Izzue Bag

I've been dreaming of this Ann Demeulemeester leather bag ever since I've seen one in Okini. But at $1000 ++ I don't think it's in my budget now to spend that much on a bag.

Anyway it was one lazy ukay day when I found this Izzue bag which somehow reminds me of the Ann Dem one. I've been to Izzue stores in Hong Kong and Bangkok and I can't help but be impressed with the stuff they churn out. Well designed at very competitive prices. It's not cheap but you'll get some fashionable stuff beyond the basic shit most labels churn out these days.

Some features of the bag:
1. Black distressed canvas
2. Adjustable strap
3. Double zip which opens real wide
4. Several interior and exterior pockets
5. Flap with snaps to cover the zipper

Until I get my hands on that Ann Dem bag I'll just have to contend with this equally yummy piece at a bargain price.

Me and Anna wants you to know...

To Vietnam

It's 12 hours of bus ride from Siem Reap to Saigon. We usually stop here in Arunras Resto after 3 hours from Siem Reap.

Classy, don't you think?

Vegetable noodle soup for moi.

They also serve some crispylicious insects.

We got some for our friend Cecile who loves it so much.

This snap I've taken quite near Babette, the border between Cambodia and Vietnam. From here after 2 hours is Saigon already.

Christmas Day

Totally unexpected, I'm telling you. We came from the shop on our way to the car, Loven and I, when our friend Soyoung and the girls called us for some drinks at this new watering hole near Passage Area.

moi, Soyoung

The lady of Bubble Tea

Anchor Beer it is

The Japanese group with Scott from Wyoming. Although half of the time we didn't understand each other but they were really nice.

Loven and Pivee from Finland

These two were flirting with each other all night. The guy is so torpe!

What else but a Pinoy band.

Anyway, the wenches started leaving one by one and then we realized we were left with the Japanese group, Scott and Pivee! And we just met them that night! They were so much fun and we ended bonding with them.

Gifts

Ignore what the t-shirt says. LOL! Although a lot would want me to be their gift, seriously! LOL! I'll have to explain that one bit when we meet. Anyway, the Margiela x Esquire tee, as I've said I'l be wearing for Christmas dinner, came from Faith.

Then I've got this Longchamp x Jeremy Scott bag.

Lovely, just lovely!

The all-important label for label-whores like moi.

Then I've got silver bangles from Sarah.

Really heavy but so chic. Olive also gave me a matching necklace which I haven't gotten to taking pictures yet.

Elizabeth K. also gave me this Hysteric Glamour necklace from Japan. So apt, don't you think?

Christmas Eve 2008

A wonderful dinner at home with friends prepared by Loven, Granny and Ninang O. We exchanged gifts. So much fun! After, we went bar hopping at Pub Street until the wee hours of the morning.

Sherwin and Karen

One of the coolest couple i've met recently is Karen and Sherwin- newlyweds, on a honeymoon, friends of the Tina Daniac who called me to make sure I get to meet them. They stayed at de la Paix which surprised me coz not a lot of Filipinos stay in the hotel. I told them they have good taste. ;)

Of course, they did all the rounds of the temples and tourist-y spots. But we showed them the other face of Siem Reap: the little nooks and hidden spots, the wacky characters and wonderful thingies that makes the town so magical and special.

Like we struggled to eat this little Christmas log because it's so beautiful.

I hope you guys enjoyed your stay and see you back, soon!

Arts Lounge Christmas Tree

Our Arts Lounge Christmas tree in collaboration with artist E.M. Riem. Every year we partner with an artist to create something unique for the lounge. What do you think?

XOXO

My little Christmas tree + MMM x Esquire

Meet Julian, my little Christmas tree. He was named after one character in 'Shadows of the Wind', a novel I finished reading recently. Anyway, he came to me and demanded I spruced him up with a little bit of Margiela, a little bit of Helmut Lang and a little bit of Lanvin. Some Comme to spice it up I suggested. He agreed.

The bowtie is Lanvin-esque, no? Alber Elbaz would be so proud. The polka dot is a nod to mother Rei of Comme, of course.

The white tassel is Margielic. For good measure it's handmade. Very Ligne 13 (Objects), no? The Helmut Lang bit came via the disco ball, chain and beaded cover. Julian was mighty pleased. We decided to eschew the fairy lights coz it's too Chalayan. Julian wasn't feeling techno, he said.

As for me, I forgot to mention my friend Faith got me the Esquire x Margiela special in Hong Kong.

It comes with a free Margiela tee. So I plan to wear this during Christmas eve. I really do feel I'm a gift. Hihihi! :)