WANT: Proenza Schouler PS1

Black leather. Dark hardware. Medium size. YES.

...Pricetag. NO.

[ proenza schouler ps1 ]

I'm a bag hag in the making!

WANT: Dion Lee 3D Filter Leather Jacket

Holy. Hell.

Dion Lee on Christine Centenera (Vogue Australia senior fashion editor)

Drool.

 

[ image via Le 21 éme Arrondissement ]

WANT: Everlane - The Silk Blouse

These Everlane silk blouses WILL be mine... someday.

[ everlane silk blouse - $80 ]

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.

WANT: Nordstrom BP. Trolley Ankle Boot

I have an insatiable obsession with ankle boots at the moment. I saw the Trolley Ankle Boot on Nordstrom's site today and naturally fell in love. I blame the Dolce Vita Jax boot. It's a gateway boot. I'm going to move on to harder, more expensive boots -- the kind of boots that need to be smuggled into the country. Before I know it I'm going to be found in a dirty gutter, overdosed on fabulous. She. was. so. young.

[ bp. trolley ankle boot - $99.95 ]

To Note: they look quite similar to a certain Topshop Ambush boot that I missed out on months back.

(but minus the seam on the front, so even better!)

Dogeared Jewelry

I've had these Dogeared Jewelry necklaces on my "online wishlist" for the longest time and recently bit the bullet, using some of my graduation money to finally add them to my necklace wall. I've been really into dainty gold necklaces for the past few months -- as evidenced by my latest necklace purchases from minoux -- so I was incredibly pleased when I tried them on and found each to be perfectly simple and beautiful. Now, if only my birthday would come a little sooner so I could get this gold skull necklace... and this circle necklace in rose gold or silver or gold... and this gold karma necklace! Damnit. As usual, I want more than my bank balance will ever allow. False consciousness, baby! Sup Marx! Use your Ebates account and search for coupon codes on google if you ever buy from this store -- I did both and got a nice discount!

[ dream wishbone necklace - $58 ]

[ whispers cross necklace - $62 ]

Shop Spotlight: BAF -- Burger and Friends

So I have a weird obsession with Burger and Friends (aka BAF), an online etsy shop that sells funny cat-themed (among other things) t-shirts. I discovered them on Pinterest after Molly, the owner of one of my favorite gift shops in Philly (The Little Apple), "pinned" a hilarious shirt that said "Too Dumb for New York, Too Ugly for LA." I was beside myself, thought it was beyond clever, and purchased on the spot. Some might call that a dumb waste of money (Hi mom, how are you today?); but I am in LOVE. And the obsession doesn't end there. A tank that says, "Cattitude, Deal with it"??? Have I died and gone to heaven!?!? I think so.

[ clockwise from top left: cattitude tank / lucifurr tank / dumb & ugly shirt / moon cats tank / lucifurr shirt ]

Topshop Aerobic Wedge Heel Trainers

These Topshop Aerobic Wedge Heel Trainers are sick. sick. sick. sick. sick. sick. sick.

 

They have just the *slightest* wedge, so they aren't hard to walk in... but that does make them a little clunky (at first wear at least... maybe they need breaking in?). They pinched/rubbed on my left pinky toe just the slightest (probably due to the downward angle of the wedge), but that went away after a while (once again, breakin' em in). I fit just fine into a 7.5 even though I am normally a size 7. I, like many, have the joys of having 2 different sized feet -- for heels, etc... I can either have a shoe too tight on one foot, if I take a 7, or too loose on other if I size up to 7.5. Are you confused? I am too. Basically, what I'm trying to say is that they appear true to size or maybe they run a tiny bit small? To see me wearing them in an outfit video, click here.

They even won boyfriend approval! Ryan saw me putting these on and was like, "Wow, those are cool. They look just like my old rollerblades!" That happens to be an incredibly uncool statement, so I'm not sure where to go with that. I mean, uh... just kidding Ry, Brink-style bladin' is totally going to have a comeback... totally....

I also saw these ones from River Island, which are incredibly similar in black, and was gutted (take a load of that lingo, Brits) to see the red was sold out... I wanted those ones soOooOooo bad!!!

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')

WANT: Vince Tie Front Dress

I have some Vince sweaters I got on major discount from the Saks outlet; which, by the way, is the only way I will own Vince. On sale. Until this Vince tie front dress is marked down... oh say, like 70%, it will have to remain on my irrational wish list of items I will never afford in life on a social worker's salary. Here's to hoping future me can just make rent and the electric bill! (Side Note: Google to the rescue -- the code TOUTIE10 gets you 10% off your order.)

[ vince tie front dress - $245 ]

(If you're a large, you're lucky. $79 on ebay!)

Pinterest

I tried so hard to not get into Pinterest, but the ease with which I can "pin" things and essentially have a web-wide wishlist (without bombarding TOO many online wishlist posts here) is too addicting and I'M TOTALLY HOOKED. There are so many interesting DIYS (if you can avoid all the awful, tacky ones -- yikes!) and I've encountered so much inspiration for outfits, hair, house decor, etc... and not, I repeat NOT, saying I want to be married for years and years and years... but it's a great way to harness all the dress and reception ideas (as well as discover new ones) so that when the time comes to plan, you already have a gigantic scrapbook of ideas. I'm not alone in this premature planning of wedding receptions and dresses, girls... right?!?!

My name is Chelsea, and I'm a pinterholic.

Do you use pinterest? Link your page in the comments and I will be sure to check it out.

WANT: MUJI Texting Gloves

Shit is about to get COLD. We got out taste of it around Halloween when we had those crazy few days of snow and bitter winds... and I'm dreading it -- REALLY dreading it. I saw these iPhone-, iPad-, and iPod-friendly MUJI gloves on a Refinery29 post and decided I neeeeed to get them. The past two insane east coast winters have done a number on my hands because I've been the crazy person not wearing gloves so I could change my music on my iPod or text during my lengthy walks to class. Priorities people, priorities. But now that I'm 23, it's time I start making some adult decisions -- you know, like wearing gloves when it's cold out. Look mom, warm hands!

WANT: Nasty Gal Pleated Maxi Dress

Wishing I had had this beautiful pleated maxi dress from Nasty Gal during the summer months....

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 ]

WANT: Topshop Midi Chiffon Dress + Floral Print Midi Dress

I made the mistake of looking at Topshop's website yesterday and it was depressing -- my bank account is empty, but my shopping cart was full. So full, in fact, that the total cost of all the items I wanted was $919. $919?!?! Keep dreaming, Chelsea. I guess I will just have to drool over these two dresses from behind my computer screen.

[ midi chiffon dress / floral print midi dress ]

Shop Spotlight: Urban Outfitters Around the World Boutique

Although I cannot afford essentially ANY of the pieces, I've been browsing through the "Around the World" boutique on Urban Outfitters' website and falling in love with so many interesting designs. The boutique got the name "Around the World" because the pieces are all from international labels like Whyred (Sweden), Sessun (France), Wood Wood (Denmark), Shakuhachi (Australia), House of Dagmar (Sweden), and the list goes on... There is just something about the effortlessness of European fashion that has always attracted me to both Europe and the stylish Europeans I see whenever I visit (and the accents don't hurt...). Maybe it's just because it's different from what I'm used to in the United States and the grass is always greener on the other side, but I love Europe and really wish I could live there permanently. I don't think I could walk around Philly in some harem pants without some weird looks and a cheesesteak thrown at me... :)

[ whyred mie blouse / shakuhachi moonshine pant / whyred flora mohair sweater / house of dagmar ingrid trouser ]

WANT: One Teaspoon Velvet Smoking Jacket

How amazing is this velvet smoking jacket by One Teaspoon? Regardless of the fact that I could never rationally wear this in real life, I love the idea of this jacket. Plus, seeing it paired with leopard print pants... Oooo child.... you're hurting my inner party monster. R.I.P. Angel. But in all seriousness, I've becoming increasingly fond of velvet lately and NEED it in my life. I'm all about reviving my 90s childhood -- minus the denim bucket hat with a gigantic fake sunflower on it. Sorry Blossom!

WANT: BDG Ankle Cigarette Mid-Rise Jeans

Since I can't afford the J Brand or Rag & Bone colored jeans I want, I opted for the cheaper version (at $58): BDG Ankle Cigarette Mid-Rise Jeans. I picked this specific style because they fit me really well -- I had bought a pair of hot pink jeans at Zara but they don't fit as perfectly as these. These BDG jeans have just the right amount of stretchy and aren't long enough that I need to fold the bottoms or hem them (Since I'm 5'4, I have to buy the "ankle" jeans and they are still just a little bit too long and scrunchy at the bottom on my legs!). I bought myself the red ones (seen in an outfit post here), Ryan gave me the green ones for my birthday, and I still want the tan and blue ones!

Which color would you pick?

Coupon Code: 30% Off Madewell Boots, Jeans, + Jackets

When I saw the email announcing the 30% off sale on boots, jeans, and jackets that Madewell is having through Monday, my insides cried a little. All these items below, which have been on my wishlist for so long because they were WAY too much.... and now... they are just slightly too much. I could swing that right? NO! I swore to myself that I would curb my spending so that I could have more money for going out with all the new friends I've made at grad school (AKA it's all going to booze and food). Must. Not. Spend. But, if you have money to spend, check out my favorites which I've blogged in the past (and use code the code "GOFALL" to get free shipping on order over $100):

[ top row: biker boot $248 now $173 / workwear biker boot $248 now $173 ]

 [ bottom row: archive leather boot $298 now $208 / dustbowl boot $142 now $99 ]

[ widelegger $125 now $79.50 / high waist widelegger $125 now $87.50 / chimney $110 now $77]