The Ultimate Choice

Well, I did it.  I pulled the trigger on my ultimate bag.  I ended up going with the Roger Vivier Prismick suede tote in violet.

I have been pining for this bag in one form or another since December 2011.  That's when I read THIS STORY in the Wall Street Journal.

And I changed my avatar to the Prismick shoulder bag in kelly green.  Not my favorite color but I was in love with the style and just watching and waiting for the right one.  

The SLIDESHOW further fueled my desire.  I love to see how things are made, especially when they are given meticulous care and attention to detail.  These are artisans at work.

The photo above of the finished tote in taupe napa leather was the clincher.  I promised myself that one day I would have that bag.

So it was always the tote, although the mini shoulder bag certainly is enticing.  It's a smaller bag and has a dressy, going out kind of look.  With that and being a shoulder bag, I don't know that I'd use it as much as the tote.  

I prefer over the arm handbags and know that is what I reach for most of the time.  The tote can be slipped over the shoulder if necessary too.  As far as the color, it's true that colors go in and out of style but I have had this color in my wardrobe for as long as I can remember.  It's flattering to my complexion and works with the cool color theme of my wardrobe that is made up of purples, blues and pinks.

The interior is functional with a middle zip compartment, back wall zip pocket and two interior pockets all lined in soft napa leather.  As you can see from the photo below, it's not an overly large tote.  It looks to be that perfect in-between size.

This was my first time ordering from Luisaviaroma.com  and there are some restrictions to make the purchase and import the bag into Canada.  You must be a resident and that has to be verified.  Even after completing the secure checkout process using the extra verify step with credit card password they need 3-5 business days to check with the credit card company and verify all my information to their satisfaction.  The reason is that they handle all the import paperwork, handling and costs, it is factored into the price.  They function as the importer and can't risk anything improper with the transaction.  I looked into shipping the bag to a U.S. address but the price difference was negligible given the current exchange rate and knowing their import policy they probably would not have allowed it anyway.

The creative process

The bag is on pre-order and should arrive by September 30.  When it does arrive I will be sure to put up a thorough review of the bag and the Luisaviaroma.com order process.  If you've ever ordered from them I'd be interested to hear about your experience.  I have a feeling we may become good friends in the future.

Temperatures in Celsius.  I think I finally have it figured out!

Tomorrow I am off to Houston for another business trip.  It's going to be fun as I will meet up with my cousin who is a resident at Houston Medical Center and she promised to take me out on the town.  Weather is hot and humid, perfect for this Southern gal.  What have you got planned?

Have a wonderful weekend!

Black Fleece Spring Sale - 40% Off Select Styles

Brooks Brothers Black Fleece announced their Spring Sale today, offering 40% off select styles until July 2. 

Click HERE to shop the women's sale, click HERE to shop the men's sale.

I have a few reviews of the sale items, click on the caption for each item page and the link below to see my review.

Engineered Stripe Cardigan

My review HERE.   

Large Check Button-Down Shirt

My review HERE.

Cotton Tipped Cardigan

My review HERE.

Knit Jacquard Classic Jacket

My review HERE.  This is my favorite Black Fleece item this season.

Mini Octagon Button-Down Shirt

My review HERE.

Silk Tunic Dress

I don't have a review of this one but I tried it in the store.  It wasn't the most flattering on my top-heavy figure but it was very nice to wear and I was quite tempted by the silk/cotton fabric and the feel of the dress on the body.  The side pockets were functional and well-placed too.  A lovely basic shift in lightweight fabric that would work well on anyone who doesn't need two sizes large on the top, like I do.

Here is the fine print of the offer:
*Offer is valid now through July 2, 2013, until 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time online and by phone, and until the close of regular business hours at all U.S. and Canadian Retail Brooks Brothers and Black Fleece stores, excluding Factory and "346" Brooks Brothers stores. Visit BrooksBrothers.com/stores to view our store listings. May not be combined with any other discount or offer. Applies to merchandise only and does not include Made-to-Measure or Special Order clothing purchases. Applies to regularly priced items only and may not be combined with any other discount or offer. Discount may not be applied toward taxes, shipping and handling, monogramming and engraving, alterations or personalization. Not valid on previous purchases or for the purchase of the Gift Card. If you return some or all merchandise, the dollar value of this promotion is not refunded or credited back to your account. Void in states where prohibited by law. No cash value except where prohibited, then the cash value is 1/100 cent.

If you have any questions about Black Fleece sizing or just the line in general I would be happy to help you find answers.  Overall the quality of fabric and workmanship is excellent.  These aren't fast fashion pieces but classically-styled basics intended to last several seasons.

June - Romance

Never mind the Ides of March, take heed the month of June.  The summer solstice is conducive to infatuation.

Sincere kindness between a man and a woman is a real class act.  Developing patience in a marriage can be a life's work and it starts with the rules of romance.  Be friends first, lovers second.  Don't change your style and don't compete with your mate.  Let him open doors for you if he offers.  Be as considerate as you would with anyone else. Offer him an umbrella if it rains or a sweater if it's cold.  Don't go overboard trying to please him, it's a sign of desperation.

xoxo's dating rules (these work for married date nights too):

• Turn off your cell phone once the date starts (if you may have a legitimate emergency then at least put it on silent and discreetly check it occasionally);
• Don't go out of your way to be controversial, it can be too much work for the average man;
• When you talk, don't just fill the hole in conversation, add something of substance;
• Don't lie about your accomplishments;
• Don't pretend to be cool;
• Compliment your date on his style, it shows that you have good taste;
• Wear the same fragrance to leave your mark with a signature scent.

June is a popular month for weddings.  If you are asked to make a toast, make it memorable by including a fabulous anecdote with heartfelt emotions expressed as plainly as possible.  The best toast makes everyone laugh or cry, or maybe a bit of both.  Think of giving a toast as paying tribute to a loved one.  Humor is often the best way to illuminate what's wonderful about a person, and everyone loves to laugh.  Make sure your jokes are PG-rated, even if there are no children present.  Practice what you plan to say.  Stay focused on a few key points.  Short can indeed be the sweetest, especially if you're nervous.

While preparing for summer events, beware the quick fix.  Don't cut or color your hair at the last minute.  Even with the most experienced stylist, accidents do happen.  Leave enough time to fix anything that might potentially go wrong. The same goes with waxing or plucking.  Don't try a new esthetician and if the practice is totally new to you, try it at least once before the big event to determine how your body responds.  A perfectly-shaped brow covered in red dots is not an improvement.

Some things to do in June

• Cherries are in season.  Make a quick clafouti by combining 1 cup of sour cream, 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup flour, 3 tablespoons sugar and 2 eggs.  Stir and pour into a pyrex pie dish.  Add 2 cups of pitted cherries.  Bake at 350F for 45 minutes.  Sprinkle powdered sugar on top.

• This is the best month for roses.  Buy a crystal vase tall enough to hold the long-stemmed beauties.  If you grow them yourself, be sure to take the time to enjoy the beautiful blooms and heady fragrance.

• Put a pair of driving shoes in your car.  Slip into them and save your heels from scuffs.  If you have an emergency winter blanket in your car as I do, now that you can safely be without it for a few days, have it cleaned and put it back in the trunk so it is ready for fall.

• Go hiking.  Standing on top of a mountain gives you a new perspective on life.  The change of activity can awaken muscles that have been hibernating so be sure to plan it with attention to the difficulty of the climb and your physical ability.

• Buy or grow fresh mint and freeze in ice cubes for summer drinks.  If planting mint in your garden remember to keep it in a closed system as it spreads quickly.  Bury a large pot so only an inch is above ground and start with just one or two plants inside the pot.  In no time you will have more than enough.

• Invest in a great pair of sandals that can take you from a casual afternoon to dinner out.  There are plenty of options that can transition well.  If you prefer a lower heel or flat a little shine or bling can make them just as dressy as a higher heel.

• Treat a friend to a visit to the cosmetics counter and help her update her look.  It's more fun than buying something for yourself.  Demonstrating care for a friend is a good bonding experience too.

• Buy a pair of hoop earrings.  They are simple and elegant with a summer dress and a tan.

• Use a jewelry cleaning product to clean your watch and jewelry.  The added sparkle will make them feel brand new.

Father's Day is coming up soon.  Spend a little time and effort finding something personal your father or husband will truly enjoy.  Here are some suggestions:

• Watch;
• Travel mug;
• Sunglasses in classic wayfarer or aviator style;
• Linen shirt;
• Travel duffel (a smaller one can double as a beach bag and not be mistaken for a woman's tote);
• Swiss army knife;
• Tickets to a sporting event;
• If he is the outdoor chef, there is an endless array of high-end tools and gadgets for the barbecue.

My husband is not a father yet and my own father passed away a few years ago.  I miss him every single day.  I'll be thinking of him on Father's Day as we celebrate my father-in-law, who is a wonderful father and very close to my husband.  

In June spring's promise becomes the lush abundance of summer.  Love is in the air.  Do you feel it?

Pajama Jeans - The Jorts Version

I am laughing as I write this post.  Have you heard of Pajama Jeans?

Don't worry if you haven't, I've inserted the infomercial here, just watch it to be fully informed.  Or if you want to go straight to the source, you can buy Pajama Jeans HERE.

I don't wear Pajama Jeans of course, I think they are hilarious.  But I am "test driving" a pair of Pajama Jeans shorts, the "Jorts" version, if you will.  Somehow in my mind, these are OK.  They are from Lacoste and you can find them online HERE.  You are probably thinking that xoxo has moved on from the crewlade and is now a Lacracked addict.  That's my version of Lacoste crack, in case you missed it.  I hear the murmurs.  Some people will buy anything from a favorite label, right?  Have I lost my mind?  Well, let's see.  I'd love to know what you think.

The 94% cotton, 6% Elasthane fabric is the same as the Lacoste sweatshirt dress that I reviewed HERE and the jacket that I reviewed HERE.  The waistband and back yoke are the woven Tencel fabric and have zero stretch.  The shorts have real pockets but they are basted closed and I left them that way because I am still debating.  I bought my usual Lacoste bottoms size 6 or 38.

The shorts were rolled in the store, so that is how I tried them.  Not the most flattering but very comfortable and nicer than sweat shorts that are just cutoff sweats.  A friend of mine wore a pair of cutoff sweat shorts in college and I shudder at the very thought.

The size 6 is roomy but after reading Dani's "shrinkage" post recently I prefer extra room over the snugger size 4.  I think part of the reason I don't favor yoga pants or lounge wear as street wear is because it is often worn so darn tight.  TMI!  These are looser and hence, more discreet.

Unrolled they look like basic Bermuda shorts.  I do not expect to wear these shorts outside the house so my shirt could be untucked on those slovenly days when I just want to let it all hang out.  Usually for me that is when my monthly "friend" makes an appearance and I feel like crap, look like crap and want to eat crap too.  Hello McDonald's, I'll have the Angus Deluxe combo with no mayonnaise (see, I'm being conscientious) and a Diet Coke.  This is the only time I drink soda pop, diet or otherwise.  Heaven help you if you try to deny me this guilty pleasure on that fateful day.

Although popular is not always a good indicator of quality or style, these seem to be very popular as several sizes are already sold out.  I find that often with Lacoste some items sell out early online and are then restocked so if you're looking for these and your size is gone, you can be notified when they are available.  Just select your size from the drop-down list and instead of "add to bag" the green button becomes "email me when available".  This feature works well and I have used it in the past.

What say you on the Jorts?  Keep?  Return?  Check myself into Betty Ford and kick Lacracked for good?

The Ultimate

I haven't dropped off the earth recently, I am just on a business trip that leaves very little personal time.  This morning I have no meetings so I was in the hotel catching up on blog reading, a bit of news and of course, a little shopping.  The fall Roger Vivier bags are ready for pre-order and I got so excited when I saw these.

It's the color that is making my heart beat a thousand times a minute.  Absolutely gorgeous!  I have a Roger Vivier wallet and shoes and I've seen the bags IRL.  The quality does not get any better than this.

I had a RV bag in my hands last year but held off buying because the color was not exactly what I wanted.  Initially I regretted it, thinking I missed out but these violet bags are the ultimate for me so I'm glad I waited.  Now I have to choose.  I don't absolutely have to, I could get both and not buy another bag for a while.  Quite a while.  But I should really choose one.  I'm leaning toward the suede version because the color is richer and I like the handles better but gosh, the leather one would be so fab too.  Which one would you choose?  What about you, do you have an "ultimate"?

OK, that is enough fun for me, I have to get back to work.  Have a wonderful day!

You Can't "Un-See" It

Have you ever seen something only have it dominate your future vision?  For example, look at this Hermes scarf.  Does the center image look like a gilded pair of men's tightie-whities to you?

That's how it looks to me and now whenever I see the scarf that is ALL I see.  The scarf has been gone a long time now, but apparently still haunts me.  I saw one recently and almost choked on my tea.  "Oh no, not the underwear scarf!" I thought to myself.

The same thing happened with my Brooks Brothers medallion scarf.  Not exactly the same thing, I have not lost my mind and have visions of men's underwear in everything I see.  That would be cause for concern indeed.  Take a look.  Do you see an image within the scarf?

How about now?

Ah yes, there it is, a cartoon doggie face.  It reminds me of Goofy.  Or Pluto.  But mostly Goofy.  Speaking of those two cartoon dogs, why does Goofy wear clothes and talk while Pluto is naked except for a collar, barks and is sometimes on a leash?  For that matter, why does Donald Duck wear a jacket and hat, but doesn't wear any pants?  Anyway, I digress.  Now that I've seen this doggie face on my scarf I can't un-see it.  The face is there, smiling at me, every time.  Good boy!

It doesn't stop me from wearing it, I love the silk twill, the pretty color combination and the classic-looking pattern.  But I always know the doggie is there.  

Have you ever had a similar experience?  Were you able to get over it?  Any other examples of things you can't un-see?  Please no descriptions of parents in an intimate act or anything like that.  We all know that never happened.

Have a wonderful day!

One Of Those "IT" Bags

I love a colorful handbag to brighten up an outfit.  Usually I carry a smaller bag but every now and then a tote comes in handy, particularly in the transitional months to hold a scarf, sweater, shoes or stash whatever else you need for the day.  A roomy tote is great for travel too.

Cobalt blue is one of my all time favorite colors.  It goes in and out of fashion but is always a staple in my wardrobe because the cool tones are flattering to my complexion and also because I just love the richness of the color - it is very pleasing to the eye.  The Celine luggage tote was the "IT" bag of 2012.  I don't like to follow trends and I've never had an IT bag before but this one appealed to me because it is so well constructed and it has a pleasing shape.  When I saw the cobalt suede and leather combination I had to have it.  I love a mix of textures.

The leather-lined interior is more than spacious, it's cavernous

I've been carrying this bag for well over a year now.  I've found it incredibly useful and fun to carry so there have been no regrets.  The bag is really functional, I totally get why it is so popular.  In the virtual world, we have seen every other blogger carrying this bag in their outfit styling posts.  In my world I've only seen one other person with the same bag here in Calgary and theirs was the smaller version in red.  Calgary is not the most fashion forward city so I wouldn't expect to see this bag on every street corner and that is nice.  I like to feel unique - just like everybody else!

Cobalt blue goes great with orange.  J.Crew abstract lattice pencil skirt and Farrow bow top, Black Fleece cotton cardigan, Chie Mihara Dura heels, Gucci watch, Tiffany earrings and ring. 

I like it with this muted pink and coral sweater.  Lacoste argyle cardigan, J.Crew silk charmeuse pencil skirt, Black Fleece heeled loafers, Gucci watch, Tiffany earrings and ring.

More coral.  Lacoste polo dress, Brown's nubuck loafers, Bulova watch, Tiffany earrings.

Goes great with navy too, but what doesn't go with navy?  Black Fleece cotton knit jacquard blazer, Boden striped tee, Acne jeans, Robert Clergerie heeled oxfords.

 Back when it was still wintery weather.  Not that long ago actually.  

J.Crew Lexington double serge blazer, Femme de Carriere cotton sweater, Acne jeans and Gucci boots.  

The bag has held up well with regular use and I still love it.  I don't know that I'd ever buy another IT bag but then, I don't even know what the current IT bag is and maybe that is a good thing.  Not that it stops me from buying other bags, but that is another story for another post.  In high school there was a pair of IT jeans and I had to have them.  I can think of a few times I was drunk on crewlade and had to have a certain J.Crew item that all the other JCA's were loving but those days are no longer, I'm immune to the crewlade now.  

How about you, ever owned an IT bag or an IT something else?