Cleaning your Vuitton Padlocks

I purchased my Excursion roughly about three weeks ago and I noticed that the padlock had begun oxidizing even when I was in the store. I thought nothing of it but today I decided that it was too dirty looking and I didn't want it to stain the vachetta. I know that Brasso is a leading recommendation but I use this with the acrylics on Rolex watches and they remove the scratches superbly. For this project, I decided to use this amazing product called Mr. Metal manufactured by Goddard's. I use it with my silver and decided to try it on the LV padlock. It worked beautifully and I wish I had taken before and after pics. Just use a pea size amount on a soft cloth and watch before your eyes how it restores it to the original factory finish. Tip: make sure the liquid does not get into the crevices of the lock and that you allow it to dry before attaching it to your LV. Hope you guys find this useful.

Tweet

The 100th Post

Julie Wallpaper Eole 50, Neiman Marcus July, 10, 2007

Tweet

The folly in online shopping...

Tpfers found an auction on e-bay with this desciption: Up for auction is a HUGE Louis Vuitton Neverfull gm dustbag . I just got this 4 days ago . This bag is huge . I can actually fit a pillow in it. Of all the bags I've owned ,I never got a dustbag this big. So its yours .Of course this is Authentic. See my feedback. I only sell authentic. This is brand new. At first I didn't notice it. But on the second reading, I realized that the listing was only for the DUSTBAG!!! Sadly, the auction ended for $255.00. The seller was very clear though that the auction was only for the dustbag. He/she even clarified it in one of the posted answers to queries. The photos are very deceiving. If you are going to shop online, please, please make sure that you read everything. Here's a link to the auction: e-bay

Tweet

Waterproof Keepall

Wow, here's an impressive pic of the Waterproof Keepall floating in a tub of water. I had the opportunity to actually touch and feel this in real life the other day and I LVoe it! There is something wildly alluring about the black trims and black inventeur plate. I was told that the piece has no stictching and was sealed using an adhesive. If you have the moolah to splurge then why not buy it?! I was tempted but alas, perhaps another time. Special thanks to Cecile Van Straten for her photo. Check out her flickr. It's filled with photos of the LV Fall/Winter 07-08 Fashion Show from Ho Chi Minh City. Photo credit: Cecilia Van Straten

Tweet

Louis Vuitton Ad

LVoe this ad from Louis Vuitton. Do you think Jeff would be convinced that LV and men can and do co-exist?

Tweet

HRH---the late Princess Diana

I would like to share with you this pic of the late Princess Diana. She had in her arm what seem to be a toilette poche. Unfortunately, there is no vachette at the end so I'm not sure if it is. Someone from the purse forum said that it is a discontinued piece. When I saw this, I instantly had a vision of you, Arjay. I imagined you walking the beaches of Key West clutching your toiletry bag with the wind in your hair and sand on your feet. She might have more grace and poise than you, but do remember that she was only a princess and you are a queen.

Tweet

Keepall 55 Monogram Canvas July 8, 2007 Neiman Marcus, VA

Tweet

I LVoe Paris

Here's another pic of our famous heiress with her Gold Miroir Alma peeping out of her full back seat. I was paying yesterday for my purchases at the boutique and there was a bag in its dustcover on the counter. I couldn't help myself but peek and low and behold, there was a Gold Miroir Lockit just begging to be taken home. I must admit that this line does not do it for me. Maybe because it's so shiny and blingy and mirroree. It makes a bold statement and I think it looks great in the arms of celebrities and socialites. But then again, you'll never know what I might do next. LVoe it!!! Photo credit: parishiltononline.net

Tweet

The Louise

Wow, I really like this bag. I dunno where to get it though. It seems so roomy and luxurious. It reminds me of that wonderful carpet bag that Mary Poppins had. You know, the one where she pulls out a hat stand from.

Tweet

Soleil Moon Frye

I was supposed to buy only a key holder at the boutique but I ended up going home with this li'l cutee. I still dunno what to do with it, so I am open to suggestions. Wapity in Monogram Canvas + Gold tone Epi Key Holder, July 7, 2007 Chevy Chase.

Tweet

OOOHHH...what is this?

Limelight Clutch priced at $1275.00 Photo credit: www.louisvuitton.com

Tweet

Ahh..the little, useless things that make us happy.

Halloween themed keyring is named after the symbolic Halloween Jack O’Lantern and Lucie one of the oldest human remains found to date. The keyring features swarovski crystals and monogram flower details. LVoe it!!! I wanted to buy this piece but changed my mind as soon as I got to Saks and saw that it was made in Italy. Sadly, I'm one of those Made-in-France LV collectors. Photo credit: www.louisvuitton.com

Tweet

The Speedy Mirage!!!!

Priced at $1800.00 as of July 10, 2007 Photo credit: www.louisvuitton.com

Tweet

Fall /Winter 2007-2008 Eye Candy

I know that we are all still in the summer mode but check out these eye candies for Fall/Winter 2007-2008. LVOE IT!!!! Left: Monogram Shearling Thunder $3300; Right: Monogram Shearling Storm $3750 Photo credit: www.louisvuitton.com

Tweet

Fall/Winter 2007-2008 Eye Candy

LVoe the worry free leather trims!!! Noir & Bordeaux Monogram Mirage Musette $2700 Left: Monogram Mirage Delft Exotic $8250; Right: Monogram Mirage Griet $3450Photo credit: www.louisvuitton.com

Tweet

Fall/Winter 2007-2008 Eye Candy

Don't you just LVoe these soft briefcases???!!! Photo credit: www.louisvuitton.com

Tweet

NEWSFLASH: Distressing Price Increase!!!!

Well, it seems that a lot of Purse Forum members have confirmed that there will indeed be a price increase this July 11. USA only. Wow, good thing I grabbed all the stuff I need to be ready to be sent to the moon. Sigh...I need a Keepall!

Tweet

Portefeuille Brazza en Toile Damier

Portefeuille Brazza en Toile Damier avec Le Catalogue de Horlogerie. 6 Juillet, 2007 Chevy Chase, MD. The Great Explorer, Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza (1852-1905)

Tweet

The Obsession Worsens...

Leaving work early is always a sign of things that are afoot. I ended up in the boutique with me telling Alexa that I wanted the wallet. Her instant response was: "The one with the zipper?" I LVoe her! She immediately pulled the Brazza out and I bought it. She did stroke my ego twice. First, when she complemented my Speedy Mini Lin and second, when she got all excited when I took out my Groom pochette. I guess that is part of the LV experience that you pay for. Ah...as the great Dr. Apollo Trias once said: "Shopping is our therapy." Here's a picture of my Mini Lin and purchase in one of LV's "hidden" powder rooms.

Tweet

It's prreeeeweeertttyyyy!!!

Damier Brazza Wallet--Named after the French-Italian explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, who is most recognized for his work in the African Continent. Photo credit: www.eluxury.com

Tweet

A Nightmare to Forget

Yesterday morning I woke up to a terrible nightmare. I dreamt I was at the Chevy Chase boutique and was trying to buy something. To my horror, I could not communicate with the Sales Associates so they were looking at me wondering why I was even there. They kept asking me what I wanted and I vaguely remember them showing me a monogram denim item but I could not respond. It was awful!!! I woke up with the alarm going off feeling miserable and confused. Luckily, I went there yesterday and got myself the Damier Macau and stayed away from the denim collection.

Tweet

My Friends and their LVoe Series

An der schönen blauen Donau Apol with his Monogram Canvas Danube from 101 avenue de Champs-Elysées 75008,PARIS, June 30, 2007

Tweet

My Friends and Their LVoe Series

Presenting to you the First Princess of Miami, Florida: JASMIN RICE!!! Arjay and Petra with his Damier Azur Speedy 30 from Chevy Chase, Maryland, June,15, 2007

Tweet

Damiers at Bumblefish

Angel, Jeff and I decided to have sushi for dinner to savor the delights prepared by our dear friend Wilfredo. He created this very impressive sushi with spicy potato chips and it was to die for!!! We had our rounds of bubble drinks to cleanse our palettes and enjoyed the quaint atmosphere of Old Town Alexandria. It was a great night for friends, LVoers, sushi and new purchases. Visit bumblefishsushi.com

Tweet

My Friends and their LVoe Series

The camera couldn't even capture her glee!!! Angel Lizza and her new Hampstead MM & Pochette Wallet in Damier Azur from Neiman Marcus, McLean,Virginia, July 5, 2007.

Tweet

First Damier Ebene--Macau

Long before I was born, my maternal great-grandparents traversed the South China Sea from Macau to look for a better life and industry for themselves. They settled along the banks of the Cagayan Valley River where my mother grew up. I've only been there once and to see the ocean expanse was quite thrilling for a young, robust man of 14. Today, to commemorate that momentous voyage, I present to you my newest LV acquisition, the Macau Damier Clutch!!! Of course, I have to have a rationalization for my purchases from that famous of ateliers. Macau Clutch in Damier Ebene, July 5, 2007, Chevy Chase, MD. PS. The backdrop is a native, Philippine weaving from the T'boli Tribe called T'nalak.

Tweet

Neverfull in Damier Azur and Damier Ebene

Found these pics from the Purse Forum. I really LVoe the Damier Ebene when the vachette is used instead of the dark leather trims. I do hope that when it hits the stores this is the version that they are going to produce. So far to my knowledge, the last time they did that was for the Centenaire Celebrations. Also, here's hoping that the damier design will be aligned on both sides of the bag. Photo credits: bittenbydbagbug tpfer

Tweet

Speedy LVoe

Found this cute pic from my friend's blog.

Tweet

Rain, rain go away...Waterproof Keepall 55

For those of you who are so protective of your vachettas, you probably know what I am talking about. Jeff and I were driving to a friend's place to have our Independence Day cook-out when all of a sudden, the radio announcer started to spout out some thuderstorm warnings. I immediately thought about my Naviglio's vachette and decided right there and there that I will leave it in the car. So I thought to myself, is there a Vuitton that is waterproof? Interestingly enough, there is!!! The Monogram Canvas Waterproof Keepall 55. Here's what the website says. "Once closed, this Keepall becomes totally waterproof even when completely submerged." It's a great item when taking a cruise of the Carribean or a river ride in the Amazon jungle and you have a precious cargo to protect. I LVoe, LVoe the dark trims. Description says polyamide, polyurethane, brass and zamak pieces. Zamak wha???!!!(Zinc alloys acccording to wikepedia.) I don't need to go into the chemistry of its construction but it's so kewl!!!! So far, I have yet to find an owner of this $2000.00 piece of luggage. Hopefully, someday, I would be one of them...Photo credit: www.louisvuitton.com

Tweet

Happy 4th of July from the Nation's Capital!

In between burgers and fireworks, may all your LVoe dreams come through!!!

Tweet

Louis Vuitton Men Spring-Summer 2008 Show!!!

Visit Louis Vuitton. Photo credits: mvc_sassy & jamalu from the Purse Forum

Tweet

Summit Drive Vernis

Looking at the LV UK site where prices are posted for our convenience, I found this little vernis in their new arrivals section. What I like about this bag is that the handles are adjustable and it's so cute and petite. The amarante is my favorite color of all the vernis because it looks like black from afar but it is actually a deep, lush purple. LVoe it!!! Photo credit: www.eluxury.com

Tweet

My Panda Pochette arrived today!

My absolutely adorable Takashi Murakami Panda pochette accesoires arrived today in excellent condition. The parcel post was pretty fast considering that they just mailed it out on Friday. Of course, I devised a scheme for me to go out and use it by inviting my friend Wilfredo to have dinner with me at Dupont Circle. Here's a pic of me at his loft after the meal. I know Tyra Banks would not have approved of the way my fingers are positioned but I assure you that it is behaving. Visit let-trade.com for great pre-owned LV bargains.

Tweet

Sergent for Fall 2007

I know this is not for everybody but I just LVoe, LVoe the texture of this new line from the House of Vuitton. I saw it in real life on one of my jaunts to the boutique. It looks like a harsh, bronze sculpture from afar, but at the same time the feminity of the design softens this perception. That fusion of Yin and Yang makes it dynamic to my eyes. LVoe it!!! Check it out at your local boutique. Don't quote me but I think the PM is $2250 and GM is $2700. Photo credit: www.louisvuitton.com

Tweet

Old Friend + New Friend = SPEEDY LVoe

Tweet

Mini Lin 2

At Mass today, I noticed something very disturbing. The top canvas of my new Mini Lin was misaligned. I didn't pay much attention to it first because I was a nervous wreck. After the adrenaline had subsided, I inspected it more closely. I knew the US Neverfull had other consumers complaining, but this was simply unacceptable for something from France. Or is it? People are people. No matter where they are. I guess, I'm just particular about these kind of details. Take for example when I am shopping for striped dress shirts. I usually make sure that the lines from the sleeves match at the shoulder seam. Some people say it's old fashioned for me to do that because nowadays that kind of quality is unheard of. But exceptionally good quality shirt companies usually has it in check. So I expected nonetheless from the House of Vuitton. I ended up going to my SA at Neiman's and exchanging it for an exceptionally aligned piece. I must be the customer from hell!!! She was nice though and I walked out of Neiman's thinking to myself that the Frenchman or woman who handcrafted my Mini Lin must possess excellent manual skills, a very good eye and is someone who takes pride in their work. I gotta remember that when I make my next purchase. Mini Lin 2 meets all of my humble standards. Here he is juxtaposed with a carpet Jeff purchased in Turkey. I purposely did that to celebrate both of these pieces' exceptional symmetry and craftsmanship.

Tweet

Ah...the passion of some people

NO COMMENT!!! credits: theeightdot (PIMPED OUT CHEVY CAPRICE - LOUIS VUITTON)

Tweet

Mass with the Speedy

Wow, I'm glad I got through that. I went to my local church for the early morning mass today to test drive my new Speedy. I figured, 7:30 am mass, petit church, small crowd. I was wrong. It was packed! It must be because of the lovely day. I was sooooo nervous. I saw whole families, couples, babies!!! I decided to sit on the sidelines and scooted my bag to the farthest end. Geez, I'm out and proud but for some reason, the Speedy made me apprehensive! Fortunately, I survived it. I was able to thank God for granting me the means to purchase such a lovely bag. I know for some, spirituality and materialism does not mix, but for me, taking a precious purchase needs to be blessed with gratitude in the heart! I left the church feeling elated. Next hurdle, showing Jeff that yet again I bought a new bag and (he hates branded goods with a passion) then next week for Mass--TO THE GRAND BASILICA!

Tweet