Spring Forward: Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Neverfull, J.Crew Cashmere Cardigan and Blythe Blouse

I appreciate handbags (hence the blog name) and have a closet full of bags in various shapes, colors, textures.   Although I didn't need a new one, but I really wanted a new one for Spring.  I went to The Shops at the Bravern with a friend.  We had a spa and shopping day, so I must have been giddy from all of the goodness.  After a trip to Louis Vuitton,  I ended up buying Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Canvas Neverfull MM.   (There is also a video showing the bag in different colors if you are interested).

The bag can be worn full and boxy like above or cinched in (real life pictures below):

J.Crew Leopard Watch
J.Crew Factory Sweatshirt
Michele Diamond Deco Watch

In addition to my new bag, I got some new noteworthy items for spring.  I bought the J.Crew  Collection Featherweight Cashmere Cardigan that I blogged about last time (the one that Michelle Obama wore on Jimmy Fallon).  The sweater is lightweight and perfect for Spring and Summer months.  It fits true to size.

I paired it with the J.Crew Ponte Peplum Top which fits true to size, AG Jeans Tomboy Jeans (I love these and they are super comfortable) and Tory Burch Amanda Pumps in navy. (The pictures below look super bright with flash). 

Another recent happy purchase the J.Crew Blythe Blouse in Polka Dot.  This blouse works well with so many different items in my closet.  I paired it with Paige Jimmy Jimmy Skinny jeans (my new favorite jeans) and a J.Crew Factory Merino Long Cardigan below, but it also works well with pencil skirts, blazers, etc.

J.Crew Factory Merino Wool Cardigan, Paige Jimmy Jimmy Skinny Jeans, Tory Burch Amanda Wedges

 

Have you ever stumbled across items in stores you already have for new ideas? Last week in J.Crew my husband I walked past a display that had two of the shirts I already own paired together (the J.Crew Chambray Shirt, reviewed here, the J.Crew Reverse-jacquard stripe popover and my Double Crystal Brulee Necklace.  He said:  "Hey, you should try those together!" and showed me the display.  I wouldn't have ever thought to team these up together:

 



How was your week?   

J.Crew Spring, Michele Watch, Tory Burch Bags and the History of Mom Dance

Sorry for my long absence.  Holidays happened and I changed jobs.  In addition to a career opportunity, it was a great opportunity to wear new things. :)

I am very behind on blogging, so I will dip my toe back in and get back to a regular rhythm.  So here's to getting back in the groove:

It's February which means I can either shop a picked at clearance or be excited about Spring.  I choose to be excited about Spring, but it's still still cold in Seattle to break out the sandals.  So I am planning and dreaming ahead.  My very Personal Stylist emailed me some cute pics from Spring:

Love the pants.  Do I need more capri pants or polka dots?  Hmmm....

or this skirt with a simple tee shirt with the skirt from the January Style Guide?

I like it.  I like it a lot.

Here's my first day picture when my husband dropped me off (we do it when the kids start school, so he did it on my first day on the job).  I had on the vibrant fuschia J.Crew Double-Cloth Symphony coat, Halogen Cashmere Sweater, J.Crew Pearl Twisted Hammock Necklace,  J.Crew Pencil Skirt in royal paisley and Born Bitsy boots:

I loved this coat since I saw this pic in the winter 2012 style guide:

Since, I haven't updated since before the holidays, I have so new purchases to share.  Here's what Santa brought (Michele Deco Watch):

I am very happy with this watch and it compliments my other jewelry and wardrobe.  Thank you, Santa!

I made some other recent purchases.  This is my new Tory Burch Hannah Tote (paired up with J.Crew Lady Jacket in Blue Tweed, J.Crew Double Crystal Brulee Necklace,  J.Crew Lana Cami, J.Crew No.@ Double-Serge Wool Skirt and Born Bitsy Boots:

I love Tory Burch.  Last week, I got a smaller Tory Burch Robinson Mini Leather Crossbody bag in Poppy Red (which looks like orange to me - what's the deal lately?  J.Crew calls Orange "Modern Red" and Tory Burch calls it "Poppy Red."  Is there something wrong with saying orange?)  I see lots of options for this sweet little thing:

 Here is in real life (with J.Crew Factory Garment-Dyed Sweatshirt and J.Crew Leopard Print Scarf):

 

 

In other news,  I made some new makeup purchases that are worth sharing.  I am in love with the Trish McEvoy Lips and Eyes set exclusive to Nordstrom.  I never tried Trish products until last month when shopping the cosmetic counters and had a demo of the essential lip pencil and line refiner  (this stuff is great under eyes.  The sales associate put it on over my makeup and under my eyes and it was like magic and removed circles.  I said "Sold!")  I liked that and the nude lip pencil so much that I went back and got the Lips and Eyes set that comes in the cute little bag.  The lip color in the set in berry is gorgeous and I use the shadow all over and purple as liner with a liner brush.  The gloss is nice and neutral.  

Trish McEvoy Lips and Eyes

I also made a nice shoe purchase.  I got the J.Crew Everly Suede Pumps in Bluebird after seeing Michelle Obama rock the pink ones at the Convention.

(I will take pictures soon with outfits since these shoes look good with jeans, minnies, capri pants and skirts).  

Speaking of Michelle Obama, did you see her on Jimmy Fallon last week?  She did The History of Mom Dance and she rocked.

She also rocked the J.Crew Collection Featherweight Cashmere Cardigan in windowpane check and the the Collection Featherweight Cashmere Shell in Microcheck underneath (I think she also has on J.Crew minnies and I am not sure about the shoes).  After this video, the sweater started selling out.  I panicked (why I don't know but I am obsessed getting the sweater because a) it's cute for spring and a collection piece, b) it will be in the March Style Guide, c) FLOTUS rocked it and maybe I can if do these moves too.  I called and got it after a search.  Phew!  Should I get the shell underneath is that something only she can pull off?  Thoughts?

What items are you currently obsessing over?

J.Crew August 2012 and Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

In my last post, I shared my latest obsession with J.Crew's Cafe capri pants. Since I recently got three pairs, I didn't think I needed more, but I really liked the Cafe Capri in Kaleidoscope Dot.  The print is bold and fun, it fits true to size (possibly a bit bigger due to stretch).  (Update:  now at 30% on the website.  I gave in!)

Here it is in real life (with the painter boatneck tee):

J.Crew Painter Boatneck Tee
J.Crew  Cafe Capri in Kaleidoscope Dot
J.Crew Watson Wedges

The way I will style this (with items I already own):

J.Crew Cafe Capri by handbagaficionado

I tried on the Top in Colorblock Stripe in festival green, which is currently $128.  I like this top but think I will wait it out for a sale. (Update, now $99 and 30% on the website.):

J.Crew Colorblock Stripe

In real life:

J.Crew Top in Colorblock Stripe

How I would style it (when I cave in):

J.Crew Color Block top by handbagaficionado 

Speaking of sales and caving in, did you check out Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale?  I got the new Laura Mercier Signature Essentials Travel Set.  I love the colors.

Laura Mercier Signature Color Essential Collection

I was recently honored by Closet Crisis and Rose with the One Lovely Blog Award.  Thank you!  I am a huge fan of both of their blogs.  Check them out!

 
How was your week?

Birthday Shopping at Tory Burch, J.Crew, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus

This week was my unbirthday, which I celebrate the event but not the actual age.   Of course, this is when I reflect.  What is the rule for fashion for women my age?  What age is too old to wear what?  After 40, I started having more fun with clothes.  Is this a mid-life crisis I am having with my closet?  Am I too old for colored capri pants, prints, etc.  Is there a rule?  Jennifer Aniston is my age and she rocks a mini dress because she can.  Should she get a high five and “you go girl” for pulling it off or should she stop and dress more mature?  As I was left pondering the meaning of age, life and fashion, I decided to throw my rule book out and have some fun going shopping.  I took the day off on my unbirthday and went to the Bravern and Bellevue Square to shop.  I also decided not to worry about it, celebrate life and ate chocolate and drank wine at Wild Ginger.   Here I  am celebrating with a delicious and naughty chocolate desert:

 

J.Crew Nolita Denim Jacket
J.Crew Blouson Dress in Polka Dot
OPI Nail Polish in Pompeii Purple

I  did a lot of shopping, and when I say a lot, I mean a lot, even for me:

Lots of goodies!

J.Crew Nolita Denim Jacket
J.Crew Blouson Dress in Polka Dot
J.Crew Watson Wedge shoes

Neiman Marcus was having a gift with purchase.  The gift bag is cute, and I like the samples.  I opted for the orange bag.  (I bet you guessed pink!  I can’t believe I didn’t pick pink.  I think I was trying to be bold and daring).  I got a bottle of Michael Kors perfume and La Mer eye cream (back to that aging thing).  I also had a makeover at Yves Saint Laurent and bought this glossy stain lip color in encre rose, perfect for summer and super long lasting (stays on for hours, seriously):

YSL Glossy Stain in Encre Rose

I went to Tory Burch and Nordstrom and went crazy on shoe shopping.  I'm more of a handbag girl (hence the name), but I've been on a shoe kick lately.

Shoes!

At Tory Burch I  got the Robinson Demi-Wedge Sandal.  I love these and the blood orange color is beautiful for summer and they are comfortable.

Tory Burch Robinson Demi-Wedge Sandal

I also got the Tory Burch Leather Amanda High Peep Toe Wedge, which are cushioned, comfortable and cute on.

Tory Burch Leather Amanda High Peep Toe Wedge

I got the Tory Burch Miller 2 Logo Thong Sandals in Royal Tan.   They are comfy and will go with a lot of things for summer.  I'm  still debating if I should keep these since I got so many others.

Tory Burch Miller 2 Thongs

At Nordstrom the Half Yearly Sale, I got a pair of Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan'Air Catalina' Sandal on sale for $99.  These are so cute and comfortable.  They have the concealed Nike Air Technology.  They are sparkly and even met my 12 year old daughter’s seal of approval.

Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan Air Catalina Sandal

I went to J.Crew and took advantage of the sales. I got the Vintage cottoncap-sleeve tee in stripe with neon pink stripes (item 80405) $34.50, in store sale of $19.99.   This is a basic tee shirt, true to size.

J.Crew Vintage cotton-cap sleeve tee

I got the Candy-stripe Jute Clutch.  This bag is so cute for summer (goes with brights) It makes me smile.  It’s on sale in stores at $49.99.  Grab one of these, since it’s a cute bag for summer that you can keep year of year.

J.Crew Candy Stripe Jute Clutch

I got the Summerlight terry pullover ($59.50 item 82341, on sale in store for $39.99) in café mint.  It super soft and comfy, fits true to size and is bright neon green which is fun for summer.  I love the neons.  Makes me think of the 80's.

J.Crew Summerlight Terry Pullover

I love the way it is styled in the June Style Guide:

I got the Villa Dress in green on sale for $49.99.  I reviewed the stripe dress.  I love this green shade.  So bright and cheerful.

J.Crew Villa Dress

I also got the Navy Golden Cabochon Bracelet in the store for the online sale price of $49.99.  It's beautiful in real life.  I've had several compliments on it already.

Here I am in my new things pulled together:

J.Crew Nolita Denim Jacket
J.Crew Villa Dress in Emerald
J.Crew Pearl Twisted Hammock Necklace
J.Crew Navy Golden Cobochon Bracelet
J.Crew Candy-Stripe Jute Clutch
DKNY Ceramic Watch
Cole Haan Catalina shoes

 In addition to all of this fun stuff, I got some beautiful earrings from my husband.  (I lost one of my diamond studs the day of my mother’s funeral in December.  Since then, I’ve been wearing costume and pearls). 

My husband said "After all of this, you won't need to shop for a couple of weeks, right?" Phew!  I am exhausted after all of this shopping, but excited about my new things.

 How was your week?

Veteran's Day Shopping at U Village J.Crew

 On Friday, I went to University Village near University of Washington in Seattle.  I stopped by J.Crew, Madewell and Anthropologie and went to the Ram Restaurant and Brewery where my husband went to watch the game while my daughter, her friend and I shopped.  My daughter and her friend (both 12) had a blast trying on clothes in H&M and putting lipstick on in Sephora. I really like this mall and don't know why I don't go there more often.

The J.Crew at U Village is really nice and has a great selection.  I  tried on the Plaza Coat in cobalt.

It is a fitted silhouette (I've got a long sweater underneath and dress so it's not one you can layer a lot underneath without seeing bulk).  I like the classic shape and length.  It hits mid-thigh which is perfect for winter skirts and boots, like in the picture below.

I ended up with the Sequin Stripe Tee, although I tried not to like it.  I am really, really trying to boycott more sequins in my wardrobe, since thanks to J.Crew, I have enough to make a disco.  However, I love stripes, and this is a great tee with a nice fit and crewneck.

I paired it with the Navy Excursion Quilted Vest.  I've never been a vest girl (I owned one in 1990, I think) but this is a lightweight puffer and easy to layer.  I like it for some reason.

J.Crew Sequin Stripe Tee and ExcursionVest in Navy 

Excursion Vest in Navy

There are some other fun colors including Getaway Green and Candied Cherry, as seen below:

In addition to shopping, I did some pampering and got a mani/pedi with a shellac french manicure.  This looks really nice.  I got it done a couple few weeks ago and it lasts a long time.  I hope that it last for Thanksgiving.

I'm excited for the holidays soon.  In the middle of all of it, I'm traveling to London, Dublin and Luxembourg for work in December.  Either I need to finish my Christmas shopping early, do it all online, or pick up some things in Europe.  Maybe all of the above.

I am super jazzed about the Kindle Fire tablet coming out on Amazon.com this week.  I'm excited about the tablet version and the price.  In addition to the Kindle Fire, here are some other things on my holiday wishlist from J.Crew, including the bubble necklace and bag:

Wishlist by handbagaficionado featuring chronograph watches

What are some items that you want to get or give for the holiday season?