Traveling Fool

I like to label myself otherworldly because I have nothing better to do, but in reality I'm much more of an other-continental-ly being. I'd like to say I'm a super-linguist and travel buff that has visited all seven continents (even the one that's just a block of ice), but that would be a lie and I'm not a politician. I have ventured to other landmasses besides my home territory and in doing so have realized how much of a pain it is to not travel like a gazillionaire. Firstly, baggage checking is frustrating and secondly, not baggage checking is just as annoying. Since most people must carry-on (in more ways than one) and I'm included in that bubble, I have been looking and looking for a stylish, quality brand to keep-all my travel goods. I am the proud owner of a leather Coach duffle, but when it's loaded down it's not fitting in the overhead compartment and I can't shoulder the burden. I've perused and perused and after loving and leaving Tumi ($595 for a carry-on bag just wont do), I've decided on the BRICs x-bag line. It's light, it's cute and I won't go mental if it is dropped or scratched or lost (THE HORROR, TSA). The cost of the 21inch Carry-on Spinner Trolley and the Large Sportina Shopper vary depending on the site, but my one true love Amazon.com has them both for around $250 (here and here).

*Image courtesy of bloomingdales.com

Reader Digesting: Spinster

As much as I enjoy (window) shopping for items I can't afford, I also enjoy reading. Hence my interest in Spinster, a novel that I'm partial to for many self-indulgent reasons. As I continue to work towards getting my stuff together, I will also blog about novels I've read and liked. The inaugural post goes to the aforementioned title by Catherine Jerome. The synopsis is as follows:

Jane is stuck in a perpetual rut, and she’s not sure if she put herself there or if she was ever in another state to begin with. Her family worries she’s a closeted lesbian (and can’t express herself to them) — or so she believes — and she’s only ever had a relationship with the high school lothario, if you could even call it that. Now she’s stuck planning his wedding, dodging the nitwits she was “friends” with in school and contending with her new “more than just cute” boss (freshly imported from England) and all too willing to inadvertently remind her that she may be a Spinster.

The first few chapters can be previewed on the author's website. Spinster is available for Kindle readers or those with the free Kindle app for $.99.

Covet: Maiyet Small Como Satchel

It's been a while since I've waxed poetic about anything. I've been very busy being lazy and haven't returned to my one true love of pining for material items I can do without; however, thanks to a new brand (to me that is), I'm back in my temple of materialism. Maiyet has been branded (by me because I'm so important [insert irony]) as a brand with a conscience. From their website:

Paul van Zyl spent over 20 years working in human rights and transitional justice, first under Archbishop Desmond Tutu as the Executive Secretary of South Africa's Truth Commission and then as the Co-Founder of the International Center for Transitional Justice.  After winning the Skoll award for social entrepreneurship and attending the World Economic Forum at Davos, Paul met Daniel Lubetzky, a pioneer in using business to promote peace.  They decide to co-found a company that would use the power of the market to allocate capital to peace. Their hypothesis was that if they could source from and grow companies that had a stabilizing effect on their communities, they would be on their way.  Paul and Daniel believed that a fashion brand held the greatest opportunity, and the idea for what is now Maiyet was born.

Noble acts aside, I'm in lust for the Maiyet Small Como Satchel, which retails for $1549 out of my budget range at Barney's. The shape of the bag and the craftsmanship make this brand one of mine to covet and moon over on my increasingly long wishlist.

***image courtesy of google images.

Covet: Aspinal of London

My next few posts will most likely be dedicated to my newly discovered love Aspinal of London. The leatherware company was established "on the fundamental premise of offering our customers the most beautiful objects of unsurpassed quality and design for home & living, created by our designers and each handmade by genuine craftsmen, to bring to you at an affordable price and great value." A while back I waxed poetic about Smythson of Bond Street and their perfect travel wallets for all of my (hopeful) future jaunts of international intrigue, but at $620-a-pop, I can't even attempt to purchase one of those! Aspinal offers all of the items above for less than half that price at $179. Now I am ALL about Aspinal and am already on hot pursuit for a travel wallet of my own. Did I mention, they personalize?!

J.Crew Jenna!

I'm back finally--I know all four of you readers, if that, missed me! Of course, I'm going to salivate over one of three things: Reed Krakoff, J.Crew or Louis Vuitton. Today is a day all about the Crew and their new essentials! I'm not one for costume jewelry--and as a matter of fact baby Jesus and the disciples were tres good to me in the diamond and fine jewelry department this year--but J.Crew has got me wanting, per their usual. As of now, I'm SALIVATING over the "Jenna" bracelet, a namesake for the creative design tycoon (I mean, I know its fashion, but she is). This lovely gold plated wrist accessory can be yours too, for $88--buckaroos!

Been Gone for a Minute, Now I'm Back with the Krakoff!

I am in love with handbags and while Prada is my numero uno designer choice for all things leather to tote, I am currently infatuated with a guy named Reed: Reed Krakoff, of Coach to boot! Krakoff's gorgeously sculpted "Boxer" tote and "Gym" bag are on my X-Mas/Hanukkah/Kwanza wish list and in a variety of colors, textures and mixtures for any handbag appetite delight! Here's to living luxuriously and coveting for a long time to come (Boxer starts @$990, Gym @ $890).

Want, Need, Have-to-Have: J.Crew Biennial Satchel

I am in love with Prada. I cannot afford Prada. But, I love to look for bags that hold the structure of Prada! I also love J.Crew and the two have now somewhat combined with the new Biennial tote. For $348 you too can own a nice and spacious work tote that doesn't scream expensive, but does represent an understated classic appeal. I'm not a credit card-carrying J.Crew VIP, but I still love to buy anything, especially on sale!

Watching my Wrist

I'm always lusting after something--I've been taking a break from blogging because of this--and have redirected my desires to a new silver timepiece. While I wish I could afford a beautiful and booty-ful (as in lots of money in "pirate speak") Cartier or Rolex instead I have turned my attention to these stylish Freelook watches that have apparently been mentioned everywhere (as seen on their website). I also love the Invicta "Camelot" collection, especially the 9331 style that I cannot seem to find anywhere (wait, found it!)! Either way, I have found my new addition even if it is at full price!

Covet: Cole Haan "Trillby" Loafers

While I love everything about summer, I'm ready for the fall cool down and have found the perfect slide ins for my jaunts across campus: Cole Haan Trillby Driver Loafers in luggage! Now while they may be a tad bit pricey at $119-a pop, they're those classic flats that can go with just about any outfit on the horizon.

A Rosy Heart in Knots

Just a post-ago in a time far, far away, I marveled at the lovely CODE rings from Lulu Frost. Now, my favorite color of gold--rose, that is--is tied up in a knot. For $365 (a dollar per day into 2012!), Avanessi can keep you all tied up with their "Love Knot" ring found at my favorite online jewelry boutique Max and Chloe.