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A backpack is widely popular because of its comfort. This all-time favorite bag definitely doesn’t only suit best to children, but also to those who are in college or even in office.

If you reminisce over your childhood, you might choose a backpack just because there is an image of your favorite cartoon character stick on it. Well, possibly, when you have to buy a backpack, you’re no longer concerned on its charm, but the function itself. If you’re still confused in choosing the most suitable backpack, below are the factors which would be your consideration before buying a new one.

 Size does Matter!

Size is the first thing you have to think since backpacks are available in wide range of size. You need to think about what kind of stuff you will place on your future backpack. Is it just a book, laptop, or personal care? If you still have no idea about it, just think  where you will bring the bag, for example office, college, gym, short-trip travel destination or other places. This will actually help you outlining about the stuff which will be carried. The stuff you’ll bring will specify the size of your backpack you have to choose.

 The Brand and Design

If you’re the type of person who is loyal to your favorite brand, you can just pick the model that suits your personality the best. Yet, if your favorite brand doesn’t have one, why don’t you give other brands a try? There are many finest quality backpacks from Herschel Supply Co. awaiting to be tried!

Herschel Supply Co., a Vancouver-based manufacturer, successfully brings local fashion into global market with good functional features and fashionable design of backpacks. Each Herschel backpack is equipped with signature liners, pocket, and key clips. Herschel bag also comes with many variant products that could meet your expectation.

For example, Herschel Settlement Backpacks are ideal for college students or officers who often bring laptop along with them. Herschel bag is classic, yet elegant. It is created by its local designers that surely will make you stunned in any occasion.

 Actually, those two aspects mentioned above are not the primary factors. But those are still important to be considered while you’re selecting the right backpack. The perfect size, brand, and design of backpack certainly will make you feel comfortable whenever you use it and wherever you go!

Sources - 

Herpackinglist.com

Herschel.com

The Finnish brand on a mission, always making a difference and looking for troubles to solve. Unique in terms of function, design and user-friendlines, Magisso products are simple but smart. 

The Magisso Home products have already been noted by CNN, InStyle, GQ, Wired, Fast Company and Apartment Therapy, receiving some of the world’s most prestigious design awards.

Kitchen is the heart of Home Smart Home, so that’s where you'd find us.

On Wednesday, 5 November 2014, Shopdeca.com celebrated an official Bellroy launch with our friends from the creative industry. The team from Bellroy, Josh (Sales Director) and Lincoln (Brand Manager), made the trip all the way from Melbourne to Jakarta to take us on a journey of Bellroy as a brand and as a lifestyle. The party was also well accompanied by Shopdeca.com’s partners from Uber, Euphoria Project, and Common House, who it all would not have been possible had it not been for their support and cooperation!

Over drinks and snacks, guests got a chance to get the inside scoop on what Bellroy is and what Bellroy is all about. Josh and Lincoln from Bellroy gave us all an exclusive presentation and preview of how Bellroy came to be and what they have been working towards ever since it started.

A few lucky members of the press even managed to snag themselves some free wallets for joining in on the fun and being a part of the party!

For those who didn't make it to the event, here is a glimpse of things that were happening there. And for those who came, let's reminisce the good time! 

5th of November 2014, 5 PM - Exclusive Bellroy Press Presentation

Josh is demonstrating how a Bellroy wallet will stay slim even if it carries the same amount of things your bulky wallet does to the press.

5th of November 2014, 6 PM - Let's Start The Party!

Hi Reinaldo Kartasasmita! Thanks for coming to the Bellroy Grand Launch event.

Outside of COMMON HOUSE, Benny Lim got a chance to know more about the brand by the team himself.

Our friends from the Neighbourlist got a Bellroy 101 from the team itself.

Stanislaus Hans in his zone to take the best pic for #bellroychallenge.

Thank you MORE BY MORELLO for coming to the event! Look, even Lincoln look pretty psyched!

Thank you for coming, guys!

Yum Nom Nom! Thank you Common House for the catering

Bellroy Photo-Op

At first it was Josh and Lincoln who found the joy of experimenting with the photo-op.

And then people started to join in, in groups.

Jagat Natha decided to take care things on his own way, the artsy way! Way to go!

Shopdeca.com as the exclusive distributor in Indonesia is very proud to announce that everybody can get this must-have Australian brand in our site.

22nd October 2014 - To kickstart the #IamAPowerWomen campaign, Shopdeca and Mischa invited 10 Power Women from Jakarta -- media darlings, mom’s extraordinaire and career women, who are well-known and inspirational to share their experiences and also to talk about Michelle's journey as an entrepreneur over an intimate luncheon at Le Quartier.

Tell us about your journey as a power woman and a designer.

M: It's a long journey and a very colourful one. I started Mischa as a hobby of mine. I really like travelling, fashion and making handbags was one of the things that I love to do. It started out with me just making handbags for family and friends until it became serious. That was when I started my brand in 2008. Since then, making your passion into your business requires a shift in your mindset. In that process, it really has empowered myself as a designer and as a businesswoman. 

What is Mischa's philosophy?

M: I think it's an extension of my lifestyle. Right now, I like to create designs that are timeless and classic so that they'll still be current in many years to come. The idea behind it really comes from my background, a taste of east and west. 

What inspires you?

M: Travel. It lets me get in touch with different people and in a different setting all the time. And my girlfriends, they live such an exemplary life!

Can you tell us more about the asian heritage behind the signature Mischa print?

M: When I started making handbags, I was really into the Japanese culture especially the costumes like the kimono and kobe. I use to study Japanese for a while as well so I visited Japan all the time, which led to me starting a collection of antiques and kimono silks which was then used as material for my handbags. Later on as my business developed, I wanted to create a print that was more relevant for everyday use that was active yet still stylish. The hexagon is actually a traditional Japanese print motif representing a sea tortoise shell that features heavily in both Japanese and Chinese art. The hexagon means longevity. So when I was designing this print, I thought this is a a very good sentiment to have for a brand.

Who is the Mischa women?

M: They are likeminded women, active, curious, confident, loves adventure and travelling. They are multi faceted.

How do you connect to your customers?

M: Well, I blog. I try to write and keep things personally. I talk about life, health and travel. We also do a lot on instagram and since my friends are also my customers, I get a lot of feedback from them. 

Tell us about the Instagram live feed on your website.

M: When I started the travel series or even starting the brand, it was a challenging process and everyone of my friends and customers knew. So they came along in this journey and they got excited each time they saw a Mischa bag anywhere they went and they would send us photos. Also, they would send photos of themselves carrying a Mischa bag when they travelled. It soon became a thing and it was really encouraging to receive really nice, well composed photos. This came about the idea of #jetsetmischa on Instagram and we decided to incorporate the live feed on our website. Customers who come to view the bags can now see how others are using it and it's an engaging movement, like being part of a club.

These are then made into bag tags?

M: If you notice, the bag comes with hang tags that look like polaroid photos. Every season, we select 6 best photos from our #jetsetmischa off our Instagram to be used as hang tags for the bag. Now, when customers purchase the bags, they can discover 6 women (and now men) who are on the hang tags!

What are the challenges of being a woman entrepreneur?

M: I think I have it a lot easier now. There are quite a few challenges, especially time. I am the sort who wants to do everything. I will try as much to cover all my bases and embark on everything which leads to the lack of balance of work, life and family. I don't have a family now, but I can imagine that it will only get crazier. A lot of my friends are accomplished in their careers and I seek inspiration from that. 

Define your personal style and lifestyle?

M: My style is classic and feminine. I don't usually follow trends. I dress to suit my body type and personality. Also it needs to comfortable but with fine tailoring for a timeless look. 

My lifestyle is very on the go. I live in Hong Kong which is hectic pace, something that I'm used to. But I do travel for leisure. I enjoy scuba diving and yoga. One of my favourite places to visit is Bali where I enjoy the beaches and yoga retreats or just hang out at beach resorts and not do very much.

3 things you can't live without?

M: Phone - I need to answer my e-mails and instagram! A good moisturiser especially when you travel and a good book. Can I add a 4th thing - my sunglasses!

What is your favourite item from your collection?

M: That will be the current collection, which is the Camo collection, the Jet Set tote. It is my first creation, my first design and a timeless classic. Simple yet stylish is the way to go. It's a practical bag for me as well since I have quite long days sometimes. I can bring a change of outfit taking me from my morning yoga, to work to after hours dinner. I can even fit my laptop in it. 

Mischa Jet Set Tote Bag (Camo Orchid)

Mischa CDG Pouch (Camo Orchid)

Future plans for Mischa?

M: Look forward to more variations of product categories.

What defines a power woman?

M: A woman that is confident and multi-faceted so that she excels in many different areas. That she keeps a good balance of time for herself, her career and family. 

If you could have lunch with a power woman dead or alive, who would it be?

M: It probably has to be Oprah Winfrey. I truly admire what she has done in her time and from I've read, she has overcome a lot of difficulties and has come out victorious in her field. Many things were against her but she still comes out successful now with a platform for her to spread women's education and women's empowerment. Plus she has a sense of humour! I will definitely ask her if she ever has a bad day.

Diana Rikasari

Blogger at Hot Chocolate and Mint, owner of UP and Pop Flats, and author of 88 Love Life.

Diana Rikasari, one of the most inspiring power women in Indonesia, took the time to have a little chat with Shopdeca.com. As we all know, she is the writer of Hot Chocolate and Mint and the mastermind behind a whimsical shoe line called UP. Also, to add to her passionate achievements, she is the author of a newly released book, 88 Love Life.

Supporting our #IAmAPowerWoman campaign this month, Diana Rikasari share her empowering insights on what truly makes a power woman and her journey on becoming one.

#IAmAPowerWoman because.... 

D: I work hard, play hard, and love hard. I always believe that life comes back to love. When you have so much love inside you, you tend to want to do good for the world.

Tell us about your journey as a Power Women (a woman blogger or an entrepreneur).

D: Everything happened naturally, which proves that when you just do what you love, every single day, it will lead you to big things in life. I love writing, photography, fashion, and my blog accommodated all that. Through my blog, I managed to find happiness within myself and be confident of my own skin and decisions.

What are the challenges of being a women blogger or an entrepreneur?

D: Being a woman sort of puts you on the spotlight more, because, women are beautiful objects. So everything is highlighted - the way you dress, the way you take care of your body, the way you think and speak. But women are also powerful creatures. We have great strength and courage, and so naturally caring and loving. 

Being a women entrepreneur means you have to juggle between being both soft and strong.

What defines a Power Woman according to you?

D: A power woman is a someone who knows how to push boundaries without losing her grace. It's in the way she thinks and behaves. Her words are elegant and intelligent. 

What advice would you give to your girlfriends, women in your life? 

D: Accept that women have more, bigger responsibilities than men. Do not fight it. Instead, learn how to work around it and be awesome in it.

If you could have lunch with any Power Woman in the world (dead or alive) who would it be? 

When did you realize you wanted to be a chef?

M: For as long as I remember. It was started when I was 5 in my grandmother’s kitchen. The older I get, the more I cook, the more I see happy people eating my food, the more I feel like the kitchen is my happy place.

What inspires you?

M: Friends eating together, traveling to places, meeting new people, my grandma and the market.

What achievements are you most proud of?

M: In my profession, the proudest moment is when you know you can actually share and pass on the knowledge that you have.

In this case, when your staff that used to be your line cook got offered as a sous-chef at other restaurants.

Also, I’m pretty proud to say that I cooked for few presidents. I cooked for President Clinton, President Senior Bush and President SBY.

What are the challenges of being a woman entrepreneur?

M: The general challenge would be the same like any entrepreneur in any gender. But being an Asian women who lives in an Asian Country, you will sometime get that funny look when you enter an industry that is dominated by men, like the kitchen industry.

When you come in and say “I can cook” or “I want to be your chef”, you’re going to get that doubtful look on whether or not you can do it.

Regardless what challenges that you might come across in any industry, if you’re a born entrepreneur you can always say to yourself that you know you’re good at what you’re doing. Keep believing in yourself and things will fall into places.

Tell us how OTEL Lobby comes about.

M: The talks started at 2009, my best friend and I who are also my partner in OTEL Lobby, we often talk about having a nice concept of eatery in Jakarta where people can always come in and feel comfortable with whatever state that they’re in. They can wear sandals or any clothes they want to wear to have a nice dinner and cocktails.

One summer in 2010, we went to London and stayed in a nice hotel. We were thinking that it would be great if we can have this kind of hotel in Jakarta where you can just chill out at the Lobby, order a cocktail, or use it as a meeting point before you go out for a dinner. Then the talk sort of continues and we decided to go with the OTEL Lobby.

We started the construction on 2010 and then we opened our door at the end of 2010. We’ve been opened for as close as three years.

Tell us more about the design of OTEL Lobby.

M: I like monochromatic and earthy colours. You can see a hint of teal colour in the restaurant that represents the colour of the sea. I’m also pretty obsessive about strong lines and the flow of the design.

When we designed OTEL Lobby, we designed it as to when guests sit everywhere, they can still see a lot of corners in the restaurants.

I can say that the design is a little bit rustic mixed with exciting designs from a lot of designers. We just pick up all these ideas and inspirations when we go traveling.

 Favourite food and drinks from OTEL Lobby?

M: If I’m in a mood of serious eating at OTEL Lobby, I will start in a bar and I would order a cocktail of my favourite. I’m a classic cocktail kind of person. Two of my favourite drinks are Negroni and the Old-Fashioned.

We have this dish that falls in to the category of Appetizer, we called it the Duck Buns. It’s actually a small sandwich filled with crispy duck that have been cooked for a long multiple time; marinated, steamed, and fried that duck. It went through a lot of process, so it’s special to me. I would order that while waiting for a table.

Soon as I’m seated, I would start with a salad. Depends on the mood, but I’m crazy about our slow-cooked salmon paired with a glass of white wine.

I will finish my dinner with a coconut sorbet. We like to create our own ice cream and sorbet. If it’s not too late I’m going to order a cup of coffee and cookies.

What are the three things you can’t live without?

M: At home, I will have everything that I need. But if I’m traveling I won’t go without my running shoes, facial cream by Chanel and yoga pants.

What are your favourite items from Shopdeca?

M: MISCHA handbags and home furnishing design by Toi Moi.

Maya is wearing her Mischa Jet Set Tote 

Shop our TOIMOI Collection here.

Future plans for OTEL Lobby?

M: We’ve been having OTEL Lobby for 3 years. We decided that it’s time to branch out. We’re looking somewhere around that other part of South Jakarta. We are thinking to open it just a small place to cater the earlybird or people who likes to have their breakfast all day. So that might be our next project, hopefully we can open our door to customer by the end of first semester next year.

What defines a Power Woman?

M: There are a lot of power women amongst us. But I think what define a power woman is a woman who has a will of their own, woman who is fearless, have a lot of belief in things they’re doing and decisions in life.

Most of women are power woman, regardless what place they’re in, what position or business that they have.

If you could have lunch with any power woman in the world, dead or alive, who would it be?

M: Right now if I have to pick, it’s going to be Julia Child. I really want to cook together with her. She was a quirky one. I can imagine us having wine together in the afternoon.

Anything else you want to share to Shopdeca community?

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