on this other YSL bag, I decided to stop by the Luxury Row boutique again. This time, I was assisted by a different sales associate who was very sweet and helpful. She even joked around saying, "Welcome back! You were here a few days ago, no?"
This time, I wanted to check out the Envelope Bag in Mix Matelassé in the size medium. I was particularly interested in the Dark Beige color with gold hardware, which I saw when purchasing the Loulou bag.
There is also a similar color to the one that I have and it is called Latte. This color is slightly darker than the one I have (Dark Beige). Here is the link to the Latte color.
The retail price for this Envelope Bag in Mix Matelassé is $2,190.00 in the United States boutiques. With tax it would come out to $2,385.00 if I had purchased it in New York City.
In Hawaii with the 20% off it came out to $1,752.00 before tax. After tax, it came out to approximately $1,831.00 usd.
By purchasing this purse in Hawaii, the bag is around $554.00 cheaper than in New York City.
Here is a photo of the bag unboxed. You can see that the chains are carefully wrapped in this photo. The exterior size of the bag is quite similar to the Chanel Classic Flap Bag in Medium. The interior of this bag is larger than the Chanel and can fit more items. Similar to the Loulou bag, this bag can be worn three ways: 1) on the shoulder 2) crossbody 3) double-chained on the shoulder. As of the moment, I look for this kind of versatility in a bag. There is also a flap in the back, just like the Chanel bag.
This color is the most accurate of how the bag looks like in real life.
I hope you enjoyed reading about my YSL purchase experience in Honolulu, Hawaii. If you are travelling to Hawaii and you are a fan of luxury goods, please do check out the price differences. Many tourists purchase luxury items that are on their wish list when they are in Hawaii because of the notable savings. Please feel free to ask me any questions!
Love,
Louis Vuitton Lockme II BB
This is the older version of the Louis Vuitton Lockme II, which can only be worn crossbody style or on the shoulder.
I purchased this bag on May 31, 2017.
It has been almost two years since I've had this purse and it is still in excellent condition. This was my first ever luxury handbag purchase and I will always remember the day I walked into the Louis Vuitton boutique in Waikiki.
The purse itself is quite structured and stands upright. I love the silver chain and the LV logo with the twist closure.
The leather strap is very durable and comfortable when you wear it crossbody or on the shoulder. The strap does not slide off the shoulder, which is usually an issue with some other bags. Since the strap is not a metal chain, it is also light.
On the side of the bag, there are buttons that can shrink or expand the bag.
The leather of the interior flap is still in great condition but I do notice that the leather is more flimsy for this part of the bag.
There is an extra compartment in the front part of the bag where you can store your phone, card holder, credit cards, cash, and etc. I thought that this was a functional addition to the purse.
Overall, this purse is extremely low-maintenance and the leather is very durable and sturdy. I personally adore this purse which can be worn crossbody and on the shoulder. I recommend the new version since it is more versatile: can be worn crossbody, on the shoulder, and chain-doubled.
I hope this wear and tear update/review was helpful for those who are interested in this purse.
Love,
Emily
Wear and Tear Update - Gucci GG Marmont Velvet Mini Bag
The packaging
I purchased this purse on November 12th, 2017. It has been 1 year and 3 months since I have had this purse and it is still in great condition.
Gucci GG Marmont Velvet Mini Bag
Retails for USD $1,590.
For storage, I always keep my purses in their dust bag. I do not store them in their boxes because that is too much of a hassle. I do keep the boxes though.
On the back of the purse, there is an adorable heart shape.
The chains have not rusted and the gold color is still as beautiful.
On the inside of the flap, there is denting in the leather due to the opening and closing of the purse. The wear and tear is normal and this is not too bad. This is the condition being that I am gentle with my items.
This part of the purse is where the most noticeable wear is. There is an indent on the velvet material due to the weight of the chain. This does not bother me because it is bound to happen with a velvet bag and when I wear my purse, it cannot be seen.
The sides of the bag are still in great condition. Many people who have this purse complain that after some time of usage, there tends to be discoloration of the velvet on the sides of the bag. I did not experience that issue.
The inside lining is a gorgeous pink. I do not throw coins or pens into my purse, therefore I have not stained the interior.
Overall, this purse is quite low-maintenance and I highly recommend purchasing this bag if you have been eyeing it for a while. I was quite hesitant because I thought that I would have to use a lint roller frequently to manage the look of the velvet but this was not the case. I rarely ever use a lint roller for this purse. For these photos provided, I did not use a lint roller on purpose to show how my bag usually looks. Lint is always noticeable in close up photos but in person, it cannot be seen. Also, the shape of my purse still looks great.
Many people also say that this is a "trendy" purse rather than a "classic" one - meaning that it could potentially go out of style one day. I do not believe this since the style of the Gucci GG Marmont Velvet Mini Bag is so chic and versatile. It can be worn 3 different ways: long chain on the shoulder, double chain on the shoulder, and crossbody. For a luxury purse, the price point is quite fair. I have gotten great usage out of this purse since it looks great with all outfits and suits all occasions.
I hope that this wear and tear update was helpful for those who have been wanting this purse.
Love,
Chanel Purchase Experience in Paris
When I visited Paris for the first time in late May, my goals were to visit all of the tourist attraction spots that my boyfriend and I were interested in, try out Pierre Herme macarons, eat other French foods, and hopefully purchase Chanel Classic Stud Earrings in size small since I was not able to find them in New York boutiques.
After landing in Charles de Gaulle Airport, we got sim cards for our cell phones and ate breakfast. It was around 8:00 AM in the morning and not many places were open at the time. We decided to go to Trocadero to take photos with the Eiffel Tower in the background and by 9:00 AM, the area was already flooded with tourists. We both had our carry-on luggage with us and we were jetlagged but we still managed to take beautiful photos.
Our check-in time was scheduled for the afternoon so we still had time to stroll around the Trocadero area. We ate at an Italian place for lunch and shortly afterwards, we headed to Pont Alexandre III. By this time, we still had an hour or two to spare before we could check-in. While we were standing on the Pont Alexandre III bridge, I realized that the 51 Avenue Montaigne Chanel boutique was only three minutes away by car.
We entered the boutique with our luggage and the location was not too crowded, compared the 31 Rue Cambon location. I was assisted by a sales associate shortly after entering the boutique; the queue was not too long, which was great. My sales associate presented a lot of earrings for me to choose from and the pair that I was searching for was available at this boutique! After looking at the pair of earrings and deciding which size suited me better, I decided to purchase the small size. I did not want to take too long or browse around too much because I did not want to keep my boyfriend waiting for a long time.
I walked out with the earrings that I have been looking for! The small bag is so adorable!
I asked my sales associate for the detaxe form so that I would be able to get a tax refund from my purchase at the airport. The sales associate will ask for your passport so that they can write your information down. To qualify for a tax refund, the purchase must be over €160 in one store - on the same day. The price on the tag includes tax already. I got around 11.6% back at the airport because I qualified for the detaxe form (purchase exceeded €160 in one store - on the same day).
In June, I booked tickets to go to Paris for the second time with my parents. We left for Paris in mid-July and arrived at Charles de Gaulle airport at 8 AM... again! I followed my airport routine which was to get our bags, get sim cards, and eat breakfast. As usual, the check-in time was scheduled for the afternoon so we had a lot of spare time. My mom and I wanted to stop by the 51 Avenue Montaigne Chanel boutique since I had such a great experience there. Once again, I walked into the Chanel boutique with my luggage and jetlagged appearance!
We had the Classic Flap Bag in medium with the gold hardware in mind because boutiques including New York, raised the price for the medium flap bag the previous winter. I also wanted to take a look at the Lambskin Espadrilles because my size sells out quickly at the boutiques located near me. Upon arrival, we were quickly assisted by a lovely sales associate. She said that I knew exactly what I wanted and she appreciated that.
After looking at the Classic Flap Bag, we finally decided to purchase it. After making the purchase, I asked if I could take a look at the available Lambskin Espadrilles and my sales associate showed me a variety of different colors and materials. On display, there were only the classic black Lambskin and the nude with the black cap. My sales associate took out nude-pink Lambskin Espadrilles and my jaw instantly dropped. I have heard that this color sold out everywhere and that it is no longer listed on the official website; it shocked me that it was available in my size as well!
I tried on the highly coveted size six nude-pink Lambskin Espadrilles and I instantly fell in love with them! The material was much softer than I had imagined and I knew that the quality is well worth the price tag. Although I was looking downwards at my feet to thoroughly decide if I wanted to purchase the shoes, I felt intense stares from at least ten people around me. Girls and guys were bombarding my sales associate with questions about the color of these espadrilles and the availability. She responded that this was the last pair in Paris. I decided on spot to purchase them because I knew that I would not even be able to purchase any color in New York because of my small shoe size, which sells out very quickly.
Once again, I asked my sales associate for the detaxe form, showed her my passport, and paid for the items. Since the purchases exceeded €800, a customs fee would be collected upon arrival in New York. Considering that the prices are a bit lower in Paris than in New York and refunds are given, it was still cheaper to pay for the items and the customs fee rather than to purchase them in New York since the tax is so high.
Outside of the 51 Avenue Montaigne Chanel Boutique
Classic Parisian photo featuring the balcony and the exquisite Chanel packaging!
The Caviar Classic Flap Bag in Medium with Gold Hardware and Classic Stud Earrings in size small
Caviar Classic Flap Bag in Medium with Gold Hardware
