Me and MICHAEL Michael Kors Jet Set Logo Top Zip Tote - Love in Paris

Image from Michael Kors website

I'm a fan of Michael Kors Jet Set tote and Hamilton but a little bit sceptical about the non-zip / open tote design - safety reasons. The tote was made from PVC; in my opinion, MK is an over price bag. But never the less, I couldn't help on getting one.... Naughty!

I bought MK Jet Set Logo Top Zip Tote at La Vallee Village Designer Outlet, Paris last summer. I can't remember the outlet price but I paid around €100 (after 10% VIP member). Retail price €200++. I couldn't be more happier. Then, I swapped my Le Pliage to this new bag and paraded it around Paris.

My review...
This tote has an excellent design with additional two winged pockets and the famous MK gold medallion - appropriately put. I'm comfortable with the size; not too big yet not small either. It quite light; maybe because of the materials used (not a real leather). Inside the bag; It has four inside open pockets and one zipped pocket - again intelligently designed. The lining made from thick quality satin with MK monogram.

Note: I bought the outlet version; some of the bag features have been 'downgraded' to meet the 'outlet price'. The most notable difference are the handle / shoulder strap and the satin lining.

I once used it during rain, and I was soaked wet. When I got home, I wiped it with a dry cloth and the bag is still in a good shape. Hooray for PVC???

Looking at the design, it is a well designed bag but looking at the price, hurm I'm not sure... But again, heart wants what the heart wants...

The best (cheapest) place to buy Longchamp Le Pliage

Why do people are so crazy about Longchamp Le Pliage? Is it because of the design? The brand? The practicality? The prestige? Your choice... But we're not going to talk about that. We would like to go one step further, where to buy it. And another step further, where can you buy it with approximately cheaper. 

Some people might think that if you buy a product from its originating place, you might get it cheaper. Not Paris but UK Airports. Oh yeah!!!! Not to condemn Paris, but because of weak pound sterling now, we might loose some money value due to the currency conversion (£1 = €1.17). You can compare the prices at Longchamp website. The UK airport price is even cheaper than US, Singapore and HK outlets. I had a conversation with the SA and she told me that lot of customers commented the same. And again, it is a tax free price although it's only have 16% instead of 20% VAT - I guess we paid the VAT handling fee.

For example, Travel Bag L (RRP £63) for £53; 15.9% off.

For those travelling via Heathrow Airport, hope these info help;

Heathrow Airport Terminal 1 - There is a Longchamp Flagship Store (the only Longchamp airport flagship store in the UK) situated in the second passenger lounge after the security (turn left). Opening time is 10.00 - 18.30 everyday. The store has full collections and various of La Pliage colours and sizes (90% complete stock). And on top of that, your purchase(s) is wrapped with a special embossed Longchamp white wrapping paper (just like in the boutique) with Longchamp green paper carried bag.

Longchamp Terminal 1

Longchamp Terminal 1 (departure hall)

Heathrow Airport Terminal 3, 4 and 5 - You still can purchase Le Pliage here but at independent store called Rolling Luggage (after the security check). They offer limited stock; 3-4 sizes and 4-5 colours. You don't get the Longchamp green carry bag but just the plastic Rolling Luggage plastic carrier bag. But the price is still the same. You can always ask the SA if they have the size or colour that you fancy in their storeroom.

Also available from Harrods. Packed in Harrods green plastic carrier bag.

* So far, Gatwick, Edinburgh and Manchester Airports are also the same.

Disclaimer: this post is from an old blog in 2012/13. The price might be currently different. Please check with official Longchamp website and deduct 16% from RRP.

Don't throw your coins away, save them...

I didn't knw before... I don't even care and annoyed with this small coins of 1, 2, 5 pence that laying around my house. Too heavy to carry around, too little value to spend it... Boy! I was wrong. I found a solution... COINSTAR.

COINSTAR is a 'service' that change your coin to money that you can spend or donate. The machine is like a vending machine situated in most supermarket like Asda, Sainsbury's, Morrison and Tesco. You just pour your coins  in the machine and it will calculate the amount of it. Then, you can choose weather you would like to have a cash voucher or donate it to charity. Don't worry about euros or other foreign currency, the machine will automatically 'reject' those coins. If you choose cash, a voucher will be printed and you must redeem the cash at the supermarket's Customer Service on the same day. Easy right? Such a no brainier... 

Cath Kidston Laptop Sleeve

I bought this sleeve to protect my new MBP as I usually bring the laptop with my school bag(s) instead of the laptop bag. Although there are a few brands and designs out there, I couldn't forget this one. As an avid CK fan, definitely I was kept on comparing other sleeves with this one - especially the thickness of the padding. CK has the thickest and the outside material is water resistance...

I chose the Spot 13'' in Navy (£30). The first thing I noticed was it has matte finishing- new design. The padding quite thick. But even with my Speck MBP Case, it still perfectly fit. The zip is also very good in quality with double leather zip holders. So far, it has two designs (Dot and Garden Birds) with two sizes (11'' and 13''). But I'm sure, they will be more designs coming up soon as the change of season. 

I bought this sleeves online by using my UniDays discount - 10%. UniDays is a discount for university students. If you're buying the CK products in store, just show your valid student ID card at the till before payment. If you're buying through website, you have to register with UniDays to verify your eligibility. And then, you can use the verification for other website that offer student discount. As simple as that. To save on delivery charges, I chose to pick it up at the store option. They will send you a notification email. Easy breezy. A great option if you are busy and don't want to make unfruitful trip to the city but still don't want to miss your home delivery. 

Last but not least...

Edinburgh - Shilla Korean Restaurant Part 2

Just uploaded pictures of our recent visit. You can read about this restaurant on my previous review here.