I was going through my handbag posts on this blog, and noticed that I had zero posts on my trusty wallet on chain, also affectionately known as the WOC.
I bet you’ve seen them on my shoulder plenty of times, especially when I’m traveling. But not only that, I’ve also completely written off carrying typical wallets; nowadays I only use my WOCs as a wallet. I stuff the chain in when I prefer it as a clutch, or I take the chain out when I’m walking out and about. So convenient - not only does it forces me to be neat and tidy with the limited space that I have, but using it cross body also keeps my hands free. The chain length is suitable for both off shoulder or cross body.
I have two Chanel WOCs which I rotate constantly - one in red Camellia rose lamb skin with silver hardware and the other in black quilted caviar with ruthenium (rusted gunmetal) hardware. I use them all the time, so much so that Hubby barely batted an eye when I wanted to buy the second (black) WOC. He knows how often these WOCs are being used, hence zero qualms about splurging on one.
The Camellia in red lambskin with silver hardware.
The classic quilt in black caviar.
With ruthenium hardware.
So what exactly can you fit in a WOC? Trust me, it has more pockets and zips than what you’d assume. It is the perfect size for an iPhone, with some spare room for a slim (car) key or a lipstick. If you have an iPhone Plus, then it will fit from end to end but you may not be able to squeeze a key beside it; but perhaps in front of it. It has a zippered pocket for coins and six slots for credit cards and such. There is a front pouch which I use to store my loyalty cards and the main middle pouch where I house my phone, money and receipts. Inside of the flap there is a zipper but I rarely use this. My black WOC also has a secret pocket stitched onto the back of the bag (so typical Chanel!) which I use to keep parking tickets or valet stubs which I need to access quickly during a trip out.
The zipper inside the flap. Very rarely used - I store the authenticity card here.
Inside the WOC. Plenty of space - trust me!
No secret compartment at the back of the Camellia.
In terms of material, I suggest the caviar. Caviar leather is quite robust and does not scratch easily. Whereas my lamb skin is already showing signs of wear - but that doesn’t mean that I love it any less! Since the lambskin has also softened over time, it is also now more malleable which means I can squeeze more things in the same sized WOC.
As for the packaging, expect nothing less from Chanel. All WOCs come with it’s own classic Chanel box, dust bag and cleaning cloth. For me, the only difference between the two was the colour of the box; the lamb skin has a black box from Chanel in London but the caviar has a special white box as it came from Chanel’s mothership - Rue Cambon, Paris.
I strongly suggest the caviar leather!
My WOC is so convenient that whenever I need to change handbags, I just stuff my WOC into a different bag - that way I know everything important is carried. When traveling, I put my WOC into a bigger traveling handbag but once I check in, I forget about the handbag and only use my WOC when sightseeing. It is safe too as it’s not easy for pick pockets to nick anything from such a small compact bag, and you can wear it in a way that it’s always in front of you, close to your body. It is also very versatile. You can wear it on a long chain for a casual look with both heels or sneakers, or tuck the chain in and carry it as a clutch to complement your stylish or formal dinner wear.
Can be used as a clutch too.
Next on my handbag wish list? A Birkin. *chuckles* Oh well, a girl can always dream!
This is a continuation of the previous post. So the day we were supposed to move hotels to Amsterdam, we spent the morning doing some last minute shopping in Primark (sempat lagi tuh), had a scrumptious fish and chips lunch at Marks and Spencer, checked out and then finally took the train into Amsterdam.
A meal that I always strive to have whenever I venture into Europe.
Waiting for the tram to Centraal Station, for our connecting train into Amsterdam.
By the time we checked in, it was pretty late in the evening. After some food courtesy of room service, we took advantage of the long daylight hours by walking around town. We didn't venture far, but far enough for us to take a stroll around Red Light District. Don't worry, there was nothing controversial to see in the broad daylight anyway! So I haven't corrupted my kids (yet!) *chuckles*
How we traveled around town... Aiden in the stroller and Ian on the buggy board!
Our first photo with the Amsterdam canals, just a stone's throw away from the Red Light District!
Beautiful buildings.
Excuse our tired faces... this was taken past 8pm. But look at how bright the sun was still shining (into Ian's eyes)!
And yet another pit stop at a cheese shop.
Ian insisted on this photo... and then wanted to climb into the red carrier! So this is how the locals cycle around with their kids in Amsterdam!
The next day, I took the ferry to the office. Yes, to get to our office in Amsterdam, you have to take a ferry! Meanwhile, Hubby and the kids explored the city even further. I believe they went to the Floating Flower Market, where Hubby was tempted with some cannabis seeds. *facepalm*
Ferry to the office, and an invite to play on the piano at the office lobby.
Plenty of seeds and flowers for sale in a myriad of colours.
Market stalls selling flowers, seeds, spices, herbs, plants... and even cannabis!
Aiden posing beside a popular sight in Holland - bicycles!
After work, I joined them and we met in front of Anne Frank's house. The queue was absolutely ridiculous!!! At least 3 hours to get to the front door. Although Aiden had so many questions about Anne Frank and how they hid from the Nazis, I made the executive decision to cancel our visit. And since I read the diary and even visited the house back in 2007 (I did not remember a queue this long), I tried my level best to answer his questions, as far as my memory could serve me of course.
Instead, we tried raw herrings at one of the many haringhandels (herring carts) we saw around town. Apparently the best time to try raw herring is between May and July when the herring is said to be at its sweetest.
Aiden posing with his share of raw herring.
Mustering my courage to try it out.
How they're sold.
To our surprise, Aiden loved it! He had at least one platter for himself. I am so impressed with the fact that he is adventurous with food. As for me, I think I prefer sashimi. The idea of eating raw fish with pickles and onions just didn't appeal to me. I preferred the Kibbeling instead; bartered and deep fried morsels of white fish, usually cod. Served with a mayonaisey herb sauce and lemon. Yum!!
Another on the list for us to try was thick Dutch fries. Served piping hot in a paper cone, slathered with any manner of tasty toppings. We asked for mayonnaise and some zesty spicy sauce. But the famous toppings are 'patatje oorlog' - a dollop of peanut satay sauce, mayo and onions; or 'patat speciaal' - a mix of curry ketchup, mayonnaise and onions. To end the night, we had dinner at one of the restaurants by the canal and then headed to Hard Rock Cafe.
Number 1 Holland fries???
Hubby stealing posing beside a row of bicycles, lined up prettily just by the canals.
Ian - always loyal to his cookies.
Photo taken by Aiden.
Hard Rock Amsterdam.
The next day officially marked the start of our holidays. First stop... the famous IAMSTERDAM sign. Located at the back of the Rijksmuseum on Museumplein, it is a city icon and a much sought after photo opportunity. It is more than 2 meters tall and 23.5 meters wide. It is a wonder how Hubby managed to climb on top of the slogan for a photo op!
Catching the tram to the IAMSTERDAM sign.
Unlike the trams in The Hague, these ones had an actual counter for tickets in every tram!
Best photo we could get with the entire sign.
It was either that, or this - a photo with just one of the many letters in the sign.
The many many people crowding the sign.
Can you spot the Rijksmuseum in the background? Aiden begged for us to bring him in, but we declined. Don't think he's old enough to appreciate museums.
We then walked over to the shopping strip. Stepped into Chanel in search of a silver handbag or a black wallet on chain. Just my luck, they had three different black WOCs - the black Chanel boy, the black classic in caviar, and the dark grey classic in caviar with rusted hardware. I was torn between the Boy or the rusted hardware, hence I took some time to decide between the two (calculated currency exchange, price difference etc.) I was not impressed with the SA as she started acting pushy. She immediately kept the more expensive WOCs and pestered me to get the cheapest one of the three. It just didn't feel genuine, you know? In the end, I walked out... And brought my business to Dior instead!
The Dior SAs were such a godsend! We were the only customers in the shop, so we were treated like kings and queens! They showed me bag after bag after bag, and yet no one pushed me to choose quickly. After I had made my choice (a lovely metallic Diorama in silver) they offered us coffee and tea, and even tempted me with a beautiful rose pink Lady Dior that had just arrived that morning. Since I couldn't muster up the courage to spend on two bags in one day, they even offered to keep it for me until the end of they day - just in case I change my mind! Love love love Dior.
Trying to make up my mind between the various silver handbags.
Torn between the two, but in the end I decided to be practical. Silver is easier to match!
Sooooo beautiful. Le sigh.
Thank you Dior Amsterdam, for the wonderful hospitality.
Satisfied with my purchase, we headed back to the hotel to drop my shopping bags and then headed for our next adventure; an open boat cruise around the Amsterdam canal ring.
But that... will be the subject of my next blog post. Stay tuned for Part 2 of Amsterdam! But before I officially sign off, here's a photo that needs no explanation:
UPDATE: DO NOT BUY THIS. READ ALL ABOUT MY AWFUL EXPERIENCE WITH 11STREET MY HERE. *This is NOT a sponsored post. I'm genuinely sharing the happiness of finding a good deal online!*
Boy oh boy, it has certainly been pouring nowadays....
Yesterday was gloomy since morning, so I decided to head to The Gardens Mall for a pick-me-up lunch. As I waited for the lift to bring me down to the office lobby, I tried calling for Uber, but it kept showing an inflated rate. Decided to wait a few minutes for the rate to go down... until a friend recommended Grabcar. (I used their promo code SURERIDE, and it turned out to be a free ride!) Upon arrival at the lobby, I finally figured out why the Uber rates were inflated.... it was pouring cats and dogs outside!
Biggest dilemma.. do I brave the rain in my handbag, or do I cancel the car and endure yet another office bought packed lunch?
Anyway, long story short, I did brave the rain (with a bulging tummy, not from food but from shielding my handbag under my clothes)... and I found myself googling "handbag raincoat" in the office right after lunch. In all honesty, I've always thought that the handbag raincoat was a marketing gimmick. Why would anyone buy a raincoat for their handbag, when they can just use a plastic bag? *chuckles* Well, after the incident today, I was won over by the versatility of the piece. It folds easily into a pouch so you can store it neatly in your handbag, and is definitely more fashionable than a plastic bag!
Comes in 6 different styles.
I found some reviews which mentioned that it wasn't available locally. Eventually found someone who was selling stock from the US for RM178. I nearly bought one, but decided to snoop online a bit longer. Lo and behold... I did find one online which was not only cheaper, but it also allowed you to put in a credit card discount!
After putting in my credit card discount, it came to less than RM120 for the medium size. Conversion of USD25 to MYR is already RM111, I certainly don't mind paying an extra ~RM9 for shipping!
Super super happy with this purchase of mine! Can't wait for it to arrive!!!
To be frank, 31, Rue Cambon was certainly not as what I had imagined. I was so used to the busy and massive Chanel boutiques in KL......... and 31, Rue Cambon was tiny if compared to that! And just my luck, there wasn't even a queue to go in. Since I was expecting to find an establishment with a long line outside, I actually walked the length of the street a couple of times, as I couldn't find the boutique.
Nevertheless, I was enthralled as soon as I walked into the Chanel mothership. The whole concept of having a boutique within such a historical address is simply remarkable. There was undeniably a certain allure and aura to it. I guess it even charmed Hubby as he said, "Yang, I don't know what it is, but you've got to get something from here."
*jaw drop*
It takes a lot for Hubby to say something as powerful as that. Who am I to violate such an instruction??!! *chuckles*
The boutique wasn't that crowded. All of the Sales Advisors (SA) were friendly; whenever we stumbled upon one they would say hello, but never once did they ask "Can I help you?" or anything similar that would make you feel pressured to inquire or buy. They were not pushy nor patronizing either. I felt so comfortable just browsing around.
They had iPad on coffee tables strategically placed all around the boutique. It showed their latest collection, but it doesn't show the availability, therefore you have to ask if the item you want is available in-store. Hubby and I really made ourselves at home on the couch, flicking through the virtual pages. The staff barely bat an eye!
Ogling over a WOC.
On the other hand, my eyes were set on a beautiful copper coloured WOC on the iPad catalogue but unfortunately they had none left worldwide (other than one last piece in Dubai). Hence I decided to just tell the SA what I was looking for. "I'm looking for an iconic medium caviar in gold, silver or beige." She answered that she had nothing in caviar (they sold out!), but she told me that she will pick out a few beautiful pieces for me to look at.
While she was away looking for the bags, I slyly commented to Hubby. "If there are no caviar bags, I'm not going to get anything."Hah... easier said than done. She came back with some bags. I remember watching her walk to us and me exclaiming excitedly to Hubby, "She's holding a few bags and I see a gold one... Oh no...... it's beautiful!!!"
The bag I had fallen in love with, wasn't in caviar but rather in calf leather. Although a classic, the design is part of the 2015 Cruise collection. The metallic exterior was perforated with the classic quilted diamond pattern, and pixelated in a similar texture as the caviar. Usually handbags in gold are too flashy and sometimes gaudy, but despite the all gold exterior and gold hardware, this one was soooo classy! *drool*
Goodbye money, hello instant noodles.
This style actually came in two colours, gold and silver. Initially, I was quite confused between the two, I even asked Hubby to take photos of me with the bag. Although it is quite a well known fact that you are not allowed to take photos within the boutique, my SA was kind enough to just tell us very nicely, "Please be careful, we usually don't allow pictures in here" and Hubby, always the goody two shoes, immediately kept the camera away. *smacks forehead* Kalau yer pun, amik lah gambar satu dulu sebelum simpan. *sigh*
After parading both bags in front of the mirror, we both agreed that the silver was more of a darker shade hence too similar to my black Jumbo caviar. I was then left with the gold. Then I had some reservations about buying such a flashy handbag, but at the end of the day I told myself, it's all about how you pull it off with confidence. Kan?
While we were waiting for the paperwork and for my purchase to be packed, the SA served us some orange juice and offered to help us with anything else we wanted to see. Since she was so nice, I requested to see their latest Mini and WOCs. Despite knowing that I wasn't going to splurge on anything else, she was very accommodating and took the time to show us around. Never once did I felt rushed! Seriously superb service, I would definitely return in a heartbeat.
But the pinnacle of the entire experience was when she offered to take a photo of us at the Coco Chanel famed staircase. This historical staircase leads to Mademoiselle Chanel's apartment. I was so excited, it was simply the perfect ending to my Chanel dream.
This picture is a testament, that dreams do come true.
Thank you Hubby, for spoiling me and being so patient throughout the time we were in the boutique.
A selfie with the famous Coco Chanel.
The boutique, nestled in the quieter side of the street.
Camouflaged my packaging in plain white plastic bag. Returned to the hotel with a giddy feeling and the biggest smile plastered across my face!
Anyway, enough words. Let's get to the unboxing video and some photos of my new baby. (I made poor Hubby sit outside at our room balcony in the cold Swiss subzero temperatures while I recorded this video. *giggles*)
The famous white paper bag and white box - only available at 31, Rue Cambon. The box wrapping was a work of art in itself!
Posed the bag with the Eiffel Tower replica that we bought outside Musee de Lourve.
