On the subway about two years ago I saw a girl carrying an amazing bag. It was an olive shade of leather with studs all around the handles and pockets. After a couple stops of inching closer to her and that amazing amazing bag I was able to read the Kooba nameplate.

I had purchased a Kooba Ada bag a few years ago, but it was way too heavy! In fact I tried selling it on Ebay a couple times with no luck. So I wasn’t totally sure I wanted to take another Kooba plunge, but as soon as I got home I started googling and eventually identified that amazing subway bag as the Kooba Tracy bag. The Ebay search began!

First I found the canvas blue version with purple patent leather trim. It was cheap since it was from a couple seasons ago. Two pockets in the front and (the best) two side pockets inside the bag to hold everything.The blue/purple bag is amazing. I swear I carried it around for about 6 months straight.

Next up was a warm chestnut leather version. Although not as beautiful a cold as the olive shade I originally saw on the subway, I was able to justify this purchase since I didn’t have any other bags in this color. Plus, I got it for a steal since there is a water stain on one side. It does run into some weight issues with the leather, but I love the beautiful studs!

Double trouble! Do you have any bags you loved so much you bought multiple versions?

Share

Bag // Blouse // Jacket: JCrew (old) // Jeans: Citizens (old) // Shoes // Nails: Essie, No Pain No Spain

Saturday mornings mean a trip to the Brooklyn Grand Army Farmer’s Market and it is finally starting to feel like spring. Normally I am afraid of wearing anything white due to spill factors, but the price was right for this Old Navy top that I can wear without fear.

Share

I resisted getting a Le Pliage from Longchamp for years. About two years ago I picked up a small Le Pliage from Bloomingdale’s in eggplant but ended up returning it a few days later since I was too small for my daily commute. But still the Le Pliage was on my mind but I was always able to talk myself out of it due to the price and the fact that everyone carries this bag around.

Over the summer I started reconsidering and found myself in Bloomningdales one again, but this time with a 25% off coupon. The Le Pliage came home with me and it has been my favorite bag ever since.

Turns out this bag is popular for a reason, it is perfect. Or about as perfect as a mass produced bag can be. I can fill the bag to the brim, including my iPad and lunch, but it is so lightweight it is still easy to tote around. I also got the version of the bag with the long straps, which is comfortable to throw over your shoulder even while wearing a bulky winter coat. I selected the color Graphite, and it is the perfect cool mix of blue and grey.

The past summer was a really busy time when work was crazy and on top of that we were searching for a new apartment in Brooklyn. I was able to carry everything I needed for work, as well as piles of paper work for potential apartment applications in this bag, as well as all my normal stuff like my wallet and makeup. Everything fit, and the bag was still comfortable to carry, and beautiful to look at. This bag saved me.

My only complaint is that the one inside pocket tends to fold into itself when the bag is set down, so my subway pass and my Black Honey Almost Lipstick tend to fall to the bottom of the bag. I’ve found I have to lean it a certain way when I set it down, so not that big a deal.

I’m also pretty happy that after about six months of continuous use this bag look brand new with zero wear and tear.

Next on my list: A mini cosmetics case (to use as a clutch) and a Mini Fold Up Tote for weekends.

Share

Is it just me, or are sequins and chambray the best combination ever? Here are some ideas from Madewell.

Share

For the longest time I was afraid of red lips. I was worried about choosing the wrong color for my pale complexion, looking like I was “trying too hard” and most of all, getting lipstick on my teeth. But I finally took a chance on red after being inspired by all the lovely models in some past JCrew catalogs.

I found that the key for me when it came to being more comfortable with red lips was to ask a Sephora or MAC employee to suggest a color. That way I could walk around confident that the color was right for me, as opposed to just guessing at what looked pretty in a tube.

Here is my current collection of pretty reds, from left to right:
1. MAC Hot Tahiti 2. Laura Mercier Garnet 3. Bare Escentuals Red Zin 4. NARS Gipsy

Now I love red lips, and not even for a special occasion. During the Fall my favorite look was a messy top bun, oversized sweatshirt, skinny jeans, flat shoes, chambray t shirt…and red lips! Love it since I felt like myself, but just a little fancier.

My red wish list is:
1. Nars Red Square Matte Pencil 2. Nars Heat Wave 3. MAC Russian Red

What is your favorite red?

Share