remixing fashion and luxury for reality

Is it possible to find love with a bag after not being able to get the bag you had your heart set on? I say YES… because I’m in love with my Foley + Corrina Glazed Leather Jet Setter Bag! I got this bag as a result of my husband’s denial-of-purchase on a Prada bag I was seeking while in Guam over the holidays. Let me remind you Guam is 100% duty free.. But in any case I got the hand and came back to the States empty handed and started looking for other options. If you recall I did a post on What to Wear to Work and it was even back as far as May of last year I’d had my eye on this bag. Thankfully they’ve been restocking this bag and I was able to snatch one up at Revolveclothing.com last month.

Highs

• The bag was less than $500! That is what we used to pay for the uber-luxe bags 10 years ago!
• Insanely comfy to carry. Wide opening for your arms under the straps. Can be carried as a handle bag or over one arm/shoulder.
• Roomy as hell. I put my 15 pound Shih-Tzu in there. You can carry all the essentials + more and the bottom of the bag never sags.
• The leather is a nice in-between of leather and patent leather. I’d been hot on the market for a patent bag but was a little concerned about the longevity of a patent bag. This was perfect since it’s glazed which gives the bag a nice subtle, classy glossiness.
• 3 pockets integrated across the bag for easy storage of random objects.

Lows

• The bag is just a tad over slouchy at times, especially when I want to prop the bag up on the ground or my desk. If it doesn’t have enough junk in it then it slouches over. Then again this is what makes the bag so comfortable to carry so it’s fine with me!
• I’ll let you know if I can think of any more. I’m that happy with it!

Photos of me and my bag..

Nothing luxe here.. just funny signs!

I spent the weekend in Tahoe… a little snow boarding and a lot of poker at Montbleu. These photos were taken at a little pizza joint on the way home. Oh and there was a total of 5 arcade games in the entire place.

For those US mag readers (is there anyone not included in this population?) who enjoy the guilty pleasure of dissecting and occasionally trashing celebrities and their outfits.. here’s a blog must-read: Couture Candy’s Celebrity Blog.  I have no idea how long it’s been around actually but I found it recently and was immediately hooked.

The format is simple and the posts are dependably consistent…

The Scoop + Celebrity Fashion Photo + Links on Where to Buy

It’s so obvious that celebrities sell clothes better than any multi million dollar advertising campaign could ever live up to. Why don’t more online fashion retailers pick up on this?

Personally, I find sites like this and Frugal-Fashionista so addicting because I love to see how other girls put their outfits together. Getting dressed for events — even if it’s something as mundane as a work day can be something I look forward to and I can really get into about picking out an outfit. At other times though it can be a very grueling and painful task when feeling uninspired. Fashion magazines can provide a little boost at times but celeb photos are a far better source of inspiration. It’s real people putting real pieces together to make a look that is worn out on the real streets. The glossy fashion spreads of Vogue and Bazaar are fun to flip through but who leaves the house looking like that? A yellow feather skirt and patent leather bustier don’t make a complete look for me!

For those US mag readers (is there anyone not included in this population?) who enjoy the guilty pleasure of dissecting and occasionally trashing celebrities and their outfits.. here’s a blog must-read: Couture Candy’s Celebrity Blog.  I have no idea how long it’s been around actually but I found it recently and was immediately hooked.

The format is simple and the posts are dependably consistent…

The Scoop + Celebrity Fashion Photo + Links on Where to Buy

It’s so obvious that celebrities sell clothes better than any multi million dollar advertising campaign could ever live up to. Why don’t more online fashion retailers pick up on this?

Personally, I find sites like this and Frugal-Fashionista so addicting because I love to see how other girls put their outfits together. Getting dressed for events — even if it’s something as mundane as a work day can be something I look forward to and I can really get into about picking out an outfit. At other times though it can be a very grueling and painful task when feeling uninspired. Fashion magazines can provide a little boost at times but celeb photos are a far better source of inspiration. It’s real people putting real pieces together to make a look that is worn out on the real streets. The glossy fashion spreads of Vogue and Bazaar are fun to flip through but who leaves the house looking like that? A yellow feather skirt and patent leather bustier don’t make a complete look for me!

I was one of the fortunate girls who got to wear retainers and braces for most of junior high and high school. Even then I didn’t learn my lesson and I forgot to wear my retainers as directed… so today I have the pleasure of a getting junk in my grill after every meal. Thank God for my true girlfriends and now my husband who are on constant grill-alert.

Now, thanks to my friend "skim", I have another remedy for this so very embarrassing and very un-luxe habit.. He invented a tiny mirror that can stick on to any object/surface. It’s called "Little Mirror". It’s about the size of  2 quarters and sufficiently large enough to admire half your face at a time — or in my case just enough visibility to fish out the pepper or spinach between my teeth. You can stick it on your cell phone, PDA, or mp3 player. I think I’ll slap one on my laptop. For those extra boring meetings you know!

Skim gave me 100 or so Little Mirrors to share with my readers. Thanks SKIM! I still think you should have named it Lil Mir’

How to get your Little Mirror:

1. Email me at luxemix@gmail.com.
2. Include your name and mailing address.
3. That’s it! I’ll send it to you via snail mail.

Note: No, I will not do anything with your name or address but I will keep track of your email just in case I ever get around to starting a newsletter (which you’ll be able to unsubscribe from anytime).

To see more pictures of Little Mirror go to http://www.littlemirror.com.

I need to stop doing a little something for everyone

What a relief that handbags got their groove back starting with 2008. I can finally drool again. I thought I might have to resort to another past time! Click, consider, click, consider… what lovely bag deserves a good home today??

I will say I have been desperately seeking 2 things: a black patent bag and an oversize clutch. I just haven’t had the cold sweats yet for any one bag in particular so the search continues. Let’s continue admiring though…

Smokey Blacks and Greys

Yves Saint Laurent Black Patent Rive Gauche Tote

Jimmy Choo Lulu Clutch

Yves Saint Laurent Capri Flap Hobo

Jimmy Choo Foldover Calfskin Clutch

Golden Neutrals

Jimmy Choo Troy Pony Clutch

Jimmy Choo Convertible Hobo

Valentino Couture Bag

Marc Jacobs Mayfair Shoulder Bag

Mid-Luxe Options

I know we can’t all afford to drop a mortgage payment on a handbag without surviving on cup-ramen for a few months or getting chewed out by the husband … but there is hope!

2007 marked the rise of the demi-luxe handbag designer who targets the mid-range anywhere from $200-$700. Kooba, Anna Corina, Botkier.. to name a few of my favorites. I guarantee 2008 will bring on a small army of new players in this space and perhaps even in more affordable price ranges from $100-$200.   

Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr Q Groovee Bag

Mayle Jean Bag

Botkier Sasha Small Duffel

Didn’t mean to leave you all hanging! Well I’m sure many of you were away for the holidays and spending quality time with your significant others and families so perhaps we’ve all been preoccupied during the holiday season. I was away in Korea/Guam yet again.. the 3rd time for 2007 to be exact. That’s more three more times than I’ve been  to Vegas this year. Holy mole. 3 more times than I’ve done a lot of things in 2007. Anyway you get the point. So I’ve been away for the past couple weeks and my trip was extended even longer bc I finally gave into the Attack-of-the-Cold-Epidemic that’s been gripping every country I was in this holiday season — from the Bay Area to Korean and even Guam. It’s this bizarre cold that don’t quit! It takes about 2 weeks on average to kick it. I’m approaching week 2. I can’t wait to be healthy again!!

Over the past week I’ve had some time to reflect on a lot of things. I suppose that all you really can do when you are comatose in bed, isolated from society, without even the energy to hold up a book to read. Reflecting can bring about a lot of good though I realized, at least I hope. I’m determined to shape these reflections into my resolutions for the New Year.

Reflection 1: Christmas should be about the spiritual and quality time spent with loved ones, not the luxe gifts!
I was trying to think about how Christmas felt different this year or how I felt different about Christmas this year. It felt rushed and empty for some reason. Was it because I spent this Christmas away from home? Perhaps that could be a part of it. But something tells me my heart was in the wrong place this year. Not my romantic heart! I’m still as happily ever married to my husband.. it’s more the "giving" Christmas spirit I’d filled my heart with. I think I placed too much emphasis and focus on the material side of giving this Christmas.

What’s funny is that last year I lectured myself on how I wasn’t prepared materially for Christmas in 2006 (buying the right nice gifts, etc) and that I wanted to be prepared early and on time in 2007. I certainly was prepared! I had all my Christmas shopping done 3 weeks before the 25th. I was quite satisfied with all my material selections this year.. fragrance diffusers.. luxe skin care.. leather accessories… all were very fine things that were carefully selected and I felt were very nice gifts for my friends and family. The funny thing is none of these gifts seemed to really touch the hearts of any of the recipients. How do I know that? I just know. The ONE and only gift I felt like had a real impact and was received with a very loving response was the Cirque du Soleil tickets we bought my family. My Mother couldn’t stop raving about the tickets. I know she felt like my heart had been in the right place when I bought them. And it’s true, I had thought about this as a good gift for my family since it’s something we could all do together. Nothing could make my mom happier than a straight 4-6 hours of good family fun.. no escape routes.

So how do you give a gift that’s truly meaningful? One that sends those good vibes to the recipient? Well that’s my focus for 2008. I can tell you that it will take a lot more effort than spending more money on a luxe and materially desirable gift, but at the end of the day will send a much stronger message to the recipient.

Alright, I’m now seriously spent (haha! spent!) from writing this post so my 2008 New Year Reflections and Resolutions will have to be continued..

Didn’t mean to leave you all hanging! Well I’m sure many of you were away for the holidays and spending quality time with your significant others and families so perhaps we’ve all been preoccupied during the holiday season. I was away in Korea/Guam yet again.. the 3rd time for 2007 to be exact. That’s more three more times than I’ve been  to Vegas this year. Holy mole. 3 more times than I’ve done a lot of things in 2007. Anyway you get the point. So I’ve been away for the past couple weeks and my trip was extended even longer bc I finally gave into the Attack-of-the-Cold-Epidemic that’s been gripping every country I was in this holiday season — from the Bay Area to Korean and even Guam. It’s this bizarre cold that don’t quit! It takes about 2 weeks on average to kick it. I’m approaching week 2. I can’t wait to be healthy again!!

Over the past week I’ve had some time to reflect on a lot of things. I suppose that all you really can do when you are comatose in bed, isolated from society, without even the energy to hold up a book to read. Reflecting can bring about a lot of good though I realized, at least I hope. I’m determined to shape these reflections into my resolutions for the New Year.

Reflection 1: Christmas should be about the spiritual and quality time spent with loved ones, not the luxe gifts!
I was trying to think about how Christmas felt different this year or how I felt different about Christmas this year. It felt rushed and empty for some reason. Was it because I spent this Christmas away from home? Perhaps that could be a part of it. But something tells me my heart was in the wrong place this year. Not my romantic heart! I’m still as happily ever married to my husband.. it’s more the "giving" Christmas spirit I’d filled my heart with. I think I placed too much emphasis and focus on the material side of giving this Christmas.

What’s funny is that last year I lectured myself on how I wasn’t prepared materially for Christmas in 2006 (buying the right nice gifts, etc) and that I wanted to be prepared early and on time in 2007. I certainly was prepared! I had all my Christmas shopping done 3 weeks before the 25th. I was quite satisfied with all my material selections this year.. fragrance diffusers.. luxe skin care.. leather accessories… all were very fine things that were carefully selected and I felt were very nice gifts for my friends and family. The funny thing is none of these gifts seemed to really touch the hearts of any of the recipients. How do I know that? I just know. The ONE and only gift I felt like had a real impact and was received with a very loving response was the Cirque du Soleil tickets we bought my family. My Mother couldn’t stop raving about the tickets. I know she felt like my heart had been in the right place when I bought them. And it’s true, I had thought about this as a good gift for my family since it’s something we could all do together. Nothing could make my mom happier than a straight 4-6 hours of good family fun.. no escape routes.

So how do you give a gift that’s truly meaningful? One that sends those good vibes to the recipient? Well that’s my focus for 2008. I can tell you that it will take a lot more effort than spending more money on a luxe and materially desirable gift, but at the end of the day will send a much stronger message to the recipient.

Alright, I’m now seriously spent (haha! spent!) from writing this post so my 2008 New Year Reflections and Resolutions will have to be continued..