Cravings :: Balenciaga Classic Metallic Edge Chèvre Leather City

Hello Everyone!

Perhaps its Instagram or Tumblr's fault that my taste in things have increasingly more expensive over the last 2 years. While this is good since it makes me prioritize my purchases and become more financially conscious of my impulse and food purchases, it is terrible for my wallet. 

However, the good thing for me is that I recently got a raise at one of my jobs and I got a another job back in November, so hopefully my wishlist credentials will become a reality much quicker.

Anyways, I've never been a huge fan of Balenciaga when it became super popular a couple years ago, but this particular collection (seasonal = probably won't be able to get it by the time I save up for it *sigh*) as caught my eye due to the fact that it has more edgy hardware and is made with chévre (goatskin) leather (one of the more "softer" leathers). It also meets my standard handbag credential to have the choice of handles or cross body/shoulder strap.

Here's what's still available on the Balenciaga website (the mini version).

The regular "City" size looks more like this (and more expensive - $2,280).

It also came in a bordeaux/wine colour.

What do you think? Black or wine? Personally, I like the black but I feel like I have too many black bags and I should expand my bag colour repertoire. However, blacks are less worrisome and the signs of wear and denim colour transfer are less apparent.

Thanks for reading!
elle xx

New in my Jewel Box :: Chanel 2014 Earrings

Hello Everyone!

When I went to the opening of Chanel at Yorkdale Mall I stumbled across these earrings. Due to the price tag, I decided I should sleep on the decision to purchase them (though I realized I didn't have much time since they were a seasonal pair of earrings). Slept on it and decided that I was going to purchase them.

I absolutely adored the filigree finishing on these earrings and couldn't let them go since they are a part of the seasonal collection which makes them unique and unlikely to reappear in the future. They also had a matching brooch (surprisingly for the same price) and necklace which I really loved but the brooch is impractical for me and the necklace was a little disproportioned by the large pearl in my opinion. All three also came in a nude option opposed to the black.

Anyways, here they are!

Edit: Since purchasing these in December, Chanel has made them part of the permanent collection.

$325+taxes

Thanks for reading! 

elle xx

New in my Closet :: Black Friday Sale Haul

Hello Everyone! 

So for Black Friday, I headed to Yorkdale Mall to check out the deals. Surprisingly, Aritzia also had some sales (as I didn't expect them to have any - does anyone notice that Aritzia is having more sales more often?).

First I went to Club Monaco. They were having a 30% off sale on all their sale merchandise. Regular merchandise was still regular price. I've been wanting a trench coat for the longest time. Well, in particular I want a Burberry trench coat but those are well over $1k! So that will be in my 'later' wishlist when I can afford it. I have yet to decide if I wanted a black, navy, or trench coloured coat but I haven't really found any decent priced flattering trench coats in stores, until today! I found a knee length trench in black in the sales rack! This is also my first item I've purchased from Club Monaco!

Club Monaco Black Long Trench Coat (Size XS) - $210+30% off :)

Tory Burch didn't have any particular sales for Black Friday but I found this zip coin purse/card holder in the sales section for 30% off! (Retailers really do like 30% off on Black Friday, don't they?)

Tory Burch Amanda Zip Coin Case - $56 + 30% off :D

Lastly, while I didn't get this on the exact Black Friday date, luckily for Black Friday week long sales I was able to snag a pair of Varina's from David's for ~15% off. They were a hot item so I had to call the David's at Bloor to put it on hold for me!

Ferragamo Varina Flats in Wine Patent (Size 6.5) - $385 (Reg $450) from Davids Footwear

Thanks for reading!

elle xx

Cravings :: Louis Vuitton Indian Rose Collection

Hello Everyone!

In the past, I never was particularly interested in Louis Vuitton other than for its Neverfull GM (the huge tote bag) and the iconic Speedy 25. However, recently they released a collection of monogrammed patent ("vernis") leather in a hot fuchsia called "Indian Rose". Since this collection has come out early this spring/summer, I've been constantly looking at it!

I was debating of getting one of the smaller items, like the Zippy Coin Wallet, Cosmetic Pouch or the Cles Key Pouch (above) such that I can have my very own piece of the collection, but the price is really hard for me to swallow. The Zippy Coin Wallet is $500 and the Cles is $370! Likewise, I was really drawn to this collection because of the Alma BB pictured below.

It was inspired when I was looking at the Instagram of HRH Collection! She makes the bag look so cute. Sigh... why does this bag have to be so expensive!

Aside from the price, considering my student lifestyle, a bag in monogrammed bright patent leather may call into question my financial status. I really like this bag, but I also think that the monogramming is quite ostentatious? But I guess for $1,550, you probably want to most ostentatious bag so you have more bang for your buck (like a pair of Christian Louboutins vs Jimmy Choos - you want the red lacquered sole to show for the amount you paid!). Additionally, I come from a middle-class society, so people around me would most likely recognize the logo but also question my finances for it? Additionally, I also feel its slightly disrespectful to be flashing a pricy bag when others around you can't really afford various necessities or swimming in debt (though that is their problem). Likewise, I wouldn't wear this in a workplace as it is too flashy. So what is the practicality of the bag for me (despite the handles and the crossbody meets my physical handbag credentials)? The other question is how long would I enjoy this bag for? Is this just a phase or something I really really really love? Do I really want to spend a month's worth of rent on a bag that I'm only going to love for a short time?

Anyways, inspite of all my worries, I've also found another bag I really love in the same colour! The Monceau BB.

I also really like this bag! In addition, there are photos online of Miranda Kerr wearing it and it looks really good on her! (Plus it doesn't hurt that Miranda Kerr is one of my fashion icons/celebrity girl crushes)

And the Elle September 2013 feature on Miranda Kerr's closet shows it lounging comfortably in her shoe closet.

And the promotional pictures from Louis Vuitton makes it look very classy dressed up - which means it has the ability to be dressed up or down!

I like this just as much as the Alma BB because the patent leather isn't monogrammed so it isn't quite as ostentatious. But the fact it isn't monogrammed and is smooth patent leather means that fingerprints and scratches are more visible. Lastly it is $1,7300 - $180 more than the Alma BB.

Plus for the same amount of money, I can put this money towards my "Chanel Flap Fund" (where, if I would like to buy it before I turn 25, I need to save $200/month to account for prince increase and taxes by the time I'm able to purchase it -- I'm a little behind on this since I don't save $200/month just for my Chanel bag) or another bag from another designer that is more practical for my lifestyle, like Marc Jacobs (cheaper and less questionable), Prada (more timeless) or the Paraty Bag from Chloe (not well known, no logos).

Anyways, what do you guys think? I'm just trying to write down my thought processes here to see if it's really worth saving up for. It's also a seasonal colour so I don't know how long its going to be in stock for or when it's going to be discontinued since I'm not familiar with Louis Vuitton sales patterns (ie: Chanel season items are snapped up literally within an hour, well not quite but within the day).

Thanks for reading!
elle xx

PS: Wrong colour but I just saw Wendy from Wendy's Lookbook also has the Monceau BB but in Rose Velours! I really like Wendy as a fashion icon as her style tends to be very iconic and timeless. She really thinks about her purchases in the long picture (though recently she's been going more trendy but generally quite timeless).

PPS: I really dislike the Louis Vuitton website! It's really slow and it takes forever to find what you are looking for! >:(

New In My Closet :: Chanel CC Logo Pave Studs

Hello Everyone!

Today, I have something really exciting to show you! I'm sure many girls dream of Chanel and one day owning a piece of Chanel's legacy.

Recently I purchased myself a pair of Chanel Earrings at a great price point that is "relatively" affordable if you save up for your very own pair. Costume jewelry from Chanel is extremely overpriced and earrings usually range from $250 - $500 on the low end of the spectrum. Simple bracelets range from $300 - $500 and necklaces are similarly priced. The more costume like pieces are more expensive though.

After seeing 2 of my friends purchase these earrings I decided to check them out at my local Chanel Boutique and was pleasantly surprised when I found that these earrings are the most affordable Chanel CC Logo Studs I have come across at $195. They are also a great value for Chanel as these studs are large (covering the entire lobe) and are encrusted with rhinestones.

When I first found the earrings I decided to think about it before purchasing it. When I finally decided to pull the trigger - they were out of stock! These earrings are constantly being shipped in and sold out due to their price point. I had to go in to the Chanel Boutique weekly for 1 and a half months before I was able to take these home. :)

The Infamous Chanel Black Box

Model Number - Z2371

Tag that comes on the earrings

The Beautiful Earrings!

Chanel CC Logo Pave Studs!

I hope this post was informative in getting you slightly acquainted Chanel jewelry and hopefully you will be able to one day own a pair!
elle xx

Cravings :: Designer Purses - Summer 2012

Thanks for reading!

elle xx