A Look For Less: Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City

One of the things I have learned from my classy grandmother Marina, It's better to be overdressed than to be underdressed. So whenever I go out, I always try to look good not for anyone else but for myself. Since my teenage years, I was already interested in fashion and style. In fact, when I was 14, I modeled for a local designer in my hometown. 

And my motto, I'd rather have a few clothes but with quality than having too many but breaks quickly. So let me tell you my secret on where to shop good quality designer clothes in Ho Chi Minh City. 

As I have mentioned in my previous blog post, Ho Chi Minh is one of the best shopping destinations in South East Asia. Being the factory hub to many International brands like Zara, Mango, Michael Kors, North Face, Nike and a lot more, you can find these brands in the market for half or even one-third of the retail price. Also, since most of these products came straight from the factory, you cannot guarantee to have your size available as sometimes they only come in a few or a piece.

For instance, some years ago, I was lucky to have found an original Tory Burch Travel Flats in my size. I bought at Lucky Plaza for about 100 USD and online it costs 250 USD.

The Kardashian Kollection jacket was also bought in Lucky Plaza for 15 USD
and the Tory Burch Flats for 100 USD.

230 Euros At ToryBurch.Com

If you're looking for winter clothes, sports wear or sports shoes, Russian Market is the best place to go. And for you ladies, the best place to shop for shoes and dresses is Lucky Plaza.

Barbour is an English luxury and high quality brand. In fact, it is a favorite of the British Royal Family. When I was in Scotland a year ago, I went to a luxury shop called House of Bruar. The cheapest Barbour Jacket in the shop was about 180 GBP (230 USD). If you're lucky, did you know you can find them in Russian Market? And you wouldn't believe the price, sold for only 60 USD and yes, ORIGINAL!

These corsets are from La Senza and Victoria's Secret, also can be found in Russian Market. For those who asked me about Victoria's Secret, I took this photo for you! ;)

I found this Zara Leather High Heel Sandals for about 30 USD in Russian Market, which by the way, is still on their website for double the price.

Russian Market:  328 Võ Văn Kiệt, Cô Giang, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam.

Lucky Plaza Shopping Market: 38 Nguyễn Huệ, 69 Đồng Khởi, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Shopping for friends and family in Europe.

If you're interested of making me your personal shopper, email me at rizlle@yahoo.com

Cacdemode Swim

It was a great privilege to be part of Cacdemode's Buns in the Sun. The event took place at Thao Dien in hustling and bustling, Ho Chi Minh City.

Cacdemode is local Vietnamese brand specializing in modern and uniquely-designed swimwear. Just perfect for any beach party or pool theme occasions. And since it's already summer in Asia, Ms. Cac Lam the creative director of Cacdemode turned an idea into reality about doing a Summer Squad Goals video wearing the latest designs from Cacdemode Swim.

If you want to own one of these lovely swimwear, visit www.cacdemode.com. 

A Great Weekend Escapade

If you're an expat living in Saigon (Vietnam), I guess you can relate to the dilemma that sometimes you just need to take a break from the hustling and bustling of the big city. And the good thing about living in a tropical country is you don't have to travel afar to find the serenity and haven you deserve.

A coastal fishing town in Bin Thuan Province with 12 kilometers that have been transformed into a resort destination, Mui Ne is definitely the weekend paradise you've been waiting for. About 220 kilometers from Saigon, it takes approximately 5 hours to reach Mui Ne by bus.

Aside from being one of Vietnam's most popular beach destination, Mui Ne is also dubbed as a Kitesurfer's paradise. If you want to see other attractions aside from the beach then head to the red and white sand dunes.

At night, Mui Ne transforms into a food paradise and party heaven, a perfect concoction for fun!


Our Resort: Mui Ne Bay Resort

Around Mui Ne: Local Seafood Restaurant, Dragon Beach Bar and Lounge

Budget
Bus Fare: 15 USD two way transport
Hotel: 60 USD per night
Scooter Rental: 5 USD per day
Food: 30 USD per day

Trollbeads Found A Fan Party

Some days ago, I was invited at Trollbeads Found A Fan Party (Hội cuồng TROLLBEADS - No FAKE) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Trollbeads The Original is a Danish jewelry brand that was founded in 1976. It specializes on glass beads and silver/gold beads with each bead design comes with a meaning.

The event was about Trollbeads fanatics and collectors, gathered together at a café in Dong Khoi Street to share their one passion. Not only it was about meeting new friends, the event was also about team work. Fun games were played and a raffle draw was made with Trollbeads jewelry as prizes.

My Trollbeads Necklace

The Trollbeads Story

The story about the original and unique Trollbeads all started in Denmark in 1976. The first bead, which later gave name to the Trollbeads collection, was a small bead decorated with no less than 6 faces. It was designed by Søren Silversmith and sold from his father Svend's jewellery shop in central Copenhagen. The beads were created at a time where it was fashionable to have a silver bead hanging on a leather thong around the neck. But instead of letting the bead hang in an eyelet, Søren wanted to let the leather cord go through the bead. Later on, Søren's sister, Lise, began to put the beads on silver bracelets, one on each bracelet.

Lise opened another jewellery store and one day a customer asked to have an extra bead put on her bracelet. The storekeeper was surprised but followed the customer's wish. From then on, the adventure and Trollbeads movement started. In cooperation with the customers and according to their wishes, the collection grew. This was the invention and the beginning of an original jewellery concept that today is enjoyed worldwide.

While waiting for the event to start.

Trollbeads team handing out Trollbeads vouchers to the guests.

The Trollbeads Manager of Vietnam, Ms. Amy, explaining the mechanics of the game..

Some of the Lucky winners with Ms. Amy and Vietnam Trollbeads Ambassador.

And the beads are out. :)

My Review Of The Reverie Saigon- Romeo And Juliet Italian Lounge And Restaurant

A few nights ago, while catching up with a good friend in Saigon, I was given the pleasure to pick the restaurant for dinner. I immediately thought of The Reverie Saigon- Romeo and Juliet Italian Lounge and Restaurant in Dong Khoi street since it was recently recommended to me by a Vietnamese friend who works in the hotel and restaurant business. This friend also introduced me to Maximilian and Marco, the managers of the restaurant.

Upon arriving at the fabulous establishment, we were greeted and ushered by the receptionist and brought us to our lovely table. The entire dining room was absolutely beautifully furnished and set, the lavish and intricate design gives a very romantic ambiance with a background music very relaxing to the ears.
Marco came to our table to accommodate us with the menu. The carte du jour consisted of different savory Italian dishes and since it was hard for me to decide, I took the Salmon.

Welcome drinks came promptly after our orders then drinks followed by bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip. To our surprise, a palatable complimentary starter was introduced by the cameriere. After a few minutes of chit chat, the main course arrived. The food was presented artistically. The Italian chef drop by the table to say hello and asked about our dinner. My verdict? Every bite is divine. Since the food was really good, we decided to end it with a sweet treat. I had a special dessert, Tiramisu, made at our table plus another complimentary Italian cream cake pops served in a glass jar of liquid nitrogen.

Romeo and Juliet Italian Lounge and Restaurant provides excellent service and food. A 6-star experience indeed! Two thumbs up, The Reverie Saigon. 

Grand Opening of Mango Mega Store in Ho Chi Minh City

Yesterday, it was truly a great pleasure and a privilege to be invited to the grand opening of a Mango Mega Store at Vincom Center in Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arriving at the event, I handed my invitation and they gave me a Mango Goodie Bag. Then I looked around the shop to see their latest collection. The new Mango Mega Store in Vincom Center is huge.

Photo from Facebook

As guests starts to arrive, food and beverage was served. The store was packed with guests like bloggers, the media and a lot of famous Vietnamese celebrities also promoting the event but my incomprehension of Vietnam's show business, I'm totally oblivious. Though I had my photo taken with a Vietnamese singer, Phuong, who performed that night.

The event started Phuong singing a song from Bruno Mars ''Just the way you are'' and at the same time, models walked around the store to feature Mango's new collection for men and women.

Photo from ngoisao.net

Photo from ngoisao.net

Mango Kids also showcased their latest collection. Cute Vietnamese models walked confidently around the shop to show the guests their outfit.

Photo from ngoisao.net

The event ended with a raffle draw and great prizes like six winners of 250 USD worth Mango voucher as the 3rd prize, Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge as the 2nd prize and for the grand prize winner, a Samsung Flat Screen TV. Sadly, I'm never lucky with raffles.

#ootn

Dress: Soaked in Luxury

Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Bag: Chanel

Accessories: Trollbeads

Make A Difference This Holiday Season!

Are you in or travelling to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam this holiday season? One of the best things to do to share the love this Christmas is to visit the Orphanage for the disabled in Binh Thanh District. You can share your blessings by donating your old clothes or toys; give grocery goods like rice, noodles, milk, oil, etc; or simply just interact with the children there.

Get involved by embracing this act and you will surely make a lot of underprivileged children happy!


Address:
153 Xo Viet Nhge Tinh
Ward 17, Binh Thanh District
Ho Chi Minh City

''Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.''
                                                                                    - Hamilton Wright Mabie

Saigon Cooking Class by Hua Tuc

As I sometimes post recipes about my experimental dishes, I love being in the kitchen! Every time I travel, I would always like to try the local dish. If it's something exotic or bizarre, I try to find an alternative like made of vegetables or seafood instead of something else. And when I get back home, I would recreate the dish with the help of online recipes or simply the cookbook I purchased during that trip.

If you are travelling to destinations with palatable cuisine, I suggest you enroll yourself even just for a day culinary class. It's also fun to shop for some spices that are difficult to find in your local supermarket. 

Two weeks ago, I signed- up for one day cooking class with a three-course menu for only 35 USD at Saigon Cooking Class by Hua Tuc. Aside from the fun experience and making new friends, I learned to create authentic Vietnamese dishes. 

Alone but excited to go in and learn!

Saigon Cooking Class is situated on the second floor of a historical building at an old Opium Refinery in Ho Chi Minh City. The place is very cozy and very full of history.

First Dish: The appetizer ingredients!

Whoa la! Very yummy Fresh Vietnamese Spring Rolls! :) After we made this dish, we all sat down and enjoyed our creation! lol

The Second Dish: Asian Salad with Grilled Chicken.

The secret to this jagged and creative cutting is in the knife! ;)

Time for me to mix the salad with some Asian sauce! A little different but impressive taste.

Here it is, Salad with Grilled Chicken.

The Last and Final Dish: Fried Rice. I have shared here on my blog on how to make fried rice but this one is different. And as I have said on my post before, Fried Rice is very easy to make. Just mix everything and fry!

I love how they presented our work place, clean and precise.

Here is the tricky part of this special Vietnamese Lotus Fried Rice. Have to wrap it on Lotus Leaf then cut the middle to have like a flower presentation. Very, very creative!

Our master chef teaching us how to cut the Leaf. Looks easy but it's very difficult. You must wrap it tight enough for the rice to stick and not to fall apart. 

My creation! I love how it is presented. Really learned something new here.

After savouring our creation, we were given this dessert (Sorbet) made from exotic Passion fruit.

After the cooking class, everybody will receive this cook book/recipes of the dishes you made.

If you love Vietnamese cuisine, I will share to you the recipe of one of my favorite Vietnamese appetizer- Fresh Vietnamese Spring Rolls. 

Hope you enjoy!

Fresh Vietnamese Spring Rolls

Ingredients- Serves 12 rolls.
400 g prawns (about 20 prawns)
240 g rice noodle
12 thick rice papers or more in case if you break some
12 green ettuce leaves cut into "Julienne"
40 g fresh Basil
40 g fresh Mint
100 g Bean Sprouts (remove the yellow part)
1 bunch Chive cut into lengths
Peanut Sauce for dipping

Method:
Prepare The Prawns
In a saucepan bring water to a boil with a pinch of salt.
Add prawns and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until orange.
Remove from pan and let it cool.
Peel and cut in 2 parts.
Set Aside

Wrap and Roll
1) To make the fresh rolls briefly dip a rice paper in a bowl of water until soft or just wet a little bit the rice paper with your fingers.
2) Remove and place on a dry surface and smoothing it with your fingers.
3) Place the lettuce Julienne onto the rice paper with a bit of rice noodles and top with some basil, mint and bean sprouts.
4) Add 2 to 3 pieces of prawns then fold 2 sides parallel and roll up tightly, press to seal with a little bit of water.

Serve Spring rolls with peanut sauce. :)