We all know the “Hey, what’s new this year, gimme inspiration” kind of shopping. I suspect you’re also familiar with my far less glamorous companion, “All my shirts are ripped or warped and I no longer countenance the waistband of my jeans.”
Also those Vince sneakers are worn down at the heels and my Bottega Veneta hobo is quite, um, age-discolored around the inside of the handle. What to do? Especially as I am not currently in the mood or circumstances to sail into Neiman Marcus.
Start small.
I have ordered these Keds. What can I say but butterflies?
Oddly, I’m bored with jeans. Too constraining, and too heavy now that our summers are by my calculation 4 solid degrees higher at all times. I have ordered these chinos, from COS. Do not upon pain of death tell me they won’t flatter my figure because a) I don’t care that much and b) I have a strategy, more in a minute.
Also these, also from COS.
Which brings us to the strategy. Because I am long-waisted I have room to create the illusion of a waist by wearing high-waisted pants and close-fitting shirts. (With low-waisted pants I rely on shirts that hang away from the body.) Does that make sense? A broad back also lends geometric distance between shoulder and bellybutton. All a long-winded way of saying that if these trousers work I will need some new tees. Maybe, my own bravery astounds me, a tank top. One’s own bare skin is an integral part of designing an outfit.
Also if I wear chinos I can wear a denim jacket and look like all the preppy girls I went to college with. Ooooh.
Finally, sigh, I’d like a new bag. I am considering these below. Parameters? Quality, in materials and design. Shape? Shoulder, hobo or not. Color? Cognac, saddle tan, whiskey. Extra credit? Minimal to no logoing, hardware, other weird stuff –except butterflies. These?
Or this, from the Canadians at M0851?
How about Lotuff? American heritage type brand #1? They insist on showing it in dark brown but I’d stick to my cognac guns.
Or my current favorite, this, from Frank Clegg, AKA American heritage brand #2.
Do tell me what you think of my choices, or what you might be considering yourself, that is if you can manage to take a few minutes from your astoundingly wonderful weekend.
Some links are monetized and may generate commissions. Prolly still not gonna buy the Prada bag tho.
71 Responses
Wandler, Canadians, Clegg. All fab. Get to it!
@Annie, I am so tempted to order all of them and do an unboxing video for this blog:). Then send all but one of course back, really fast.
@Annie, An unboxing video! Yes, an unboxing video! If not bags, then anything else of your choice would be great fun! xo
Bored with jeans? Bored with jeans? Impossible! During warm months I love good old khakis.
Lotuff seems like a wonderful bag,, if a little pricy for my blood. have fun with your shopping. You deserve some fun.
:)
@MaryAnne, Thank you:). And I should be more precise, bored with jeans in the summer!
The Wandler bag is beautiful. If you are going to spend quite a bit of money go for plain and you won’t get bored with it.
@Ruth, Plain, pure, simple, classic, all of the above!
Long waisted here too! I’ll never find a one piece swimsuit to fit. Bah.
Consider this bag from Unshattered…
https://www.unshattered.org/collections/showcase-products/products/richline-2-in-1-tote-and-clutch-woodley-hollow-collaboration
Logo-ed, but the brand matters because we employ women who are winning their fight against addiction! In June we expect to hit 3 years of full time employment for women in recovery with zero relapses!
This one is made by Amanda, our Creative Lead, Custom Designer, heroin free for 2 years last month!
Thank you for sharing your journey of processing grief and finding joy in small things again. ❤
@Kelly, Bah. Although J. Crew does a pretty good long torso suit FWIW. Congratulations on your amazing work at Unshattered and the bag looks great.
I’ve been looking for a summer jeans alternative too, and have recently discovered the Caden trouser from AG. Relaxed, but not too full in the leg. Softer, lighter fabrics than many current chinos styles. Nice color options. They might not be high-waisted enough for the look you’re going for, though.
Regarding the bags, I think shades of tan/cognac/saddle are pretty timeless. Smooth leathers will show scuffs and wear more quickly. I usually stick with either textured or pebbled leather these days, but sure do love the shape of that Wandler bag…
@Susan B., I totally forgot I’d seen those pants on your blog. I always go towards 100% cotton, but I bet the red ones you got will be great on you. Thanks for the tip about smooth leathers, I haven’t had one in ages and ages
You know I’m an M0851 fan, although I like their lighter leather — all the bags you show here are too heavy for me, nor can I tolerate a shoulder bag anymore. But I love the shape of that last bag, the Frank Clegg. Very nice.
And those Keds are delightful — they’ll make you walk happy! Probably even cheer up your Achilles. . . ;-)
@Frances, These shoulder bags are for my suburban car life. If I have city walking to do I wear my crossbody, if it’s a lot of city walking, or hiking, a backpack. I always think of you re: M0851:). And I’m still wearing hiking boots for my tendon, so annoying if I have any hope of style, but oh well. Soon I can wear butterflies I hope:).
Being short-waisted, verging on no waist at all, I envy you your long waist. And the ability to wear snug tees. That combo will look fab on you. Hugs from chilly Canada. xo
@Sue Burpee, Did I ever tell you I spent all kinds of time as a teenager wishing for long legs? Ha! Thank you, and hope spring finds you for good soon:).
Those shoes will make you happy every time you look at them. Go for it with the pants. For me, I wouldn’t buy a bag that was so pricey. I want options as the year goes by so it is Macy’s, Kohl’s, and even Marshall’s for me! But, I do love the last bag as far as looks go. Happy shopping. Take care.
@Elaine, I look forward to happy feet! I will report back on the fit of the pants. And if I needed a diverse bunch of bags I’d be more careful about my spending, but as we know I’m monobagamous, so, one more pricey bag equals 3 less for someone with different use patterns.
Perfect chinos. Both. I don’t know about the bags. My mother only carries a handbag. No shoulder bags ever, she says they encourage a slouch. But I like the first one. Does it come unstudded? The Prada bag is in-state tuition at some state university. Obscene. How about a nice Goyard tote, which you can have monogrammed. Too East Coast?
@Theodore Bouloukos, A Goyard out here may signal trophy wife of a probably Republican man, so, not my thing;). I slouch like all getout, now I know why!
I think all your choices of bags are absolutely beautiful. But, please, it is just me – it must be……how does anyone justify spending that amount of money on a bag that you are going to carry every day…to the grocery store, the gym, shopping. I have never spent that kind of money in my entire life on a bag, and I am old !
I have purchased some beautiful leather handbags on nordstromrack.com for one third of that price. I’m sorry – don’t mean to lecture ! Just wonder sometimes if I’m just cheap !
@Patricia, Precisely because I am going to carry it every day! My evening bag, a teeny minaudiere, was super cheap:). I get so much enjoyment from the daily use of a bag that’s well-designed in luxurious materials, it’s worth it to me. Also my clothes are very inexpensive these days, living as I do in t-shirts that cost $9.50.
Lisa,
All in great taste! I’ve come to the conclusion that we all spend money differently. If one person won’t splurge on a bag inevitably there spending money on some other luxury. I have a long and bad relationship with handbags. I love deep bags but I can’t find my items. If they are unlined how can I see down there? If they are lined then it’s with some obnoxious print. You get the idea! Have a wonderful week.
Luci.
@luci, Ha! I totally get the idea:). And yes, everyone has their own priorities about where and how often to spend their money.
Keds are so lovely!
I love Cos a lot, their minimalistic approach,no frou-frou and (mostly) natural fibres….
Cognac and navy-perfect
Regarding bags,I prefer the Clegg,too-although these days,when I buy a new bag,not too heavy and cross body possibilities are crucial
xo
Dottoressa
@Dottoressa, Thank you! And yes, cognac and navy, so nice together if you’ve got cool undertones as we do.
The Clegg. Hands down.
https://www.kendallconraddesign.com/collections/all-bags/products/353-105
I bought some chinos from J.Crew too – will see if I actually wear. I never tire of jeans. Love all your choices – all the bags are really good and I included one from Kendall Conrad ~ as you know I love her bags.
I think the Isabel Marant is the most useful of the bags you’ve shown because you can wear it cross body. I love the Clegg and Lotuff too, but wonder if the Clegg is very heavy (not that it’s ever stopped me) – I love tote styles for ease of finding things.
Now that I know it’s your “car” bag, a concept I understand very well, I vote for the Clegg…hand’s down. I use a very similar tote for the car and a different lighter weight cross body for walking.
@KSL, I love the enthusiasm. I do just as you suggest, tote for car, crossbody for city walking, and in fact a backpack for extensive city or street or hill walking.
BTW the Kendall Conrad I like, especially if I lived in a city and could support the extra fashion statement, is that white Bota. Yeehaw!
@KSL, I’m in with @KSL as well, the Clegg.
Wonderful butterfly shoes! Love them. Also love either pair of non-jeans, but the second pair looks extra uber comfy. I’m enamoured of the Dart-Detail Linen Trouser. Of the bags, I like the Wandler, because it has the most classic lines, and because it is made in Italy, though I wonder about the usability/durability of the adjustable strap. I’m a serious fan of both Frank Klegg and Bosca. (Did I introduce you to Klegg when we were talking men’s wallets? I may have dreamed that.:) The closure on the Klegg tote you show looks like it could get stained or bend at an odd angle. I like the Klegg Ellie for its simplicity. It’s also available in Cognac (or Chestnut with a bit more texture) but it’s open at the top. I’m not tired of jeans, which I don’t find too warm for summer, but I have a number of pairs of linen pants I use in summer, and I do enjoy being able to add my jean jacket as well. Once again, my jean jacket and some of my linen pants are from the 1980s. I love it when I take care of things, and they co-operate by lasting a long time. I have radically changed my relationship to clothing and accessories in the last ten years. I shop as little as possible, want to know who made my clothes, am not interested in labels (never was, really, but loved BV for its designs from when I first encountered early pieces in the late 1970s, and have a collection that goes back to the 1980s). I want to part ways with the majority of the bags I currently own to lighten my possession load). Now I want quality, ethically made, natural fabrics, as affordable as possible, and possibly vegan instead of leather, though it is difficult to say goodbye to leather. My last bag, and it was leather, was a small crossbody Kara circa 2014 that was ~$500. Good luck in your decision making, and happy astounding weekend.
@Katherine C. James,It was perhaps you who introduced me to Clegg! I am not sure. “I love it when I take care of things, and they co-operate by lasting a long time.” This is how I feel now. Also in not really caring to shop for clothes and accessories, not even jewelry. New garden gloves however….
The Keds are great! I like the whimsical butterflies.
The Canadian MO851 looks amazing! And I am not saying that because I am Canadian.
Not sure why you are tired of jeans? I have been wearing jeans since I was 12 years old and am 64 now and wearing jeans now. I love white jeans for summer too.
Last year I bought silver Guess slip on deck type shoes and they were a happy choice and definitely out of my usual conservative style…like my latest Karl Lagerfeld tee, breaking out the unexpected can infuse us with new found energy!
Love to see what your new clothes and bag look like on when they arrive.
@Leslie Lord, Just tired of how jeans feel on me? In the summer? If that makes sense. Silver shoes sound like fun, but I can never quite get across the finish line with metallic shoes. I love them on others though. I will report back!
Love your chinos,;. I can relate, with a 31 inch inseam plus high waist. Your favorite bag looks good too. I also like the Lotuff. Why do bag makers not put brass feet on the bottom of their bags? Lately many quality makers have eliminated the feet and I have to have them added. On wardrobe shopping: We all need a little shopping excursion every once in a while. Why not? I say, “Go for it.”
@Susan, A little excursion every one in a while:). Truly after last year when I filled in some gaps in my wardrobe, I am now just replacing that which has worn out or mysteriously gotten too tight for me;). I wonder about the brass feet. I haven’t carried a structured bag in a long time, I can’t imagine why structured bag makers don’t include them.
How about Lulu Lemon. I bought some very conformable easy wearing breathable pants there last summer for traveling. I wore the capri or boyfriend jeans length all summer. Very comfortable for every day. I highly recommend them. They’re not tights they just comfortable pants. I have them in the short and long lengths. Purses? All your choices are elegant. I prefer the nylon ones by MZ Wallace. Again wore them while traveling and all summer.
@Sandra Sallin – Apart From My Art, I just can’t do leggings/skinny jeans/yoga pants for prolonged periods of time. Weirdly uncomfortable for me. I like my pants kinda roomy! If I were to travel much I would upgrade my backpack for sure. So glad you are feeling well.
SUCH a fan of Frank Clegg bags. They custom made a beautiful dark green shoulder bag for me a few years ago with an extra long strap because I have arthritis in my neck and need to wear all bags cross-body. That soft tote is luscious though.
I recently picked up a utilitarian but bright blue Marimekko fabric cross-body bag that is the best and most practical bag ever. Bottomless, I swear! I got it from the store in NYC but it’s on their website as the “My Things” bag.
I love the shape of the leg on that second pair of chinos. I’m glad to see that is coming back around. So comfy and I think universally flattering.
@Charlotte K, I love the idea of a Clegg bag and a Marimekko crossbody in fabric. Seems like a beautiful and practical solution to what we might want in a bag.
Glad you like the chino legs, I’m glad we have so many choices these days.
Those khaki pants from COS – wow! I just ordered a sweater from them and will go back for more.
The Prada bag is pretty fab, too. I love the black/cognac combo. I don’t carry a big bag but this one…swoon!
@Debra, I am so glad you like the COS stuff, I also really like their jackets on the site right now.
The Prada bag is certainly the most refined. I just wish it didn’t have such visible logo-ing:(. Black and cognac is as good as navy and cognac, or denim and cognac, that’s why it’s what I’m honing in on for my next bag!
Hi Dear Lisa, I do hope you have had a better week. You know, I think this is a good sign for you, that you are coming out of the tunnel into the light a little bit and looking for renewal. So this is great. I notice you are looking at alternatives to what you have had in the past, so this is also great because it says you are looking for a ‘do-over’ and are willing to try new things too.
You know the first thing I have always done after a long period of grief or depression is go shopping: to want to reinvent myself and relaunch. Well done. Now before I say about my preferences, I would like to address those in the group who have mentioned price in reference to the bags. What I have noticed about you Lisa, over the many years of reading your blog, is that you tend to buy one signature classic piece and use it for years. You are an investment shopper. I might buy 10 (or more..) bags in the time you have had your one designer bag. I have probably spent far more in the long run on fashion jewellery and accessory bags than you in the last however long. If it is your wish to have a signature classic piece that you want to love and own and flog for years to come, then let it be no-one’s place to judge. You are not adding to landfill, and when you have loved that piece to the end of it’s tidy life, there will be a grateful woman at the end of that line waiting to appreciate it as a hand-me-down. And apart from that, again I say, let this space be a judgement free zone – Isn’t that what we all come here for, intelligence with a little fantasy and to speak our truth?
So, on with the bag choices. I am leaning toward the woven leather Lotuff, however, KSL does make a sound contribution with her suggestion of the Kendall Conrad Cadiz. I can see this beautiful piece being easy to wear. However, if you want a piece that can go from day to night, then the Wandler is divine, albeit quite large.
I do find it quite hard to choose a bag on line. I like to see how it sits against my body, the proportions, the smell, feel and texture of the leather and of course, the internal sixth sense that tells you at a touch if you really love it and want to take it home and have it with you always. I have never found such a bag yet. I have many and I love them for 3-4 months and then move on. I am glad to say that this is not a reflection of my love life, I have had the same husband for 34 years, but Freudians may like to read something else into my bad girl bag habit. Each one I pick up like a new puppy, promising that this will be my ‘forever’ bag and will love despite small signs of wear. But alas, I fall short of this expectation every single time. Go shopping, Reinvent, Relaunch, Refresh. Enjoy. Xxxxx
@TJ, I think it is a good sign:).
You are right about me being an investment shopper. I’ve carried that Bottega Veneta day in day out, except for excursions to the city, for almost five years.
You made me really laugh with your husband vs. bad girl bad habit!
The Keds are pretty cute and in a similar vein, I’ve been getting great wear out of my patterned Vans (https://www.vans.com.au/old-skool-festival-satin.html#93=13317) – though disappointed they are now on a much better special. I was after something in a cream/beige with non-white soles, so the variable colour was a bonus. With healing, and assuming comfort, I expect you’ll get plenty of wear out of the Keds.
While all of those bags are well out of my price range, I love to be able to live vicariously and admire the workmanship, and it’s something I’ve always enjoyed about your blog. The challenge of picking the essential characteristics of an item and translating to something within my price-point is a good way to express myself creatively.
On first thought, I liked the Clegg, but now wonder if the design would cause it to wear badly where it folds on each end. I like the sturdiness of the Lotuff, but do prefer to be able to fully close a bag, even though I often do not. I do like that they will send swatches though. Looking at my own use patterns and preferences, I’d probably settle on the M0851.
As Susan commented though, the larger the bag, the more I feel the need for brass feet – if I can’t rest or hang it when I’m out, I like some protection on the bottom.
I’m interested to see what you settle on.
@Cathi, Those are so pretty! Love the satin:).
Thank you for your zen approach to my fondness for luxury goods. I try to balance things out, with a love for places like COS and UNIQLO that is just as sincere, but I do understand that my idea of a reasonable price is built on a very specific background. xoxo.
The #2 bag looks like a Coach Hampton’s tote that I got, way back when, before they started putting their tacky logo on everything. Mine was Cordovan, which is my favorite purse color. If I were picking from these I’d get the #1 woven bag.
I like higher waisted pants. A plus of the trend is that it’s pulled mid-waisted pants up, and as a short-waisted person that’s a better look for me. It’s better to have the disconnect of top and bottom hit at your narrowest point. Even if your narrowest point isn’t absolutely as narrow as it used to be.
@RoseAG, That’s interesting, that even mid-waisted pants are a little higher. And who can forget the glory days of Coach? My son tells me they are doing OK again now, so, maybe worth a look.
I like the M0851 and the Clegg – it’s a toss up, for me, between those two. I’m bothered by, what I’ll call, the knobby things on the handle of the Prada – I know they’re not actually knobby, but at first glance that’s how they struck me. Cognac is certainly the perfect color, isn’t it? I’ll be interested to see what you settle on. Hope you get to wear those butterfly shoes real soon.
@Jeannine, Knobby things;). Cognac is a wonderful color. So far, still liking the Clegg most of all, still tempted to order everything and unbox for fun:)
These are all handsome choices. I can personally attest to the quality of materials and workmanship of the Lotuff products. My husband has one of their briefcases and my son-in-law has visited their factory. He says they are very customer service oriented. I like all of your choices but am especially attracted to the basket weave Lotuff.
@Jane, Ah that’s great to know, thank you.
How about dark rum?
https://www.brahmin.com/amira-melbourne/P30151600.html?dwvar_P30151600_color=DarkRum#sz=128&start=89&loadmore=1
@Leslie, Pretty! So funny they call that dark rum. I used to drink dark rum and tonics, on the rare occasions that I did drink, before I had kids. I do not remember that they were so cognac-colored;).
I second the recommendation for the Lululemon – On the Fly pant. These are NOT leggings! They come in a variety of lengths (ankle, full and tall) and even have a wide leg version. They have summer and winter weight options. A really great design with a variety of fit options.
https://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-pants/On-The-Fly-Pant/_/prod8431171?color=36763
@Christina, OK I will go look in our local store!
I am a big fan of COS Lisa…and I love all your bag choices. It is a color I gravitate to over and over again. I found a great shop in Hong Kong for bags and picked up two in this color. Woman’s gotta have…what she’s gotta have. I need an overhaul in the clothes department but find New Hampshire living really is as simple as it gets. Jeans and more jeans…only because I invariably get dirty. Just happens when there are things to be done. I am adding another cashmere wrap to my wardrobe…details in my latest blog post. You can never go wrong with cashmere (as long as you don’t garden in it)…especially from The Travelwrap Company. Happy Shopping, love all your choices, you have the perfect figure for them! :)
@Jeanne Henriques, So happy to have your endorsement on cognac for a bag color – and how much fun to have Hong Kong shopping as a resource.
The wraps in your post come in gorgeous colors – I would have to remember not to wear one to prune my roses in;).
JW Hulme From St Paul, MN, does lovely work.
@Loree Kalliainen, I’ve heard that name before, haven’t looked them up in ages, thanks for the reminder!
I second this recommendation. Athleta makes a similar line of pants and I find them so comfortable and ideal for travel.
I meant this as a reply to Christina’s recommendation of Lululemon -On the Fly.
@Jane, OK. Note taken!
I’m late to this party. They are all beautiful choices. Love the Clegg. I may have to order the medium version for myself. How do you find all of these brands I’ve never heard of?
Please let us know which one you choose. An unboxing video would be really fun!
@Thea, Write a style blog! It’s amazing what you find:). And I am torn between the medium and the large myself. Must get out the tape measure and compare to my BV Hobo. Glad you like it;).
I put a pair of 15+ year old jeans on today and can honestly say YIKES. They were a bit more snug but just don’t fit the same way anymore. Sigh. I feel like elastic waist bands mean giving up. Despite exercising I think the “Sitting at desk job” creep has caught up with me.
@Gablesgirl, I think it’s just getting older, maybe, although I admit I am not super fit right now. We should ask Materfamilias, who is super fit, whether she has had any shifting of the center of gravity.
The handle on the bag I had been carrying for several years broke (irreparably so) a few weeks after my mother died. I ordered a great many bags, thought I had found the ones I wanted, and now almost never carry them. I don’t know if they’re tainted in my mind by calendrical juxtaposition, or if I just wasn’t thinking right. I do like all the ones you’ve picked, so YMMV! Very very best wishes, R
Hi Lisa, you should look at Cuyana for the bag. Interesting brand story and made at the same factories and by the same craftspeople those luxury bags used to be made by before they moved production to China. And way more bang for your buck!
I love all your bag choices, well everything. We should dress for ourselves first, and who cares what someone else thinks is flattering? Vanity yes. But on our own terms.
I think you are drawn to a piece you love and will use. I think the pieces we use everyday should bring us joy and are worth money, whereas something that will be used only rarely is not really worth an investment. Perhaps I am not with the in-crowd on this. I do have trouble buying bags online, as I have to hold them, and feel them, the weight, the tactile experience, the way it fits with my body. I also know you will find whatever is perfect for this version of you. True to yourself, your evolving self. And thank you always for sharing the process.
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