As someone on a self-imposed budget and shopping slowdown, I was almost GIDDY when the UPS truck came this morning. I found the driver attractive and light on his feet, adorable almost...
My enthusiasm for a package was, shall we say, unbecoming. But never mind, Rome was not built in a day, and I am still on target and on budget.
The box contained the Melina bag which I had ordered from Banana Republic to "test" out if this could be my Spring purse. As Melina appeared on the web:
And how Melina appeared in real life:
Unlike some other brands, who shall remain nameless, Melina was the EXACT colour she was purported to be. It was uncanny! Sorry for the sarcasm, but you know I have been hurt so many times before... :-)
Pebbled leather, lovely adjustable leather handle and long strap as well.
A close-up of her side (this is beginning to sound racy, I think I will switch to "it" now..). These are all nice details that I don't really know how to describe well, but I am sure someone else could!
And its interior...
Lovely finishing inside, with little nooks and crannies for all your little nook and cranny things (don't you wonder why I am not doing this for a living?)
And the leather on the bottom:
There is a bag for storage:
It is a wee bit larger than the satchel I have been carrying lately by London Fog. However, I find the LF bag a bit too small - it is all I can do to have my blackberry, wallet, some lipstick and a small umbrella in there. I am very pleased with the size of the BR bag.
It also goes nicely with a lovely little clutch I purchase last summer from Banana Republic:
I really like this purse and for the price, $166 CDN taxes in, it is within budget and of a lovely quality.
I know this is quite detailed, but wanted to do my friend GetFreshPress proud, as she had recommended this bag for me to try. I have a soft caramel-coloured leather bag as well for summer, but this one is more refined and will do me well for meetings, travel, etc.
All in all, I am very impressed and pleased and have one thing on my list purchased! April 15th, out it comes, damn the weather! I loves it! Now I want shoes in this colour family for Spring! Am off to do some research before I hit the Big Apple!
Hope your Thursdays are going well! Stay Safe out there! Tomorrow's Miller Time will be brought you by the Queen. And yes, I mean THAT Queen! You knew she was a fan of this blog, didn't you? Cheeky monkey!
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| Hi Wendy! Is your husband home? |
The box contained the Melina bag which I had ordered from Banana Republic to "test" out if this could be my Spring purse. As Melina appeared on the web:
Unlike some other brands, who shall remain nameless, Melina was the EXACT colour she was purported to be. It was uncanny! Sorry for the sarcasm, but you know I have been hurt so many times before... :-)
Pebbled leather, lovely adjustable leather handle and long strap as well.
A close-up of her side (this is beginning to sound racy, I think I will switch to "it" now..). These are all nice details that I don't really know how to describe well, but I am sure someone else could!
And its interior...
Lovely finishing inside, with little nooks and crannies for all your little nook and cranny things (don't you wonder why I am not doing this for a living?)
And the leather on the bottom:
There is a bag for storage:
It is a wee bit larger than the satchel I have been carrying lately by London Fog. However, I find the LF bag a bit too small - it is all I can do to have my blackberry, wallet, some lipstick and a small umbrella in there. I am very pleased with the size of the BR bag.
It also goes nicely with a lovely little clutch I purchase last summer from Banana Republic:
I really like this purse and for the price, $166 CDN taxes in, it is within budget and of a lovely quality.
I know this is quite detailed, but wanted to do my friend GetFreshPress proud, as she had recommended this bag for me to try. I have a soft caramel-coloured leather bag as well for summer, but this one is more refined and will do me well for meetings, travel, etc.
All in all, I am very impressed and pleased and have one thing on my list purchased! April 15th, out it comes, damn the weather! I loves it! Now I want shoes in this colour family for Spring! Am off to do some research before I hit the Big Apple!
Hope your Thursdays are going well! Stay Safe out there! Tomorrow's Miller Time will be brought you by the Queen. And yes, I mean THAT Queen! You knew she was a fan of this blog, didn't you? Cheeky monkey!
Yay! I'm so happy that you are so happy with your new bag. Love the color!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I think chalk is a good name for the colour, though I tend not to like chalky things - I think the name chalk has always made me think of kaopectate. But not this!
DeleteThe purse looks lovely and the size is perfect.
ReplyDeleteI have had lots of banana republic purses when we lived in the states and they all held up well.
One i just sold on ebay,some i gave away (i only used them a little bit)and they were well received.
Have a great day!
Thanks Ina! I have read they age well as well! You have an awesome day too!
DeleteOh, it's very nice and a good shape for you. I'm glad that you like it. You are brave to buy it in white! I take too much public transport to buy fair-coloured bags.
ReplyDeleteI just realized that I've never purchased a purse nice enough to come with a dust bag. I'm often carrying books and climbing gear, and I often bike to the train station, so I have yet to find a nice purse that suits those needs!
Both of those bags really suit you. I feel like a purse really needs to speak to you, especially morphologically, and those say "Wendy" to me.
Abby - we need to put GetFresh on the case! She knows all there is to know about bags! I only have 2 bags with dust covers, and this was the 2nd. I have only recently heard the siren call of a nice purse!
DeleteI love the way Abby thinks!
DeleteI know Abby, I'm often on the subway/streetcar and had to consign my light coloured suede bag, just wasn't practical and I refuse to fuss. Dark jeans colour transfer can also be a bit of an issue, but with pebbled hide leather WMM will be fine.
DeleteBTW, morphological and handbag in same comment were my treat for day too. Have you ever read Wilde's The Importance of Being Ernest?
Thanks GF and Tabitha :)
DeleteGF, yes, I loved that play. I read it in one go on the Montreal to Toronto Via, that was a nice train ride. But was there something in there about morphology? I don't remember whatever it is that made you think of it!
Why is pebbled leather better?
I also refuse to fuss. I'm fussy enough as it is.
Just Lady Bracknell and the role of a bag in final plot resolution.
DeletePebbled leather shows natural use scratches, wear etc. less and is a bit more weather repellent. Because it is embossed on the surface with massive rollers it tends to be made from the heavier, but not necessarily pricey grades of full-grain leathers. That's why Roots uses it so much now. (Exception: very refined bags made of thinner skins that can also be embossed or pebbled, like some black leather evening bags.)
Abby, also a commuter whose bags get schlepped to the golf course etc. for work. Going to try and think of a few brands that might work for you and are easily available where you are.
Ah, I see. Apparently I don't remember enough of that play! That would be a good one to re-read, thanks for bringing it up.
DeleteAnd thank you as well for the explanation on pebbled leather and for thinking about bags for me!
That's pretty! I love pebbled leather. How will you clean it? I was in J. Crew once and a sales person told me they clean their pebbled leather purses with baby wipes. I have never been brave enough to try it, it sounds like it could be problematic, what do you think? I don't want to ruin a purse trying it out. Enjoy your new bag, may it speed up the arrival of spring!
ReplyDeleteOH MY GOD! I never thought of cleaning it!!!!
DeleteOkay folks - SOMEONE must know how to clean these things!
I had a white one for yonks and it never needed cleaning, I think the odd wipe with hot water and that was it.
DeletePebbled leather is very forgiving. I think if you just determine the correct method, it won't be hard. Don't let this deter you! You will figure it out.
DeleteAs Dani says below, baby wipes do work. You can also just use a damp washcloth. Pen marks (hopefully not) go with a bit of hairspray on a cotton swab. WMM I have some Apple leather cleaner/ conditioner I will send you, good for any sturdy leather. I usually just do my bag when I stuff it and put it away for the season.
DeleteI may have to become the girl in the plastic bubble! Okay - baby wipes it is!
DeleteOh something new and shiny for us to paw over!
ReplyDeleteI almost disrobed the ups man to get to it!
DeleteThank goodness he had winter parka/ layers on then, not just summer's brown shorts.
DeleteMy UPS "man" is a woman. Not so much fun.
DeleteIt's beautiful. J.Crew at one time did bags in that pebbled leather, I really like it. I think it has a wonderful texture and it is very sturdy.
ReplyDeleteI have used baby wipes to clean leather and even suede handbags and it worked great. A baby wipe even took chocolate pudding from a mauve suede bag once, which I thought was ruined!
Enjoy your new bag, I like this bag colour story for spring very much!
Once i have lovely shoes and a new dress, oh I will be a delight. And the big sunglasses!
DeleteAre you absolutely certain you want "matching" shoes? It can be so much chicer to have coordinating shoes. Matchy, matchy walks the line with old lady sometimes. In black it's a different story than oyster or other standout colours.
DeleteI use a damp wash cloth as well to clean my leathers.
Looking forward to the Queen!!
Jennifer
I like your new bag, Wendy. Banana makes nice leather ones.
ReplyDeleteAs for the shoes I think that the Tumbled leather Revas in the bleach color could be an exact match. I swear I don't take money from Tory Burch, I just really like her shoes!
Well I will see them in aout 10 days. I am going to take a look right now!
DeleteI was back and Tory Burch's site and think that I will definitely benefit from a visit there! :-)
DeleteHANDLING IT Wendy, I am chuffed to bits that you are pleased, it's like shopping for one of my favourites vicariously. Although from now on Melina is the Kaopectate bag in some way. That's okay, a good bag should contain the cure for many the wardrobe or life need. And I'm happy to have companions in the TB shoes enable ;-)
ReplyDeletePS Has the UPS man recovered from his hug yet?
PPS Cocktail hour with Liz, woo hoo. Once spoken to first I can ask her what her monogram is, EIIR?
DeleteOh I think the UPS has a crush on me too! I prefer the kaopectate colour to pepto bismol, but that is just me!
DeleteI think this purse will be easy and neutral to pair things with. And thank you again so much for all of the help! I am excited to use this come spring!
Oh I wonder what her monogram is! Good question!
I love your new bad Wendy!!! Perfect for spring and summer! I have two bags from BR and I love both, I think they are excellent quality for the price, great style and they hold up well. Enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteI had a visit from the ups too yesterday after our two month separation, I was super excited too :)
AJC - we must have had a psychic connection! I am really happy about the bag as you can tell and glad to hear you have had good experience!
DeleteI just noticed "new bad"! Must be Freudian slip, lol
DeleteSpotted the book circle scarf in the background of your comparison shot. DD's or yours? Those are so fun "back to school", the contrast of graphic type and actual story. I've eyed the Pride & Prejudice one on Etsy more than once. But think it's either for a Janeite or someone more whimsical than me.
ReplyDeleteThat one was DD's Pride and Predjudice. I also bought myself a Tale of Two Cities, which is one of my all-time favourite books!
DeleteSo the UPS man was that cute, huh? ;)
ReplyDeleteLove your bag! You are doing much better than I am with your list, and I am loving your restraint which of course I lack. Let's keep it a secret, shall we?
I will NEVER tell Anthro blogger. SInce I have to account to the old man (and he to I) it has strengthened my resolve, sigh. I think if the UPS man had been Mike Tyson I would have still been all over him!
DeleteHi WMM, your bag is gorgeous! I love the shape and the fact that there is no logo. The white and tan together are lovely, very summery!
ReplyDeleteI am sure if you tried hard enough you could find a way to break in that bag before April. Afterall, you did say black tights with white shoes will be all the rage. Lovely bag. I obviously am too aquainted with my UPS man. He knows my dogs by name, all three, stays and chats with both me and hubs.
DeleteHi Patricia - I like no logo too, but to be honest, around here, people don't even know what logos are - this is the place where fashion comes to die
DeleteBB - love that your UPS man has such a personal relationship with you and your family and makes the whole experience that much more positive!
DeleteGood job, GF. Perhaps " carrera marble" would be a better name for the color? Pebbled leather is indeed forgiving and hard wearing; just got a pebbled leather tote/computer bag in black for the plane. I hope it can stand the abuse. So on to the shoes.
ReplyDeleteThe birds are crazy this am-- chasing each other around in that pre-mating frenzy. Hope yours get there soon. 8" for Sunday.
Melina in carrera it is. Chalky OTC meds moniker begone. Have a good trip Lane, safe and happy landings.
DeleteOh I love Carrera marble... Okay - I am changing the name!
DeleteGood morning Wendy - Lovely new bag, beautiful colors. I know the feeling of waiting for the UPS or Fed Ex man to come, so exciting. Nice to have something arrive exactly as described.
ReplyDeleteKathy - I felt like little Ronny Howard in The Music Man: "Oh The Wells Fargo Man is a-coming into town, oh please let it be for me!!!"
DeleteI love the bag. Smart move waiting till April to use it, as Banana Republic always has big sales, with additional percents off. YOu might find it in NYC, or have it sent to your hotel from another store if that is the case. I had a white Dooney and Bourke pebbled leather bag for years, and it held up beautifully. They really coat that leather. I agree with Ema about the TB shoes, and I think a soft bronze metallic would be pretty in a shoe. However, I think that bag will go with any shoe, it is so versatile. Enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Knityarns - a keeper for sure. You know, I think I have a pair of matching Michael Kors driving shoes in this light pebbled leather from last year as well! Just thought of this!
DeleteCute purse! Glad you like it. A pair of nude shoes in a similar colour as the accent on the bag will do nicely.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking the UPS man was not wearing shorts at this time of year in the Maritimes... ;)
No - he definitely had on pants! Good catch!
DeleteTotally cute tale about the arrival of the very pretty Melina in your life. She's a keeper that's for sure. There is nothing more classic than that soft butter and white together. I am new to Banana Republic - have found it too work-y in the past - but am loving their new stuff and just schnagged the bottle green silk top and Hampton pant - the prices are great too
ReplyDeleteHi! I have had same feeling about BR - but this spring they seem to have a spring in their step, too? I am wondering if they have a new head designer? Anyone know? Now I would love to find a lovely shift dress in a lovely liveable material in this colour way! I was downtown today running errands and stopped in local shop and tried on a gorgeous Sarah Paccini dress, but it was slightly too big for me. I am sure I will see one I love in NYC or some of the shops as they get their new items in!
DeleteTracy Gardner, who used to be President of Retail and Direct channels at J.Crew hired back on with GAP Inc. last year, so that more than likely explains a lot of the positive changes that have been happening at BR, Gap, and ON lately.
DeleteAlexis also had a post about it in January of 2012. You can read it here.
Deletethanks FFM! That explains a lot!
DeleteWhat an absolutely beautiful bag WMM! The color is perfect for spring and summer, not to mention the price was pretty fantastic, too. Looking forward to Miller time with the Queen! :)
ReplyDeleteOh she is a dandy, our Queen!
DeleteOk, WMM, I've just joined the party and am already breaking the rules of disabusing you of your fantasy. Please delete if this is too much. But know it comes from a place of good intentions. You are a joy to "know" and read!
ReplyDeleteYou have said that you have $500-600 to spend. You have also said that you are cleaning out your closets of mistakes. No condemnation here; been there, done that. However, conclusion: you don't need anything, you WANT (again, no condemnation; been there, done that).
However, if you will allow some unsolicited advice: I think you can do much better.
You've honed it down to shoes, a dress, and a bag. I'd suggest honing it further to just shoes and a bag. You can get way more mileage and satisfaction out of these wardrobe pieces, IMHO, that you can wear several times a week, if not every day.
If I had $500-600 to spend and your already lovely, already full wardrobe, I'd go to Tory Burch on Madison Ave. when you are in NYC and have a grand ole time. Spend a couple of hours. Get treated royally. And get yourself a pair of shoes that you will LOVE, that you will wear to death. And an experience you will not soon forget.
And then start looking seriously at mid-priced handbags on eBay. There are plenty of people who ditch $500-$800 handbags with little or no wear, and that you can pick up for $125-$250. I think a good handbag would be more satisfying to you, with your fine taste and sense of style, than a BR one. I don't know much about your handbag cupboard, but here's how I work it on a limited budget: every 2-3 years I buy a mid-priced handbag on eBay for $125-$250. I have one for spring/summer and one for fall/winter. And I wear them to death until I get sick of them. And I know, from having made the mistake of buying cheaper (J Crew) handbags in the past, that this is more effective and cheaper in the long run, because what you get will be better made and more attractive.
And if you don't want to do this, why not switch out the BR one for a Longchamp pliage in white with tan trim for the same price but more chic?
HI Anonyomous - first of all - thanks so much for your kind words and taking the time to give me some advice.
DeleteI must confess - it has only been in the last year or so that I have started to get into nicer purses - oh I always had a purse, but didn't really care about the brand or at times even the style per se. Can you give me a sense of the bags I would look for, or would Longchamp be in that category? It sounds like they may be almost the same price as my BR bag which was $240 on sale for $160. I am truly new to the purse game!
I love your new bag!!!! And, I also love the fact that whatever was going on with my laptop has been resolved. For some reason, I couldn't comment on your wonderful blog from my computer. I am very well acquainted with the UPS man--he's my cousin by marriage, LOL!
ReplyDeleteOh Rynetta - I forgot he was your cousin by marriage - that must be a hoot at family gatherings! Thanks for the lovely comments!
Delete