Mark’s: Denver Hayes Jackyln Cross Body Bag

Mark’s Denver Hayes Jaclyn Cross Body Bag‏

I have been on the look out for a cute bag for a night out, meeting up with friends for a meal or to roam around town with for ages.  I have been on a bit of a purse/bag hiatus for a while.  Thanks to meeting with my financial planner who has been encouraging me to save money.

Enter the Mark’s Denver Hayes Jackyln Cross Body Bag.  In Surf Blue, this bag has hootspa!  Not only is it sleek but it looks like leather!  It’s light, durable, no fuss, stylish, versatile for casual to more dressy outfits, perfect to wear with your parka as a lead up to the spring.  I love the buckle on the cross body strap, the white stitching on the bag and the bag strap, the zipper pockets on the outside of the bag for your keys and lip gloss and inside for money and coins.  The bag is deep and of a posh quality.

Mark’s Denver Hayes Jaclyn Cross Body Bag‏ in Surf Blue, Coral and Fuchsia are must have’s

The cute button front adds a clean luxurious note to this piece.  It would be cool to dazzle your girls with a bag from Zara and Coach this season.  Honestly, yawn.  Everyone has them and I like to change it up.  Mixing simple, with vintage and big box with the unexpected.  For $24.99 it will make your credit card and investment planner in your life happy.  For you – get ready for Mark’s they are changing the game in women’s accessories and handbags.  It maybe worth keeping an eye on their website and shops when updating your spring wardrobe.

Lastly, I had to hunt this bag down even though it just popped into stores on Feb 1st, 2013.  Get the Mark’s Denver Hayes Jaclyn Cross Body Bag‏ fast before it’s gone. 

www.marks.com

Topshop Invades The Bay (Toronto): Bay & Queen Street Review

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Exactly a year ago I did a piece on my blog on Topshop and Topman’s Pop Up Shop in The Bay at 176 Yonge Street Toronto ((416) 861-9111).  It was quite the popular hit on my blog.  I loved touching the goods from overseas finally on my home turf.  Voila http://thirtyfourflavours.wordpress.com/2011/10/02/topshop-comes-to-the-bay-toronto-yonge-queen-and-yorkdale-mall-review/

At the time, I thought the pieces were very European.  Chic and Sexy!  I felt the more quality goods had been left behind in a chest in the UK – whereas we Canadians were left with the cheap and cheerful items to make up for the duty charges incurred sending the pieces overseas.

I kept an open mind upon popping into Topshop’s (19,000 square feet of space) Grand Opening at The Bay on Queen this past Thursday October 4, 2012.  My mate and I arrived around 5 p.m. during our dinner break and the floor was heaving.  There were young ladies queued up with armfuls of clothing, light appetizers were being passed around by dreamy boys laden with Topshop branded uniforms and cups overflowing with chips and pop.  There were girls trying on makeup, stepping into new flats and heels and friendly staff who were helpful without the ‘push’.

The Bay is really bringing their game with this stylish addition of Topshop and Topman’s brand into their retail space.  The shiny metal awnings, peacock blue walls, plaid tops and bottoms, flirty cargo prints, miniskirts for miles, fluorescent denim, styling and profiling bags and a shoe wall that will make any shoeaholic crumble at the seams.  The overall space felt very Cavalli.

I appreciated the floor’s British explosion meets Canuck traditional feel and the sporadically laid out clothing and accessories.  There is a lot of space to move on the floor unlike Topshop in the UK where the floor is simply jammed with product.

The pricing is another issue.  Topshop and Topman clothing is pricey.  I thought that would have changed a tad from last year.  I had my eye on a few bags, accessories, a pea coat – I’m not sure I’d pay full price for some of these pieces.  But a lot of people in the Queen Street store were buying product.  It felt very cultish.  I wanted to buy something but the frugal fashionista in me kept my purse firmly in my bag.  When I lived in the UK, I’d wait for Topshop sales days. I’m wondering what the sales will look like in the store after the grand opening week has passed.  I’m going to need a reason to check in on Topshop.

I also found the pieces were pretty ordinary to what is currently selling at Forever 21 and H&M down the road.  Hmmm…does Topshop think us Canadians won’t go for the daring pieces they brought over last year?  Did those pieces sell well?

The quality of some of the bags were not as stellar as the leather good bags found in Topshop UK.  Looking at the layout of bags on a hanging shelf on the floor – it felt like the more economically priced pieces were sent over for sale with a lot less va va voom.  Purses ranged from $64 to $150.  Some of these bags could not be found online on the Topshop link on The Bay’s website when I returned back to the office.  I really wanted to be able to take advantage of their Thanksgiving weekend online sale offers – BOO!

That said, the holidays are upon us and Topshop already had some cute cocktail dresses, fitted tuxedo jackets, multicolored tights and brassy jewellery up for offer.  It may be worth a looksy when you need a few options as we slide into Holiday Season dressing.

Nevertheless, it’s neat having the Topshop brand in Toronto settling in for a long term relationship with Canadians.  It’s nice to know we have some English options in hipsterdom available to us to add a more polished and refined look to our existing wardrobes.  The times are a changing in Canada’s retail landscape – make sure your pocket books are ready.

Check out Topshop and Topman’s online store at The Bay here:

http://www.thebay.com/eng/brands/search/womens-thebay/18833

Bodhi Safety Clutch

Bodhi Safety Clutch

From www.purseblog.com

The design of the clutch is simple and structured, with the body having a fold-over flap top. BODHI knew they had an interesting design on their hands, so they created this clutch in a variety of colors and leathers. I’m actually most drawn to the funky black leather with gold stud hardware option, however the simpler options are definitely more wearable.

It’s becoming more and more difficult to stand out in the accessory world as the industry is filled with designers, but sometimes all it takes is a touch of something different. This is what BODHI was able to do in a way that didn’t cheapen the look. Of course this clutch is better suited for the younger crowd, and I can see it being a perfect night out bag. Prices range from $398 to $798 for python.

Stella McCartney: Chain-Detail Hobo Bag

Anne Hathaway and her Stella McCartney 'Chain-detail hobo bag'

I am not buying any bags.  I’m on a bag cleanse.  Last bag I bought was a vintage navy leather Coach at The Clothing Show here in Toronto last Fall.  I’m not averse to spending a lil more for a good brand.  The Coach bag I purchased doesn’t look like a Coach at all and is very understated and classy.  No more cheapie bags for me.

I open my email this a.m. and see Anne Hathaway in the above Stella McCartney ‘Chain-detail hobo bag’.  Gorgeous?  Yes please.  There is something almost Chanel like about it.  I get it, she’s a celeb and probably has a surplus of designer bags kicking about.  But sister is using this as a travel bag.  Interesting choice and she probably got it for free.  If anything were to happen to it..can anyone say ‘replacement’?

Stella McCartney 'Chain-detail hobo bag'

Here are the details:

Perfect tough-girl cool with Stella McCartney’s black faux leather super-soft slouchy hobo bag with industrial chain detailing. Wear it with a bandage dress and leather jacket to channel urban chic.

Black faux-leather hobo bag with silver-tone chain handles and detailing. Stella McCartney bag has tonal stitch-detailing throughout, a designer-embossed tag, a magnetic closure at top, an internal zipped pocket, a detachable small zip-top pouch and is fully lined.

Width 17″ / 42cm

• Height 16″ / 41cm
• Depth 5″ / 12cm
• Handle Drop 9″ / 23cm

Retail:  $1,145

Yours in fashion,

Mel xo

ASOS Lazer Cut Zip Top Clutch

ASOS Lazer Cut Zip Top Clutch

I really want to get a clutch that is mammoth size but not too mammoth that it is overpowering.  Tee hee.  The above clutch I thought was trendy, a neat colour,  the die cut element was retro and would make a nice staple transitory piece to my wardrobe.  The price of 25 quid from asos.com is decent.  They even offer free shipping.

Clutch

Here’s the blow by blow:

Clutch bag by ASOS Collection. Crafted in a leather look fabric. Featuring a slim body with a zip fastening main, a laser cut design to the front, contrast backing and a silver-tone zip pull, designed with an oversized style.

Has anyone had any experience using asos’ delivery to Canada?  If so – did you get dinged for any duty charges etc.?  Fill me in when you have a moment.

Die Cut

 

My Clothing Show Loot: Friday Sept 23, 2011 at The Queen Elizabeth Building (Toronto)

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The Clothing Show Review – Friday Sept 23, 2011 at The Queen Elizabeth Building (Toronto)

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What?  The Clothing Show

Location?  Queen Elizabeth Building, Toronto’s Exhibition Place, 195 Princes’ Blvd., Toronto, Ontario.

Dates and Times?

Friday September 23: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturday September 24: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Sunday September 25: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Tickets Prices?

Adults, $8 online, $10 at the door.

Students 13 – 17 yrs., $7 at the door.

Seniors, $5 at the door.

Children under 12, free with an adult.

Free re-admission.

It always seems when I go to the Clothing Show here in Toronto, be it in the Spring or Fall, it’s always pissing down and I mean pissing down.  But I never let that detour me from getting dressed, getting my umbrella out and trekking down to the Queen Elizabeth Building on the first day of the show.  I like being there promptly for 5 p.m. when the doors open.  I’ll be honest, I look forward to the spring and fall shows every year – it’s one of my favourite rituals. 

I have got so many friends and family onto the show – sometimes I think perhaps I need to be their ambassador.  For the past 3 shows, Prisca and I have been going together.  We make a good team.  We know what we like and can quickly edit each other’s purchases.  We bargain together and also laugh at ourselves.  It’s always a great time!

I have been coming to the Clothing show since I was a teen when it was called The Old Clothing Show and Sale and was held in The Automotive building at the CNE.  Now in its 34^th year the show is now known as The Clothing Show.

Back in the day I remember the vintage section would be busting at the seams and the new, young and hip designers would be steadily dealing with customers and modelling their wares.  I’ve found in past years the show has gotten considerably smaller and a lot slower on the Friday afternoon.  The vintage section is segmented to a quarter of the room.  The young designers are still there but not as varied in products as it used to be.  Recessionary times?  Perhaps.  But I do miss the flea market/stall like atmosphere from years past. 

There is even as fashion show which showcases the local designer stock and a beautifully set up back drop which adds a nice polish to the pieces.  It runs over the weekend as well as adds for a nice break to your browsing schedule.  Plus you can see some designers frocks on that perhaps didn’t read as well when they hung on the hangers.

Back in the day, we would get these amazing swag bags full of free samples, razors, magazines and the like.  These days you will still get the free The Clothing Show shopper bag but its empty and the only way you can get a free magazine is by giving a food donation.  Which hey, why not?  You have to spread the wealth here right? That said I gave in my cans of Heinz soup and picked up a bilingual KILL magazine which is packed with articles on Alexander McQueen, the latest make up and accessories for the fall and some lovely haute fashion shots.

The prices of the sales items have also considerably gone up, it’s funny.   But the admission hasn’t.  I love hitting ‘I miss you vintage’ as my first stop when I get to the show.  They have the best vintage bags, boots, shoes, scarves, belts and accessories.  I have bought many a bag from them in the past and picked up a pair of vintage Cole Haan boots for $25 2 years back.   The amount of times I have been asked about those boots when I’m out and about and have told people what I have paid for them – they make people instant believers in the show.

I noticed this weekend that ‘I Miss You Vintages’ prices have all gone up quite considerably.  I’m not sure why.  In the spring I picked up a vintage Coach Bucket bag for $10!  Yes $10!  On Friday, I scrambled through the bags filed by colour like books on a shelf and narrowed my purchase down to one vintage Coach Bag in blue for $39!  $39 in one shot at their booth indeed was well worth it but really it’s not what I am used to paying for a vintage bag with ‘I Miss You Vintage’ – it was pricey.  I made sure I loved it before I handed the cash over to the lovely Brandon.  (By the way, Brandon is always so sweet and patient with us.  Plus he always rocks this super sweet lady bag that makes him look super-hot.  ).  It’s too bad they don’t leave any room for bargaining.  ;(  They could have got some more cash out of me if they brought the pricing down a lil.  Maybe next year guys?  (I Miss You Vintage, 63 Ossington Avenue, Phone:  416-916-7021).

The thing I love about The Clothing Show is that the staff, sellers and patrons are always so friendly.  Seriously!  I have never met anyone that was a curmudgeon.  Even as I walked around with Prisca and asked ladies if I could take their photo they happily obliged and the sellers were super excited to have their pieces showcased.  It’s a very familial and chilled space to browse, try items on, haggle and chat to other shoppers up to see what they bought and what they scored.

Another fav seller to hit is Foxy Originals.  Again we have been hitting them as our next stop at every show.  They have great offers on jewellery.  Buy three items for $5 and get the third for free.  It’s a sure win for quick trendy items for you for work and play.  I love buying lil pieces to give to friends for Christmas and birthdays. This time we didn’t spend an hour and a half there like we usually do.  I only bought 3 pieces (plus one free) and packed it in.  Honestly, it gets addictive and tiring searching through the bins but at the same time it’s so much fun to see what goodie you can find every show.   If you look at Foxy’s website and compare what you bought from them at the show – you can see instantly the deals you have got.  A savings of $25 – $30 is sometimes always guaranteed.  (www.foxyoriginals.com)

So on a scale of 1 to 10, this show was a high 8 for me.  We always end up staying for 4 hours and leaving exhausted.  This time was no exception.  Our feet were tired; we were hungry and just wanted to get home.  That darn Bathurst streetcar was waiting for us as we walked past BMO field like our chariot.  Luckily the rain had stopped too. 

Stay tuned for pix of the items I bought at The Clothing Show in the next blog post.

Yours in fashion,

Mel xo

Lunch Time Poll: Do I keep this Calvin Klein Chelsea Drawstring Bag or return it to Winners? ;)

Calvin Klein Chelsea Drawstring Bag

This always happens to me.  I get hit by the bag mafia at Winners.

So I was at my local Winners at Cloverdale Mall looking for a cool designer bag for Fritz’s b-day.  Of course I’m looking for her and I find something for myself which I’m not entirely sure if I need.

What did I find?  Oh just Calvin Klein Chelsea Drawstring Bag in RED number.  Its sold out everywhere and it was in the Clearance section!  I was surprised that it hadn’t been scooped up already!   This happened to me in Chicago at Loehmann’s years ago when I found an apple green Cynthia Rowley bag in a clearance aisle for $75 reduced from $300.

The Calvin Klein Chelsea Drawstring Bag was reduced from $198 to $120

Retail Price: USD198
Price: RM830
Colour: Black, Red, White

Features
Calvin Klein quilts the posh drawstring purse
in luxe lamb leather for a chic go-anywhere effect.

• Calvin Klein bag
• Lamb leather; lining: cotton
• Shoulder strap with 8-1/2″ drop
• Drawstring closure
• Diamond quilting throughout; silvertone hardware includes grommets and logo
  plaque
• Interior features cotton twill lining, zip pocket and 2 open pockets
• 16″ W x 12″ H x 7″ D

Um..yeah.  See what I’m dealing with?  See what us girls go through?  Thank god I don’t have children.

My question is, do I keep this? Look I have a chest full of bags but yes indeed this bag is hot and reminds me of a more affordable red Chanel quilted bag.

Will I use it?  Sure.    I can rationalize anything.

Do I love it?  Sure. 

Is it useful? Sure. 

Is it a good deal?  Sure.  But just because its a good deal it doesn’t mean I have to keep it.

Is a  Calvin Klein Chelsea Drawstring Bag in lambskin worth $120?  Hmmmm……

As an aside, while I was trolling through the bag racks for close to an hour and a half at the Winners in Cloverdale I stalked  2 Hillary Radley bags, 1 Tommy Hilfiger, 1 Furla and 1 Nine West.  None of them matched up to the Sisley Bag that I ended up finding and buying for Fritz for her bday.  I’m seeing her tonight so pix will follow.  It’s a creme bag with snake skin trim on the opening of the bag.  It’s pretty but not too much I guarantee you.  You can use it as an arm bag or a cross body.  The cross bag handle in the bag is also snake skin.  It was quite the score as Sisley bags are pretty expensive and the coolest thing was that there was just one left!

The Winners in Cloverdale is a goldmine.  I bought Rayban’s from there in the early summer for a fraction of what they go far in the boutique stores.  I was never a huge fan of Winners before but these days especially the Cloverdale Mall location is really bringing their game. 

Is it worth $120?  What do you think?  I have to make a decision by next Wednesday.  For now the Calvin Klein Chelsea Drawstring Bag is sitting in my hallway.  Staring at me as I type this.

Do the poll below please!!

Yours in fashion,

Mel xo

Zara Fall Plaited Leather Bucket Bag Black

Zara Fall Plaited Leather Bucket Bag Black

Why is it when I have not purchased a bag in more than a year I find one that I love and its sold out everywhere?  Yep – this Zara Fall Plaited Leather Bucket Bag Black $159 CAD is my obsession and I can’t find her anywhere. Can you?

This would be a perfect bag for work and a transitional bag for a night out after work.  The price is perfect too!  I was in Zara just today looking for a bag for my best friend for her bday.  I was disappointed.  In Canada Zara bags are supremely overpriced after the exchange.  The good ones go fast and really the other ones I did see weren’t anything spectacular.  If they had this bag Fritz would be getting it on Saturday.  Typical.

Zara Fall Plaited Leather Bucket Bag Black $159 CAD

I have bought Zara bags and clothes both in Madrid and L.A. for a fraction of what they go for in Toronto.  Our dollar is so strong right now…this doesn’t seem fair.  This feels like a JCrew pricing type issue again.

If any of you lovelies see this bag on ebay (currently selling close to $300 USD) or around town at your local Zara..grab it!  It’s a staple and quality piece which will last you a long time.

Yours in fashion,

Mel xo

Lunch Time Poll: Zara Brown Plaited Leather Shopper Handbag

ZARA BROWN PLAITED LEATHER SHOPPER HANDBAG

What is it?

ZARA Brown Plaited Leather Shopper Handbag

Stats

Colour is Saddle Brown 

30 x43 x23
cm./ 12 x17 x9 inches

MADE OF 100%
Smooth Buffalo Leather

Fully Lined

Buckle Detailing

Carry Strap

Inner Removable Zipped Canvas and a Fabric Sac

The Breakdown

Indeed, ever so lovely.  It maybe a tad cumbersome to carry but the design, colour, depth and overall sophistication just makes me so
happy when I look at it.  A true classic.  Thoughts?