bag love

here 


I love a great minimalistic tote in rich, supple leather, and I love it even more when it comes with just a slight touch of edge - like these rose gold metal corners on this Alexander Wang tote. Super clean but super rock and roll, all in one. What's not to love?

Find it here or here in animal print.

want (right now)

Sophie Hulme soft-flap shoulder bag

The shape, the leather, the just-right hardware...what's not to love?

of vintage golf bags

This bag was a birthday present from James - he picked it out all by himself. I was so touched and so surprised, and I couldn't help but ask him why he picked this bag in particular.

His answer?

"The green and brown reminded me of the vintage golf bags that I have in my parents' basement that I'd like to refurbish someday to hold my wooden golf clubs."

Yes, he really is that nerdy and adorable, and I am one lucky woman.

cobalt

J. Crew Edie purse in casablanca blue

 

After surveying my bag collection, I realized that I didn't have a single,  small lady-like bag. My lifestyle demands that I carry a little bit more so most of my bags are satchels or hobo-esque shoulder bags, often with the option of a longer strap. When I do get the change to carry less, I go to the opposite extreme and opt for miniature clutches or small cross-bodies. But a true lady-like structured handbag - bigger than a clutch but smaller than a shoulder bag -, I just didn't have...until my new Edie purse arrived today.

 

The blue is rich and saturated, the minimal metal accents are perfect, and the structure is exactly what my closet was missing. The best part? The length of the shoulder strap (not shown) - it's long enough to be worn on one's shoulder but not long enough to drag on the ground should one choose to carry the bag on the arm instead. Alternatively, it can also be detached from the bag itself for a handbag option.

weekend snapshots

plaid + neon

 lazy Sunday: mani + manicure (I'm on an essie and butter LONDON kick)

 September = fall

 loving all shades of green this season

this kate spade note card I received in my package was so pretty, I had to stick it on my vanity mirror!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

girl crush (caroline issa)

 via J. Crew

I've mentioned Caroline Issa's style countless times on this blog before, but her recent ad campaign for J.Crew requires that I mention it again. Her unique features and knack for making memorably unique yet classic outfits make her my ultimate girl crush.

J.Crew 2013 S/S

J. Crew's new collection has me wanting badly. Some of my favorite looks:

All images via style.com

Images #1, 3, 6, 8, and 10 are at the very top of my list. I love the great colors yet very clean, classic lines that somehow feel new all over again.

recent purchases (Labor Day weekend)

polyvore set here

one: J. Crew Sydney sandal  // two: Gap striped cardigan

three: J. Crew cabochon fan necklace in peach

four: BR Jenna pump // five: J. Crew painter boatneck striped tee  // six: J. Crew cafe capri 

seven: Gap academy blazer // eight: Cole Haan Victoria tote 

nine: Zara cowboy ballerinas // ten: BR Jocelyn wedge 

eleven: J. Crew factory shorts // twelve: J. Crew factory heart sweater

thirteen: J. Crew biennial satchel // fourteen: Shoemint sandal  // fifteen: BR panama hat 

sixteen: Garance Dore for Kate Spade iPhone case

I went a little crazy this Labor Day weekend. On the downside, my wallet is a lot lighter. On the upside, my closet is ready for fall, and then some. All items listed above were purchased for a minimum of 30% off the regular price, except for the Zara flats. Oftentimes, discounts were combined whenever possible. I'll probably return some items (a pair or two of shoes, one of the bags, maybe the hat) after I really assess what I need, but all the above was less than $750. I'd like to get that number down to $500.00. (I'm not counting the necklace and the Shoemint shoes since they were gifts from the boyfriend.)

I don't usually spend this much money, but fall is always when I add the most to my closet, and aside from the $120 spent in August, I really haven't gotten shopping since back in March, and I don't anticipate that I'll want or need to go shopping again until the holidays. 

What are recent additions in your closet?

currently eyeing (for the boyfriend)

Banana Republic gibson loafer

My boyfriend recently asked me to update his style and with Labor Day sales coming up, it's a good time to start earmarking what could be some new additions to his wardrobe. He tried this loafer on in store, and in addition to possibly filling in a large hole in his shoe wardrobe, it looked really good on and he told me it felt really good on. The leather looks durable yet sleek, and the price is very reasonable. The only question is: black, brown, or both?

currently eyeing (hunter green)

Tory Burch 797 large satchel

The bag above is perfect. The color is timeless yet not so basic. I love the envelope clutch look in the context of a large satchel, which is crucial for me since I'm not a small bag kind of girl in my day-to-day life. The gold hardware is chic yet discreet, and the strength of the design is center stage, not the brand, although I really appreciate Tory Burch's brand aesthetic.

I have never paid more than $198 + tax for a single purse, and I have only ever paid that once, on this bag on the occasion of landing my first real job after college. I am not one to just drop over one bill on any one thing, much less over six bills and on something that isn't necessary, no matter how many images of fabulous fashion I have pinned to my boards. 

But this, this might be it.  If I saved and scrimped and budgeted and eliminated all sorts of gratuitous "mini" purchases left and right, I could take the jump and purchase this bag. It's exactly what I'm looking for, both in form and functionality. I'll have this forever.

Worth it? I think so. 

currently eyeing (luxe)

Mulberry animal print scarf

I'm a big fan of animal print. I'm an even bigger fan of animal print that looks refined and classic, not to mention in a great black/brown/white/cream/off-grey color palette that goes with everything.

At $260, tempting.

when the leaves start changing...

1. Gap black leather jacket (couldn't find this exact one, but similar) 2. Fitzwell brown leather riding boots 

3. butter London in Royal Navy 4. Gap light chambray shirt 5. Dolce&Gabbana the one

6. Michael Kors gold watch 7. Donna Karan Woman

Autumn is my favorite season. I love everything about it, but especially the smell of crisp, cool air, the explosion of color as the leaves change, apple picking and pumpkin pie, my birthday, our anniversary...and of course, great fashion. 

I'm really trying to buy investment pieces for the upcoming season: a leather jacket, well-made riding boots, a timeless over-sized watch, oh-so-versatile chambray. In addition, I'm looking forward to switching to a deeper, more sensual perfume for the cooler weather. I love Dolce&Gabbana the one, (and the rose version, too ), but I smelled Donna Karan's new perfume, Woman, and I was intrigued (and the bottle is like a mini sculpture). As for my nails, I love the darker moody colors - stormy greys, rich hunter greens, and vampy purples. Now I'm looking to add a saturated navy blue to my polish collection. It's classic yet edgy, and a surprisingly versatile and softer take on black. 

What's on your fall wish list?

currently eyeing

J. Crew Marquess fleur necklace

J. Crew's fall campaign is calling my name, and the piece above is part of the conspiracy.

My wallet is hiding because it knows me too well: a statement piece in a classic yet intensely modern color and cut is irresistible.

currently eyeing

Hiromichi Konno for Skagen watch

I'm a fan of Skagen watches. Like when it comes to furniture, I like my watches to be sleek, classic, with a little bit of a clean modern twist. I love the irreverent yellow second hand against the simple square face with rounded edges.