Coupon Code: 25% off Shopbop

YES!!!! My very favorite time of the year at Shopbop. Get 25% off with code INTHEFAMILY25! 

I've got my eyes peeled on this red Clare Vivier Messenger I've been lusting after for years.

What I Wore: 8.1.13

Sweater: Pippa Lynn AKA Latty Sweater from LF
Bag: Clare Vivier [ my blog post ]
Tights: J.Crew
Skirt: American Apparel
Boots: ALDO

What I Wore: 7.15.13

Top: Converse All-Star Top from Target

Jeans: BDG Jeans from Urban Outfitters (similar)

Boots: Sam Edelman "Lisle" Wine
Rings: SecretCharm on Etsy
Necklace: Minoux "Tiny Bar"
Bag: Clare Vivier or Madewell Transport Tote?

What We Wore: 5.12.13

Happy (belated) Mother's Day!

Blazer: Zara
Top: Zara
Jeans: Topshop "Leigh"
Shoes: Zara Mid-Heel Sandal
Bag: Clare Vivier Messenger (my blog post)
Necklace: Minoux "Tiny Bar"
Rings: SecretCharm on Etsy

The video (feat. Mom!), if you're interested:

What I Wore: 2.24.13

Coin Purse: Of a Kind x Clare Vivier 

Rings: Elephantine on Etsy and Hester Street Fair
Necklace: Minoux "Tiny Bar" 

Sweater: Vince
Top: Topshop "Burnout Drop Shoulder" Top
Jeans: BDG from Urban Outfitters

Boots: Sam Edelman "Lisle" Booties in Olive

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. ;)

What I Wore: 12.24.12

Wore this to a family holiday party and well, let's just say my dad didn't GET my outfit. It's "office girl meets xena warrior princess meets cat lady", duh. It looks ridiculous, and that's what I love about it. Interestingly enough, he thought the necklace was the worst component -- and to think, I was expecting the pants to top his list! Hah! That necklace is my current favorite and was a real steal at Zara, just about $29. Don't be talking trash on my necklace. And I'm not taking any fashion advice from a guy who loves Ireland so much he wears green leather tennis shoes 365 days a year! Humpfh!

This Silence & Noise Boyfriend blazer is a closet necessity and thankfully on sale right now at UO -- oh, you'll thank me.

If you're a little on the wacky side too, these Topshop "Winter Floral" pants are also on sale on Nordstrom's site.

Jacket: Silence & Noise from Urban Outfitters

Shirt: Zara

Necklace: Zara

Pants: Topshop

Boots: Sam Edelman "Lisle"

Clutch: Clare Vivier

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 ]

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!