Saturday, September 24, 2011

Item of the Moment: Baggu Leather


After a successful release of their nylon reusable bags, Baggu is now venturing into leather territory. Yes, they finally have a reusable bag made from leather! For those that missed out on Jil Sander's "glorified" plastic bag, this is your chance. At least this is made to last lunchtime.

Baggu is now venturing into leather territory.

Leather Baggu bags are available at Baggu's website. Price ranges from $40 for the pouch to $150 for the medium bag. Leather Baggu bags come in apricot or standard black; they are manufactured in New York City.

Image from baggu.com

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Another Quick Vid of the Moment: More Balenciaga!




In a utopian society, everyone would be wearing Balenciaga. It's true! Not only will people embody that futuristic look our forebears dreamt of, but we'll be looking smashing as well. OK, maybe I'm getting well ahead of myself. Balenciaga is, first, expensive. Unless the utopian society I speak of eradicated poverty--which I think will not happen as long as we live in a capitalist system--then we won't be traipsing around in these geometric beauties. Until then, I'd probably settle with what's in my closet, some mesh nets and pieces of cut out trash bags to resemble the outfits in the video.

Video from youtube.com

Quick Vid of the Moment: Messing Around in Balenciaga




What else can I say? This is a scene about beautiful people lounging around (and dying?) in beautiful clothes (Balenciaga Resort 2012 by the way). Look, there is nary a furniture or even food--gasp!--to look at. I guess some priorities trump others. Speaking of which, ever heard of Maslow's hierarchy or needs? What kinds of needs do you think you need fulfilling? I think I know mine. Smirk smirk.


Video from youtube.com; image from dinamehta.com

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Splurge of the Moment: Viscata Espadrilles




I'm not gonna lie: Toms are overrated. Every hipster, woman and child owns one, and it hasn't dawned on them that those shoes are actually inspired from espadrilles. Enter Viscata, a brand that supplies real deal espadrilles that are hand-made in Spain. Indeed, they are hand-made. In Spain. Which means no sweatshop or child labor issues.

For every purchase, Viscata helps fund Trees for the Future, a non-profit organization that plants trees to areas "devastated by deforestation and global climate change." Stylewise, these shoes are my go-to for summer because they're very breathable. They're also easy to wear, easy to style and easy on the laundry--I'm actually saving money not washing socks every so often.

Viscata has espadrilles for the whole family!

If you're interested in owning a pair of Viscata espadrilles, you'd be thrilled to know that they offer a variety of styles. From the basic espadrille like mine (called the Barcelona) to more sporty variants and even heeled versions, there's practically an espadrille for the whole family.

Since Viscata espadrilles are made in Europe, the sizing, aptly, is also European. When I ordered mine, I decided to size down to a 42 (U.S. size 9) despite the website's suggestion that I order a 43. Guess what, the website was right--it came out tighter than ideal. The good thing is the material (the upper is made of denim and the sole out of jute) is capable of stretching to better mold my feet.

After hitting the pavement, the beach, and even (relatively) rocky terrain for a couple of days, my espadrilles became soothingly worn. Despite my derelict usage, there were no tears to be found! That's what I call craftsmanship. Still, Viscata discourages wearing espadrilles during the wet seasons. Getting these shoes exposed to moisture can unravel the jute sole, which will ruin the whole shoe.

Viscata Barcelona retails for $29 (excluding taxes and shipping) in Viscata's website. If you prefer French-made espadrilles, check out RopeySoles. Their espadrilles retail for approximately $32 (their pricing is in British pounds and this includes shipping to the U.S.).

European espadrilles tend to fetch higher prices.

Apparently, espadrilles from Spain and France can fetch a higher price tag. For something more or less of a bargain, there is New York-based Soludos. At $26 for the Dali style, they're a steal! I must disclose that Soludos manufactures espadrilles in China although Soludos ensures that manufacturers operate "under sound labor conditions, pay fair wages and follow local labor standards." (FAQ) For conscientious consumers, this ought to be tantamount.

Get these espadrilles while they're hot. Better yet, friend Viscata on Facebook!

Images from viscataespadrilles.com (3) and Nico (2)

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Quick Vid of the Moment: Who Needs Dance Lessons?




Apparently, the guys desperately need it. They're too stiff. Anyway, enjoy this video campaign care of Lanvin. It seems video advertisements for luxury and fashion products are very en vogue.



Video from youtube.com; images in order of appearance from rojaksite.com and yunabangkok.blogspot.com