Louis Vuitton Ala Moana Reopening

This is definitely a much belated post, as I attended this occasion a few weeks ago, but I also recently visited the newly renovated Louis Vuitton at Ala Moana Center to make a small purchase for my birthday...which I'll discuss a bit more in an upcoming post.  I only bought something small, so don't get too excited for a reveal.

From what I was told, the renovation that took place at the Louis Vuitton store at Ala Moana Center was one that spanned a total of 2 years.  Having been to this store on several occasions over the past couple of years, it didn't occur to me until recent months that a renovation was taking place.  They managed to keep the store fully functioning and as open to walk around as possible, while parts of the store were closed off from entry, and modifications took place.  I knew that majority of the work being done dealt with the staircase, since access to it was no longer permitted, and the elevators were the only way to travel to and from floors.

All in all, the renovation was completed, and the grand reopening of the Louis Vuitton store at Ala Moana Center took place on April 19, 2014.  I wasn't there for all the festivities I was told happened first thing in the morning of the reopening, but I was able to make it there by that afternoon.  By then, it was much less chaotic, and seemed like just an ordinary day in the store.  I took the time to stroll along, and see the store in its entirety.  Sure enough, the staircase was the highlight of the renovation, as it went from being made of glass to a wooden staircase, one that featured tremendous detail consisting of what looked like metal facets that ran along the walls around it in a wavy texture.  

I was particularly fixated on getting something whilst there that day, but the specific items I inquired about were unavailable.  Part of the reason for wanting to get something that day, was because I noticed that some people coming out of the store held special Louis Vuitton shopping bags that I suspected were made for the reopening.  Unfortunately, the things I was after weren't available to purchase at the time, and I was in no position to spontaneously buy another bag, just because I wanted the special shopping bag. 

Even so, upon returning a couple weeks later, I made a purchase, and my amazing SA (sales associate) was able to get my item placed into one of their few remaining special bags from the reopening.  Pictures of the item I ended up getting, and pictures of the special shopping bag will all be featured in a blog post and unboxing video fairly soon.  Below are pictures from the reopening of the Louis Vuitton store at Ala Moana Center, all of which were taken by me, aside from the one I'm in (of course).  =]

Louis Vuitton Totally MM Damier Ebene - First Impressions + Pictures

As some of you may know, I got a new bag recently.  The bag I got was the Louis Vuitton Totally MM in Damier Ebene...and even though I filmed an unboxing video where I was thoroughly excited about it, I ended up exchanging this bag.  However, I did snap a few photos of it while it was in my possession, which you can see down below.  I had the bag for a total of 3 days before I went in and exchanged it, to which I tried it on numerous times in varied ways.  Aside from trying the bag on, I also tested to see how the things I usually carry around looked and fit into the bag.  I even wore the bag out for an entire day completely filled with the things I would normally carry (shhh...don't tell Louis Vuitton).  In my honest opinion, I find the bag to be incredibly practical, and is definitely ideal for an everyday bag.  That being said, here is my breakdown list of things I liked and disliked about the bag:

Things that I liked about the bag:
-It is finally available in Damier Ebene (which means treated dark leather details that won't patina or show age and dirt).
-It is the perfect sized tote for my height (I'm about 5'5").
-Ample room inside, with added pockets on the outside.
-The gorgeous red lining, which makes it easier to find things, and looks really chic as a contrast to the outside of the bag.
-There is a zipper that closes the large compartment of the bag completely shut.
-The hardware on the straps allow for the straps to fall flat against the bag (not just stiff and straight up).

Things that I disliked about the bag:
-The one I got was made in the U.S.A. (and so were all of the other 6 the store had available at the time).
-Even though all of my things fit into it comfortably, I hoped it would have more room so that I wouldn't have to puzzle my things in to fit nicely (there was no GM or larger option available for this bag).
-There was a gap at both ends of the zipper, which allowed you to see the red lining from the interior.
-It gave me a "mommy bag"/diaper bag vibe, that people I asked seemed to agree with...which I have absolutely nothing against, it just didn't seem enough like "me."
-The leather pull tabs at each end of the zipper will eventually begin to curl up (which I happened to notice occurring with people who own the Monogram Canvas or Damier Azur version of the bag).

All in all, the factors about the bag that I disliked were enough to cause me to change my mind, even though I was absolutely infatuated with it at first.  There were no concerns or issues in exchanging the bag, although I did spend a good hour or so at the Louis Vuitton store figuring out which one I wanted to get instead.  The "made in France" factor played a big part in deciding, since I was set on getting one that was French made.  I ultimately found one that I am surely in love with, and have no regrets towards it thus far.

So I bet you're wondering what bag I decided on in place of the Totally MM in Damier Ebene...well, you are gonna have to wait and see me talk about it in my much belated March Favorites video, that you can see (here) once I've uploaded it.  Although, if you follow me on Instagram (@thestyleminded), it's possible you might have already seen the pictures I posted featuring it.  Below is the embedded unboxing video of the Totally MM in Damier Ebene, as well as the few photos I took before exchanging it.  All photos taken by me.  =]

What's In My Bag? (Alexander Wang Rocco)

Happy Sunday y'all.  This was actually meant to be posted yesterday (Saturday), but needless to say I kinda forgot.  However, here it is...a much belated post of what is currently lurking in my Alexander Wang Rocco bag a.k.a. "Zippy," which has been my everyday bag for majority of the past year.  Here I have embedded my pretty long video sharing the contents of my bag, as well as a couple of pictures of the bag itself and the items in my bag all laid out.  I will be doing a post as well as a video completely dedicated to the details, contents, and components of this bag, so be sure to check that out as soon as I get that up for you all (hopefully in the next few days).  I will probably be editing this post in the near future, so I can put numbers on the items from inside my bag, that way they can be identified in case you were wondering what they are and what not.  But for now, you'll just be able to look at them.  All photos and video taken by me.  =]

 Alexander Wang Rocco Mini Duffel Bag in Black Lambskin with Black Nickel Hardware

Contents of my bag (will edit to add more details soon).

Mini for Me

Being that it was my birthday this past Saturday, I wanted to get myself something...since I usually do that sort of thing (is that weird?).  Anyway, I didn't hesitate one bit to pick something out for myself.  This year, I wanted to get something small, that I definitely knew I would be utilizing a lot.  I put a lot of thought into it, and finally came to the conclusion that I wanted to get the Louis Vuitton mini pochette in the Damier Ebene print.  Therefore, a few days before my birthday, I stopped by at the Louis Vuitton store at Ala Moana center to pick up my birthday gift to myself.  Needless to say, I fell instantly in love with it, and have been using it nearly every day since.  I got the mini pochette particularly to use as a mini clutch or wristlet type of bag, that would be handy for running errands and such (so I don't have to lug around my incredibly heavy Alexander Wang Rocco bag).  It is the perfect size to fit all my essentials, even though I feel like I don't have EVERYTHING with me...like I usually do.  Below are varied shots of the mini pochette, as well as all of the packaging it came with, just to showcase all of the details.  I also filmed an unboxing video on my YouTube channel, which should be up within the next couple of days, so be sure to check that out as well.  All photos taken by me.  =]

Overview of mini pochette along with the box, dust bag, and shopping bag.

Shopping bag.

Box it came in.

Box opened with dust bag inside.

Front shot of the mini pochette.

Slightly closer shot from the front.

...and another one.

Close up of the Damier Ebene canvas print.

Zipper pull.

Leather stamped label.

Gold LV imprinted hinged clasp.

View of the inside.

Date code on inside (SF0133).

Item number/code card, and material content card.

Receipt holder.

Inside view of the receipt holder.

Back of the receipt (folded).

View of the receipt with personal info folded over.

For more details and product specifications, check out:

Louis Vuitton