womens fashion
Showing posts with label womens fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label womens fashion. Show all posts

ELYU Weaving Handwoven Inabel Towels

Diorell Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Diorell
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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.



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/

Aranaz Blue Flamingo Tote (Review)

Wednesday, October 25, 2017
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Isn't this beautiful? Ever since I saw it on the Aranaz Instagram, I fell in love with it. In September, I pre-ordered one through email. On payday weekend, I was able to pick it up from their store. I was so happy that it wasn't as expensive as I thought it would be!

This Blue Flamingo Tote is from their Garden Party collection. The embroidery looks so dainty and shiny. I already feel like I'm in a chill mood just looking at it.

Up close and personal with the blue flamingos
I've got this bias for blue thanks to my high school and college. Aranaz has a lot of really pretty items but this blue one just popped out for me. I like that this shade of blue it works with other bright colors without clashing and at the same time brings out the fun in neutral colored outfits.

Last weekend, I brought it out! I paired it with a blue t-shirt and black jeans, nothing fancy. I didn't go to any pickpocket-prone places so it was fine that the bag doesn't close all the way.

OOTD shot in a dark restroom

Hanging out at Coffee Project. I love their interiors!
At first, the raffia fringe poked my forearm and it was a bit itchy. Later in the day, the fringe curled away from my arm and it didn't poke anymore. I was thinking of flat-ironing the fringes so they stay uniformly up, but then I realized it looked better messy.

Here's a few more pictures!

Inside: one pocket, magnet button closure


As of now, the Blue Flamingo Tote is sold out again! Check out this link to pre-order yours: https://aranaz.ph/collections/garden-party/products/blue-flamingo

I Want This Sling Bag!

Wednesday, November 23, 2016
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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!


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
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
Material: Vegan Leather
Colors Available: Taupe, Wine, Black
Compartments: 3

Troika by Sinude Bags 
Troika Photo from Sinude Bags' Instagram
Price: Php 3,500
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
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
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! :)

Habi Batangan Scarf ❤ (Review)

Wednesday, October 26, 2016
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Last week, I ordered this scarf from Habi Batangan. I fell in love with their Scarlet Collection, especially the red and white striped one. It felt so casual-scholarly, kind of like the scarves that Hogwarts students would wear, but not too Griffyndor-ish.  I HAD to have it.

Habi Batangan makes handwoven apparel and furnishings in Ibaan Batangas. The women who make them are called "Nanay Weavers" (nanay meaning mother, to those who don't speak Tagalog). Habi Batangan aims to provide sustainable income for these women and their families. Check out this photo of one of the Nanay Weavers, Nanay Ina. Click here for her story.



Here are more scarves from the Scarlet Collection. There might still be some left!



I messaged @habibatangan on Instagram and transacted from there. I paid Php 1199 + 50 shipping through BPI fund transfer. After 2 days, it arrived! They were very easy to talk to and they answer fast.

Nicely wrapped in blue paper
Here's a lovely note from Habi Batangan. Remember to HANDWASH WITH CARE!
As soon as I opened it, I used it right away unwashed because it was so cold in the office. I loved that it was soft (it's made with combed cotton) and thick enough to insulate me from the too-cold aircon air, yet it wasn't heavy. It's big enough to be a shawl but it's not too big to be a scarf too (68 inches x 28 inches). The closest thing I can compare the texture with is the blanket from Philippine airlines, but with this scarf a bit thicker. Zoom in closer to the photos so you can see the texture up close.

I had it washed as soon as I got home, because I couldn't wait to use it. After washing it came out even softer. It was awesome that the colors didn't run too! However, since I didn't handwash with care, it pulled some parts of the weave. I think our clothespin pulled some areas too but I'm hoping that it will re-adjust back in the next wash.

Check it out wrapped around my neck! I absolutely cannot wait to use it somewhere cold. *big smiles*

Snug in my Habi Batangan Scarf
I couldn't wait to get another one for myself. This time, I ordered the a blue one! It wasn't posted on Instagram yet, but I DM'ed them so they let me snag one first. YAY!

Check out the rest of their gallery on Instagram for more. They came out with infinity scarves and they brought out their purple collection. 

Habi Batangan
Website: www.habibatangan.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/habibatangan
Instagram: www.instagram.com/habibatangan

UPDATE (Nov 10): I bought 3 more after this! Check out these pics. I bought one in blue and two in ecru. The ecru looks more like light-yellow in person than in the photos. I was expecting it to be beige based on the photos on their Instagram. The blue one went to my sister, the ecru ones for mom and grandma.





Cathy's Handbags Daphne Beaded Abaca Clutch (Review)

Friday, September 30, 2016
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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)

Friday, September 23, 2016
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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:


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)
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