Another Helmut Lang

 Helmut Lang Sonar Wool Drape Dress

 The one thing I don't like about this dress is that the cut of the sleeves enhances my not so skinny arms.  However, I love the cozy material and the strategic draping. This dress is not an "essential" for me, but it's a great work appropriate dress for the Fall and Winter.

Oof, this photo came out dark. If you highlight it, you can see the flattering asymmetrical draping that so many of Helmut Lang's pieces are known for.

Work Bag: Balenciaga Papier Tote

The Balenciaga Papier Tote is very confused. Does it want to be carried on the crook of a lady's arm or swung over her shoulder? Does it want to be unstructured and casual or does it want to be structured and professional? It does not know what it is, but damn I love this bag. The unbelievably soft and buttery leather, the understated hardware, and the fact that it doesn't scream designer bag are all huge selling points. Unfortunately, there are a number of issues I have with the design of this bag which I will address. Mr. Wang, if you ever read my blog, please consider my suggestions!

Little background on how I came across this bag. I had saved up a sufficient amount of money from creating PPT decks and Excel spreadsheets, and as we all know: work appropriate items=justification of money well spent. For months, I had been eyeing the Proenza Schouler PS1. I strutted into the store where all good things happen, Barney's in Chicago, about to piss my pants from excitement. As I reached for the PS1, I was underwhelmed. Don't get me wrong, the PS1 is a beautiful bag, but at that moment I didn't feel that click. So I journeyed over to the Balenciaga section and stopped dead in my tracks when I saw the Papier tote on the top shelf. It came in three colors: black, brown, and olive green. The purchase was such a spontaneous decision that I don't even remember what happened next. All I know is 5 minutes later, I was walking out the store with (what I thought) was the perfect work bag.

 Balenciaga Papier Tote

Most unstructured bag I've owned

Lots of room--I can fit MacBook, notebooks, emergency cupcakes, etc.

 Stuart Weitzman MezzaMezza Boots / / J Brand Maria High Rise Skinny Jeans

Slightly overwhelming and too boxy for my 5'3 frame

Now that I've talked about all the positives of this bag, let me highlight some of the main problems:

1. The handles are a very awkward length. It's just long enough to slip over my shoulder if I'm wearing a thin shirt. If I have a coat on there is no way I am able to get it over my shoulder. This is problematic because if I'm carrying a MacBook and notebooks, the bag becomes extremely heavy and uncomfortable to carry on the crook of my arm or my hands.

2. The base of this bag makes it difficult to carry a MacBook, notebook, or any rectangular shaped item without it falling horizontally flat inside the bag. The base is pretty wide, and the bag is so unstructured that it provides zero support for anything inside. It takes constant readjusting for my notebooks to stay in place, and when they do, the overall effect is really boxy. 

3. The size of this bag is overwhelming for a petite frame. I feel like a bag lady when I carry it around.

Overall, the bag has some great qualities. However, I've contemplated selling it for a Mulberry Bayswater or *gasp* the Proenza Schouler PS1. Very few people own the Papier Tote, but I'd love to hear your thoughts and reviews of this bag!

Work Bag: Smythson North South Panama Tote

If you are interviewing me for a position, and you ask the question, "What's your greatest weakness?" my honest answer would be "work appropriate goods". This is what I mean: whenever I'm shopping, I find myself drawn to clothing, shoes, and bags which can be worn to work. Before I make any purchase, I ask myself if the item is work appropriate. If it is, I somehow justify the price and happily add it to my collection. This is all very ironic since I'm still a senior in college. If I'm not employed come June, I will suffer from being all dressed up and no where to go...which is perfect motivation for nailing interviews. 

Does anyone else feel like they are endlessly searching for the perfect work bag? Behold, the Smythson North South Panama Tote. When I was working in London this winter, one of my coworkers had this beautiful journal in rich sturdy leather that was embossed with her initials. I felt rather sophomoric next to her with my Kate Spade planner exploding with color. I noticed the journal was from a brand called Smythson, which I wasn't too familiar with. Fast forward to last weekend when I was browsing at Barney's in Chicago. They have a small section (in the corner next to their Valextra bags) dedicated to Smythson. Their Panama tote collection caught my eye. The bag below comes in two sizes: North South which is the taller shape, and the East West which is more of the traditional tote shape. Both versions retail for $995 (sales tax in Chicago is 9.25% so grand total $1087). Here's the spoiler--you can purchase it for much cheaper directly from the Smythson website. 

Smythson, being as fabulously British as it is, only lists prices in UK currency. The North South Tote is listed as £550. When you put in your address, it will recognize that the item is being shipped to a US address. This is important because it means the horrendous 20% VAT tax is deducted! Also, standard shipping (5-7 days) to US is free. You can pay an additional £35 for express shipping (2-3 days). Now do a quick conversion at the current exchange rate and the bag is equivalent to $761, saving you a grand total of $326. Good stuff. 

Beautiful gift wrapping--every order is complimentary wrapped!

Bag is well protected. There was bubble wrap on the outside of the blue box.

Structured tote. Professional looking and perfect for the office.

Tote material is crossgrain calf leather. Pocket is smooth leather.

Navy fused suede lining--hides marks very well!

Internal pouch is detachable. Same material as external pocket.

I am a huge sucker for neutral colors. Black, white, and beige are my favorite. For some reason, this is my second red tote. I have a Longchamp in red that has been used to death. I think bags are a good way to add some color into my otherwise neutral wardrobe. It is a little loud, so I'm not too sure I would be comfortable enough to bring this to an interview. It's a great structured bag and not at all overwhelming on a 5'3 frame. I placed an order for the same bag in black, but I do plan on keeping this one for when I'm feeling in need of a splash of color.