Review: Bag repair at Besa’s

People who knew me knows how I carefully take good care of my bags. I wouldn’t want my bags to be placed just anywhere to avoid scratches and dirt. I haven’t had my bags cleaned, restored or repaired by any bag restoration shop, though I once had one of my leather bags tighten up its loose hardware.  I send it to Mr. Quickie to do that.  It did its job but it kinda pound the hardware that made the brand name slightly unreadable.  Well, it doesn't matter much as it was in the interior of the bag.

Anyway, what I will be posting today is the good work that Besa's have done in "upgrading" my bag (This was done last year, so this is already a long delayed post 😂).  I had this wonderful Kate Spade bag that looked like Celine Trapeze. Its Kate Spade Magnolia Park Laurel in Soft Rosetta and Black color combination.

Size is just right when I ordered online but when I received it, its kinda big for my liking.  But still I am able to use it.  Whenever I use it, I had difficulty in closing the bag once opened most especially when there are "bag inspections" in every entry of office buildings or even at the malls.  Once opened, the bag tend to widely show everything inside.  The bag only have flap closure and nothing more.  So I decided to put a zipper inside similar to the actual Celine Trapeze bag.

I had searched and asked around for shops to have zipper done on my bag.  I wouldn't want to go back to Mr. Quickie as I think putting zipper is not a "quick" job.  Some suggested Besa's as they've been in the bag restoration/repair industry for decades.  And so I chose Besa's.  Besides, it is near my workplace so I can pick it up after office.  I didn't expect much on the outcome as I have never had bag restoration in Besa's (nor in my entire life) before. But to my surprise, their work was really amazing.  No traces of "addition" of zipper.  It seemed like its really part of the bag.  Even the zipper color almost matched the  rosetta color of the bag.

Zipper when opened

Bag when closed

Color of zipper compliments the bag

See how neatly they attached the zipper, not a trace on how they did it!

As a first timer in Besa's, I am very much satisfied and I had plans of having my other bags cleaned/restored by them.  I had a few designer bags that also need cleaning or even color restoration. I had this one particular bag that got stained by hair color on its leather handle (vachetta).  I wonder if Besa's can remove it. But I am also considering other bag cleaning service providers that is focused more on leather materials. Any suggestions? I only knew a few but which one can remove stain in vachetta leather: Doctor Leather, Bag Rx, Leather Fix, Vintage Restore or any other?

Latest Bag Buy: Kate Spade Cobbi Hill Little Minka

I don't like pink.  I really do.  My favorite color is blue.  But I noticed in the past months or at least late last year, I've been drawn to this shade in some of my belongings.  Maybe I just decided to add color to some of my stuff like clothes.  Blue colored garments are still dominant in my closet but its nice that I also found pink and other lighter shades.  Now I have this bright fuchsia pink bag from Kate Spade! It was also coincidental that my boyfriend gave me this wonderful double strap Guess watch of the same shade.  Plus, I already own a Victoria's Secret Pink fragrance mist in of course pink color.  All are PINK!

I remember I've been eyeing Kate Spade bags since 2011 as I read my previous blog entry about it.  Cobbie Hill Small Leslie was specifically what I'm eyeing for.  Then last summer, my sister pointed me out a different version of Cobbie Hill called Little Minka.  What's lovely about this is that it is on sale!  Same fabric as Small Leslie (cowhide leather), the only difference is the handle.  Little Minka only has one handle.  Without hesitation, I asked my sister to order it for me online and have it shipped here through her reliable seller who does this kind of business: buying online for clients and delivering it to her US address and shipping it here in the Philippines.  I waited for 2 months before my bag arrived.  Well, the wait is all worth it.  I love this bag! Even if I'm not really attracted to the shades of pink but I think I'm starting to like it!

How Inconsiderate I Can Be?

Following up my post on Ups and Downs of Being an Online Seller, I just had to rant about this negative feedback I have received from ebay.  I am not a frequent seller as I only sell stuff when I needed to.  I can't recall why I post that blog before but maybe because of the same buyer I have encountered in ebay.  She left me a negative feedback last December which I just read now.

She claimed that I was an inconsiderate seller, the first she encountered.  I don't wanna post details and explain further my side but is waiting for payment for almost two months mean inconsiderate?  Is texting for following up payment mean inconsiderate?  Yes, I do understand her personal reasons for delaying the payment, that's why I waited.  Still she called me inconsiderate and even posted negative feedback.  If I am inconsiderate, I should have posted her negative feedback as well as being a joy bidder.  But being "inconsiderate" me (sounding sarcastic), I didn't do that because I know she is not really a joy bidder.  But still I left her feedback though, stating that she never settled payment.  She just suddenly disappeared and no longer replied to my messages.  This maybe made her leave a negative feedback on me.

It's just so sad that she is also a seller yet she didn't understand my other side of the story.  You can never wait for a buyer forever to settle her payment.  In my case, I did wait, and still I am tagged as inconsiderate.  If I no longer receive response from the prospect buyer, shall I just be quiet about it and do nothing?  What if she's already dead and I still waited?  How will I know?

You're insights will be very much appreciated on what points did I become inconsiderate.

For The Love of Bags

I'm so grateful to receive 3 bags this Christmas!

Michael Kors Lilly Tote Bag (sample picture only)

This is how it looked like but mine is in  genuine leather (sample picture only)

Guess clutch and sling bag (with money! haha!)

I would like to thank again those people who gave these wonderful bags to me.  I love them all!  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

The Ups and Downs of Being an Online Seller

I've been an online seller for several years already, selling pre-loved items, Victoria's Secret products, US clothing, etc.  Mostly I'm selling at multiply and ebay.  For all these years, I've experienced a lot as a seller.  Below are just the Ups and Downs I've experienced as an online seller.  I'll start with the positive side.

The UPs
Understanding seller
Personally, I know I'm an understanding person.  I understand everyone's need, preference and situation.  As a seller, there are buyers who pays late.  When they inform me of those delay payments, I understand their situation.  I don't give them specific date to settle payment after they inform me of the delay.  They're the one's who give date of payment.  It is sometimes a good feeling when your buyers sent you feedback that you're understanding.

Accommodating seller
There are also buyers who prefer other mode of payments other than what I've specified.  If it's not hassle on my part, then I gave it to their preference.  And of course, just like any buying-selling scheme, you will expect buyers to haggle.  I accept haggling as long as it is reasonable.  If the items they're trying to haggle are those pre-loved items, I often gave in as it is already a used item.  Besides, most of the items I'm selling have a very little capital so there's no really big loss on my part.

From Buyer to Acquaintance to Friendship
Since I've build up my reputation as a seller, I have some repeat customers.  Some of which have eventually become my friends.  When a certain customer is also a buyer, we exchange items or swap whatever items available on our shop.  Selling online is also a way of widening your network.

Extra income
Of course one major benefit in selling online is getting an extra income out of it, most especially if it's just a sideline job, similar to my store.  I sell items whatever I feel like to.  My siblings sometimes uses my account for them to sell their merchandise.  For pre-loved items, there are people who really believes in the saying, there is gold in other people's trash.  Well, I hope they find gold in some of my items.

The DOWN's
Joy bidder / Bogus buyers
As a seller, you really can't get away from those bogus buyers and joy bidders.  In my case, most of my experience were joy bidders.  Well, they're not really joy bidders but most of the time they still contact me just to say they will no longer be getting the item.  The most common reason I heard from these joy bidders are they got hospitalized or they have been sick for the longest time.  Out of pity, of course you will no longer force him/her to pay you.  I think its much better to just be honest and say that they don't have money.  But then again, why bid if you don't have money, right?  Whatever their reason are, whether true or not, I just let karma take its course.

Too long reservation
In addition to not paying after bidding, it is also frustrating when a buyer reserves the item for the longest time then later on decided not to get it where in fact there is another buyer interested with your item but you can't give it out due to prior reservation made.  By the time the reservation was lifted, the second buyer is no longer interested with your item.  It is like a double whammy.  You are at lost in both situations.

Increasing clutter
My room is already full of unsold items.  This is most especially when my siblings decided to sell their stuff through my online shop.  They stock their items in my room!  Since I am also busy at work, I don't have that luxury of time to immediately post their items online.  That is when my room gets cluttered.

Patience is a virtue
As a seller, you will encounter different types of people.  Whatever their needs are, concerns, inquiries, etc.  you have to be patient with it.  Once they find you unaccommodating or unfriendly, it turns them off and you lose a potential buyer.  I should know as I am also a buyer myself.  When you accommodate a customer's request, that's when you experience abusive customers.  This is where your patience is tested.  That is why you should not be stubborn and learn to lengthen your patience.

Don't get me wrong.  There maybe downside in selling but I still enjoy it.  There were some who compliments me that I am a good seller (but my line of work isn't in sales, it's the other way around).  Besides, whenever I'm selling online, I also get to "window" shop online.  That's multi-tasking!   There maybe other ups and downs on being an online seller.  Do you have one to share?

Latest Bag Buy: Steve Madden Crossbody Btamara

This is another bag that I've waited for 3 months!  I've mentioned this in my previous blog and finally here it is!  I've received this bag end August.  I was kinda surprised when I received this.  You know why?  It is because this isn't my first choice of bag.  But it's still all good as this was my second choice.

Original price is about $100 but I only got this for $25!  Really cheap!  I'm loving this bag to use on weekends.  Unfortunately, it is too small for office use.  But I still love it!

Latest Bag Buy: Coach Daisy Signature File Bag

I've waited for this bag for 2 months! Haha!  And I was surprised that it comes with a small wristlet.  Total value is $276 but I only bought it for only $134!  More than 50% savings!

This was not originally my first choice.  I'm only eyeing for a Steve Madden or Fossil bag and my budget is not more than $100.  But my sister saw this bag and asked me if I liked it.  Learning its just only $134, I gave in!  I'm really happy I did!  It was so cute and versatile.  I can even use it at the office.  I'm so lovin' my new bag!

I'm still waiting for my other bag.  Expected of arrival by end of the month.  I'll let you know when it arrives :)

Bag Essentials: What's in Your Bag?

It was raining cats and dog the whole afternoon until the evening yesterday.  Well, the rain isn't strong but the wind is.  From my understanding, the tropical storm "Falcon" will not set foot in Philippines but it will carry strong winds.  And yes it does.  There was no storm signal announcement but the continuous pouring of rain make it seem like there is a typhoon.

With constant rain experienced during the week, I always brought with me my small, foldable umbrella.  I am also using my Longchamp Le Pliage bag being waterproof.  I decided to wear my wedge ankle boots since I don't want my feet to get wet.  I also have my multi-way shawl in my bag just in case I get cold.  I thought these are enough to keep me warm, protected and getting wet from the rain.  I thought I was prepared for the rain.  But I was wrong.

At around 6.30pm, rains never stopped pouring.  I know I need to get going already from the office as the lines in the terminal will definitely be full.  And surely, there will be floods in the south area that will cause traffic.  So I immediately left the office and went straight to the Edsa Carpack terminal (underneath the Ayala MRT station).  I was in the terminal about 7:15pm.  Whoa! The place is jammed-packed!  The queue for the van in my area was so long, the longest I've ever seen.  So I decided to get some snacks first at Jollibee before heading to the line to buy chips (you need these chips as your "ticket" before boarding the van).  I got stranded at the shuttle terminal for almost 3 hours!  Good thing I was able to have my snack already.  This was the longest time I have waited for the van to arrive.  

Waiting for almost 3 hours, I get to realize the essential stuff one should carry in her bag during these times.  I've listed them here which you may find useful.

• Umbrella - I realized that it will be best to have a bigger umbrella when the rain gets strong and with winds blowing.  I had experienced my small umbrella getting carried by the wind and even I, myself, thought that I will be "blown away" by the wind.
• Waterproof bag - Good thing my Longchamp is waterproof.  I don't know how my bag got wet even if I have an umbrella.
• Jacket - A waterproof jacket is better during these times.  Because of the strong winds, I got wet from my waist below.  Having a jacket could protect my clothes from getting wet, thus keeping me warmer.
• Slippers - If you'll be crossing or passing by some flooded area, it's best if you're wearing slippers or flip flops.  I was wearing an ankle boots to keep my feet from getting wet.  This is also ok since I know I won't be crossing any flooded area.  My only mistake was it is a wedge shoe.  My feet and legs got tired wearing it for almost 3 hours of standing.
• Foldable ballet flats - This may come in handy in case you don't have slippers in your bag and you are wearing a shoe with heels.  I know coming from the office, many are wearing office shoes, meaning a quite formal shoes with heels.  This ballet flats can be your alternative foot wear once you're already outside the office.  You can also replace your shoes with these once your feet got tired.  It is a closed shoe making it still appropriate (and matching) for your office attire.
• Gadgets - Essential gadgets such as your mp3 player, game consoles or even your cellphone games can keep you company anytime while waiting.  I forgot I had movies installed in my cellphone.  This could have been my companion while waiting for the shuttle.
• Snacks - I'll try to make it a habit to bring along biscuits or cookies in my bag.  Having this in your bag can keep you from starving in case you cannot leave the line in queue.  A menthol candy is helpful too in case you feel a little dizzy, just like what I had experienced.

I have all of these in my bag except for the jacket and slippers/ballet flats.  I really didn't expect the weather to be like this.  If I only knew, I should have brought my jacket and slippers from the office.  So the next item in my shopping list would be a foldable ballet flats.  Care to add more bag essentials during this rainy season?

My Sale Finds

This is already an overdue post.  Items bought several weeks ago.  Actually, not all of these are on sale but I still got it at a quite cheaper price.  My sale finds are Longchamp bag, Fitflop Walkstar and Paez shoes.

First item: Longchamp LM Metal in White, medium short handle.  I got this for only Php 5,000 from a multiply seller.  Store in Landmark sell similar item for about Php 9,000.  This is my 3rd Longchamp bag. I think I'm gonna stop collecting LC bags and shift to another brand.  Hmmm... what could it be?

Second item: Fitflop Walkstar I.  I so wanted a Fitflop the first time I heard of it.  But every time I try it on, it doesn't look good on my feet.  But this time, I don't care anymore.  I got this from the midnight madness sale in Glorietta last May 13.  Fitflops were at 30% off sale in Shoe Salon and Rest Toe Run.  I bought mine in Shoe Salon.  I bought it for only Php 1,700+.  I believe Fitflops are also on sale in this weekend's Green Light Sale in Trinoma.  So get yours now!

Third and last item: Paez shoes.  I've been wanting this for the longest time but I can't seem to find the right size.  Even if they say that this is a Tom's shoes knock off, it still carries its own brand.  And it is made in Argentina.  Going back to the size, good thing the sales man assisted me in finding the right size.  Because of his effort in assisting me, I felt ashamed if I don't buy the shoes that's why I bought it even if it's not on sale.  The price for it is Php 1,850.  Well, this isn't exactly the design I've been wanting but it's ok.  It's really hard to find the right size for my slim feet.

I remember I also bought 2 Plains and Prints blouse 2 months ago when it was on sale.  I got it for less than Php 500 each.  I just love sale season.  You can really get to pick a great great find.  So what's your sale story?  Care to share? :)

Which Bag to Choose?

My sister is my biggest influence when it comes to bags.  Well, I do love bags eversince I was in grade school.  I remember I would ask my mom to buy me new bags every school year.  Since then, my love for bags never ceased.  And of course when there's a bag, there must be a corresponding shoes to go with it, haha!  But that's a different story.

Anyway, my love for bags comes from different forms and sizes.  I never cared for the brand as long as a certain bag catches my attention, then I'll buy it.  I think the most expensive bag I have then amounts to just Php 1,000.  Nothing over than that.  Until last year, when people were raving about Longchamp, even my sister, I also got interested with it.  You can read my Longchamp story here.

As I've mentioned, my sister is my biggest influence when it comes to bags, especially those designer ones.  She's the one who encourages me to have my first Longchamp when she got her LM.  Well, I never complained and I thank her for that.  Just recently, we purchased another Longchamp online, haha!  I'll blog about it soon.  Now, we're both eyeing this wonderful satchel.  It's the Mulberry Alexa. 




Mulberry Alexa

 Of course we can't afford that, that's too expensive!  So my dilemma is, can anyone suggest a similar bag with a budget of about $200?  or at least less expnesive than Alexa.  It may or may not be a designer bag as long as it isn't a fake one, hehe.  I spotted another one with similar design from Kate Spade but it cost $345.  Another one from Dooney and Bourke which cost $358.



Kate Spade Cobble Hill Small Leslie

Dooney and Bourke Florentine Satchel


Your suggestions are most welcome :)

Longchamp and Cath Kidston Bags

These are the new brands in my bag collection.  What's special about these bags is that they all came from my own pocket!  And they cost about Php 3,500 and up!  Yes, I do have other branded / designer bags but they all came from my siblings.  For the love of bags, I normally just buy any brand, mostly locally made.  My favorites (I've got more than 10 bags/accessories from them) are bags from Fab Manila.  And the most expensive bag I bought does not exceed Php 1,000.  Even the Girbaud bag I had was less than that amount (I had it on sale)!  Now I've changed.  I want more designer bags.

When my sister was flying to Paris last year, I had second thoughts in asking her to buy me a Longchamp bag.  I don't understand why girls are raving about it, even my sister loves it so much.  So out of curiosity, I asked her to buy me a limited edition Eiffel Tower Le Pliage medium short handle.  This isn't really my first choice but this is the only one available.

Le Pliage Eiffel Tower, Php 3,500 (converted to Peso)

I fell in love with the bag when I first saw it.  It's so spacious yet not bulky.  The short handle is quite off for the size.  Being spacious, I tend to put on a lot of stuff and it gets a little heavy for me to hand carry or carry it in my arms.  And so I decided to buy another one, this time long handle.  Since I had plans of going to Hong Kong at that time, that was my target: buying another Longchamp bag.  I'm choosing between Abre de Vie and Planetes.  The latter is quite cheaper and my friend told me that I already have a Le Pliage and so I bought Red Planetes small long handle.  I so love this bag! The size is just right.  It is still spacious and sophisticated looking.  I love carrying it on my shoulders.

Red Planetes, Php 5,300 (converted to Peso)

So its summer.  I still want that Abre de Vie white or the LM metal in white of Longchamp.  For some reason, I got attracted to white bags.  Then my sister introduced me to Cath Kidston.  Oh my! They're the perfect bags for summer!  Reading reviews and comments from the ever reliable Girltalk, I become eager in getting a Cath Kidston bag for myself.  Alas, last Tuesday, my sister and I ordered 2 Day Bags in Briar Rose, white and blue.  Of course the white one is for me.

Day Bag in Briar Rose (Stone), Php 3,800 (sale price)

I only get to see my Cath Kidston bag yesterday since it was delivered in my sister's house.  Upon seeing it, OMG! I so love it!  It is so summery!  I immediately transferred my stuff and used it right away.  I thought the Day Bag will be the same size as my Eiffel but it's a bit smaller.  I love it.  I'm not a fan of big bags, really.  It is spacious and looks sturdy.  The handle can be used for shoulder or hand carry.  It's perfect.  I can put my 10" netbook there.

Of these 3 bags, only the Cath Kidston was bought here in the Philippines.  Nowadays, its hard to identify authentic Longchamp bags here as they are everywhere!  I thought Cath Kidston will have no fakes or knock offs but I was wrong.  I already saw an imitation of Cath Kidston bags in facebook.  Same material, same floral design but without the Cath Kidston tag.  They're only selling it for just Php 449.  I also read somewhere that S&R is selling this bag but a fake one.  Sad to say the price is about $1,000+  So before you buy online or anywhere for that matter, better be careful and double check its authenticity.

I'm still eyeing another Longchamp, still the white bags I mentioned, but I'm still thinking about it.  I also like the Herve Chapelier.  I'm still pursuing my sister to give her Herve Chapelier to me as the bag is too small for her :)

Maybe in the future, I'll target to save money to buy on other famous designer bags like LV, Hermes, Chanel, Balenciaga and many others.  Hmmm... Wishful thinking...