Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini Classic

I get a lot of questions about what’s my favorite bag, or about this bag that I wear basically all the time. Although I don’t have a huge bag collection (mostly because I’m a shoe girl) I do have severals that I just ignore and wear this one ALL the time. Honestly, when I first got this Proenza Schouler, I mainly just thought that the front of the bag resembles car grills and it would make a great signature piece that goes with my name - Van (I hope you caught that).

The Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini Classic is my all time favorite bag despite how it squeaks like a mouse during the colder months when the metal clasps rub against each other. Despite being almost 3 years old, I fall in love with it more and more after every wear.

So, with that in mind - this is not so much a 'bag review' but a 'bag appreciation' post and I hope it’ll give you some insights into seeing what an aged PS11 looks like.

I’ll start off by saying that I got this bag as a 21st birthday present, so this makes this bag 3 full years old. It’s been to a few different countries with me and is basically worn 300 out of 365 days a year. Every rust parts and scratches bring me back to a memory and it’s even more of a reason why I cherish this bag.

Although this is a PS11 Mini Classic (OG because it’s the prior version that has the D ring attached to the base of the bag), it’s a really good size bag for everyday use. I know you’ll be surprised when I tell you that it fits my Polaroid and a card case/wallet.

There was a point when this bag was super trendy, but even though it’s not anymore, it’s still quite an eye-catching bag that’s low-key. I don’t think there aren’t many people who can recognize it if they weren’t in the know about fashion.

I really can’t say anything about this bag at all so I’ll cut to the chase and list a few things that absolutely love about this bag.

The magnetic button closure is such a gem, it saves me the struggle of trying to close the bag, which a lot of trendy bags right now lacks. (AKA - if you read my Chloe Faye Mini review, you’ll know that that one is a pain).

I love the medium width strap, not too wide and not too skinny - it makes for such a comfortable day bag and another reason why I always bring it with me on travel.

I’m not a big fan of mixing gold and silver but I really like the metal mixing on this bag. It’s super versatile with my daily jewelry. There are a lot of “it” bags and trendy bags in the market lately, but I just haven’t found another quite like this one. It’s quite easy to fall in love with a pristine, brand new bag that you’ve been dying for - but I just thought it would be resourceful to share an aged bag so that you can get an idea of how it’ll weather over time.

For exact dimensions and specifics of the bag, you can simply compare here.

Tip: Proenza Schouler often have an annual sale where these go on sale for more than 40% off, so I suggest you keep an eye out for that if you’re interested in this bag.

Taipei, Taiwan

We booked tickets for Taiwan a month before we actually headed there. Prices were low, and it was a rare weekend where Shun was able to take an extra day off to add on to the weekend. The trip was 3 days and 2 nights and we both had little to no expectation of what was to come (except for all the food we would be eating, this part we were fully aware).

Splitting the trip up by doing the first 2 nights in Taipei and the last night in Jiufen - we pretty much reserved all our time to eating instead of sight seeing. I think we took a cab passed the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and found ourselves in an alley with a view of the Taipei 101 -- but that was mostly it. The rest of our time was spent obnoxiously eating as you can still catch on my Instagram stories under the highlight 'Taipei/Jiufen'. I pretty much only really remember devouring everything at Shilin Night Market the first night and Raohe Night Market on the second night.

Wearing: MINKPINK top from Shopbop, GRLFRND Denim jeans, and Proenza Schouler PS11 bag

Wearing: Free People Rib Knit tank, old leather shorts (similar here), Common Projects sneakers and Proenza Schouler PS11 bag.

Wearing: Free People Rib Knit tank, Acne Studios sweater, cotton black joggers (similar here), Common Projects sneakers and Proenza Schouler PS11 bag.

Due to us both not knowing a word of Chinese and playing everything by ears in terms of places to eat/drink, we weren't able to jot down most of the things we love to share on this trip. However, Taipei was so fun that I think we're on high alert for deals back soon. Maybe we'll be able to get to know the place better and share some recommendations next time!

These photos are a compilation of Shun and my own photos since we had our own cam for this trip. It was nice to not have all the photos featuring me for once.

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Camera Gear Used: Nikon D600 (body only) with 50mm F1/4 and 24-70mm F3.5 lens.

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012018 / Welcome To My Space Journal

For as long as I could remember, what I considered a ‘complete’ blog post consisted of the usual 5-6 images and a blurb. Of those images, one would be a full-body horizontal, vertical, a close-up shot of some detail about my outfit, and if I’m lucky, there’ll be a really good portrait of myself (totally irrelevant to my outfit) - honestly, you know exactly what I'm talking about. The written portion has generally been something I've taken more seriously than the visual sometimes. I've shared things that are personal, spilled raw feelings and thoughts, along with so many other remarks that would probably make me want to shove my feet in my mouth if I were to re-read some of my older pieces.

Thinking back, I don’t know how I went a good 3 or 4 years of my life never really questioning this standard of a format. But I guess somehow, my brain knew far earlier than I ever did, that it was all too unnecessary - which resulted in me leaving this space high and dry, for weeks and months at a time.

Maybe it’s my nostalgic side kicking in, but I really miss the journal aspect of having something called a blog. So I’m trying out this new thing I thought up to keep myself a little more sane.

For the months coming, rather than putting myself through these “shoots” and hours after spent sorting and filtering a million photos to share a generic ‘post’ about my outfit that you’ve already probably seen three other times on Instagram-- I want to recap the things I wear on a monthly basis to give you an idea of how I mix and match the pieces in my rotating wardrobe. Not only will this be a great way of documenting my outfits to review but I hope that it will serve as a testament to my core belief of investing in pieces that have longevity in your wardrobe.

And maybe on the nights that I can't seem to fall asleep - I'll jot down the thoughts that are keeping me awake here too.

Coat: Mute by JL
Beige Leather Jacket: Oak + Fort
Sweater: Tularosa / Revolve
Pants: GRLFRND Denim / FWRD
Shoes: See By Chloe
Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini

Photos by Shun S.

Outfit

January 1, 2018

After years of procrastinating on investing in a real coat - I finally pulled the trigger on a coat worth a whole vacation while simultaneously telling myself that I'll be better about my finances *this year*.

I have to admit though - it felt quite satisfying when I was able to wear this coat just over a shirt out in New York City when the temperature was below 8 degrees F. My poor boyfriend, on the other hand, was shivering in 2 layers of pants and 3 layers of knits plus his overcoat.

Oversized Coat: Maison Margiela / Farfetch
Top: Tibi
Pants: AGOLDE Denim
Shoes: M. Gemi
Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini

Photo by Shun S.

Outfit

January 8, 2018

Adulting is quite depressing - but exciting at the same time. Because you and your friends never get to see each other anymore because of work, you decide to meet up for brunch on the coldest day of the year, also hailed as the day of the 'Bomb Cyclone.'

I have no idea what prompted me to not wear pants, but I definitely did alarm a few people who cared enough to call me out via social media about it. To be fair, the MTA in New York is always a headache, and I opted for a car service --so, I barely had any exposure to the air aside from taking these photos.

Speaking of dire weather and dreadful snowstorms, this is the first year where I've also owned proper snow boots so, it's only right that I wear them as much as possible throughout this month.

Jacket: Alpha Industries
Sweater Dress: Asos
Tights: Urban Outfitters
Shoes: See By Chloe
Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini

Photo by Christina L.

Outfit

January 12, 2018

On the way home from work today, I stumbled across this lovely little magazine store. In New York, there are several of these - but none as cozy as this one. I poked my head in to take a quick look and chatted a bit with the shop owner. I asked if he minds if I took a photo, and to my surprise, he didn't.

I told myself I'd be more independently creative this year, and so it was the perfect timing to capture a quick self-portrait. It's a bit rusty, but I'll get back in the hang of it soon.

Yellow Suede Moto: H&M
Turtleneck: Zara
Pants: GRLFRND Denim
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Celine

Self-portraits

Outfit

January 14, 2018

I captioned this one: "Breaking in this Margiela by sweeping some sidewalk dirt."

And it was exactly that. I've always been a sucker for satirical writings, and any juxtaposing forms of expression of art. As someone who's quite invested in sustainable and ethical efforts in the fashion industry - high-low to me was less so of mixing Forever21 and Celine, but more so of Maison Margiela wiping dirty streets and subway seats.

If you’ve been following me for awhile, you’ll know my slight obsession for the lesser appreciated scenes in New York City — such as scaffoldings, trash-filled corners, and grungy streets. Maybe it’s because I was raised in the Bronx, that fancy high-rise buildings with polished windows just don’t feel like what represents home for me. If I ever get the chance, I’ll show you what the bodegas and laundromats in my borough look like this year.

Oversized Coat: Maison Margiela / Farfetch
Cropped Sweater: Topshop
Pants: J Brand Jeans
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Loewe Puzzle Bag

Photo by Minnie K.

Travel

January 28, 2018
Rhinebeck, New York

When December hits in all the previous years, I always think back and somehow feel like so many weekends are wasted. I always tried to rationalize my time and budget on bigger trips - but I end up always feeling like I've wasted a lot of time in between too. This year, one of my biggest goals is to go on a trip at least once every month; even if it's just a short trip upstate.

Luckily for me, I have someone in my life who shares this exact goal - and so you'll be seeing a lot of Christina for the next few months or so.

To close off what feels like a neverending January, Christina and I spontaneously decided that we were going to head upstate for some R&R time as well as ice skating. We came across this beautiful architectural Airbnb and once we booked it, we knew that it was going to be an amazing weekend.

To be quite honest, I was really worried about getting on the ice again, since it's been 3 years from the last time I tightly laced up these ice skates to my ankle. Nevertheless, it was like not riding a bike for a while, and discovering you haven't forgotten how to balance. 2 hours gliding around brought Christina and I lots of laughs, and thankfully no rough falls.

It was incredible to skate at the Mohonk's Mountain House Pavillion as the rink's open view was a frozen lake. I don't remember the last time I cheesed this much in any of my photos.

Sweater: United Arrows JP
Pants: GRLFRND Denim / FWRD
Shoes: Paragon Sports Ice Skates

Photo by Christina L.

Life away from the city always seems so ideal. We took the next morning quite slowly, sleeping without an alarm clock (honestly, if this isn't luxury, then I have no idea what is anymore) and somehow ended up at a cute cafe called Bread Alone for breakfast before 10 am. It was indeed one of the easiest Sundays I've had in a long time that wasn't me laying in my bed refusing to look at my phone to see all the missed texts or gatherings that I'm missing out on.

Two days sure sounds short when it's a combined seven letter words but for us, it was all we needed to recharge for all the adventures to come.

Shirt: Tibi
Turtleneck: Tularosa
Pants: AGOLDE Denim
Earrings: Faeber Studio 'Qui Hoops' / Tictail

Photo by Christina L.

Brand

Faeber Studio

This month, I also discovered a new jewelry brand called Faeber Studio through a quick meeting with the lovely people at Tictail Market. I was immediately drawn to these unique hoops, as I've been already on the hunt for a pair of gold ones lately. After learning more about the designers and how these are digitally modeled and then handmade in New York, made them even more special to me.

Not a bad start to 2018. See ya soon Feb.

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