Ode to the J Crew Biennial Satchel

I'm not gonna lie - I'm a former handbag addict. Perhaps I shouldn't say former as much as I should say recovering. I had been eying the J Crew Biennial satchel in store and in the catalogues ever since I first saw it sometime last year. And a few weeks ago when it got marked down online, and had an additional 30% off, well I bit.

Here I am trying the bag on in store. It was love at first sight.

Today's outfit in a dressing room: Blazer and crops: Gap. Bag and blouse: J Crew. Scarf: Jason Wu For Target.

I'm a leather gal - and the leather on this bag is AMAZING. It's probably the softest bag I own now - even softer than bags that I own that are much more expensive. It's a true red (even though the photo above doesn't show it) and I can fit it over my shoulder. The only thing that worries me a bit is color transfer from dark jeans or scratching, but I guess all leather is prone to that. The bag has three zipped compartments and the above pic is holding my wallet, makeup case, headphones, sunglasses, kindle, and a few other miscellaneous items tossed in. I could fit my ipad in there too, but I don't like taking it to and from work so it remains at home. But really - this bag would be perfect to travel with too!

Better pics of today's outfit:

Anyway. Life has been hectic. Work is good and it's hard to believe that in about two weeks we'll be going to Colorado for the first wedding of the season.

Also, for what feels like the first time ever, I bought a pair of white jeans. Thank you target, for cute affordable items that I can test the waters with.

Outstanding summer wishlist items:

Spiked shoes, mint colored sweater, another pop of color blazer, the Asos Penguin blouse I found online the other day..

In wedding news... invitations are here and going out this week. I have a dress fitting on Saturday and my sister and mom are helping me with some stuff :) Trying to keep it a secret... shh!

Hope everyone is having a good week so far... so looking forward to this weekend and an extra day to sleep in!

Sweater weather

I honestly think that CA has some bipolar weather. Last week we were sweltering with near 90 degree temps and this week we have dipped to the low 60's with rain and snow (!!) in the mountains.

This past weekend I treated myself to a bit of a shopping splurge. I was feeling as though my wardrobe was lacking some grown up pieces and that my sweater collection could do with some shuffling out of old items and bringing in of new ones. Enter Nordstrom. And their POV section. And their sweaters, and skirts, and tops, and more sweaters. I had a grand time and walked out with some more adult-like pieces and sweaters to bundle up in at work and also on the weekend.

Today (because of the pouring rain that was dumping down on my way to work) I'm wearing my newly purchased turtleneck sweater/poncho with banana republic black jeans and rainboots. Pardon the mirror shots.

Sweater via Research and Design, 49.00, Nordstroms.com.; jeans, banana republic; rainboots, macy's.

Other items that came home with me:

 Caslon dolman striped sweater, 59.00, photo via nordstrom.com

Halogen pleated knit skirt, 78.00, photo via nordstrom.com

Halogen ruffled pencil skirt, 68.00, photo via nordstrom.com

Halogen houndstooth sweater, 78.00, photo via nordstrom.com

Whew! Needless to say, my visa got a workout. But, I think they are all pieces that I'll wear numerous times with different things.

Also wishlisted some items for Christmas there.

Stay tuned - I finally got my leopard print flats. Reveal coming shortly!



Fall is almost here!

In the rest of the country, that is. Here in Cailfornia our Summer is really starting to get underway. But... with the change in seasons elsewhere that means fall catalogues are here and I'm obsessing over what to get. I've compiled a list of some of my must haves for the fall (once it finally gets to SF...).

Camel sweaters. I'm SO in love with the color camel it's not even funny. I found this particular sweater while surfing at Nordies and I can't get over how cute it is. I also love that  comes in an array of gorgeous colors. I love the camel (of course) but I'm also privvy to the maroon. And the elbow patches? Ack I love it! The price isn't that bad... but I may hold out to see if this particular one goes on sale or if I can find a cheaper version. Halogen elbow patch sweater at Nordstroms for 69.00.

Mustard. The color mustard. I think it looks fantastic paired with jewel tones - reds, greens, and of course your blacks, whites, and greys. Since I'm not that brave I may toy with the idea of going for a mustard colored scarf. But then again... who doesn't love a good cardigan? This jcrew one is tempting me only because it's a lighter mustard... but part of me years for something darker. Jcrew Eden cardigan  - 89.50.

Leopard print flats. And my search goes on for these. I seem to be having a hard time finding a good pair that's not any flourescent color. Or maybe I'm just too particular. Which is why I love yet another jcrew item, the Nora calf hair ballet flats. The price is a little steep (okay, way steep, as in I may wait for sale for these) but I kinda think they are perfect. Perhaps if I win big in Vegas next weekend.... Jcrew Nora Calf Hair Ballet Flats - 250.00

Nude flats. Aside from needing them for an upcoming wedding in March I don't have one single pair of nude colored shoes. Oh the horror! I'm keen to these Michael Kors shoes. I think they're pretty cute - and since they are nude I can wear them with just about anything (except maybe brown.. or mustard...). Michael Kors Odette flat at Endless - 150.00

Well that's it for now. What is on your fall wishlist?