Cabin Fever

I swear if I am snowed in on any more of my off days I am going to scream! Do you have season depression like I do? The snow and cold are OK for like a week.

Needless to say I am dreaming of an exotic beach locale, wearing a Marc Jacobs navy and white polka dot mini dress and sipping a refreshing cocktail. Spring and summer can't be here quick enough.

And since this blog's primary focus is supposed to be on the bags, here are a few to make you excited for warmer weather.

Burberry Ikat Tote, $595.00

Jimmy Choo rafia hobo, $995 (I saw a photo of Demi carrying this bag!)

LL Bean zip top Boat and Tote $30 with monograming (monograming is a must for this bag!)

London Calling....

OBSESSED and want to try some of these products. Love the colors, the names and the web site. http://www.butterlondon.com/

I polish my own nails on a regular basis and have for years. In fact, I am usually (thought not at the present moment) pretty meticulous about them. Ladies (and men too), I hate to break it to you but there is nothing worse than nails that are not taken care of properly. It destroys your look.

When it comes to nail polish I typically stick to neutral classics for the hands (think Essie Ballet Slippers, OPI Bubble Bath, Essie Mademoiselle) but my current job allows me to feel as though I can experiment a bit so when a colleague turned me on to "Waking up in Vegas" from deborah lippman I decided to take a risk. I must admit the $13 price tag with my discount was a stretch, probably the most I ever spent for a bottle of polish but I am so glad I did. I have gotten oodles of compliments on the color and I know I will use this polish to the very last drop. The greyish color polish with lavender undertones is the color worn by Lady Gaga on the cover of Vanity Fair's famous September Style Issue. I so look forward to that issue as I love seeing who makes the Best Dressed List.

Inspiration

I am in denial that this wedding of mine is taking place in just 16 days! Most details are where I want, some aren't and won't be and I'm OK with that. It's going to be a great weekend but I am SO ready to just be married and get on with our life!

When I was thinking about the look and feel of the reception I wanted clean, timeless and elegant. I went back and forth on my wedding bouquet and was a bit sad to learn that two of my favorite flowers, ranunculus and peonies, are not in season during September and therefore I would have to make a different choice. I thought about orchids until I saw this photo. Leave it to Tom Ford. My choice has been made.

Just say no to Juicy!

I so badly want to intervene when I see a grown woman carrying or wearing items with JUICY plastered all over them. It is neither sexy nor sophisticated and where is this woman's mother to tell her "no"? Now, I'm not saying I am perfect, I am sure on certain days someone would find me a hot mess, but really, do you think that a rhinestone encrusted terry cloth bag is doing anything for you? I'm sorry to break the news to you but it isn't. I do not judge you for wearing those short shorts with words plastered on your derrière, I honestly want to help you! I too was once guilty. In 4th grade I had some sweet grey sweatpants I got at Velva Sheen with my name across the backside and an iron-on panda bear decal on the lower left pant leg . Yes, I have made fashion mistakes, I grew up in the 80s for heaven's sake!

In the meantime, another great read about style, elegance and reasons not to get plastic surgery (though a little Botox didn't really hurt anyone, well it did, but you get what I mean).

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/15/fashion/15French.html?ref=fashion

Personal style doesn't happen overnight, it is a journey.

This is a great quick read from the NYT.

http://runway.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/08/haute-couture-101/

(photo is from the Nan Kempner exhibit at the De Young Museum. Would you not DIE to have these pieces?)

Burberry: So much more than plaid and a trench

Lately I am on a Burberry kick. Not only do I want a cape in addition to about a zillion other pieces of outerwear in their amazing collection, I am dying to try one of the perfect pink shades of lipstick from their new make-up line that launched last week (find it online at Nordstrom).

It is no secret that Christopher Bailey (former director of Womenswear at Gucci during the Tom Ford years) is taking the 153 year old company to a new level by updating classics such as the trench, making them modern and covetable by many. I know he makes ME excited about clothes again since I find many of the designs wearable but with an edge. Clearly he is doing something right; despite the recession Burberry revenue rose by over 20%! His choice of Emma Watson as the face of the brand is genius.

Now for the bags! We have received a lot of Burberry over the past two weeks and more is scheduled to arrive in the upcoming weeks. The feedback has been positive as a few styles in the Smoked Check have gone out the door. Personally I am digging the Parsons bag in House Check, a hobo style with a great shape and a funky belted detail. I find many of the bags we carry in the Nova Check motif to be a little too perfect for my taste. Our nylon totes are a great alternative for the girl who wants to stand out in a sea of Le Pilage. The price point is higher, but I find the the north/south shape is more flattering to most body types and the fabric drapes better. Other new styles have arrived in sturdy buffalo leather (Lambeth and Langley), a lambskin and patent (Eastmore). We are patiently waiting for the nova bags with the studded details. It might be a bit much for some of our customers, but time will tell.

Top Handles

If there is one bag you MUST have this Fall it is the top handle. Many designers are including an optional shoulder strap so you can thrown it on cross body in a pinch. With the return to classic, ladylike dressing (thank GOD!) this bag will complete your look and I promise you will have a great ROI ( "return on investment").

These photos feature looks from Fendi, Mulberry and a great looking Dooney & Bourke (shown here in Teal).