Less than a month till uni starts up again and I'm searching for the perfect bag for school. My trusty old North Face backpack is still the go-to for when I have to carry around a lot of text books (not very chic but my back thanks me). For most days though, a nice bag that can hold a laptop, A4 documents and maybe a text book is ideal. A school bag for lugging books around has to be durable and it can't be too pricey or precious and it has to be functional.
1. L.A.M.B Westfield Tote
While I'm not usually a fan of L.A.M.B bags, this tote has really caught my eye and strikes the perfect balance. The shape of the bag is classic and the printed brown canvas is very sophisticated. The scarlet red patent trim adds an edge and sex appeal that makes it young and hip but still easy to carry and would work well at both school and work.
15 x 15 inches is a great size and will hold smaller laptops like my Macbook. Although this isn't designed as a laptop bag, put your precious computer in a high quality laptop sleeve like the
Booq Vyper and be a bit careful, you'll be fine.
Definitely nicer than the ubiquitous Oroton signature totes, the L.A.M.B Westfield Tote is available from
shopbop.com for $575 US.
2. Rootote Tote Bags
Rootote are a Japanese company who make canvas bag with a signature zip pocket on the side of the bag for stashing small items for easy access like wallet/phone/tissues.
They come in lots of different prints and colours and sizes and there are pockets on the inside for organizing essentials.
This cute "Paris" tote sells for $15 US from
yesstyle.com. Bargain!
3. Marc by Marc Jacobs Softy MessengerThis is a really cute bag, it gives off a very frenchy Chloé-esque vibe it would also be good for those trying for a casual/preppy look.
The white leather is a little impractical for me and the size is a little on the small size at 10 x 11 inches. However, it would make a great bag for someone who doesn't have to carry around a laptop and can look after white leather.
The absolute best thing about the bag though has to be the absolutely adorable lining, too cute ^_^
Get a bit of Marc into your life for $298 US from
shopbop.
4
. Not Rational Amy Bag
I love the urban look of this bag. The wrinkled, slightly distressed leather gives a wonderful lived in feel and the shape reminds me somewhat of an old pilot's flight bag.
This bag is made to be used, there are plenty of pockets and the optional strap allows it to be carried as both a messenger and as a shoulder bag. There's nothing delicate or pretty about this bag but it has its own sense of character and urban chic. I can imagine it working really well to set off the feminine details on an outfit or to work the rock chick look.
On sale for $298 US at
activeendeavours.com5. Louis Vuitton Neverfull
If you like Louis Vuitton and don't mind seeing your bag on 11 other people everyday, the Louis Vuitton Neverfull is a great choice. It's relatively cheap for LV and it really can hold
a lot of stuff.
Although the handles seem a bit thin, they can reportedly hold up to 231 lbs of weight so the bag is definitely sturdy but also quite light.
There's only one zipper pocket on the inside though so you might have to dig around for some of your things that have fallen to the bottom.
Call Louis Vuitton on 1300 883 880 for prices and more info.
NB: All sites mentioned ship to Australia. Yay!
I've been on the hunt for a new wallet. I decided that I needed a smaller wallet to fit just my absolute essentials (cash, cards, ID) and stash everything else in a card case or pouch. While large, clutch style wallets are handy and can hold all your stuff the size was becoming a pain for me. When I go out, I like to carry a bare minimum in a small clutch/wristlet and it was becoming a pain having to take cards/cash/id out of wallet every time because my huge arse wallet doesn't fit into my bag. So it's Marc Jacobs to the rescue with this cute little french wallet. Normally I wouldn't go for white or cream but for $148, there won't be tears when it gets dirty.
$14.95 @ birdmotel
I like my jewellery to be understated, chic and slightly unusual or special. You should wear your jewellery, your jewellery should not wear you. This diamond droplet necklace is handmade and is perfect for both work and a night out. $2000 @ Saks
Pearls have always held a certain old school charm for me and I like to dress them down, wearing them with jeans. However, pearls can look out of place on a younger person so I'm always conscious that if I dress them up too much I can look like a kid playing dress-ups with her mother's jewelry. This is why I love this necklace from Majorca, the contrast between the delicate, organic look of pearls and the metal chain is a modern take on pearls. You get the sophistication, elegance and maturity of pearls with the casual, edgy look of a multi chain necklace.
Witchery Ziggy Everyday Bag $269.95
Witchery are known for doing "designer inspired" bags and as far as designer inspired goes, this one isn't too bad. Sometimes the bags that come out are fairly blatant copies. In this case, the shape and multiple front pocket detailing are fairly general details so it avoids being too much of a rip off. It would certainly make for a nice semi-casual everyday bag and would definitely work as a stylish diaper bag.
While not the most breathtaking piece of jewelry, the Cartier Love bracelet has been popular amongst lovers for well over three decades now. The charm of the piece lies in the symbolism of design. Modeled after a chastity belt, the bracelet is bolted on to the wrist with a small screwdriver to symbolize a committed relationship.
The bad:
And the just plain ugly:
Mulberry Mabel, $1385 US
French Connection Soft Snake Bag, $99.95
L-R:
L-R:
Price: Upwards of $500
Price: $138 from Mollini
