Uno de 50 Autumn/Winter 2015 Collection

If you're looking for statement accessories, look no further than Spanish jewelry label, Uno de 50.

From chunky silver charmers, to this big-ass pearl ring (which I happily brought home with me)...

To Swarovski crystal-ized...

To in-your-face Swarovski-d out bling rings...

Uno de 50 has that, and more.

Their Autumn/Winter 2015 Connection collection in particular, made up of 4 varied but equally inspired lines tell a compelling story.

Designs from the Magic line reflect the light, colour and shimmer of the Northern Lights through blue, green, grey and pink Swarovski Elements crystals. 

The Intimacy line are made up of pieces shaped as keys and hearts of different sizes, rendered in leather and silver-coated metal.

Necklaces from the Vastness line, made entirely of silver-coated metal, have organic shapes that are reminiscent of vegetation capped with snow and ice.

The Forest line consists of nature-inspired elements - "drops of frozen dew, stalactites or pebble stones, as well as other natural elements such as insects or berries and the seeds that precede the arrival of the first snowfalls."

There's a rough-hewn yet gentle quality to Uno de 50 pieces, a free-spirited bohemian vibe that is distinctive and artsy. I can totally see artists, ad agency creatives, and just about anybody who appreciates unique but everyday appropriate pieces to rock these.

Uno de 50 was founded in the late 1990's by a group of designers who decided to establish a brand of fashion jewelry and accessories that would break all existing molds. The brand was called Uno de 50 because they started out with the original philosophy of creating exclusively 50 units of each design, which proved to be an unqualified success. To date, Uno de 50 is in 15 countries, from Spain to Belgium, to Mexico, United States, and now the Philippines (Uno de 50 boutiques are at SM Aura and SM Megamall). For more on Uno de 50, visit www.unode50.com/en/int/

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

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.

Leather Baggus + A Giveaway

I've been a Baggu user since 2007 so I reached a point where I wasn't visiting the site any more. What for when I pretty much had all the colors and prints I wanted. UNTIL. I saw that they had come out with leather Baggus! OMG.

Leather Baggu Medium Php7,500 

Leather Baggu Small Php5,995 

Loop Php750 

 Medium Pouch Php1,995

Drawstring Purse Php6,500 

Wedge coin purse Php750

Kalurks diba? I want one of each please! All these bags and accessories are made from genuine leather in New York. Although I do have a black Cast of Vices grocery shopper na, so I guess no need for the bags. But, but the array of colors these leather Baggus come in - so pretty, so tempting. Eeep! I must stop looking!

But enough about what I want, let's talk about you and your family and friends! You can give these as gifts you know! Prices range from Php750 for the wedge and loop and go up to Php7,500 for the medium shopper tote. Leather Baggus, along with the regular nylon totes and canvas bags are available in the Philippines via My Ticker Tape Parade and on AVA.ph

Of course, since Christmas is just around the corner, we have a giveaway courtesy of Jen Osmena of Baggu Philippines! We'll be drawing 2 winners! 1 will get 1 wedge and 1 will get 1 loop. Handy dandy small leather accessories that you can keep for yourself or win for a sister or a friend!

Just join via the Rafflecopter widget below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Contest is open to readers with a Philippine address. Winners will be announced on December 4, 2012.

Ladies Salt-Water Sandals at Soon Lee

Naomi and I love our Salt-Water sandals and we get a kick out of wearing matching pairs with our daughters. We think Salt-Waters are the perfect summer sandal because there's no need to bring an extra pair of shoes or slippers when the day calls for swimming. Salt-Water sandals are waterproof, and salt water proof, in fact! Hence the name.

I also like wearing my Salt-Water sandals when its raining, especially in rainy Singapore. I don't have to worry about my shoes getting wet in the rain. Much better and dressier than wearing flip flops too!

So I am super happy to share ladies, that Salt-Water sandals in ladies sizes are now available in Singapore at Soon Lee on Haji Lane! So when you are in the Bugis area, and specifically on Haji Lane, make sure to drop by the store!

Soon Lee is the sister store of Rockstar by Soon Lee in Cathay Cineleisure by Orchard Road, on Grange Road. Like Rockstar, Soon Lee is well-curated and filled with great finds from all over.

Girls, get your Salt-Water sandals at Soon Lee this summer! These are going to be your warm and rainy weather wardrobe staple, promise! 

For news and updates on Salt-Water Sandals in Singapore, add Salt-Water Sandals Singapore on FACEBOOK!

Soon Lee
23 Haji Lane
Singapore 189216
http://ishopsoonlee.blogspot.com/