I didn't know the brand Rabeanco until about two years ago, when I saw a leather purple satchel in a Singapore mall. I almost bought it, but my sister reminded me that what I was looking for was this Fossil leather satchel I saw online. This year, I happened to chance upon a Rabeanco store in Trinoma. My heart leaped out of my chest. I twirled through every single bag on display. I was the only customer in the shop, so the poor (and very kind, I might add) saleslady had no choice but to keep on following me to patiently answer all my questions. Does this come in this color? How about this one? Do you have this in a smaller size? Could you bring this out in this size? How come this blue is different from that blue?
I felt my head was about to explode because every bag is lovely, and I want them in all colors available. Except that, reality check, I can only afford one. Actually, I can afford one, next month, when I am more financially solvent. So I left, hoping that kind saleslady didn't curse me much.
I went back the following week, and luckily, there were more customers this time, so I was sorta left alone to admire the bags. I left thinking, I could no longer stand to be tortured by this bag (bagsss!). I must have one soon. Definitely not next month. Low-EQ much, huh. But which bag?
I checked their website and decided I *needed* an Alex or Alexandra. But again, what color? Oh, the choices I needed to make.
Two days later, I went back with my sister and Kororo in tow. My sister to give an honest opinion on the bag, and Kororo, so he has an idea what to get me for Christmas. The salesladies recognized me on sight (I am so embarrassed now). I spent the next 30 minutes again going over and over what color. And then the saleslady mentioned they have an Alexandra in fuchsia. What, what, what?? Why are you only telling me that now? She brought it out of the stock room, and opened the plastic. Oh, that lovely leather smell. And that color -- that was the loveliest color I've seen. Well no, not really. But it was in the top 5, at least.
So came the hard part. Can I pay for this in installment? Yes, but only with a BDO card. I was aghast because I think I just maxed out that card. The saleslady took pity on me and suggested we can try a smaller amount on the card, and charge the remaining balance on my other "emergency" card. So she swiped. And swiped. And swiped again until the card was about to ignite into flames from the constant friction. I asked her to stop, and bravely handed her the emergency credit card, telling her to charge it all here, straight payment. My sister, aka my conscience, kept on saying, why do you have to buy it now? I thought you're gonna wait a month? I gave her a dirty look. Obviously she has not heard of The Girl In The Green Scarf.
And so I went home, with a very fuchsia Alexandra (I just learned it's not spelled "fuschia"). And about five other shopping bags, because did I mention there was a mall-wide sale?
But this one's my favorite:
It should be, right? It cost me an arm and a leg. While Rabeanco is not Prada-expensive, it is still not light on the pocket. Although if you consider the fact that you're getting the softest kind of Italian leather, then it is only reasonably priced.
The Alex tote can be worn in two ways:
The right one is more stylish, but I always end up wearing it with the sides flowing out, because I tend to overstuff my bag, and this tote is just perfect for when I need to throw everything inside my bag and run to work.
And yes, no loud branding. Except for that hanging metal thingy, which you can remove if you like. The tag says the bag is called "Blithe." I checked the website and the design corresponds to the model Alex or Alexandra. A bit confused here.
Alexandra has tons of compartments. Well, no, actually, just 3. A zippered pocket, two open pockets for your phone, etc. and a detachable zippered pouch. I removed the zippered pouch because I could not yet find a use for it.
I never leave house without these things:
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| I've always wanted to do this "what's inside my bag" post. Well, here goes: the pouch which contains an assortment of things, my trusty umbrella, moleskine where I write down a number of things, but mostly the utangs of people from me, a tory burch card holder, coin purse, the best camera in the world (ahem) Sony RX-100, the wallet of my life, and my phablet. :p |
And here's how they look like inside the bag. I know the bag is looking kinda filled up, but there's actually room for more. Like a pair of ballet flats that I carry with me sometimes, a water bottle, extra shirt, jacket, and a Mcdonald's take out. These are the things that usually find its way into my bag.
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The only problem with bags this soft is that it sometimes turn into this one huge cavernous pit. I don't mind that.
Remember the Girl in the Green Scarf? Well that kinda taught me to always go for what you want, because the universe understands the most ardent desires of the human heart (yes, even if it's just a whim, a very intense one) and even if it buries you in a pit, everything would work out later to dig you out of it. A week after I got this bag, unexpected work bonuses started coming in, and that credit card was cleared in no time.
