Nicole Richie and Fendi 2jours calf hair

I believe that Nicole Richie was carrying a large Fendi 2jours multi coloured calf hair (note: the large 2jours does not come with the long strap).
The multi colour/colour block theme is still being carried forward by Fendi to its 2013 collection, but this season we get 2jours colour block in plain leather (i.e. no hair or fur).

Honestly, this 'hairy' bag is slowly growing on me. However I do understand that it is now become very rare to get one like Nicole's as it was from past season collection.

images from justjared.com and fendi.com

I am drooling over Anya Hindmarch Bathurst

 

I have been a loyal fans of Anya Hindmarch for almost a decade. Started circa 2004, I got myself an Anya Hindmarch Be A Bag tote. It was the popular photo bag and a big hit during that time. That year was the beginning of my bag addiction and further down the road I finally managed to 'collect' around 6-7 Be A Bag with various photos/print, like dogs, cats and grannies. I do still keep 2 of them (with cat and dog photos) as these 2 bags have some sentimental values for me.

Since then, I classified Anya Hindmarch as one of my favourite brands and regularly checked the website. Most of the time I was drooling over their bags which I believed to be made with excellent craftsmanship. And now I could not help myself from making a special post for this elegant bag.

It is named Bathurst, as inspired by the 1st Baron Bathurst, a renowned 18th Century politician and the bag is made from box calf leather. This type of the leather reminds me of Hermes box calf leather which is often used in belt or bags (like Kelly or Birkin). In my opinion, the bag has the 'Kelly' theme, i.e. a classic bag in boxy shape with handle and long strap. Yet Anya Hindmarch has added some elements of fun to the bag, like bi-color long leather strap and enamel lock featuring a discreet lucky clover. The enamel clover portrait inlay has given a sense of cuteness to the bag, and I like it.

Bathurst can be considered as a small-sized bag. Its dimension is 21cm x 17cm x 8cm and a continental wallet might not be able to go into the bag. The bag is lined in soft suede and has few useful inside pockets. Its quoted price is GBP1,195.

The website also provides the interesting history of 'box calf' leather which is worth quoting.

Calf is a young hide, highly valued for it’s smooth and regular surface. Named after Joseph Box, a 19th century London shoemaker, Box calf is a very traditional leather identifiable by its unique subtle square markings on the grain. This is achieved by softening the leather and lightly creasing it by folding grain to grain and then working the fold across the leather to and fro. Anya Hindmarch's box calf has a “aniline” finish which maintains the natural feel of the skin.





images from anyahindmarch.com

Saint Laurent Paris Cabas Classique Y in blue

 

 

 

About 3 weeks ago, I gave a teaser on my latest Saint Laurent purchase (check here). But then I was on a long hiatus as I was out of town for more than 2 weeks. So without further ado, I am super excited to reveal my latest Saint Laurent joy, a Cabas Classique Y in bleu de France (this style was formerly known as Chyc Cabas Medium during Stefano Pilati's era).

 



 

 

While I am not so sure about Hedi Slimane's latest duffle bag (check here when I was seriously contemplating Saint Laurent  duffle bag), I never have any doubt about this bag. I already own a Chyc Cabas medium in green from the previous/first version of Chyc Cabas (i.e. the original creation of Mr. Pilati with Y accent panels). Therefore getting another one (in new version and pop colour) seems like a normal conduct for me lol.

 

What I like most about this bag is the leather and hardware. The leather is very luxurious and the new square-ish hardware has given a sleeker and more modern look. I notice that the removal of accent panels that create the 'Y' outline may cause the bag feels slouchier (this is also due to smoother leather used) as it becomes less structured. However this is not an issue for me as most of the time I carried the Chyc Cabas medium over my shoulder, hence the slouchier the more comfortable.

 

As expected the craftsmanship is excellent, and please note that the bag is made from full leather. It means that there is no cotton lining used when crafting the bag. In bag is lined in leather (suede). So please imagine when you open your bag you can also get the sensation of luxurious leather 'smell' lol. Well, this is the same sensation that I experienced with my first Celine mini luggage. Please beware that the nice leather smell is simply seductive and addicted lol.

 

Guess what, by the time I post this story to my blog I am already drooling over the new colour of Saint Laurent Classique Cabas Y in emerald green which was recently released in the website. I think I should make a separate post for this gorgeous green bag. And now please excuse me to review and revisit my bag wishlist.

High Tea in Biku Cafe Bali

This is my favourite place for having high tea in Bali. The place is very casual, unpretentious, has eclectic interior and most importantly it offers good food (their homemade scones are so yummy).

My recent visit was in February when my DH and I had a weekend getaway to Bali with our best friends. It was a great weekend for all of us and we had a lot of fun and laugh with endless drinks and food.


And now about Biku.
Its eclectic interior really made a warm, casual and intimate atmosphere. The building was a historic 150-year-old Teak Joglo from East Java. It is indeed an antique house.
I personally love classic Javanese style for home interior. So while I was in Biku I took the opportunity to explore every corner of the restaurant and I found many interesting stuffs as part of its decor.

Warm and intimate atmosphere

A giant antique hanging lamp

Antique vases for cafe decoration

Please mind your head

And now about the food!
We ordered high tea set for 2 people and trust me it can feed 3 people lol.  I really liked their homemade scones which were accompanied by fresh clotted cream and strawberry jam. For drinks I requested Lapsang Souchong while my husband asked for masala tea. The tea came in unique tea pots. See how they present the masala tea. The tea was kept in a giant tea pot made from earth ware! In addition to the high tea set, I asked for their favourite salad (forgot the name!) that came in a generous portion.

We were so pleased with the food (and of course with the atmosphere), that we came again the very next day.

Cookies, pastries, homemade scones and assorted sandwich

High tea set for 2

Scrumptious cookies!



My choice of tea: Lapsang souchong

The tea strainer is quite unique

Masala tea in a giant tea pot

Fresh strawberry and cream

My bag of the day was Tulisan city tote. It was indeed a perfect bag for a beach holiday, as it is big, colourful and has many pockets.

I do not know when I will visit Bali again. Yet if that happens I will make my time to come to Biku Cafe. The place will surely be on my itinerary and must-visit list!

www.bikubali.com

On my wrist

Today on my wrists I wore Clic H rouge H, my loyal diamond bracelet and La Mer watch in pyramid wrap. Recently I have become addicted to La Mer watches as they are so fun!

My souvenir from China trip



 

 

From my recent trip to China, I got myself this special Longchamp Le Pliage with Great Wall of China print. This special edition bag is only issued in China (including Hong Kong). During this season the Longchamp stores in China offer several colours for this print like red, khaki and indigo blue. The indigo blue is so vibrant and I simply could not resist it.

I have to confess that this is my THIRD Longchamp Le Pliage with Great Wall of China print. I also own the same bag in grape red and brown, please check here and here.

And you know what, until now I have never been to the Great Wall.... One day, definitely I will climb up and walk on the famous wall.

The Great Wall of China
image from wikipedia.org

Reese Witherspoon and Proenza Schouler PS1

Her PS1 medium in orchid is stunning and very suitable for spring summer outfit, especially when the shoes colour matches with the bag.

I love Reese's casual style and I adore her bag collection. From time to time she can be spotted for carrying different designer handbags (which happened to be my favourite brands as well, uhm Celine), like here and here.

images from perezhilton.com and forwardforward.com

Recent beauty haul

Eye concentrate
Creme de la mer (a bonus in mini jar)
Regenerating serum

A must have: Creme de la mer in 30ml jar

Sunblock SPF 30

Eye concentrate

Regerating serum

I am a loyal La Mer users for approximately 8 years. I simply can not live without their products, especially the Creme de la Mer Moisturizing Cream. As a moisturizing it has very thick texture, yet when I apply them on my face it does not feel sticky or oily. A jar of 30ml Creme de la Mer can last up to 4 months as I apply the cream only once a day (part of my morning ritual).

So, here are my recent La Mer haul:

• Creme de la Mer
• Sunblock SPF 30
• Eye Concentrate
• Regenerating serum

Bag Inventory as of 28 February 2013

Bag Acquisition - February 2013

Celine Edge Medium Black