Retail Therapy with Cath Kidston

Cath Kidston is heart. It's everything dainty and bespoke at the same time. If London (and Sterling Pounds) aren't such heavies (on the pocket), I'd go grab some of these. 

Love this overnight bag.

And this is just perfect for summer.

Or this for the coming rainy season. 

If you're pining for those childhood memories, these may come in handy.

 
 While at it, why don't you add these?

 
This is what down time does to me. I do internet window shopping. Online retail therapy at your finger tips. Now, if only I can have the lunch box set?

XX

Sheng

Tax increase & Furla

I was back reading today my twitter feed when I came upon a tweet about the Bureau of Internal Revenue's (BIR) plan to increase the tax percentage collected from compensation income taxpayers. In short, all of us corporate slaves will be taxed some more. 

I couldn't help but put it out there that the BIR should focus its attention on efficient tax collection from corporations rather than exerting more efforts on taxing people. It's so disheartening given the fact that 30% of an employee's pay automatically gets deducted for the government. 

But what does the government do for us? I say, nothing. We pay for every government-related transactions. Efficiency? Zilch. We don't even get to enjoy a decent subsidized hospitalization in a government-run hospital. Private sector employees would rather go to private hospitals. And besides we have HMO for that. 

What about the roads? Aside from the killer traffic in urban Manila and even in major cities, we need to pay for the use of the road, too. How annoying?!

Abe Lincoln said there are two things that are inescapable in this world, death and taxes. But at least in America, its citizens get to enjoy where their taxes go -- health, sanitation, infrastructure. 

Sadly in our country, tax collection is not just taxing... it's murderous! This leads me to a sad, sad reality check. The tax collected from me month-on-month could already feed two average-sized family. Yet, the growing divide between rich and poor in this country stretches more and more... to infinity. 

Whilst the Forbes Richest Men lists more and more Filipinos that accounts for the 76% of the economic growth last year, the rest of the Filipinos are struggling to make it day by day. How ironic, eh?

Now, I was just ogling at these three nice bags the past few months. I've been wondering if I should buy one. However given this looming cross that I (a working man er woman) must bear, the possibility is shrinking by the minute. 

I know it's shallow. Maybe the rest of humanity has more important concerns in their lives. But we all work hard because we have needs and wants to satisfy. Right now, mine just happens to be a bag craving... 

XX

Sheng

The Barrio Girl meets Kate Spade

The barrio girl has outgrown her nondescript bags. I've always had a fascination with things pretty and dainty. In the past, I'd spot these in equally nondescript part of the malls, the city. 

One thing I've proven time and again though, is that most of my purchases do not last long. I really have issues with quality because it's very frustrating. I remember about a decade ago, I was walking inside my village when I had this sensation of my left foot being extraordinarily light. Alas, the entire sole of my left shoe was a few feet away from where I stood. Needless to say, the brand has been ticked off my list... for good.

Aside from being bewildered, it was awkwardly embarrassing! From then on, I vowed to focus my energy and resources on buying quality products only. 

So, I saw my progression from the local boutique variety to international brands. About six years ago, I had this black barrel/doctor's bag that got a lot of attention. It served me well. 

And then, Charles and Keith came out with a woven satchel. It looked like it could rival a Bottega Veneta. I had fun and I loved it... until it became misshapen from overuse.

Not too long ago, I laid eyes on a Kate Spade bag. It was love at first bag sight. But the price was out of my range. I waited for the right time. It was a swell moment when I opened my package (had it bought in the US). Ah, kilig.

So pretty!

Oh, before that I've had my affair first with my faithful and lucky wallet. 

Never failed me.

 Months back, I was looking for a pretty iPad sleeve. My choice was a toss between a Marc Jacob's and a Kate Spade sleeve. This won. 

Handy. And chic.

This small collection got another entry. 

Very functional.

Owning these awesome Kates made me realize that my bag palate is upwardly changing. At my age and income range, the brand's price points do not break the bank... yet. 

Am happy with the brand, its quality and its prettiness. Will I be acquiring other brands? Sure, I have my eye on another brand. But it's already a splurge that I can't afford right now, in the scheme of things. Priorities, priorities, priorities. 

If I want a change of scenery, I have my trusty LV Neverfull. Someday, I would love to feel the texture of other coveted brands. Meantime, my love affair with Kate continues...

XX