New Year, New Bag! :)

Looking back at 2011, I realized one thing-- I seriously overdosed on Celine bags (and I think so did so many people). Admit it, bag hag. It's hard to resist it, especially with the full knowledge that these bags are just incredibly difficult to find-- practically just as evasive as Hermes birkins and kellys. I thought I was going to add yet another Celine luggage tote (either in mini or nano size) to my collection but thank goodness the bag cupids had something else in mind for me. So yes, the first blog confession of 2012: I managed to sneak in a bag purchase before the year ended. I thought it would've made a sweet end to my 2011 *a.k.a. another excuse to get new arm candy lol... oye I ran out of valid excuses a long time ago*.

No, it's not a Celine bag, and is not a Hermes bag either *boo no budget for one even though there are so many new bag colors I am lusting for*.

I chose a FENDI :)

 Here's a little 4-1-1 on the FENDI CHAMELEON which I've been liking for a few months now.

The color combinations produced for this style have been sooooo nice. I first saw the bag in different shades of yellow and was already planning on the purchase at LuisaViaRoma. When I managed to go online (because my internet connection that night was really bad), it was already sold out! Boohoo :( . I thought the bag was really not meant to be mine. After a month, I realized I really, really loved the style of the Fendi Chameleon-- it was very easy to carry, had 2 zippers that meet in the middle, and the interior compartments of the bag would fit my lifestyle perfectly.

A look at the inside of the bag-- it has 3 compartments, 2 "open" ones and one zipped one in the middle for that added security. It also has 2 open pocket compartments for your keys and mobile phone/s.

Very large interior with signature striped lining

So I decided that this bag was to be the last purchase for 2011-- and hopefully the next bag purchase won't happen until mid this year haha. Someone *points to self* needs to edit, consolidate, and have a manageable, low maintenance closet *yes, it IS doable!*. And that includes bags. 2012 should be all about saving money for the future :) 

Anyway, don't spoil 2012 for me with talks on making personal sacrifices for the greater good and  how to save money for the future (let me live with my sins, please LOL).  Allow me to just do this reveal without guilt. *Believe me, the guilt will sink in once my credit card bill arrives lol, hello staggard payments lol*

Here she is!! :)  *beams like a proud mama*

I love the style and the color combination

The leather is so supple and so soft!!!

This is such a good everyday bag. It's not too big, nor is it too small. And there's that de rigueur adjustable and detachable shoulder strap for hands- free carry.  After becoming the owner of a Fendi chameleon, I don't regret the purchase one bit and in fact am highly recommending it as it is one of the styles good for longtime use. 

The Fendi Chameleon is available for purchase at all Fendi boutiques and online at LuisaViaRoma.

x
TheBagHag

HAPPY 2012!!!

From Makati, Philippines to the rest of the world, HAPPY 2012!!! Here are some shots of our city's fireworks display!  

From the facade of an unfinished building

And now that we've tucked the kids in bed after they watched the fireworks display with us, it's time we have some 20 year old bubbly. Thank you DH for this! What a remarkable 2011 it has been and I can't wait for even more fantastic things to come this 2012!!!

HAPPY 2012 everyone! Start your year right! Do a good deed :) Now, if I can go back to cleaning my room after finishing the bottle of bubbly with the hubby, then I know I'll get 2012 going off in the right direction :)

Wish me luck! LOL :) 

x

TheBagHag

And the Best New Year's Eve Outfit Goes to...

Hands Down, Dolce & Gabbana. You have to agree with me that this sparkler is the only dress made for ringing in the new year! :)

And if you can't wear something this sparkly *I would! haha*, at least carry a sparkly or metallic bag :)

Try the more muted Alexander McQueen Squeeze It Metal-Effect Leather Clutch

Currently marked down at 50% its original price! Not a bad deal at all to own something from McQueen at this price! :) Available for purchase only at The Outnet.


I will do a brief bag trend report tomorrow. But today, I just want to say:

HAPPY 2012, everyone!!!! :)

x

TheBagHag

CAROLINE BRASCH NIELSEN

Vogue | Hanneli

Oldies, but goodies... Caroline is such a beauty!
Those lips. Those cheek bones. That 3.1 Phillip Lim leopard jacket! I will forever regret not getting it when I had the chance. I mean how great does it look on Jayne?!
You can check out Caroline's full look from the 2nd image here ♥

Marc Jacobs in... Hermes?

Yep, you read that right! Marc Jacobs, creative director of Louis Vuitton (last I checked :D) was seen carrying a black Hermes birkin at the beach over the holidays :)

Photo Credit: Splash News

And how, the birkin looks like a pretty darn good beach bag in Marc's hands :) P.S. In the bag is his Louis Vuitton x Stephen Sprouse neon graffiti beach towel :) The man IS loyal to Vuitton, see  :D

x
TheBagHag

Food Blog: Tonkatsu Ma Maison, Singapore

In the last four days of being in Singapore, I had gained 4 lbs. It should come as no surprise anymore, really. Because I have chosen eating over shopping while in the Lion City. Funny thing is, I haven't been eating Chinese food. I've been eating a lot of Japanese food!

One of those Japanese restaurants is Tonkatsu Ma Maison. Now, I've tried a few tonkatsu *breaded and deep friend pork cutlets* places, even ones that have been recommended by friends who lived in Tokyo. Japan is an entirely different place altogether for tonkatsu and ramen, but for Singapore, I have to say Ma Maison was topnotch. We had to wait nearly an hour for a table-- well, there were also 15 of us in the group haha. Yes, we're one biiiig happy family! There is really nothing like spending the holidays with my children, my husband, my siblings and the kids, and my lovely mom. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy :)  

Ok back to Ma Maison (funny too, since those 2 words are actually in French :D Ma Maison stands for "My House")

Not a very big place-- the restaurant was separated into 2 sections

This was the main section

Long lines every night!!

Special Rice that I didn't try because I was trying to taper my carbs intake. Tsk.

We ordered both the pork fillet and the pork loin. The fillet is supposed to be leaner than the loin, but had to try anyway :) Sometimes the fattier ones taste better haha. Sad but true :D

Sat beside the sake shelf

And then the orders came just as our stomachs growled loudly while watching the chefs deep frying tonkatsu

Pork fillet:

Breaded and deep fried oysters-- yes, they don't just serve pork here :)

The cross section of the pork loin. Mmm it was fatty!!!!

A cross section of my pork fillet, which I couldn't resist instagr.amming :)

Look at the meat! It was melt-in-your-mouth good! Try the spicy sauce... Mmmmm....!!!

Verdict? Tonkatsu Ma Maison is definitely worth a second and third visit! Hopefully the next time I can have a bowl of that special multi-grain rice to go along with the meal haha ;) But I was very satisfied this time around because I had the shredded cabbage salad and radish with the house soy dressing (haha lesser evil compared to the other dressing). I also highly recommend the sesame dressing-- it was sinfully goooood!!!

Tonkatsu Ma Maison is located at the 2nd level #35/36 Mandarin Gallery, along Orchard Road. Call +65 6733 4541 for more information. It's really worth the wait!! 

x

TheBagHag

CASUAL LUXE

Vogue

Amber Le Bon is gorgeous!
Love the mix of the causal beanie with her luxe Chanel earrings.
To get the look, try a Bop Basics beanie, earrings from Noir Jewelry or these from Tom Binns.

A Bally Comeback!

Was at Takashimaya again yesterday (I seem to love Takashimaya the most because of the food at the basement lol). Passed by Bally and realized that this brand has really been hitting the right notes of late. 

Loving these ballet flats! And Bally is known to make very comfortable shoes, so these not only look great on the feet, but am sure they'd be excellent shoes for walking too!

Cute bags

I attended the SS2012 Collection presentation in Milan a few months ago and these were the standouts:

I am loving these heels!!

Love the crocodile leather trim!

This bag was beautiful in person! It was really so luxurious! And not that heavy at all!

Would love to have this leather dress. I love the cut!

The mosaic miroir minaudiere is truly eye- catching!

Very red carpet worthy!

Bally is really making a comeback! I had already previously featured two of their bags and I was really astonished with the designs. I had honestly hardly looked at this brand and only do so to remember my father. But the bags that they've been designing of late have been making me notice the label even more. And oh, the shoes for SS 2012 and that miroir box clutch! I am liking them! Greater things to come for this brand. I can't wait!

x
TheBagHag

☆ TOP BLOGGER LOOKS OF THE WEEK ☆

Here's a sneak peek of my picks for top blogger looks of the week!
To see each blogger's full look + to find out who they are... head on over to FASHION SALADE!
If you have any cool personal style blogs you'd like me to check out- let me know!

xo

Travelog: Hermes in Singapore

Photos taken from the vitrines of 2 different Hermes boutiques here in Singapore. And like most other Hermes shops of late, they don't carry a lot of leather bags. But I think it's safe to say that as a result of the leather bag shortage, the brand has been seeing a generous climb in sales for their watches (as compared to last year). According to my source at Hermes Singapore, even the H hour watch is sold out and is currently on a waitlist basis! That's incredible :)

Scarves

My favorite window

 Wallets

Who owns a  printed toile canvas wallet?

Watches

Hermes watches are so in demand in Singapore right now :)

x
TheBagHag