For your next LV store visit...

Found at Louis Vuitton Lover's blog.

Monique Lhuillier Bags

Black python Ava pleated clutch with pearl tab

I was checking out possible maid of honor dresses for my sister's wedding (Sob! She's two years younger than me!) when I stumbled unto designer Monique Lhuillier's website. She has always been known for her wonderfully feminine gowns and dresses. Who knew she carried a handbag line as well? More pictures below...












The clutches really complement Monique's dresses. Would love to get one but they're only available at her flagship stores. Sigh. Oh well, they look like they all cost a pretty penny.

Working Bags

An officemate (yes, a male one!) asked me why I bring two bags to work everyday. I smiled and cheekily said, "Because I can!" That got me thinking though. How many bags do I need to go to work?

What are the two bags I carry?

Well, I have a black shoulder bag and a red big tote bag. This is on a normal day because I rotate my bags every so often.

The smaller bag is for my essential personal effects - wallet, cellular phones, keys, perfume, makeup kit, tissue, shades, a ballpen and a notebook.

The bigger bag is for my other essentials, the things I may need "just in case" - phone chargers, Ipod and Ipod charger, flats (to alternate with my 4" heels and when I'm driving), a scarf (for chily weather), alcohol wipes, an extra shirt, work documents (if I need to work at home).

Having enumerated all the things in my "just-in-case" tote, I'm not so sure I need to bring the extra bag. However, what can I do? It's a security blanket.

How about you? How many bags do you carry around?

Project Runway Philippines - Episode 1

Any thoughts on last night's pilot episode of Project Runway Philippines? I think it had promise but was not too impressed yet with any of the designers. Couldn't remember their names as of now. What I can say though is that...

I think I have a girl crush on PRP's host, Teresa Herrera. Wow, she is so gorgeous!



Watch Project Runway Philippines on ETC, Wednesdays at 10 p.m.

Ms. Karan, Where is my Bag?!

Designer Donna Karan has come out with a line of zodiac-inspired handbags. The bags are part of her Pre-Fall and Fall Collections. Check them out below. Just one question though, where are the Capricorn bags?

Modern Leo Tote, Medium in Camel

Modern Libra Shoulder Bag, Large in Black

Other bags are available for viewing at the Donna Karan website.

Pictures courtesy of Neiman Marcus.

How to Prevent Your Speedy Bag from Sagging

As promised, this is my post on how to keep your LV Speedy bag from sagging. These tips are from personal experience and I make no warranties on their effectivity in your situation.


We, bag addicts, think of our bags as our little babies. A little TLC can go a long way in maintaining the overall look and shape of our Speedy bag.

1. Do not overload your bag.
The typical Speedy bag is made from canvas, accounting for the bag's slouchy structure. Overloading the bag places greater stress on its bottom. You will see that when your bag is full, the bottom tends to sag.

2. When not in use, store the bag with stuffing.
I use a mixture of bond paper and bubble wrap. Works for me. My officemate, MB, uses a plastic pillow (not quite sure how to call it) which came with her Mini Lin Speedy. Make sure to air tbe bag occasionally when planning to store for long periods of time to keep the lining from drying out and sticking together. It has been known to happen! Particularly with the bags with suede lining.

3. Add a base to the bag.
I bought a base shaper for my Speedy bags from a seller in Multiply. The base shapers come in different colors and textures. My sister, however, does not like using it because the edges stick out which may cause stress at the point where the edges are located. One wrong move and it may cause the bag to rip.

Others have used an old t-shirt or pillowcase to line the bottom. My officemate, MB, uses a cardboard box cut to measure for her bag.

If you have any more tips, do let me know!

You Know You Love ... Bags

I admit it! I am a huge fan of Gossip Girl, the TV series. Actually, I am a bigger fan of the bags featured there.

Blair Waldorf with a Valentino Couture Braided Tote.
Hoping to cause trouble, Georgina Sparks lurks with a Gucci Hysteria tote.

From the episode, "Desperately Seeking Serena", Season 1.

Photo courtesy of Gossip Girl Insider.

A "Speedy" Post

Photo courtesy of Eluxury

Just a "speedy" little post on the iconic Speedy Bag by Louis Vuitton. The Speedy has gone through several reincarnations using different materials from the ubiquitous Monogram Canvas to its current versions in pink Ostrich (my favorite!) and the new Monogramouflage (not my favorite!).

Photo courtesy of Bag Snob

What I love about the Speedy? The zipped top and the fact that it carries everything and the kitchen sink. What I don't love about the Speedy? The rolled short handles mean that you have to be carry the bag on your hand as opposed to other bags which you can sling over your shoulder. Also, the bottom tends to sag as time passes. Not very attractive to look at. Nonetheless, the Speedy is a great "starter" bag for your collection.

I will do a post on ways to prevent your Speedy bags from sagging.

Celebrities and their Bags - the HSM Girls

Business must be good for the girls from the High School Musical mega-franchise. The two lead girls - Ashley Tisdale and Vanessa Hudgens - have been spotted with some seriously rocking bags. Click on the pictures for a larger view.

Ashley Tisdale with her LV Monogram Galliera GM
Vanessa Hudgens with her Balenciaga Giant
Ashley and Vanessa out on a shopping trip together. Vanessa drags along another Balenciaga while Ashley rocks a classic Chanel in a very youthful way. Can anyone help me identify the particular names of their bags?I knew I should have taken those voice and dance lessons more seriously. Lawyering just doesn't pay as much as dancing and singing in front of screaming adoring tween fans.

Pictures from Just Jared

My Little Black Book for Bag Addicts - Updated

Taking a cue from Mrs. G, I present to you my essential list of phone numbers to call when in Manila and in need of a bag fix:

Greenbelt 4, Makati

Louis Vuitton - (+632) 756-0637/756-4694
Prada - (+632) 757-6298
Bottega Veneta - (+632) 757-6293
Gucci - (+632) 757-6297
Tod's - (+632) 757-6292
Marc Jacobs - (+632) 729-9607
Salvatore Ferrragamo - (+632) 757-6270

Greenbelt 5, Makati

Marc by Marc Jacobs - (+632) 757-6294

Balenciaga - soon to open

Rockwell Mall, Makati

Salvatore Ferrragamo - (+632) 898-0424

The numbers were taken from the brands' official websites. Will update this regularly as I collect more numbers.

Online - On Sale!

One of my biggest frustrations is the fact that US online stores don't ship to my country. Nonetheless, this hasn't stopped me from surfing them for new and exciting bag finds. With sale season ongoing, my heart breaks even more. For the lucky ones who can purchase from these sites, check out some of the great deals I've found:

1. Neiman Marcus (NM)

For a limited time, NM is offering an additional 20% off on already reduced items. Some of my favorites include:

YSL Raspail Croc-Embossed Tote

This bag was on sale at YSL in Hongkong for 50% off! Love the ID tag. The gorgeous red color really pops.

Miu Miu Fringed Woven Leather Hobo

The fringes are growing on me and I love how soft the leather is! The white color is divine but I will totally destroy this bag in a very short span of time. Think juice stains and ballpen marks. I am not known for my tender loving care for my bags, unfortunately.

2. Net-A-Porter

VBH Manila Envelope Clutch

VBH makes great clutches and this one is no exception. The python detail adds enough texture to make the bag interesting yet demure enough for a daytime wedding.

It's guaranteed to add the perfect zing to your little black dress.

Incidentally, the white Miu Miu hobo I featured above is also on sale at Net-A-Porter - in black! But only 25% off.


3. Vivre

Vivre has its ongoing semi-annual sale and prices are now 60% off.


While initially checking out the bags, what really grabbed my attention were the beautiful passport holders by Lai. In crocodile lime or alligator red, these passport holders are definitely one way to travel in style.

*Photos from Neiman Marcus, Net-a-Porter and Vivre.

10 Signs that You're a Bag Addict

1. You are subscribed to the Purse Forum where you post pictures of your extensive bag showcase.

2.You bring a plastic bag where you put your bag when it rains.

3. You call the bags by their names. You give your bags names.

4. You skip meals to save money for a new bag.

5. You can distinguish between deerskin and nappa, crocodile and python.

6. You know the Sales Associates by their names. You have a favorite SA. Her number is on your phone's speed dial.

7. You ask to be put on a waitlist for a bag that the Sales Associate does not even know existed.

8. You count the days until your next bag purchase.

9. Your heart palpitates when sale season starts.

10. You've memorized the bag manufacturer's date codes and can tell the year when a bag was made.

* Picture courtesy of Eluxury.