In Spades

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Saint Laurent Puffer Review

YSL Denim Puffer HandbagLTH JKT // Lost Boys Versace tee // AGOLDE jeans // Oak + Fort boots (similar)
Quay Sunglasses // Necklace // YSL Denim Puffer

This is one of those handbags that had me at “hello.”  I initially saw it at Nordstrom and by the time I went back to purchase it, it had sold out.  Thus began my quest of “oh yes, it will be mine.”

I purchased it on a hope and a prayer – AKA got charged for it while Saint Laurent tried to locate one – and luckily, it came through.

Check out the fun Reel I created to debut it.

The Saint Laurent Loulou Puffer comes in several materials and sizes and honestly, it’s a fabulous and very practical bag.  I can see myself adding another one to my collection.

Here’s what you need to know if you are considering one.

Sizes

They come in mini, small and medium.

I have the medium and it’s very roomy.  If you’re a mom (like me) it’s great for carrying all of your belongings as well as stuff for your child. That said, the mini and small still give you a decent amount of space.  This isn’t a bag where the smallest size is basically useless because it’s so tiny.

The long chain allows it to be worn as a shoulder bag or a crossbody.  This dual functionality is SO convenient.

I also love how malleable it is.  Don’t get me wrong, I love a structured bag, but the soft leather (or denim in this case) make it really easy for transporting. Plus, it’s lightweight.  It makes a great travel bag.

Puffer vs. Loulou

Saint Laurent calls this style the “Puffer” but many other retailers refer to it as the “Loulou Puffer.”  The “Loulou” is quite similar, but you’ll notice that the stitching is closer together making it a lot less “puffy” than the Puffer.

Personally, I prefer the Puffer over the Loulou.  It looks a lot more unique IMO and sets this apart as a style Saint Laurent exclusively created.

Materials

I’ve never been one to gravitate towards exotics or limited edition styles when it comes to handbags, but in this case, I think Saint Laurent nailed it.

I love that mine is made of vintage denim.  The shearling one is so fun too.  Even this metallic one is still versatile enough for every day.

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How to Shop Black Friday Stress-Free

NYFW SS20 OOTD 1 The Vampire's WifeOne of my best Black Friday purchases ever

Every year, the Black Friday deals start earlier and earlier.  Does anyone else think that we’ll get to a point where Black Friday starts on Halloween?  :S

It’s my job to report the sales to you and even I get overwhelmed.  I’ve written several blog posts over the years on how to shop the holiday sale season stress-free.

Here are 3 simple tips to stay on track.  Below I’ve linked the sales I’m personally shopping.  If you like the outfits I share during the year, now is a great time to get them on sale.

Black Friday Shopping Tips
1. Have a plan

I actually have a notebook where I keep my Wish List.  Throughout the year I edit my closet and assess where there are holes.  Anything that’s lacking gets added to the list.

I also include the items I’m coveting.  These are new designers I’ve discovered, investment pieces and special occasion pieces.

Just like you shouldn’t go to the grocery store without a grocery list, you shouldn’t even look at the Black Friday sales until you have your Wish List.

Think of it this way.  You might love Levi’s, but if you don’t need new jeans, don’t fall for the clickbait and check out the Levi’s sale.

STAY ON COURSE.

2. Download retailer apps and set up your profiles

Create free accounts at your favorite retailers and “heart” the items you’re eyeing.  You should ALSO add your most loved brands to your profile.  This will push these brands to the top of your feed so you don’t have to sift through 1500 pairs of sale shoes.

ENABLE PUSH NOTIFICATIONS so you get real-time notices of the exact items you want.

3. Determine your budget

If you have $250 to spend, only spend $250.  Look at your Wish List and determine how you can configure the best bang for your buck.

Too many people just buy, buy, buy and then figure it out later.  You’re much more prone to overspend this way because you won’t want to send back all of the pretty things you bought.

ONCE YOU HIT YOUR BUDGET, STOP.

Black Friday Sales I’m Shopping

Matches Fashion – the majority of my designer pieces are from here and their sale is currently 50% off.

Bloomingdales – I just ordered this coat and I’m obsessed.  Tons of great home items on sale too.

Sundays – I buy all my 10-free nail polish here.

SSENSE – the best curation of edgy and top-rated fashion brands.  Plus two-day free shipping and returns.

Shopbop – the fast, free shipping and massive product selection are key.

Levi’s – the best around when it comes to denim.  And it’s all 40% off.

Hereu Loafers Review

Hereu LoafersVince sweater (similar) // Maje leather pants (similar) // Sunglasses // Hereu loafers

I discovered Hereu shoes last year and was immediately smitten by their Mediterranean craftsmanship.  I put them on my Covet List and like any good fashion girl, bided my time.

Their classic style, comfortable fit and versatile colorways would clearly serve my wardrobe well.  You helped me decide on a color (I did realllllly love the olive, but they sold out of my size).  I went with the Toffee and couldn’t be more pleased with how they work within my wardrobe.  They are on constant rotation and I get compliments every time I wear them.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering buying a pair.

Comfort 

I’d rate them an 8 out of 10.

They don’t require a break-in period, but they will get softer and more comfy with age, like a good pair of Levi’s.  The rubber sole is very forgiving.  The insole is leather and very comfortable, but if they would have given them a memory foam padding, they’d be a 10 out of 10.

Sizing

They only come in whole sizes.  I found them to run TTS.  If you’re in between sizes, I’d size down.

I’m normally a 6 (6.5 in tennis shoes and boots) and went with the 36.

Where to Buy

I bought mine directly from Hereu because they have the best selection.  Most of the retailers that sell Hereu have their current season still on pre-order (and not many colors available), so they’re quite behind.  The shipping was fast.

Know that if you buy from Hereu and need to make a return, you must pay for international return shipping.  I’d only recommend buying directly from Hereu if you want a style that is not available anywhere else.

How to Style Them

I don’t wear socks with mine, but I do plan to style them with tall socks and skirts at some point.  You could probably manage a pair of tiny footie socks with them, if needed, but I’d recommend wearing sans socks.

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Suiting for Fall

Vince TrousersVince TrousersTrousers // Tank // Sunglasses // Necklace & Initial Necklace (similar) // Blazer // Loafers

If the past month’s Fashion Fridays have been any indication, suiting is trending for fall 2021 AND spring 2022.  And as a diehard menswear lover, I of course wanted to add a great pair of trousers to my fall wardrobe.

I’ll be the first to admit, trousers are kind of like jeans.  You have to try on a lot of pairs to figure out which silhouettes are right for you.  I love the concept of pull-on trousers, but after trying on a dozen pairs, realized they just aren’t for me.  But for those of you looking for a comfortable yet elevated option, I’m loving these and these.

I wish this pair had a matching jacket, but I had fun trying on different pairings.  I think it would look amazing with a leather blazer, an oversized turtleneck sweater or a graphic tee.

I paired mine with a linen blazer to temper the warm SoCal afternoons and my new favorite pair of loafers (more on that next week).  Plus, I had fun breaking out my arm warmers. 😉

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CRUSH. – Affordable, Ethical Cashmere

CRUSH. cashmere

CRUSH. cashmere sweater // Oak + Fort boots (c/o) // Sunglasses // Jeans // Necklaces

Ethical cashmere is kinda my thing.  I’ve written about my favorite affordable cashmere brands before and just found a new one to add to the list.

I discovered CRUSH. cashmere at one of my go-to local boutiques, Pink Lagoon.  I actually purchased this sweater over the summer and have been dying to wear it.  The sherbet color is SO fun and it’s the softest, coziest sweater ever.  ZERO itch factor.  Plus, it comes in 20 colors.  20, you guys!

CRUSH. stands for: Creative, Responsible, Unique, Sustainable, and Happy.  It’s an indie British brand born out of the pandemic and I couldn’t adore their 100% traceable supply chain, environmentally friendly practices, and whimsical color palette more.  Definitely check them out.  I need to add their ballet sweater to my closet.

Here are some of my other cashmere sweater picks for this fall and winter.  All from my fave brands!

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