Handbag Hell

Ok. That's a bit dramatic, but I don't enjoy shopping for purses. 

Confession: I've used the same purse since 2004 and same work bag since 2008. These facts aren't so shocking or even terrible. It represents my aversion to shopping, particularly for those items that most likely carry a large-ish price tag. Plus, I LOVE my work bag and still get compliments.

Another interesting turn-of events: in high school all the cool girls had Kate Spade. And then one day I got my own! And it was an awesome bag and an awesome day. (Equally memorable was the day it was stolen). Then, as often happens with these things, one day the cool girls were over it. And my Kate Spade bag and I were quite confused, so it was confined to the closet. And wouldn't you know it, Kate's bags are back with a vengeance. Perhaps I'll bring my vintage out of retirement.

Here are some I'm mulling:

Ame & Lulu. Wouldn't I look like a grown-up?

Oh, you thought I wouldn't post a pink one? The Leather Satchel Co.

Leather Satchel Co.

This beauty is $900 from Glaser Design

Standard. Asos.

 

 

 

 

 

Things I like

Love this new site, the Straight Leg-which touts itself as the man's guide to being stylish without loking gayish. This is totally a real thing--sometimes the hipster trend sends the skinny straight(ish) male right over the edge. Wear your scarves carefully, straights. Also, ladies & gays, please remember to apply Tom and Lorenzo's advice "Say what you are wearing outloud before you go outside." This may help you from wearing "A fur vest with my acid-wash denim shorts and my black suede booties with my fashionable headband." Hmm...

The folks at the Straight Leg categorize male outfits with one of three labels: A Tom Cruise head (gay), A Jude Law head (borderline), or a George Clooney head (straight, obvs.). 

They have some handsome, stylish dudes featured like this guy. 

Hottest Oscar Ensemble?

Damn, girl. Jennifer Lawrence working the red dress!  (Sorry about that loss).

Red was obviously the color to wear as a minimum of 5 starlets rocked it. 

For full Oscar coverage, head on over to pleasewelcomeyourjudges.blogspot.com

From IMDB

The Bleecker Collection

These children for Gap Kid's Bleecker Collection are infinitely more stylish than I'll ever be. And they're 6. It alarms me.

I apologize for the shitty quality.

A New Arrival on Newbury

Once upon a time, Newbury was home to cutting edge clothing designs accompanied by alarming, designer price tags. But then, as it happens, the average consumer stores garnered a foothold and it was all strip mall from there on out. Hello Best Buy and American Apparel.

But, in the down economy, even loss-leader store fronts didn't necessarily make sense. See ya later Pottery Barn. So in this enormous space we welcome All Saints Spitalfields, a British company. And the store set-up, display & mannequin stylings and apparel knocked it out of the park. And price tags, while out of my price range, fall in a dangerous territory where you could find a way to justify the purchase.

The facade is hundreds of vintage Singer sewing machines.

Yikes. I'll get a flash-free shot.

Can lights like a stage!


Stark cement walls draw attention to the copper accent pieces and show stopping pieces.


This seasons designs are exploring seriously unique necklines and draping. The clothes have a distinct point of view and I love the personality they represent.



I love this wallet at least as much as my own. (To be fair, they share many similarities.)



Baubles.


Baby clothes. So sophisticated.


Also digging the men's wear & men's accessories.

Welcome to Boston.