The Bag Connoisseur 2.0

Just die (mould) wont you!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 09:25:00 +0000

My war against mould is far from over. Oh my poor babies. In my bid to save my babies, I stumbled upon this gem of a post by Paris B on My Women Stuff. Prey, do tell, what works for you? *harried*

xo, Elly

The following is Paris B's post:

When I was spring cleaning at the end of last year, I had a bit of a scare when I checked on a couple of my leather bags. I spotted bits of mould starting to take hold, and it absolutely freaked me out! After I had gotten rid of the mould on the bags the best I could, I realised that it could be due to the high humidity where I live (the tropics) and the room where the bags were stored.

So I looked around for ways to control the humidity and barring buying a dehumidifier and storing bags in a specially built cabinet, one recommended method was to use silica gel.

Most of us will be familiar with silica gel – it is those white little sachets you sometimes see in food packaging or new bags or wallets that clearly say “Do Not Eat”. The purpose of these sachets is as a desiccant where the silica gel within absorbs the humidity in the air and keeps the products fresh for longer. When humidity decreases, the incidence of mould similarly decreases. There are a myriad of uses of silica gel but what I’m primarily telling you about today is about the use of this silica gel to reduce the incidence of mould on your leather bags.

After doing quite a bit of research, I found out that there are some silica gel that will change colour when they have absorbed the moisture from the air, so you can then change the beads when necessary. I also found out that one of the easiest places to find these silica gel beads is at a photo shop!

Many photography enthusiasts use silica gel to protect their cameras and lenses from the humidity, because mould can damage their expensive equipment. This is particularly so if you don’t use them very often, pretty much the same with leather bags. If you own just one and use it everyday, then the odds of it growing mould is quite miniscule to be non existent. However, if you own a few bags and do not rotate them often enough, and keep them in a humid or damp environment, then mould can grow and that can damage your bags.
I got a 500g bottle of silica gel from a random photo shop for about RM18 which I thought very affordable. I’m not sure how much cheaper it could retail for, but I was quite pleased at the price, because these silica gel beads are actually reusable!

What I do is pour about 1-2 capfuls of the silica gel beads into a plastic container, cover it and perforate some holes in the cover so the beads can do their job. I then placed a container on every alternate shelf of my cupboard to protect my leather goods.

What surprised me, was how very quickly the beads changed colour from deep blue to pink. The more pink they get, the more moisture has been absorbed, and I noticed my tubs of silica gel beads starting to turn pink by the evening! Within about 3-4 days, all the beads were bright pink! With that sort of humidity in the air, its no wonder mould was growing!

Sorta looks like fish eggs, don’t they?

I keep a separate container where I store all the used beads, and I change the silica beads about once a week. When the weather is rainy and cool, and humidity in the air is high, I go through the beads more quickly. But when the air is drier or it is very hot, I do notice a slowing down in the absorption of moisture because there is just less moisture in the air.

I also found that being in an air-conditioned room helps lower humidity so I’ve moved my stuff into my bedroom where the air-conditioner is on in the night. A few hours is better than none! I did a blind test where I placed the silica gel beads in 2 rooms – one in my bedroom where the air-conditioner is on a few hours a day, and another in a room with no air-conditioning. I noticed the beads in the other room turning pink more quickly than the ones in my bedroom so that supports the air-conditioning theory somewhat.

After the beads are all pink, you can reuse the silica gel beads by placing them in a hot oven for a few minutes so the beads dry out. I heated up my oven to about 250°C for about 15 minutes, poured the beads onto a baking tray and placed it inside. Within about 10 minutes, all the silica beads were back to being a deep blue and I could continue to use them again

I read that the beads do have a lifespan, but you can rejuvenate them quite a few times before having to replace them so that initial RM18 investment will go very far

I also poured some of the beads into filter bags to be placed inside some bags, and among my cosmetics. I used some soup filter bags I had previously purchased from Daiso to make some Japanese soup stock, but never got round to using them.

It works a treat! However, I also found that the beads were all bright pink by the next day! It got too much of a hassle to have to change them everyday so I didn’t bother to replace those pouches. I’m relying on the tubs of silica gel to do their job instead.

Some other uses of silica gel desiccants would be to keep your cosmetics fresher, if you don’t want the humidity to get at them. I however, didn’t think much of that, because I do rotate my cosmetics often. You could also keep them amongst your clothing to discourage moisture and reduce the musty smell that sometimes accompanies clothes you do not wear often. Keeping silica gel amongst jewellery also helps reduce the humidity and thus reduce the incidence of tarnish. It can’t eradicate it totally, but you could at least slow it down.

I’m primarily using it only to keep my leather bags in a reduced moisture environment. I’m not sure how well its helping, but I do check on my bags periodically now and am a bit more diligent about making sure I rotate my bags more often, and keep them clean and dry before storing away in their dustbags. That’s also why I’ve placed myself on a bag ban this year.

Stop 114A

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 13:02:00 +0000

The Poor (Wo)Man's Mini Luggage?

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 05:57:00 +0000

Pic from Coach.com

Remind you of anything?

xoxo,
Emm

Ed: Here's another version... Lanvin's Sheshe Straw and Snake bag... not to my fancy but if you are keen, it can be had from Reebonz at RM3088. I am still so very in love with Celine's Mini Luggage. xo, Elly

Emile, come home to momma...!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 02:00:00 +0000

I have fallen head over heels over the Alexander Wang's Emile tote. Am having mine delivered to me this Tuesday. *fingers crossed*

The Emile which comes in two sizes has been around the fashion block since spring 2011 and to-date has been made from a wide range of materials and colours. Like Wang's Rocco, I am a firm believer that Emile will be one of his classics.

Keisha Whitaker with hers

Gwyneth and her Emile in grey. Love.

Model Jacquelyn Jablonski with her Emile in black

The options currently available on Alexander Wang website, aren't so hot to me... so happy trawling the WWW for those vibrant colours y'all!

Happy Sunday...
Elly

Coach #ColorTag :D

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 18:29:00 +0000

The Legacy

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 13:08:00 +0000

I won't deny that I'm a bag snob when it comes to Coach. The last collection which I thought was any good and made me have sleepless nights was their classic Legacy and Ergo Collection circa 2007. After that, it all went downhill for me.

The Ergo Large Tote

The Legacy Ali Flap

However, I'm quite excited about the launch of the new classics. The Coach Legacy Collection is gorgeous with its understated designs, glove-tanned leather and the iconic turnlock clasp. Its use of bright primary colours is gorgeous and perfect for Malaysia's year-round-Summer season.

I love love love every piece in this collection. There's something for everyone and every occasion! But most of all I love........

I want them all!

I must say this though, about Coach. If you're looking for a practical, durable, relatively "cheap" wallet, you should really get a Coach. They make wallets that fit more cards than average, with the exception of the Proenza Schouler Continental wallet and they stand the test of time. The leather is TDF and with the new bright colours they come in, you won't be rummaging through the blackhole of your bag looking for it. Most people use one wallet until it falls apart and with Coach wallets, it'll be a long time before you need to shop for a new one. They're even much more worth your money if you get it direct from The States, or get one of the abundant resellers you can find these days to get one for you.

And because it's my birthday month, I decided to score one for myself. Heh. In the brightest colour a Leo could find. Guess which one?

xoxo,
Emm

Mirror Mirror On The Wall

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 05:25:00 +0000

Hi y'all,

I know this isn't a beauty blog, but I was so inspired to share this with you so I'm going to write it anyway ok?

So a couple weeks ago, the Hubs, kiddoes and I took a vacay to LA. It was all about theme parks and shopping. The weather was absolutely divine. Sunny yet breezy cool. But that's where it got me. The sun, I mean.

I'm not a big beauty products person. Had really bad skin growing up. And, I mean, REALLY BAD. And it didn't help that I was a compulsive picker. I pretty much tried everything and nothing seemed to work. But, as soon as the hormones started settling down and it was around the same time that I discovered Olay's Total Effects moisturiser, things began to clear up.

I decided to go with Olay because my grandma swears by the stuff. She's going to be 85 in July and still wears the original formula Olay (used to be knows as Oil of Ulay) in the pink bottle with the black cap. I remember coming home from stage shows when I was 10 or 11 and she'd scrub my face clean of all the stage makeup with her Oil of Ulay lotion. It used to smell so good. (I suppose these days people want their products fragrance-free).

My Grandmum and her 9th and youngest GREAT GRANDCHILD :D

So, anyway, I'm not one to religiously clean my face before bed (I know, I know, smack me). So, if you ask me about my beauty regime, it's a cleanser during my shower in the morning (Purity by Philosophy - just lather it all over your face, makeup's gone and no dry and tight after-feel), then I slap on the Olay Total Effects moisturiser with SPF 15 and I'm out the door (lipgloss goes on in the car; maybe some eyeliner and mascara if I decide I need a bit more help on some days). Powder? I discovered Ronasutra when I was in Australia (get it here) and I love it because it's a mineral powder and doesn't require much face-washing at the end of the day (omaigod, am I really a girl?!). And then, I found the Garnier BB Cream SPF15 (in Australia) which I love to death - totally ditched Olay Total Effects! The texture is light and grease-free and makes my skin look amazeballs - pores be gone!

So, about a week before our trip to LA, I ran out of my Ozzie Garnier BB Cream. Bought meself a tube of the local one and was happy to note that it had SPF 30 (wah! double the SPF, must be good la right?). The texture was slightly heavier, so you have to work a little bit more to spread it evenly all over your face. And although it wasn't greasy, but it made my face feel greasy after a few hours. Not too happy and was contemplating switching back to Olay Total Effects.

So now we get to the good stuff. LA's cool breezy weather made you kind of forget that the sun was shining bright. After a week outdoors at the theme parks and shopping at the outlet malls, I looked like this.....


The Reverse Panda Effect thanks to ultra-glam oversized sunnies ala Nicole Richie.

Garnier BB Cream SPF 30 my arse. So, unbeknownst to me, our last couple of days which were spent traipsing down Rodeo Drive and Hollywood Boulevard, I looked like a total fool. (I will never forget the Hottie in Oakley that asked us "where you guys been? you're totally tanned! - bongoks).

As soon as we reached KL, I spent the next few hours hunting down whitening products. I didn't want to spend a fortune on stuff that I won't ever use again so I needed stuff that I felt would potentially work and wouldn't cost me a bomb. I had already spent so much stocking up in Sephora, LA because Sephora, KL doesn't carry Philosophy (remember my pemalas cleanser?). So, I ended up with the Olay White Radiance Intensive Brightening Serum which costs a little over RM50 at Watsons.

Loving it! It's pink-ish, has little balls that explode when pumped out and has a light fresh scent. I love the texture too, light and instantly absorbs into your skin. On top of this I slap on the tried and true Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 moisturiser. This is what I looked like after a week....

This was taken under flourescent lighting (horror!) summore.

Pretty awesome, right? I was so impressed by the power of "beauty products" that I decided to splurge on a small bottle of SKII's facial essence treatment. So, watch this space for updates.

xoxo,
Emm

p/s: so are you more shocked at the results or that I finally revealed myself? Shall we make Elly do an appearance next? :D

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 01:48:00 +0000

Sorry for the long silence. Been away..... but I'm baaAAaack :)

Let's play a game

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 17 May 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Like any other bag hoarder on a tight budget, I loooooove trawling through the web looking for bargains. The Husband swears he'll go Greece on me someday! Until then, my favourite haunts are the Facebook pages of Glampot and Scoop. (And of course Reebonz! Their prices are da bomb so if you aren't already a member, please do sign up with them! Berjimat sambil berbelanja orang tua-tua kata...)

Ok, back to those FB pages. I love how organized Glampot is, suiting the borderline-OCD-wannabe in me. All their bags are presented according to their brands, expediting potential purchases and the obvious onslaught of salivating and hyperventilating.

I didn't really get the same thrill from Scoop's FB page. Well, not initially anyway. Scoop would bundle and publish available bags, irrespective of make/designer in one single album according to the running month, i.e. May 2012, April 2012, March 2012, etc. Drove me bonkers... until one day I started guessing the bags - designer, style, etc. and began feeling smug when I got them right. (Bagaholic lah katakan...)

Let me explain.

When you open the albums in Scoop, partial images of the bags are displayed per Exhibits 1-3 below. You only get to see the full image by clicking on the picture. And that's how I began "playing the game".

Exhibit 1

Exhibit 2

Exhibit 3

Totally frivolous? Yes. Highly addictive? Getting there - for me at least. A waste of braincells? Totally not - I see it as mental exercise... "I so know that shape!", "Oh! THAT hardware." "Oooh oooh the leather!"...

You have to agree there's potential for an iPhone game or apps in the making, right? It could have different levels, i.e. Level 1: Brand/designer association; Level 2: Material/hardware/finishing distinction; Level 3: Seasonal colour identification... You get my drift. What do you think? It's got potential right? Or is there already a game/apps available that I don't know off? Enlighten me!

Hugs and kisses,

Elly

The Celine Shopper by Shakila

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:51:00 +0000

Hi Bagaholics,

Because I'm such a procrastinator, I've schemed my way out of a writing an entry this time around, but not to fret, I've invited a fellow baglover to state her views on why she loves the Celine Shopper and why we should all have one! (Homaigodd!).

Introducing Shakila of Gorgeous by Sha Shaari. Shakila runs her own boutique and consignment store located in Empire Subang Soho, so who better to write about bags, ey? And if you happen to buy what she says (about the Celine Shopper - pun intended), I was told she has some rare sought after colours in her boutique *blink blink blink*. Haha... ok then... enjoy!

***
Her story:

Miss Blair Waldorf/Leighton Meester :D

If someone had told me back in 2009 that Celine Boston shoppers would be all the rage, I would have said they were crazy. Celine has always been the underdog, specializing in durable leather and sometimes questionable design. I spotted her online a while back, on the arm of Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester and Nicole Richie and the way Celine uses color blocking and color contrasting blew me away and made me CRAZY, OBSSESSED and IN LOVE with the Celine Boston Shopper (sometimes known as the luggage tote). The Celine shopper comes in Nano, Micro, Mini, Medium and also Shoulder sizes; Nano being the smallest and the one in the family with a crossbody strap.

POP! (of colour) *love*

Modeling Pics <3

I am currently using the Fluoro Pink Micro Shopper and I must say it fits my built well; being only 5ft tall! It was such an exhausting ordeal scouting for this pink baby. Sold out almost everywhere in the world, I had to be on the waiting list for 3 painful months before I got to bring her home. I also have the Mini Shopper in Two Tone; the same one Nicole Richie has and I am guilty of buying it because of her.

Ms Nicole Richie

Not Nicole Richie

I would buy this bag just from this pic! Love the whole colour combo and styling - Emm.

Exceptional detailing and exquisite leather, it is understandable why the Celine Shopper was retailing for almost RM7800. I had received (and read) a lot of comments on the design and weight of the bag. Some call it “robot face”, “clown face” and many other funny names. But dear pessimists, don’t just judge the bag by its design, go find someone who has it, touch it, feel it and hold it! Its leather is enough to make you swoon! Not to mention how roomy it is! (I do sound like I’m terribly in love!)

Back to the weight issue, it's a bit heavy, but not terrible. The leather is really thick, and all the weight comes from that, plus it's also lined in leather. I think the leather lining is worth the extra weight, particularly since it's the same color; nowadays in suede. It gives the design a really nice feel. Very Celine!

The craze has not gotten full blown in Malaysia like the Balenciaga has but I’m sure it will catch on pretty soon. So go on to the nearest Celine boutique or resellers and take a look at this baby. A splurge on this beautiful, timeless bag is worth it! My next aim will be the Celine Trapeze with its yummy suede detailing!

***

So, who's getting a Celine Shopper? *hands up*

xoxo,

Emm

Grab it, I would (if I weren't broke!)

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:13:00 +0000

Hi Girls,

We are all guilty of impulse buys and on-the-spur purchases, right? This bag below is not from my closet, rather, I'm just helping a friend who has decided that this little beauty is not for her.

Personally, I like it. The shape is gorgeous, and it's Prada's Tessuto Nylon, which makes it easy to clean, and low maintenance. It is also your basic black bag, which goes with everything. I would suggest this bag for someone who is looking for their first Prada.

It comes with a long shoulder strap, as most Prada's do, so it's perfect for the young mum looking for a weekend bag whilst taking the kids out shopping or to the park/zoo/wotaveyou.

Pictures are as below and the bag comes everything included in the pics (paperbag, dustbag and care cards). This bag was purchased from The Ugly Closet just last week and is brand new and never been worn. Like I said, the seller just had a change of heart. It's going for RM2150. (A steal, I think, but the boys from TUC always have the best prices!)

You know who to call :D

Emm.

The Celine Mini Luggage

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 14:56:00 +0000

I know I'm usually late to the party, having only recently discovered a love for Balenciaga. So this might not surprise you when I say I can't fathom the obsession with the latest IT bag which is the Celine Mini Luggage.

I just don't get it. I don't get it's shape (what's with the flappy things on the side?), I don't get the colours and the leather, I just don't get it like I don't get the Birkin. There, I said it. *runs for cover*


Would much rather devour these Celine Mini Luggage cookies from Peapods by peapodscookies :D

Emm
xoxo

p/s: Maybe I need to own one to fall in love with it. Is there a local bagborrororsteal.com available??

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:11:00 +0000

Ok, overdue post coming up.

Today I was in Bangsar with my cousin + two kids each. Our plans to meet up nearly always get shelved due to colds, flus, coughs and runny noses. But today, it finally happened albeit with two snotty noses, but we figured the kids won't be worse off since both were already afflicted.

Anyway, we did Bangsar-ish things. Lunch (post kindy), then dropped the 4yos off at Kidzsports and spent a good hour devouring dessert and lattes while the babies took their afternoon naps. (Hmmm, just realised that it was a really good day today).


Yum and Yummier!

What I really wanted to write about was the number of Balenciagas I saw today. Everywhere I turned! Texted Elly to let her know that my obsession might be wearing off soon since everybody and their grandmas are now carrying Bbags, but for the moment am still in lust with my ultra-chewy, extremely distressed Sahara GGH City. So much so that I was gedik enough to get the boys from The Ugly Closet to get one for my little Boo on their recent Pre-Order trip.


Not! This is so mine!

This baby ain't available in the KL boutique or in Singapore, so if you want one, I'm sure the boys will be able to help :D Thanks, guys!

xoxo,
Emm

p/s: Totally freaked out Mr Hubs when I sent him this photo direct from Chanel.


Top: Baby Gap, Harem Pants: Sidewalk Bazaar @ The Curve, Shoesocks: Bumblebee, Props: Chanel Chanel Chanel!

Spring is here! (Let's clean out the closet)

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 02:35:00 +0000

Hi, my name is Emm and I'm a Balenciaga hoarder. *hangs head in shame*

who says arm candy needs to be functional?

Ok, so this means good news for you guys. I need to make room in my closet for my new obsession, so I need a couple of things to go to new homes.

Today, let's start with the Marc by Marc Jacobs Natasha bag in a dark teal. This was purchased in November 2011 from Net-a-Porter (blame hormones and confinement - stuck at home, bored, internet shopping was my only outlet; when is it ever not? :p). I was actually looking for the perfect baby bag, but figured hey, I had to have my belly cut open to have someone inherit my bags, so why not reward myself for it? (you know it, any damn blardy excuse - yes, I need help).


Marc by Marc Jacobs Natasha shoulder bag: two twist lock-fastening front pockets, gold hardware, detachable shoulder strap, internal zip-fastening and pouch pockets, dark-teal leather, top handle, fully lined. Concealed magnetic fastening at front flap. Designer color: Ocean.

So, this baby comes with it's original dustbag and care cards. It's in excellent condition, worn only a few times. As you may know, the MbMJ range has the softest smooshiest leathers. I'm letting this go for RM1000 or your best offer. Hit me up at bagconnoisseur@gmail.com if you're interested. (This item has been sold - Ed.)

Stay tuned for more closet spring-cleaning endeavours.

Love ya too much,
Emm
xoxo

I am not!

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:28:00 +0000

In response to Elly's "accusation", I feel the need to ~~justify~~ clarify myself.

I am NOT a Balenciaga hoarder. Only because I cannot afford to be one. However, I must admit that what they say on the various threads in the Balenciaga forum on Purseforum.com is true. One is not enough. Especially if you are lucky enough to come into posession of one that has leather so soft and smooshy, so deliciously spongy and slouchy yet still maintains a cool urban look due to its edgy design. It doesn't matter what I say, like Elly, you will not be a convert until you own one yourself.

The thing I like best about the Bbag (as it is so fondly called), is the fact that you ARE SUPPOSED to let it get a bit seasoned. That does not mean you should let it turn into a toad, ok Elly? It just means, one will not have to worry about carrying around the kitchen sink in one's bag and having the leather go a bit saggy. It is meant to do that.

Having said that, I still whip out le-trusty-Envirosax when there's a hint of a raincloud on the horizon. Rain and leather, a happy marriage does not make.

anal.

With regards to Elly's new link on the post of sending your bags to your local cobbler to have it erm, rejuvenated, imagine my horror when I asked the SA at Balenciaga, KLCC where the best place to send Bbags for a spot of cleaning would be and she informed me that their usual cobbler downstairs have closed shop. However, after hearing the bill amount for getting Elly's toad to transform back into her prince at My Bag Spa, I'm quite seriously considering the local cobbler. Apparently it is a dirty little secret but luxury boutiques swear by it.

So for the last word, Balenciaga Motorcycle Bags, to know one is to love one. :D

Love,
Emm
xoxo

Bag restorations, etc.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:09:00 +0000

Hola,

I finally sent The Toad to be professionally restored last Thursday at My Bag Spa. Accompanying The Toad, was my PS1 midnight blue wallet. Cheh... so much for the blue team. They'll be going through the works, from basic cleaning, disinfecting, right up to having the leather recoloured. *gatal*

Will write a review once I am reunited with the duo, in about 3 months time. Die.

On another note, I discovered a gem of a blog - Feather Factor authored by Kat (link has been added in the sidebar).

Interestingly enough, Kat's post today was about restoring Balenciaga bags. You can read on how she restored her bag HERE. The insignificantly minute restoration cost involved made me want to break down and cry... Malin should take notes, since she's recently turned into a Balenciaga hoarder. Me, am still not convinced and have yet to swing to the dark side.

Later.
Elly

Victoria Beckham, doing it right.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Was browsing and drooling over bags on Net-a-Porter when I came across Victoria Beckham's line-up of bags. I truly adore what she does with her clothing line - showcasing clean and simple aesthetics that in my opinion are timeless and totally wearable. So, I was pleasantly surprised to find the consistent styles transcend to her bag line. Some of my favourites...

VICTORIA BECKHAM
Leather and canvas shoulder bag
£1,659

VICTORIA BECKHAM
Shopper leather and linen-canvas tote
£1,114

VICTORIA BECKHAM
Leather shoulder bag
£770

Now... just need to figure out what to do to become a skinny b**** like Mrs Beckham herself...

Love,

Elly

(Note: All pictures attributed to Net-a-Porter, thanks)

Blue is the colour...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

...that I'm currently/continuously obsessed with.

It first began with this...

Proenza Schouler PS1 wallet in midnight - Proenza Schouler

And then this... yes, aka The Toad (read about it here)

just like mine, just need to get it checked for mould every so often - pic: googled

My love for blue bags is undying... am still on the hunt. The most recent consideration was the Tory Burch Robinson double zip tote in saffiano leather. Alas, I was too indecisive and lost it to another patron of Reebonz (no, not Malin).

Tory Burch Robinson tote - Reebonz

My love for Proenza Schouler still remains...

PS1 tote in midnight - Proenza Schouler

PS1 medium in midnight - Proenza Shouler

And newfound love with Alexander McQueen... why hello there...!

Alexander McQueen leather bag - currently available on Reebonz. Woot!

Hey doctor, won't you help me... I've got the blues...

Love,

Elly

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:54:00 +0000

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:25:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:49:00 +0000

So explain to me this concept of chucking you bagbabies on the floor of the car. You know, to deter those effing snatch thieves on motorbikes. Bags. On. Floor. Of. Car?!

Blasphemy!

~pic credit to Google~

What do you guys do?

On another note.....I. Need. This.

xoxo
Emm

Eenie Meenie Miney Mo!

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:10:00 +0000

Hi darlings,

Happy New Year!

So, have you decided which bag will kick off your 2012 bag journey, yet? I may need some help.

Remember when I was looking for a bag to tote all of Baby #1's stuff to Bris? Back then it was between the LV Neverfull and the St. Louis Goyard. As you know, the Goyard is not available locally and because I was in a hurry back then, I ended up with the Neverfull which proved true to its name but became the LV bag that EVERYBODY has. T_T.

I love my Neverfull (so does everybody else, by the looks of it). But if you're looking for a pop of colour in a bag that is the exact same shape and size as a Neverfull, the answer is the St. Louis Goyard. And guess what? It is available in a gorgeous bright orange from here and it comes with a matching pochette! I would so get it if I could sell my Neverfull. But being a true Leo, I just had to have the NF stamped with my initials, didn't I? Take a lesson girls - only personalise bags that you know you'll want to keep forever. (Anybody out there with the initials MZ wanna buy a barely used LV NF? :p)

~pic taken from theuglycloset.blogspot.com~

Theuglycloset.blogspot.com has this up for sale too. I'm not big on LV but the shape of this bag has got me pining for it. It's just too cute. Kind of like the speedy but with longer handles, perfect as a shoulder bag (which leaves hands free to juggle a baby and help a pre-schooler with his shoes).

~pic borrowed from theuglycloset.blogspot.com~

~pic taken from purseforum.com~

This is the LV Rivington PM, sister to the Cabas Rivington which is a tote with similar handles.
Should I start 2012 with these two? Or will you guys beat me to it?

xoxo,
Emm

Use it or Lose it!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:04:00 +0000

Hey y'all...

It's me... Elly... yeah, the co-owner of this blog. Won't hold it against you if you forgot all about moi considering I last blogged waaaaaaaaayyyy back in April. *buries head in shame*

So... you may have noticed that my YSL Besace literally turned into a toad, as updated by Malin. However, I'm happy to report I spent a good two hours yesterday returning the Besace to its former glory. The results were spectacular and you wouldn't at all have known it was afflicted by a bad case of mould. I'll share what I did in another post. Promise.

Not only had I to endure the pain of watching one of my "babies" falling sick like that, but I just had to be constantly reminded by the Husband that "I'd better use it OR lose it...". Rotating handbags on a weekly basis clearly doesn't work in our climate, so what is a bagaholic to do? Care to share your tips?

Most of my bags have a high probability of getting mouldy, unused, there is however one bag that is is aired on a weekly basis, every single weekend.

Introducing MBMJ's Natasha Petal to the Metal. I loveeee mine to bits, which is I dare say practically stylish albeit being a sombre black? The metal bits bring out the rock chick in me. Ehem.

You can wear it on your shoulder or cross-bodied. Careful. You might get lost in its multitude of zipped compartments, but you OCD anal retentives out there would just love to remain organized that way, right? Oh wait. That's me :)

I purchased mine from Reebonz, Singapore. They only had black back then, not sure now. A quick look over at Net-a-Porter reveals other colours. Love, love, love the one in plum. Alas, a new bag would mean that my other bags would be more susceptible to mould. Argh!

Marc by Marc Jacobs Natasha Petal to the Metal shoulder bag: russet leather, shoulder strap, internal zip-fastening and pouch pockets, designer-stamped bird plaques with leather tabs, three zip-fastening pockets at flap top and front with oversized designer-stamped zips, front pocket with magnetic-fastening flap, back magnetic-fastening pocket with buckled leather tab detail, gold hardware, fully lined. Leather: Cow. Pictures and description via http://www.net-a-porter.com

Love you guys. To a blessed new year and many, many more bags to come!

Elly

Miss You Much...

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 15:15:00 +0000

Duh!

I was taking a stroll around Suria KLCC today whilst the boys were watching the latest Mission Impossible flick and bumped into a whole host of lovely handbags. Aaaaah.... what a sight for sore eyes. You can't beat Kay Elle for the most LVs and Chanels per square meter, can you? I suddenly felt pangs of emotion and started missing my babies who are most probably on a ship right this minute, on their way home. I was wondering if I'm just demented like that or do you guys suffer from the same separation anxiety when you are away for long periods of time from your handbags. Over taww! *montah*

Of course, it didn't help when Elly sent a picture of her Besace which she found covered in mold and looking like a toad, today. Am suddenly very worried about the fate of my babies sailing on the open sea. +_+

Elly's Besace: If you kiss it, it might turn into a handsome prince :p

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. Happy holidays!!

Emm
xoxo

I'm coming home, coming home...

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 06:10:00 +0000

So, guess what? We're finally leaving the land of where bags-tak-boleh-carik-makan for good. Hubs is being transferred home and therein marks the end of our stay here. Two and a half years... time flies so bloody fast when you are constantly clicking "add to cart" and Paypal is your bestfriend. I think it's about time I trade in my cramped index finger for sore feet instead, by having to shop the conventional way.

Gawd, I was in such a fix the other day when Hubs asked about how much insurance we needed to take for all the stuff we were shipping home. For the first time ever, I had to declare the value of my bag collection to him. It. Was. Not. Pretty. Now I know what "terkulat-kulat" means.

I'm trying to figure out which would be best. To ship my (bag)babies home via sea or have them fly home with me. Should they perish a tragic death not unlike Jack and Rose on The Titanic, I could use the insurance money to buy new bags, right? *scheming hat: on*. However, many of them were limited editions and not in production anymore. So maybe I should pack those into the luggage with me. But there are also a couple of them with special sentimental value. Aaargh how does one deal with favouritism amongst their children??

Fast forward to packing day...

All my bags are packed (literally) and I'm ready to go... See u guys back in good ol'Kay Elle!! (am so glad I'm a Pack Rat/Hoarder and kept all my net-a-porter and reebonz boxes!)