Fashion
MapTotes
Looking for a new shopping or school/study tote? Look no further. Maptotes is a cute and affordable solution to every day needs. I especially love their denim and organic cotton styles =). I was just wondering the other day why companies like 7FAM or Rock & Republic haven’t released a collection of denim bags?…. It’s to my surprise since they specialize in denimwear.
*Photocredit: Gilt & Maptotes
I Spy…
I spied a DDG golden Chanel Le Marais bowler bag today on Billion Dollar Babes. What a tease! = / Of course, the cost of the bag was still in the 4 digits ($2350 to be exact) regardless of its pre-loved condition. I can see myself happily skipping through a flowery meadow with it hehe…
*Photocredit: Billion Dollar Babes
Louis Vuitton’s Monogram Shoulderbag Tivoli GM
I’m in love =)… If you dislike the lack of structure of an LV Speedy (as I do, with the exception of the smaller models since that’s less of an annoyance), than this may be the bag for you! Classic style and generous space for all your stuff. If I could only choose one LV bag, this would definitely be it! This is what LV has to say about the Tivoli GM:
“The elegant Tivoli has a classic rounded shape and provides great storage capacity. With its feminine pleated Monogram canvas, this bag is ideal for everyday style about town.
Size (LxHxD): 18.1″ x 11″ x 7.9″
-Interior mobile phone pocket
-Bottom studs to protect the base of the bag
-Zip for secure closing
-Hand or shoulder carry with adjustable handles”
Reference: www.louisvuitton.com
Converse Sneakers
I’ve never been a big fan of Converse sneakers because I have the image of people wearing Chucks with tapered jeans in my mind (which only works well if you aren’t too scrawny and don’t mind that it might accentuate your petiteness). This Sunday I received a sales alert on Juicy Couture… Featured were a pair of really cute red plaid Converse-like shoes, which inspired me to visit the Converse website. There is an option to “Start An Original” with 13 customizations so, being a Gemini, I naturally think that’s pretty cool. My husband is a fan of the original Chucks so he might cringe at the site of my custom design decked out in company colors but I really like it. Grungy couture at its best…
*Photocredit: Converse
Fashion & Cooking’s Common Thread
I saw a copy of American Fashion Cookbook offered during a Gilt sale and although I currently have ample cookbooks, I had to have it! What could be better than perusing through recipes which have helped fuel the creative forces of some of the world’s most amazing fashion designers? My only qualm is that Katherine Kwei (my favorite handbag designer) is missing from this book. I’ve tried a few recipes from this book so far e.g. Saturday Night Chicken, Arroz Con Pollo, Sweet Potato Casserole etc. and really love them. Pick up a copy!
*Photocredit: NYCupcake
Longchamp Handbags
For a while, I stayed away from this brand because it seemed like it was becoming an all too overly popular sensation with their Planetes signature style tote; which I happened to dislike at the time for whatever reason. A couple years later I noticed their Cosmos bowler at a local handbag boutique and fell in love with it- the sparkly leather exterior and star strewn lining couldn’t be denied =). I decided to give Longchamp another chance. They also offer great men’s leather wallets- classic and gorgeous. Below I have selected my top Longchamp styles. The Roseau in ebony and the Rival in indigo blue patent makes me purrrr…
*Photocredit: Longchamp
Just a Note: Praise to Zappos & Others
One of my biggest peeves regarding buying handbags from a website is that the company doesn’t offer enough product details to help the consumer make an educated decision about their purchase. Consumers have a right to know what they are putting their money towards and companies benefit by potentially decreasing their number of returns. I love the pictures that companies like Zappos, Endless, and eBags provide their consumer. Doesn’t leave much to the imagination in that what you see is basically what you get, though computer monitor variations may cause slight coloration differences. Zappos has actually taken it a step further to include video descriptions on some of their products such as the ones below so kudos to them =)
*VideoCredit: Zappos
Zappos on B. Makowsky Dakar Tote
Studded Sensation, Sara Berman
Totally irresistible accessories by Sara and Amiee Berman. You know that I’m a sucker for studded belts and boots but this love also translates to handbags and cosmetic pouches. Wow, hehe… an actual studded makeup bag and with leopard print satin lining too- how cool is that?
*Photocredit: The Out Net
Why I Love B. Makowsky…
I’m a member of The Bag Forum and from time to time I’ve seen a thread or two raving about B. Makowsky’s handbags. I don’t know why I didn’t give this brand a second thought. I found a You Tuber’s video on her “8 Most Worn Things.” Towards the end of the video, she mentions her love of her new BM brown leather silver studded satchel (Studded Soft – Large’ Pleated Hobo). This re-inspired me to examine this brand… Introducing the Melbourne Shopper (my “go to” and soulmate bag). I never would have thought I could say this about any bag. You know how sometimes you can spontaneously identify a special product; one that you could picture still loving years down the line… Well, this is the real deal =). It couldn’t have been more perfect a design for me; kinda like someone custom made this bag for me! How cool is that? Why I love the Melbourne… uhm, is it because it’s a composite of all my top-rated bags and because I can’t find any fault with it?..
dark, soft, exotic embossed leather
significant hardware yet the bag alone doesn’t weigh a ton
generous pockets/compartments
outer compartment for a cell phone (easy access for me)
roomy
strong magnetic closures
timeless, classic style with lovely detailing
good price for its quality
it is a true shoulder bag which can be worn with a coat on (perfect shoulder drop)
soft smooth leopard print lining
looks really good with any outfit
it may not be a summer-ish bag because it’s black, but I really don’t care (available in other pretty colors)
I hope I won’t wear this bag out too quickly =). It’s the best-of-its-kind.
*Photocredit: Endless
New Arrival: Leigh & Luca Scarf
I purchased a gorgeous L&L grey cotton silk silver rose fringe scarf via my Bluefly store credit. So amazingly lovely =)! Their scarves never disappoint! Just call me scarf girl; I’m nuts over scarves. Leigh & Luca scarves are some of the best I own because they are really versatile (generous dimensions). The many ways they can be worn or used:
The Boho
The Jedi
The Whiplash
The Loop
The Jesse James
The Josh
As a cover
As a wrap
As a beach blanket
As a sarong
etc (Just visit their website for the cute illustrations)
Lovveee it <3!
*Photocredit: Bluefly
