ON THE HUNT: THE PERFECT TOTE

I blogged about finding a leather tote back in September.  At the time, I basically just wanted a leather tote as my new handbag.  I have yet to make that purchase - and it's a good thing, because now I need a tote for work and I've realized I need something a bit different!  Something I can load up with lots of stuff and not worry about the handles breaking... something I can throw on the floor at work, or at a photo shoot, and not worry about it getting dirty. 

What do you think?  Do you have other suggestions?  I've been searching and searching.  All of these (with the exception of the last three) are waxed canvas, which I love, but as you can see below they can get pretty pricey.  I adore the Filson tote, but I'm just not sure it's big enough to fit my laptop and everything else I'd want to toss in there.  The L.L. Bean and Lands End bags are definitely a good quality and value, but are they too preppy for me?  Or maybe just classic?  I do like that you can customize your own at L.L Bean, by choosing strap colors, adding a zipper, etc. 

Oh... the big decisions in life.

Stanley & Sons ($207) | Filson (leather straps: $110, tin cloth: $90) | Artifact Bag Co ($145) 

Strawfoot Handmade ($198) | L.L. Bean (sz large starts at $32.95) | Lands End ($37.50) | Carhartt (?)

ON THE HUNT: NEW BOYFRIEND JEANS

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!  A few of our friends were in town for a comedy show.  The show was great and afterward we made moscow mules, had a fire, and stayed up late (later than this old gal has been up in a long time).  It was pretty perfect, and so nice to catch up with friends.

I couldn't come up with a clever way to transition into today's topic... boyfriend jeans.  So, that was my non-transition transition.  The first time they were a "big" thing (about 4 years ago?) I snatched up a cheap pair at forever 21, and I wore them all the time.  Gradually they sort of made their way to the bottom of my jean stack.  Recently boyfriend jeans are having a resurgence - and that is just fine with me.  I love the laid back, undone look they add to any outfit.  I just need to update my old pair, so I'm on the hunt.

The newest style I have seen is a bit more straight leg and cropped (the two images below).  I suppose you might not even call them "boyfriend jeans".  Either way, I really like them.  They're a bit more classic, and feel fresh and new. 

(image source: one | two | three | four | five | six)

Below are a few options I've come across in my search for a new pair.  And I use the word "options" loosely because some of these are too pricey to actually be options.  I really am liking the more straight, less baggy, cropped without having to be rolled style.  I also like it when they are at least a bit distressed.  

What do you think?  Did you jump on board with this trend the first time around?  Are you now?

(Gap $69.75 // Asos $59 // Genetic Denim $231 // NSF $298 // J. Crew $168 // 7 For All Mankind $225)

THE ENDLESS PONCHO SEARCH

Ponchos first made their way onto the fashion scene in the 70's.  They had a resurgence about 30 years later, but the ponchos of the late 90's / early 2000's are better off forgotten.  Cringe worthy -  they were usually cropped, often asymmetrical, and over-all just plain awful.  I had a bright turquoise one with fringe... oh yes, I did.

I've been hunting for a poncho over the last few years.  I have come across some fabulous designer-y versions that were out of my budget, and I've searched Etsy for hours, but I have yet to find the one for me.  Sigh...

 image sources: one // two // three // four // five // six

ponchos: one // two // three // four 

(If I haven't purchased this vintage beauty [#4] before you read this, you better beat me to it!)

BASEBALL HATS (THEY'RE NOT JUST FOR HIM)

(image sources: one | two | three | four | five)

I love hats.  I usually gravitate towards wide brim, a bit western inspired (like this), or knit stocking caps.  But right now I am loving that baseball hats are having a fashion moment.  They're unexpected and a bit playful... like wearing a cotton tee with a sequin skirt, or layering on rhinestone necklaces with jeans.

In the images above - I love the burgundy leather hat in the second image, but I think I'd wear one like the fifth image much more often.  

So, what do you think?  Are you on board like me?  If so, here are a few options! Personally, I want a gray wool or something simple like number one from Madewell.

(one. Madewell - $22 // two. Sears - $12 // three. Rag & Bone - $125

four. Pendleton - $39 on sale // five. Archival - $40 // six. Asos - $26)

(I adore this leather brim hat via Free People, but at $263 I'm going to have to keep on dreamin'.)

ON THE HUNT: POM POM BEANIE

I have enough winter hats, but most of them are old-ish, and most of them I didn't even "love" when they were purchased.  I need to update my collection.  The hats I have were mostly bought out of necessity, but these days hats are another accessory.    

I finally got myself a black slouchy beanie... you know, the one you can get at any drug store.  Boyfriend beanie? Hipster beanie? Whatever you call it, you know that one.  I got mine at Target, and the Mr. and I plan to share it.  Now, I'm on the hunt for one with a giant pom pom.  Can you believe something we used to wear when we were kids is now "trendy"?  I mean, I'm not one to jump on all the trends, but this one - I like.  They're just fun and playful in the best way.  {The Mr. said he used to make his mom cut the pom pom off his hats when he was little.}  

I think number three and number six are my favorites, but I also wouldn't mind having a solid one like seven or nine.  What are your favorites?

one. Target // two. Asos // three. Asos // four. Gap // five. Nordstrom // six. Target

seven. Style Inch // eight. Topshop // nine. Topshop // ten. Asos // eleven. Forever 21

I would also like to wish my wonderful dad the happiest of birthdays!!!

Happy Birthday, Dad!  

We love you so very much.

ON THE HUNT: PARKA

Did you stay up watching the election coverage? I think it was about 1:00am when we turned off the tv, and stopped reading our twitter feeds. Twitter was crazy ya'll. There was one tweet I wanted to reply to so badly, and this morning I was so glad I didn't let myself get sucked in.  I could say much more about this {in fact, I've now typed and deleted full paragraphs}, but I don't like to talk politics on social media.  I guess I'm sort of old fashioned that way?  And on that note, let's talk about less important things...

I have an affinity for green army jackets...  These include, but are not limited to: an army surplus shirt from the local surplus store, a lightweight shirt jacket from American Eagle that I wear all spring and summer long {I actually lost it on our honeymoon, called around when we got back, found it and drove 40 minutes to re-purchase it.}, and a lightweight anorak from the GAP that is my go to jacket when it starts getting chilly. 

BUT I need want a warmer fall / winter version of that GAP anorak... something with lining, and maybe faux fur trim.  And it must come to mid thigh or longer.  I hate being cold, so in my opinion - there is nothing worse than a short winter coat.  I want my tush covered and my legs warm!  

These are a few in the running...

Zara Cotton Parka with lining and faux leather trim - $169

She Inside Fur Hood Jacket - $57.42

Topshop Fur Lined Parka - $190

Asos Oversized Hooded Parka - $140

What do you guys think?  Are they so similar you can't tell a difference?  I'm leaning toward the Asos parka, but my question still stands about She Inside; has anyone ever ordered from there?  I like so much stuff, but the quality and international shipping just scare me.  

ps. If you read yesterday's election day post, you know I didn't get my beloved sticker after I voted.  Well, you can rest easy now... the Mr. snuck an extra one for me.

**UPDATE**  I purchased this Asos parka, but sadly, it ended up going back.  The fit was really odd, and the color was bad in person. Overall - just not flattering or all that cute. Still hunting!!!

ON THE HUNT: A NEW SCENT

I desperately need a new perfume.  There is an antique tea cup filled with samples on my dresser... and I can't say that any of them are winners.  I prefer scents that are musky, spicy and woody {I don't really like florals}.  I've been coveting a bottle of Jo Malone {on the left}, but the price is a bit hard for me to rationalize.  So... I've been on the hunt for something similar.  The closest two I've found {and like} are Tokyomilk and West Third Brand - Tonic.  Any other suggestions?

ON THE HUNT: CAMEL BLAZER

I ripped this page out of Lucky Magazine a few years ago.  It's been pinned to my inspiration board {above my desk} since... and I've been searching for a camel blazer since then.  A few weeks ago I found a really great option at a thrift store, but alas - it's a bit too small for me so I believe I will be putting it on the Etsy shop.  Speaking of the Etsy shop {nice transition, eh?} It will be up and running on Monday!  We won't have everything listed, but enough to get started with more to come over the next few weeks. 

This weekend the Mr. and I are going to our first OSU game of the season, the Fall Flea on Sunday, and I'll be working on the Etsy shop.  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

ON THE HUNT: THE PERFECT SWEATER

Hey there, hi there. I hope you all had a fabulous weekend. We had a wonderful time in Cleveland Friday night at our friends' engagement party. {Congrats again, LB and BP!} Then Sunday afternoon I hit the road for Pittsburgh again... making it to the hotel just in time to see the red carpet arrivals for the Emmys. And boy was it chilly when I stepped out of my car. Fall has most definitely arrived.

Finish this sentence: When fall is in the air, I get excited for ______________.

I would answer it like this:

boots

candy corn 

apple cider

my Minnetonkas

pumpkin flavored everything...

+ sweaters

Based on my recent posts, I think you can probably tell fall fashion is on my mind. And there is nothing better than a cream chunky knit or slouchy sweater. I have a mild obsession. At one point way back, I had too many to count. But over the years {after cutting myself off from buying more} my collections has whittled itself down to nothing. We need to remedy that. 

one. / two. / three. / four. / five. / six. / seven. / eight.

The below Free People sweater is my favorite, but unfortunately it's from a previous season and even my super-human-google-shopping-skills can't locate it.

ON THE HUNT: LEATHER TOTE

I've been wanting a new bag for a while now.  I'm not really one to constantly swap bags for my outfit {I used to do that, but I always forgot something in the previous bag}.  I tend to carry the same one or two bags until they have fallen apart.  Case in point - the long strap broke off my beloved Foley + Corinna tote when we were in Portland last week.  I might write them to see if they'll send me a new strap, but even then - my pretty F + C is starting to move a bit past being the good type of worn in.  

I'm lucky to have a few beautiful designer bags {my late F + C being one of them}, all courtesy of the boutique I used to manage.  I think a good bag can be worth the money... an investment piece... a wardrobe staple.  I don't know about thousands of dollars, but hundreds? Sure, I could see spending that... if I had it to spend.  

Below are some examples of what I would like to find.  Maybe one of them will go on sale?  So far, even the vintage or handmade versions I've found on Etsy are priced a bit north of my budget.    Not that they aren't worth every penny, I just don't have that many pennies to spend.  Maybe you know the perfect bag for me?

1. Free People $398  //  2. Frye $448  //  3. Madewell $168  //  4. Topshop $160
5. found on tumblr, so alas - I don't know the brand. I love the classic style with updated details.

ON THE HUNT: LEOPARD LUST

Last night we went to see Mumford & Sons.

They are my favorite {along with the Black Keys}.

I spent the night jumping up & down, and singing at the top of my lungs.

They just make me happy.

And now let's talk about sandals...

Nice transition, eh?

I REALLY want a pair of flat leopard sandals.

I've seen this sold out Zara pair sell on Ebay for $125.  

I sort of hate all you ladies who were lucky enough to nab these when they first came out {ok, I don't really "hate" you}.

And I think this pair by Steve Madden {the Bethesda} are an enigma.  

I stumbled across them on Pinterest, but can't find a trace of them anywhere.  

It's a mystery.

After hours of searching online, yes - hours, the only leopard sandals I can actually find are the two pictured above.  

The pair on the left are from Topshop, and the pair on the right are by Matt Bernson {on sale right now at Bluefly}.  

They're both great, but more than I want to spend, and I just don't love them as much as I do the top two pairs.  

Beggars can't be choosers, right?  Which pair is your favorite?

ON THE HUNT: TWO THINGS

On the hunt...

tortoise sunglasses

+

woven flats

one. Karen Walker $220 / two. 80s purple $14 / three. Asos $21.81 / four. Karen Walker $280 / five. spitfire $35 / six. Fred Flare $14

one. vintage "woodbridge" huarache / two. UO woven skimmer $39 / three. Fossil "Hailey" $79 / four. UO huarache $39 / 

five. vintage huarache / six. Urban UK tan woven flats - 32 pounds

ON THE HUNT: NUDE MAXI SKIRT

I've been on the hunt for a nude skirt for what feels like forever. Every store has been searched, both online and in person, and I have googled "nude maxi skirt" ten different ways. It's been on the list in my wallet through numerous re-writes / updates. 

A few of these images have been saved on my computer for a very long time {particularly six, seven, and eight}. 

Diane Kruger {eight} is wearing my perfect nude maxi, but alas... it is from Zara last year. You know that package I shared with you yesterday? Zara did a nude skirt this year also {eleven}, and even though it was more than I wanted to spend, since I've been searching forever I thought I would give it a shot. That is me giving it a shot in the last photo. I'm just not certain. It may be a little too pale... a little too sheer... a little too dressy? I prefer the darker more casual version with pockets Zara did last year {again, see photo eight}. I might try one last skirt Friday on my day off {this one from American Apparel}.  

Thoughts?

{sources:  one / two / three / four / five / six / seven / eight / nine / ten / eleven / me!}