FULL METAL PASTEL

ph: Grazia France

So yeah, officially into overalls + loving how great pastel + metallic pieces go together.

Get the look...
· ASOS Retro Sunglasses in Light Pink
· GAP 1969 Denim Overalls
· NSF Sky Denim Overall Shorts
· ASOS Hammered Double Cuffs
· Raoul Metallic Leather Tank
· Stuart Weitzman Capsize Mary Jane Pumps
· ASOS Tux Blazer In Loose Fit

Travelog: Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin Ireland

Part of our tour of Dublin included a visit to the Kilmainham Gaol (gaol pronounced as jail). It is now a museum but was once an actual prison which held many leaders of the Irish Rebellion-- 7 of them were in fact executed on the very grounds we visited.

This prison not only housed political prisoners, it also held women and children (yes, kids!!!) who were caught doing petty crimes! The youngest recorded prisoner was a boy aged 5-- for stealing a cloak or a loaf of bread *or something of that sort*. It was pretty morbid-- because these children were treated no differently from the other prisoners who were committed for worse crimes.

Anyway here are some photos from the visit.

Reminded me of the movie of Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery-- The Rock

Peeped into one of the little holes on the doors of the cell and this was what I saw

This cross marked the place of execution of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising. Another leader of the Easter Rising, James Connolly was also executed in the same grounds, but on the opposite side of this cross. (Pretty morbid!)

I think to get a sense of the Ireland's history, you really must make the visit to Kilmainham Gaol. It was undoubtedly a very educational visit for me.

x

TheBagHag

Street Style: At the Zoo!

Going to the zoo has never been chicer-- well not for me (hello yoga pants and trainers LOL), but for someone else, it is!  Just look at this little girl. According to her mum, she's just turned 5 and is very particular about what she wears. Methinks she's a style blogger in the making. :)  Imagine her being the newest and youngest style blogger. Too cute!

I'll never look at zoo style the same way again. LOL. This little girl was dressed up way better than I am on a good day :D 

Hope this made you smile-- because this little girl made my day :) 

x

TheBagHag

FASHIONABLE LIFE

ph: Harper's Bazaar España

Completely smitten with model Sheila Márquez + her Brooklyn loft!

Travelog: Farmleigh, Dublin Ireland

We went to the Dublin Zoo, but we also visited Farmleigh, the official Irish State guest house for visiting foreign dignitaries.

The massive estate was once owned by the Guinness family before it was bought by the Irish State sometime in the late 90s-- I believe 1999.  The house was beautiful, but unfortunately no photos were allowed because of security reasons.  My favorite spot in the house had to be the conservatory, hands down.

I know, I know, a little pathetic because no inside photo, but this was the only close- up photo I have of the Conservatory

Equally impressive were the ballroom and the library-- if you go to Dublin, you must visit Farmleigh and then you'll know what I mean :) 

We took a lot of photos on the grounds of the estate though. Made me wish I brought something ethereal- looking with me LOL.  

Found the perfect location for our photos! Here!

After a few test shots and finding that perfect "spot", my sister- in- law and I took turns taking each other's photos LOL. This is one of the shots she took of me. It was originally meant for my private album, but I am sharing it here. SIL, thank you!! I looove it!!

Spring bulbs in full bloom!!

 Another location-- under a big tree :)

As you can tell by now, we really had a blast with taking photos (and oh, we love big trees LOL), moving from one spot to another on the grounds. If there is one thing I wish we had in the Philippines, it's clean, open spaces like these. With big trees and clean air...

Under the big tree

Would've been very nice to have a picnic on the grounds. Bring a very good book along and just spend the whole afternoon reading it under the tree, or why not, bake a little in the warmth of the sun with the cool breeze blowing. 

Now that's a vacation! Farmleigh, folks. Don't forget. Must visit in Dublin, Ireland!

P.S. To readers asking what camera I am using, I am working with an old Nikon D40x with stock lens :)

x
TheBagHag

LIGHT + AIRY

ph: tflan

Diane Kruger looking spring perfect in California.
To get the look, try this dress from Joie with these ankle boots from Ash.

Travelog: Dublin Zoo, Ireland

I love animals-- and so does my 2nd brother. So when we are together, we make sure we find the time to visit the city zoo, whichever city that may be. The Dublin Zoo is located within the grounds of the massive Phoenix Park.

It's worth a visit, especially if there are kids in your group-- or if you just love animals. And if you love nature-- and big trees like this one :)

A handsome peacock roams around freely. 

Got a wee too close to the tiger. We were practically cheek to cheek! Because he decided to lean his body against the thick glass of the enclosure. It was nevertheless an exhilarating experience!! 

And then there were farm animals-- one of them being the hairy- legged chicken which I wrote about on my last post LOL.

And then the piglets-- hairy not-so-little piglets :)

Wouldn't you like to caption this photograph? :)

The zoo is beautiful. Very well- maintained and very clean. It takes a full day to explore Dublin Zoo whereas we only managed to see a few animal enclosures due to our the constraint. If you do visit Dublin, you must make time for the Dublin Zoo!

x
TheBagHag

Have You Seen Everything?

And my answer to that question is, obviously not! But before I saw what I am posting for today, I thought I had seen nearly everything :)

I was proven wrong today, obviously. You see, where I come from (the tropics), we have plenty of chickens but none of them have legs as "hairy" as this guy :D

I had to do a double triple take! Nooo kidding, "hairy" chicken legs!! :D 

Found this little dude roaming around the offices of the Dublin Zoo! I couldn't get over those hairy feathery legs!! 

I guess there is a first for everything! LOL :)

x

TheBagHag

Travelog: Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Ireland

Good morning Dublin, Ireland and the rest of the world :) I woke up extra early today-- not because of jetlag, but because I wanted to go for a nice run around my hotel. It's a beautiful, chilly morning in Dublin but that did not stop me from going outside-- after all, I had a wee bit too much of 30 degree- weather that I don't mind a little "freeze" :)

Plus to be running around this beautiful cathedral? I'm all for it!

This is the largest church in Ireland, Saint Patrick's Cathedral.  A little 4-1-1 on this church: this cathedral is said to be the earliest Christian site in Ireland, where Saint Patrick baptized the converts.

You can click this image to enlarge

Isn't it magnificent? 

I ended up heading back to the gym because it got a little too chilly, but what a great way to start the morning here in Dublin!

x
TheBagHag

SPRING EDGE

1. Striped Maxi Melinda Dress from Cheap Monday
2. Leather Motorcycle Jacket from BLK DNM
3. Mystic Necklace from Mania Mania
4. Leather Classic Sunglasses from Linda Farrow for The Row
5. Oversized Clutch from CLARE VIVIER
6. Deborah Lippmann nail polish in Stardust
7. Colette High Heel Sandals from Alexander Wang

Travelog: Dublin, Ireland *Day 1*

It took us nearly 20 hours to fly from Manila to Dublin, with a layover in Dubai. It has to be one of the longest flights I've ever taken, but lucky lucky me! First, I met F1 champ Lewis Hamilton on the Manila- Dubai route (he sat next to my brother!!!) and managed a photo with him (and an autograph I might add! Hello, fan girl!!) Second, I was upgraded from Business Class to First Class on our Emirates Airline Dubai- Dublin route (thanks to my DM & DBs for my free trip! Wheee!), so this baghag slept like a pig baby-- after watching Iron Lady of course. I couldn't miss that movie. Meryl Streep was incredible and her performance was so impressive!

Anyway, when we landed in Dublin, it took roughly about a 15- 20 minute drive to our hotel from the airport. I already began to take photos so that I may share them with you all.

It was by the way, a beautiful sunny day. We came to Ireland at the right time!

Trinity College 

I love hotel signs like this one!

Christchurch

The statue of James Connolly 

I didn't realize how colorful the buildings were until I saw these photos just now :) 

We went to Dublin Castle for the afternoon.

In the Drawing Room where Queen Victoria & Prince Albert's portraits were by the end of the hall

In the throne room, this was the chandelier. So ornate! The design of the chandelier had representations of both Britain and Ireland.

Photo from bottom up

Saint Patrick's Hall inside the Dublin Castle is now used for State functions.

Banners of the crests of the different Knights of Saint Patrick

It is a massive hall-- elaborate parties were once held in this great hall by Viceroys which culminated on March 17-- Saint Patrick's Day!

After the tour, I ended up sitting down in one of the outdoor benches and almost refused to move-- *brat mode LOL* come on, I was dead tired (also because immediately after we had checked into the hotel, my 2nd DB and I decided to do a quick 30 minute run in the gym to burn off all the food we ate on the plane LOL). So here, a shot which my 2nd DB took of me after he had laughingly told me that he'll just have to ask someone to uproot the bench to haul it back to our car.

Lol, I wore a lightweight Mr. Staypuff Marshmallow Man  jacket- my SIL bought this at Uniqlo. Bag: Tod's Denim Pashmy

Ok I know, I know, don't laugh. I am not exactly a fashion plate here, but this was me refusing to move an inch in my "it's my vacation and I will wear a bloody puffy coat because I want to" outfit-- but I draw the line with Uggs haha. No Uggs, sorry folks!  :D

After our tour for the day, we decided to end the day early by heading off to dinner. Where?

At The Hairy Lemon! I love how these pubs get named! How do they name these places anyway? I remember some really funny- named pubs back in London too :) Does anyone know why?

It was a nice looking pub

which prompted me to order a pint of Guinness beer-- and this was my FIRST time to drink Guinness. I normally don't care for the taste of beer. Plus I know it gives you a quick, bulgy gut which I am not really keen on adding to my body's other... ahem, layers (a.k.a. lifesaver rings :D)

Dinner is served! Beef Pot Pie-- stewed in Guinness Beer. With a pint of Guinness Beer!

I didn't really enjoy the pie as much but I was surprised to discover that I was not repelled by the taste of Guinness beer (unlike the others I had tried in the past). 

It's quite early still but I think I will already turn in for the night. I will attempt to wake up real early tomorrow to hit the gym again. I ate all the chips on the plate. And I am feeling guilty LOL-- even if I'm supposed to be on vacation!

Hope you enjoyed today's post! How about you peeps? How was your day? :) 

P.S. If you have instagram, please don't forget to add me :) I'm "thebaghag" there. Also do follow me on twitter.com/thebaghag since I update photos there more often :) 

x

TheBagHag

FOR SALE • COPIOUS

ph: my own

Hey boos- I've put some goodies up for sale over on Copious!
It's a cool online marketplace + community, where you can buy + sell with others that have similar tastes as your own. I'm selling some great things in my shop from Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler, Balenciaga, Rag & Bone + more. I will be adding even more things soon!

Check it all out>> HERE. Happy shopping + selling!

x

ps- Both Man Repeller + because im addicted are on Copious as well!

What in the LV's Name is That

If you have inst.agram, you'd have known that I posted a Louis Vuitton- related photo a few days ago. I didn't disclose what was on the photo and had people guessing :) I was actually already told what it was before I saw the actual “thing”, but when I did see it I remember saying how much it resembled a halogen bulb :)

Someone actually guessed what it was, but someone else actually thought it was a compass :) 

Ok, so let me tell you what it is-- but first, the history of how this “thing” came about. Last December 2011, LV CEO Yves Carcelle passed by the Philippines and I was one of the lucky few to have met him (thanks for that opportunity, LV Manila). It was also then that I was privy to an exhibition by National Yoyo champion Ernest Kahn, who happens to be part of the store's retail staff. Ernest was really impressive. Watch him work his yoyo here :D

I was not the only one impressed (everyone was, actually)-- in fact, Yves Carcelle was so impressed

that he had Louis Vuitton commission a yoyo just for Ernest (Ernest, you are sooooo lucky!!). That “thing” is a yoyo-- a special order Damier Graphite yoyo!

Interestingly enough, yoyo demonstrations like Ernest's do have historical context with Louis Vuitton! In the 20s when the yoyo was first introduced in France, exhibitions of this new game was done in the store window of the Champs Elysees store in Paris.

Yves is really so cool to have had this made for Ernest.

Which brings to mind how LV never fails to showcase its savoir- faire and ingenuity through special orders like this one. Louis Vuitton has always taken pride in fulfilling customers' most exceptional requests-- I remember visiting the ancestral home of M. Louis Vuitton in Asnieres just two years ago (which also houses one of their workshops) and seeing the custom- made iPod holders of Karl Lagerfeld as well as that “portable” casino complete with a roulette. At Louis Vuitton, you can not only request for a made-to-order piece (one of the more popular examples-- having a monogram canvas style bag *that's not available in other materials* made in damier canvas), you can also ask to have something custom- made (in other words, bespoke!). Impressive, right? And these are a few of the reasons why I personally love Louis Vuitton. It's all about service!  :)

Alright folks, now that I am in Ireland, I am off to see the city! Thebaghag travelog begins!! :)

x
TheBagHag

AMOR BLANCO

ph: RUSSH

Adore these white looks from Ellery ♥

A Mandarin Surprise!

Today, I am completing some writing assignments and in between that, packing 2 suitcases for 2 different destinations-- one is for Ireland, and the other is for Bali. I know, this is crazy. My friend told me to make sure I don't pack my grass skirt into my luggage for Ireland LOL. I have to work on packing the other luggage now because as I arrive back in Manila from Europe a few weeks from today, I fly out again early morning the very next day for Bali. So, the only sane thing to do is to do the packing now-- because I want to pack ahead and not do it again at the very last minute, for a change :) *We all know how late I head to the airport-- I don't want to miss my flight and I have come so close to missing flights in the last... oh, say 2 years? LOL*

Anyway while I was working on all these things today, a package came for me from Milan. It's from the very kind and wonderful folks at Roberto Cavalli! I had to stop everything that I was doing to look for a pair of scissors (my room is in topsy turvy condition as I type this, so it took me quite some time to look for those scissors LOL).  And when I finally managed to open the package, my jaw dropped.

Helloooo Lover!!!!!

The Roberto Cavalli python minaudiére with the charms strap is really so, so, soooo beautiful! I've secretly fallen in love with this bag when I first saw it at the Roberto Cavalli showroom and thought that this was really a perfect clutch because it allows for hands- free carry, and the "strap" looks like a beautiful charm bracelet. It's jewellery + bag rolled into one!

Thank you so much, Roberto Cavalli! I am loving this so much and you have no idea how wide a smile you have managed to paint onto my face on this very stressful day of packing, running errands, and completing writing tasks :)

x
TheBagHag

SHOUROUK

ph: Maryam Nassir Zadeh

Obsessed with these Shourouk bracelets! It's soooo hard to pick just one color! You can find two hot pink versions here + here - making the decision even harder. Which color would you get?

ps- Loving the Uslu Airlines lavender nail polish on the model.
I just ordered it + will let you know how I like it -- you can get it here.