Leah Reena Goren Cat Pouch

A huge score from Renegade SF -- love this as my makeup bag.

[ cat pouch - leah reena goren ]

3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Messenger in Jade

I'm in love.

[ 3.1 phillip lim pashli messenger in jade ]

See me gush about/review it here.

WANT: Proenza Schouler PS1

Black leather. Dark hardware. Medium size. YES.

...Pricetag. NO.

[ proenza schouler ps1 ]

I'm a bag hag in the making!

What's In My Bag #1 - The Alexander Wang Rocco Duffel with Antique Brass Hardware

Are you a nosy little voyeur who likes to know what people carry around with them? 

I am.

If you are too, watch the video to see what I keep in muh baby boy, Alexander.

3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel - Black with Silver Hardware

Obsessed.

[ 3.1 phillip lim pashli satchel ]

And thanks to a shipping mess up by Barney's, it ended up being 10% off.

Of a Kind x Clare Vivier Cheetah Coin Purse

If you've never heard of either Of a Kind or Clare Vivier, then you are truly missing out (and perhaps living under a really unfashionable rock? JK, no judgement.). Let's fix this. Clare Vivier is my past and current handbag obsession, as evidence by appearing in recent posts and some from years prior. Of a Kind is a website that sells limited and exclusive editions of clothing, jewelry, etc.. from talented independent designers. I've had my eye on them since their launch a few years back (NYC tumblr-ers always keep me so "in the know") and desperately wanted to splurge on this green Veda Garde jacket with leather sleeves. Ah, Chelsea + Veda wasn't meant to be, just yet... but I did splurged on this irresistible coin pouch.

Here's a simple formula for you: Cheetah + Clare Vivier + Tiny Coin Purse = Done Deal

Just a few days after my manic excitement over getting the last one they had [ side note: they are super sweet on Twitter ], a knock on the door from my overworked (my fault, totally) delivery guy brought me this much awaited package. I especially love that they sent it with a personalized and handwritten thank you note, cute wrapping, and a certificate of authenticity -- little touches like these mean a lot to me as a customer and I love shopping from companies that treat orders with care.

It goes without saying that the coin purse is absolutely gorgeous and I'm really happy with my purchase. I can't wait to bust this little guy out in multiple ways -- as a coin purse, mini wallet, lipstick case, laptop case, the options are endless! ;)

Have you ever bought anything from Of a Kind? Clare Vivier? Do tell, I'm always curious!

Clare Vivier Messenger Bag

I'd had my eye on this Clare Vivier Messenger Bag (in black) for a longgg while (Exhibit A: blog post from over a year ago), but f*%! that! Lusting over. Bitch. been. bought. It's mine, all mine (praise Jesus for Shopbop discount codes!)!

It's a beautiful, slouchy bag that looks cute hanging on your shoulder or across your body, but also looks great in that bitchy sitting in your elbow crotch look (HBIC status). It's very flexible and doesn't really hold shape, which I love, but I know frustrates some about bags. One of my favorite things about it is that it comes with a cute little pouch that can be detached from an inside leather strap via a hook. I find the matching leather pouch to be perfect tampon size, but feel free to designate it to keys, lip gloss, or spare change if you're one of those freaky people who haven't had a period in ten years and obviously needs to see a doctor about it or stop exercising so much. Dr. Steve Brule, for your health. Okay, what else do I like about the bag. Well, when watching Jesse and Celeste Forever I saw Rashida Jones had this bag too and I was like, "Twinsies! Oh, Rashida.. we're just meant to be best friends, huh?!" I don't even really want to be best friends with Rashida Jones, so not even sure what that was all about. It's a bag thing, you wouldn't understand, I guess... I really like the bag.

[ clare vivier messenger bag in black - $363 ]

One thing to be aware of about this bag that I actually didn't anticipate, having never seen one in real life prior to ordering online, and have heard others complain about is that the leather finish is not probably what you expect. Or at least not what I expected. First off, fairly fragrant raw leathery smell, and not intoxicating Wilson Leather store smell. A little grittier and more dead animal parts-esque. I described that far more awful than it is. It just has a bit of an odor to it that hits ya pretty hard if you stick your head in the bag and take a big wiff. 

Which I did. Not sure why. 

But back to the point at hand.. buyers' expectations of the leather.. it's not like a finished smooth leather, it's more raw, but not exactly suede. In between the two? Luede? (It's cowhide, for those that actually are curious.) This leaves it really susceptible to damage (watch out for rain!) I'm thinking, as it can scratch pretty easily. Also, you can't adjust the strap, which somewhat bothers me, as I'd like it to be a tad bit shorter AND I'm thinking as the leather stretches, the strap with lengthen, if only slightly. Maybe it won't? Only time and use will tell. 

Also, it was smaller than I imagined in my head. I don't count that against it because that's my own mental shit. It annoys me when people review things and they are all negative and say something along the lines of, "Oh, it didn't live up to my expectations," when their expectations were of their own building. That is not the fault of the dress that you mistook it for the second coming, honey, so don't take your disappointment out on it. /rant. I only say honey when I'm being bitchy. So hunty of me. Hey hey, RuPaul.

Final Verdict: I really like the bag. So much so that I want it in tan/cognac, grey, and the red version too. Only real beef, wish there was an adjustable strap. I'm happy I got it, and I'm super happy it was on sale. It's pricey, so if C.R.E.A.M dolla dolla bills y'all are of no worry to you, get it. If you're a penny pinching Forever 21 faithful, don't waste your rent on it. If you love it and and you want it, do whatever the fuck you want. I don't care. ;)

WANT: 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel

You know that story your parents used to read you, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie? It's a phrase that has stuck with me my whole life and I find myself saying it quite often... though mostly in a bratty I told you so sort of way to my boyfriend. Well, I am writing a new version entitled, If You Give a Chelsea a Designer Bag. It explores the downward spiral of a post grad upon obtaining her first designer bag, Alexander Wang's Rocco Duffle, and how that one fateful purchase was the proverbial blood in the water for this great white (bag) shark (Side Note: Don't you think it's a little racist to the other sharks to call them Great White Sharks, I mean.. jeez...). Enough of my attempts at Amelia Bedelia-esque humor (Wow, I'm really pulling out the children's book references in this post), I'm obsessed with the 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli.

[ black with silver hardware / aubergine with black hardware / black with black hardware ]

This bag is everything -- it's sexy and feminine, but masculine at the same time; it's structured and formal, but slouchy and cool; and it's expensive as f@!* looking, but with a price tag under $900. It's the Celine Luggage Tote for the everyday working girl (so long as this "working girl" I allude to is, like, REALLY working a lot at a REALLY high paying job). 

I've drooled over this bag in the flesh and I don't recommend anyone else do that because you will not be able to get the Pashli out of your mind. It's not crazy heavy (newer models come with a detachable shoulder strap), the construction is gorgeous (though only one interior pocket), and the shape is versatile (zips can be worn up or down for a different look). The three pictured above are the sexiest of the sexy, in my opinion: The black with silver hardware is the most adaptable and everyday; the aubergine is the trendiest, for the buyer who's not afraid of a designer bag in a color other than black (I am not one of those daring individuals); and the black on black is the coolest, most modern and sexy feeling one to me.

I keep calling this bag sexy, is this weird for anyone? Is there some sort of -philia or -ism I should be diagnosed with? Crack open your DSM-IV and get back to me on that one. If you need me, I'll be the girl drooling and creepily stroking the bag wall at Barneys Co-Op.

SHIT, Did I Just Get the Alexander Wang Rocco Duffel Bag?

Holy. Shit. BREATHE! I am trying not to get too excited right now, because Belle & Clive put me through a near panic attack with site glitches and unexplained empty carts when trying to buy this bag in their Alexander Wang flash sale this morning. I had it in my cart, and then it would disappear and say the sale was over -- cut to: refresh refresh refresh, "OMG, I got it!" -- then I was checking out, and then again... it disappeared and was supposedly "in another member's cart." Finally, fast refreshing fingers, quick address typing, and panicked clicking led me to a wonderful page that said "Order Complete" and a confirmation email in my inbox. Fifth time's a charm, no? I still don't believe it's official yet, they might come back to me and say, "Whoops! we sold 1 bag to 4 people!" In which case I'll whimper (a lot) and probably stomp around my room a few times like a tantrum-ing toddler.

You may recognize this bag from... oh, just 1,000,000 bloggers and celebrities who have it (and this post where I proclaimed I would give my first born for it). It's a pretty popular bag, and though I'm not one to succumb to soul crushing bag lust or celebrity/blogger hype often, this bag just does it for me. Despite it's incredibly heavy weight and oversaturation on street style pins, I l.o.v.e. it. Mind you, it's really expensive and I am now paying off the debt/loan to my super wonderful, awesome, kind, best mom in the world Momma who supplied her credit card for my huge indulgence under the condition that I pay her pack entirely within 3 months. Totally doable! I just handed her $50 in tips from my restaurant job just now... so I only have about.... $700 to go. Ooof. I probably would have never bought this bag in my life if it wasn't at some sort of discount -- I often found myself refreshing this guide to buying a Rocco on discount daily -- so thank the stars for flash sale sites! $695 before tax is a lot more palatable than $875... but still painful.

Exhibit A: Evidence it was in my cart, Belle & Clive!

I just had to screenshot this to prove it when I was going through it all. Totally panicked...

If you could find the Rocco for $695, would you bite the bullet?

What is your biggest bag lust of the moment? The PS1? 31 Hour Bag? Do tell.

How much is the most you're willing to spend on a bag?

I'm curious!

EDIT: Belle and Clive sent me the wrong color hardware and were not able to fulfill my order with the brass studded hardware (which is what they had listed on the site). Tragedy! I had to return the rose gold bag, but I managed to swing it from SSENSE for just a couple bucks more than the flash sale price, so.. I finally go it! If you want to see my comparison with a knock off version, check out my post here.

WANT: Alexander Wang Rocco Duffel Bag

I would give my first born for this bag. I've wanted it since the very first day I laid eyes on it. I'm not much of a bag whore so to speak, but I would seriously consider whoring myself out for this bag. I'll do your underwear laundry. I'll walk behind you and pick up your dog's poop on a walk. I'll hold the tissue you blow into when you're sick. Anything, ANYTHING to earn a dollar for this bag. I wanted it so much so that I bought a fake rip-off off ebay (which is a nice bag in itself but it's nothing... NOTHING... like this bag, obviously).

[ image via here ]

[ alexander wang rocco duffel - $895 ]

At $875, I should just continuing dreaming. But man... when I get a job and I save my first big chunk of money from it, you can bet I am going to treat myself for the hard work at get this beautiful, beautiful bag. Hey, I did schedule a job interview today with my ~dream job~ at a non-profit so maybe I'm one step closer! Shopbop recently had a 20% off Friends and Family sale and they excluded Alexander Wang from the sale. RUDE! (But it would have been like $700 andddd that's still not happenin')

Shop Spotlight: Clare Vivier

I recently picked up a Clare Vivier bag as a graduation present from my boyfriend when Lucky Magazine was running a 50% off promotion for an exclusive foldover clutch. The quality is fantastic, hence the hefty pricetags. But if you're looking for a simple, sophisticated, high-quality, leather clutch or bag and willing to spend the money, these bags are perfect. I especially love the brightly colored clutches since they are a great way to pop an unexpected color into an outfit.

 [ foldover clutch - $149 ]

[ la tropézienne tote - $320 ]

 

[ messenger bag - $345 ]

Shop Spotlight: LAYERxlayer

While looking at Miss Moss, a blog I follow on Tumblr, I saw a really gorgeous cinch bag she posted and had to investigate to see what else is made by the same folks at LAYERxlayer. 

According to their website:

LAYERxlayer is the collaborative studio founded by Patrick & Leah. To us, “Made in the USA” means contributing to the domestic economy and providing & partaking in meaningful work. We are strong believers in the idea of nurturing ones own craft. Both Leah & Patrick design and (currently) make every single product - so I guess you should say that we’re “Crafted in the USA” rather than “Manufactured in the USA.”

LAYERxlayer's goods can be found at the Brooklyn Flea, Revolver San Francisco, or purchased online here.

Coupon Code: Clare Vivier Cognac Clutch

miu miu & chocolate posted this great deal for 50% of this Clare Vivier cognac clutch (courtesy of Lucky) and I had to share it! I scooped it up myself....well... I said "RYAAANNNN, I found my graduation present!!!!" It is valid only today, so if you want to get it... you have to act fast! Total came to be $84 (with shipping) using the coupon code "luckydaily5" in the shopping cart.

CLICK HERE for the link, use the promo code "luckydaily5" at checkout!

Shop Spotlight: renneslechateau

I love these adorable little pouches from etsy shop, renneslechateau. Once again, I can't decide which color is my favorite. If you had to choose one, which color would you choose? I'm torn between pewter, rawhide, navy, and washed brown.

Navy Lambskin - $40

Shop Spotlight: Scout & Catalogue

Etsy knows me so well. It just recommended Scout & Catalogue to me based on my interests and it is dead on. 

I am in love!

Pink Leather Pouche - $64

Grey Leather Pouch - $64

Plum Leather Pouch - $64

Pastel Navajo Pouch - $42

i n f u s i o n

I am very much in love with this amazing tote I found (and purchased, of course!) on Etsy last night. 

Etsy stop: i n f u s i o n