Considering: Cambridge Satchel

I am seriously considering buying a Cambridge Satchel. This Cambridge Satchel, to be exact:

Classic Cambridge Satchel in red

I love its classic messenger bag style, the bright cherry red color (which would surely go with most of my often-neutral-toned outfits), and the fact that it is made from high quality leather and would (hopefully) last quite a long time.

Here's the thing: it's $119. I know that for many people out there, spending a hundred (or even a thousand) dollars on a bag is not that out of the ordinary. I, however, am notoriously stingy, for lack of a better word. I don't think any bag of mine cost more than $40, barring the one nice brown leather messenger bag I got as a gift for my 21st birthday.

But, I think I might do it this time around, for two very simple reasons: utility and timelessness. This bag is incredibly useful and would get near-daily wear. The style is timeless enough that I won't want to toss it in a year; instead, I think I'd keep it around for a very, very long time. Similarly, the quality of it is such that it'll hold up for years, making the cost-per-day ratio make a lot more sense. Every once in a while, spending more than I'm used to on a classic item that will fit perfectly into my wardrobe can make sense. At least, I hope it can. :)

Bundle Up

Seeing as I'm moving to Boston next year (and by next year I mean 2 months from now), I'm pretty sure that I'm going to need a coat. Honestly, I have never felt more Californian than when I think about preparing for a Boston winter. As far as I can tell, it will involve water proof shoes, coats (see below), and possibly earmuffs. The boyfriend says adults can wear earmuffs, but I'm not so sure.

But, I'm getting ahead of myself, let's start with the coat. I think I'd need two, one pea coat type thing, and one waterproof/puffy coat. So, I turn to you, who must know more about this sort of thing than I do; am I on the right track? And are there any secrets to shopping for coats on sale?

Winter Coats by petiteonapenny featuring j crew coats

LOFT 30% Off Spring Arrivals

I have a LOFT gift card burning a hole in my wallet from the holidays, so I did a bit of window shopping to see if anything in the new Spring line struck my fancy. (LOFT is currently having a 30% off promotion on all new Spring arrivals.) My window shopping confirmed what I had long suspected; I don't like spring clothes that much. Too ruffly, too florary, too girly for me, and I'm not so keen on pastel colors. Give me the dark earth and jewel tones of Fall (along with cozy scarves and warm jackets) any day, but the light and floraly hues of Spring? Not my favorite, personally.

A few things from LOFT did interest me a bit, though probably not enough to buy right now. (All prices listed are before the 30% off promotion.)

 

Hook-and-Eye Mandarin Collar Jacket ($79.50) / Grosgrain Stripe Full Skirt ($69.50)

 

3/4 Sleeve V-Neck Cardigan ($49.50) / Lace Overlay Ponte Mini Skirt ($69.50)

Stripe Dolman Sleeve Blouse ($54.50) / Isabella Canvas Heels ($89.50)

Recent H&M Buys

I went to H&M this weekend in search of a lovely skirt I had been turned on to through Jean at ExtraPetite.com (see her outfit with it here). She mentioned that the store had these wool-blend (50% wool, 40% viscose, 10% poly) miniskirts for $24.95 and I immediately knew I wanted to try one on! In store, I found black, navy, grey, and an oragey-reddish color, all completely adorable. In an effort to kick my neutral-color habit, I went for the orange-red one (woohoo!). I've been seeing this color everywhere lately, and I just love it, but, as mentioned before, orange looks pretty bad on me, especially up near my face. I've realized that as a bottom, however, I can definitely wear the color; problem solved! I'm excited to get this skirt into heavy rotation in my closet come fall/winter.

H&M Wool-Blend Mini Skirt, $24.95

The size 4 fits me perfectly, the skirt is fully lined, and it has functional kangaroo pockets.

I also picked up these black booties for $24.95 (all of these purchases were part of an ongoing birthday present in the form of some buying power. Hooray for that!). I have been looking for comfy, low-ish heeled booties for a while now, and am very happy to have these in my wardrobe. I'm sure you will see them a lot on the blog in the near future!

H&M Black Booties, $24.95, sz 7

And lastly, 9 pairs of silver-colored stud earrings for $3.95 (that's a whopping 44 cents per pair!). I hardly ever wear studs, but as I work with children, I can't wear dangly earrings, so I wanted to buy some studs to give me more options at work. I wore the seahorses today and loved them. :)

  

Nine Silver-Colored Stud Earrings, $3.9

Stay tuned to see all these pieces put together in an outfit in the next post!