A Tale of Three Bags.

Hello! Here is a tale about three bags, two of which I own and one of which I'll probably never own but it was good inspiration. This is all real dumb. Here we go: 

Bag #1 (The issue) 

Y'all know I love my Hammitt large VIP bag - it's beautiful, and casual and the perfect size for an everyday bag. I probably carry it more than any other bag I own, which is why I was straight horrified when it broke. 

One of the little strap connector loops broke and my bag just fell off me in the middle of a dentist's waiting room. The horror! But, Hammitt offers a lifetime guarantee on their bags, so I reached out to them and they're going to repair my bag for free! I packed it up and sent it off and then was like, what do I use in the meantime? 

Bag #2 (The solution) 

I found this Minkoff medium Love bag at the thrift store back in August and was tempted to keep it for myself rather than listing it on Poshmark but I didn't need it. I had my Hammitt and my smaller quilted MJ bag so it seemed kind of extra to keep this rather fancy-feeling bag when I didn't technically have a need for it. I listed it for sale, though occasionally I'd try it on with an outfit for blog science. Just FYI, my Minkoff is the older quilted version (easily found on eBay and Poshmark) but the current version is a quilted chevron. I do love how similar it is to the Chanel Boy bag:

Bag #3 (the inspiration)

So, my Hammitt broke and is out of commission for at least a month so I started thinking about the Minkoff bag again. It hadn't sold and it was, like, right there in my closet looking all cute. While I was still pondering it, I saw the Chanel Boy bag in action on an episode of The Parisian Agency, and I was struck by how casually the woman who owned it was carrying it. I mean, yes, fine, she was a French model but it's just a bag! A very, very nice expensive bag, but to her it was just her bag. So I took the Minkoff bag out of my Poshmark shop and I've been carrying it ever since. It does feel a bit Chanel-fancy and it just seems to elevate everything I wear it with. (Outfit later this week!)  I might eventually sell it but for now it's mine all mine. 

Related links: This Minkoff Love bag in pewter is on sale and the version with gold hardware is available 25% off at Bloomingdales. There are some good prices on various colors and sizes here at Yoox. For an option under $100, I really like the look of this quilted leather bag at Marshalls! 

Weekend Window Shopping: My Current Obsession.

You know how you have those specific things that you really love and are always looking for even when you shouldn't? Yeah, well, mine are leopard shoes and red bags. Lately I've been stalking red bags like it's my job (heh) and here are a few with which I'm particularly enamored:

         
       

         
       
     
       

TJ Maxx Report: So Many Good Bags!

Every now and then I plow through all the new arrivals and clearance-priced items on the TJ Maxx website just to see what's what. This week, it's all about the bag section. If Frye bags are you thing there are a TON of them. My favorite was this beautiful tote:

It's exactly the kind of tote that just gets better with age and (I'm assuming) it's made of way nicer leather than the similarly priced Madewell Transport tote. I am just saying. I also love this Frye hobo:

The peacock color is gorgeous and I suspect it'll sell out quickly. This bag is also available in cognac at Nordstrom Rack, just FYI.

Some of the bag brands at TJM are weird - either Italian no-name bags or brands like Tano that you only see at TJM and the like. Don't discount these bags! They're often quite good quality and look expensive:

HAVE YOU EVER. This is everything I want in a sleek red satchel. Damn. I also found another good satchel - a VERY nicely priced Aimee Kestenberg:

$60 for a good leather satchel? That is a bargain. And finally, this Vince Camuto Gally bag that I can personally attest to being a really excellent small crossbody:

Finally, I know this is about TJ Maxx bags but I accidentally found this AllSaints bag on NR and I thought you should know about it:

Am I right? That is just ridiculously perfect and comes in a couple of other colors. Have fun! 

Review: Dagne Dover Dakota and Lo & Sons Hanover Backpacks

Marianne and I both recently bought backpacks so we thought we'd do a review together!

Adrien - Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack
I have a thing about neoprene. I love the way it looks and this damn Dagne Dover neoprene backpack kept following me all over the Internet. So I did what I always do, I ignored the expensive backpack I loved and ordered a cheaper one instead.

Well, the cheaper one was okay but it was too small to be really useful and I hated that it only had a single zipper. (This doesn't seem like it would be annoying but it really, really is.) Finally, I just went for it and I bought the thing I really wanted: The Dagne Dover Dakota backpack. I got the medium size which looks like this:

It shipped out to me crazy-quick and when it arrived and I pulled it out of the box I was like, "Huh." While I love how minimal it is, it's still a pretty significant bag and I was worried it would be too big and too heavy when packed. I almost returned it! But I decided to live with it a bit and fake-packed it to see what it would hold and was surprised at how comfortable it was to carry. Definitely not too heavy or hot. So, I took the tags off and started to really use it. 

My computer is a 15" laptop which is really too big for the laptop compartment (the large size Dakota will better fit a 15") but it'll fit in the regular compartment without issues. I also love that this backpack comes with fun extras - a shoe bag and a little matching zippered pouch. I've mostly used it as a work tote alternative but it's also great for carrying my yoga gear when I have to trek across campus for lunchtime classes. 

I haven't traveled with it yet (two months until Paris!) but it will easily carry all that I need for travel (I'll do a post about it before my trip.) I do really wish it had a sleeve for attaching to my suitcase handle but I don't travel a ton, so not a big deal for me.

The Best Part: This bag is incredibly well made and no matter how much I stuff in it or throw it around it still looks brand new. The zippers are heavy duty, which I appreciate, because it's always the zipper that goes first. The Dakota also has a ton of zippy pockets including this smart side pocket that fits my phone:

My Only Regret: I obviously bought the onyx color and while I love how sleek and minimal it looks I kinda wish I'd gone for the heather grey color because I looooove it. Why didn't I? Don't be me - go for the heather grey or dark moss. I also really love the matching pouches, especially this grey camo toiletry bag. 

If you're tempted you can go through my link for 10% off your order! (full disclosure: I get a credit if you purchase through my link.) Also! This week only, code GRATITUDE will get you 20% off everything on the site. (I don't know if you can stack these.)


Marianne- Lo & Sons Hanover Backpack 

Okay, my turn! I also needed a backpack, but mostly for business travel, not really for every day use. Unlike Adrien, I have a pretty small computer--a 13 inch Macbook Pro. It's a little baby computer and only weighs 3 pounds. However, it's still expensive and doesn't belong to me, so I needed a backpack that would protect it, plus hold my crap (more on that in a second) and not be hideous. Enter the Lo & Sons Hanover Backpack.

This is a really great backpack, ESPECIALLY for women. So many backpacks geared toward business travel are big and bulky and obviously made for tech bros who wear fleece vests. First off, it's very sleek with no unnecessary labels, pockets, bungee cords, or any of that nonsense. The straps are nicely padded but not over-the-top, and there's one pocket on the outside, but don't count on keeping much in there, it's pretty small.

The inside has a removable insert that is pretty awesome. It has a padded section for a laptop, a place you can tuck a water bottle, and a couple of other sections. There's also a biggish center section big enough for a change of clothes, pair of shoes, and small toiletry bag. I like that the insert is removable, because if you take it out you have a lot more room to just use the backpack as an overnight bag.

The absolute BEST FEATURE is the wide strap across the back that you can use to slide the backpack over the extended handle on a suitcase. Seriously, this seems like such a small thing but it will greatly improve your life and comfort if you spend any amount of time schlepping around airports. If you aren't using a suitcase, you can zip the strap and use it as a protected secret pocket, perfect for cash, passports, or anything you want to keep safe. I had another travel backpack that just had a thin luggage strap and I found that when the backpack was full it stretched out, so this nice wide strap is perfect.

Lastly, I appreciate that the backpack is a nice, lightweight nylon. It's not hot on my back, it doesn't snag, it's not shiny, it's just good and solid. Sure, $130* is a lot to drop on a backpack, but for me it was more than worth it.

*If you sign up for the Lo & Sons email list you get 15% off your first full-priced order.

Reader Question: Professional Laptop Bag. Not Easy.

Blog reader Lisa emailed and asked if I could find her a fashionable laptop bag option. Here's what she wrote:

I am now a real adult with a real career and my free with gift Elizabeth Grant tote that I got for $3 at a thrift store is not going to cut it any more (really…) 

I am looking for a bag I can take to work that can at least hold a 13” laptop, and also has a couple of other similarly sized pockets for random papers that I collect, if I don’t sort them I could carry them around with me forever. 

ADDITIONALLY, my program has told me that they would likely cover the cost if the name of the item included “business tote” or “laptop bag” or similar, and was under $100.

As it turns out, this is a tall order. I toss my laptop in my regular canvas work tote (which I don't recommend) so I hadn't ever searched for a proper business/laptop bag. It's... bad out there. Soooo many backpacks. Which okay, I get it, they're more comfortable if you travel with your laptop but I wanted to find Lisa something that she could carry to work that doesn't looks like Staples Sadness. Here's what I came up with:

This Baggallini tote is quite a nice, sleek, work option and it has a padded laptop pocket. I like that it just looks like a nice work tote without screaming I AM SUCH A LAPTOP BAG.

This Calvin Klein laptop tote isn’t the most exciting option, but the fun bright red color definitely saves it from being boring. With the 20% off code being offered it comes in under $100 (and the blue option is even less expensive!)

Okay, you knew this was coming, right? Yes, it's a Marc by Marc Jacobs laptop bag with a ridiculous lemon print. And it's under $100! I mean, come on. It is straight up adorable. You are welcome. 

I never thought I'd be posting a Vera Bradley bag on my blog but this quilted laptop tote is totally good, right? And the graphic print lining is really fun! I am pleased with this. Bonus: it's under budget and had the word "laptop" in the description. 

I checked Etsy because I was feeling brave and Eeeeee, how great is this handmade felt laptop satchel?? I just love it. I don't know that it's super business professional but it's awfully cute and I love that it's handmade. 

This Heys America Foldover Tote holds a 13” laptop and reminds me of a foldover Foley & Corinna bag! It comes in four colors, but I like the dark blue best. 

Y'all know I like a crazy print (and a bargain) so I also found this Hadaki by Kalencom neoprene laptop tote that comes in a bunch of fun prints. It's under $40!

This one is for me. The Vince Camuto Leila Saffiano tote. It's not a proper laptop bag but does have a pocket that works for a laptop. And it's just straight up sleek and perfect and ugh. I love it. Right now it's on sale for just under $100, so really, someone should buy it. 

My final pick is over budget but I think it's too cute not to include. It's a Kate Spade New York Classic Nylon Stripe laptop bag and I LOVE IT TO BITS. It really couldn't be more perfect and stripey and yes. Budget be damned. 

Hopefully one of these options work for Lisa but if you have a suggestion please leave a comment! 

The Bag Equation and a Giveaway!

Like the Boot Equation*, the Bag Equation is also  n+1, where n is the number of bags currently owned. Maybe you’re not a bag person and you think one will get you through everything? Maybe, but I just don’t see how that could possibly work.  Here’s what I think you need for a minimum bag wardrobe:

One simple all around hobo in black or brown:

Marc by Marc Jacobs Hillier Hobo

One really nice tote appropriate for work:

Botkier Soho Tote

One satchel (or another hobo if you absolutely can’t do hand-held) in a fun color:

Emma Fox Small Dome Satchel

One awesome evening option (which is one of those things you don’t need until you do):

Sasha Metal Window Evening Clutch

For the first two bags, please buy the very best you can afford. (The evening clutch can be dirt cheap.) A bag you carry near-daily is going to take a lot of abuse so buy good quality and carry it forever. I’ve had my black Hillier Hobo for more than four years and it’s still going strong. That’s why I bought a second one in a different color. If a particular style works for you, don’t be afraid to buy it again. If the basics are covered and you love bags, you should definitely consider:

A small crossbody, useful and you can buy a crazy color because it's small:

Fossil

A neutral metallic which is sleek but goes with everything:

Michael Kors

A fun coated canvas tote, great for summer:

Oryany

A cool messenger bag which you just can't with the other bags:

Clare V.

A fancy lady bag, if you're so inclined:

Kate Spade

This may seem like a lot of bags but if you chose carefully and buy things that work with your lifestyle and wardrobe, you’ll be covered for a long time. Now, because I’m not a total jerk and don’t want to set you up to be sad because you can’t afford to run out and buy a bunch of bags, I have a giveaway! OH YEAH.

So, a while back Adina over at Blue Collar Red Lipstick had a Pay-It-Forward giveaway and I won a very beautiful dress. So nice! I decided to do the same, and I’m actually doing it with a great bag I got from Adina in a trade. I've carried it for a while and now it's time for it to find a new home.

This is a Marc by Marc Jacobs Teri bag in a gorgeous subtle metallic color called Fool’s Gold:

It’s been pre-loved and isn’t in perfect condition, but it’s still really nice and has years use left. I’m giving it away to one of you, to be selected randomly.

The Giveaway is now CLOSED. Please stay tuned for the announcement of the winner! 

*The boot equation idea was totally stolen from my friend Paula who's got more pairs of boots than I do, if you can believe it.

Reader Request: Impossible Bag Wishlist.

My friend Wren recently emailed me the following request:

My beloved taupe leather hobo recently experienced fatal hardware failure, and I haven't been able to find anything to replace it. Help me before I go out and buy a cotton tote bag and give up forever! I'm a one-bag girl, which makes it extra difficult. I'm looking for something that works every day with an army jacket and casual black moto boots -- but will also work if I'm wearing a cocktail dress with heels. And in a neutral color that goes with everything!

Material: Leather, but not suede. Something durable but also soft. Not a fan of pebbled leather. Shape: I usually gravitate towards a hobo style with 2 pockets on the outside. I like a kind of cool, slouchy vibe. No fold-overs -- that just gets in my way. And I want to be able to carry it over my shoulder.

Size: Can it be sized for a normal human? I don't need to carry luggage around on my arm every day. (This is the thing that eliminates the most bags from my search)

Color: Taupe, greige, red, eggplant or burgundy -- those are the colors I gravitate towards. Something I can wear with black and brown shoes. But, I'm open to blue or teal or green or something else bright.

Price range: Less than $500. I'll carry this for years and cost per wear will be fractional, but I'm the girl who throws her bag down on the restaurant floor so it can't be too precious. If anyone can help me, I know it's you!

You guys know I am NOT a one-bag kinda girl, but if I was forced to only have one, it would absolutely be my MBMJ Hillier Hobo, which is the first bag I thought to recommend. The Hillier is a comfortable bag to carry, works as a crossbody in a pinch, and the size is perfect for every day.

I really like some of the current colors, like this purply brown:

And MJ does taupe-y colors like no one else:

If the Hillier is too pebbly, the Too Hot to Handle bag is a dressier alternative:

Oooh, teal! And bonus, it's on sale. Another bag that immediately came to mind is handmade and only available on Etsy. The Opelle Ballet gets high praise and it's easy to see why:

That leather! So beautiful. (It might skew slightly too far into pebbled territory, but I love it.) It comes in a couple different colors (and sizes!) but I think the grey is the most interesting.

Those are my top picks, but I also found a few other strong contenders. The studs on this Loeffler Randall Hobo give the simple shape a little edge:

This one might be a little too delicate for her needs, but I love the streamlined quality of this Botkier Valentina Hobo:

The Kooba Jonnie hobo looks like the perfect every-day option and I LOVE this wine color:

The tough details are the best thing about this Milly Riley Bucket hobo:

I do wish it came in more interesting colors, though. Finally, this cobalt blue Linea Pelle hobo is the prettiest thing I've seen in a while:

A bag that color is never a mistake! Gorgeous.

Alright, that's what I have! With any luck, one of these will find it's way into Wren's arms but I'm hoping you guys will have some great suggestions too.

Reader Request: Radiant Orchid Handbags

Pantone announced the Color of the Year for 2014, Radiant Orchid, and it's been a popular topic at my work. My friend Lili found an amazing bag and my friend (and bosslady) Jillian fell hard for it, but at $650 the price hurt. So I thought I'd do a little roundup of my favorite Radiant Orchid bags, all under the $300 mark (except for one).

First up, the bag that started the obsession, Time's Arrow Julian Serpent-Print Duffle:

Time's Arrow Julian Serpent-Print Duffle Bag, Magenta

I love this Gryson Crossbody Bag, great satchel style and on sale for $100.

IIIBeCa by Joy Gryson Crossbody - Duane Street

The color on this Ralph Lauren tote is a bit deeper, if you want to tone it down a bit:

LAUREN RALPH LAUREN Tate Leather Shopper

The Steve Madden City Style Satchel is faux leather and under $70. It skews more purple than pink:

Steve Madden - City Style Satchel (Black) - Bags and Luggage

Leaning towards bubblegum pink, this Guess Westbrook Satchel looks like it costs more than its $118.

Guess Westbrook Satchel

Okay, the Botkier Honore Small Hobo is a bit more of an investment, yes, but it's so fierce.

Botkier Honore Small Hobo

The radiant orchid colorway of this Fossil Satchel is on sale for $140!

Fossil® Morgan North South Top Zip

If you're looking for a smaller bag, the Hobo Poppy fits the bill:

Poppy

I have to say, I wasn't crazy about this color at first, but I would happily carry one of these punchy purple bags. They would be great paired with black and grey this winter in particular. What do you guys think?