Being in seclusion for almost four months now, I can’t help but look forward to the days when we can all go out safely again and use the items that have been stored in our wardrobe and shelves for so long. The ongoing quarantine has left a lot of our clothes, shoes, and accessories untouched! While I’m in my dream state of the (hopefully) recovered world post-pandemic, let me share a couple of my favorite items that are longing to see the outside world. Hopefully, this can also help you decide on what types of bags are for keeps in the future:

1.Shimmery Sling Bag

Item: Silver sling bag from Something Borrowed (ordered from Zalora)

Like me, if the color of your clothes are as bleak as your feelings at the moment, a shiny or glittery sling bag would look good with your #OOTDs. Imagine wearing a casual black dress and this pop of sparkly bag at the side – simple but perfect! This small bag has been with me for three years now and it’s still as eye-catching as when I first bought it. This was purchased from Something Borrowed via Zalora for Php 749.

2. Baguette Shoulder Bag

Item: ‘Zoe’ Baguette Shoulder Bag from @boujeebags.ph on Instagram

This is the same bag in my recent Instagram post!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ces Dimalanta (@hello_ces) on Jun 27, 2020 at 1:59am PDT

For variety, go for simple baguette-like bags that can look good with any outfit. This type of bag can be used anywhere you go – may you be at the mall or a family gathering. It’s not too eye-catching but it has a nice gold accent for that classy look. Its size (10 x 6 x 3 inches) is also spacious enough to store our daily essentials – phone, lippie, compact powder, keys, medicine, small alcohol, and a coin purse/ card holder. This bag is available at @boujeebags.ph for only Php 650.

3. 3-in-1 Box Bag

Item: Black Box Bag from Steve Madden

This box bag is definitely one of my favorites because of its premium look. The strap reminds me of recent Marc Jacobs bag straps, while the design somehow reminds me of YSL. However, this isn’t as pricey as designer bags! This box bag from Steve Madden only costs Php 3,560. It comes with three detachable straps – a thin one, a thick one (in picture), and a small handle-like strap that turns it into a handbag. Probably the most spacious “small” bag that I own.

4. 2-in-1 Clutch Bag

Item: ‘Valarie’ Tan Bag from Girbaud

This Girbaud envelope-like clutch bag with detachable straps is my go-to bag for flatlays and OOTDs with floral or earthy hues. In case you haven’t noticed, it already appeared in one of our tech-lifestyle features on the blog!

This was on sale when I bought it from Girbaud and it costs around Php 1680 (if I remember correctly). The straps can be removed for more formal outfits and you can put it back on to keep your hands free. Its color also adapts well to sunlight – as you can see, there’s a dark hue on the upper portion but it’s really full tan in person.

5. Sturdy Adventure Backpack

Item: Realme Adventure Backpack

Last but certainly not the least, women must always be prepared for adventure! This Realme Adventure Backpack can be used for work, gym days, hiking, and even roadtrips. It has a tough high-quality fabric, cushions so our shoulders wouldn’t hurt after a long day of carrying stuff, and different compartments – laptop included – for everything we need. The backpack also has a shoulder harness and strap that you can attach to your travel luggage. The outside pockets use a velcro while the main flap is secured by strong plastic clasps.

I also like how it’s simple but the pop of yellow and “Dare to Leap” print gives it personality. This only costs Php 1,490 – a good price for a versatile adventure backpack.

These are just five of our go-to bags. We also have a laptop bag for work (which I bring with me even to events), but that’s just for workaholics like me, I guess! LOL.

For more tips and updates about our latest discoveries within the Metro (and beyond), you can follow Manila Millennial on Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram! 🙂