The color of this Tory Burch Ella Nylon Tote is almost golden yellow. It’s capacious enough to accommodate all my stuff and some. The material is nylon. Hence, the name, I suppose. The handles, corner portions and the medallion are made of leather. Before purchasing, I read a review of one who bought from Bloomingdales that the leather was not exactly the best material. Hoping my being careful in handling it is going to make a difference.

Shawna’s review can be found here:
When I first bought the bag, I was thrilled – my first Tory! But after a week of use, I noticed the handles fraying beyond belief and the bag was literally coming apart. I went to Bloomie’s after this had happened, and a product analyst was there. She told me she is embarrassed to sell this bag because the quality is not up to par! I exchanged it for the Tory Nylon tote. I love this one! The quality is much better and it is much sturdier. I would highly recommend the Tory Nylon tote instead!

medallion logo detail affixed on canvas lining

Tory Burch zipper pull. I love the deep zippered pocket that houses my valuables.

The size is a dream! It can serve as a working bag that can accommodate a laptop and some (essentially the rest of your office stuff, if you must). It can pass for a diaper bag or a weekender bag even. The huge medallion face is fun too. And if you want to be discreet, you can always wear it with the medallion facing your body instead.

The side snaps that transform the tote into a pretty triangular shape. Two bags in one!

Threads loose on my fifth use!

Come to think of it, even if I was at liberty to carry my whole closet in my Ella Nylon tote, it was just too huge to even come to the point of overflow. So this thread loosing on me on my fifth use is not acceptable. And no, I did not abuse the tote at any point by attempting to fit magazine racks in. Especially so that it was still practically new then.

Notice the tiny portions where the leather peeled off? Disappointing, I know! Let this serve as a warning. But this might just be isolated to this particular Tory Burch model.

Too bad, turns out that what that customer who bought from Bloomingdales said was true. The purse might not be literally coming apart, all right. But the leather covering the medallion and the handles are too thin and peels off easily. I went right back to Tory Burch in Greenbelt 5 to ask what’s up with the low quality of craftmanship for an almost $250 tote. I never had this quality issue with my Longchamp purses. And all the sales attendant can tell me was to have my tote fixed at Besa’s.

So Besa’s, it is.

Another disappointment, I tell ya. Here is Besa’s guarantee according to their site:

When it comes to handling, restoring, maintaining and repairing your designer bags and even shoes, there’s no place to go to but The Leather SPA by Besa’s. This is the place for your most loved expensive shoes and bags for repair or required maintenance.

I had it done in Besa’s Market Market branch. So much for high quality repair, eh? At P250 per corner, no less. I had all corners reinforced just to be sure. So that cost me P1,000 in total. I certainly expected a better quality of repair and reinforcement. Made me think that I should have gone to the Bag Doctor instead.

Tory Burch Ella Nylon Tote filled with my everyday stuff

Truth be told, the size, design, versatility and the Ella Nylon Tote’s overall look, I love. The portions of the medallion peeling off and the thread that loosened on the fifth use, not so much. Worsened by the supposed reinforcement/repair done by Besa’s. Tory Burch is located at Greenbelt 5 in Makati.

As for the weight of my chosen gadgets, I really don’t have much choice about.  While some are lucky to just be fine with their ipod shuffle, I am partial towards a heavier one and some. But with the marks I get around the inside of my arm whenever I carry my handbag and painful shoulder when it’s a shoulder bag I lug around, I know I really ought to learn to travel lighter than I got used to. Now that’s something I would need to go figure out soon. Any tips?

]]> http://www.kikaycorner.net/2011/10/the-need-to-travel-light.html/feed 0 http://www.kikaycorner.net/2011/07/jml%e2%80%99s-turbo-cleaner-stain-remover-took-care-of-my-le-pliage-ink-stain.html http://www.kikaycorner.net/2011/07/jml%e2%80%99s-turbo-cleaner-stain-remover-took-care-of-my-le-pliage-ink-stain.html#comments Fri, 15 Jul 2011 06:45:19 +0000 admin http://www.kikaycorner.net/?p=3347 It was a couple of months back when I found that one of my Le Pliages has acquired this stubborn stain. There was no way I can figure out where it came from. It sure looked like it was ink to me and it was too brutal for me to ignore.

Specific Care Instruction for Longchamp Le Pliage:

Polyamide fabric with induction inside trimmed in cowhide leather
To maintain your product, apply with a soft brush Longchamp colorless cream regularly to leather areas.
To remove dirt, clean the whole lining using a cloth or a soft brush, with water and neutral soap (avoid water spilling over leather parts when cleaning).

Even the care instruction that came with the bag did not help. So I did what any diligent kikay would do. I checked out stores and places for stain removal stuff for the bag. Something that is safe for polyamide fabric, to be exact. Lo and behold, I found one of my favorite household brands carrying just what I need, in one of the malls I frequent. How convenient!

It claims to contain no harmful chemicals and is skin safe — 100% Eco Safe. Removes stubborn stains and works on fabric and leather. I got it for only P299.  The huge stick came with a mini. Something I can just have in my purse for emergency purposes.  I honestly did not quite expect it to work so beautifully. We all know that ink stains can be as stubborn as can be. But it did! I love that I can use this around the house and practically everything that needs stain removing.

Instruction for Fabric says: First wet the clothing, then apply Turbo Cleaner onto the surface area of the stain. Wait 2 to 3 minutes before putting the clothing into the washing machine. Since there was no way I was going to follow that latter part of the instruction, I used a damp cloth and manually took off the stain from the bag.

I was so thrilled to find the stain vanish right before my eyes. I took the above photo right after I rubbed off the stain from the fabric, so the portion where the stain used to sit was still damp.  When it dried up, it’s like no ink was ever there! I super love it!  Freedom to let my guards down (when it comes to accessories, that is) and enjoy life. We can now afford to bump our $200 Longchamp purses on ink, even wet paints on metal buildings, muds and what-have- yous and actually get away with it.

I am particularly impressed how every piece of RIIR-Aranaz collection has been meticulously-woven and comes with a tag that tells who the particular mother in Payatas made it – creating an instant bond between the maker and the bag owner.   It also uplifts the mothers of Payatas out of poverty.

the mothers of Payatas with Chin-Chin Gutierrez (RIIR advocacy supporter)

I saw these mothers of Payatas, the co-creators of this designer line during the event and I cannot help but be happy for them. Whoever came up with this advocacy is a genius! I’m trying to upload the video on You Tube and it seems to be taking forever. But I will embed it as soon as it is done.

Aptly entitled “Spot On,” the black and white-themed affair puts the spotlight on Eco-Ethical Style, a lifestyle and coalescence of fashion, social responsibility and preservation of the environment.

All pieces from the RIIR-Aranaz collection utilize scrap fabric materials that are converted into functional and high-fashion products through a process called ‘upcycling.’ The use of discarded materials is part of an advocacy to help conserve the environment while providing a sustainable source of income for the artisans behind the products.

“Social responsibility should not be separate and different from style. Our partner designer for this fashion season Amina Aranaz has ingeniously created masterpieces that embody RIIR’s advocacy,” shared Jose Mark Pardiňas, Sales and Marketing Manager for Rags2Riches, Inc.

moi at the Rags2Riches/RIIR Designer Line, Fall/ Holiday collection launch

RIIR was initially established as a social business enterprise that aims to uplift the poor community of Payatas in Quezon City. It partnered with famed designer Rajo Laurel who became the first partner-designer of the RIIR Designer Line in 2007. Now a global Filipino brand, RIIR has successfully collaborated with over 400 women who are the artisans behind RIIR’s high-fashion products. To know more about RIIR’s products and social statement, log on to www.rags2riches.ph.

wholesale designer handbags, that is just something you can’t go wrong with for the ladies in your Christmas list you need to buy presents for. BestHandbagWholesale.com has a wide array of selection of the latest purses. From the simplest and classic to the wholesale rhinestone handbags you can think of. This webpage has been in the business of more than 6 years and have been had the reputation of being able to deliver what the customers want.

I have been browsing through the site and there are a handful that I’ve come to love. More than just the bags, the site also showcases stylish selection of jeweled purses, studded buckles, such pretty wallets and other accessories for women. There is just no way you can go wrong in this web page, if you are looking into buying gifts for Christmas. Your lady recipients will oh be so pleased with your gift.

Although there is a minimum wholesale purchase of $150, it really shouldn’t be that big of a deal because you really are buying your money’s worth and more.

Havaianas Mega
Similar to flip-flops, an understated handbag such as the Havaianas Mega can be the most versatile item in your bag wardrobe, adding a punch of color to any outfit. Havaianas Mega comes in two orientations, with the vertical Havaianas Mega NS currently available in Navy Blue and Black, and the horizontal Havaianas Mega LO currently available in Light Green and Red. Through careful attention to detail, the solid hues of Havaianas Mega underscore flexibility without compromising fashion or style.

Havaianas Mega Printed
Havaianas Mega Printed takes the same silhouette of the Havaianas Mega and adds a playful print. With its intricate design of flip-flop flowers, the Havaianas Mega Printed currently comes in Yellow|Gray and Light Blue|Brown. The added print makes the style a perfect option for the multi-faceted modern woman with an eye for style and a need for adaptability.

Havaianas Sack
Nothing beats the functionality of a durable carry-all, and Havaianas takes it a step further with the introduction of the Havaianas Sack — perfect for men and women who prefer a simple, subtle, ever-so-versatile style. Mirroring the variety of color found in the flip-flops, this style is currently available in nine different colors – Black, Brown, Gray, Lawn Green, Light Blue, Navy Blue, Orange, Pink, and Red – and each Sack features a detachable rubber strap that you can mix and match to suit your mood and style.

Havaianas Side
Havaianas takes the basic messenger sling bag to fashionable new heights with the Havaianas Side. This style features a rubber bottom for a sturdy and unique base, while a similar rubber brace keeps the bag cover in place while adding a distinct edge to the style. Available in Black, Brown and Navy Blue, the Havaianas Side is ideal for the dynamic lifestyles of youthful and fashionable individuals who value ease and practicality.

Havaianas Tote
One can’t help but love the simple yet functional construction of the Havaianas flip-flops and now, the Havaianas Tote. By inserting a colorful printed drawstring bag into the traditional tote silhouette, this bag – currently available in Light Blue, Pink, and Yellow – provides a fashionable way to secure your essentials. Add in the internal pockets, and the Havaianas Tote is perfect for every woman whose life is filled to bursting – from the chic career woman with her pens and papers to the stylish mommy with her baby’s bottles and diapers.

Havaianas Zip
The brand’s originality and innovative spirit shines through with the introduction of the cool, new bag concept of the Havaianas Zip. With wide-open sides, and numerous pockets, the Havaianas Zip allows you to conveniently tote items you would normally hand-carry, such as skateboards, yoga mats, jackets—even puppies. Currently available in two sizes and six colors – Black, Navy Blue, Orange, Red, Pink and Yellow – the Havaianas Zip is perfect for diverse girls and guys who are willing to break out of the traditional bag mold.

“True to the innovative characteristic of the brand, we are introducing a new line of bags that carry the same elements as the Havaianas flip-flops,” says Anne Gonzalez, Managing Director for Terry S.A., Inc., the exclusive distributor of Havaianas in the Philippines.

With the same sense of functional style, these new fashion statements from Havaianas showcase the basic features that define the chic brand. Aside from using the same rainbow of colors as the flip-flops’ palette, the different bag styles are subtly ingrained with distinct Havaianas elements: the rice pattern on the soles and the Greek pattern on the straps are integrated into different details of all the bag styles. Reinforcing the bag’s durability are familiar rubber elements that provide sturdy yet stylish bases, straps and locks. The round rubber buttons used to keep the flip-flops’ soles and straps together can also be found detailing the bags, locking-in the Havaianas DNA. “The original design elements of our flip-flops are stylishly transposed to this latest must-Hav. This new collection has been meticulously designed with the same originality, creativity and style that are inherent to the brand,” says Gonzalez.

Samsonite Black Label is brought about by designers Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren. It was inspired by the jetse ‘50’s to ‘60’s. Viktor and Rolf stated that they want the world to celebrate in glamour, hope and beauty and this piece of luggage will say it all.

Viktor & Rolf are the ones responsible for these beauties in Samsonite signature prints, patterns in scarlet and blue. The collection consists of luggage, boarding bags, computer, tote bags and beauty cases. Now, you a lady can fly the skies in the most grand and stylish fashion with Samsonite’s Black Label’s Viktor & Rolf collection.