My Current Favorites [January 2022]: Suitcase, Leather Goods, Hermès, Clothing, Cosmetics

After 6 months in Thailand where I had to take a speedboat to get to the only shopping mall on the island across to go shopping, I took advantage of a month in France to stock up on my favorite products, and change up my style a bit since I’m hiking less and less, I’m aiming for a more urban look.

Warning, there are tons of purchases, and I paid for everything with my own money. If you’re a minimalist, look away.

Samsonite Quadrix Spinner Suitcase

Let’s start with my new suitcase. Before, I had a cabin suitcase, also from Samsonite. I love it, it’s super sturdy and has been serving me well since 2017. But since the cabin suitcase was full of cosmetics, it was never actually used as a carry-on, but was always checked in. Since it was small, I had to carry on my back accessories that could clearly have been checked in. So I decided to go for a larger size.

When I explained my lifestyle to the saleswoman, she immediately pointed me to:

• 4-wheel models : to save me effort at the airport.
• Then, those wheels need to be double wheels : that way, if the sidewalk isn’t perfectly flat, I can roll it on two wheels. Single wheels can’t handle being rolled that way, but double wheels can.
• Finally, the handle must be double so I can attach my laptop bag to it.
• Bonus: there’s a hook on the side for plastic bags, for example.

The inside is classic: one side with a zippered compartment, the other side with two straps. There are two pouches for me to store my scarves and my small foldable paper houses

• Dimensions: 20 x 55 x 40 cm
• Weight: 2.7 kg
• Capacity: 35 L

In short, I was very well advised. I highly recommend you see Isabelle, who helped me at Rayon d’Or opposite Gare du Nord. I’ve been buying my suitcases at Rayon d’Or for 20 years. They’ve never broken; if I buy a new one, it’s just to change the model. FYI, I paid 143€ for mine. 5-year warranty

Le Tanneur Crossbody Bag

I’m not a bag collector, so for me to buy one, especially a leather one, it has to really appeal to me. Since I want a more urban, versatile look, I went for a very small, lightweight leather bag that’s comfortable to wear (leather strap, not too thick, not too thin). I wrote an entire article about this bag, which I invite you to read here.

I bought it during the sales at -30%, which came to 179€, but it’s now at -40%, so 149€.

What I put in it for flying:

And during sightseeing, I have room for:

• my iPhone 12 mini
• Osmo Pocket
• Insta 360 Go 2
• a credit card

GISÈLE BELT BAG IN GRAINED LEATHER – LE TANNEUR – 149€
Le Tanneur belt bag. Worn on the waist or crossbody thanks to its adjustable and removable strap.
Full-grain grained cowhide leather. Textile lining. 1 flat pocket and 1 zippered pocket. Removable and adjustable strap.
Metal hardware with light gold finish.
L 17 x H 12.5 x P 6 cm
We took great pleasure in incorporating everything we love into this belt bag: simplicity, practicality, and a strong identity. With its signature T, this understated model is sure to turn heads wherever you go.

Small leather goods

One evening, I couldn’t sleep, I was browsing Vinted (a second-hand items selling site) and I came across a vintage Hermès passport cover. I hesitated a lot before taking the plunge. But when I received it, I wasn’t disappointed, quite the opposite. It’s brand new. I’ll talk about it in an article dedicated to Hermès.

JB liked it so much that he decided a leather passport cover was much better than a plastic one. At immigration, we need to be able to remove the passport cover very easily, because passport scanning machines are standard and don’t accept extra thickness.

After visiting several stores, we found the perfect design and size passport cover at Le Tanneur (again!). The first cover is attached in the corner. The cards are RFID protected. Unfortunately, this passport cover is not on sale.

AUGUSTIN PASSport HOLDER IN GRAINED LEATHER – LE TANNEUR – €89
Passport holder with signature blue French edge border.
The full-grain grained leather combines elegance and specificity thanks to its visible grain. Full-grain leather is a leather whose surface has remained intact and natural. It’s the noblest part of the leather. The one we prioritize. A pleasant sensation to the touch makes it very unique.

• Grained calf leather. Textile lining.
• 1 flat pocket and 3 card compartments.
• Silver finish metal accessory.
• L 9.5 x H 13.5 cm

I really appreciate the leather at Le Tanneur, I’ve had a document holder and a wallet a few years ago and it was my favorite leather. It’s durable, the seams don’t pop, I’m really a fan. Le Tanneur was chosen by Valérie Trierweiler during her official visit to the United States. She offered a Le Tanneur bag to Michelle Obama. Even though production is no longer in France, the raw materials remain good quality, and the prices are very reasonable.

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We end with a wallet bought on sale at Longchamp. It’s a gift for a Turkish person, so I chose Longchamp, a brand more known and appreciated abroad. I’m showing you the photos of the wallet just for info. I find the leather very beautiful and especially sturdy. As for the bill slot, Turkish bills are small, so I think she won’t have any trouble fitting everything in (bills, coins, cards). I deliberately chose a non-smooth leather to make it more durable

Compact wallet – Red – model ROSEAU – Longchamp
This compact wallet features a minimalist and optimized layout, consisting of 4 credit card slots and a slot for bills and papers. It also has a zippered compartment, designed to hold your coins. Blending simplicity and sophistication, Longchamp completely renews its iconic ROSEAU line. Soft and soberly devoid of ornaments, the models are enhanced by the iconic bamboo clasp of the House. This streamlined line with clean edges is made of calf leather, which highlights the graphic silhouette of the models.

• Price: €87.5 (non-sale price €125)
• Reference: 30009HPN009
• Dimensions: 10.5 cm (L) x 9 cm (H)
• Material: Calf leather
• Metal accessories: Silver
• Lining: Velvet calf leather split
• EXTERIOR DETAILS
  • Closure: Snap button
• INTERIOR DETAILS
  • Credit card slots: 4
  • Bill slots: 1
  • Coin slot: Yes

Clothing

Princesse Tam Tam

It took me a long time to step through the doors of this store, but since I discovered the brand in 2020, I’ve been a fan. They especially have wireless bras, but they still offer comfortable support and slightly lift the bust. I bought this set on sale, €65 from memory (-30%).

Usually, I’m not the type to take pictures of this kind of item, but they are completely new and I think those who have never bought anything from Princesse Tam Tam should at least try it once, in store.

Some items are on Calais lace, it concerns very few items but try it and you’ll love it so much. Calais lace doesn’t mark clothing and doesn’t itch at all.

Second-hand clothing

While I never buy second-hand lingerie, I have no problem buying second-hand clothing.

Paule Ka

It’s a brand I could never buy new, even on sale (count €500 for a dress). I waited a long time before getting my hands on this dress, which I’d already spotted in 2013. Yes, 9 years later, it’s finally mine. €20

And since I realize this brand runs small, and for once, size 1 fits me perfectly, I bought another long dress in modal and silk. Gorgeous! No ironing needed. For €20. Like new.

I spotted another dress I didn’t buy. But it would have been perfect. €60, still on sale on Vinted:

Other

Since we’re spending winter in France and I get cold easily, I retrieved my old JONAK boots stored at JB’s dad’s place and bought some super warm clothes. The photos aren’t mine.

• Sheepskin coat from Antik Batik: I’ve always dreamed of buying a coat from them because they often have sheepskin, leather, or real fur. A dream for those who get cold easily. This sheepskin coat with hand-embroidered details costs €1,400 new. It was bought second-hand for €160. It saved me when it was 0°C in Paris. I didn’t get sick thanks to this coat, my pashmina scarf and my boots.
• Sessun dress: I have a similar one. New price: €160, I got it for €35. Like new.
• Summer Sessun dress: €10, super cute

When I return to France in March, I’ll leave these heavy clothes at my sister’s – that way I can pick them up when I come back in winter.

Hermès scarf

I also bought two second-hand Hermès scarves. The first one arrived completely stained. I sent it back to the seller and am getting a refund.

However, the second one is gorgeous, I’ll talk about it in more detail in a dedicated article. The design is the “Aloha 70 Dip Dye” from the 2019 collection. Like new.

I didn’t buy

I fell for the Zodiac scarf at Dior (FW 2021/2022 collection). I even went to the Dior store to see it to help me decide.

The problem:

• it costs €385!
• they use a printer method like a “laser printer”, so it’s much less durable than Hermès
• the ink bleeds vs. Hermès
• these scarves lose value over time

I’ll wait a bit longer 😀

Cosmetics

I was able to stock up on American and Asian cosmetics in Asia, so I only bought French products because they’re cheaper here.

• Uriage thermal water
• Clarins Hydra-Essentiel anti-thirst serum
• Melchior Balthazar orange blossom soap

If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you know these are products I’ve been using for a long time.

There’s something new: the Hermès lipstick, which Vietnamese women absolutely love. I heard about it for several years and waited before taking the plunge. Likewise, I’ll talk about it in detail in another article.

Well, I hope you haul enjoyed this. Feel free to ask me questions about the items mentioned.