remixing fashion and luxury for reality

I’m having a bit of a mid-life blog crisis, and been pondering what to focus my next posts on. Going back to the basics.. what I initially set out to do here.. is share insight and help enable you, my friends and readers, to explore more adventurous styles and fashions. I’ve always felt good fashion was too exclusive, too out of reach for the every day lifestyle and average girl. I don’t consider myself a fashion stylist or fashion trend setter by any means. If anything I’m just an avid consumer of fashion. A little too avid my husband might say.. But back to the point.. so I’m going to try writing more posts about what which fashion trends I’m following, and hopefully if I get this right, entire you guys to try a few of them out if you normally wouldn’t have dared.

So what’s on my mind right now? Sequin blazers! Is it just me or is this the trend that’s anywhere and everywhere. I don’t know exactly why started it but I think Rachel Zoe had a big impact.. esp. with her show the Rachel Zoe Project. Whatever she says on the show you end up seeing everywhere. By the time I’ve finally finished writing up this post, I’m actually on the verge of sequin blazer overload. Is it just me or do fashion trends seem to spread a lot faster and further than before?

Anyway, I’ve been photoshoping like mad and putting together some outfits with sequin blazers. The first look on the left is something I’d wear on a regular day, simple black and black. This is a very safe way to go. When in doubt go for all black, no one can say you didn’t know what you were doing. The next look (blue sequin blazer) would be something I’d wear at a more conservative event, maybe a work holiday party. Now that I look at it thought it’s a little on the mature lady side. The 3rd look (light grey/silver blazer) is definately work appropriate. The last look is a little wacky but I thought I’d try it out. What do you think? Does this work or is it just too mixy matchy?

I hope to hear you guys all try out the sequin blazer trend soon. If not sequin blazer, sequin anything. It’s everywhere so you can no excuse of not being able to find one you like!

Clearly the recession is over because $2300.00 for a pair of shoes didn’t break a sweat for all the girls who went out and bought these Balmain Sandals. They are sold out everywhere and haven’t been out for that long. I’m sure it doesn’t hurt that all the celebs are wearing them everywhere you look. I’m a little surprised people have taken such a liking to them though since they are way blinged out. I guess that’s what we’ve been building up to.. everyone is used to a little bling, now we are ready for the BIG BLING. I love them so much though and hope they do another run.. just one more guys.

Looks like they were originally being sold for $1600.00 but the only place that has them left (not to mention only size 38) is Net-a-Porter and they’ve jacked them up to $2300!!

The Fashionable Housewife found some great luxe-for-less options for these Balmains… must see.

Ahhh how refreshing for Spring! I’m getting all perky just looking at this bag in Marigold from L.A.M.B.  I feel the need to juicen up my closet for the coming summer and this bag dropped in just in time. At first I thought it was a Marc Jacobs design with how the zippers and handle are shaped. The bag is under $500.. but will have to see if the quality stands up to the price. I’m not much of a colorista these days but I think I could swing this with anything black, white, neutral/beige, or grey.

Available @eluxury.com for $495

There’s an elegance to this bag that I haven’t seen in many many ages and seasons of bags. It seems to have gotten it’s cue from the Prada Nappa, but I’m more into how the ruffles fall on this bag. The tassles add a cute but not too cute accent. If I were just a little more grown-up (just not ready to accept true woman hood yet!) I’d beg my husband for this lovely.

@ NeimanMarcus.com

My husband and I are taking a little weekend getaway trip (40 miles up the road) to San Francisco. That’s what our exciting suburbanite lives have amounted to. We can’t seem to hang for dinner and drinks in the city, it’s just too long a drive and a few too many drinks and we’re close too close to snoozing on the drive down. So, we’re packing our bags and heading to the SF Intercontinental for an exciting Valentines weekend! Good excuse right?

Now the more important issue.. what to wear? what to pack? what to pack it in??

I first saw one of these weekender bags from Tory Burch about a year back. I thought it was smart of her to get into the luggage space.. but now I realize she’s just greedy and into everything and anything. But I’m still cool with her stuff since it’s relatively reasonably priced for the quality.

Which of these do you like? or not?

Available at Shopbop.com and NeimanMarcus.com.

The Spy Bag was lost on me… but this Secret Code Bag has found me!!! Only problem is I’m disgusted by the fur skins they’ve chosen to make these bags with. On a handbag (that is worn off the body) why does this require the dismal death of a sweet furry critter to adorn the bag? To be honest no (normal) human being would be able to tell the difference if Fendi used a good quality substitute for this mink or the snakeskin. I’m all for the substitute fur skins!! Just don’t skin the cute little mink Ok so I’m a hypocrite for buying and wearing leather but I’ve told myself unless I’m willing to go vegetarian I’ve got to hold on to something on this slippery slope..

I hope Fendi wakes up one day and starts making these beautiful bags with faux whatever so I can floss one these bad girls (and possibly afford it!).

Available for $2210.00 at eluxury.com

It was confirmed when I saw it on my friend’s arm… the Day Tripper bag from See by Chloe looks as good as the pictures. I’m usually 5-10% disappointed by the in-person experience from the glossy online photo experience when it comes to bags.

It’s nice to see that luxury brands are playing fair and offering comparable bags at the mid-ranges. Gives me hope that I can someday afford all the bags that I’ll ever want (ok maybe not).

The bag comes in 3 sizes as far as I’m aware, a tote, a satchel, and a clutch. I’m all about the big bad bags so would go for the tote myself.

Somewhere I’d heard a golden rule that before you walk out the door remove one accessory. The thought being we tend to fuss getting ready for hours and end up looking overdone (in either a slutty or circus-like way) without even realizing it. You know… the big earrings with the bulging necklace or the false lashes with the vamp red lipstick… one without the other would have been hot but everything together was just wrong.

Along the same lines Juicy Couture’s Handbag line has always scared me. They’re clothing line is chic, very trendy but still maintains a good balance. Take one look at some of the bags from previous seasons though and they were a mess of hardware, straps, and bling. It looks like Juicy was finally able to use the same restraint we all should be using before walking out that door. Simplify!!! The new bags are streamlined and have an upgraded classiness to them.

Juicy Couture JC Medallion 90 Percent Couture Handbag in Cotro (Luxe for Less)

I love the warm tone of this buttery soft-looking leather. The arm strap looks strong but comfortable and I imagine this bag will look amazing once worn in and continue to wear nicely through the years.

JC  Bag available at RevolveClothing.com

Now compare this Juicy bag to my Celine bag.
I got my Celine bag from the Duty Free Shops on Guam for $1000 or so. I
thought that was a good deal. Juicy’s bag is great Luxe for Less option. I’d buy it now if I didn’t already have mine. I can’t promise the Juicy bag will endure the trials and tribulations my Celine has gone through.. coffee spills.. Rocky (my dog) paws pawing… but my bag has held up like a champ.

My Celine Bag (Luxe)

Whether or not you like the JC Medallion Handbag.. I hope you do take away the take away here.. Less is More!

I’ve never been a die hard fan of Missoni. It’s a bit granola for me (granola-luxe that is!). From far away the prints and stitches look kinda nice but the minute I get up close to the piece I have a change of heart. Maybe it’s a taste maturity thing and one day I just may grow into Missoni.

Perhaps their new line of bags is just what will help me make the cross-over. This one below, the M Missoni Gallery Silver Woven Large Double Handle Bag in Chevron/Creme, looks like something I’d carry during the summer months. $517 seems like a reasonable price for a Missoni bag but guess that would depend on where it’s actually made. It still feels a bit mature for my speed but I’m drawn to it. What do you guys think? Beautiful bag or Bag for a Hag??

Missoni Bag at RevolveClothing.com

I’ve had my eye on a few bags from Gustto over the past year but never could get myself to pull that dangerous trigger on my very dangerous plastic gun. I patted myself on the back when I saw the same bags on sale one season later. Gustto bags just seem to veer on the overly complex side, with just a few too many embellishments and unbalanced proportions. One bag in particular had all these metallic and mirrored things sewn onto the bag. It gave me flashbacks to when I used to wear lots of metallic and mirrored things myself. I’m glad only a few of you have known me long enough to know I’m not joking. Anyhow, I was naturally drawn to these somewhat gawdy bags but got over them pretty quickly.

Then along came this clutch from Gustto and suddenly I’m pulling out my gun again and checking to see how many bullets I have left. Will you guys weigh in here? I think Gustto got it right this time, kept it simple and clean. It looks so comfy to carry. I just want to tuck it under my arm and stroll to Peets and meet Choxie Snoops for a cup of Jo.

Gustto Berlina Clutch in White

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