I’m Missing My Bags

We moved into a rental unit five months while we remodel our loft. Things are taking longer than expected, so we’re here for another few months, at least until the tail end of Autumn. The rental unit is half the size of our loft. I brought along all my clothes, and I mean every item. I brought about 95% of my shoes, but only 50% of my handbags because it’s hard to store them. I miss my bags, and every day I want for the rest of my collection that is in storage. 

I have 20 to 25 handbags, which includes evening bags, sportier bags, and beach bags. I know. That’s a LOT of bags. Nobody needs that many bags, but I have collected them over a long period. Bags are my thing, and I pander to the passion.

I can store and display them beautifully in our own loft, manage the quantity with ease, and swap them out regularly to complete my outfit. For me and my needs, it is far from an overwhelming collection. 

These are the bags that I brought to the rental unit. I chose a range of colours, lifestyles, and sizes to cover my bases.

These are the bags I put into storage, and wish I had them with me. I keep reaching for the bag that perfectly completes my outfit of the day, but it’s not there. It’s in storage and I can’t get to it until we move back to our loft. I miss the turquoise, gold, red, blush, and green bags the most. Come Autumn, I will miss the burgundy and cinnamon.

Put to the test, my large handbag collection works for me, and gives me great daily joy. I’m on foot a lot, and walk to most places, so carrying a bag is very important. It’s practical because it holds the stuff, and it’s on show which makes a visual difference to my outfit. I go to the effort of frequently swapping out my handbags so my wardrobe pets earn their keep.

I’m much looking forward to reuniting with the rest of my bags.

Outfit Formula: Fall Green and Black

It’s the middle of Summer and hot in the northern hemisphere. As a cool reprieve and something to look forward to, I’m sharing some Autumn outfit formulas. Darker greens are popular with my friends and clients as the season turns, so that’s the inspiration here. Dark green goes well with black. But if black’s not for you, choose dark blue. 

1. Patterned Blouse, Green Pants, Black Accents

A black and green patterned blouse is combined with a pair of slim green cropped trousers. It’s tucked for a dressier vibe, and to create structure by defining the waist. Feel free to leave it un-tucked if that’s your preference. Black pumps and bag that match are the finishing touch. Classic heeled pumps are trending, hence we’re seeing more of them. Choose black shoes that are more to your taste if you don’t like wearing heeled pumps.

Patterned Blouse, Green Pants, Black Accents

2. Black Suit and Graphic Tee

A black pants suit with a longer length jacket is combined with a white tee with a green and black graphic. It’s tucked into the trousers to showcase a black denim obi-style belt that adds a unique touch to the outfit. White pumps pick up the white of the tee thereby adding a punchy high contrast effect. I see a black, white, or mint bag complete the look.

Black Suit and Graphic Tee

3. Patterned Dress, Socks, Loafers

A green and black pattern on a cream background graces a roomy columned frock with sleeves. It’s completed with black loafers and dark green socks to create an autumnal boot vibe. Add a bag that works with the palette.

Patterned Dress, Socks, Loafers

4. Patterned Skirt and Black Support Act

A black and green floral flared midi skirt is paired with a short black sweater with a wide welt. It’s worn comfortably over the skirt, and showcases the structured waist of the skirt because of its cropped length. Dressy heeled tall black boots add a polished touch. Add a bag, jewellery, eyewear and watch as desired.

Patterned Skirt and Black Support Act

Handbags For Practical Personality

Handbags can be practical AND decorative. Any colour, and structured or unstructured. Make sure the size, weight, style, and compartments work for your needs before committing to a bag. Insert a handbag organizer to easily access the contents. 

Handy Stylish Handbags

Sporting two bags at once can be practical when you need to traipse along extras for the day. A large tote to carry bulky items that you don’t need to access fast and frequently, and a smaller bag to carry the necessities that you do.

Handbag minimalists can create a 3-bag complement. A darker bag for colder weather. A lighter or brighter bag for hot weather. And a small dressy bag for formal occasions. If you swap out bags frequently, consider what you can afford, manage and store.

Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

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Assorted Items

Items for Summer, both in and out of air conditioning.

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Casual Summer Vibes

This week's top picks are good for a casual Summer vibe.

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Summery Earth Tones

These items are for those who like to wear casual earth tones in warm and hot weather.

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Hints of Spring

Some tried-and-tested winning items to refresh your style for Spring.

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Dressier Items

An assortment of dressier top picks might be just what the doctor ordered.

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Dressing for Air-Conditioning

Air-conditioning is a blessing in high heat, especially at night when we sleep. That said, the A/C can be set very low and make indoors feel arctic in the middle of Summer. For someone who runs cold, arctic air-conditioning can be very uncomfortable. 

Indoor air-conditioning that is set too low also poses dressing challenges. When it’s hot outside and I’m wearing a breezy dress, skirt, top and sandals, I’m perfectly dressed for that temperature. But not sufficiently insulated for indoors. A denim jacket or blazer helps, but my feet freeze in open shoes. I can handle the discomfort for very short periods, but not for long.

When shopping with a client in an air-conditioned mall recently, I rushed out the door wearing white jeans, a camisole, a sheer floral long sleeved blouse, a belt, and loafers. I was freezing in the mall without a jacket. I know better, but forgot to bring an extra layer. I almost bought a jacket while we shopped, just to feel comfortable.

We once went to Las Vegas in July. I was waiting in the shade outside our hotel wondering why people were coming out wearing jeans, boots, sweaters, and jackets in 107F (41C). I was wearing denim clamdiggers, a cotton sleeved shirt, and sandals. I went into the hotel and froze my buns off. When you see people walking outside on a hot day in outfits meant for cold, chances are high they work in an air conditioned setting.

I’d rather feel a little hot outside than uncomfortably cold in air-conditioning. If I know I’m in A/C all day in the middle of Summer, I will dress for that temperature and wrap up. If I go into A/C for short bursts during the day, I’ll bring a jacket and wear loafers or sneakers. It helps that I usually wear a cotton camisole and covered clothing for sun protection.

How about you? How do you combat arctic air-conditioning?

Fab Finds: Loafers and Boots

More and more I’m purchasing wardrobe pieces out of season, especially when I get them on sale. Personally, I don’t mind one bit if items hang or sit in my wardrobe for months before the weather is dead right to wear them. I believe that when an item is good and works for your style, it’s going to be worn at some point. 

In that spirit here are some footwear picks that you probably wouldn’t wear in Summer. They have been winners on clients, friends, and me, so I’m sharing the info on the off chance something works for you too.

1. Sam Edelman Lucca Loafer

These loafers deserve their stellar reviews. Super comfy and soft, and fit a range of feet. Not too wide on the heels either. The suede and metallic versions are even softer and more forgiving than the patent and leather. They run big so size down. My clients with wider feet wear them well. Me and my narrow feet wear them well too. I added insoles to make them fit better.

I passed on two pairs of old loafers and replaced them the gold and light blue. I almost bought the lime green, but the blue bookends my specs and works better with my wardrobe. Unlike most, I wear these in Summer when it’s not too hot. They work well in air-conditioning too. I wear them to shop with clients, and 20,000 steps later there is no problem.

Refined loafers are classic, AND having a fashionable moment. Keep these on your radar if you’re a loafer person too.

2. McGuire Seville Boot

The boot collection at this year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale was disappointing, but these made-in-Spain boots are not. Sleek, comfy, manageable heel height, and versatile high shaft. Dressy in a relaxed way. Roomy toe box too. A very stylish friend got the light blue that coincidentally match her light blue eyes, and is thrilled with them. Very pretty.