Today’s sale PSA: a slew of classic Ray-Ban aviators (always my recommendation for someone looking for well priced, classic sunglasses), 25% off through Monday, the always chic J.Crew navy schoolboy blazer, now more than 50% off (under $100) with code “GOSHOP”, and a DVF little black dress, very Audrey Hepburn, now 25% off through Monday with code “FRNFAM“.
1. I receive a lot of emails asking for bag recommendations, and sometimes I feel like I’m always recommending the same favorite classics – the Knot! A Longchamp! A classic Kelly! I’m always happy to find new bags that I’m drawn to that are both attractive and functional, and I think this Anya Hindmarch bag fits the bill – a nice drawstring shape that isn’t too large or too small, and an adjustable strap that’s long enough to be both shoulder and crossbody. Plus the strap looks thick enough to actually be comfortable.
This particular version looks super similar to one of my favorite Hermes colors of all time – Etoupe – while the inside is lined with a very fun and complimentary shade of yellow!
The bag is $1200, which sadly these days is more than reasonable for a luxury bag. I think this one screams good taste, yet most people won’t be able to recognize the label, which is a luxury in itself!
2. Somehow during a random internet search this week I came across this great article from Racked – An Anonymous Luxury Department Store Staffer Tells All, and got sucked in. A fun read for anybody who shops at luxury department stores, and/or has ever worked in retail.
3. For anyone who works in an office (or anywhere with typical office politics), I enjoyed this read via the WSJ, from Stanley Bing about the “A to Zs” of business – which ones do you agree with?
4. I recently saw an old favorite book of mine, She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb, available for under $5 on Amazon, so thought it would be a good time to share!
This was one of my favorite reads when I was younger. I remember finding it in the book aisles at Costco while there with my parents, and staying up late that night trying to read as much as possible. It’s a great coming of age story with a very unique point of view. For anyone who enjoys stories with female protagonists, or just good story telling in general. Recommended!
10 Comments
Jennis
April 25, 2014 at 9:41 amI also read she’s come undone when I was younger. I lost sleep trying to finish that book, such a great story! I later heard she’s come undone by the Guess Who on the radio that summer and my head about exploded. try getting that song out of your head now 😉
Katherine
April 25, 2014 at 4:26 pmGlad to hear from another fan! You know I’ve never actually heard of that song…at least I don’t think I have. Off to go YouTube it now 🙂
susan
April 26, 2014 at 9:27 amThanks for the Store Staffer Tells All link. I ended up reading the whole series which was an eye-opener for me (far fewer sales staff work non-salaried commission in Europe). I’m beginning to understand the more aggressive sales approach in NY department stores. Susan, London
Anna
April 26, 2014 at 1:33 pmI’m with Susan; I read the entire series too and began to understand why I can’t browse in peace in NY department stores (and many others, BTW).
The aggressive sales tactics are a real turn off to me though, so even when I want to buy something (a pair of Jimmy Choos and a lovely Balenciaga clutch comes to mind – both of which I ended up not getting because the SA was just too pushy), I’d appreciate time to mull over my decision.
Alice
April 26, 2014 at 6:17 pmOh my gosh, thank you for providing my Saturday night entertainment. I’m sitting in bed with a chocolate bar and reading the Retail Diaries archives. So great!
bluepolkadotpjs
April 27, 2014 at 9:10 pmThat Anya Hindermarch bag looks beautiful and classic! Thank you for the recommendation! =)
bisbee
April 28, 2014 at 5:10 amCan’t wait to read the Retail Diaries – thanks!
And I’m so glad you loved “She’s Come Undone” by Wally Lamb! One of my favorites – I remember marveling that a man wrote the book so well from a female point of view! He’s written a number of other books – “I Know This Much is True” is very good, and “We Are Water”. I have another of his books on my iPad to read – “The Hour I First Believed”, which is about 6 years old. All of his books are serious and disturbing at times, but he is a facinating writer!
Katherine
April 28, 2014 at 9:55 amWhich one is your favorite? I haven’t read We Are Water yet!
Petti
May 7, 2014 at 11:24 pmHi,
Love your blog. Great writing and love your review. Just wondering if you can recommend a crossbody bag? Can’t be too small as I have a small kid so more things to throw in. Let’s say budget is not the main concern..Just try to look for a stylish yet practical crossbody bag and it seems hard to find…
Thanks in advance!
Katherine
May 8, 2014 at 8:12 amHi Petti, I’ve been thinking about doing a post on this – I will def. try and get one out in the future!