Tag Archives: leather

Holiday Dress-Up

accessories, Fashion, Jewelry, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

This year I have two extra events to attend than I normally do so I’ve been trying to plan ahead in terms of outfits I’d like to wear.  Two family Christmas parties, a brunch meetup, and a business dinner.  Another issue is that New York is awfully cold this time of year.  My inspiration began with a cute crewneck sweater with an unexpected type of skirt pairing.  The office holiday party is more formal so I went with another option.  See photos for what I came up with after shopping my closet. 

Family Gathering 1: Talbots Polar Bear Crewneck Sweater + Chicwish’s My Secret Weapon Tulle Maxi Skirt in Glitter Pink + Seychelles Tall Black Wedge Boots (the one pictured is by Frye) + CZ floral earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane? + Rose Gold Vermeil Minimalist Necklace

Family Gathering 2: Talbots Polar Bear Crewneck Sweater + Nearkin’s on Amazon.com Waistband Scallop Floral Laced Midi Pencil Skirt in Beige + Seychelles Tall Black Wedge  Boots (the one pictured is by Frye)+ CZ floral earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane? + Rose Gold Vermeil Minimalist Necklace

Office Holiday Dinner Party: Yoana Baraschi Palais Royal Reversible Sweater Dress + Eileen Fisher Black Shrug + Seychelles Tall Black Wedge Boots (the one pictured is by Frye) + Love Knot Statement Necklace

Brunch Meetup: Catherine Malandrino Crochet Knit Long Sleeve Pullover/Sweater in Black + Anthropologie’s Valora Printed Skirt + Miz Mooz Barcelona Mary Janes in Black + Anthropologie’s Shoreline Necklace


The Midori Traveler

Books, Filofax, , , , , ,

Being that I’ve been a very big fan of paper-based planners, it is no surprise that I became enticed by the Midori Traveler.  I found out about it through one of Tracy Reinhardt’s a.k.a. Crazy Suburban Mom’s earlier You Tube posts.  While I don’t use this wonderful cowhide leather buildable notebook as a traditional organizer, I do use it as a field book of sorts dedicated to my hummingbird observations e.g. sketches, feeding times, and general behaviors.  I’ve gotten to know the principal characters of my garden fairly well.  The brown Midori comes in two sizes (medium and pocket-sized versions) and I believe they just released one with a navy blue leather cover.  You can also accessorize it to your liking (which I joyfully had done from day 1) :).  I ordered mine from The Journal Shop in Spring 2014 and found the staff to be very pleasant to work with…  I’m also very thankful for this since I had to rely on international purchase & shipping.

*Photocredit: Midori-Japan Company

midori traveler leather brown larger

The Success Choice Planner

Filofax, Organization, Stationery, , , , , , ,

I’m a fan of Tracy Reinhardt on You Tube a.k.a. Crazy Suburban Mom.  She introduced me and many others to the praiseworthiness of The Success Choice planner (which I love!)  It keeps me in check and reminds me to take better care of myself and others, so what’s not to love about that?  The covers are made of gorgeous sueded leather!  I’m a proud owner of the chocolate brown with TSC inserts.  I love the smell of it and even the natural imperfections in the leather!  The best is when leather looks like it’s been carried around and loved.  So every night, I can be seen penning in my thoughts of the day/week/month and hopefully able to check numerous accomplishments off.  Must amp my routine up to earn those shiny gold stars!

The only small detail I would change about the binder are the ring sizes.  I feel bad to even suggest this because they are some of the biggest rings in the organizer industry; however, just even a half inch would go a long way to perfectly fit every one of those refills.   I’m aware that some people have been slightly bothered by the floppiness of the covers but I really don’t mind it because I always write against something which provides me with support.

My husband is a tech gadget guy but even he expressed an affinity towards this planner [he was also the one who excitedly opened the TSC package when it came, not me :/… ;)].  Also of note, it is more affordable than Filofax off-sale so you may want to check it out!

P.S. I usually write with Micron pens and it’s worked out very well with no bleeding through or smudging.  You might want to invest in some Microns or something similar.  I like black in 01 and 03 =).  By the way, Microns also work well with most any other paper, whether it be Day Runner or Filofax.

 

*Photocredit: The Success Choice Planner

Salpy, Pretty! Pretty!

accessories, Fashion, shoes, , , ,

Salpy brand makes the prettiest shoes; however, it’s VERY expensive at regular price.  I waited too long and missed the Salpy sale at Simply Soles =(.  The Larita style reminds me of higher fashion clogs and mules, but are described as slides or slip-on heels.  At one point Simply Soles stocked, navy, black, and pewter snakeskin.  Though I’m unsure about the overall comfort factor since I don’t own a pair, they are nonetheless aesthetically gorgeous!

*Photocredit: Simply Soles

Leather Backpacks

accessories, Fashion, Handbags, Organization, , , ,

Many years ago when I first began my graduate program, I carried a very handsome and dependable Perlina black leather backpack.  I remembered one snowy night, quite like today, I decided to walk home rather than to wait for the bus (which was uncharacteristically delayed).  The backpack had survived my walk through the harsh weather much to my surprise and delight.  As soon as I arrived home, I toweled off the snow to preserve the leather.  Pictured below is one which looks identical to mine.  One feature I loved most about it besides its buttery soft leather was its very convenient side-zip.

These days trying to find a nice leather backpack feels like trying to search for a needle in a haystack.  Only every once in a while will you find a really special one (sorry if it sounds overly critical of me).  Wish I didn’t allow Rebecca Minkoff’s to get away a couple years back =(.  Just recently I spotted one by OrYany and can see for myself why it has received such rave reviews!

*Photocredit: BrandAlley UK and Various Sources

 

 

Handbag Phenom: Onna Ehrlich

Fashion, Handbags, , , , , , ,

I’m lusting over Onna Ehrlich’s Francoise Croco Bowler and Dawn Croco handbags!  They are so gorgeous, roomy, and look well-made!  Simple design- I love that because some handbags are wayyy overly designed… ugh…  I’ve only seen these two particular bag styles offered no more than once or twice in sample sales.  Both times I missed out =(.  Drat!

*Photocredit: Onna Ehrlich

I Dream of Mulberry

Fashion, Handbags, , , , , , , , , , ,

I’ve been obsessing over this brand recently- thoughts spurred on by the launch of Mulberry for Target (the large black patent Bayswater remains elusive).  The Alexa style is a chic messenger bag with a school gal sweetness; I wish I owned this bag too!  My all-time favorite is the Bayswater in blue calf-hair.  Gorgeous!  Gorgeous!   The new tree-patterned bag lining is most adorable!  I miss no details *blush*

*Photocredit: Mulberry

Coach Poppy Embossed Exotic XL Spotlight Tote

Fashion, Handbags, , , , , , ,

My first Coach love was a brown and tan woven wool signature logo mini tote (shown in an advertisement with the matching kitty heels).  Unforgettable in my mind…  I never found the kitty heels but I was fortunate enough to find the mini tote.  I guess from 2001 to 2006, I was pretty much obsessed with Coach, making almost monthly visits to their Soho store, if not more frequent…  Afterwards I was nuts over their denim logo line, particularly with their flap bags.  I have never forgotten about that collection and still think of it even today.  I’m still beating myself up for not snagging one of their denim bags sooner (I went back after some deliberation and the bag was snatched up by another buyer).  So today, while I was procrastinating over more important obligations, I decided to take a gander at the Coach website…  and I found the TDF Poppy Embossed Exotic XL Spotlight Tote.  The price tag was a bit of a shocker but it’s definitely lust!  Here is Coach’s take on their lovely Poppy:

“An exceptional Poppy bag in delicately textured, lightweight leather with golden metallic accents, intricate strap detailing and fun hangtags.

  • Soft calfskin leather with glazed metallic accents
  • Premium embossing with the look and feel of python
  • Cellphone and multifunction pockets
  • Zip top closure, fabric lining
  • Handles with 5” drop
  • Detachable crossbody strap with 9” drop
  • 13 1/2 (L) x 15 (H) x 5 1/4 (W)”

Louis Vuitton’s Monogram Shoulderbag Tivoli GM

Fashion, Handbags, , , , ,

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