Category: Bags

The last days of Chanel

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For as long as I have lived on island, there was always an iconic boutique at the Duty Free Shoppers (DFS) called Chanel. For the 20 plus years on Guam, I never once stepped foot into that boutique. I was always intimidated and afraid of browsing. I’m not sure why, especially considering I never knew what the price ranges were. It must’ve been the aura, the ambiance, or the intimidating stares from the Sales Associates. Whatever it may be, it is one sad story to know, that it is an end of an era when Chanel closed its doors officially on January 2020.

Guam used to be the main shopping hub for many tourists visiting the Mariana Islands. We prided ourselves in carrying many high end and well made names, such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Gucci, Ferragamo, etc. Tumon Sands Plaza and DFS were the main places to find these brands. Sadly, over the course of many years, world events, and change in trends have affected the trajectory of these brands and businesses.

Before Chanel closed its doors on Guam, I had to mark the end of an era, with a meaningful purchase. It was difficult to choose just one item, but I succeeded! One of the things I hope for is that, despite these turbulent times, businesses will be able to stay afloat and provide jobs for the remaining people on Guam.

Would it be so wrong if I’m already thinking of my next purchase?

Carry-On Bag Must-Haves (TSA Friendly)

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https://instagram.com/p/1wd4nxmVXK/

When I fly, I slightly have more things in my bag to carry than normal. The reason for this is that I like to be prepared for anything. I need to be able to entertain myself, to keep myself hydrated inside and out, and to keep myself comfortable. This is what I like to have within reach:

  • Water. I usually buy a bottle of water after I go thru TSA. I have seen others bring an empty bottle and fill it with water after passing through security.
  • Wet Ones aka Wipes. I like keeping my hands clean, especially when you are in an enclosed area for hours.
  • Wallet.
  • Kleenex.
  • Lubricating Eye Drops. The air, in planes, can get so drying and irritating to my tired eyes that lubricant eye drops is vital.
  • Lotion.
  • Evian Spray or Water in a Spray Bottle. My nose dries out quickly and I hate getting that feeling…so every few hours..I give my face a mist.
  • Pen. Darn those custom’s forms..
  • Passport & Passport Holder. A bright-colored passport holder to easily spot in your bottomless pit of a bag is very practical. Especially when that passport holder can hold all your boarding passes and luggage tags.
  • Notebook or Travel Journal. I enjoy planning last-minute itineraries on the plane.
  • Ipad or Surface or Nook… to watch movies or read books. Most planes have Wifi and movies available to watch straight from your Ipad.
  • Earbuds or Headphones. This is necessary to watch films, listen to music, or just to block out the noise.
  • Phone and its Cords.
  • External battery pack. Super handy especially for those long flights without having a power outlet to plug your phone or ipad in.
  • Makeup Bag. I like to keep just the basics in this bag. That includes: A small tinted moisturizer (TSA friendly), eyebrow pencil, tinted lip balm, a compact, blotting sheets, blush that can be used in cheeks and lips, travel size mascara, a taupe colored eyeshadow, and a small kabuki brush.
  • Gum. Helps with takeoff/landing pressure in ears and freshens breath.
  • Roller ball perfume. Helps perk you up.
  • Hair tie.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Pantiliner and/or Pad.
  • Sleeping Eye Mask to block those stubborn lights out. I found this very useful in having a good night’s/day’s rest in the plane.
  • Prescriptions. You need any meds with you in case of an emergency.  With that being said, I also like to travel with some form of pain reliever like Advil or Tylenol and Dramamine.
  • Change of clothes. I just recently started doing this because I discovered the larger airports have shower facilities in which you can shower before your next flight. I would advise to check ahead to see if your airport offers this and to check if you will have enough time between flights to shower. But, trust me, you will instantly be in a better mood after a nice shower. And if you do bring a change of clothes, I like to pack this in a gallon size ziploc and roll until all the air is gone.
  • And if you know you’ll be in a long flight with no food…I would suggest packing a snack that will hold you over.