The 4-5 piece French wardrobe #5

[Betinapple]

Betinapple i really feel your pain. living in canada, i am still not quite used to the -30C winter days and my coats are definitely not appropriate.... i do have a down coat that i use for longer walks and/or skiing but finding something fashionable for day use that also keeps you warm seems practically impossible.

does anyone have any experience with american apparel bags? i haven't bought anything from AA in years.... and even then it was just a tshirt. but i saw this leather bag in there the other day and i absolutely love it. it's simple with just enough interest and will fit my laptop. i'm just not sure about the quality... does anyone know? i guess i'm particularly worried about the stitching where the straps meet the body of the bag.

this is the only image i can find of it on the web at the moment..

ink361.com

-30 degrees celcius? I think I would stay inside my house for the entire winter and cry I feel YOUR pain!

I do not have any personal experience with AA, since I have heard that they treat their workers very poorly. Therefore I have avoided their brand.

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ Yes, I avoid the brand too based on the sleaze factor ...

I would be scared to dye the jacket, so I think you are brave I'd be worried the dye could transfer.

 

[adorefaith]

yeah....it's pretty brutal weather....there has been a bit of crying that went on in the past...

you make a very relevant point about AA. I will do a bit more research into that, thanks. gosh it's hard to find a nice looking, functional bag at a reasonable price from a company that doesn't screw people over...

 

[Betinapple]

@Ta-ta: that is my concern too. I am not so worried about the jacket since I do not have any use for it in its current state anyhow. A lot of danish blogger dye bags ATM apperently without any problems so I do not think it is an issue - I would be careful when wearing it and do a "test" before letting it close to my other non-black clothes. Also I heard something about baby powder should be able to take the dye that did not "settle" in the leather.

I think I might give it a go. I have leather dye anyhow.

@Adorefaith: tell me about it! As I wrote in my previous post I am still unsure as of which bag to get. If any. After reading one of my old blogposts I fell back in love with the thought af black MJ stam bag.

 

[eizhowa]

Nice to see some activity again

Betina, I think the only risk is dye transfer. I wouldn't be too concerned about differences in color (since you are doing it by hand), because I think a distressed, less than perfect look will suit the jacket. Ironically, leather jackets look nore expensive when distressed, I find...

Adorefaith: First of all, you need to move I've lived in -20C before, but there was no wind there. If there is a lot of wind I feel your pain....

Secondly, I think I recomended Etsy before, because I know they have a lot of handmade leather totes similar to that one. There are some real gems hidden there. Some of them have a lot sturdier handles. I can understand that you would be worried about those AA handles. Some will even let you make alterations on their standard designs to meet your needs.

--

Not a very popluar topic, but fur does do wonders when everything else fails I had a second hand curly lamb fur jacket that kept me sweating when everyone else was freezing last winter...

--

I had decided not to do any shopping this month, but I am really being tempted by a pair of Porsellis on Ebay in my size... Trying to stay strong, but this stupid, annoying little voice at the back of my head keeps telling me it is silly to have to pay full retail later instead of getting a pair on Ebay now...

 

[Betinapple]

Nice to see some activity again

Betina, I think the only risk is dye transfer. I wouldn't be too concerned about differences in color (since you are doing it by hand), because I think a distressed, less than perfect look will suit the jacket. Ironically, leather jackets look nore expensive when distressed, I find...

Adorefaith: First of all, you need to move I've lived in -20C before, but there was no wind there. If there is a lot of wind I feel your pain....

Secondly, I think I recomended Etsy before, because I know they have a lot of handmade leather totes similar to that one. There are some real gems hidden there. Some of them have a lot sturdier handles. I can understand that you would be worried about those AA handles. Some will even let you make alterations on their standard designs to meet your needs.

--

Not a very popluar topic, but fur does do wonders when everything else fails I had a second hand curly lamb fur jacket that kept me sweating when everyone else was freezing last winter...

--

I had decided not to do any shopping this month, but I am really being tempted by a pair of Porsellis on Ebay in my size... Trying to stay strong, but this stupid, annoying little voice at the back of my head keeps telling me it is silly to have to pay full retail later instead of getting a pair on Ebay now...

Thank you for your thoughts. I would test to see if there was any colour transfer, and even if I was only able to wear it with black items it would still be a huge improvement.

What colour is the porsellis? Is it a colour you were planning to purchase sooner or later - when?

I understand how you are feeling but I would still go a long way to keep a deal I had made with myself to prove that I control my purchases and not vice-versa.

 

[eizhowa]

^Basic black. I've been doing some calculations, and if I import them at full retail, I'll have to pay 2500 NOK for a pair (1 NOK is approx 1 DKK), that is inlcuding having protective soles attached by a cobbler. If I buy them while in Enlgand, I'll have to pay 1700-1800 NOK for a finished pair, and if I get them on Ebay, I could maybe get a pair with new soles for 1200 NOK, If I win:/ I wouldn't need them until April, I think. I like the idea of wearing a LBD with ballet flats, but I haven't got a LBD either yet

I think I'll be able to resist. Maybe... There was a pair of porsellis on Ebay two months ago, so there will probably be more.

 

[Betinapple]

^Basic black. I've been doing some calculations, and if I import them at full retail, I'll have to pay 2500 NOK for a pair, that is inlcuding having protective soles attached by a cobbler. If I buy them while in Enlgand, I'll have to pay 1700-1800 NOK for a finished pair, and if I get them on Ebay, I could maybe get a pair with new soles for 1200, If I win:/

I think I'll be able to resist. Maybe... There was a pair of porsellis on Ebay two months ago, so there will probably be more.

I understand your dilemma. That IS a lot of money. But as you said youself, maybe they will be back again. Maybe there is a chance that no one will buy them until September is over?

How is it going with your challenge, btw?

 

[eizhowa]

^The 6 items challenge is going fine. Thanks for asking I like letting my shoes and bags be the focal point of my outfit anyway, so I hardly notice. I find myself reaching for my other blazers though.

I did have one almost slip-up. I watched a Brigitte Bardot-movie, felt very inspired, and before I knew what I was doing I had finished zipping up my Hot Pink fitted 50s dress I was on complete auto-pilot. I've decided that didn't count though. Because I didn't wear it anywhere, I just tried it on when alone... (Decided not to sell that exact dress btw The hot pink BB dress needs to stay in my wardrobe.)

I've also decided not to buy any uneccesary items, like magazines, make-up etc. while I am at it. I have enought expenses related to school, and I adopted a feral kitten we found at work. That was not a cheap decision I see nowink:

 

[Tinetush]

adore, I had no idea you lived in Canada! I lived there/travelled a bit around b.c. And Alberta last winter and spring. I normally like the cold, but it sure was colder than what I was used to. Hats of to you for doing that every winter.

Betina, have you thought about taking the jacket to a shoe repair shop? They might be able to help you with your jacket or at least give you a few pointers concerning leather dye and how to avoid transfer.

I'm in a weird state of mind ATM. I've bought to pieces within the last 6 months or so. I think my style has changed slightly, so I'm not quite sure want I want except from a few items, and I'm not inspired at all with the stuff available where I live. And I'm not a big fan of online shopping.

What I do need are some new pair of jeans since I've lost a bit of weight and my old ones are now too lose. I don't wear jeans that often, but I have to admit they are quite useful once in a while.

The only thing I really want is some new jewelry. I think I've finally found some gold pieces, mostly earrings that a simple enough for my taste while still being interesting enough to wear every day. I just need to sort out my priorities and figure out what I want/need the most.

I think I need to make a list, It really was helpful the last time I made one.

 

[adorefaith]

tine how did you enjoy it? it's a pretty beautiful part of the world, isn't it..

eizhowa hilarious. the funny/not funny part about it is that i actually come from a hot climate and moved here some years ago. so i only have myself to blame! i don't even like winter sports that much! but i think surviving harsh winters might be a bit like childbirth... you feel such a sense of accomplishment and once it's all over you forget how bad it was.... until the next one.

you did mention Etsy for bags, that's right! i don't know why that keeps slipping my mind. i think perhaps because the choice there overwhelms me. are there any particular sellers that you'd recommend?

on the topic of fur, i so badly want to invest in a fur piece for the winters here. i guess i don't know where to start. vintage?

betina i think you should go for it! Tine's suggestion about talking to a pro to get tips on how to avoid dye transfer is a good one. once armed with that, i'd say do it! what do you have to lose? especially if you don't wear it as is.... worst case scenario you dye it and won't wear it then either... nothing much lost really.

 

[fashionista-ta]

adorefaith, I think vintage is definitely where you're going to find a bargain on fur. I think it makes sense in a cold climate where you really need it. Here, there basically isn't one day a year that justifies a fur coat IMHO, and those who have them have been known to break them out at the 50 degree mark

I think we had a thread here awhile ago about AA's CEO and his ... quirks, but if you Google him, you should find plenty. As you might imagine, I have read sexual harrassment is also commonplace in sweatshops (why wouldn't it be?).

I have had rag rugs made for me before on etsy ... love it. So nice to interact with the person who's making your things.

Kitten I love kittens, just not so much on cats A good use of your money, eizhowa.

 

[Tinetush]

Adore, loved it! Nice people, beautiful scenery and great skiing.. I'm coming back this November. I plan on staying til mid January. So I'm definitely bringing my down jacket.

About furs, I've always been a bit on the fence about them, but I can definitely see their practicality when it's below -10 c and you don't want to wear a down jacket, (or freeze). I think we have a thread about vintage fur either in this forum or in 'shop til you drop' about what to think about before buying vintage fur and what care to take of them.

 

[eizhowa]

AdoreFaith, If I were to buy fur again, I'd rather have something fur lined I think. Then you get the benefits, but not the judgement. I favour vintage furs to newer

I did a quick research on Etsy and I found a few candidates. Not sure what you like, but it needs to be black, leather and fit a laptop. Does it also need to be very hard/structured? Does it need a top zipper? My own school bag doesn't, but some people consider this a must. I just put a scarf over if it is pouring down.

These bags are in the 150-275 usd range.

The first one is similar to the one you looked at, but more distressed. The second one is a bag made of reworked leather. The third is the same model I have (mine is cognac). They also have it in black, but the picture did not do the bag justice, so I attached the brown. I don't actually know the dimensions of your laptop, so I just guesstimated a bit.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/151176237/leather-black-bag-new-vintage-looking?ref=sr_gallery_44&ga_search_query=Black+leather+laptop+bag&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_order=price_desc&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=handmade
http://www.etsy.com/listing/152642141/handmade-reworked-black-leather-handbag?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_query=reworked+leather+bag+&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_search_type=all
http://www.etsy.com/listing/153345003/chocolate-new-york-tote-handmade-leather?ref=shop_home_active


Images from Kilidesign, IndividualsBodega and Cherrybombleathers Etsy shops.

 

[adorefaith]

eizhowa that's so nice of you to start looking for me, thank you! my laptop is a 13 inch macbook air so it's about 13 x 9". i carry it to and from work every day so that's definitely a priority. i really like the third bag you posted....the one you say you have!.....although surprisingly i don't really like it in black. the chocolate colour you posted is gorgeous. i wonder if it would work with my wardrobe. is the bag fairly sturdy? it looks like it would age nicely.

 

[Betinapple]

@Eizhowa: well, I do not think that counts neither sounds like a wise decission not buying any unneccesary items. I find that fashion magazines clouds your vision of what you actually need, if you are not careful.

Congrats on adopting a cat! I want a kitty as well. Or a dog. Or a baby. I'll take what I can get.

@Tine: I actually tried that when I had the idea last year, but noone really seemed to know anything specific. I tried talking to "Jarlen". Do you know a cobbler that might be able to help me?

I think I would go for the jeans and then the jewelry. Jeans does not neccesarily need to be expensive. Then you could buy the jewelry afterwards. I am a bit jaloux though, it must be such a relief to only be tempted by close to nothing.

@Adorefaith: my though excactly. Perfect project for the weekend if my ancle is still messing with me.

What colours do you have in your wardrobe? I have a chocolate bayswater, and I find that it works with almost everything in my wardrobe.

 

[eizhowa]

Adorefaith, I think the bag is very sturdy. I also tried to talk Betina into buying one The handles are nailed, not just stitched on, like they are on the AA bag. I've mine to carry several kilos of books for hours, and I've even used it as (long)weekend bag and carry-on luggage. My laptop is 14" and can fit comfortably. The brass buckles are also very nicely made, and do not look cheap, like a lot of hardware can do. It has a very nice surface finish, and imo they look even better in person

My only problem with my bag is that the handles and corners of the bag have darkened, but I don't think it will be noticable on your bag. Mine is a much lighter color. If you order it, I also wouldn't recommend getting the tote with a top zipper. It looks better without, and if you zip it up, you can't fit much into it. I think this bag looks better with stuff in it, than it does empty.

I think the color is beautiful, and I am sure it will go nicely with your wardrobe I am not sure what colors you prefer to wear, but I think very few colors will clash with a deep brown. I need to stop talking now, or I'll talk myself into buying another in brown

Betina, When I saw how much work a kitten was, I also realized I won't be ready to have a baby for a very long time. I have to spend quality time with the kitten for like a full 30 minuttes every day Such hard work...

 

[Miwi]

I adopted a feral kitten we found at work. That was not a cheap decision I see nowink:

Another cat lady here. Congrats on your newest furry purry addition!

I found quite a few pieces for F/W at H&M, I have to check out everything in person. For the price I don't think the quality (it depends on what you're looking for though) is that bad especially compared to Zara where the prices are often sky high and the quality/material is really poor. But even Zara has some exceptions, I might look for some pieces there as well. I have to admit that my down jacket is still fine after 4 seasons and I won't be buying a new one.

My list changed slightly. I decided not to buy a new trench coat. I can already see it, I could only wear it around 3 times and then it'll be winter. I'll just wear my old one(s) for this short period. I decided to look for a warmer parka instead. I also gave up on finding the right pair of riding boots. I should focus on finding the pair of biker boots. But I still need blouses/shirts, pair of jeans and few sweaters. Wool sweaters make me itch like crazy and I can't wear them even if I layer a soft cotton T-shirt or turtleneck underneath. Cashmere, of course, is a whole different story, but expensive too. If I remember correctly I also don't have problems with merino wool.

Oh, and I own a pleated fine wool Burberry skirt which has to be shortened, but I'm really looking forward to wearing it, it's so pretty!

 

[Betinapple]

@Eizhowa: that would be no problem for me I would not get anything done though. When I am at my mother's i tend to do nothing but pet the dog.

@Miwi: sounds like you've made some good decissions. I rarely get to wear my trenchcoat neither since it gets cold so quickly.

Remember that there is different wool qualities - maybe you'll be able to find one that does not itch. Otherwise H&M sometimes has OK quality knitwear with merino or cashmere in it. I bought three cashmere cardigans in the Kids Department AW10, and they still serve me very well.

 

[adorefaith]

Congrats on adopting a cat! I want a kitty as well. Or a dog. Or a baby. I'll take what I can get.


What colours do you have in your wardrobe? I have a chocolate bayswater, and I find that it works with almost everything in my wardrobe.

....oh my goodness...i laughed so hard at that first part. mostly because i can relate.

my wardrobe... lots of black and grey... some tan (but mostly for summer) and some olive green. my winter coat is tan with black, though, so i'm not sure about the chocolate colour going with that. that's the only thing i can think of that it would maybe 'clash' with....

eizhowa that's a pretty glowing review! it sounds really sturdy which is so appealing to me... and the handles being nailed is fantastic too. Ah!, what to do. i don't really have anything chocolate brown... and until seeing this i was pretty set on black. that's the only thing stopping me!