Christmas 2014 Gift Guide: Rabeanco

Who says smooshy leather bags have to break the bank? Not so with Rabeanco.

If you want a good quality everyday bag, this is your go-to label. 

This makes a wonderful gift for yourself, for your sister who is just starting on her corporate career, or for your mom, especially if she's not the type splurge on a designer bag, but appreciates the quality of one.

 

Seam Satchel - Mellow leather satchel. Motif seams on both sides and base. Lined with canvas in contrasting colour. Zip closure on top. Adjustable and detachable shoulder strap. 

Geometric Hobo Bag - Smooth leather hobo bag. Adjustable and detachable handle and shoulder straps. Magnetic closure on top.

Feather Hobo Bag - Soft leather hobo bag. Zip pockets on both sides in the front. 

Luna Mini Bag - Smooth leather mini shoulder bag. Zip closures on top. Adjustable and detachable chain strap. Versatile to wear as cross body bag. 

Geo Mini Bag - Sturdy leather box shaped small shoulder bag. Adjustable and detachable shoulder strap. Zip closure on top. 

Cosmos Clutch - Saffiano leather large clutch. Interior in contrasting colour. Multiple card compartments. Pocket at front panel. 

Rabeanco Philippines has gone on to open 3 stores since they first came to Manila in 2012 - in SM Aura, Trinoma and Shangri-la East Wing, to the delight of fans of this Hong Kong leather goods label, known for the quality of their leather, and their contemporary designs that could easily be compared to luxe leather goods side by side, and not pale in comparison.

Fore more on Rabeanco, email rabeanco@istilacompanhia.com, follow @rabeanco on Instagram and Like them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rabeanco

Cole Vintage 2014

My friend Chico is back at Cole Vintage, after a hiatus from fashion, and I'm thrilled to see her back, coming up with chic new styles with her partner Lor, that girls, whatever age, would want to wear!

I've already gone shopping for their printed tunics...

and wrap dresses in jersey...

While I know my sisters will love their take on the Celine Trio...

...and their new sandals, that would look great for Holiday 2014 dressing!

Cole Vintage has truly come a long way from when they first started in 2004 selling locally manufactured bags in bazaars. They're now one of my trusted go to's for easy, effortless dressing that won't put a dent in my pocket.

Today, Cole Vintage has over 10 retail outlets in Metro Manila - at SM Aura Premier/SM Makati/SM City Mall of Asia/SM City BF Paranaque/SM City North Edsa, The Ramp Crossings TriNoma/Shangri-la/Glorietta, Podium Markati Palazzo, Wellworth Department Store and Rockwell Power Plant Mall, consistently churning out new designs that practically demand repeated and consistent visits so you won't miss out on their best sellers!

For more on Cole Vintage, Like them on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/ColeVintage and follow @colevintageph on Instagram.

UCB SALE + New Collection in Stores Now!

If you are on the hunt for great deals on basics, corporate wear, weekend bags and cute flats, you must check out the United Colors of Benetton SALE!

Most everything is at 50% OFF, with pique polo shirts like the one above at just Php897+.

These flats are less than Php1000, down from Php1995!

These summery canvas totes are Php1275.

These sturdy backpacks are Php1775.

A navy knit top that would look great with white pants or shorts is down to Php1275 from Php2550. Doubles as a maternity top too, for preggos like me.

For those who need work in a corporate setting, and need polished but easy to wear dresses, you're in for a steal! 

These shift dresses are about Php2125.

Just pair this knit dress with a pearl necklace, and you're all set for an important meeting at Php1475.

This asymmetrical jersey dress with sequins on the shoulders is down to Php1325.

The New Collection is worth checking out of course! Expect breezy and colorful jersey dresses...

Fun ribboned flats...

Wedge espadrilles, Php2250 only!

These colorful printed pouches would make great gifts this Christmas! Hoard na!

But my favorite of the lot are these linen t-shirts in neon colors.

Isabel Marant linen shirts are like $100. These pure linen shirts are just Php1450.

I have the orange, because I needed the orange t-shirt for Berry's school activity, and we needed to wear her class color, but I am feeling the itch to get the hot pink one too!

Score a great deal on the SALE or find a new fave from the current collection at United Colors of Benetton:

UCB Trinoma
L2,2035 Trinoma, EDSA Corner N Ave
Quezon City
Tel: +632 901 3545

UCB Robinsons Galleria
G/F, Ortigas Centre
Pasig City, 1605

UCB Megamall
2nd Level 205, SM Megamall
EDSA cor. Julia Vargas Ave.
Mandaluyong, 1550 Tel: +632 6347952

UCB Robinson's Ermita
1st Level Midtown
Robinson's Place
Ermita, Manila
Tel: +632 2320051

UCB High Street 
Bonifacio High Street
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Tel: +632 8562551

UCB Cebu
Level 1
Ayala Center Cebu
Cebu City
Tel: +632 22320051

Current Obsession: Herve Chapelier Camo Totes

A few weeks ago, Dada & I met up with our good friends Cathy & Jon Lim, and Cathy's sister Cheryl and her husband Eric Lee. The two couples are the owners of our fave coffee & toast place in UP Town Center, Cafe Shibuya!

While doing a taste test of their proposed Lenten offerings at Cafe Shibuya, we got to talk about Cheryl and Eric's new store, Herve Chapelier in SM Aura, and their best selling camo totes. 

I told them I was familiar with the brand because I used to see women in Manhattan toting Herve Chapeliers as a second bag (it's actually making a comeback in a big way too, says VOGUE). But I have never seen anybody there with a camo version. Apparently, it's a wardrobe staple in Japan.

I had passed by the store a couple of times before, but did not spy any camo totes. Because Cheryl said they sold out so fast, not anticipating such a HUGE demand for it. 

She mentioned there was a wait list for their stocks of camo arriving, and I was like, "OMG!!! Save a bag for me!!! And order more!!!" Yes. With exagg exclamation points.

"Even I could not get my hands on the camo tote!" Cheryl exclaimed.

Rather than keep one for herself, she decided to put her customers first. Which was sweet of her. Heehee. Then she told me to go to the store so I can pre-order the size I wanted. And I did.

I also spied some seriously cute totes, like this one from their high end GP Line, a pebble grained coated canvas...

And soigné 1428ND in Bouganvillier.

But I kept my eye on the prize, texting Cheryl right away the size I wanted reserved. 

Quick as a flash, just a few days after, I got a message from Lyke at Herve Chapelier in SM Aura saying their camo totes were in store!

There was this huge ass one that would make a great overnighter...

As well as this one with short handles, no zippers, so a bit impractical. But it looks so chic!

I ended up with this one, the 1027N. It has a zipper and short handles. Really handy dandy. Super thanks Cheryl!!!

It is rare that I find a camo tote that doesn't look too rugged and sporty. These ones by Herve are just so painfully chic, it hurts not to buy it. 

So I had to go back the next day for the L shopping tote, a bigger sized version with brown straps and a snap.

I need to be armed with at least two different sizes ya know. At least.

About Herve Chapelier:

Frenchman Herve Chapelier started his eponymous label in 1976, creating travel bags that were not only sturdy and supple but were also colorful - orange, purple, fuchsia, red, pink and yellow totes, equipped with flat, braided handles, using a material that was initially designed for car safety belts.

He then went on to designing backpacks that were a hit with students, but it is his famous, classic bi-color “cabas” (traditional French market) bag, which he has sold millions of, that made the brand.  

Herve Chapelier still manufactures his products in France, which are sold everywhere from Paris to Tokyo, as well as New York, London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Rome, Geneva, Venice and now Manila. 

For inquiries and updates, visit Herve Chapelier Philippines on Facebook, HERE.

Affordable Luxury #1: simpliste

During these times when it just doesn't seem right to be spending a fortune on "wants", because people have barely enough to cover their needs, I will be highlighting "affordable luxuries". These are products or brands, both local and foreign, that do not compromise on quality. They either: use the best materials available, focus on thoughtful design, price points are reasonable, or are all of the above. Because who says luxury has to always be out of reach?

freya and vyras totes from simpliste, colorful, functional bags made from real leather

I first heard of simpliste from my friend Evee aka Boogie Wipes Philippines, who had a gorgeous navy bag slung cross-body style, that at first glance looked like my Celine Trio. 

Evee with her navy treveen from simpliste

 

Her bag was really well-made, and the leather? Beautiful! It smelled so good the way a real leather bag only can. Turns out she was carrying the treveen, simpliste's version of the shoulder bag made popular by Celine:

So it was like fate when Nikki Corpus and Denyse Sy of simpliste got in touch with me to tell me about their freya tote, a boxy tote, made from genuine leather, that would be great for both work days and weekends:

my freya tote in chic black & navy

I like that it has a sturdy, flat bottom, so it won't droop. The construction is solid and will fit all our life's essentials. It also comes in the most interesting colorways and texture combinations:

freya colorways

The same goes for the vyras, a less-structured tote that is equally eye catching.

vyras colorways

According to Nikki, all their bags and goods are made of genuine leather.

"We believe that quality and style can meet in the middle, and be made available at a reasonable price point. We produce very limited pieces per color per style (usually 2 to 6 pieces per colorway), so we guarantee exclusivity of each item.", Nikki shared.

Apart from their bags, they also make wristlets:

As well as catch-alls for accessories:

Simpliste bags make great gifts, for yourself or for loved ones. Plus, at prices so affordable, they're practically guilt free!

For more on simpliste, sms/viber/whatsapp +63917 450 7676 and like simpliste on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/simplistemanila and follow @simpliste on Instagram.

Aranaz Delujo 2013

De lujo means deluxe in Spanish and that's exactly what Aranaz Delujo, the luxe line that Amina Aranaz-Alunan started in 2011, is all about. Take for instance this pulpo called Octopia. This is the only octopus I know fit to be worn on a donya's wrist:

My friend Kris asked me if Delujo means maluho. Well, lujo in Spanish or luho in Tagalog means luxury, as in, "Hija, don't be maluho because the boys might think you're high maintainance". But I am happy to share that Aranaz Delujo is not exorbitantly priced at all. Given the materials and craftsmanship involved in making Amina's gorgeous minaudières and cuffs, and the fact that we are supporting Filipino artisans by buying these pieces, it's a small price to pay. 

I fell in love with the Corallo which sells for about Php18,500. It is a work of art in itself.

The shell clasp is just precious:

I ended up getting the Sampaguita, a wooden minaudière that is so delicately pretty, yet can withstand years of use. I love how this can go from day to night too.

When Aranaz Delujo first launched in 2011, Amina showed how the lowly coconut shell could be elevated into something luxe, even an object of desire. For 2013, she took the idea a step further by dyeing the shells in different hues and using gold-dipped gilded clasps with colored stones.

According to Amina, "The ARANAZ DELUJO line is an outlet to indulge in our creative fantasies. Each piece is a product of our dreams. Combining master craftsmanship with the most exquisite raw materials and handmade techniques."

Apart from a a range of coconut shell purses, there were also studded shell, snakeskin and brass minaudières. Some with complementary cuffs to match.

Let me point out that in true luxe fashion, the inside of the Raya is lined in soft suede.

It was truly a treat to be invited to the special preview of Aranaz Delujo 2013 and the pre-selling affair at Vask was the perfect time to place an order before the line hits the stores this coming July.

I left with this fantastic brass lily cuff from Amina (worn next to an Aranaz lobster claw cuff and Vita Fede mock croc leather bangle) and the anticipation that I will get my Sampaguita minaudière sooner than most. 

Aranaz Delujo will hit stores by July 19, 2013.