Anatomy of a trip to New York City - Laduree, Levi's, Baggus and Milk Bar ...

www.milkbar.com / www.baggu.com

 www.delfonics.com

 www.baggu.com

 www.maptote.com

www.delfonics.com

 www.laduree.com / www.levis.com

www.joefresh.com / www.h&m.com

www.ninewest.com or www.macys.com

Hello!

I returned from a business trip to New York City yesterday and as I unpacked I realized that I was able to capture the essence of the city and the world with some of the items I purchased ( so typical of a trip to NYC) . I am so excited with my purchases, here is a quick recap of what I bought, in no particular order.

Happy Shopping! My apologies for the pictures, I hope to have a new camera very soon!


Levi's - Boyfriend Skinny    - close on the lower leg, slightly baggy on top, slight slouch as seen from Haider Ackerman - Look 5 Spring 2013.  Must be tried on for proper size and fit Macy's H Square NYC , I tried three sizes before settling on the 27, but I think the 28 would slouch some more so.......  If you cannot find them in stores buy a couple of pairs Levi's Selvedge Boyfriend Skinny Jeans - Resin Rinse try them at home, get the right fit and return the ones which do not work.

Laduree  - The best macarons in the world  http://www.laduree.com/. I requested delivery to my hotel and they arrived before I left my hotel to go to the airport. Rose is my favorite flavor. Deliveries only in New York City NY Link - Madison Ave. Their customer service is impeccable.


Nine West Black Suede booties - I have not been able to find these on line to attach a link.  They may have been exclusive to the new  Macy's Herald World's Largest Shoe Floor Square Shoe Floor New Shoe Floor Image - Macy's Herald Square in NYC ( I am feeling lucky now). These are similar Nine West Booties in gray.

Milk Bar Cookies - I had make a special trip to the east side to get some of the best cookies in NYC http://milkbarstore.com/. They also deliver within NYC, but we stopped and ate at http://momofuku.com/ first ( try the Ginger Scallion Noodles ). At Milk Bar try to Compost Cookie, The Cornflake Cookie and the Birthday Cake truffle. The Compost cookie is otherwordly.

Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara - Just hitting stores now, this Macy's In stores or On line , this is truly high impact. Tons of lashes and lots of glam, love it!

Joe Fresh ( the company which brought us the venerable Club Monoco) Pleather A Line Skirt in Burgundy -  ( color trending forward) - Joe Fresh has a mammoth store on 5th ave in NYC and I was giddy for a 30 minutes before I settled down and bought two items including this skirt in Burgundy. I will be wearing this fab classic foreverJoe Fresh Skirt- Black online but Forest and Burgundy in stores. ( no weight gain please!). At $39.00 well worth it! Wear with black booties and a turtleneck this year, next year....the following year... Store Locator - NYC only

H & M - Jeweled Collar available at H and M locations http://www.hm.com/us/store-locator. Freshen up and dress up a black or white tee and jeans. Perfect!  About 25 dollars.


Then,

just before boarding the plane at La Guardia.  They have revamped the retail stores near to the boarding area, dangerous is the only word I can use to describe the new stores.

Baggu - I was always to lazy to get these on line but there they were staring at me in the travel store so....I love these colors, these were my picks!  Baggu bags are super light and they are perfect for holding toiletries, books ( depending on size), pens, pencils, chargers and anything else. They are made with super durable ripstop nylon and best part is that they are machine washable! . The address for a store is NY

Baggu 
242 Wythe Avenue  Brooklyn, NY 11249
(800) 605-0759
Delfonics - Delfonics http://www.delfonics.com/top.html is a Japanese designer stationary company which started back in 1987 with a date book and they have been at it ever since. Their products are very hard to locate outside of the US and now they are at La Guardia airport!  The streamlined pens now come in beautiful pop colors and you can also purchase them online by the purveyors of all things cool, why J Crew of course!  Delfonic Pens at J Crew!  . I knew that my daughter would ask me if I brought anything back for Dad so this was the perfect gift!

The Brooklyn Bag by Maptote - The Maptote Story . My daughter needed a bag for her music lessons and this was a bag http://www.maptote.com/shop/brooklyn-grocery-tote/ - We have family in Brooklyn and souvenir rolled into one. Made with 100% cotton, cut and sewn in Brooklyn NY! Love it!


Think I spent enough? :)

Happy Shopping!

My Guest/Street Favorites - New York Fashion Week 2012- Classic American Sportswear

Pop Africana Founder Orowa Elewa

N Joos- Flare cords and classic grey coat, Top 3 look for me! Love the bag too!

Shala Monroque

Orowa again, same coat but different look.



New York Fashion Week 2012 just wrapped up and while it was exciting to view the collections ( loved Alturazza), I enjoyed looking at pictures of  the guests and what they wore to the shows.   I loved one pattern which emerged last week and that was that women local and foreign adopted classic American sportswear looks,  "American Classics " . Some women got it right.  The oversized baubles and bright pop colors trends of seasons past are fading. Maybe it was the weather, but I felt the wind shift back towards practicality vs overkill.

Thank you to all of the wonderful photographers and their blogs, they make it easy to track the shows. 

Camel Coat, Baseball caps were also very popular, it is NY after all!

My favorites were:

Denim jackets
Navy blue coats - sometimes with fur at the collar
Classic boot cut denim jeans and lots of jeans period.
traditional boots, high and low 
Simple knee length coats in white, camel, navy and black.

Don't get me wrong, our usual favorites were there and they did not fail to disappoint Anna Della Russo- does not fail us ever! .
but these were my favorite trends this year...
some of my favorites Love the denim jkt and navy coat- Oroma Elewa via All the Pretty Birds blog ,  Jenna Lyons - Relaxed denim jeans - via All The Pretty Birds , Leith Speer Barton- All denim - All The Pretty Birds  and Denim via Garance Dore blog. NY Magazine- Glamour Editor and J Crew Team - NY magazine

Denim with fur ( not sure if real or fake but I am hoping fake)

Navy Jacket and classic boots.

Camel Coat - NY mag, but also loved this red Red Pop but so controlled, love this look! loved this mix of classic colors Classic look,  but then Electra added some shine to her classic white blazer. to this pop of green Love, love love this! and navy with gold Navy reigns! Via style.com back to Jenna Denim jkt as a layer again. Coats draped over shoulders was also de rigeur. http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/stylenotes/020912_Tommy_Ton_F2012RTW/,   
 Vensette Founder in White White layers.

Buffalo Checks

Simple pieces, maximum impact.

Camel and the fast on trend "slouch coat "

London Fashion Week has begun and the entire tempo will change ( more eclectic). FS guests will continue to build their fashion selections to a final crescendo in Paris which is always very exciting! I love that New York gets everyone off to a real " New York " start ( New Yorkers are very together and practical) so that by the time we get to Paris, 10 inch heels will be de rigeur.





On to London!


Have a great week everyone!

Goodbye Moss - See it before it's gone on Feb 17th.

Here's another toast ....

http://www.mossonline.com/

 Moss the NY Design Emporium is closing. Moss was one of the leading innovators in home design, never mind the price tags.  I got my first sighting of the famous Cellula Chandelier at Moss and it has been copied many times since.   Even if you cannot afford to buy Moss is the place to visit one last time, just to get your design fix.  The light offerings were always  innovative and in one word incredible. Visit Moss today!

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/26/garden/moss-the-soho-design-emporium-is-closing.html


FashionMom

Like a Chanel Ballet Flat ....for $12.00

I don't know what  your thoughts on this will be, but when I spotted this beautiful Land's End Bag in Sears in the Land's End shop, my first thought, Chanel Ballet Flat. The color combination of tan and shiny black and the fabric texture were beautiful and so Chanel. It looked like a million bucks and it cost 12 dollars because of the Land's End Sale at Sears. I am not a fan of clothing and shoes with obvious designer labels but this one could really garner some second looks without the double Cs.





 The bag by  Canvas and  Lands End   is available at select Sears stores nationwide.  The Land's End Canvas instore  shopping experience is better forget the web.  One of the best things that ever happened to SEARS. Maybe I will forget J Crew soon....very soon....

I have always been a Land's End fan, remember this oldie but goodie story from last year?   The Gingham Check Shirt.



Enjoy and Happy Shopping!!

FashionMom

Feeling Left Out.....by one of my favorites- What happened to J Crew?

My Farewell Toast ......



J Crew, has left me, I have been dumped. I feel lost, lonely and so darn unhappy.

 I can no longer afford any of this stuff. It has been a long time coming, they have been pushing their prices up for a long time but I finally hit rock bottom when the last catalog arrived yesterday. It is time to unsubscribe. I will have to walk by in the mall..I have to...

As all of you know  my love for  J Crew  led to them being one of the first blog posts on this site. I raved about their shoes, the clothes, the style. You know me, I could on for days about how much I love them. But yesterday was the final straw.. my catalog arrived and there it was, a cotton button down shirt for $150.00. There I said it, I cannot afford to buy a button down for $150 bucks. I just cannot justify it.
You know in this economy, luxury has been the one area of the market which has continued to do well and Mr Drexler and his  J Crew team have to go where the money is.  Hey,  I don't blame them, I would do the same thing. Their target market had to change too folks. Michelle Obama loves J Crew, even she seems unreachable to me now.  I thought she was pulling for me when she started wearing their clothes but she has pulled away and left me in the dust. Sorry Michelle, I had to get off of the high speed train.

My co workers and I were lamenting our loss last week and that was even before this catalog arrived. We all agreed that we can only shop in the sale section,  if at all.
As usual I salivated over everything from cover to cover but the button down shirt,  no, " The Perfect Shirt " on Page 098 The Perfect Shirt , hurt, deeply. How could they?

After a car payment, child care fees, food how can I justify a shirt for $150.00 not to mention The Martina Wedge Martina Wedge for $350.00 but wow, are they beautiful or what ?
J Crew had to follow the money, I don't blame them one bit, I wish them every success. It's business folks, Rest Easy J Crew.


Fashionmom

My 2012 Beauty Wish List.

One of my favorite beauty blogs is Into The Gloss. http://intothegloss.com/about/ .
 Into the Gloss by Emily Weiss profiles women from the fashion and beauty arena and they share their favorite lotions and potions for face, hair and body.

While reading a few profiles on the blog, I started thinking about my beauty routine and how simple it was... comparison to...  Then, I started a mental list of the products I use and I started laughing because my list was long, very long. Simple? Not so simple!

So here is my wish list of lotions and potions for 2012, and then a summary of my current items.

These are the products I would love to use but for financial reasons have given me pause...plus I like my current list  of productstI have no complaints !

RODIN-olio-lussoThe magic potion I have heard so much about. It is expensive so it will be on my wish list for a very long time.
Giorgio Armani Foundation-  Luminous Silk Foundation  Women of all ages and skin tones sing the praises of this foundation, the incredible natural coverage seems to be real crowd pleaser.
 LANCOME High Resolution Collaser Collagen helps to keep the skin plump, now that we all need!
 Burberry Effortless Mascara . I have to see the brush to really appreciate the rave reviews this product has been receiving.
Valmont Cream- don't look at the price!
SK-II-Facial-Treatment-Essence
sk-II-facial-treatment-mask-sheets- Women everywhere sing praises of this mask, it has to be good.
E45- I have tried this one of the best on the market
Sudocream- hard to find and you will know why.

It's early in the year, I will update this in July the list will be much longer.

My current list ...

Skincare
I wash my face with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser , Cerave Hydrating Cleanser,  Purpose Gentle Cleaning Wash or Juvena Cleansing Milk  which I rotate based on climate changes. I have combination to dry skin so I always need something which is  not going to strip my skin of essential oils.  I have tried many different products over the years but these are top of the line. I have used Cetaphil products for over 20 years they are gentle and can be used on any skin type.
I also rotate my moisturizers based on the needs of my skin but I always use  Dr Pat Wexler Universal Anti-Aging Moisturizer.  I think this is one of the best moisturizers on the market,  smooth application, absorbs quickly and leaves your skin with a soft glow along with 30 SPF. Dr Pat also has a tinted moisturizer SPF 30. The entire line is available at Bath and Body Works. Rumors have been swirling that the products may no longer be at B and BW so stock up today, hurry.
My other favorite is Dr Hauschka Rose Day Cream . The rose scent is soothing and it seems to calm my frayed nerves. It helps to repair winter ravaged OR sun damaged skin in a jiffy. One downside, no SPF. My solution is to use Mac Prep and Prime Protect SPF 50. before applying foundation.
For eye creams day and night,  I use whatever I happen to have samples of but my favorite is Chanel Ultra Correction Line Repair or Clinique All About Eyes Rich.  Eye concealer application is super smooth with both options.
I also use a day and night serum which I apply as soon as I get out of the shower. I use Lancome Genefique or MMP1 Skin Regernating Serum- Pat Wexler and then apply moisturizer.

Makeup
Foundation is either Perfection Luminere, Laura Mercier OIl Free or  Mac Skin and Body  which gives a fantastic gleaming makeup but no makeup look. Blush is Mac or Chanel. Eyelash Curler is Shu Umeura. Mascara is Voluminous or Lancome Oscillation- It really gives the longest lashes I have ever seen! ( all of their mascaras are excellent ).  Prescriptives had one of the best mascara brushes on the market but they are gone. Gloss is Neutrogena Lip Soothers- Moisturizes like nothing else and gives great color. Goodbye chapped lips. ,
I forgot to discuss concealer, One of the Best Ever- JM Concealer.  The Josie Maran concealer blends instantly into my skin giving superb natural coverage. It does not cake, the texture is not powdery and it moisturizers very well. Her  entire Argan Oil product line is outstanding. The best part is that her line covers many skin tones so there is a shade for everyone.  My other long standing favorite is from the woman who started it all, with dual compacts, Laura Mercier.  Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage. The duo compact blends well into skin and covers dark circles in an instant. If I really want to brighten the area or need extra help the only thing I use is  Touche Eclat. Easy application  and you look alert and alive in two seconds.
For Body care- unrivaled Cetaphil lotion or Cetaphil cream Cetaphil Cream and Lotion , I swear that this is the only product on the market that really keeps dry skin moisturized all day.
For hands the Cetaphil hand cream, Cetaphil-Therapeutic-Hand-Cream- Amazing for hands! absorbs well, stays on and is scent free. Amazing stuff, simply amazing!

Skin care- Last but not least, I use the following recipe when I my skin gets really dry or it needs a lift.

Olive oil
Honey
Sugar ( large or small crystals)

Pat ( not rub) on the face and leave on as long as you can. Rinse off with a washcloth with a bit of Cetaphil. Your skin will glow for days and there will not be a dry spot in sight.

I use the  Clarisonic Mia Brush  if I feel I need to really exfoliate, I don't want to use this every day.... it is a great product though.

Do you have a wish list?  What products are you using now?


All for now! Have a great week!

Stampede at my local Target for Missoni. Score one for Target for getting them into the store!

I thought I was early..... I wanted to get a good look at the Missoni Line for Target and post an update on my blog, well.... I was  very late. The clothing racks were cleared out, all of the home items were gone, no bags, no luggage nothing. Women were walking around the store some looking a bit sheepish with shopping carts piled high with anything......I mean everything and anything.
It was shocking to see this much consumption during at such a difficult time in our economy but it also meant that certain segments of the population are not feeling any effects of the recession, it was shocking. Or to be fair,  it could also mean that so many people are out of work that sellign Missoni online to people all over the world is a great prospect.
I got my lip gloss and proceeded to the cash register where I was sandwiched between many women with carpets, rugs, boxes, clothing all Missoni.
The cashier told me that a lot of women told her that they would be selling their goods on EBAY, well there will be lots of choice on EBAY folks and I suspect that there will be lots of returns too, either because of very angry spouses or just plain old reality. It is a jolt though to learn that while some people are working to pay bills and keep their children on the straight and narrow other people out there are just having splurges at Target.
Some reality.

Happy Shopping folks!

Summer Travel and Shop, East Coast Towns! Our Top Picks

Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Newport, Hamptons and Cape Cod.

All of the towns listed above have been beloved summer towns year after year. These stores listed (many housed in pretty white clapboard cottages) make the weekend experience special. They all have that old world general store feel and offer a mix of home, clothing and jewelry. They offer a wonderful respite from the beach on a lazy summer afternoon.

Martha’s Vineyard

Midnight Farm

Department store which sells everything from Diptyque Candles, JR Watkins lotions to bedding and bohemian type clothing for the entire family.

18 Walther-Cromwell Ln, Vineyard Haven

The Great Put On

Sells clothing for the family, shoes, gifts, jewelry and accessories by fantastic indie labels.

1 Dock St, Edgartown MA

Nantucket

Eye of The Needle

Ultimate preppy Basics for men and women, Palm Beach in Nantucket.

14 Federal St

Patina

Beautiful jewelry and vases are shown to perfection amongst stunning accessories and clothing.

23 Centre St

Newport

Mandarine

Jewelry, accessories and clothing and designs from all over the world. Madarine also has a sister boutique on St Barth’s. A must visit.

16 R Bannister’s Wharf

Tastemaker and Cottage Garden

Tastemaker offers exquisite flea market finds while Cottage Garden sells a wide array of plants, containers and pottery for the home.

64 Thames St and 9 Bridge St

Resails

Gorgeous assortment in juicy colors and a side array of styles. A dizzying selection, come with your card you will be leaving with a lot. The company was one of the first to recycle sails, and their creations are one of a kind, chic and the prices are excellent!

400 Thames St

Cape Cod

Design Works

Home goods based on Scandinavian design and exquisite vintage jewelry make this store a must visit.

159 Main St, Yarmouth Port

Midsummer Nights

The store sells everything from bedding, candles and jewelry to clothing with a preppy but ethic vibe.

471 Main St,

Weekend

I love New England stores because they all remind you of a family general store, Weekend has this and more, they sell beautiful clothing, home goods and wares all under one roof. A must visit on your list.

217 Main St, East Orleans.

The Hamptons

Jarlathdan

Sumptuous home goods store with everything from furniture to beautiful accessories, this store is a must visit for furnishing your cottage.

255 Main St, Amagansett

Roberta Freyman

Think exotic, want something exotic for you or your home.. Roberta Freyman, this large store sells her exotic jewelry , clothing and accessories.

66 Newton Ln, East Hampton

Turpan

Turpan inspires you to head to the kitchen while on vacation but you can also pick up designer jewelry and clothing too. One stop for fantastic finds.

55 Main St, East Hampton

Henry Lehr

Where you head to get your jeans fix satisfied or pick up some eclectic finds including cool sweaters and throws for chilly nights in late August.

16 Newton Lane

Tracy Feith

Prints are his signature and you will find plenty of that and some at this boutique located in the Surf Lodge in Montauk. A must visit for both!

183 Edgemere st, Montauk

Off of the coast

Maine

Antiques By Zaar

you can"t go wrong with the personalized service and prices from this store. Owner Ruth Olbrych is one of the nicest people on the planet and helped guide me through my purchase of a Chinese daybed from my initial phone purchase to final delivery to my home in New Jersey. She travels around the world for her finds and you will not get better pieces at a better price anywhere else. Exquisite pieces. Ask for Ruth Olbrych

301 Peacock Hill Rd, New Glouchester. 207-777-3800

http://www.antiquesbyzaar.com/info.php?info_id=41

Happy Shopping!

Italian Day continues- Missoni for Target- Our Must Have for Fall

Missoni for Target- Our Must Have for Fall

I cannot wait for this collection to hit the stores. My focus will be on the accessories, scarves, and handbags you cannot lose with those. I can finally own something from the venerable fashion house, yeah!

In Stores and online September 13th!

Travel and Shop- Our Top 12 - Milan, Itlay- The Design Capital of the World.

 Milan, is one of the most important stops on high fashion calender and  it is one of the most glamorous cities in the world.

 The history, the Duomo, the beauty, the glamour, the designer outlets are just some of the things Milan is famous for.

Milan is not just known for history and the past but for their focus on the future and the future of design.

You will be busy taking in the sights, so we decided to keep the list concise to maximize your shopping experience. I tried to do 10 but could not, so Top Twelve!

Be sure to stroll Via Gesu in  the  heart of  " The Golden Quadrangle"  where all the haute couture ateliers, and the famous haberdasherys including Brioni are located. Visit Spazio Rossana Orlandi on Via Mateo Bandello, boutique, restaurant and gallery run by the effevescent Rossana Orlandi

 10 Corso Como

First pick north of the city center has to be Corso Como, the most famous store in Milan. Corso Como is owned by Carla Sozzani sister of Franca Sozzani who is the editor in chief of Italian Vogue. The space has a café, boutique, art and fashion bookstore and gallery. You will find clothing from all of the greats, and more. One of the most beautifully curated shops in the world, loved by fashionistas everywhere.

10 Corso Como

Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II, Milan - Shopping Mecca and a must visit when in Milan. it was opened in 1878 and was one of the world's first enclosed shopping spaces.

La Vetrina di Beryl

Loved by Milanese women, this boutique is a favorite place to buy sexy pumps, sandals and boots from top designers and local Italian brands.

4 Via Statuto, north of city center

AOC- African Oriental Art

A duo of stores sells jewelry, home and clothing from all over the world including India and Africa. You will find everything from tea glasses to crafts from Africa. Lose yourself in the world for a couple of hours.

One of the most famous shopping streets in Milan.

23 and 34 Via Confalonieri, north of the city center

Penelopi 3

Stocks mod accessories for the home and garden. Tons of choices.

1 Via Palermo, north of the city center

Fiorucci

The mega center consists of individual boutiques selling everything from clothing to shoes to home goods.

2 Galleria Passarella, City Center

Great shopping guide for Milan and other cities.

Limoni Best

Milan's version of Khiels’s, this profumerio sells Marvis Toothpaste and Labello Lip Balm along with other greats for less than we would pay in the US. Reserve an afternoon.

4 Galleria del Corso, City center

The Duomo, Milan

Geox-

The leather sneakers and shoes loved by Italians and cheaper than we would pay in the US. Check out the golf line, excellent.

26 Via Monte Napoleone, City Center

Prada and Miu Miu

You cannot visit Italy without a visit to Muiccia Prada’s stores, it would be a mistake.

Prada- 63 and 65 Galleria Vittorio Emanuele/ Miu Miu – 3 Corso Venezia, City Center

Gucci and Dolce and Gabanna - Gucci for a pair of the loafers and a watch, Dolce and Gabanna for a sexy dress.

D&G- 2 Via Della Spiga

Gucci- 5 and & Via Monte Napoleone , City Center

Napoleone - Excellent prices for fantastic vintage finds, you will love this stores.

5 Via Degli Arcimboldi, Porta Ticinese

One of the best travel series on the market

Outlet- Il Salvagente

Lots of finds with drastic reductions by top designer names. Definitely needs an afternoon.

16 Via Fratelli, Bronzetti

Park Sempione, Milan Italy

Flea Markets

Naviglio Grande and Viale Papiniano- Naviglo is every Sunday and Viale is every Tuesday and Saturday mornings.

Naviglo is along the bank of the Naviglo Grande and Viale runs the length of Viale Papiniano.

 

Read, The House of Gucci on the plane, you will be ready for Milan in a jiffy!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Happy Shopping!

The Ulitmate Tote Bag! My search for the perfect one or two.....

"The Bag is central to every Parisian's style." It can make life easier (with special pockets for your phone of lipstick, a spring clip for your keys, an integrated flashlight) or make life hell (a big bucket bag into which everything is thrown together), and in which even a cat would have a hard time finding her kittens" Choosing the right model is all important. The Parisian chooses her bags on impulse, and not because she has been told what to carry around this season. She is not interested in the latest IT bag, but very keen to find the iconic bag for her"
Ines De La Fressange, Parisian Chic, a Style Guide.

I have been trying to find MY Iconic bag for the last few months since moving into our new home. Due to closet constraints (I do not mind it means I will buy less.....)  My bags have found themselves trapped in the attic in lovely plastic containers some of which may never see daylight again. The daily grind of changing bags has become tiresome.  I have to admit to being a bag hoarder , I part with one or two bags every year but I always hold on to one or two for nostalgia. My Pan AM and British Airways flight bags from EBAY really need to be on my vintage site and not in the attic, but I think I would love to have them on hand for some travel nostalgia someday soon....not soon enough. My Gwen Stefani Animal print bags I will pass on to my daughter since they are now worth a fortune on EBAY. The Vintage Hermes Constance will remain in tissue for my daughter because it is just too precious to part with and that was from Goodwill years ago. In addition, I need a bag which can handle constant plane and car travel for my job.


I would like an everyday bag and I need to contribute my unused bags to the Dress for Success organization, it would be an excellent way to help women going back to work. http://www.dressforsuccess.org/home.aspx
My final choice should be able to accommodate a laptop if needed, a big folder with all of my job information, my makeup bag, planner, phone, purse, sunglasses,  keys, wipes and must have at least one book, Leapster and some crossword puzzles. With that I will also need a cross body bag no?  Yes, just in case.


My search began in earnest after reading two really great books


Parisian Chic by Ines de la Fressange










































I Love your Style by Amanda Brooks






























Ms. Brook's book is divided by style type (Classic, Minimalist, High Fashion etc.) and under the classic chapter she writes


"Some people are really into collecting handbags these days. I am personally not so into it. It's ridiculously expensive and a great way to ensure that you never know where your wallet, keys, and phone are hiding. Trust me. If you are a classic dresser, or like the simplicity of a consistently carrying one bag like I do, a Black or Brown Handbag is all you really need. Choose carefully and spend as much as you can- or even a little more1 Avoid excessive hardware; you'll get sick of it over time, and it will often interfere with your jewelry or your outfit. If you usually wear gold jewelry, buy a bag with gold hardware and vice versa if you're a silver/platinum jewelry wearer. That might be the matchy-matchy side of me speaking, but I suspect that most of you classic dressers are pretty matchy-matchy too. "
"Amanda Brooks, I Love Your Style"


That cemented it for me; I already knew I was a classic/minimalist dresser with a touch of eclectic because of my accessories. That meant a bag in brown or black with absolutely no hardware, my accessories will do the talking, not my bag.


Color


I decided that black would be my color, brown would not match with a lot of my black heavy wardrobe, I like to keep all of the colors the same. Navy will come later, I love navy.


Hardware?
Hardware not gold, too glitzy that meant no Juicy Couture handbags or sorry Gwen no Lamb Handbags. Silver or platinum hardware it would have to be or just plain, black and please no logos, so no Coach, No Dooney and Burke, No B Murkowski!
This is getting easier......


Style /Shape


In her book Ines de La Fressange picked five shapes The Big Tote Bag, the Clutch (not good for every day), the Satchel (not big enough but that is always on my list), The Ladies handbag (not good for everyday) and the Straw bag (more casual). Straw bags have had a huge comeback this year, buy one at the end of the season for next year and you will be ahead of the trend for spring 2012.
For the Big Tote she says quote" A faithful friend for every day, you can slip your clutch inside, handy if you are going out after work and cannot go home first. Take out our clutch and leave your tote bag at the office."


Ms. Brooks chose the Slouchy Bag and the Crafty bags for her Bohemian girls, a Classic shape for her minimalists in black, brown, gray or tan or even lizard but always little or no hardware, perfect!


Based on my needs, a Tote would be the best choice, not a slouchy tote, something that is firm, sturdy and roomy, the straps would be the perfect length, and it can work over my shoulder or in my hands. It would be roomy enough to fit all of my goods and maybe if it has a zipper that would be nice too. They should all have pockets inside front and back with zippers. I do not want a divided Tote which tends to reduce space and restrict access to items.  A Hobo is my least favorite, everything swims at the bottom of a Hobo bag, and it drives me crazy.
Now for the search...


There are lots of choices out there in all price ranges of course, but the best investment totes for a working woman are in the mid $150 to $250 price range, so I zeroed in on a few brands which made which made it to the top of my list from my first time perusal of stores (Nordstrom, Macy's, Bloomingdales and on line).


Kate Spade- classy hardware but still too much.
Kate Spade Bon Shopper

Kate Spade Vanston Jackson



Loved these two bags but I wanted a bag with the same color strap and something without so much hardware. The prices are out of my price range.


Ralph Lauren- love the matte color, minimal hardware and the hidden logo make this a winner (straps are the right length for shoulder or hand).
RL Nylon Tote

RL Leather Tote



The leather bag is divine.


Le Sport Sac- The shiny black texture provides a nice contrast for minimalists. 
Downtown Tote Le Sport Sac

I like Le Sport Sac bags because of they are made from parachute fabric which will never tear and they are super light! You cannot find better travel bags and luggage anywhere. The shiny black is a great option for a minimalist girl who wants to add some punch to her all black daily wear. I really like this bag.


Marc Jacobs
Marc Jacobs Medium Tote

Love the non-hardware look of this bag, this is a close runner up and there are lots of little nooks in and around the bag. Also check out the diaper bag in this style, it is awesome.




Michael Kors - too much hardware for me, but great handbags!
Python Black Kors

Kors Option 2

MK Leather Tote (too slim for me)

Back To School Bag- My pick, the most practical and reminds of Prada!

Mr. Kors does many variations of totes, some are the collapsible type which would result in all of your belongings swimming at the bottom of the bag, however he has a fantastic range of upright Saturday totes in a variety of fabrics and colors. You will have to decide if you are a silver or gold girl, there is a lot of hardware, lots of bells and whistles.


Tory Burch 

Tory Burch Nylon Tote- Love this Bag too!!



Talbots
Talbots Tote
Love this bag for the size and shape but the strap needs to be a little longer.

so my final picks..

Drumroll Please...

My overall pick is the Black Newbury Tote from RL, for its versatility and classic shape along with the lack of loud branding and hardware.
My second pick is the Le Sport Sac Tote because of the shiny texture which adds a stylish touch to a bag that is otherwise plain and practical.


What is your favorite tote ? Brand?


Please let us know...


Happy Shopping!

The Perfect Gingham Check Shirt, Land's End Canvas vs JCrew

Land's End shirt


I love J Crew, we all know that,  everyone loves J Crew, but it takes me a long time to save to buy something from them. I stopped being a regular J Crew customer a long time ago, the prices are too high for my budget,  but I still love everything they do...until now. This spring button down shirts in wonderful prints and gingham checks  are the  "It' items of the moment for women everywhere. Pass on the basic tee this year and snag a button down and a lively color and change your look. It looks fresh, new and peps up your look !
You can choose your price range, I know my price range,  J Crew is $72.00 JCrew Gingham   and Land's End Canvas......$44.50 Lands End shirt
They look the same, they both have a bit of stretch and they are both available in almost the same colors, actually Land"s Ends has sold out of their brights, more are coming I hope!
Why would I pay $72.00 vs $44.50?
 I will be the only one who knows I am wearing Land's End over J Crew because they also fit almost the same.

A bit of history,  Land's End Canvas is the trendy sister of Land's End the venerable company founded in 1963 in Chicago.  The look is very J Crew or to be more precise,  J Crew is very Land's End this year.
I think that it is ridiculous to pay 30 plus more dollars for a shirt that looks the same and fits quite well by both companies.
J Crew has some lovely Neon colors J Crew neon check    but not to be outdone Land's End has some great colors too, I love the Willow Green Check Willow Green Check

J Crew Shirt.

There is a wonderful shirt made by J Crew that comes in some fantastic prints,  the "Perfect Shirt"in Casbah Paisley( see below) but I really cannot afford it at the $88.00 price tag, yes $88.00. It may be a one of a kind print and I am one of those who will think of that in order to justify paying $88.00 for a cotton shirt. It is a classic print, another reason to justify paying $88.00 but then I go back to Land's End Canvas and I can buy two of those wonderful plaids for the price of one shirt!

The Perfect Shirt, love this but I wish..it was just a tad cheaper. ....

Land's End Shirt just $24.99

The perfect shirt in solid from J Crew.

Find a wonderful Land's End Canvas shop at your local Sears

link Canvas Locators( they are not many but you must visit one) and J Crew shops are located in select malls http://www.jcrew.com/footer/StoreLocator.jsp. I suggest you try them on to ensure the right fit, I went up a size in the Land's End shirt but the size was the same in the J Crew.

Happy Shopping All!