Let's play a game

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

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!

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

xoxo,
Emm

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

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

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??

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)

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!

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.

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.

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...

...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