bag restoration: vintage moschino with missing strap

i purchased this vintage moschino bag from way, way back.  although it has a missing strap, i knew right then that i could easily find a replacement at thrift stores.  this diy is super easy, you'll be finished in less than 3 minutes.

prepare your chain strap/s and pliers.  choose the closest match to your bag's hardware.

attach one chain at a time.

keep the remaining parts for future use.

ta-dah!

how to "green" your wardrobe

mail day: kate oversized ombre tote by habi

my heart skipped a beat the moment i saw this bag today.  i should warn you, however, that this beauty is very h-u-g-e with exact measurement of 26 (gusset opened) x 14.5 x 7.5 inches.  it will be perfect for fashionistas who want their carriers to be as grandiose as their sense of style.  this could also work well as your next ultra-chic and pack-everything beach bag.  the ombre effect is such a statement maker, especially combined with red naturally dyed raffia and red genuine leather trim.  it was truly an awesome bag for an equally awesome price of 2000 pesos.  i wish zalora would carry more philippine-made items like this one.  okay, please excuse me now while i pick my jaw up off the floor!

matches well with my red-orange t'nalak wallet from kultura filipino.

bag restoration: vintage vivienne westwood tapestry bag

this is one of my favorite vivienne bags because i can use it during sleepovers and out-of-town trips.  however, it became so dirty, yellowed, and stained from constant use.  the brass hardware also developed thick verdigris.

vivienne bag before.

soak in water and detergent bath for about 20 minutes.  allow the detergent to do its job.

scrub the verdigris with soft nylon mesh.

rinse, rinse, rinse.

dry outdoor.

scrub again the remaining verdigris with dry terry cloth.  no need to use metal polish.

apply leather conditioner when 80 to 90 percent dry.

dry completely indoor.  enjoy after.

kultura filipino: t'nalak beauties

i had been using the same old generic nylon wallet for quite a while now.   it was gross and dirty, but the frugal in me won't let me buy anything new.  besides, there seemed to be a scarcity of wallets at my favorite thrift stores.  the next best option available was to buy something handmade or local.  thanks to kultura filipino because i can shop for philippine-made fashion goods within reach!

t'nalak foldable wallet.  priced at 149.75 pesos.  i super adore this wallet.  i might get another one soon as a gift for my mom or sister.  or, in a different color for myself.

t'nalak pencil case.  priced at 79.75 pesos.  gorgeous, gorgeous t'nalak exterior.  i have no use for this at the moment, but it's good to have this eye-candy in sight.

diy: abaca hanging mobile as decorative balls

after searching high and low for perfect decorative balls, i finally found this abaca hanging mobile at treasure trove, festival mall.  i purchased this for a lovely price of 300 pesos.  yes, a lot more budget-friendly than the ubiquitous mosaic shell deco balls or the smooth acacia deco balls from kultura filipino that i mentioned before.

as hanging mobile:

as decorative balls:

practical guide to downsizing

kultura filipino: banig bag and pear decors

i visited kultura filipino at sm makati to specifically look for decorative balls, but instead i went home with a gorgeous dark brown woven mat bag and twine pear home accents.  i spotted a ton of swoon-worthy philippine-made bags at the shop, which i didn't buy because i thought they were too feminine for my taste.  well, except for this one.  i excitedly picked this banig bag since it instantly spoke to my heart.  very tribal chic, no?

after i spent a good amount of time ooohhh-ing and aaahhh-ing at the bag section, i swiftly went to hunt for decorative balls.  i found beautiful smooth acacia wood deco balls but for some odd reason, they were not perfect enough for our center table.  i probably needed something with more texture like abaca or any dried natural fiber materials.  deco balls can wait for now.  so, i got these super cute abaca and bacbac twine pear decors instead.  they will look really nice on top of stacked ceramic plates for added contrast.

i got all these great items for less than 1 thousand pesos.  not bad, not bad at all.

kultura filipino: large picnic basket

is it normal to be hyperexcited over a picnic basket?

i chanced upon this incredibly beautiful large picnic basket today at kultura filipino, sm southmall.  i love the inherent character of the natural materials used on this one.  such an easy way to add interest, texture, and layer to any room.  this sturdy picnic basket can also function as a storage container for books, magazines, kitchen items, or linens.  i got this beauty for only 200 pesos.  my best-est bargain find so far!