remixing fashion and luxury for reality

Happy birthday to me.. Happy birthday to me… I’m a year older this week! That makes me a Virgo in case you didn’t know. A perfectionistic, obsessive, and sometimes overly emotional Virgo that is. I had a wonderful birthday this year with the people I love most. I also realize how great taking the day off on your birthday actually is. It’s a crime that we don’t automatically get the day off on our birthdays.

Now that I’m a year older, I’m challenging myself to add a new accessory to my repertoire. I think every woman should break the ice of some kind of accessory every few years and eventually they will master the art of it. I’ve dabbled with belts over the last couple years, handbags and shoes
don’t even count, sunglass shapes these days haven’t been doing much
for my rounded face, and jewelery is always there –but challenging
nonetheless. So what’s next on my list? Scarves! Summer scarves that is.

Over the past few years I’ve let a lot/more than enough black creep into my wardrobe so I’m hoping my whole scarf movement will bring back some color to the darkness. Also, summer scarves were so big this summer I’m hoping to catch some of the action before it cools down. I love that the summer scarf dresses you up and dresses you down all in one. It adds interest and an edgy not snobbish sophistication to your look. And lastly, it can be so versatile since there’s endless colors, patterns, shapes, sizes, and textures to choose from.

If you’re interested in a summer scarf for yourself, here’s a few places to try…

BUT FIRST a quick video on a few ways of tying the scarf.

Shopbop

Madison Los Angeles

Anthropologie

Luxe for Less Options

Urban Outfitters

Forever21

Look Book

Another hot designer who’s managed to pull off the handbag thing.. welcome to my world Zac Posen. Thank you for adding some interest to the fall/winter handbag lineup. It seems everyone else has fallen asleep at the wheel. Wake up everyone!

I first saw the Abbey Iconic Tote a few weeks back on Intermix Online. I loved the classic saddle bag feel to this off-set by the very un-classic rich purple leather. The straps looks comfortable, the perfect length to fit over the shoulder. Although a shorter strap would have made for a more refined bag.

Zac Posen Abbey Iconic Structured Tote available at Intermix Online — On SALE! $899 (was $1500)

Then when I saw the Antonia Patent Leather Bag here below I was even more excited for Christmas. Not that I’m really going to get this for Xmas but hey it’s still exciting to think about the possibilities. Actually to be honest now that I’m going on 1 year of marriage I think the handbag gift days are over.. So back to funding my own obsessions!

I’m so impressed with this blue color Zac chose for the bag. I ask myself do I have the balls to buy this… What would I wear with it? Am I ready to pull off such a thing? In general my rule of thumb is to only spend this much if it’s for something I could wear often. BUT this bag is so juicy I feel like I’d be ok with it just sitting in my closet.

Zac Posen Atonia Patent Leather Bag at Intermix Online.

YSL / Yves Sain Laurent Downtown Bag at Neiman Marcus.com

It’s so luxe… yet also so edgy — almost Matrix-like (the movie, Keanu, black leather…) And it’s mine! I know I was considering more white and light colored hand bags for my Summer 2007 "IT" bag, but how could I resist when walking through the mall this weekend I fell smack dab into this hotness of a bag? I had been on my feet for hours at the mall on Sunday evening and I decided to just "check things out" at Nordstrom. A year ago I would have been safe but now Nordstrom carries all the luxury designer bags and now no one is safe — even in South Bay!

Buy Cheap, then Upgrade!

I first learned about the YSL Downtown bag at SassyBella’s Blog. Thanks girl. You had a part in this When Sassy Bella mentioned this purse on her blog I posted a comment asking whether it came in Silver. She quickly found it for me. I’d been on the hunt for a big silver bag ever since I’d bought this $27 oversize hobo from Forever21. I wore that thing to the bone. I used to get compliments on it daily.. until the faux leather started to peel down to the inner synthetic lining. The bag is still tucked away in my closet… I just can’t let go. Someday i will re-manufacture that bag. It’s the greatest thing I ever bought for $27. That’s a good approach to buying handbags BTW. Spend less than $50 on a discount fashion handbag and wear it for a bit until you know you love it — then go out and buy a good quality version.

Other blog mentions:

The Purse Blog — Jessica Biel

The Purse Blog — Selma Hayek

Hnadbag Designer 101 — Madonna

Handbag Designer 101 — Gisele Bundchen

And let me tell you… pictures do not justice to this bag. In real life, the silver coloring of this bag looks much nicer than in the photos.
 

What I LOVE about this Bag

1. It’s big
2. It’s comfy to carry
3. It’s convenient in that the zipper zip up half way and leave a nice opening to grab things out quickly.
4. The exterior pocket for my cell phone and keys.
5. The straps are just long and thin enough to carry over the shoulder, w/o the bag slipping down again and again.
6. The leather is top quality, supple to the touch
7. The bag is ultra lightweight, can hold it with my finger tip when empty!
8. Silver goes with anything – almost. Some days I don’t care and I’ll try to get away with anything.

Thank you to my hubby for hookin’ it up PHAT!

And lastly, I’m trying to sell my White YSL Muse Bag if anyone is interested. It’s a bit small for me since I’m into oversize these days. Email me your best offer.

My husband has decided it’s time for a little post-wedding treat… so like a good wife I’m on the hunt for my "IT" bag of the year! It’s actually our 6 month anniversary this Friday

I was surprised to see this design from Chloe. It’s much softer and feminine than previous bags.
I can’t say that this Chloe Bag is "IT"… It’s rather mature for my liking. But then again, her bags always grow on me after a few sightings. Those zipper pull tags seem a bit large and the straps don’t look long enough to wear over the shoulder… looks more like a handbag to me. The size fits what I’m looking for… deep enough for all the junk I tote around. I also like the extra outer pockets — a must for the cell phone and/or keys. It’s all about easy access!

Chloe Quilted Bay Shoulder Bag — $1780.00 from Neiman Marcus.com

My husband just looked over my shoulder and took a look at the price tag on this — he says "Is that how much bags cost these days??" Guess I’ll keep looking…