And I also need a new purse,

because my Nine West one is two years old and more leather is flaking off the straps everyday. Two big purchases in such a short timespan is enough to send me into a tailspin, but I've found some great options on Etsy and I feel good about spending $150-ish for a good quality bag.

So if I want to go with the camel coat/red bag look, I have two picks from Adele Shop (where everything is 15% off!). Slightly darker red foldover flap bag, $123. Love the color and the buckle details, but I have two concerns: first, that it'll be hard to get the straps onto my shoulder when I'm bundled up in a coat/sweater. I fucking hate the way bags look hanging on the crook of your elbow--it just reads "spoiled princess" to me. (Except: Pan Am stewardesses.) Second concern is that the foldover flap will be an annoyance when I'm rushing down the subway steps and need to pull out my Metrocard without breaking stride, or when I'm already on the subway and want to get my book out to read a few pages, even if I'm going one stop. 

This Flamingo bag, $123, opens at the top, but it is a little dull in comparison, right? The pretty floral lining makes up for it a little, though.

I'm not sure if the color in this photo is accurate--it looks more like merlot than candy apple red. Red leather handbag, $125. Also simple, and perhaps too small for my everyday pack animal needs, but that tassel is charming my heart. 

 

This purple pebble handbag, $145? Definitely not too small. 

You know what could look unexpectly awesome with a camel coat? Turquoise leather. This would definitely fulfill one of my purse Musts: being able to quickly pick it out from a pile of bags on someone's bed at the end of an apartment party. Turquoise pebble bag, $145.

Then there's this more subdued bluish-grey bag, $130. It's made from a vintage jacket, so the leather is a little worn in--how cool is that?

Another tassel! This electric blue color is one of my favorites, and this could be a good happy medium size between "bag lady" and "tiny paperbacks only" size purses. Slouchy blue leather handbag, $145.

And then there's Cognac brown, the shade of my very favorite pair of boots. Here's a bag that'll never go out of style, and I like the exterior pockets (great for keys and work ID badge). Brown bag, $115 .

Two many good choices! Leave a comment telling me what to get, but don't you dare go over to Etsy and buy any of these one-of-a-kind bags out from under me.

Bike T-Shirts at Etsy

A few weeks ago, I went grocery shopping for sangria ingredients with a good friend, and within the space of two hours, she got something like six compliments on her T-shirt. At Walgreen's, at Trader Joe's, at the wine shop, on the subway--everyone loved her Decemberists bike shirt! The version she had was a great cranberry red, but the Decemberists are only selling this blue Cycle T, $20.00, is almost as nice. But why so wrinkly? Does the Decemberists merch team not have a steamer?


Anyway, a few weeks after The Bicycle Tee Compliment Fest of '09, I saw this photo of Zachary Quinto. It was then I knew that bicycle t-shirts are undoubtedly going to be the next big thing of Summer '09:
Ferris wheels will also hopefully be a big trend. (Sidenote to ONTD_StarTrek readers: Look at this ZQ motherfucker!)

When I started thinking about bike shirts, I knew there was only one place to search: Etsy. While I usually browse jewelry or purses on Etsy, I knew that the eco-conconscious, yuppie-friendly sellers of Etsy would be all over something as cute and simple as the bike t-shirt. Another note before I start: if you click on a link for a specific shirt and it says it's sold out, check out the seller's store, because they often make multiple versions of the same thing if it's popular enough.

Seller Iscreamseams has loads of fun bike-related merchandise, and my favorite is the Flying Bike tee for ladies, $15, or men, $15. The light blue color looks great against the bright red bike, and the flying birds are sweetly whimsical (and make me think of Up!, the new Pixar movie that looks pretty awesome). This seller seems to be good about customizing orders for size and color, so don't be shy about shooting them an email with the specifics on your dream bike t-shirt.

Happyfamily also has a huge selection of t-shirts and messenger bags with an illustration of a vintage Schwinn bicycle. This Old School Bike T-shirt, $16, is a little bit badass, right? You can't go wrong with white on black, and you can't go wrong with a Schwinn.




As a former English major, I harbor a love for a well-chosen quote. So much so that, in my ceramics class this past semester, I spent hours painstakingly painting a quote from Fitzgerald's "Winter Dreams" onto a pair of bookends I made (my handwriting isn't great when I'm using a pencil, so the painted version is pretty messy. But readable!). So, needless to say, I'm a little bit in love with Loftymorning's Bike Quote shirt, $22. Underneath a simple drawing of an old-fashioned bicycle, it reads, "Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. -John F. Kennedy." Not to taint the lovely, straightforward wisdom of JFK or anything, but: Ladies, I imagine you'd get hit on a lot when wearing this shirt, because guys would have no choice but to stare at your boobs. But hey, these would be sensitive, tree-hugging types ogling your chest!


Vital Industries does something a bit different with its bike t-shirts: it turns it on its side and blows it up big, so it looks like a bicycle is riding up your body. The Fixie shirt, $25, comes in so many great colors and styles that I had a hard time choosing a favorite, but this lime green/light blue version felt just right for spring. Doesn't it just scream, "What a beautiful day! Who wants to go to a bike ride?"

The "Way to Go" t-shirt, $20, by Deadworry, is the sort of shirt you probably shouldn't wear unless you actually ride a bike. In case you haven't figured it out, I love the way bikes look and the way attractive people look on cute, old-fashioned bikes, but I am way too chickenshit to actually get a bike and ride it in Manhattan. I haven't been on a bike for years, and I think it's very possible that I've forgotten how to ride one. I know what you're thinking, but hear me out: when I was a kid, my grandparents had these three-wheeled bikes that my sister and I would ride all over their retirement community in Florida whenever we visited. It was so easy to balance on these oversized tricycles that, when I got back home, I couldn't remember how to stay upright on a regular bike. I really can't remember if I ever picked it back up again, but I'm just saying: there's a precedent to my forgetting how to bike. But back to the shirt: it's cute, nice colors, good message.

From the same seller, there's this Bicycle Built for Two tote bag, $12. This print also comes on a t-shirt and dress, but I'm not crazy about the colors, and about having people on my body. On clothes, this old-fashioned couple might seem a little creepy, but it's just right for a playful canvas bag. And who doesn't love the romance of a giant, silly-looking bike as a date activity?


This t-shirt is specifically for Madelyn, the friend who was wearing the Decemberists bike shirt that sparked my quest. It's a robot! On a bike! In Japanese! You're welcome. From Botodesign, the Mama Bike shirt is $28.

Are you a little sick of bikes? Well, I'm going to bring this post full circle with another Decemberists t-shirt, featuring the only two-wheeled vehicle cuter than a bike: a Vespa! The Girly Vespa Tee is just $14.99, and will prove you have great taste in both indie music and motor vehicles. Who can resist that?

Big bags and tiny coin purses

I got this bag for Christmas, after lusting over it for months and months. From Urban Outfitters, the Saddlery Buckle Bag, $58, is very nice, well-assembled, and looks great. But it's just not roomy enough for me. My previous bag was big enough to fit my 12-inch laptop, a notebook, a few folders and at least two books, plus a snack. This barely holds my wallet and a piece of paper. So even though I just started using it, I'm already itching for an upgrade.


Now this is the kind of bag a girl could fit her life into. From Lulu's, the Boondocks Handbag, $39, has the style of plaid but is actually diamond stitching on black faux-leather--very chic. It also has little pouches on the outside front and back (good for IDs) and a zipper pocket inside, which is nice since a bag of this size has definite potential to be a black hole. I'm just imagining all the water bottles and spare t-shirts and library books and dead bodies I could haul around in this thing... yeah, I think I need the giant bag.


On the totally opposite side of the spectrum, can I confess that I want a dainty little coin purse? I know that I would never use it, because my wallet has a coin pouch and even though I only use it if there's no one in line behind me and I don't have to feel bad about taking an extra five seconds to give exact change. I would never take the extra fifteen seconds to dig that coin purse out of my bag, along with the wallet, and then juggle the two while trying to pay. But some of the vintage ones on Etsy are so cute...

From seller Noobootoo, this chain-covered coin purse, $11.50, is pure vintage adorable. The orange leather shell, 3x3.5 inches, looks great inside the mixed silver and gold chains. It's sort of silly and impractical (what, are your coins going to make a run for it?) but still, so fun.

I'm also in love with this handpainted floral coin purse, $10, from Class Act Vintage. It's so ladylike that I'd feel like a true society dame, using it to pay for York Peppermint Patties at Duane Reade. The exterior is tan leather, and it's lined in gold satin, so talk about classy. I would maybe use this on a night where I don't want to bring a purse, and can just slip some cash and driver's license into this coin bag, then put it in one coat pocket and then my cell phone in the other. While I rarely travel light, it's not a bad way to go.

Clutch Purses

I don't remember exactly how the topic came up, but last night I had a conversation with one of my guy friends about clutch purses:

Me: "Do you know what a clutch is?"
Him: "Yeah."
Me: "What is it?"
Him: "A purse made by a designer named Clutch?"
Me: "Aw, that's cute. But no."

So in honor of that poor, ill-informed boy, here are some clutch purses I'm eyeing.

From J.Crew, the Satin Fleur Clutch, $98, is the perfect mix of impractical and adorable, which is exactly what a good clutch should be. I love the satin fabric in a vibrant azul color (it also comes in a great yellow or fuchsia), since it would really pop against a simple dress or jeans. And the soft flower in the center adds a romantic touch. The only drawback is, obviously, the price. Clutches will never be your everyday purse; you really have to remind yourself to use it, to take the time to move your wallet and keys from your overstuffed tote to a delicate little clutch. So I can't justify dropping a C-note on something I'll use, at maximum, twice a week.

Which is why Old Navy is my savior, since they have the cutest pleated clutches on sale for $4.99. You know that I have a weakness for anything preppy, and the thin blue and white stripes are perfectly nautical combined with country club. And this clutch is so understated that you could grab it both when going out to the new Thai restaurant in your neighborhood on Friday night or running out to get coffee on Saturday morning. I would even be tempted to throw it inside my regular purse, both to prevent my keys from getting lost at the tangle of hairbands and receipts at the bottom and so I could enjoy the clutches cuteness every day.

But really, clutches are better for special occasions. I'd love to bring this Merona Framed Satin Ruched Clutch, $14.99, along on the sort of night where I'm drinking overpriced cocktails, ideally paid for by someone else. Technically, the strap on this bag makes it not a clutch, but I'm including it here because A: you could probably tuck the strap inside and no one would know the difference, and B: I'm a sucker for ruching and a crimson red.

If I was feeling a bit more demure, I'd want this Isaac Mizrahi Lack Hinge Clutch, $16.99. It's actually part of his bridal collection, and you can sort of tell because it's tiny and impractical, like all good wedding accessories. But even if you're not the bride, this clutch will make you feel like a sweet and old-fashioned girl whose beau will ask her father for her hand in marriage. Aw. I also think the light pink underneath the lace prevents this from being full-on wedding wear, although there's probably a "blushing bride" reference to be made.

This Nine West Finaldi Turquoise Clutch, $19.99, is what you need to be carrying on the night you'll rock the local karaoke bar with "Heart of Glass," by Blondie. This minimalist, tough clutch is a little bit 80's, without being at all dated. Bonus: at 14 x 6 inches, you'll have enough space for the essentials plus all the eyeliner you could want.

From the LABANG store on Etsy, this Yellow Fabric Clutch, $55, screams vintage, and every girl will be wondering what consignment stores and thrift marts you've hit the jackpot at. This clutch is constructed from an upholstery sample from the 1970's, accented with a blue and white flower pin on the front. It's very Joan from Mad Men (an obsession of mine that has yet to fade), but the lining-- a fun cartoon print of frolicking lions-- is straight from the playful seventies. I love fun linings; it's like having a secret just between you and your purse, and every time you open it up, you have a reason to smile.

Red Ruby Rose clutches

I have to give credit to Danielle for this one, since I came across this seller on Etsy when I was browsing Ms. Blanchett's favorite sellers (I was looking for the place you bought that purse with the yellow flowers-- do you remember where you got that?). Red Ruby Rose sells gorgeous silk-lined clutches covered in one-of-a-kind fabrics. I especially adore this Italian poppy and bud clutch, $65. It's simply but very striking; it'd make a great gift for the stylish friend who isn't interested in carrying the same designer purse as every other girl on the block.

Anchors Away!

If I could just move into the Gossip Girl wardrobe trailer and make it my new home, I'd be happy. But until then, I have to shamelessly copy the Waldorf and Van der Woodsen style.

Here's Blair in the first episode, meeting Serena for drinks at the Palace and wearing the perfect anchor necklace. It fits perfectly with her preppy style, and the background in the books that she sometimes goes sailing with Nate. I went through a stage a few years ago where I decided to make my new fashion philosophy, "Also be dressed as if you might step onto a yacht at a moment's notice"-- not swimsuits or boardshorts, but lots of navy blue and white and stripes. The whole "Kennedy on holiday" look, you know. I never fully committed to it, but often when I'm shopping I stop and think, "This is such a great sailing outfit." And then I buy it.

But in this post I'm going to concentrate on just one aspect of the sailing wardrobe: the anchor as accessory. Blair's necklace is Alexis Bittar (seen to the right), but I don't think you can buy it online anymore. Luckily, there's Etsy, which has a lot of different styles that are almost all very reasonably priced.



This, the Anchors Away blue bead necklace, $15, might be my favorite for its simple classiness. It has the anchor, the bead, and a little pearl! Also, I think the long chain is a good idea with a chunkier necklace. It's tough, though, because you don't want it to be that length where the pendent gets lodged in your cleavage, but you also don't want to be able to tuck it into your waistband.




Lustrongirl flat shell anchor necklace, $15. The shell looks great as a background for the anchor, and it's very beach appropriate.










Blue anchor turquoise circle necklace, $28
I love this and think the use of turquoise (desert element) with the silver anchor (sea element) is very creative. I worry that the anchors would sort of get lost amongst the bright green of the stones, though.
















Sail Me Away Charm necklace, $10.
This necklace is so cheap! The starfish and seashell in addition to the anchor make it a very fun necklace, but I don't know if you'd be able to make it work in day-to-day New York.













Hello Sailor ring, $17.
So this ring doesn't have an anchor on it. But it is very saucy, and think about how useful it would become during Fleet Week!




Goth anchor ring, $5.95.
I don't know why it's named "Goth," but I think this ring would get you a lot of compliments. Button rings are so fun and crafty.











Little anchor hoop earrings, $18
These earrings are classic enough that they'd go with just about any outfit, but they'd be especially perfect with a short navy blue dress.







Gold photo frame necklace with turquoise pendent and anchor charm, $115
This one is really cool because you can email the seller a photo of your loved one or dog or whatever, and she'll shrink it down, laminate it, and put it in the frame for you. It's the most expensive, and the anchor is kind of an afterthought, but if you were to own a yacht that you really loved you could put that in the frame and carry around your love of sailing with you!










J.Crew anchor charm bracelet, $65
So I'm deviating from the Etsy stores, but I wanted to include as least one bracelet with the necklaces, earrings and rings. This bracelet is good if you're into chunky jewelry and don't care if the charms on your bracelet are sort of really phallic. You know, to each her own.



And if you're not really into jewelry, J.Crew has another option: the Cashmere Glitter-critter tee, originally $148 and now $55.99 if you buy it before February 29th (J.Crew is having one of those 20% off the final sale things). I don't really understand the point of cashmere t-shirts, but you know you can never talk sense with the Crew.

First taste of Etsy

I used to tease Danielle about spending all of her time looking at the original crafts and jewelry at Etsy, but now, of course, I'm addicted too. It started when I wanted to find an anchor necklace (which is a subject for a later post), and then spent my whole Saturday night looking at shadowbox art. I ended up getting this beautifully displayed monarch, although it took me 2 hours to decide between it, and two other framed butterflies:

























Danielle also got this vintage brooch from the same seller (so we saved on shipping).

I want to have a bunch of crazy, eclectic shadowboxes and dioramas for my library when I have floor to ceiling bookshelves. I can put scatter them among my thousands of books to add some frivolity to the room.

You can't buy the monarch or the brooch (since they're one of a kind, psh), but you can check out similar things from the seller, Dulcet. The shadowbox with three butterflies is $35, and the gold frame with multiple butterflies is $55.