Kate Spade meet Land's End

You might recall the Kate Spade bag that I bought in Seattle.
Mr. HB was involved in the choosing of this bag...
the contenders were all black and quilted bags...
some were far and away beyond the budget!

Talking of budgets reminds me that I am really uncomfortable buying things that cost the earth when there is a perfectly acceptable option available at a reasonable price.
I say Yes to a luxe treat now and again but it is not an everyday event and I only indulge if I have the money in the bank.
In mid life I have come to accept that I need less and am happy with a smaller wardrobe.
I am not "doing without" I am choosing to be "content with less".
These thoughts and actions are readying me for retirement when my clothing needs will dwindle.

I read a fabulous post on this subject by Cupcake Caramel and it fits perfectly here.


A Humble handbag...

A classic style in basic black and happily the honeymoon period is far from over.
I have pared down my bag collection and have sold most others through a local consignment shop.
It feel great having less clutter in the closet and the decision making is simplified.

Boat totes, a bathing suit, cashmere sweater and tank tops were purchased from Land's End a few years ago, and then I forgot about the company until recently.

Their garments are great for my workplace as they are washable and classic.
The quality of the garments is impressive, the sizing is consistent and are available in Petite sizes.

The Sun Shower Coat is made in water proof microfiber, is lined and has nice top stitching and button detail.
The fabric has just the right amount of weight to it so that it hangs well and I don't think it will crease.

It is available in a variety of colours and you can see it here.

( Now on sale, I should have waited)

Land's Ends Sun Shower coat, Hermes scarf, Kate Spade bag.

I think a bright umbrella 

in sunny yellow or Hermes orange 

might be just what is needed for those drizzly days that will soon be here in the Pacific Northwest.

What colour is your bumbershoot?

recipe for recovery...a tasty diversion and a family field trip

To cheer me up my Mom and sister arranged to have an outing

we drove out of town to a lovely hotel on the water

sat on the outdoor patio on a warm and sunny afternoon

dined on a delicious and healthy salad

I shared my recent troubling eldercare issues

they listened

gave me air time

and support.

We stopped in and browsed at a thrift shop

we seldom visit.

I wandered the aisles

feeling rather foggy

 my thoughts were elsewhere.

The sun was streaming in the windows and this was in a ray of sunshine.

in the light I glimpsed the details

it tickled my fancy

a

leather handbag

butter soft

and

embossed 

with chains and tags

and

long straps

in basic black

the workhorse colour 

that takes me anywhere anytime

Canadian made 

side zippers expand the bag

transforming the capacity

what a great idea.

I liked the "look"

a little more dressy

cross body

for hands free shopping

and the best part

it was

$10.00

I feel propped up

by comments left here

I am 

giving thanks in gratitude for family,

friends,

and blog buddies.

You guys rock my world.

Metscan's Blog Challenge...my bag wardrobe.

A challenge was issued to show off our bags...
by mette as seen here

Her bags are very chic....YSL and  Chanel....
I am not one that walks away from a challenge so here goes...

Bag 1

 Furla Carmen Shopper 

Embossed Leather Mahogany

Bag 2

Elliot Lucca

Black Leather

Bag 3

Berge Italian Black Leather Tote

Bag 4

Roots Brown Leather Saddle Bag

Bag 5

Vintage eelskin

Bag 6

Vintage leather embossed evening bag by Koret

Bag 7

Aldo small leather mahogany clutch

Bag 8

Banana Republic leather clutch

Bag 9

Vintage eelskin envelope 

Bag 10

Tory Burch Leather Messenger Bag

Bag 11

Michael Kors Santorini

Leather and Raffia

Anyone else want to show us their bag collection?

Michael Kors Santorini makes it's summertime debut.

I have downsized and summerized my bag...
the weather has been so cool and dreary that I have not felt at all like wearing shorts or tank tops let alone putting away my dark coloured bag.

The sun is shining and it is warm today...25 celsius!

I have swapped to a lighter straw tote.

Michael Kors Santorini 

I like the way it looks sitting on the teak table, next to the iron candle holders and beeswax candles.

Shaded by the Market Umbrella...

glistening brass details; studs...turnlock and the braided leather handles contrast with the raffia weave of the bag.

Michael you've got a lot going on here!

You make a great centerpiece...

Small buy mighty

I like details and well designed and crafted bags....

I love bags,

and I love shoes... 

if you come here often you already know that about me!

There's just one thing about this bag...

my cat loves to scratch wicker, straw, seagrass and baskets 

so I need to keep this away from her or it will be a ratty tatty mess!

I can pop it in here at the end of the season to store it safely.

This bag is large enough for my cat...but I don't think she is savvy enough to untie the cord.

I think she'd rather hang out with my shoes than the bags.

Semi retired Tory Burch...

stored away for another day.

I found a few tidbits of info and care tips here.

Seattle getaway...part 2...hunting and gathering, I bagged a big one!

There were so many great shopping opportunities to take advantage of in Seattle that I was overwelmed. (Not afraid of the challenge, I quickly rose up to meet it!)
We packed a lot into our time away, walking miles and for hours, exploring the Downtown core and seeing the sights...we did eat well and often!
Mr. HB was a very keen shopper. He managed to acquire 2 new black wool coats; one "MOTU" business coat, the other casual,  5  "Logo Free" Nordstrom polo shirts, and 2 pairs of shoes; one pair business, one pair casual for the boat.

I came home with more than I imagined... let's start here and there will be more posts to cover the rest of the loot!

I had been looking for a new bag, and had not found anything locally that made my heart flutter so I knew that it would be uppermost in my mind to scout out any prospects in Seattle.

Seattle did not disappoint!
Hooray! I bought a new bag.

Introducing....Tory Burch, my new arm candy.

love the colour!

reminds me of a caramel, or butterscotch...yummy.

Lined with several compartments.

Tote or cross body hands free for serious shopping!

Just waiting for a playdate!

I had a superb experience when purchasing this bag.

The sales staff were enthusiastic and showed me every possible bag they had on the floor. 

Bags by a multitude of amazing designers, in all colours, and styles, with prices from here to eternity.

 I tried them on, "test drove" them a bit, but all the while I kept TB firmly grasped in one hand so no one else might scoop her up.

Love or lust at first sight, I just knew!

I am thrilled with my new TB bag. The price tag is one that I can live with, the colour is new for me, it will go from spring and summer to fall. It will hold an immense amount...as long as it is not too heavy!

I laugh when I say that, as my Marc Jacobs Turnlock was too heavy when loaded up with my basics and so I gave it to my Lovely DIL.

Mr. HB was quick to point out that I better make certain that it would not be too heavy!

I am going to introduce TB to the Market and see how she likes it....we might run into our friends from Chanel or Louis Vuitton.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway scarf...see details on a former post.

More shopping reveals tomorrow stay tuned...

Handbag dilemma.....Fashionable luxe, love it or leave it?

Late 1890's antique country cupboard and 1950's silver.

Witness the juxtaposition of styles.

Does this work? 

The humble and the polished.

Worn and weathered,

chipped and crazed,

crackled,

Does the shine and elegance of the silver elevate the humble cupboard or does the humble cupboard elevate the silver?

 "What IF" the Humble Hostess were to carry a luxe bag?

Think Louis Vuitton or Chanel to name a couple, there are many more...

The idea is carrying me away....Frugal scholar  has indeed given me pause to reflect with her recent comments about my proposed bag shopping.

She has blogged about buying a great piece of art when they were cash challenged...we bought a Chris Craft yacht the very same way! 

We had not yet paid off our mortgage, were living in a fixer upper, had 2  children in school, hockey and ballet lessons, Volvo payments, and a Golden retriever..."carpe diem" we seized the day and have never regretted it...blissful family holidays and memories that will live in my heart forever.

She is absolutely correct in saying that I am able to buy the luxe dream bag...

Stay tuned....

.

Bags...the defining accessory.

Bags are something of which I am fond of...and on any holiday...I am given to surrender to....not break the bank or max out the credit card...just whatever I feel at that moment.... I can be impulsive and do not research or plan which bag to buy but rather I let the spirit of the moment guide me. I like to touch them, open them up, check out the inside, try them on, walk around, "test drive" them, they need to perform and feel good. It is a tough decision for me, I do not change bags often, I am a creature of habit.
Having said that, I am not investing a substantial sum on these, they are accessories that are functional.
I am off to Seattle soon and the idea of a new bag has crossed my mind more than once, maybe something summery?
If it were you....what would you buy? Would you research and plan? How much would you be willing to spend?

My humble collection...

Furla Carmen Shopper

Elliot Lucca leather bag

Elliot Lucca

Italian Berge leather tote

Vintage eel skin evening bag

Reptile vintage evening bag

Banana Republic leather clutch

 Every day Roots cross body bag,

 aka the workhorse!

Spencer and Rutherford leather wallet

 Does the bag that I can afford to carry label me?
I say a resounding YES.


I am of the opinion that bags send signals, they scream of economic class, taste, and are quite possibly the most important accessory for a woman.


I recognize the classics Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermes...however they are not on my radar, with my humble budget and lifestyle they would seem out of place...(unless of course I found or was gifted a vintage one, and it would need to be genuine, never a fake or knock off!)


A few months ago, while at the Market, in front of me at the check out I spied a Chanel black leather quilted bag...carried by a lady of style, older, adorned by diamonds, and large pearls, clad in classic black, nothing screaming or too obvious...but she did open that lovely bag to pay for her purchases and I must confess there was a moment that I held my breath...maybe I made a sound, because she turned to look at me and smiled. 
I wonder if there is a Chanel in my future...a girl can dream!