Eyed Bag Tory Burch

"My bag crushes are everywhere, buti pa sa bag ang dami kong crush e bakit parang sa human wala..." tha's one of my status post in FB last week.

FACT: I really love bags 

Brand/s: I'm not into particular brand, branded man or hindi ok lang as long as hindi imitation. 

I'd rather have a low class brand than to have a high end fake brand bags.

Don't get me wrong guys, its my personal view. I don't care if someone is using a fake or not, what's my opinion lang is sino namang lolokohin ko kung gagamit ako ng fake di ba and aside ang gusto ko talaga yung long lasting quality.

Inspired bags are different from imitation bags

Inspired bag means look "almost" the same in appearance with the original but in some ways there are still difference and aside inspired bags doesn't have any brand labels on it unlike na imitation bags na malinaw pa sa sikat ng araw ang mga nakasulat or nakalagay na name ng brands.

In inspired bags ang gusto mo yung design and you're not after to be labelled as original kapag imitation or Class A its clear that you're after to the brand.

I'd rather have an inspired bag that to have class A. Ikaw?

So much for bag info :-) Just read HERE if you want to know more about bags.

I love big bags no wonder I'm getting madly in love with totes and since I saw the Tory Burch  Ella tote bag I told to myself "pag-iipunan kita"

I'm just an ordinary employee I mean kahit OFW na sabi nila malaki daw ang sweldo then single pa so mabibili lang ng gusto well guys, if there's one lesson in life I remind myself always to prioritize my priority. Sabi nga nila hindi panghabambuhay ang pag-aabroad so kahit sana konti lang makapagsave monthly. The formula: Salary - Savings +Remittance = Expenses

Sabi nga kapag gusto natin may paraan so parang kapag may gusto rin tayong bilhin kaya din nating pagipunan unless you are expecting that someone will give you :-) e on my case wala, sariling sikap hehehe

 My first Tory Burch Ella Tote Bag - Black

I'm not fond of black bags, among may bag mabibilang ang black some are gift nga lang, ang feeling ko kasi boring ang black, parang ordinary lang. But with my TB Ella ay wagas for the first time hindi ako nagpalit ng bag straight for two weeks! Its so comfortable to bring din you can carry with your shoulder or just put in on your wrist or hold it with your hand. And since its tote, its super spacious talaga, and knowing me naman ay I have a lot of things na dala lagi sabi nga ng mga friends ko and mga nakakakita sa akin parang buong kwarto ko raw dala ko na..hindi naman po :-)

Tory Burch Ella Tote bag details and fit:

• Nylon with PVC.
• Magnetic snap closure.
• Double top handles with 6.5" (17 cm) drop.
• Interior zip pocket and two open pockets.
• Height: 13" (33 cm)
• Length: 17" (43.18 cm)
• Depth: 4.5" (11 cm)

And since I'm enjoying my TB bag, I'm eying to have another...if my initiative to save will permit..hahaha

Its almost the same with the one I have but the TB logo is smaller and place near on the snap closure. Let's see if I can get it, and if I did for sure malalaman nyo.

Shop and Share Love at Cotton On

Its not on my plan to visit any mall on Eid Holiday, aside from its crowded I read the memorandum circular from Philippine embassy regarding the terrorist threat. But plan didn't go that way, and much to what I expect that we will only visit one mall that day, parang nagmall tour kami - 3 malls in 1 day! But we chose the not so crowded place, we opted to go to the newly opened malls. Ironically di sya masayadong matao kasi mejo malayo, I mean you'll really need your own car or car lift kasi walang taxi stand.

Our first stop Ezdan Mall

And since its not my first time on Ezdan, I checked those stores na di ko pa napapasok at naeenjoy. I heard and read a lot about COTTON ON, so I didn't miss the chance to get in.

Cotton On is an Australian retail chain operating in different countries in New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, US, UAE, Philippines, etc.and now in Qatar! Its my first time in Cotton On, I never even tried it once even meron sa Pinas.

Like any other retail chain, Cotton On has so many things to offer - from smart casual to sleep wear for women, men and kids, at sa dami ng pagpipilian mo nakakalito talaga, buti na lang hindi mejo naovercome ko na ang pagiging impulsive buyer ko ^_^ kaya I ended up buying few stuffs only from them.

I really love this Rubi ballerina shoes I bought from them. Super comfy! if I only knew my feet will love it, as in talagang I'll buy all colors, sana pagbalik ko don meron pa.

Aside from the stuffs I bought from them, what I really love about Cotton On is when I found out that they are selling stuffs for the foundation. I've got these bags.

The colorful floral design captured my attention, I found it on the rack near the counter I got curious and I opened it kasi nakafold, and since its cheap naman I got a piece then I saw the label and found out that this is for a cause nga so I bought both designs.

"What started as a simple donation to complete a healthcare centre in a small African village was to be a life-changing partnership for the people of Southern Uganda and for the Cotton On Foundation. In November 2007, the Cotton On Foundation arrived in Mannya village, UGanda known to be an area rife with HIV/AIDS. Mannya was a community in need of help. A lack of education, basic infrastructure and healthcare facilities had led to a village in desperate need of a helping hand"

And what makes Cotton On different? when you buy an item the exact price that you paid will 100%  be given to the foundation - hindi lang percentage ang mapapakinabangan ng mga beneficiaries, as in 100% . 

"We sell our own products in over 1,000 Cotton On Group stores globally, and 100% of the proceeds go back to the Cotton On Foundation to support those most in need."

It’s as simple as that! We are different to most other charities; rather than cutting cheques, we roll our sleeves up and get our hands dirty to help out our mates. We also lean on Cotton On Group resources to help us to deliver projects at the lowest operating cost. We manage all the projects from start to finish, ensuring that all needs are met within a realistic timeframe … and we have fun doing it!"

How we can help?

Just visit any Cotton On stores on your place or their websites, buy their everyday items like bottles of water, accessories, bags, and other small gifts. Easy to check if the items are part of the Cotton On Foundation, just look for logo same as this...

100% of proceeds from the sale of any product with that logo or mark will go towards Cotton On Foundation to fund the projects.

May stuffs ka na, nakatulong ka pa! Fulfilling magshopping kapag alam mo na hindi lang ang sarili mo ang napasaya mo even pati yung mga umaasa sa foundation.

Change is not only through our pocket but even in our fingertips. By spreading the word, we are helping others to educate on how they can help as well. Click their site and check what's the latest.

Cotton On Foundation - Empowering the Youth

By simply buying or spreading the word, we can help them to reach as many as we can. So guys next time you visit Cotton On, don't forget to include some stuffs from Cotton On Foundation on your cart ^_^

We sell our own products in over 1,000 Cotton On Group stores globally, and 100% of the proceeds go back to the Cotton On Foundation to support those most in need.
It’s as simple as that! We are different to most other charities; rather than cutting cheques, we roll our sleeves up and get our hands dirty to help out our mates. We also lean on Cotton On Group resources to help us to deliver projects at the lowest operating cost. We manage all the projects from start to finish, ensuring that all needs are met within a realistic timeframe … and we have fun doing it!
Speaking of our projects, they’re all based on four pillars; health, education, sustainability and infrastructure. These pillars were derived from the United Nations Millenium Development Goals and form the basis of every project undertaken by the Cotton On Foundation. In line with the Millenium Development Goals and our mission of ‘empowering youth’, we are helping to reduce poverty and improve the lives of those in need.
We truly are in partnership with you our customers, and we’re proud of the fact that you can follow your dollar and the journey it takes, including the real impact it has on people’s lives.

- See more at: http://www.cottononfoundation.org/about#sthash.Xclt6WiI.dpuf

The Battle for the Bags

Social media is considered as a part of everyday living of many people. Admit it or not it makes our lives easier in a way - Facebook is just a click to connect with family abroad and some long lost friends; Tweeter and Instagram is just a peek to know where and what you're loved ones up to, Multiply is where most of your stuffs are posted, and a click away to received on hands. And a Blogger to tell the stories of what you feel, to inform you what's happening around, and so many more.

But more than those reasons social media is also a tool to extend help and love to others. I had my FB account 2008 but after few days of having it, I decided to deactivate, I even posted about top 3 on FB. Thank for my friend who convinced me, thank for his persuasive powers :-), as he said I can help and reach many people if I'll open an FB account, and I guess he is right.

Social media like Multiply, FB and Blogger has been a great help for me in advertising the fund raising for a caused I did and even for my friends Kcat and Abhie who's been very loving and helpful to others.

Yesterday, while browsing I came across to some blogs featuring a fund raising for Rhea Ferro. I got curious and read it - its a BATTLE FOR THE BAGS. Rhea Ferro is a woman with breast cancer for 8 years. She's battling into big C with faith, full of enthusiasm, and 1000 percent will to live imaginable. Her heart is filled with optimism but her serious turn begin when she was diagnosed in stage 4. But she never give up. She was included to special programs of Stanford, they will give a full scope of medical treatments she needs but as we know that's the only thing she will be needing, her. friends together with Rhea's cousin and sister organized this auction (fund raising).

I don't know them personally and the reason why I'm posting this is to get "likes", "comments" or any praises but to do my part in helping and reaching a person to the best way I can.

BATTLE FOR THE BAGS.....
I love bags and I really value every piece I have. Its every woman dream to have her own high end brand bag - not class A I'm talking for an authentic, original bag. 
How many bags do you have with you? How many are still in their plastic and not have been used even a single? nakakaguilty ang sarili kong tanong.... Are you willing to give it freely to a person who's battling for a sickness? Or how much more a branded, a high end bags, will you give it up over a person you don't even know?
Battle for the Bags is an auction of pre-loved branded bags for the benefit of Rhea Ferro. The auction aims to put those bags out of the closet of lovely ladies everywhere and bringing smiles and hope to one special lady's heart.
I feel so blessed and inspired to know that there are many donors who freely gave their branded bags to help. Well guys if you are bag lover then you'll understand why its hard to let go, not only because of its price but the value of every pieces.

June 15, 2013, all the bags were gathered in preparation on auction day on June 22, 2013. Just to give you peek on some of the bags to be auctioned, here's my personal choice I've got on their site.

Super spacious BOTTEGA VENETTA! kapag ito ang dala for sure "bag it" na talaga lahat. Auction price starts at 40,000.00 Php, have it price now at 90,000.00 Php

Who can resist the eloquent of this CELESTINA crocs with shell handle? Bid starts at 35,000.00 Php, have it for 80,000.00 Php.

On the go, formal or casual this bag will compliments your outfit, GUCCI, auction starts at 10,000.00 Php.

 A classic beauty of HERMES tote bag for 30,000.00 Php and have it for 70,000.00 Php.

Bag it on hand! JIMMY CHOO satchel, starts 25,000.00 Php, buy for 45,000.00 Php.

 Perfect for weekenders, KATE SPADE, bid starts at 5,000.00 Php

Classic monogram LOUIS VUITTON bagtinole, used only thrice, bid starts at 20,000.00 Php

Hold this PRADA clutch and be eyed, starts at 11,000.00 Php

A teal nylon from PRADA, starts at 8,000.00 Php

Bags for every woman is an essential, its not only a staple. We value every piece that we have, as I have said every piece of mine has a story, but in times of battle, our bags can be our weapon - for a patient cancer like Rhea lets make bag as weapon to fight cancer.

I don't have any plan to join in the bidding for these bags but it doesn't mean I cannot do anything to help, that's the main reason for this post, spreading the word. That's the power of social media - reaching people in just one click. 

If you are reading this post, I'm encouraging you to share or pass it to whoever you know maybe through that it will reach to someone who is interested to join in the auction. Social media gone so far and if we will just only use it wisely and right, social media will be a great help to help other people even we doesn't know each other personally, even we have different races and culture from one another.

You can choose and bid or own so many bags on their auction - colorful and loud or a conservative black, they have a full range of it.

To see more of the bags to be auctioned click here : BATTLE FOR THE BAGS 

For your ticket for the auction, you can get it HERE

Its a date on weekend, June 22, 2013, and don't forget to spread the word. The more people to know, the more chances the bags will be sold.

Let's keep on spreading the good deeds!

God bless

Bag It!

People always asked me why I'm having a big bag always, and when they try to carry it, they usually asked kung bakit ang bigat ng bag ko, referring what's inside. I always answered them "gold bars ang laman nyan kaya mabigat" hehehe

I took this photo last year for a post, well may mga nadagdag pa ngayon sa laman ng bag ko :) more gold bars!

I always have my bag with me, hindi ako comfortable ng walang bag or if wala man I bring with me my pouch bag.

I LOVE BAGS!

Bag for me is where I stored everything - wallet, planner, kikay kit, eyeglasses, sunglasses, cellphone, charger, key, ID,passport, external HD, powder, lotion, camera, perfume, books and Bible.

I found myself starting to like bags when I was in college, hindi ko namamalayan I have more than 50 pieces na pala and one side of the built-in cabinet I have in my room are all bags, kaya naman when we transferred to our new house then, bag ko pa lang ilang kahon na. Don't get me wrong na "luho" ko ang bag its just so happened na hindi ko namamalayan nakapagcollect na pala ako. Take note, I don't consider it as "luho" talaga kasi its not high end brands naman. I don't even have Louis Vuitton like what other girls owned, na kailangan daw kung bag collector ka you should have a piece, well if that's the standard, I'm not a collector. I'm buying bag for me to use it, for my comfort, for my own purpose not for display and most of all not to have a "status symbol" as the elite. I'm content with whatever brand I have as long as I really want it. I'm not particular to the brands, but I'm not saying you shouldn't be particular. Of course if you want a long lasting piece you need to drop more penny.

I think its within the family yung pagiging mahilig ko sa bag. Mommy loves bag too, well sa kanya siguro ako nagmana,hehehe. Kung anong kulay ng office uniform nya asahan mo may kapartner na bag and shoes yon. Her eldest sister Inay Lala loves bag too, at her age now 70+ she still very stylish on her bags, my cousins love bags as well, kapag magkakasama kami first stop will be the bag section or kung online shopping naman,bag pa rin..no wonder saan man kami mapunta Pilipinas man or Doha, parang department stores ang mga kwarto.

People who know me, hindi na sila nahihirapang magbigay ng gift sa akin :) they know that whatever brand it is basta bag ok sa akin but please don't give me small bags unless its a sling type or pouch ...pilian lang ang peg,hahaha

Almost all of the bags that I have has its own story to tell...

Let me share you some pieces I have and keeping with me for years. Mga niluma na ng panahon pero i'm still keeping and using it, saan man ako mapunta kasama ko sila :)

all pictures were taken 2010 but I'm still keeping all of these - they are all in their good condition. 

 

This is the most expensive bag I bought in Philippines. I'm still a student when I bought it, katas ng ipon from my allowance, it took me months para mapagipunan ko ito. Actually Mommy paid for it pero binayaran ko sa kanya, in short hinulugan ko sa kanya. I really like this Tommy Hilfiger leather bag, it has several compartments inside. I bought it that time in preparation for my plan to go to Law School..hahaha, my thinking I should have a "formal-formalan" bag kasi may dress code so kelangan the bag will go with the dress. So since hindi ako natuloy sa law school, on my last year sa graduate school ko sya ginamit. This bag is with me on my first international flight going here in Doha. I'm keeping this bag for more than a decade :)

This one was from Mommy, actually bag nya talaga ito pero since nagustuhan ko ibinigay nya sa akin. Its a vintage leather bag, akala ko nung una nagtutuklap na yung pagka leather nya, pero hindi pala design nya pala yon. She bought it from Ate Iona, her officemate na nagtitinda ng mga imported goods. I miss those days kapag may mga bagong bags si Ate, lagi nya ipinapadala kaagad kay Mommy para ako ang unang makakapili, I'm still a student that time so ang ginagawa ko yung mga hindi ko nagugustuhan ipinagbebenta ko so kung magkano ang kinita ko yon ang idadagdag ko sa ibabayad ko sa bags na nagustuhan ko. But the sling of this bag was lost na...sayang

This is the first bag I bought in Ninewest and I bought it in red tag, for only 88QR. Super smart buy talaga, well 2007 ko pa yata ito nabili and hindi na sila nag-sa-sale ng ganong kababa ngayon sa Ninewest. What i love on this bag? I can carry all my stuffs talaga.

Love at first sight ang peg ko sa duffel bag na itech, the first time I saw it on MANGO stall in Landmark. I asked the sales lady to check the price kasi nakapatong sya sa pinakamataas na estante. Sales lady: 375 QR po Me: anong last price after discount (sale kasi sila that time) Sales lady: Hindi po sya kasali sa sale mam, actually we have only 6 pieces of this style kasi limited edition po sya. Me: Ok thanks. So gala-gala lang pero hindi talaga maalis sa isip ko si bag so at the end of the night kasama ko rin syang umuwi sa bahay. I love this bag, classic - pwede sa jeans, sa dress, or kahit ano pang style ang suot mo, super gamit na gamit ko ito kapag nagbabakasyon ako, pero sa katagalan na rin siguro nagiba na yung color nya but still useable, iba talaga din kasi kapag leather tumatagal :)

I'm not used of using small bags but I'm still keeping some like these, as all of these are given by people who really matters to me.

red native bag - pasalubong of my bestfriend when he went to Thailand
leather sea Spring brand bag from my Tita Rorie
medium size Victoria secret tote bag from my Tita Mama
Let's talk a-BAG more...
Here are the bag vocabulary for your guidelines of what style of bag you have and you want to have.

I really preferred hobo, duffel,doctor and my all time favorite tote. That's a hint for you if you want to give me gift..hahaha
Having a bag collection doesn't mean that it must be all branded and high end. It still depends on you - on your style and on your needs. Bags are not for display, like your shoes and clothes, you must be comfortable to use it.
And just want to make a note, that bag shouldn't be a status symbol. If you want to have a high end brand bags, save for it. Honestly, I'm not into "first class" or class A, sino namang lolokohin ko kung gagamit ako ng fake di ba? I'd rather settle for a local brand than to carry a fake one.
Smart woman knows to be practical - not settling just for an affordable price but a durable quality that lasts.