Wrap Me Up
November 11, 2010 | Collections Agent
It's a get cozy kind of day around here. Hopefully the sun will make an appearance this afternoon but even if we get a bit of sunlight, it's still the kind of day where you want to curl up next to a fireplace wrapped in a soft sweater. This is when Inhabit has you covered.
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| Looks from Inhabit Women's Fall Collection |
I have my eye on that deliciously detailed cowl neck sweater. I would wear that to death with jeans and tall boots all winter. What I love about Inhabit is the interesting twists to wardrobe basics. Pieces like that are staples for me because it makes it so much easier to get dressed and you can wear it from season to season. You can't go wrong. Now where's that fireplace?
Lovely Lanvin
November 9, 2010 | Collections Agent
This would be a hallelujah moment for me – if only I could afford it. I just found out Lanvin is available online at one of my favorite retailers, Nordstrom. The site hasa small, but tempting selection of Resort 2011 pieces.
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| Just a small sampling of Lanvin online at Nordstrom | ||
I wish I could add that beauty of a dress into my welcoming closet, but not only is it not within my budget, it's selling out fast. Guess this means I need to go about this the old fashioned way – by saving. A timeless Lanvin piece is definitely great motivation.
Shiny, Pretty Things
October 29, 2010 | Favorite Things
When it comes to the most effective "pick-me-up" for the wardrobe, it's all about accessories as far as I'm concerned. The beauty of accessories is, the price point related to the quality is more forgiving. If you spend $25 on a pair of shoes, they look like cheap shoes, but if you spend ten bucks on earrings, who's going to know?
It's also the perfect way to play with color if you are a bit bashful about stepping out in that regard. I put myself in that category since I am way more comfortable in black and neutrals. Lately, I've been feeling more adventurous and craving color.
Once site I have become obsessed with lately is Charm and Chain. There are many well priced jewelry choices, including one-of-a-kind items that are simply amazing.
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| Vintage enamel necklace from Charm and Chain |
So while a Cartier Love Bracelet sounds heavenly in theory, the price tag does not. Besides, getting a great vintage piece at a much lower price point than designer jewelry leaves more money for bags and shoes. Or a much healthier savings account.
Leather and Lace
October 21, 2010 | Shoes, Glorious Shoes
File this under sexy.
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| Nicholas Kirkwood Lace Cutout Booties |
Forget the notion that you need a place to wear these shoes. Wear them around the house. Wear them to the park. Wear them while you're on the couch reading Anna Karenina. Who cares when your feet look that good? You can also forget about whether these shoes are comfortable because I will bet my demure little Lanvin ballet flats that they are NOT.
These shoes will get you noticed for sure, so if you have the extra grand to spare on a statement piece you can find these Nicholas Kirkwood beauties online at Kirna Zabete. Happy feet indeed!
Glimpse of the Runway
October 13, 2010 | Collections Agent
You better work. I know that's so 90's but I had that RuPaul song in my head while I was watching the last night of Portland Fashion Week last weekend. I was lucky enough to attend as a guest of the incredibly lovely and talented Suzi Johnson of Souchi.
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| Portland Fashion Week - Souchi Spring 2011 Collection |
Portland has a diverse and dynamic fashion community, so it's a great way to see what's happening right in my own 'hood. There were some very creative and highly wearable designs on the runway. I won't lie though. The show I anticipated most was Suzi's. I am an unabashed knitwear lover and Souchi delivers the goods on so many levels. Luxury – check. Elegance – check. Comfort – check. Sexiness – amen, sister. Everything Suzi designs is timeless. I know that word is thrown around a lot, but her looks are truly wearable for years to come. When I think about the items that will stand the test of time, like a classic Chanel quilted bag, Lanvin flats or a Burberry trench, a Souchi sweater is on that list. Seriously, it's that good.
Souchi knitwear is hand-loomed right here in Portland. All of the pieces are made from the most delicious yarns you can imagine. Suzi's spring collection, filled with gorgeous dresses, tanks, skirts and lounge pants in a dreamy palette, will be available in late December. Meanwhile, peep the fall/winter collection here.
October 7, 2010 | Collections Agent
If you told me I would find a cat print shorts and jacket set amusing and fresh, I would say you were smoking the strong stuff. Seriously though, maybe I'm the one who drank the Kool-Aid? Because I saw this look from the Paul and Joe Spring 2011 collection and I think it's awesome.
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| Paul & Joe Spring RTW 2011 from style.com |
I also like the look on the bemused model's face. She is rocking the cat print for all she's worth. Now I'm not saying I'd leave the house in this, but I do like the lighthearted spirit of spring this look evokes. I also like the rest of this collection. For such a boyish name, Paul and Joe is bringing the the girly in the best possible ways.
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Fun in Fashion with a Capital F
September 28, 2010 | Collections Agent
It has been a while since I've posted. I hit a wall when it came to finding something new to write. Everything started looking the same. Even with a recent trip to NYC, the retail climate wasn't getting me excited to part with my hard earned money. I wasn't finding any inspiration even though just a few months ago, I was excited about dressing for fall. Then spring 2011 shows started happening. It's always fun to see the latest and Prada proved to be the one show to offer the inspiration I craved.
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| Prada Spring 2011 photos from style.com |
Those prints! Those colors! Those shoes! The collection is so captivating, witty, and covetable! Now that Prada finally offers e-commerce, it will be interesting to see if ready-to-wear will join accessories in the online store. Meantime, watch the spring show on the website. It will get you thinking again about how to make fashion fun and completely your own.
LBD OMG
August 18, 2010 | Favorite Things
Now I know that describing a garment as "flocked" sounds about as cool as high rise acid washed jeans, but don't let that image of a tacky Christmas tree sway you. This dress by Viktor and Rolf is dope.
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| Viktor & Rolf Flocked Long Sleeve Dress |
I LOVE! This is my absolute favorite dress silhouette. It's sexy without trying too hard. Pair with killer heels and you've got quite the look for a night on the town!
Fancy Frills
August 13, 2010 | Collections
I have to give it up to J. Crew for making it easy to find great fashion forward yet classic designs at wallet friendly prices. If you need the perfect slouchy cardigan, affordable cashmere, or even a fun night-on-the town outfit, J. Crew is on my list of top three places to look. However, there are a few items in the fall collection that does not fit the budget friendly description. Take this for instance.
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| J. Crew Lacey Cami |
What gives with the $700 lace cami? I know the description says it's hand-finished in France but come on! Even if it's sprinkled with fairy dust, I'm not sure it's worth it. For that kind of money you could buy a very nice coat or two pairs of quality boots or three pairs of super flattering wool trousers… the list goes on and on. I think I'll stay away from the French lace and stick to the more basic sportswear that J. Crew does best.
Double Duty
July 22, 2010 | Handbag Review
One thing I've noticed more and more in fashion these days are two-in-one designs. Who doesn't like getting more bang for their buck? I saw this on net-a-porter and thought it was genius.
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| Miu Miu Matelasse Shoulder Bag |
We've seen the detachable shoulder strap on bags before, but I haven't seen one that offers a strap that converts to a sparkly necklace. The size of the bag seems perfect, not too small and not too big to hold as a clutch. Looks like the perfect little gem for the girl-about-town.
The Shape of Things
July 15, 2010 | Handbag Review
If there's one handbag shape I've wanted to try lately, it's the slouchy hobo. If you're all about cool, casual, thrown-together style then this might be the bag for you too.
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| Alexander Wang Darcy Hobo |
Alexander Wang can do no wrong when it comes to accessories in my opinion! This is just the kind of bag that looks luxurious without ostentation.
I'm not carrying a whole lot these days - wallet, sunglasses, tiny makeup bag and phone - so this bag might be even slouchier on me. I can get behind that. It's likely the studs add significantly to the weight so it's probably better not to carry everything but the kitchen sink.
Coming Up Roses
July 7 | Handbag Review
I should stop getting email from Barneys because when I get one like this, I get a little weak in the knees.
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| Balenciaga Rose Gold Envelope Clutch |
I know I've given plenty of blog space to Balenciaga bags, but I think the new rose gold studs and fall colors deserve a special mention. I can't wait to see the color Seigle in person. It looks like the perfect neutral to take you from season to season. Castagna is a color from last season and it's just as rich and yummy for fall. I've already written about Bois de Rose in the City bag so seeing it with the rose gold hardware on the envelope clutch is just as lovely. I want!
Madewell Online
June 21, 2010 | Favorite Things
It's about time! Madewell recently launched an ecommerce site and now those of us who don't live near a store can can order up one of their pretty printed scarves or fabulous fit jeans. The prices are perfect to add accessories that will punch up your summer wardrobe. The basics are great too, but right now I'm obsessed with scarves and jewelry, which Madewell has tons of spot-on options. This tank top is also one of my favorites...
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| Madewell Metal Mesh Tank Top |
It would look great on its own or underneath a basic long cardigan. So far it's been a cool summer in my neck of the woods, so I live in layers. More clothes to experiment with, I say.
Touch of Gray
June 10, 2010 | Favorite Things
I recently went shopping and realized I have a situation going on. I am hopelessly drawn to the color gray (or grey, which is used more outside of the U.S. – thank you Wikipedia). Black is a given, but since summer is just around the corner, I’m less likely to buy black now, however, I will definitely pick up anything gray. I have been trying to branch out – spring is about florals and vibrant colors after all – but I just can’t help myself. I guess I should just stay true to what speaks to me.
So here is a round up of my favorite gray/grey items!
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| 3.1 Phillip Lim Drop Stitch Sweater Dress | Stella McCartney Peplum Top |
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| J. Crew Space Dyed T-shirt | Proenza Schouler PS1 Bag |
The PS 1 is Smoke is TDF! Can I just tell you that I’ve been talking up the PS1 to my husband for months now? I’m sure all he hears is Charlie Brown’s teacher from the Peanuts cartoons – “Wah, wah wah.” What can I say? When I start obsessing, there’s no end… at least not for a while. So speaking of preoccupations, I’m just going to call myself Lady Jane Grey and not care that I am stuck in shades of gray.
Strap Happy
June 4, 2010 | Handbag Review
I have been going back and forth about the Alexander Wang Rocco bag. On the one hand, the simple design, gorgeous leather, and studded bottom makes it the perfect go-to bag with an edge. On the other hand, I've read that the bag is heavy (no surprise given aforementioned studs) and the short handles are limiting for those of us who would rather be hands free and don't like carrying bags on the crooks of our arms. Someone in Bag Land made gave handsome Rocco the perfect makeover.
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| Alexander Wang Rocco Mini Duffle from the 2010 Prefall Collection |
Hooray for straps! I wish all handbag designers would offer an optional strap when it makes sense. The texture of this Rocco bag gives it another dimension of interest and I love this smoke color with the silver studs. Bravo!
Wedge Obsessed
May 28, 2010 | Shoes, Glorious Shoes
I have been dreaming of stomping around a pair of Ann Demeulemeester wedge boots. While the price tag makes that a smidge out of reach, I can still admire, right?
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| Ann Demeulemeester Wedge Sandals |
This spring's version of her buckled wedge sandals are amazing! I LOVE. You could wear pair this with a sweet summer dress to toughen up your look a bit. Or wear with cropped chinos that are everywhere this spring. Better start saving my pennies. With a price tag of nearly $1,300, buying these requires quite a few of them!
Fields of Gold
May 26, 2010 | Favorite Things
This may sound a bit goofy but I love a good wheat motif. So I am loving these earrings.
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| Aurelie Bidermann Wheat Earrings |
It's a simple drop earring that definitely adds a little something extra to an outfit. It's a good way to get out of a jewelry rut too, like I'm in right now. When you have something this fun in your jewelry box, how can you leave home without them?
Hiking Hipster
May 11, 2010 | Bag Review
Hipsters rejoice - the Rachel Comey hiking-inspired accessories collection is here. While I love here quirky cool women's clothes and shoes, I'm not sure what to think about the bags.
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| Rachel Comey Backpack from Ten Over Six |
The backpacks and clutches have a retro vibe (and complements her fabulous spring collection perfectly). The attention to detail is exactly what you'd expect if you are already a member of the Rachel Comey fan club. I guess my question is, does something as utilitarian as a backpack need a hipster makeover?
Maybe I am overthinking this. I like to separate my fashionable side with my sporty side. When I go to REI or Patagonia for practical outdoor gear, I want things that serve their purpose. If they happen to look good, then hooray for me. Hey, if Chanel can make calfskin covered handweights, then an indie darling designer can surely create "hiking gear."
Pretty In Pink
May 5, 2010 | Bag Review
I get a little embarrassed to admit this, but I do love me some pink! I don’t wear it much anymore, although it featured prominently in my junior high school wardrobe. And it has made a comeback from time to time. I thank Molly Ringwald for making pink a color not just for babies or cheerleader types. Pink can be for cool girls too.
So with that, I’m going to have to say this Balenciaga bag is definitely in the cool category.
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| Balenciaga Neiman Marcus Exclusive City Bag in Bois De Rose |
I would love to get my hands on this bag just to see the finish on the suede. I’m not much into suede bags but I think the metallic is quite pretty and takes away from the preciousness of a pink bag. It would be great with a dark outfit to make the metallic really stand out. I love the classic City. My only complaint is that the strap should be a smidge longer. In fact, I would love to see Balenciaga just sell straps in different lengths. I won’t get too critical though. The City is practically perfect!
Pretty Twisted
April 28, 2010 | Favorite Things
This item goes in the category of “who cares if it’s totally impractical!”
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| Joseph Knit Lambskin Tunic at La Garçonne |
I would think it’s probably sturdier than it looks but who knows? At over $1700 you’d hope so. Just don't sit on concrete... but enough about the practical. This dress is the perfect spring piece that blends luxury with laid back cool. This makes me want to find strips of leather and experiment with knitting something other than yarn. Instead of calling this the impractical dress, I’ll call it the inspiration dress. *Sigh*
Green is Good
April 22, 2010 | Shoes, Glorious Shoes
Happy Earth Day! How about some earth friendly fashion?
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| TOMS Shoes |
I love the idea behind TOMS shoes. The company uses sustainable materials to make their products, and for every pair they sell, TOMS donates a pair of shoes to a child in a developing country. TOMS even has suggestions for how to reuse your old shoes so you can keep it out of the trash bin for a little bit longer. Now that’s a shoe purchase you never have to feel guilty about.
Souchi: Lovely Little Surprises
April 20, 2010 | Shop Local
When I say I never win anything, it really was true… until now. Last Thursday I went to a store event at one of my favorite boutiques in Portland. Souchi is the place to get the most luxurious hand-loomed knitwear. I’m not kidding when I say you’ll want to sleep in a Souchi cashmere sweater because the prospect of waking up in it is just so delicious!
Anyway, I jumped at the chance to mingle with other devotees and take advantage of 15% off. The icing on the cake was when I won the drawing for an organic cotton cardigan. Oh sweet luck!
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| Souchi organic cotton cardi – I’m getting a custom made one of my very own! |
Suzi Johnson is the lovely and amazing designer behind the brand. She creates elegant knitwear that will stay in style for as long as you own it… and you’ll own a Souchi sweater for a long, long time. Each piece is timeless and is made with the highest quality yarns – as a knitter, I am an absolute believer in buying the best yarn you can afford. With most of us being extremely judicious about how we spend our money, Suzi’s knitwear is the perfect example of how you can spend a little more on the one perfect piece and wear it far more than things that cost much less.
If you don’t live in Portland, fear not. Souchi has an online store, where you can also find amazing under-the-radar designers. I had to leave the store with an adorable embroidered romper by Sea NY.
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| Sea NY romper – I have one of my very own! |
If someone would have told me I’d buy a romper, I would have said, “Oh hell naw!” But I did and I’m so glad because I LOVE. And that’s the beauty of finding a little boutique like Souchi. You find the unexpected and you feel like you made out just right.
Earth Angel
April 16, 2010 | Favorite Things
With Earth Day around the corner, I thought I’d share this sweet summery little number.
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| Loomstate Nicolette Braided Dress |
It’s made with 100% organic cotton and looks like the easiest thing ever to throw on. Loomstate has lots of wonderfully casual yet sexy designs that are just right for the perfect lazy weekend.
Organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. The more you buy organic, the more demand there will be for organically grown cotton. Then we’ll have even more choices when it comes to earth friendly fashion. Showing a little love for the environment will never go out of style.
To Market, To Market
April 14, 2010 | Bag Review
You know spring has really arrived in Portland when everyone lets their limbs out of hiding in shorts and t-shirts. After a long winter, soaking up vitamin D is a serious pursuit here.
One of my favorite spring activities is hitting the farmer’s market. Sometimes I could use an extra bag when I find way too many tempting things. This being Portland, pretty much everyone has reusable bags to tote their stuff. Even at the grocery store, most people seem to bring their own bags. I always feel a little guilty if I forget to bring mine, but if I had this bag, I don’t think I’d leave it at home.
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| Sac-a-Baguette Market Tote |
Reusable bags are nothing new, but this innovative design definitely made me take notice. You can wear it on your shoulder or like a backpack. The neutral canvas is streamlined and totally stylish. It’s made of heavy duty canvas that can take the wear and tear of heavy use and the elements. I love the bright, water-resistant lining with the handy zipper pockets. The pièce de résistance (no, seriously!) is the quiver in the back to carry an actual baguette. Don’t laugh… with so many awesome bakeries in Portland, how can I resist buying an actual baguette to put in a baguette bag? But you can also use it for an umbrella or flowers. Or just leave that part at home.
I am a serious bag junkie and it’s rare that I get truly excited about a new bag, but I think this one has tons of potential. The Sac-a-Baguette bags are priced from $299 to $329 so it is a bit of an investment. I think it’s worth it because it could work as an everyday carry-all or a handy mommy tote. Right now most of us can only buy directly from the website, but they are expanding their retail locations soon.
Viva la Baguette!
Close to the Vest
April 8, 2010 | Favorite Things
I know this picture clearly shows a vest…
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| Isabel Marant Fuso Gilet |
But I looked up the word gilet on Wikipedia anyway and read this description: a sleeveless jacket resembling a waistcoat or blouse. Currently, a gilet is a sleeveless jacket or vest.
Well, that settles that. Now back to this Isabel Marant vest. Love! The flutter sleeves are feminine but not overdone. I love the subtle linen stripes with the shock of pink going through it. I don’t normally wear vests but I’d wear this one. All the time. Now the question is how do I get on net-a-porter fast enough to get my hands on their Isabel Marant stock before it sells out. That merch moves fast!
Caught in a Web
March 9, 2010 | Favorite Things
My two-year-old is obsessed with spider webs. He’s a little creeped out by spiders, but is absolutely fascinated with their webs. He loves getting close to a spider sitting on its web and waiting patiently for it to move. And if he sees an old cobweb in a high corner of our house, he tells me “We haf to get rid ah that.” (Then I rush to grab a duster since my child is telling me my housekeeping skills are less than stellar.) So I wonder what he’d think of this airy little number?
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| Maison Martin Margiela Cobweb Shrug | |
I have to admit, I want to study this more than I want to actually wear it. I love knitting but for some reason, crocheting has eluded me. Besides, most crocheted things have never looked as cool as this. I think my son would definitely be interested if I showed him this cobweb shirt. Then he’d destroy it in a matter of minutes trying to drape it on a piece of furniture while hanging his favorite miniature trucks on it. This is definitely for the woman without child.
Feeling Blue
March 2 | Bag Review
I have been in need of a dark colored bag for a long time. I don’t actually own a black one right now, strange as that sounds. I’ve kind of been into the idea of having the color of my bag as an accent for all my dark clothes. Lately I’ve been wanting a dark colored bag, but not necessarily in black. Then I saw this and thought, perfect!
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| Balenciaga City Handbag in Canard |
It’s a beautiful dark blue bag that isn’t a stodgy navy, but isn’t the candy colored blue bags that are everywhere for spring. Canard seems like a color that you wouldn’t get tired of after a season or two. I am definitely feeling blue!
Spring in My Step
February 19, 2010 | Collections Agent
While I am having fun checking out images of all the fall 2010 fashion shows online, I am definitely feeling spring. Getting some extended time in the sun has made me a new woman! One line I am taking a second look at right now is Rebecca Taylor.
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| Looks from Rebecca Taylor Spring Collection | ||
While the prints are super girly, there are other pieces – like the leopard print t-shirt or the denim polka dot shorts that add a dose of downtown cool to the looks. I’m sold.
Tickled Pink
February 10, 2010 | Shoes, Glorious Shoes
Confession time… I’ve always been partial to pink. Trust me, I feel ambivalent about it but I’m compelled to share my secret admiration. Maybe with Valentine’s Day rolling around soon, I’m reminded of it. I wouldn’t feel so secretive about liking pink if there weren’t certain connotations about the color: childishness, overt femininity, Barbie dolls, etc. Perhaps I am delving too deeply into a color (and a subject for that matter) that shouldn’t be analyzed so much,
Believe me when I say that if I had my choice and unlimited resources, my wardrobe would be filled with Isabel Marant, Rachel Comey, Rich Owens and Balenciaga with a sprinkling of Chanel. Not exactly conjuring up images in shades of blush right? Okay, so Chanel may do that a little, but I would not buy a pink tweed Chanel jacket or quilted pink bag.
I wear black and gray a lot… a whole lot…. probably too much. For me, throwing purple into the mix is really lightening up. While I like pink, I feel like it’s not a color to be taken seriously or to be worn after you graduate from high school. Well, screw that. I need bit of frivolity. I’m not a serious person so why should I care about being taken seriously? So happy Valentine’s Day, happy spring, happy everything to all you pink lovers. I count myself as one of them! And by the way, love these bright pink Tory Burch Wrap Sandals.
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| Tory Burch Wrap Up Sandals |
Variety is the spice of life. The spicier the better!
A Girl’s Gotta Have Options
February 8 | Bag Review
How many handbags can one person own? If the answer was up to me, I’d say you can’t have too many. Handbags function with many different purposes, not the least of which is fashionably hauling your stuff. So after mulling over Donna Karan’s Eldridge bag, I wonder why more designers have not jumped on board this idea?
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| Donna Karan Eldridge 4 in 1 Convertible Bag | |
The printed leather version looks fun for spring, while the black version is a year-round keeper. Normally I’m not into pleated anything, but on the Eldridge, it doesn’t bother me. It starts off as a classic tote, but you can use the snaps on the bottom and adjustable straps for four different looks, including a shoulder bag or casual cross-body look. I’ve never paid much attention to Donna Karan handbags, but now I’m on notice. The details of the Eldridge are done just right and I’m curious to see what else this line has to offer.
Double Bag It
January 26 | Bag Review
“It” bags are supposed to be a thing of the past, but I think this one is definitely going to be on the radar of many fashion conscious gals.
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| Mulberry Alexa Bag |
I am actually a bit ambivalent about Mulberry because a few years back, I bought a Bayswater bag and the lock literally fell apart just three months after I bought it. That was really disappointing. So I haven’t really been keen on brand ever since, but the Alexa Bag drawing me back a little. It definitely reminds me of the Proenza Schouler PS1 bag.
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| PS1 Medium Satchel |
Um, who am I kidding? These look remarkably similar… almost too similar. But I really like that you can carry a bit of sunshine with the cheerful yellow colored Alexa bag. The cross-body strap is nice too. And the Mulberry bag is about four hundred dollars less than the PS1. For either amount though, these bags should be made with durability in mind. You aren’t shelling out peanuts for these babies.
Jumper Cables
January 20 | Collections Agent
Seriously, why haven’t I written about Pringle of Scotland before? I probably love a gorgeous knit more than any other item of clothing and this is one of the oldest games in town. Like Burberry, Pringle of Scotland has worked to shed its stodgy image with a fresh new take on its heritage of argyle sweaters and matching twinsets. Check out this hilarious animated short by artist David Shrigley about the brand’s past and present.
After watching this, I’m even more enthusiastic about a brand with roots in a place that rains so much it “gets to your head.” I also love that Tilda Swinton is the fashion house’s muse right now. She is truly an original… and I guess being Scottish doesn’t hurt either. Anyway, if you want to see the latest goods, the 2010 Pre-fall Collection is filled with looks that are flat out fantastic.
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| Pringle of Scotland 2010 Pre-Fall Collection | ||
The shapes and silhouettes are a good mix of cozy and streamlined. I know there’s a whole spring season we haven’t even gotten to yet, but I’m already looking forward to what Pringle has to offer this fall. Bring on the rain!
