Celine Belt Bag Black Mini

August 10, 2016

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Celine Belt Bag Black Grained Leather | FOREVERVANNY.comCeline Belt Bag Black Grained Leather | FOREVERVANNY.comCeline Belt Bag Black Grained Leather | FOREVERVANNY.comCeline Belt Bag Black Grained Leather | FOREVERVANNY.comCeline Belt Bag Black Grained Leather | FOREVERVANNY.comCeline Belt Bag Black Grained Leather | FOREVERVANNY.com


I’ll probably never get tired of black bags honestly, and this Celine Belt Bag is a testament to that. Originally I had a hard time choosing between a white one and this black one, but even my sales associate told me, on multiple occasions, that the black just fits so much better with me. Regardless, I wholeheartedly believe that this is one of Celine’s most underrated bags, and it is beautiful in any color.

Like what I usually do with all my bag reviews (I know it’s been a really long time since the Chloe Faye), I’ll be talking about what I like and don’t like about this Celine Belt Bag (although it’s pretty much almost flawless, to me)

I actually got this one a few months ago, but already have been wearing it as often as I can!

To begin, one of the main reasons that I was attracted to this bag in the first place was it’s unique shape (which has kind of lost its appeal to me as my current boyfriend pointed out that it looks like a catfish, haha - stupid boys). I’ve always been a fan of small bags, but this one was just big enough to hold a decent amount of things without seeming too oversized. The fact that it wasn’t lined was something that I was not used to, but I really like the suede inners. The width of the bag allowed me to carry my DSLR, a laptop and a small makeup bag without it being too stuffed. FYI, there’s a larger version of this Celine Belt Bag -it comes without the shoulder straps and a slightly longer top handle.

Another part that I really adore about this bag is the tiny gold hardware all over the bag including the small Celine stamp at the bottom in the front. I really appreciate the fact that Celine decided to add feet (the metal parts on the bottom of the bag) to keep the leather from being worn out on the base.

Although the Celine belt bag is near perfection in my opinion, and as much as I love the versatility of the front flap going under or over the belted front, I do find that I often have trouble closing the flap when the bag is more full. I would suggest testing out if this would be a problem for you before you commit, since even closing the zipper wouldn’t really help if you want to carry the bag on your arm. Fortunately for me, the messenger strap drops the bag just enough for my hands to reach the clasp and close it with minimal effort.

Overall, I really appreciate how minimal this bag is and one that is unique to Celine’s handbag line as many people wouldn’t even be able to recognize it. Compared to many of Celine’s classic styles, it is also one of the lightest bags at a decent price point - making this one a must have in my life.
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Weather The Storm

August 8, 2016

FOREVERVANNY Derek Lam Chloe Faye
I can’t believe that it’s August already. Where did this year go? So far, 2016 has been quite a slow ride in terms of personal growth but as my birthday approaches I’m starting to reminisce and contemplate more on what’s to come.

Without a fail, it has rained every year on the day of my birthday for the past 22 years with or without a weather forecast. Bummer, you might be thinking, but I’ve come to terms with this.

The rain brings back quite a few fond childhood memories actually, like the ones where I would run out to bathe in it with my sister, when we were little, back in Vietnam. According to my parents, it was terrible when I was born. We had a huge hurricane and the months following my birth was extremely difficult since they weren’t able to do business and provide for me. On top of that, I was always severely sick. But speaking of August birthdays, is anyone else a Leo? I don’t really fall for horoscope readings or superstitions but it’s scary how accurate a Leo description is about me.

Figuratively speaking, I’ve been weathering the storm all my life. So when a couple friends and I were stranded on the Brooklyn Bridge in the midst of a summer shower, I cheered them up and we pranced around without a care.


Top: Aritzia (similar here
Shorts: Derek Lam 10 Crosby
Shoes: Mango
Bag: Chloe Faye

Photos by Yuxi L.
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Lauren Manoogian Knit Skirt Two Ways

July 18, 2016

Lauren Manoogian Knit Skirt Aritzia Top Celine Belt Bag / FOREVERVANNY

I don’t use Twitter often, but when I do, it’s not one of those generic quotes you can find on Google. "If you think you can do better, you probably can. If you think you deserve better, you probably do.” - 7/6/16.

I may not write blog posts as often as I’d like to, but when I do, I hope it’s not a waste of your time.

Lauren Manoogian Knit Skirt Aritzia Top Celine Belt Bag / FOREVERVANNYLauren Manoogian Knit Skirt Aritzia Top Celine Belt Bag / FOREVERVANNY
Lauren Manoogian Knit Skirt Aritzia Top Celine Belt Bag / FOREVERVANNYLauren Manoogian Knit Skirt Aritzia Top Celine Belt Bag / FOREVERVANNYLauren Manoogian Knit Skirt Aritzia Top Celine Belt Bag / FOREVERVANNY
Most people have great taste, but no sense. It is unrealistic to own 5 Chanel living paycheck to paycheck, or having to restrain from eating well and living well. “Passion for fashion” was never about how many brand name things you can acquire, despite Pokemon Go convincing all of us that we "gotta catch ‘em all" to be the greatest ever was. In fact, the best interests in fashion actually come from our inability to have it all. It is rooted in the idea that fashion is endless, that helps us curate our style by being focused and selective. And why having nice things doesn’t always translate to having style.

In our highly commercialized and consumeristic society, we are encouraged to spend and buy as much as we want in order to obtain temporary gratifications. We debate about environmental issues and we show sympathy for unethical labor, yet many of us fail to think about how we can make a difference before directly blaming a bigger source.

It is unfortunate that we live in a world where creatives are always undervalued. Of course, it would be nice if we could all casually afford all the luxuries that we desire and justify a $500 pretty lace dress to wear groceries shopping. Maybe if we regard artists and designers as highly as we do for doctors and lawyers, Chanel and Celine could be prescribed and Zimmermann and Dion Lee could be afforded over the counter.

Lauren Manoogian Knit Skirt Aritzia Top Chanel Wallet on Chain / FOREVERVANNYLauren Manoogian Knit Skirt Aritzia Top Chanel Wallet on Chain / FOREVERVANNYLauren Manoogian Knit Skirt Aritzia Top Chanel Wallet on Chain / FOREVERVANNYLauren Manoogian Knit Skirt Aritzia Top Chanel Wallet on Chain / FOREVERVANNYLauren Manoogian Knit Skirt Aritzia Top Chanel Wallet on Chain / FOREVERVANNYLauren Manoogian Knit Skirt Aritzia Top Chanel Wallet on Chain / FOREVERVANNYLauren Manoogian Knit Skirt Aritzia Top Chanel Wallet on Chain / FOREVERVANNY
There’s nothing necessarily wrong with fast fashion, but there’s also no need to buy a new shirt every day. If one is really conscious about their clothes, one should treat their closet like a boutique. There’s no need for every single color of the same thing or an entire collection of a designer, but rather compose the entire thing with pieces that represent your style, that you can display season after season without worrying if it’s old.

Clothes are, in a sense, kind of like people. And I like to think good people never go out of style. A knit skirt like this is probably the least sensible thing to wear in New York’s relentless summer, but on cooler days I can get away with it because it has a tied waist that’s still relevant and a midi length that I just know will continue to last past fall. Plus these two outfits are just the bare minimum that this skirt can do. I can already see it turning into dresses and becoming a great layering piece for delicate knits. And I like to look at clothes the same way I look at people, I always try to see their utmost potential.
Look 1
Top: Aritzia (similar)
Skirt: Lauren Manoogian (similar) via Totokaelo
>Shoes: Chanel
Bag: Celine

Look 2
Top: Demy Lee NYC
Skirt: Lauren Manoogian (similar) via Totokaelo
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Chanel

Photos by Kara Ng.  (Look 1) Shun S. (Look 2)
Styled by Van Le
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Find Your Light

June 30, 2016

H&M Chiffon Dress
It's easy to make something beautiful even more beautiful, but it takes compassion, to bring out the beauty that's not visible to the eye. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but beauty is also standardized in our society. Ironic, and sad.

For me, there is just so much beauty in something that appears to be decaying. There's potential for complete destruction or a chance at revival. My obsession for industrial backdrops have taken me to the dirtiest of places, yet some of which have inspired me more than any movie-set cobblestone streets have, or probably ever will.

It's the same with people. Everyone has a story to tell and those who gets the shortest ends of the stick and overcome the craziest misfortunes are privileged to turn the ugliest into the most attractive. It's important to see the light in places we find ourselves in, people we meet, and the obstacles we encounter. My mantra is, your disadvantage should always be your greatest advantage, and true success is when you can turn your weakest characteristic into your strongest quality.


Dress: H&M
Shoes: Schutz Shoes
Bag: Chloe Faye Mini
Accessories: Anine Bing Bralette

Photos by Sandra L.
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Space

June 18, 2016


For someone who prefers green grapes over red ones. Chardonnay over Merlot - I sure do make an exception for wine colored dresses.
Space is important for me, in terms of personal physical space, work space, social space, creative space, and just space to be alone in general. My wardrobe is pretty much a reflection of my daily habits and who I am, hence making space for a dress that's deep burgundy means that it must be something special (bravo, Magali Pascal).

A little color in my life is at times necessary to break up certain routines that I inevitably fall into due to comfort.

If you know me, you'll know that I hate a clean background. To fill up the negative white spaces - I created a mirage-like photo-weave with some outtakes that would usually not make it to the blog. It's been a while since I've done some post processing to my photos, so I hope that you guys enjoy this series.
Dress: Magali Pascal
Shoes: Sacai
Bag: Celine


Magali Pascal AW'16 Collection 'Phoenix Shirtdress in Burgundy'
Shot by Sandra L.
Photoset inspired by Molly Dickson 'Coney Island' 2014
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'93 Babe*

June 14, 2016


Life’s all about balance. Classical with a side of trap. Salad with a can of coke. Humble with a hint of Kanye.

And sometimes you go all tomboy with your hair curled up and your neck decked out in lace and that’s ok.

One of the things about growing up in the Bronx that I cherish most is my ability to be versatile. No bubble, no circle, just full exposure to anything and anyone. Learning to walk around without getting myself into trouble. Growing a thick skin towards stereotypes but knowing better to not let ignorance define who I am.

Being a '93 baby growing up in my area meant Pepe Jeans, South Pole, and Dickies pants, and the must have low and hi-top Air Force 1s that turn yellow after a couple weeks. Recess meant double dutch to Alicia Keys and Usher, sitting in the shade talking about the latest Hey Arnold episodes. No typical Asian Tamogachi or Nintendo Gameboys for me, just legos (which in my opinions were just as cool) and Saturday afternoons were spent at the library playing Neopets.

People are all about their characteristics. Yes, you can learn to be kind, honest, and intelligent. But authenticity is backed up by experiences not what’s on paper. A kind person can also be selfish. An honest person can also lie and some people might not turn out like who they seem on social media.

I took an Uber home the other night and the driver goes, "you don’t look like you would live in this neighborhood," I chuckled and said, "I was raised here" --and he gave me a head nod. Haha.


Sweater: BAPE Japan
Pants: Zara
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Chanel
Accessories: Lace Choker

Photos by Shun S.
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