PRETTY PAIRS

ph: Marie Claire | Amica

Pretty pairs in pretty dresses! For the first look, try this dress- just add a peter pan collar.
The Stella McCartney + Isabel Marant dresses from the second shot can be found here + here.

EASY SUMMER

ph: Style Lovely

LOVE Candice Swanepoel's easy summer look! The boots are the perfect touch.
Click below to find out how to get the look...

Get the look...
+ Rag & Bone Alexis Top
+ Alexander Wang Marion Mini Sling Bag
+ ASOS Leather Skinny Waist Belt
+ Ksubi Alberceque Cutoff Shorts
+ Stuart Weitzman Taupe Snake Boots
+ Stuart Weitzman Taupe Snake Boots with Dark Wooden Platform

Reveal! Amalfi, the Bag by Furla

While in Hong Kong, I met up with my friend SumSum who was with Furla, and she gifted me with a large red Furla Amalfi bag which I had been lusting for but could not find in-store because the red color I wanted was already sold out!

I shrieked with glee when I saw that she had given me this bag-- because I had really wanted to purchase the Amalfi as it was not as expensive as other designer bags. And when I first laid eyes on the bag during the presentation at Furla in Milano, I knew I had wanted her.

I was just not quick enough in buying her when I saw her in- store. I remember being too busy to even go into the shop to make the purchase-- this was just last February in Milano.

Seriously, this bag is a dream. It is one of the most perfectly functional bags I own to date. I traveled with the bag last night and it was a really easy bag to carry and use. The handles of the Amalfi bag fit right into my trolley's handle, and when I had to carry the bag, I could carry it on my shoulder with the 2 straps, or use the thicker detachable single strap. I loved the bugatti shape, a classic, and I loved it even more that the bag has 2 enclosure zippers that "meet". The exterior pocketbook- sized snap flap pocket is perfect for mobile phones and car keys. 

I am going to look for more colors of the Furla Amalfi. This is a seriously GOOD bag. And I highly recommend it, hands down. Tried and tested and so far, it's been fantastic!

Thank you soo much SumSum!! <3 Major love happening to me and the Amalfi!!

x

TheBagHag

IN MY DREAMS

In honor of the MAJOR sale going on over at Net-A-Porter, I thought it'd be fun to do an outfit collage with some of my top picks from the sale... Hope you like!

1. Vanessa Bruno Puffed-shoulder crepe top
2. Jil Sander Paisley Crystal Earrings
3. Current/Elliott The Ankle Low-rise Skinny Jean
4. Stella McCartney Polished Gold-Tone Star Necklace
5. Proenza Schouler PS1 Leather and Canvas Bag
6. Chloé Lily leather and brass wrap bracelet
7. Mulberry Animal-print calf-hair pumps

THAT FACE + THAT BOD

ph: Tush Magazine

That face + that bod! Serious work-out inspiration!
Loving the simplicity of this editorial, both in the beauty + the knits.
Click below for more + to find out how to get the look...






Get the look...
+ BB Dakota Roa Crochet Tank
+ Diesel Golden Vest
+ Étoile Isabel Marant Calice Crochet-Knit Dress
+ By Zoe Lurex Tank Top
+ Warehouse Sequin Cami Top With Floral Detail
+ ADDISON Crochet Lace Dress
+ Eternal Child Top Pointelle
+ Ella Moss Crochet Tank
+ Dallin Chase Kyros Crochet Tunic Dress

Eastwood and the Birkin

I finally saw what the uproar was all about. Francesca Eastwood (whom I had actually shared an elevator with at the Crillon during Le Bal de Débutantes in recent years) was photographed by her boyfriend Tyler Shields destroying a Hermes crocodile birkin worth over US$100,000-- we're talking biting, chainsawing, and then setting it on fire, all in the name of art. 

*Shudders*

*Major OUCH*

Was I happy seeing this? Of course I wasn't! :( I hate seeing beautiful things destroyed, and it pains me even more to see expensive things destroyed-- even for art's sake. People have taken to twitter to share their disgust, hatred, and disapproval at seeing Francesca do something like this to a Hermes birkin-- from a bag lover's standpoint, to the person-on-the-street's standpoint.

There is reason for all those people to get upset, really. After all, it's not exactly a walk in the park to make US$100,000 only to see it being blown off burned away like that. True, that kind of money can feed a few villages of children. It could also save the lives of a few people easily. But here's a fact remains unchallenged: Francesca Eastwood did not steal that money (it was not ill- gotten wealth but is something that either she or her father had worked so hard for) to buy that bag. 

I am upset because she destroyed something beautiful and something that so many other women covet. Am I upset that she wasted her money-- no. Because that's her money, not mine, and not anyone else's. Did I wish that she just auctioned the bag off for charity? Of course I did. A lot would've benefited from the money she'd have raised, no? But again the fact remains-- it was still her (or her dad's) money. And if anyone has the right to be really angry, I think it should be her dad.

Still I have to say this out loud, what a waste of a beautiful and expensive bag :( SOB. *Silent prayer for the deceased bag*

RIP, Hermes crocodile birkin. Now here are some questions I want answered-- what does Hermes think about this? Was it really art, or was it a serious disrespect for the brand? And if Francesca were to ask to buy another birkin, would Hermes sell another one to her (or to anyone in her family for that matter)? 

Go ahead, Hermes. Make her day. Or not! :)  

x

TheBagHag

The Tod's Dinner in Hong Kong

What an incredible first day in Hong Kong yesterday! I was fortunate enough to have been invited to the dinner with Tod's CEO, Mr. Diego Della Valle last night as he was in town with members of the Tod's group. Dinner was held at The China Club.

I still have fond memories of The China Club as this was where my hen party was held some eons years ago :) My hen party was thrown for me by friends from Star TV, and the dress theme? "Tai Tai" look :)  How funny that the very theme of my hen party would later become my blog personality (remember Jackie T a.k.a. Mrs.T? :D)!!

Anyway, I have been running on 4 hours/night of sleep so I am really dead tired these days, but nothing beats a memorable evening with the Tod's group in Hong Kong :)

Dinner table mates with Mr. Della Valle, who loves Chinese food, and loooves Hong Kong

Allow me to share some photos taken last night.

My seatmates Igor, the regional director of Tod's for Asia Pacific, and Sabine of Tod's who is based in Milano

Mr. Diego della Valle flanked by Flora and I 

I met this charmer back in Paris at the dinner with Nicole Kidman and Lee Radziwill-- he's  Leonardo, the son of Andrea della Valle, Diego's brother.

I love these ladies!  Haha, I taught them to use the word "Bongga" (which means great, magnificent, fantastic in Tagalog... Tagalog slang, actually)

Sabine, Celine, and Karen (who ordered, yes, soya milk :D)

 Style Magazine's Giselle talked politics with Diego's friend from Italy

Tod's Hong Kong girls Kitty and Flora :) 

The Bongga table :)

Craziness last night! 

 
 My last photo of the night, with Andrea della Valle

I carried a Hogan bag :)

P.S. Here's a tidbit of information you peeps may or may not know-- the Della Valles also own a stake in Saks Fifth Avenue :)

Thank you soooo much, Tod's for last night! It was a lot of fun as always!! :) 

x

TheBagHag

EFFORTLESS

ph: We The People

Elin Kling looking effortless in her Ellery peplum top + Altuzarra heels ♥

Get the look...
+ Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Sunglasses
+ Ellery Bilboa Skirted Shell Top << Her same top is still available in ivory
+ A Wear Top With Peplum
+ ASOS Top With Peplum In Ponti
+ The Row Janely Cotton-Blend Jersey Peplum Top
+ NW3 Dani Bag
+ James Jeans Twiggy 5 Pocket Legging Jeans
+ Carvela Arbour Printed Pointed Court Shoes
+ ALDO McCamish Printed Pointed Court Shoes

Currently Lusting For...

My friend's Fendi Maxi Baguette Bag! 

She bought this some years ago and still loves using it. Her bag is a true testament to the phrase "you are what you carry." Because this rainbow/ weather- themed bag allows my friend's personality to shine through-- that no matter the difficulties, there is always that rainbow at the end of the rain :)

I really love this Fendi Maxi Baguette bag! This is the larger version of the original sized Baguette. It's huge enough to everyday use (especially if you have a lot to bring). Such a beauty, this particular style! I wonder if they have similar ones in- store.. Hmm... time to find out :)

x
TheBagHag

Reveal: A Golden Prada Surprise!

So I carried a Dolce & Gabbana leopard Miss Sicily bag during the Mega Magazine "Most Beautiful" party.

It was a gold- themed party, and I would've wanted to carry a gold purse but alas I didn't have any (I did wear gold pants :D). I've always felt a metallic bag is never going to be an easy purchase-- there are plenty out there, but only so few that look classy. Metallics are not easy to work with, at least from how I see it.

When I was in Singapore, I had the opportunity to sit down with my wonderful friends from Prada, and oh my goodness, they presented me with a beautiful gift! And I mentioned this on twitter that I  received a Prada surprise. This was it!!! ;) *Swooon!!!*

It was a very chic Prada gold leather pochette! I was so overwhelmed by their present, and then it hit me and I said out loud, "oh my goodness this would've been the perfect bag to carry during that Mega gold party!" :) LOL, right? :)

So now, I am only to happy to say that I have a very good gold bag in my closet :) I am armed and ready for anything gold- themed!! :) Thank you sooo much, Prada, for the beautiful, beautiful surprise!!! 

*Cue Music: Gold! Goooold. Always believe in your souuuul... (Song by Spandau Ballet, in case you are too young to know the song or the group haha :D) *

Happy Monday! I am off to another country in a few hours so I ought to try and get some sleep before the alarm clocks rings and I rush off in hopes I make it to my flight :D *So what else is new, I'm always late for my flight lol*

x

TheBagHag

Felt Like a Million Bucks :D

Happy Sunday everyone! I hope you can allow me to share my excitement on today's post (I promise this is not going to be a regular occurrence) :) 

It has been a crazy but fantastic week (and I hope it was great for you all too). My week was filled with wonderful surprises which began with my children getting academic and leadership awards in school *I am proudest of that!! Proud mama bear moment :D*, being hosted a most amazing experience to Singapore courtesy of the most wonderful team from Fendi (more on what we did soon- apart from the Fendi Baguette Mania event), a really fun meeting with the lovely ladies from Prada and from Gucci Singapore, the most pleasant time spent with friends who now live in the beautiful and efficient Lion City, and then coming home to see a newspaper feature on Philippine Star today. 

I am so honored to be one of the ladies handpicked by the team of Philippine Star Allure to be featured in "Women of Allure" :) I am in excellent company-- with Daphne Paez, Tootsy Angara, Maureen Disini, Xandra Padilla, Barbie Tiangco, and Alex Escat among other equally amazing women.  The shoot happened at the Manila Diamond Hotel, under the directions of Bum Tenorio and Luis Espiritu, while I had the most candid interview with Kristel Lagorza-- it was a very light and completely humorous one :) LOL I don't think anyone can really take me seriously because I laugh so much :)

Now, I figured I ought to wear clothes by a Filipino designer to this shoot. There are so many designers in the Philippines that are incredibly talented. If only I had the time, I'd have had clothes made by them. But the problem I have is time really-- because designers will require you to come back for fittings and I can't seem to manage my time well enough to squeeze an hour or two for them :( So I was grateful there are some designers who now have off-the-rack collections. 

One of them is a designer from Cebu named Jun Escario.

I ended up picking Jun's very feminine pastel dresses for the shoot.  Bum Tenorio put me in Miladay jewels so I was dripping in diamonds for the hour of the shoot *sparkle sparkle bliiiing bliiiiing!!* (I wanted to take them home as my souvenir but Bum wouldn't let me hahaha). I felt like a million bucks in them LOL!! :)

 Here are some outtakes :) 

I love this Jun Escario dress-- it's fully beaded and has a pleated skirt, cinched at the waist with a ribbon belt

Pia Reyes did my makeup, while seen here is Alee Benson who worked on my hair :)

This was the beautiful yellow Jun Escario dress that wasn't picked out, but I loved the form so much I just had to take a photo with it :D

And here you have it, the "Women of Allure" section which was published today on Philippine Star :) 

Shot by Rita Marie Abiog

Ok now that that's over with, it's time to come back down from Cloud 9 :) Thank you for allowing me to share my personal happiness with you all today :) 

Happy Sunday everyone! It's back to bag blogging for this ol' hag tomorrow :)

x

TheBagHag

More Baguette Mania!

Dear Bag Hags,

I am still on a Fendi Baguette High. Seriously major Baguette loving is happening on this side of the world :) Oh and did you know that you can carry the Baguette as a clutch too? Just unfasten the belts and take out the strap and voila, you've got yourself a clutch! Talk about versatility!

So here I am, sharing more Baguette styles from Fendi, just for you :)  Have you decided which one is your favorite yet?

 A little shearling now is never too early for the upcoming Fall season.

Animalia! This particular style is already a classic-- and the animal print cannot be absent in your collection!

More intricately beaded ones

A little fringe

Classic, clean.

I am taking a serious liking to this beaded monogram one! I love the combination of colors.

Beadazzled!

Here's another look at my vintage Baguette, together with the newly launched Baguette Book by Fendi-- a must- have book for all bag lovers and collectors out there!  :)

Have yourself a Fendi Baguette Day :)

x
TheBagHag

BUBBLE GUM PINK

ph: Vogue UK

Here's to the holiday weekend + pink Barbie heels! How sick are Daria Werbowy's gams?!
Click below for my top bubble gum pink pump picks...



1. Pleaser Seduce Pump << My Favorites!
2. Boutique 9 Jazzalyn Pump
3. C LABEL Tera-1 Pump
4. Pleaser Vanity Pump

SHIMMER

1. Sleeveless Tee from Raquel Allegra
2. Cryokinesis Sunglasses from Cheap Monday
3. Ileana Makri for The Row Rose Gold Diamond Evil Eye Necklace
4. H&M >> My favorite piece from their summer collection!
5. Fold Over Clutch from CLARE VIVIER
6. Cairo Pyramid Stud Earrings from Jules Smith
7. Astor Ring from Michael Kors
8. Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in 'Fade to Black'
9. Joan Mule Pump from Alexander Wang

Fendi Party: The Album!

So here's my private photo album (haha not anymore) from Fendi's party that I want to share with you all. It was not easy to balance my huge camera while wearing heels and carrying my Baguette and a glass of champagne, so here's hoping the photos are good enough to share with you all :) Enjoy!

Parting Shot: Our version of Baguette Mania!!

Ladies, have you bought your Baguette today? If not, time to head over to Fendi already! :)

x
TheBagHag