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.

July Beauty Haul - Body Shop Nutriganics

Nutriganics™ - developed for women typically aged 30-40 years to help improve the appearance of the skin and smooth the first signs of ageing. The benefits of the Nutriganics™ organic skincare range will undoubtedly appeal to those who are looking for alternative anti-ageing products. Combining community trade Babassu oil with 14 other organic ingredients; 99% of ingredients are of natural origin – The Body Shop

Nutriganics™ Smoothing Day Cream 50mL (£13)

Nutriganics™ Smoothing Eye Cream 15mL (£14)

Nutriganics™ Smoothing Serum 30mL (£16)

From my research, the Babassu oil is used as the coconut oil alternative and has become very popular in the beauty industry because it possesses a number of fatty acids that are beneficial to the skin’s overall health. 50% of the Babassu Oil’s composition is made up of lauric acid while the remaining 50% is made from a combination of Stearic, Myristic, Palmitic and Oleic acids. It is also rich in Vitamin E and Phytosterols which act as the oil’s anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agents.

My experience:

I started using this range as an alternative to my Dermalogica beauty regime. I have to confess that I can’t maintain those budgets to buy Dermalogica anymore. It is still one of the best, but I must face the hard reality of budget-friendly options… Well, enough with that…

I first bought the smoothing serum after a high recommendation by a fellow beauty blogger and high rated recommendations at the BS website. The price is acceptable and if you have Love Your Body Membership card, you’re entitle for 10% discount. 

So far, I totally love the range, except for the cleanser in which I felt not really cleansing my face - especially after wearing make-up. The cleanser was too 'light' for my liking. The rest? Love it! I can see the smoothness and the suppleness of my skin after one week of using it :) It quickly absorb into my skin and my face was not 'wet' after layers of cream; eye cream, drop of youth, serum, day moisturiser. You don't need to use much, just a pump is enough. I use this range all year round (winter, spring and summer so far), the range sits well with the change of climate :) plus point!

The smell... Hurm, I'm not really comfortable with the strong sharp (maybe pungent?) smell at first but after a while, I got used to it... I must tell you that it might be a turn off for some people... 

Again, I strongly suggest that you ask for a sample before you try the buying the set. Or you can buy the travel size set (around £10).