I love combing the aisles at
foreign grocery stores--there's something I find satisfying about perusing all the different kinds of produce and packaged goods in languages I can barely decipher. I went to the supermarket yesterday and realized that every single person there was equipped with identical stylish leather handled woven grocery totes, which they were both using in lieu of a basket as they shopped, and also to carry all their purchases home. To indulge my fantasy of carrying one of these to the Union Square farmer's market back in New York, I tracked down a handwoven palm leaf tote of my own (I particularly like that this has two sets of straps, so it works as a hand or shoulder bag), available
here.
More from Luckymag.com:
Shop Girl On The Road: Sarong, So RightShop Girl On The Road: Ibiza Island FashionShop Girl On The Road: Espadrilles, A Spanish Obsession
MZ Wallace is in the middle of a big sale, and it's a good one. Among the things I'm having a hard time saying no to are these red ikat cosmetics bags (the same ones
Elise wrote about a couple months ago, only now they're on major markdown!). They're made of water and stain resistant cloth, and the interiors are lined in satin with extra pockets for organizing your stuff.
The medium size is half off at $20, and there's
a larger one available for $25. I know it's crazy early, but these would be a great thing to stock up on now and give to your girlfriends for Christmas. I'm also really digging
this scallop edged clutch made from eco-friendly, hand-crocheted raffia (was $195, now $78)—it's the perfect, beachy accessory for a balmy evening out.
You wouldn't guess judging from the name—which sounds way more like an animal superhero from a kid's storybook than a really stylish, Upper East Side boutique—but the specialty at
Roberta Roller Rabbit is resort-y, exotic imports from around the world. And despite the total chicness of her inventory, the prices are actually reasonable. I don't get to the store nearly enough, only because it's a good 70 blocks away from my apartment and I'm lazy, so I was thrilled to hear that they just took their goods online at
robertarollerrabbit.com. There's a huge supply of lightweight cotton voile tunics ($70) that come in a range of gorgeous prints—these would be especially great for travel, given that they pack well, go with basically anything, and can be easily dressed up (dangly gold earrings and slim white pants) or down (over a bikini and denim cutoffs). I especially dig it in
this slightly mod red and white pattern with contrasting trim.
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Click here to check out a slideshow of my other favorites from the site!
Today I took out my suitcase to start the process of packing for my Spain-Morocco trip. Coincidentally, I also just stumbled on this post by Decorno,
one of my favorite design bloggers, who's off to Italy for three weeks and shared what she's bringing—impressively, it all fits into a carry-on backpack. I'm pretty fanatical about not checking in luggage, and I was psyched to read
her packing list, which is disciplined but not overly skimpy (she took five pairs of shoes!). Now I'm inspired to bring at least one black dress (probably
the brilliantly wrinkle-proof one I have by DVF), and am reconsidering my No Nice Handbag travel rule. I was also reminded to stash an extra nylon tote for shopping and to take to the beach. I'm all about
the ones from Flip and Tumble, which are sturdy but weigh next to nothing and fold up into a little ball that will easily fit into my day bag. They're a bargain too at $9 each (or $8 if you buy 3-6, $7 if you get more than 7). If you guys have any more packing tricks/must-haves, by all means let me know!
I want an under-the-radar bag to take with me
when I travel abroad—something lightweight, durable, and compact. Low-key is a must, but even though I'm not really looking to score major fashion points here, I don't want anything that looks too outdoorsy either. And for the sake of making me less of a target for pickpocketers, (I was mugged once in
Florence—by a gaggle of little girls no less!—and have been paranoid ever since) I'd like it to have zippers and I'd like to be able to wear it slung across my chest (which is also the most comfortable, convenient style to carry for any extended period of time). This LeSportsac bag checks all my prerequisites. I love that it has several different compartments for organizing my stuff, and the nylon material it's made out of is exceptionally rugged though weighs next to nothing.
Buy it here for $38.
There are a number of good things converging in
this DKNY handbag. Like
the extra-long strap, for starters, which allows you to wear it slung
across your chest. I love a
messenger-style purse. It's kind of like
the fashion equivalent of a bluetooth headset—the whole hands-free
thing just makes everything easier. I'm also a big fan of the chain
detail, which feels both tough and ladylike at once, but since the
majority of the strap is leather, it's lighter and more comfortable
than if the whole thing were metal. The tawny leather has a rich,
antiquated look, like it might have been pulled off an old fashioned
steamer trunk. And the simple silhouette and lack of logos add to
timelessness of the piece.
I never bought
the all-over cork sandals I was pondering a couple
months ago—they're cute, but in the end felt a little too retro to fit
in with the rest of my closet. I still love the texture and earthiness
of the material though, and just spotted
this cork clutch by
Ananas
Collection that totally satisfies my modern criteria. It's flecked with
gold, which gives it some dressiness, and the zipper at the top is
embellished with a wooden ring. The color and silhouette are pared down
enough to go with almost anything, though the use of cork, particularly
on a
handbag, feels cool and fresh. To cap it all off, the interior is
lined with a
floral pattern that makes me want it that much more.
I first nominated
a striped L.L. Bean tote as
the perfect summer bag, but these slouchy hobos by Naea, which come in pretty, geometric African textiles in all kinds of colors (my favorite is either
the grey/blue or
the yellow), are another strong contender. They're roomy enough to stash
everything you need for the day (and then some), and have a sort of luxe gypsy feel. They just got marked down from $250 to $149, and you can feel especially good about your purchase since proceeds support women in Ethiopia.
It's totally a nosy question I know, but I'm just curious about what
kind of stuff (and how much of it) you guys carry around with you
everyday. I try to keep my day-to-day formula fairly simple:
1.
Wallet
2. Keys
3.
Planner (am I the only one out there still using a paper calendar?)
4. BlackBerry
5.
Paul & Joe Blotting Paper (not only is the case adorable but there's also a built-in mirror)
6. Pen
7.
Aquaphor (
which, most of you agree, is really the best lip balm out there)
8.
Digital Camera
9. Mints
Your turn!
Business card holders are one of those things you might not think you need until you have one. You never know when someone might ask for your card, and pulling out a chic leather case with a fresh, crisp card is just good PR for yourself and your company (as opposed to handing over a tattered, scuffed-up card that's been lurking at the bottom of your purse for months). On
Lauren Merkin's site just now (thanks for reminding me of it,
zingyginger!) I noticed
these great studded leather cases. They're elegant but not too buttoned-up, and they'd also work well as a downsized wallet when you're going out at night. $35 and they come in five colors (for me it's a toss-up between the black and camel).
