Purses

I have never really been a purse person; I was always content to have one decent bag per season and it needn't be pricey at all.  However, for some reason, this is slowly changing as I age.

I blame this on two people: GetFresh and my daughter, both of whom like a good purse (and a good pair of Chucks).

I am slowly acquiring some nice modest bags (if you want to talk about higher priced bags, especially ones for a great price, you need to scamper right over to see Dani, who had just scored a lovely LV tote - she'll set you up!  Otherwise, mingle here while I go grab a tray of champagne).

What I mostly look for now are bags that fit certain needs. 

One such need was the desire to have a smallish leather cross-body bag in navy that I could use as my purse when I travel this summer and fall.  I don't mind schlepping a larger bag around town, but when I travel I like free arms and a lightweight.  But I also want it to be elegant.

So when I saw this little Rebecca Minkoff, I knew it fit the bill!

 

I especially love it because it zips closed at the top and there is another small compartment in the front.  Simple and lovely.

I liked it so much I nabbed it in white as well, since it was on sale.

But there must be some frivolity in life and everything need not be expensive.  So when I saw this little foldover canvas clutch at Chapters on sale for $20, I snapped it up:

 

 

Barry and I went out for cocktails on Saturday evening and I took it with me.  I kind of think of it as my "Signature of All Things Purse" - it reminds me of Elizabeth Gilbert's book, and you may recall that I bought the matching scarf several weeks ago and smile whenever I wear it!

As a little extra for Mother's Day, Barry bought me this beach bag:

Really, it is the perfect beach bag...

 

I didn't want him to buy me anything, since he is magnanimously driving me to Boston to take me to see my octogenarian/historian crush, but he knew I'd been admiring this bag and so there it was!

I continue to be seriously loving navy and white.  There will be a longer style post forthcoming this week (I think) but I am finding navy everywhere these days and snapping it up where I can.

As I've been dressing more simply I've been digging out the jewelry.  I love the sterling silver earrings above; they are the perfect length.  And yay, my hair is growing out!  I can even put it in a small ponytail again!

Oh and extra excitement - am being fitted for contacts this Friday.  I have missed - since my eyes got so bloody bad @51 - not having to wear eyeglasses.  Prior to 51 I only needed them for reading.  It will be lovely to have the option of going glass-less now and then and I know GSL will approve!

How about you - any new purse purchases this year?   Anything exciting in your lives this week?

Stay safe out there, xoxo wendy







 

Packing for Paris

Hi All!

We are now in the throes of planning for our trip to Paris.  We leave next Tuesday and are gone for 10 days.  A few days in Paris, then on to the South of France.  We actually booked the same place in France where Miss Dani BP stayed last summer!  It is so nice to rent a spot where a friend has already been - you arrive knowing that it recommended, and that all of the ameneties are there. 

We are each only taking one small-ish bag.  We are being very disciplined this time and plan to buy a soft sided bag over there if we need one for the goodies (hello wine and macarons, I am taking to YOU!)

My colour story is simple - navy, white, pops of blue and pink.  While I do not have a picture of my shoes, they too will be simple - my walking flats by Arche, simple white tennis shoes (the Joe Fresh ones that look like bensimons), my butterfly van eli sandals and a pair of blue sandals.  I will buy my espadrilles there when I arrive.  Thus far, the weather looks promising - warm and sunny.  As we get closer, I may have to trade out a thing or two if the weather looks like it is suddenly going to be colder..

I am packing around 8 tank tops and tshirts - they are easily packable, take very little room in a suitcase and are interchangeable with my bottoms.  One sequin tank for some bling. 

So far - only two pair of trousers - my j crew eyelet capris and a pair of white jeans for the airplane.  I am always cold on airplans and will have a warm wrap and a nice jacket for that!

4 Skirts and one pair of shorts for the gite in southern france for lounging around.

Sweaters!  I am always cold and I like to mix and match with the ts and skirts and dresses - one pink jackie, a navy jackie, the royal blue jackie, and the periwinkle jackie twin set.  I am also bringing the Rococco top and a lightweight ivory cardigan.  All roll easily into the suitcase!  Did you notice the throw pillow with Paris written on it - purely a coincidence, I tell you!

Three dresses - the J Crew Giverny Dress, a Joe Fresh white eyelet shift and my Theory black jersey. 

The one "undecided" is the maxi jardin skirt:

I think it will simply take up too much suitcase space!  If it fits, it will be an add-on!

I will pack 2 or 3 lightweight scarves in appropriate colours to coordinate.  Have not finalized the jacket I will take - I may take a simple blazer, but I am not sure...

That is it!  I think this is a reasonable amount of clothes and really, I am going to France, if I truly need something else, I can simply pick it up!

I am very pleased - I did pretty well in Boston recently, but even then, I bought home a couple of extra things that were never worn.  I know I have 10 days, but I have access to a washer and dryer in southern france (no - that won't help with the Giverny dress, but I figure I can get three wears out of that if I am careful before I need to dryclean it!)

Now to help the others pack - THAT will be a challenge!!!