Ann Taylor Lady Bag Review

Today I'm taking a color cue from a blog that I really enjoy reading, the Economy of Style.  You can't go wrong with red, black and white.  I love how Ms. Economy of Style rocks color, mixes patterns, and always finds fabulous deals.  :)

I am really attracted to the style and fabulous color of this bag from Ann Taylor.  I was so excited when I first spotted it on Ann Taylor's website since I've been on the lookout for a bright red leather bag.

The Lady Bag bag is extremely narrow, but it is rather deep; take those dimensions combined with a boxy shape, and you can't fit too much in there.  Fortunately, I carry just the essentials: lip balm, JCrew's magic wallet, candy to assuage my sweet tooth, & cell phone. I do wish the longer strap was detachable, but despite that minor issue, I love the style and color of this ladylike bag so much that when I shop at Ann Taylor, I even try on the black version!

Who knows?  The lovely black ladybag might end up in my closet next!

Earrings: Large Metal Stud Earrings in Shiny Silver, Express | shop

Top: Loft (may still be in stores)

Necklace: F21 (old)

Skirt: Express (old)

Shoes: Versie Pumps, Mossimo | shop

Bag: Lady Bag in Red Maple, Ann Taylor | shop

Eliza J Belted Cotton Party Dress

This dress is the perfect piece to celebrate the end of summer season. I am kind of bummed about the coming shorter days and cooler weather, but Fall is undoubtedly my favorite season. Peace out pool parties, BBQs, and watermelon. Hello haunted houses & apple cider!

Dress: Belted Cotton Party Dress, Eliza J ($138 $61.90) | shop
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini | {1, 2}

Wishlist

I 've made some progress on crossing off items on my Wishlist.

1. Belted Cotton Party Dress ($138 $61).  The blue & purple colorway is also really pretty ($138 $91) - I love this dress.  It's my favorite silhouette (fit & flare) and it is just my kind of print.  I don't care for the belt that comes with it, but that's easily removable.  My only issue is that the fabric, though thick and sturdy, feels a little bit like a napkin... 

2. Mini M.A.C. in Natural by Rebecca Minkoff  - I love that camel color.  It's perfect for fall, and it pairs really beautifully with several pieces in my closet.

3. Polished Sateen Blazer in White, Ann Taylor ($158 $60) - Aili is on a white blazer kick, and this structured jacket is an addition to her blazer collection.  See it on Wendy's Lookbook.

4. Lady Bag in Red Maple, Ann Taylor.  Check it out on ReallyPetite.

Please excuse the grainy camera phone shots & shoddy photography.  :)  I stopped at Anthropologie to try on the Contrasting Halves Dress ($228 on sale for $119.95) since it's been on my Wishlist for quite a while.  I do think it's a pretty dress, but it doesn't fit in the bust very well, and it hits just past my knees, making this dress too long for me.  The longer length makes it look frumpy instead of modern; if I did decide to purchase it, I'd definitely have it hemmed.  The embroidery is finished beautifully, but the cotton is scratchy and somewhat thin.  Since I think it's extremely overpriced, I'll have to pass on it.  Unless this shift dress becomes more deeply discounted (to something more along the lines of $20), it's a no for me.

Shoes & Accessories Galore

Scotty Essential Flat, Banana Republic (final sale price of $13) - I'm not sure if I can cross "Classic Black Flats" off of my Wishlist, but this pair of flats is cute and the patterned details keep things interesting.  The footbed is padded, and they're comfy... for the price and the quality, I definitely can't complain.

Pilar Strappy Wedge in Brown by Mossimo, Target ($14.99 at my local Target, but $29.99 online) - These shoes also come in nude, pink, and black.  Seeing Rosa of Love at First Shop rock DV by Dolce Vita's Pali Wedge, gave me shoe envy.  So when the Pali Wedge went on sale at Piperlime ($49.99), I picked them up.  After I put in my order, I spotted the Pilar Wedges at Target, and they look suspiciously similar to the Pali Wedge.  :)  The Pilar Wedges fit TTS, are comfy for the most part, but on first-wear the top straps cut into my ankles making them a little uncomfortable, but nothing I can't get over.  The Pali Wedges have a synthetic lining & outsole, so I'm not sure if the Pilar Strappy Wedge differs significantly in quality from the Pilar Wedges, and I sent the Palis back to Piperlime (free shipping + free returns!).  Anyway, $14.99 in my book is a good deal.  See them styled here.

1. Large Metal Stud Earrings in shiny silver, Express ($14.90) - Express currently has a buy 1 get 1 50% off jewelry deal.  The Janes at Jane Squared really like Express jewelry as seen here and here.

2. Loft ($13.99) - The clasp on this earring is clumsy, and taking them off makes me slightly nervous that I might damage the earring, and more importantly my ear. 

3. Loft (final sale price of $3.42)

4. Loft (final sale price, including sales tax, of $3.42) - Earrings numbered 2 through 4 were purchased at my local Loft on July 9, so I'm not sure if they'll still be in stores, and I couldn't find them online.

From top to bottom: Faceted Gem Stretch Bracelet, Express ($19.90); Pearl Bead Stretch Bracelet in mother of pearl, Express ($19.90); Pearl Bead Stretch Bracelet in pearl, Express ($19.90) - Though, I like Express's jewelry quite a lot, I sincerely despise their customer service and return policy; in my opinion, Express stocks low quality clothing for inappropriately high prices.  I used to love their suiting--pencil skirts & editor pants, in particular--but as of late, their pieces aren't as classy.   All that being said, I think I'll take a permanent long break from shopping there.  If you do, however, plan on picking something up at Express, their jewelry is currently buy 1 get 1 50% off. :)

The Search for a Crossbody Bag

The strap on my H&M crossbody bag ($14.95) snapped off, and without the strap's functionality, I've been all over the place.  The entire contents of my purse has been dumped on the ground no less than three times... So I have two options: a) Fix the Strap or b) Buy a New Purse. :)

I think Option A is definitely feasible, but I also think that this crossbody bag--my purse of choice for everyday use--is something that I always carry with me, so I should invest in a high quality piece, right?  Plus a nice crossbody bag is on my Wishlist!  haha.  Maybe that's not concrete justification, but I've been lurking on Nordstrom's website to check out the crossbody offerings. Here's what I've come up with:

All photos by Nordstrom

1. Classic Q Karlie Bag by Marc by Marc Jacobs ($248) - There are larger versions of this bag available. 

2. Essex Scout by Kate Spade ($395) - There is a smaller version of this bag that I believe is called Essex Small Scout ($295).  I am looking for a crossbody bag that can be worn year-round, but I love this bag in Caribbean.  I think the brown is okay, and I don't really care for it in black (pictured)--the white stitching on black leather doesn't really do it for me.
3. Mini MAC Crossbody Clutch by Rebecca Minkoff (195)

4. Classics Clutch by Rebecca Minkoff ($295)

5. Lady Pouchette  by Marc by Marc Jacobs ($398)

6. Leather Flap Crossbody Bag by Franchi ($88)

Which do you like best?  I'll try to check some of these out in real life, and I'll be sure to keep you updated.  Happy Monday!