Bottega Veneta concert pouch

I’m using mine for travel right now and am finding if I unzip all the way the phone is easy to get in. It also takes a bit of arranging to figure out optimal storage. I am also seeing the bag soften making opening and closing it much easier.

The only downside I’m seeing is the beginning of scuffing on the base knots where the straps begin. I guess the friction around against my clothing or even the bag itself as I wear it is doing it.

Vintage Perfume

Hi!
I bought a 1.7oz (5ml) mini bottle of Guerlain Samsara EDT. I read that some people think the older formula smelled different than the newer ones because the type of sandalwood is different. Does anyone know if this is true?

Also, is there a way to know how old my bottle is? I actually rather like it. It starts out smelling (to me) old fashioned, but it dries down quite nicely. Very warm, comforting, and pleasantly sweet. If this is a modern bottle, I may get a larger new one. But if it is different now, there might be no point. I put pictures of the mini bottle below in case anyone might know whether this is an older or newer formula.

They also had a very old looking bottle of Shalimar with a paper label on the front. I'll probably go back and get it just because the bottle was so cute even thought I have no idea what it smells like.

View attachment 6172717 View attachment 6172719

The OG Samsara had Mysore Sandalwood which is now heavily restricted, a precious material that's now often substituted. That looks like a nineties/ noughties bottle you have, there might be a batch code on the bottom which'll tell you how old it is, try Checkfresh to date most products.

Modern Samsara lacks the richness of the original but the newer formulations are still very good. Shalimar is an essential if you love perfumery, if only for educational purposes, it's one of the greatest perfumes ever made and one I love and wear.

Getting my first piece of pearl jewelry from Mikimoto

I ended up returning the horseshoe shaped pendant and got this strand instead. I was hesitant at first because I thought it would be difficult for me dress it down. But tried them on multiple times using different outfit and it actually works for my wardrobe since the pearls are a bit smaller, a bit daintier for a pearl strand.
Great decision to switch! Looks lovely on you
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Re-dying Suede

I have a Tod's D-Styling in pink suede that I kind of love, but kind of don't. On one hand, the shape and size are terrific and I love it (I had a matching one in smooth black that I sold for some reason...bag regret). Anyhoo, the color is a light pink and it need some sprucing up. I'm thinking about redying it a darker pink.

I'm concerned about what that would do to the nap of the suede. But if it ruins the suede, why do they sell suede dye?

One option, obviously, it to have it done professionally. I haven't priced that yet, but might not want to pay for that service.

I'm interested in hearing if anyone out there has tried re-dying suede, specifically as a DIY, but also by a professional.

All experiences and point of view welcome!
Unless you're talented and experienced with dying leather/suede, I'd be afraid. I would think suede, being porous, might take the dye unevenly. Are you willing to risk ruining the bag? Possibly if you try it and it doesn't come out well, you could dye it black.

But I'm sure someone else here can weigh in.

Best dyson dryer, Expert recommendations to choose

Btw I decided to use my hair wrap this morning since it’s my day off and I have time.
(There’s also a wedding I’m attending next month so might as well practice a little lol)

View attachment 6172444
I’m not the best at doing actual curls. I prefer more of a loose curl or curly wave, if that makes any sense lol.
You did a "great job"... Looks quite professional
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Scarves Let's Talk Giant Triangles!

First, many thanks to @redheaddem, @Ladybaga and @papertiger for your suggestions and recommendations regarding gifting the giant triangle versus the shawl 140 for my friend. I traveled out of state last week and spent well over on hour playing with both pieces. Ultimately, I decided on the Thalassa 140. I was impressed with the versatility both scarves offered, but it came down to the warmth factor. The store had the AC on full blast so that was helpful. My friend has Raynaud syndrome, and I thought at the very least, she could us it as a throw on the plane or elsewhere. Thank you again for your thoughtful insights.

Please help me decide!! Which sunset bag?

I have the Sunset Vibe and I enjoy carrying it. However there are a few things to keep in mind. Her hardware are quite heavy—I’m talking about the buckle and the clasp. The light weight lambskin somehow cannot hold the shape so there will be some fold/crease just below the buckle.

Connecting 2straps would make it crossbody but the clasp would be right on the shoulder. The clasp is huge and will dig though. So unless wearing thicker jacket, I usually keep it shoulder-carry.

Other than that it is a beautiful bag View attachment 6172255

Hermes bag at an auction

This is the bag, I paid 5900€ for it (buyer’s premium and VAT included):

View attachment 6172365

It is far from new but it’s a dream come true :heart: I still remember seeing à Kelly in a magazine when I was in my early twenties, thinking that’s that I would never be able to afford one (that was before the Internet became what it is today and I had no idea how much it actually cost).

As for the bag itself I must say I was pleasantly surprises as it looked better than I was expecting from the pictures and the condition report: a few scratches at the bottom of the front panel but I don’t mind as they are superficial…The corners also show some wear (faded color) but it’s superficial, and other than that the bag looks very good given its age (19 years). The grading prior to the sale was obviously very strict, which is a good thing.

Once I got it I immediately felt in love with it just like with my TPM Evelyn back in January. Now comes the hardest part, as I intend to wait until my 50th birthday until I use it :angel:
CONGRATULATIONS! It's gorgeous! Happy 50th Birthday. :drinks:
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New leather tab brand marking / design

They finally placed the order. I also realized the brand marking is an “r” not a “c,” lol. I don’t know how I got that in my head. The SA says he asked an after care specialist to look at the tab and give an opinion, but I don’t know what the opinion was. I feel ridiculous now waiting on my third of the same bag. I’m sure they are talking about how picky I am.
If anyone has the gall to complain about a customer who wants to get what they are paying for, they are showing themselves unworthy of having anyone care about their opinion. If I were the SA, I would be mortified that the company I worked for charges the prices they charge, yet chuck any old shoddy workmanship into the stores. They know some sucker will pay for it and not notice. Good for you for not being that sucker.
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