Swagger

The other night, Ate saw her Lolo (grandfather) wear a jacket because the AC in the room was a bit cold for him.  Being at the toddler's stage where where she imitates what she sees or hears, she asked for a jacket for herself as well.

But she brought it up a notch and asked for . . . . a pair of shades!

To complete this look =)

Urban Dictionary defines "Swagger" as "A person's style- they way they walk, talk, dress"

Well Ate, I have to say, I'm loving your Swagger! =)

Envirosax vs Zola

I read about Envirosax reusable shopping bags through Manila Fashion Observer's blog last year.  I really wanted to get one from the brand's Travel Pouch series mainly because of the bag's design, hahaha!  But I thought we have enough reusable bags at home (which we got from department stores and supermarkets) that there is no need for another one.

On our way back home from Tagaytay, Zola's Dad and I dropped by the outlet stores in Paseo de Sta Rosa and saw one shop (I'm sorry the name escaped me) which was selling these bags.    I read their brochure and what caught my attention was . . . it described the bags as "super strong and can hold 44lbs"!  (I think the ones we have at home can't hold this amount of weight)  So I got one but still wondered if the bag can actually do so.
   
One day, hubby and I thought of putting the Little One in the bag (she weighs 30 lbs), just to see if the brand's claim holds true (okay, we were challenging it! haha!) and . . . .Tadahhhh

I was actually waiting for that ripping sound! Hahaha!

Just to show you Zola's Dad's hands up close ---
He was carrying her with all his might!

It goes without saying. . . that in this durability challenge, Envirosax wins!  Heehee

Envirosax Bags are also available at The Travel Club.  I'm sure you'll have a hard time choosing from all the designs they have!  (I picked this one because this shade of green reminded me of our wedding's color motif)

For more info about Envirosax, you may visit their website and you may also check Envirosax Philippines' Facebook page

If you're doing some shopping this weekend, and if you have a reusable shopping bag at home, don't forget to bring it!  If you don't have one, I encourage you to use one.  Reusable shopping bags reduce plastic bag consumption. . . Just one of the simple things we can do to help and save our environment. =)

Who loves ruffles?

I DO!  I love ruffles!

I think ruffles make any wardrobe prettier. . .sweet . . . romantic.  So when I saw this frilly top, I knew I just have to get it for The Little One!  (the beauty of having a baby girl?  you get to have a live Barbie you can dress up! LOL)  

But for the Little One? 

She likes to nibble on her bib,

She thinks the ruffles are her bib,

Therefore, she is nibbling on the ruffles.

She doesn't like wearing a bib,
She thinks the ruffles are her bib,

Therefore, she is trying to remove the ruffles.

*Sigh* . . .Oh well. . . it's okay  . . .. 

I still love ruffles!    

The (Bag) Doctor Is In

One of the nice things about being an SAHM (Stay At Home Mom) is you get to do spring cleaning (or decluttering? teehee) anytime you want.  I did some and found a brown suede bag given to me by Zola's Dad when we were still dating.  I took a mental note to bring it "somewhere" where it can be cleaned (as I don't have an idea where!).  One thing is for sure, the bag DEFINITELY needs some TLC! Haha!

As luck would have it, I saw a friend "like" a page in FB called "The Bag Doctor". . . and suddenly I remembered the suede bag which I set aside ummm. . . a few ages ago!  I went to the Doctor's page and was amazed at the kind of work (it's craftsmanship if i may so) she does. Her work is too good not to share with everyone!  I emailed the Bag Doctor and asked for her permission to use her photos for this blog and took this as a chance to get to know her a little bit more.  

The genius behind the "Bag Doctor" is LP, a very nice and pleasant mompreneur.  After working for several companies and as she was preparing for her wedding, she set her heart to become a hands-on mom.  So she went on to become an entrepreneur and has actually engaged in different businesses before she finally found her passion. . . she put up the Bag Doctor.  This WAHM (Work at Home Mom) is a bag lover herself.  She's so funny (and endearing) when she said, "I feel happy seeing them, smelling them (haha!) and touching them!"  There is passion indeed in her work because what she does is close to her heart (lucky girl!)

And when you have passion, you want to do everything the right way.  She and her husband went to Italy in 2010 to train with one of the biggest leather tanneries there.  The cleaning substance they use also come from Italy.  (Actually, in my "initial consultation" with the Bag Doctor, she already told me that the cleaning substance for suede will arrive in June.)

The Bag Doctor has a whole BAG of tricks!  True to her name, she has "revived" a lot of patients, was called on for "emergency" cases and has prescribed treatments =).

Here are some photos from her FB page. 

BEFORE

AFTER

Just in case you're wondering if they only work on Luxury bags, the answer is NO.  They clean and restore any brand and any kind of bag. =)  

To date they have three clinics around the Metro (Eastwood, West Ave. and White Plains).  You may also send an email to Bagrx@yahoo.com for inquiries.  For more information about the Bag Doctor, please visit their FB page.

So if you think your bags need a dose of TLC, don't worry. . . .the Bag Doctor is IN!

(Now, where did I put that suede bag of mine. . . haha!)

See you soon Doc!

Shoe Stories

I read that Dr. Martens opened a flagship store last December here in the Philippines.  Dr. Martens!!!  I didn't own a pair (I just felt I couldn't wear them with flair, haha!)  Seeing these shoes bring me back to my College days!   

My fondest memory of College was when I was a Freshman, my Dad was so worried that I might fall from my bed in the dormitory (I was at the top of a double-deck bed).  He worried so much that. . . he installed seat belts in my bed!  Yes, you read that right, seat belts!  When I wake up every morning, my room mates jokingly ask me how my flight was! Haha!  I was NEVER embarrassed by it at all. . . you never get embarrassed when your dad shows you how much he loves you.  It is a funny story that warms my heart at the same time.  (But just between us, I only used the seat belts once, haha!)

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As they say, a woman can never have too many pairs of shoes.  I'm not a shoe addict but somehow I always have a reason (or an excuse?) to buy a new pair. Heehee

Here are some of the shoes I grew up with or had over the years . . .

The Kung Fu Shoes. . .reminds me of my Elementary days.  I also didn't own a pair.  I guess my parents couldn't find a pair that would fit me.  But just looking at them, I think they are comfortable!

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I didn't have Kung-Fu shoes but I had Gregg Shoes (which were locally manufactured).  I love them but I hated them too.  I hated them when I was young because as much as I want a new pair every school year, I couldn't have one.  They are so sturdy!  I even dragged my feet when I walk, I threw them against the wall, I did anything (and everything!) just so they would look worn-out so I can convince my mom to buy me a new pair. . . They are just simply indestructible! Haha! 

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These are not Gregg Shoes but it's the closest image I can find 

Espadrilles . . .I had a pair exactly like the one pictured below when I was a Sophomore in high school.  I remember wearing them when our Team went to a beach for our Victory party celebration during our school's Intramurals.  

And if there were Havaianas during that time, I'm sure I wore flip flops to the beach and not Espadrilles! Haha!

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Tretorn shoes . . . I love these tennis shoes!  Mine were purple and I wore them during P.E. class in high school.  The first time I cleaned them, I used a big tube of Colgate (because that's what everybody said!)  But that was the first and last time I did!  Haha!  

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And now that I'm a mom, I only wear sandals or flats.  My favorite pair of sandals are from Aerosoles (if you are looking for comfort, go for Aerosoles).  I wear them almost everyday (I got them when I was pregnant) and are now semi-retired.

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I just bought a new pair of flats from Melissa (I call them plastic shoes from Brazil). . .I wish though that they are more. . .pocket-friendly.  I went for it anyway because they have my size!  Size has always been my problem when I shop for shoes here in Philippines.  (That's why I'm shoe-crazy when I'm in the US, shoe-shopping there is pure bliss for me!)  

But I'm just glad (and thankful!) Melissa carries my size . . . they're sooo comfy, I am definitely loving my new flats!

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These flats are just about to start their walking adventure, who knows what stories they would tell in the future =)


If you're looking for a wider collection of Melissa shoes, Geleia carries them.  You can find Geleia in Trinoma,  Mall of Asia and Alabang Town Center.  For more information, you can go to their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/GeleiaPhilippines?sk=info

My Fashion Frustration

It's wearing SHORTS!  Well, actually it's wearing shorts OUTSIDE the house, Haha!

These are my pegs =)

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Cute noh?

I wish I can wear casual shorts when I go to the mall or to the supermarket.  Or dressy shorts when I want to go for some smart casual dressing. . . and as for "short shorts", well, I still have to think about wearing those, haha!

I do hope that day will come when I can muster the courage (and confidence!) to wear shorts when I go out of the house. . . so in the meantime, I'll just channel all my frustration by dressing up the Little One with shorts (short shorts included! LOL)

Have a nice week ahead!

P.S. If you're going out and you're planning to wear shorts. . . I'm jealous!  Haha!

My Dream Bag

I am sure the ladies will agree that we can't have enough of bags and shoes!  Some are bagaholics, others are shoe addicts. .. some may even be both! LOL

I am more of a bag person . . . and I am fond of BIG bags. . .Why?  Simply because I'm a big girl!  Haha!   I can't imagine myself carrying a purse (it would emphasize my umm. . .size more, teehee). . . AND since I'm not one of the most organized person you will ever meet (I know, it's one thing I have to improve on now that I'm a mom), having a big bag makes things easier for me.  You know how sometimes you find yourself putting stuff in your bag every which way and then tell yourself that you'll fix it when you get home?  Well, that's me . . . . most of the times!  (Actually, same goes with my wallet! Haha!)

I don't have a luxury bag.  I do have a few branded bags but not the luxurious brands.  I appreciate LVs and Guccis but I won't probably get one anytime soon ( not yet anyway, haha!).  Being a stay-at-home mom and with the Little One around, there are some priorities that have to be addressed first. 

BUT. . . I never thought I'll like (*loooove*) a luxurious bag this much. . . the Givenchy Nightingale Bag!  I love that it's satchel and it's BIG! 

Ashley Olsen and her Givenchy Nightingale Bag
Photo credit: www.forum.purseblog.com

Well, call it pure luck. . . I saw a Nightingale-ish bag (an ALDO) being sold online at Zappos.  I like the color, the style and the size.  I am so happy with this good buy.  This is my take on the thousand dollar Givenchy bag. . . not bad huh? =)    

Givenchy Grey Lambskin Nightingale - Medium
(US$ 1,328)
Photo credit: www.shopstyle.com

ALDO Mouret
(US$ 50)
Photo credit: www.zappos.com

    

As for the Nightingale Bag?  Well, it is still a dream bag. . . because it's something I would buy if I win the Lotto! =)

What's your dream bag?