ELYU Weaving Handwoven Inabel Towels

Last week, I saw in ELYU Weaving's IG story that some 'hater' said that they were copying designs from another local seller.

It was a long response but here's the gist (It was a much longer response, read the thread here).

1. Inabel weaving is a centuries-old traditional method in the Philippines so of course there's going to be similarities in designs. 
2. Inabel weaving is also a dying tradition -- all the more we need to keep it alive by supporting the artisans, rather than sow animosity and unhealthy competition.

But you know, haters gonna hate... so *shrug*

Anyway, thanks to this 'hater' and to ELYU Weaving's passionate response, it led me to check out their profile and found something I wanted to give to my friends for Christmas!

I ended up purchasing the beach towels on SALE (a set of 4 towels for 950). My total bill ended up 3 sets x 4 + 300 shipping fee -- it comes out 263 php per towel -- which I think is a pretty good deal!

Also, I'm very thankful to ELYU Weaving for being able to squeeze everything in one JRS Express package so I don't have to pay more for shipping. (Thanks a lot Ms. Nogueras for the great customer service!)

The following day, it arrived! Super quick since it came all the way from San Fernando La Union! 

Check out the details up close. The weaving is very neatly done and the designs are consistent. As with any woven products, be careful with pulling and keep away from objects that could snag the fabric.

It can also be a scarf because it's super cozy and it falls just right. It can also be a throw blanket in the living room. I honestly think it's too pretty to be a towel, but if you're an avid instagrammer, this towel would go great with your #SwimsuitOfTheDay beach pictures.

I hope you check out the rest of ELYU Weaving! Aside from beach towels, they also make personalized towels and blankets. Here's a sample of the personalized blanket being made.

View this post on Instagram

Bedsheet wedding giveaway for the wedding of Mr. Airan & Ms. Hannah ❤️#weddinggiveawayph #personalizedph #giveawayph #inabelph #abelph

A post shared by INABEL - HANDWOVEN PRODUCTS (@elyuweaving) on Apr 19, 2018 at 12:33am PDT

Also, with Christmas around the corner, I hope you consider a good chunk of your gifts locally. With the country's inflation and the price of peso going down, it's getting more difficult for people to buy basic necessities -- All the more we need to support the local businesses so our fellow Filipinos will have a happy Christmas!

ELYU Weaving

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoguerasWeaving/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elyuweaving/

I Want This Sling Bag!

I've been pouring over Instagram for a small weekend bag. I just need one that's light but fits my wallet, cellphone, keys, receipts, portable charger, and charger. I was thinking these Trio-inspired bags would be perfect because it's small, light, and has multiple compartments. Thankfully, there's a bunch of locally made options available at pretty reasonable prices!

(Read about the Celine Trio here from InTheirCloset.com.)

As of now, I haven't decided yet which one to get but here are the ones on my radar. Since it's not going to be a work-bag, I can choose something bright and colorful. I'll only use it on weekends or when I have to make a quick trip to the supermarket or something.

Twin City by Fetch Bella

Twin City Photo from Fetch Bella's Instagram

Price: Php 650

Link: http://fetchbellabags.com/product/twin-city-black/

Material: Synthetic leather with velvet lining

Colors Available: Black, Mint Green, Red, Royal Blue, White, Taupe Baby Pink

Compartments: 2

Sling by Yorke Studios

Sling Photo from Yorke Studio's Instagram

Price: Php 795

Link: https://www.instagram.com/shop.yorkestudios/

Material: Vegan Leather

Colors Available: Taupe, Wine, Black

Compartments: 3

Troika by Sinude Bags 

Troika Photo from Sinude Bags' Instagram

Price: Php 3,500

Link: http://sinudebags.com/collections/all/products/troika

Material: Genuine Embossed Leather

Colors: Creamy Nude, Salmon, and Navy Blue

Compartments: 3

Marian Sling by Shiq Bags

Marian Sling Photo from Shiq Bags' Instagram

Price: Php 600

Link: http://www.shiqbags.com/product/marian-sling-2/

Material: Synthetic Smooth Leather

Colors Available: Light Grey, Dark Grey, Silver, Gold, Taupe

Compartments: 2

Custom Explore Sling by The Leather Company

Explore Sling Photo from The Leather Company's Instagram

Price: Inquire via Viber/Whatsapp 0999 8834618

Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/BMtSNPxAbnC/?taken-by=theleathercompany

Material: Genuine Leather 

Compartments: 3

I'm leaning towards going for synthetic leather since I think I might end up buying several in different colors (genuine leather is more expensive). It will boil down to the color that matches my usual weekend outfits. When I do get to buy, that'll be another entry for another day! :)

Cathy's Handbags Daphne Beaded Abaca Clutch (Review)

Check out this Daphne Beaded Abaca Clutch by Cathy's Bags! I got it sometime early 2016. It was on sale at Php 1200 (originally Php 2000) + 80 shipping. I think I got the last one.

I used it for a wedding with a fuschia dress and I think the clutch went pretty well with it.

The body is made with black woven abaca with black satin lining on the inside. As you can see in the photo above, it's decorated with silver and black beads (which were well-sewn, none were loose). It closes by magnet.

When I used it the first time, it fit all the things one needed when attending a wedding reception: cellphone (in photo below, iPhone 5s) keys, and lipstick (I didn't need face powder).

While it's well-made and I thought I was going to get to use it multiple times, I later on found out that it doesn't fit my new iPhone 6s. 😓 Looks like I have to carry my cellphone separately when I use this clutch... or I might end up passing this clutch on to my niece.

Lesson learned: When buying clutches or other small bags, think of what future gadgets you might end up buying, not just for the ones you have now (but really, who'd normally do that?)

Cathy's Bags have plenty more bags in other designs -- ideal for beach or weekend casual look. Click on any of the links below. 

Cathy Handbags and Accessories

Website: www.cathysbags.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cathysbags

Instagram: www.instagram.com/cathysbags

My Rags 2 Riches Casey Mini ❤ (Review)

On July 26, 2016, I received an email alert from Rags2Riches about their new product, which was the Casey Mini. They'll be releasing the Casey Mini online and in stores 2 days later, July 28, Thursday. I was bummed before on missing out on the original-sized Casey, so I told myself I wouldn't miss out on the Casey Mini if I found a color combo that I really liked.

On the morning of July 28, I started going into the R2R website. Throughout the day during work, I've checked back every now and then. Still no Casey Mini. :( Good thing, my sister was going to the mall after work. I asked her to go to the R2R store and get me one before the best color runs out! There was only 1 unit per variant per branch.

[Side note: For those unfamiliar with Rags 2 Riches, it's a social enterprise that produces bags and home accessories, aimed to create income opportunities for marginalized people (began in 2007 with rug-weaves from Payatas, but now with more local indigenous artisans throughout the Philippines). Read their story here.]

So my sister went to the store and sent me photos of the five variants. For the Casey (original size), I wanted the Nautical or the Santorini Red (I like blue and red). For the Casey Mini in Maltese Mustard (Php 2889), I fell in love with the black canvas with mustard R2R signature weave. Unfortunately, I don't know what the black and white fabric is called. I'll update this entry when I find out what it's called.

I was so happy when my sister brought it home that night! Here's a close up so you can see the impeccable workmanship. To those who snub locally-made products, take a look at this photo!

Here's a video from Rags 2 Riches on the Four-Way Casey Bag, demo'ed with the original size, not the mini version. The video comes with a loud cutesy background music, so turn your volume a bit lower.

Here's another video of the Casey Mini from their instagram:

IT'S HERE. ❤️ A fun-sized version of our crowd favorite Casey. Only 1 piece per style per store so click the #linkinbio or visit any R2R store. The Casey Mini is R2R's newest crossbody bag. With a zipper closure and a long, detachable strap, it's designed for your everyday adventures in the city and even your upcoming trips out of town. Tried and tested – it fits all essentials and other things that matter. Shop it online now (http://bit.ly/R2RCaseyMini) or visit any our stores in Glorietta 1, Power Plant Mall, The Podium, TriNoma or UP Town Center. #takeitorWEAVEit

A video posted by R2R - Rags2Riches, Inc. (@rags2richesinc) on Jul 28, 2016 at 7:30am PDT

As demo'ed in the Youtube video above, there are four ways the Casey Mini can be configured:

As a folio (flat): I'll probably only use it as a folio if I'm carrying around a tablet or some flat half-bond paper-sized documents. Bulky items will ruin the shape. Since I'm not using this for documents or tablets, I rarely use this as a folio.

As a shopping tote (trapezoid shape, wider base): It comes with a rectangular board to serve as the bag base when it's worn as a shopping tote. I like this shape best because it doesn't show that I am carrying bulky things, thanks to the wide base.

As a doctor's bag (roundish box): The Casey Mini doesn't work as a doctor's bag because it's too small. Since the top 2 corners are folded down (which includes the zippers), it makes it harder to zip and unzip the bag. The doctor's bag might be better off for the original size and the weekender size. In the video above with the bigger Casey, zipping and unzipping seemed easier.

As a sling bag (sling strap attached and can be carried cross-body): Just use any of the above 3 configurations, but just attach the sling strap. Hand-free carrying!

What it looks like inside:

The bag is lined with black cloth. There are 2 pockets (for your phone any small object) and a zipper pocket. On the right side, there's a nifty leather clip where you can put your keys. At the base, there is a detachable rectangular board.

I've used the Casey Mini for several weekends. I don't need a big bag during the weekends because I only carry my cellphone, keys, wallet, lip balm, tissue, charger, and portable charger. I love using it and I totally do not regret getting it at all!

I'm constantly on the lookout for more of R2R's bags and pop-ups. I'm a fan of the company and the positive impact they have on the local artisans. When I see an R2R bag that I really like (emphasis on really because I can't afford to buy everything I like), I buy it right away because I know I will never feel guilty or regret spending money on this company.

Rags 2 Riches

Website: www.rags2riches.ph

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Rags2RichesInc/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/rags2richesinc

Referral Link, for 10% discount on your first purchase: http://r2r.refr.cc/L3G2X7K (I get perks when you use my link)