What's in My Bag IV: Cambridge Satchel/Muji and me

Before anything, would just like to say that my umbrella was supposed to be black as well, but in a fit of violent rage, I broke it (don't ask). So now I have one in blue plaid, from 7/11. Surrounding my new 15-inch Cambridge Satchel are little pouches that I've managed to accumulate with my gadgets. They contain wires, chargers, and adapters for my camera, laptop, iPhone, and iPad (I gave my iPod to my sister); flash disks and external drives; and something to plug my headphones to amplifiers.

At the lower right corner is my pencil case, with lead for mechanical pencils and post-its in the mesh compartment. The one at the upper right is for my Swiss Army knife and keys, since the satchel has no zippered sections. All the cases are from Muji, except the one at center right, which is from Beabi and is now falling apart.

I have too many things, I know. I think the Cambridge Satchel can only carry my peripherals. It will force me to bring only those that I will actually use within the day.

Wool prep

This is what I wore yesterday, when it rained all day and the winds swept up umbrellas and people plunged knee-deep through flooded streets. Good thing I wore boots and warm clothing, though I wish I opted for waterproof nylon. As I write this, the storm doesn't seem to be over. Hmmm. Which hoodie shall it be? Hope there's sun enough for a real cameo.

Good morning Manila!


Checkered shirt, Muji; belt, Nautica; sweater, tie, and trousers: all wool and thrifted; bag, Cambridge Satchel Company

Quick Friday snap

These semi-blurred pictures were not planned. As I was rushing from work, I suddenly thought of asking a stranger at an underpass to take a few clicks. I realize now that I really must love the euphoria of being fully occupied, of running from one thing to the other, of crossing out To Do items in a packed list.




But as in these pictures, no one can see clearly behind the blur, or in this case, through my grandmother knit. It is a miracle that I can still hang on to the only thing I know that truly makes me happy. And that cannot be hurried. But for now, I must go.


Tee, C.P. Company; knit sweater, thrifted; jeans, Cheap Monday; belt, Structure, thrifted; sneakers, Acne x Tretorn; bag, Cambridge Satchel Company; scarf, S.M. Department Store

Blazer week/my new Bally brief

So it's already Friday and I've only managed three cameos with blazers (to be posted soon!) for my planned "blazer week". Wait, make that four, to include my gray uniform with razors. What happened? Seems "kimono week" wanted to intercede*.




I love the striped lining of this navy jacket, especially when paired with my shiny polo shirt. What I also love about this pic? Besides the black Cambridge Satchel over my shoulder, the new Bally brief from their Spring 2011 collection. Durable and spacious, so soft I can hug it like a pillow. (More pics to follow!) Lastly, these pics actually make me think twice about a quick return to life as a brunette. What will happen to all the blue in my closet?


* Found the most gorgeous sheer kimonos this weekend, with a couple of heavy and silky lined versions

Polo shirt, Lacoste; jacket, jeans, and Converse sneakers with floral print: all thrifted; belt, Brave Beltworks; shoulder bag, Cambridge Satchel Company; calfskin briefcase, Bally

Photos by Gina Sales