Windfall Wants

So on pay day this month I'm going to be getting a little more than usual.

Let's be honest, I'm either going to put it directly into the bank (I'm ADDICTED to saving, and have been since I was wee) or going to put it towards the laser eye surgery I've been talking about for at least a year (sorry friends!).

However, it got me thinking. If I had got a much larger windfall, say, a few thousand dollars, what would I spend it on (frivously, of course)? Here are a few pieces I haven't been able to get out of my head. What would you buy if you were forced to spend a pretty penny?

alice + olivia: Alyssa embellished party dress -$1040

Christian Louboutin: Pigalle - $625

Mulberry: Alexa - $1500

Burberry: Mid-Length Cotton-Blend Military Trench - $795

But tequila IS my friend

HILARIOUS.

As a girl who brunches often, this bag might be just right for me. 

Is it wrong to have a purse just for ironic brunching?

Perhaps. But I still hope to see this out in the Annex one weekend morning. 

Who am I kidding. Afternoon..

New Purse?

What is it, purse central over here? I'm still on the hunt for a mid sized bag/satchel.Once again I have specific requirements which is making it hard to find! I need a shoulder/cross body strap (for when I ride my bike or my vespa), but ideally it would also have a top handle. I want it dressy enough that I can use it in the evening, but roomy enough that I can carry everything. (Wallet, make up bag, keys, umbrella...sometimes a pair of flats.) Marc by Marc Jacobs has a few cute options that are more in line with my budget than most of the bags I am ogling. Here is what I'm considering. (May try and hold off until my trip to Boston in July... everything is cheaper in the States!)

P.S. If you're like me and like to look at what people carry in their purses take a look at my Pinterest Board Purse Contents!

MARC BY MARC JACOBS: Classic Q Lil Ukita

MARC BY MARC JACOB: Petal To The Metal Voyage

MARC BY MARC JACOBS: Too Hot to Handle

Carry-On Suggestion

My blogger friend Nirasa saw my plea for suggestions for carry on bags and threw her suggestion into the hat. She has this pretty bag, and says she "loves it". You can also get it monogrammed. Fancy. This is way more classy than what I use. What do you use?

Coach Bleeker Weekender Bag in Fawn

Suggested by A Fine Balance

Looking For A Perfect Carry-On

I'm headed back to B.C. today to surprise my Nana for her 80th birthday! Yet another flight reminds my of my newest search... I'm looking for a perfect carry on bag. As a frequent flyer, I've come up with a list of things that this perfect bag would have. Including: ideally a luggage strap so I can rest the bag on top of my rolling luggage. I often travel with multiple bags, and don't have a free arm. If not a luggage strap, then a cross body strap. Size: Big enough to pack my travel essentials, a large scarf, cardigan, a book and a couple of magazines, and some major snackage. It ideally would have pockets making things easy to organize, (passport, electronics, etc) and would zip shut (so I don't lost anything when it's stored under the seat). Where does this bag exist? I've found a few good options here, but none of them are quite perfect.

 

Lug: Cartwheel. 

The only bag that has the ever important luggage strap at the back, but it's a bit large and bulky, and I don't love the look enough to use it outside of the airport. 

Con: No style points.

Plus: Lots of pockets. 

 

 Monocle: Porter Baby Boston Bag

It doesn't have a shoulder strap, or a luggage strap making it impracticable for me, however it's roomy, and I like it's manly look, and it's shoe case.

Con: Needs an extra hand, which I never have. Most pricey of the lot.

Pro: Separate space for shoes at the bottom would be perfect for storage of tupperware snacks, and a separate pouch at the bottom allow for less of a chance for food spillage on the rest of my items.

Hershel: Totem 

This it a totally cute and bright item, but I'm not sure if it's wide enough for all my snacks (guys, SERIOUSLY, I pack a LOT of snacks!), and my sweater, and other essentials.

Con: Not big enough?

Pro: Might actually use this for other things than just carry on baggage. No one likes a one trick pony.

What do you use? Suggestions are SO welcome!

Bags:

1, 2, 3

Boxing Day Wrap Up

Happy Boxing Day!

Did everyone have a Christmas full with family and friends and food and love? (And gifts?) I know I did! (Also with tylenol and tea and vitamins trying to make myself feel better with this horrible cold I have.)

I was spoiled with a new purse, a new tea kettle, a bit of makeup, two MAC gift certificates, candles, yoga class passes, and some new yoga wear! Can't wait to try it all out in the new year! It's going to be a stretchy, caffineated, pretty year!

 

Cole Haan: Vintage Valise Kendra E/W Tote

Wanting: Mullberry Alexa

If anyone wins the lottery and is looking to get me a prezzie, please consider the Mulberry Alexa bag, m'k?

It's beautiful.

Mulberry: Alexa in Foggy Grey

Miu Miu Love

Looking for a Christmas gift for the stylish lady in your life? (Or a gift for yourself, you stylish lady you?) Loving the always ladylike Miu Miu's offerings. Fashion fades, but style is forever! Currently in Calgary and about to jump a plane to Vancouver. Have a good morning while I have a good flight.

Miu Mou Clay Grey Top Handle

Miu Miu Grey Hobo

Miu Miu Two-Tone Patent Leather Pump

Kate Spade Flicker Melinda Purse

Kate Spade: Flicker Melinda (in Dark Spearmint)

Turquoise Leather Pouch

Love this great turquiose pouch. What a great way to keep things handy in your purse and not floating around. I recieved a blue leather cosmetic case for Christmas last year, and I love it! It makes switching purses super easy, and keeps everything neat and tidy. And since I'm not a neat and tidy person that is a feat. This would make a great gift!

$35

Marketa New York

White and Red Polka Dot Leather Satchel

Is it any surprise that I am 100% in love this this purse? SO CUTE. It has polka dots, and the satchel seems to be everywhere this season. Must Have. Less than a week until my birthday! (Just saying!)

Zatchels

I've been looking for a bag. A handbag. Possibly this very handbag, that's how perfect I think it is. Chic, easy going, and just big enough to fit a pair of flip flops for when I wear inappropriate shoes! (And a shoulder strap for when I ride the vespa! Fantastique!)

P.S. This website makes me wished that more of the 11 years of French I took stuck. I do wish I understood more than every third word!

les composantes

What To Wear: Coachella - Purses

When at an all day festival it's really nice to have a place to put things. It's also really nice not to have to carry it around in your hands, or put it at your feet and worry about it being stomped on. Small purses with cross body straps are a great option, and I bet you'll see a ton of them at Coachella this year, as well as all summer long. Here would be my recommendations. I'm going to have to pick one of these up for myself... which is your favourite?

Contrast Handle Flat Lock Across Body

Leather Saddle Bag

Small Ticking Stripe Satchel

Tan Across Body Bag

Cupcakes and Bacon

Combing two of my love into bag form. How cute is this bacon and cupcake tote bag? Way more fun to carry your groceries home in this than the boring one I get from the grocery store!

Cakespy

Cole Haan Satchel

The reason I should not go into Cole Haan on my lunch break... 

you fall in love with handbags you cannot afford! 

Cole Haan: Vintage Valise Claire Mini Satchel

$348 US, $398 Canadian. SHAMEFUL.

ASOS Ticking Stripe Holdall

Love this bag for summer. Pack a bathing suit and some sunscreen, and head to the park! Or perhaps a little weekend getaway? Yes, perhaps.

ASOS: Ticking Stripe Holdall

Ode To My Purse

Can I just say that I love my purse? I got it years ago in Miami when I was on a girls week. I knew I what I was looking for, but I didn't know where I would find it (answer: Neiman Marcus). I was tired of people mistaking me for an undergrad student. I blamed it on the backpack I carried with me to work every day. It was time for a REAL bag. A PURSE. A purse with purpose. A purse that was not covered in logos. A purse that was classic, not trendy, but cool, not dowdy. A purse I could throw over my shoulder when I was riding my vepsa (that was an important part). Was I asking too much? Maybe. But then I saw it. Large enough to carry my lunch, gym clothes, or my laptop. A grown up purse. Years later it's leather is still beautiful, and I receive compliments on it all the time. It was meant to be.
(This is for my Lady M who was with me when I bought the purse, and also is the purse lady to end all purse ladies.)

Cole Haan Aerin Work Tote

Bag Lust

Current bag lust.

Michael Kors Hamilton Chain Tote

Is it too early to make my birthday list? 

(Of course not!)

You Look Lovely Today

Wonderful and adorable.

Alphabet Bags

Bag Lady

Mulberry Bayswater Bag