Christmas Loot- What's in my Bag

Hello everyone,
I hope all of you had a great Holiday!

I know I promised an Apple tutorial, but as we all know- the holidays can get a little crazy so I never did get around to moisturizing my Saumur. I do hope to get that done before winter break is finished. I did however go shopping with my Christmas loot, and I got some great stuff! I bought a Ralph Lauren jacket(I'll post photos later), a Michael Kors wallet, and best of all- an iPod Touch! I think the easiest way to show off my new goodies is a "what's in my bag" post.

The weather here today is sloshy snow, so I'm carrying my Marc Jacobs Trash Bag.
Inside I have my:

• Lucky Brand Sunglasses 
• Dooney and Bourke Croco Photo Folder (holds iPod Touch)
• Michael Michael Kors Wallet 
• Coach wristlet (Holds camera and earbuds and SD card adapter)
• Nokia 5300 Xpress Music Cell
• Eyeglass cloth

Nothing terribly exciting- but good for bad weather.

I don't know why I can't photograph my wallet well enough-  it just has Michael Kors stamped onto the silver button.  The croco Dooney and Bourke envelope I actually won from being in the top ten of the photo finalists in the Summer Photo Contest!  They sent that to all of the photo finalists- and the winner got a $400 DB gift card.  That was fun. 


Get The Look:
Marc by Marc Jacobs Packable Shopper Tote
MICHAEL Michael Kors Card Case (mine is black pebbled leather- it's not on the website anymore)

The Dooney and Bourke envelope and Coach wristlet are gone as well- sorry!

Until next time-

Saumur

Hello everyone,

The historic town of  Saumur is nestled between the Loire and Thouet rivers, and surrounded by a vast expanse of vineyards producing some of Frances finest wines.

Many Louis Vuitton bags and colors are named after towns, regions, seas, and historic families throughout Europe, and I always imagine the idyllic sleepy town of Saumur whenever I carry my Louis Vuitton Saumur 35.  My bag was constructed July of 1991 in France- and I purchased it last summer on (where else?) eBay.  I just love the vintage look, the dark vachetta leather, the equestrian feel it has, and the unique buckles.  I would have to say that aside from my Epi Sac Plat and Keepall 45, this has to be my most complimented bag.  

Unfortunately, I am too tall to carry it crossbody comfortably so I just wear it on my right shoulder.  The buckle closures are actually big enough to get it opened with only one hand (a common worry among those who are considering a Saumur).  Another misconception amongst prospective buyers is the double sided feature and forgetting which side has what inside- however both sides are quite different-the front side has the monogram right side up, whereas the back has the monogram upside down.  "Why is this?"  you ask.  The top flap is one continuous piece of canvas, so naturally one side would have to be upside down. 

 The interior is not quite as spacious as I would like, but it can still hold quite a bit of things.  In the front compartment I keep important things, like my cell phone, keys, wallet, camera bag, and whatever odds-and-ends I need throughout the day.  And in the back compartment I keep my sunglasses and a magazine.  The front compartment features one long slip pocket, whereas the backside has two slip pockets.  The Saumur was made in three different sizes- 30cm, 35cm, and 43cm, and recently a limited edition perforated 30cm was released.  All the sizes are slightly different in design than each other, but have the same overall aesthetic.  The 35 and 43 have been long discontinued, but these bags can be purchased in great condition on eBay and the likes.

Please check back tomorrow when I condition the leather with Apple Leather Care.

Until next time-

In the Kitchen: Pesto Pasta

Hello everyone,

I apologize for neglecting my blog the past few days, it's been a very busy weekend with work and everything, so to make up for it I have decided to do my first "In the Kitchen" segment.

This is my Pesto Pasta dish, it's easy to make but looks and tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen.  This dish could easily serve as the main entree, or a delicious side dish.

What you'll need:

• Penne Rigate Pasta
• Parmesan Cheese (as much or as little as you want)
• Thick cut bacon (buy the nice stuff, you'll notice the difference)
• One small can of sweet peas (one entire can is not necessary- use as much as you want)
• Capers (these are strong, use about 2/3 the amount of capers that you used in peas)
• Pesto Sauce (I recommend using Classico and not the Private Selection in the photo.  Classico brand covers the pasta better whereas Private Selection would be more ideal for topping steaks, and making spreads with)

Feeds 4-5

Directions:

• Take the entire box and boil the pasta until al dente.
• While that boils, cook the bacon to desired crispness and crush into pieces
• Make sure to drain the peas, and add them to pasta along with pesto, cheese, capers, and bacon.
• Once mixed find your favorite serving dish and plate it.  Take some more cheese and garnish the top.  I think sprinkling parsley around the edge of the plate would be a nice touch if entertaining guests for the evening.

And what better way to serve an Italian dish, than on a platter hand made in Italy?  The best part about this meal is eating it the next day.  It keeps really well and tastes delicious once microwaved.  Or it could be eaten cold as a pasta salad.  No matter how you choose to enjoy this dish, you can't go wrong.  Sometimes adding sun dried tomatoes is a great touch and adds some nice color to the dish.  Bon appetit!

Until next time-

Cheap Thrills

Hello everyone,

Finals are finally over (okay, bad pun) and that closes yet another semester.


Today's Look-
Not every day can filled with bow ties and Louis Vuitton bags.  Every now and again, you have to challenge yourself to pull together an outfit that isn't covered in labels, but still looks nice.  And I like to think that is what I accomplished today.  The weather here in Indiana is an unseasonably 52 degrees today, so a coat wasn't necessary- but I did want to wear my puffy vest.  A woodsy/outdoorsman was my inspiration today.  Rugged men wear lots of denim and leather, so I accessorized accordingly.

Here are the pieces from today's outfit: (try not to focus on my shitty paint job- it's getting a second coat now that the semester is over)

• The jeans are by Mavi- the Max fit.  Nice and relaxed, perfect for sitting though exams.  
• The shirt was my $9 thrill from H&M last summer.  It features elbow patches, and I roll the sleeves up for a more casual look.  
• The vest is also by H&M and I always get compliments on it whenever I go out.  (the people always shout...)
• For the accessories I wanted to wear lots of leather and metal, so I stacked the three bracelets on my left wrist (my arm still stinks of old leather).  These were purchased from American Eagle back in 2001 and left over from my American Eagle/ Abercrombie phase (thank God that's over.)  
• The necklace was also from H&M and I think cost less than $12.  I wore it long, and didn't button the top three buttons of my shirt which really framed the necklace well(sorry to disappoint folks- I wore an undershirt)
• The belt was the most expensive part of my outfit- it's from Cole Haan.
• The shoes are some old Doc Marten's.  Very comfortable!

All-in-all I think I pulled this outfit off rather nicely.  Sure it's more of an autumn look, but with this "heat wave" in December, it still looked nice.  I didn't carry a bag today because I didn't feel like messing around with one- if I did carry a bag with this outfit, it would either be my Louis Vuitton Saumur 35 (for the distressed/vintage look) or my Marc by Marc Jacobs Nylon Shopper tote (because it's discreet, and the black would pull the dark colors out of my vest.

So that was todays apparel look.  Tell me what you think, and perhaps more Cheap Thrill outfits will be shown.

Until next time-

Prada Wallet Review

Hello everyone,

I have some downtime until I have to be at work this evening, so I thought - Hey!  Why not write a blog?! So that's what I'm going to do!

I didn't get much sleep last night.  That AutoCad project took much longer than expected, but lets hope it gets a good grade!  I also thought I had a paper to type that was due tonight, but I just found out that it isn't due until Thursday.  And with my master procrastination skills, it probably won't get done until Wednesday night.

The past few days I've been carrying my Louis Vuitton Epi Speedy 40 in Borneo Green.  Green being my favorite color- and the Speedy 40 being my favorite bag, it's safe to say that I love this bag.  The previous owner took very good care of it, and it's almost pristine (aside from a couple minor scratches on the backside).  The date code reads V.I. 0912 -made in France January '92, so some wear is to be expected.  And with it being all leather- it weighs a TON, I don't recommend using Epi leather bags for big shopping trips.

I've also been using my fancy new Prada wallet that I purchased from Saks Fifth Avenue in Chicago last month.  That was such a fun experience!  I hadn't planned on buying anything, and since my Louis Vuitton wallet is so small- this Prada has become the perfect substitute.  

Here is some information from the Prada website:

WALLET

• SAFFIANO CALF LEATHER WALLET
• GOLD-PLATED HARDWARE
• METAL LETTERING LOGO
• TWO SNAP CLOSURE
• TEN CREDIT CARD SLOTS, ONE COIN COMPARTMENT WITH ZIPPER
• L 7.36" H 3.54"

There are plenty of card slots- two zippered compartments, six slots for cash and receipts.  And the Saffiano leather is amazing, as is the gold plated hardware.  My favorite feature is the lining- it's a Moire Faille.  (looks like wood grain) The Saffiano leather is a lot like Louis Vuitton Taiga leather.  Honestly the quality of this wallet is second to none- it makes my Louis Vuitton Zippy wallet look chintzy.   I am very serious when I say, this was some of the best money I have ever spent.  Mine is a sort of deep Burgundy/Bordeaux color- which I don't see on their website anymore.  I think this Prada will be the first of many----  :)

Here is a photo of my Prada wallet, and an interior shot of the wallet from their website:

I suppose with all the previous talk about my Epi Speedy 40- you'll probably want to see photos, so I won't hold out on you guys:

Aside from a "new" phone and the Prada wallet- I'm still carrying all the same things that I had in my Keepall 45, so I won't bore you with another list.

Well I only have a couple more hours before I have to be at work...

Until next time-

Hectic

Hello everyone,

It has been a VERY busy few days, and I apologize for neglecting my blog.

Here is a summary of the past few days-

Friday- worked all day

Saturday- worked all day, bought groceries, and worked on my AutoCad project

Sunday- worked all day, and worked on my AutoCad project (nearly done!)

And today, I had the day off.  I really needed it.  I had to go to the school and print the shipping label to send that HD2 back to the seller, then go to Target to buy tape and some Starbucks.  Afterwards, to the Post Office to drop the package off and the bank to deposit bill money.  After coming home, I finished up modelling my project, now I just have to render some views of it and create elevations.  And in between of all this craziness, I've been watching cat videos on YouTube.-Oh what fun!

My project is turning out well, but my old-as-dust laptop can't handle rendering the photos.  To fix this, I'm downloading OS X on my partner's Mac so I can download AutoCad 2011 on it and render the photos in high quality.

The rest of the week will be full of work (38.5 hours) and finals.  I will be even more exhausted than I am right now.  And to top it off, I have absolutely none of my Christmas shopping done- no gifts- no gift wrap- nothing.  It looks like a last minute Christmas once again this year.

Well- back to the grindstone.

Until next time-

HD2

Hello everyone,

I recently bought a replacement phone on ebay because my old HTC Wizard 110 finally died.

Well it came today, and I have to ship it back.  It's in far rougher condition than the ad had stated, and I don't feel like spending that much money on a phone in such used condition.  It was an HTC HD2- the user interface was atrocious anyway.  So the search for a new phone continues. (suggestions welcome!)

As far as the rest of my day- it wasn't too bad.  I got quite a bit accomplished on my AutoCad project, and it was a payday today.  (Those are always good days!)

I woke up at 7:30, I had an outfit all planned out- my Ralph Lauren jeans, a seersucker shirt with a cardigan and my Cole Haan Captoe shoes.  I also had my Louis Vuitton Epi Speedy 40 packed and ready to go.  But after I got dressed, I just wasn't feeling the outfit, so I changed into my comfy old Mavi jeans, a chunky cable knit sweater, my rugged Eddie Baur jacket and my Doc Marten's.  It was a comfy day. (as if any of that really interested you.)  I'm not one of those college students who can show up to class in pajamas- frankly I find that disrespectful to the teacher.  S/he is taking time out of their day to teach you new things- the very LEAST you can do is wear real clothes.  Now, I am guilty of wearing sweat pants to class (ONCE!) -but they were Nike track pants and cost more than my RL jeans, so it all balances out.

My weekend isn't shaping up to be very exciting- work-finish projects-work-study-work-work-work.  Oh well, Holiday paychecks are always nice.

Until next time-

The Four Seasons

Hello everyone,

Today was a very busy day.  I had a presentation in the evening and decided to put off everything until four hours before class.  It was over floor coverings in a commercial space, and I chose to do a child care facility.  Modular floor tiles are easy enough, so it all worked out.  However, I ruined my favorite pair of Nike shorts in the process.  I was gluing down a carpet sample onto my board, and SPLAT!  it landed right on my thigh.  I threw them in the washing machine, but to no avail.

Not to fear, my project was a success.

Here are a couple photos of the sample closet for you all to enjoy.  And a photo of my Saumur 35 sitting atop some sample books.

The semester ends next week, and I can't be happier.  I think next Friday I will be a much happier man.

However, I did watch a great movie on Netflix while I worked on my project.  "The Four Seasons" from 1981.  It has Carol Burnett, Alan Alda- and Francis McDormand!!!!  She is among my top favorite actresses.  I went to see "Friends with Money" back in 2006, and I loved her in it.  She's great.

About the movie:

Three middle-aged wealthy couples take vacations together in Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. Along the way we are treated to mid-life, marital, parental and other crises.

It truly was a great film, and for having been shot in 1981, I feel as though it is still very relevant to current day issues regarding friends and loved ones. And Carol Burnett is always a pleasure to watch.  Another great part about this movie, is the soundtrack.  It features Vivaldi's Four Seasons.  So that was an added bonus for me since I love those concertos.  And for you vintage Dooney and Bourke lovers- Francis McDormand carries a green toggle bag through the second half of the film.

All-in-all today wasn't a bad day.  I don't have my film class tomorrow, or work, so it will be relatively short.  I have an AutoCad project I need to finish up for next week....

Until next time-

1988

Hello everyone,

1988 was a great year- a couple things that happened that year:  I was born, and that was the year my Louis Vuitton Keepall 45 was made.


I purchased this bag almost two years ago after having sold off the majority of my Coach collection.  This Keepall was my first Epi bag, and it has certainly fueled the fire to acquire more.  I think Epi is the best line that Louis Vuitton has ever introduced, not only is it water friendly, but it is very subtle.  It doesn't exactly scream "LOUIS VUITTON!"  like the Monogram or Damier lines do.  And this bag can hold tons of stuff.  I don't carry much in it, and because of it's size I don't carry it often.  In fact this is the first time I've taken it out since September, but it is one of my most complimented bags.  And for being 23 years old, it doesn't look too shabby!


Inside:

• Louis Vuitton PT 15 (holds camera, head phones, flash drives, and card reader)
• Louis Vuitton Zippy Coin Purse (holds my important cards)
• D&G Aviator Sunglasses
• Louis Vuitton four key holder
• Epi Card Holder (holds gift cards, and loyalty cards)
• TMobile Nokia 5300 Xpress Music (temporary phone until my new HTC HD2 arrives)

Here are some photos:

As far as my day today: it's been great so far.  I woke up at 7:30 for class this morning, and I'm happy to report that I'm almost done with my AutoCad project.  (I'll post photos when I'm complete, because I know you are all dying to see them. lol)  After I'm done here on my lunch break I'll be heading back to school for a couple more classes followed by an evening at work.  (oh what joy-bring on the Christmas shopper spirit)


Until next time-

New Kicks

Hello everyone,

Today wasn't very eventful, I didn't work, so I so I just had to study and clean up the apartment.  :)

However- I did get to pick up a package from FedEx...

My Coach shoes from Cyber Monday!!!  I'm so excited- for only being $48 they are VERY comfortable- and the quality is outstanding.  (not what you would expect from only having spent so little!)

They are mostly canvas with suede trim and a Vachetta leather patch on the tongue (making them NOT water friendly).  The eyelets for the shoelaces are metal with Coach embossed in them.

All-in-all it wasn't a bad way to start a rainy Monday.

After all of my footwear excitement, I had to go to class (not wearing my new shoes).  There we had an exam over floor coverings.  I think I aced it- *knock on wood* 

I will leave you with some photos for lusting.

Until next time-

Marc by Marc Jacobs Packable Shopper Tote Review

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to do a quick bag review of my Marc by Marc Jacobs Nylon Packable Shopper Tote. (also known as my Trash Bag)

According to saks.com:

Sleek, sophisticated and ready to travel in packable nylon with leather trim and a logo accent patch.

• Double handles, 10" long
• Interior pocket
• 16"W X 17"H X 4¼"D
• Imported

Anyway, I bought this bag a year ago for my 22nd birthday. It wasn't much of a splurge- but I needed something to get me through the winter months, and I didn't own a black bag at the time. Being that it cost so little, this bag has absolutely nothing to it. The trim isn't real leather, there is no lining, the nylon is very thin, and it only has one pocket. The top is just open, so I wouldn't recommend buying this if that makes you uncomfortable. The other bad thing about this bag would be the color- the dye sort of ran, and it stained my Versace sunglass case a light red color.

Aside from all of the negative, it is a great beat around bag. Since I paid so little I will never worry about it getting ruined (can't say that about my other bags.) Also, Marc Jacobs punches tons of these out in different colors each season (in fact, I'm eyeing the Artichoke one at Saks right now). My bag is scratched up, snagged up, and beat to hell- but it does the job for me. It's my go-to bag in this lovely Indiana weather. One plus- it does have a D-ring, and the pocket does have a Velcro fastening. With this bag I use my older Coach pieces, because they'll be more forgiving to banging around than my other things will. And this bag is seriously a black hole- it will hold ANYTHING you throw in it!

Here are some photos of mine- apparently after checking Bloomingdales and Saks websites- the black on black is no longer available.

Until next time-

Metropolis

Hello everyone,

Today wasn't very eventful. My phone hasn't been working right, and today it felt like sleeping in apparently because it didn't wake me up. I'm really annoyed- if anyone knows how to increase the memory on an old HTC Wizard 110- PLEASE tell me how! I did get some things accomplished today though. Kroger had their 10 for $10 deal on bread, so I bought a couple loaves, and other things. I then treated myself to a McDonald's coke and 3 cookies. Yum!

Once I got home I watched an old silent film on Netflix- Metropolis. But it wasn't the original version, it was the Giorgio Moroder version. This one has an updated score to it- it has Pat Benatar, Bonnie Tyler, Billy Squier, and Freddie Mercury. It was interesting, but I think I'd prefer the original. While I watched that I ate a Tombstone Pizza.

-Gosh, I've had a boring day!

The old movie poster kind of has a Bioshock feel to it. Creepy.

Until next time-

Sick Day

Hello everyone,

Two days in a row- we aren't off to a bad start!

Well, I have been sick the past few days, and I think today is the last day of it. I called off work to rest some more. (That's probably not something I should put out on the internet). I typically have a very busy schedule throughout the week, I go to school full time, and with it being the holiday season I work about 30+ hours a week. That doesn't leave much time for lounging about, especially with projects and finals coming up. So I decided to treat myself to some R and R. (I truly am sick though!)

The problem with having a day off though- it feels wasted. Normally I'm running all over town, going to work, going to school, running errands blah blah blah, but on a day off with nothing to do, I just sit on the couch. I always tell myself that I'll be showered by noon and clean the apartment - after I check my Facebook one more time. Or after I refresh my ebay screen again. Or right after the next episode of whatever I'm watching on Netflix. (I told you I was a bit of a procrastinator) It always seems like there is so too much of nothing to do.

Well today was no different. It's after 2:30 in the afternoon, and I'm still in my PJs. Oh well, everyone deserves a lazy day every now and again.

I do plan on going to the library this afternoon. I could go to the library over Dupont, but I like driving downtown and going to the main library. I love driving through the East State Village, and through Wells Corridor. And the library down there feels so big, and there are so many interesting people to watch there as well. The main hall feels like an Airport, the big windows, the Terrazzo floors- I love it. Now, what will I wear?

If you live, or have ever lived in Indiana, you'll know this isn't the best weather for dressing in. I think I'll be going for a rugged look today, and since I've retired the majority of my Louis Vuitton collection for the season, I'll be carrying a trusty vintage American bag. (Anyone feeling lucky enough to guess?)

If you guessed Dooney and Bourke, you're correct. I paid only $9.99 for this sucker on ebay, and I've only worn it once (4th of July, it works really well with my Ralph Lauren American flag sweater, and brick red shorts). I plan to wear it with a holiday sweater and a puffy vest with boots.

The bag is vintage- back when Dooney was made in the USA (shame it still isn't). The color is Navy Blue with British Tan trim, and the leather is All-Weather-Leather. So it's perfect for rain or snow (which we get a lot of both here). The interior is the perfect size for a few important cards in the pocket, like my ID, Library Card, and a couple other cards. My keys (also on a Dooney key chain) and my brick of a cell phone fit nicely in the main compartment. The fun thing about this bag is that you wear it on your belt. No, it's not a fanny pack! You're belt just slides through the leather loop on the back, and you're good to go. The only downside to this design is wearing it while in a car with a seatbelt. I suppose you could take it off in the car, but if someone saw you undoing your belt at a stop light, they might think you are a pervert- which isn't the image you want to give off when using a vintage Dooney and Bourke bag.

Here are some photos of the Dooney and Bourke Cavalry bag:

If you're lucky enough, I might take a full outfit shot and post it tomorrow. Well it is nearly 3:00 now, so I guess I should get ready to seize the day (or what's left of it anyway).

Until Next Time-

Preface

Hello everyone,

I have wanted to start a blog for many years, and for many years I have put it off. Those that know me personally would describe me as a major procrastinator, some might even go so far as to describe me as lazy. I would agree with the former (it sounds better). I'm an interior design student living in Fort Wayne Indiana. I work for a Big Box Store (care to wager a guess?) earning a meager paycheck. I enjoy shopping- if you asked my credit card, or eBay, they would probably tell you that I enjoy it a little too much. I love anything and everything creative- fashion, music, decorating, cooking, etc. I learned how to play the piano when I was young, and my biggest regret is forgetting how to play, so these days I just listen to music. Lately I've been in a Ray Conniff mood with intermittent blasts of The Seekers at times.

This blog will cover a lot of things. I don't know what direction to take it in, should it be a fashion blog? a cooking blog? or a decorating blog? I can't imagine that my life is interesting enough for a stranger to sit down and read about day in and day out. So it might cover all of these things, my life and interests. I'm a private person, so I won't divulge too much, but enough to entertain anyone who might be reading.

Until Next Time-