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Weekend Update

In the past month or so, I’ve come across some interesting articles about a brand I’ve always admired, though haven’t purchased from lately – Prada. So I thought I’d make this Weekend Update a bit Prada themed, as I’d love to hear your opinions!

1. I’m a big fan of Prada shoes – for some reason they always tend to fit me, are quite comfortable, and they offer both very classic (sleek pumps in work appropriate heel heights, see here and here) and leading edge styles. The ones made out of the signature “Saffiano” textured leather are the ones I’ve always found trickiest – for some reason I’ve come across quite a few which have looked a bit messy.

These tartan flats are my favorite of the fall season so far – I am quite confident that they’d be comfortable and I’m just a sucker for tartan! I’ll probably monitor size levels and see if I can wait for for sale season or not.

2. My first Prada related article comes via Bloomberg, which reported last month on the brand’s disappointing third quarter profit announcement. The article mentions a plan in introduced more lower priced handbags in the 1,000 euro range, which I found quite interesting. The mini bag trend is big, and it certainly makes the bags more accessible. Do you think it solves Prada’s issues though?

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3. The second article I’d like to share showed up a few days later, in the Wall Street Journal, covering the behind the scenes decision making behind a future hoped for “It” bag (article is behind a subscription paywall, so if you don’t subscribe, you’ll have to watch a sponsor video). The article goes into the thought process and lengthy strategic planning which goes into the making of what is hopefully an “It” bag for Prada – one that revives its profits and can become a cash cow for the company. Interestingly enough, these bags (which you can see above), are far from the 1,000 euro range!

It’s a really interesting piece and I’d highly recommend it. For those especially curious to see more of the bag, I noticed that some in python, ostrich and regular leather were already available for pre-order on Neiman Marcus, starting at $3,000 US.

What do you think of Prada’s new “It” bag?

4. Finally, my reading this week (which I just finished at ~2 AM last night due to not being able to sleep with so much baby kicking) – Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King.

mr_mercedes

 

I haven’t read a Stephen King novel in many years (I think the last was The Stand), and while I have always thought he was a great writer, I’m just not a fan of a lot of horror fiction. Mr. Mercedes – while it had an element of horror – I thought was much closer to a traditional crime fiction novel, just done really well and with some scary elements (of course!). I really enjoyed it and now find myself going back to King’s others books, trying to find other gems that won’t scare me too much in the middle of the night. So if you have any recommendations, please let me know!

Have a wonderful weekend!

13 Comments

  • Reply
    Whitney Farris
    July 24, 2015 at 10:08 am

    I don’t have anything Prada, but my sister does. They were the “IT” bag for so long. In my opinion, they have become over exposed and are taking a back seat to others. Fashion being so funny, I bet they make a strong return somewhere down the road. So if I owned one, I would hold on to it. I do love the exotic skins and have many, just not Prada.
    My aesthetician recommended some Stephen King books recently. I downloaded two on my IPad, Rose Madder and Gerald’s Game. I haven’t read Gerald’s Game, but Rose Madder was excellent.
    Are you getting beyond excited for Bebe?

    • Reply
      Katherine
      July 24, 2015 at 12:25 pm

      I’m getting excited for Bebe and for him to come OUT – I am quite immobile these days! I’ll look into both Rose Madder and Gerald’s Game, thank you!

      • Reply
        Whitney Farris
        July 24, 2015 at 7:03 pm

        When he sleeps you will love that down time! So take advantage of it while you can. Mine, unfortunately wasn’t a sleeper…..yikes!
        Even though we have not met in person I am so excited for you! On a topic not related to this at all, but people talk fragrances, be they candles or perfume. Nothing and I mean nothing, can beat the smell of a baby! I wish there was someone that could capture that smell and put it in a bottle. People would pay a fortune for it. What exciting and wonderful times ahead for you and your family……countdown!!!!!!!

        • Reply
          Katherine
          July 25, 2015 at 4:03 pm

          Thanks so much Whitney! I’ll make sure to remember the smell 🙂

  • Reply
    melvel
    July 24, 2015 at 5:25 pm

    Have you read Needful Things? It’s my favorite Stephen King book because it’s so wild, creepy and the conclusion is fantastic. That book is so underrated.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      July 25, 2015 at 4:02 pm

      No! I’m adding it to my Amazon Kindle list, thank you.

  • Reply
    S
    July 24, 2015 at 5:41 pm

    Hi Katherine, Prada shoes tend to fit me really well too. I don’t (yet) own a Prada bag, but the saffiano totes look chic on other women and I have seen some very chic women carrying them so maybe one day I will go ahead and get one!! These new bags wont work for me as I find a bag without a shoulder strap quite cumbersome to use, but the shape is nice.
    Even though it gets somewhat uncomfortable, its a special time just before the baby arrives, I feel 🙂

    • Reply
      Katherine
      July 25, 2015 at 4:02 pm

      Thanks S! The Saffiano totes look great but I’ve heard mixed reviews about quality. IF you do end up getting one, I’d check it closely 🙂

  • Reply
    Vivian
    July 24, 2015 at 10:22 pm

    sad to say my very last bag purchase from Prada was at least a decade ago.

  • Reply
    bisbee
    July 27, 2015 at 4:58 am

    I haven’t been excited by Prada handbags for a long time. I’ve had quite a few, and sold some. I’ve got (I think) two left, and neither are any of Prada’s more popular styles. The new bags you pictured from the article don’t do a thing for me.

    Always loved their shoes…those tartan flats are adorable!

    Best wishes to you and your family! Happy Baby!

  • Reply
    Amy
    July 27, 2015 at 11:28 pm

    Love your blog, Katherine! Don’t comment much, but read often. 🙂

    Back in the day, I did read some Stephen King. Decades have gone by….and I recently purchased Mr. Mercedes (the first in a trilogy, I guess) as well as the very thick 11/22/63. Of the latter, I’ve heard that it’s an off-the-charts amazing time travel read that everyone should experience. I guess we’ll see.;)

    I have no experience with Prada, as I’ve never felt drawn to the brand. Like Celine, their designs tend to fall flat for me — though to be fair, some of Celine’s less exposed bag styles are lovely.

    How exciting to be getting close to meeting your baby!

  • Reply
    TheFashionableTeacher
    July 29, 2015 at 7:49 am

    I’ve been reading Stephen King since I was in elementary school. Carrie was my first read. Dolores Claiborne has always been my favorite.
    The only Prada bags I own are 4 nylon from back in the day. There’s one that I use often when I go to my kids’ football games because they are basically indestructible. Best nylon bags I’ve ever owned. Never bought any of the leather ones as I’ve found them to be quite heavy.
    Good luck with the baby. Motherhood was something I didn’t want because I had such a good mother. I never thought that I could live up to how amazing she was. Now, I have TWO, and I think that I’m doing a pretty good job. Just take it day-by-day and ENJOY them. They grow up so fast. We’ve spent this summer taking our eldest to various colleges. Time flies when you’re having fun!

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