Bag Musings

I'm not really a bag person.  I've become more of a shoe person I guess, since buying quality flats (like the Cantara from Naturalizer) and not wearing the same things every day (and yes, I do count myself as a style blogger sometimes.  Shocker I know).  But lately, I've found myself gravitating towards buying a bag.  One bag, one bag only.  Because I have backpacks for lugging around binders and little purses suitable for carrying around a total of a wallet and a cell phone and I have messenger bags that I don't know what to do with, but I need an in-between bag.

This prompt realization, of course, led me to hours of searching on Etsy.  I've come to realize that I want (Very specifically) a vintage, leather bag, which should be medium-sized and not white, ivory or cream.

Vintage Etienne Aigner Brown Plum Shoulder Bag with Metal Logo

 Why vintage?  Well, modern bags tend to be more expensive but made with cheaper materials (canvas, pleather, polyester).  Also, most modern styles are too ostentatious for my liking.  A more personal reason for me is also that I don't like buying leather, though it is usually better quality and more biodegradable than it's pleather counterparts.  Vintage solves that problem for me, as I know that it's less wasteful than buying new (except for shipping).

Back on the subject of bags, I sort of want to lug around all my folders in there, too.  Which leads me to this: REDUCED Vintage Leather Handled Satchel - Briefcase OxBlood Color

Though it'll be less practical, I suppose, since toting around a large briefcase is mildly suspicious at best for anyone not wearing a three piece suit(when will they come back in style?  Don't hold your breath).  But I blame my real love of satchels and school bags (backpacks are so boring) on the one and only, Proenza Schouler PS1:

Believe me, if I had an extra $2000 to spare (plus tax), my qualms about modern handbags would go out the window.  I can't even explain why I like it so much.  My adulation can be, at best, described as a combination of why-is-this-so-beautiful and holy-cows-who-has-two-thousand-to-spare.  But to whomever has change to spare and is feeling quite generous, I'm here on this blog! I would appreciate that bag!  *hint hint*

What do you think, fellow bag connoisseurs of the world? And is anyone related to a millionaire?


Image from net-a-porter.com

Knock Out

It's surprising that I feel busier on break than on a normal weekend.  I, however, felt obliged to post up something that I recently purchased:

The rings on the right looks like a normal ring huh?  Except...

Bam!  It opens up to reveal a hidden compartment.  Personally, I keep a note in there, but a piece of tissue soaked in perfume would also fit.   A word of warning, though:  I got this on Ebay, and the seller didn't provide a picture of the inside of the locket, or the catch.  When I got it, the inside was tarnished and the catch didn't fit the locket well.  So buyer, always ask for more pictures if they are not provided!


If I were feeling more flush (and had a few thousand to spare), I would get this:

Edburga Poison Ring-Diamond by Wendy Brandes

image not mine, from her website

Sadly, I am broke as always.  But hey, at least the weather is getting better here!  (What a clever change of topic)  And the flowers are in bloom:

 At least it stopped pouring...

 

 In other news, some pictures from Target's GO collaboration have been posted!  I'll try to find a few to show.

Slowly, Steadily

Well, life and school decided to gang up on me after break!  Suddenly, I get a ton of stuff to do, most of which I have no idea how to do.  So you know the deal, more sporadic posts.  Yay.


On the bright side, I found an easy way to jazz up bobby pins!  Just get some plain black ones and paint them with nail polish.  Let it dry, and finish with a clear topcoat.  I can't believe I did not do it before...


And in hair news, my blue hair faded out and became bluish/green/yellow, so I dyed it auburn.  However, I realized my hair doesn't take dye well, so it's kind dark brownish red now, and it still smells like bleach.  Blech.

And in personal wishlist news, I got a new pair of boots...again.  These:

Nine West Peroxy Ankle Boots

They are from the Vintage America collection, and are pretty nice for suede, though I'm afraid of them getting wet.  Where can I buy suede-protecting spray?

It's still pretty cold here, so I realized I need a new jacket.  Something like this:

I'm really into bomber jackets lately.

G by GUESS Maddy Toggle Bomber

Anyway, I should really edit my outline now.  Have a good week!

A Little Bit of Everything

I've been only inspired to post about my personal life, which really is kind of typical.

Let's see, I got a horrible haircut, bought three packs of blister shields for my feet, found out shoe liners were the best thing EVER for flats, bought Splat hair dye (Blue Envy!), am stressing out over school and more school, and found out that Malaysian curry is awesome.

So!  I find that Polyvore is more inspiring, like so:

Nothing Neutral by dewfall featuring 3 4 sleeve tops

A Détacher / Kieta Top, $565
Juicy Couture Cotton-twill military jacket, $300
Floral Twirl Skirt, $50
LACE STITCH SOCK, 39 GBP
stripe wedge shoe, 685 GBP
Vintage YSL Brown Clutch Bag, $1,365
Erickson Beamon Brave New World chain necklace, $1,355
Alex and Ani Bauhaus Limited Edition Bangle Set, $148
John Lewis Felt Feather Trim Veil Hat, Black, 40 GBP
OLUNDA, $40
PJÄTTERYD, $50
i can read

My thoughts and more stuff I like shoved into one little box.
I find that this fall there is a thing about wedge shoes/boots, neutral grunge and military.  Military is very prominent, but the other styles are just...reoccurring?  "Hidden" trends/styles?  I don't know, but I also feel an urge to do something very Victorian (lace, lace-up boots, hats, high socks) juxtaposed by something anti-establishment (blue hair, surfer/punkish).

I think that's just the schizophrenic weather we've been getting.  Or just my age.

Topshop Fall/Winter Lookbook

We don't even have a Topshop here, but I saw the "Out of the Wild" lookbook on Nitrolicious and had to share:

Love the drapey skirt and the boots.  Kind of reminds me of Marc Jacob's fall collection.  Delicate and punk!

Ooh, pom poms.  So fun and whimsical in such a dreary and harsh setting (apparently it was supposed to look like a post-apocalyptic world?)

The headband is back...oh wait, it never went away.  I like the combination of the ripped shrug over the floaty dress.  Like a combat-boots wearing princess who could lead a band of survivors into the destroyed world...(I'm thinking too much into the setting, aren't I?)

Basically, I'm interested whenever a collection incorporates dark, depressing elements in it...but only when it can be used for dramatic appeal.

And for this fall, I want...slightly grunge/punk boots, flowy tops and dresses combined with more structured, utilitarian pieces, heavy knits and interesting accessories.  Of course, come this fall it will be combined with a heavy workload and a depressing attitude.  Yay.

Miu Miu-Costly But Pretty

Now, I loved Miu Miu's spring collection (you know, the one that inspired rants and cravings from fashion bloggers?  The CAT one?) as much as th enext blogger, but I knew there was no justifying spending $300+ on any item from that collection.  However.  I've been looking for a pair of elasticized-back ballet/Mary Jane flats for a while now (even though I don't wear flats) and what do I find?!?!

THESE.

*ranting, obsessed blogger mode going on*
Gorgeous print, Miu Miu, Spring 2010 Mary Jane flats.  I can't even describe.  BUT $300+ bucks?!?
Sigh.  Tis' but a lovely dream...an image on a computer screen.  Actually, writing this makes me want to wash my face in cold water.  All this is doing is putting this obsession down on a permanent hunk of cyberspace.  Oh well...

Image (TAUNTING me) from bluefly.com

*Might remove this later, or I will go insane.  Or not

Modcloth Finds

Err, I have been kind of boring and obsessive these past few months and I'm sorry about that...you would think, that with summer and vacation and time and all I would be able to be interesting and productive but no...I had to slack off and be lazy and browse websites full of coveted clothing that I won't buy.  There is something about summer that says, "Hmm...I want to do something memorable and fun, but it's such a lazy day, I can always do it tomorrow, who cares"...and then it's the end of July (and I'm a year older!).  And you have no inspiration.  And have to prepare for the new school year.

But alas!  This post is devoted to more frivilous things.  Here are things I want to buy from Modcloth, a sweetly retro website I found out about months ago:

Staffordshire Tights

Perfectly 90's with my new Dr. Martens (news coming soon!)

Elegance in Orbit Headband

Something I wouldn't wear, but that Lady Gaga might!

Sightseeing Sandal

Lovely and elegant.  Too bad I have too many shoes.

Fisherman's Wharf Jacket

I've heard that the military trend is carrying on through fall.  This short-sleeved version would be great for layering.

Proud To Be Your Scarf

Such a gorgeous scarf!  The color and the design make this one pop.

I love the play-on-words names and the funky, colorful vibe of the store.  So delightful to browse through(I really shouldn't so often).  Also, can you see that fall clothing is on my mind?

Images from modcloth.com

Metal Fangs

Or claws, really.

Talonalia

 

The Hawk Talon

Starling Skull

The Magpie

Finally...get ready for THIS:

 

Predator Rings 5piece set by DanielleNicoleMetals

Freakishly amazing.

And no, I am not going to start collecting skull replicas or attaching spikes to my clothing anytime soon.  It's just that I had seen some fine specimens of claw jewelry around the blog-space, plus then one of my friends reminded me of where I found them...the last piece I saw on an Etsy Storque post.  I think the skulls are a bit morbid, and the rings could possibly do some serious damage (don't know if they actually do claw though), but the individual talons are intriguing.

Why has this suddenly turned into a bunch of long, drawn out sentences?

Anyway.  These types of pieces always fascinate me.  Maybe because I don't spend enough time looking for cool jewelry on blogs, so I'm always late to the party.  Or maybe because I'm slightly morbid.

Inspiration: June

Or more really, of things that I want/I've been thinking of.

June 2010 by dewfall featuring Jil Sander shoes

【ELLE SHOP】リリド　ゼロファイブ｜ＳＥＴＴＩＮＧ　ＳＵＮ　タンクトップ　　｜ファッション通販 エル・ショップ, 7,875 JPY
Swingle Collarless Military Jacket, $196
Silk printed mini skirt, $942
Jil Sander Nappa Leather Lace Up Brogues, 185 GBP
Coral Branch Stretch Bracelet, 79 EUR
Kuo Ting Jewelry Briolette Crystal Necklace in Gold, $98
party cat eye sunglasses, $11
Essie | Coral Nail Polish | Buy Essie Nailpolish
APOD: 2007 February 28 - Stars, Dust and Nebula in NGC 2170
00340m.jpg (JPEG Image, 320x480 pixels)

 Just an obligatory post with miscellaneous items.

In other news, for the promotion of Madonna and her daughter Lourdes' new line for Macy's, Lourdes (Lola) has started a fashion blog.  And apparently,  "OK but no joke gladiator sandals are OUT."  Lest I incite another person's fashion rage (like the girls across the street yesterday), could the reader's of this blog suggest a comfortable sandal that WON'T incur a 13-year-old blogger's wrath?*


*Not that I care what someone with horrible grammar/internet speak thinks, but gladiator sandals aren't my preferred choice of sandals, and I need a new pair.  I feel kind of irked though.

Summer Shoes

How awesome are these shoes?  Buckles, leather, flat-but-not-too-flat = Awesome.  Also, her nail polish?  Looks like a gorgeous orange-red!  Perfect for hot weather.

Image from the Stylish Wanderer

Ring Around

After watching the movie version of The Outsiders, I spontaneously began to be obsessed with rings.  Strangely, in the movie only one character wears rings, and he beats up the friend of the main character, so I don't know when this came about.  Maybe because I realized that I don't have any rings.  I've always thought they were annoying, because they would never fit that well, and because wedding rings are traditional symbols for marriage (In Western culture anyway).  But today I've been searching around Etsy for some interesting rings:

 

12K Gold Filled Hammered Stacking Ring

   

Moonstone Stacking Ring - Size 2 to 15

 

Ananshia Vintage Brass gold adjustable ring - Limited Edition

   

Sterling silver ring faceted band

 

vintage modernist silver hammered metal wide band ring

New Shoes

I just got these shoes from Marshall's:

Aerosoles Katapult Sandal

They were pretty cheap; only $30.  I'm not sure if I should keep them though, they are kind of high and might not classify as semi-formal?  I don't know, in real life the shoes seem a little mature and not really fit for a spring event.  What do you think?

Things I Like (April)

Fall RTW:

3.1 Phillip Lim 

 

Rodarte

Other Items:

 

Essie Mint Candy Apple nail polish

Cynthia Vincent for Target Gladiator Wedge Sandals

Etsy:

Help Haiti!  25% of the profits from this necklace goes to American Red Cross for the Haiti Relief Fund.

Images from: style.com, makeuplovesme.com, target.com, etsy.com

Just a bunch of random things I like.  But seriously, how great are those wedges?  Looks a bit high though...

I've been sick for a week now, so posting is going to be a little slow.  Enjoy spring!

Heavy Machine: Woah!

I don't really like to obsess about shoes, because most of them are really expensive/ not practical to walk around in, but occasionally I do understand when people do.  And I have.  Right now, it's HEAVY MACHINE, after I found it on Style Bubble:

Wow.

 

Images from heavymachine.eu

If I could run walk in high heels, this would be awesome.  How amazing are these shoes?  Cool design, funky shape, a standout.  End of shoe obsession rant.

Saturday Flea Market

A long overdue post, I was busy with some stuff and still am sick. Anyway, I went to the flea market, and had some sense to take pictures of all the stalls. It took me two hours to finish walking around. I saw some interesting things, though: Ornaments and things

Necklaces and rings, however, there was some trouble so I couldn't take the time to look.
Flowers, in December!
A whimsical...clock? I saw it, but was way too expensive. Pretty and unique, though. The little fishies move around, I guess to keep time.
In the end, I got a silk scarf and some little presents for my friends. It was fun though!
EDIT: The pictures were shrunk, click for slightly bigger ones!

Vintage Obsessed!

Recently, I've been noticing vintage jewelry more often. (Vintage Cloisonne Enamel Bangle by Vintage4U). Right now, I want an enamel bangle-I hardly ever wear jewelry. And something about enamel+thin bangle=right!

(Off white enamel and gold tone vintage Bangle BRACELET by tootsystreasures)

I think the idea of a poison ring is cool, because it would be useful for keeping small items in it.

(Poison Ring by BongeraFiligrana)