Bag Lovin'

Long time no see! I am so sorry for the delay in posts - I've been getting into the whole 'back to school' rhythm. Classes at night are something extremely new for me, so I've been trying to find some sort of schedule that works (I haven't been successful so far). Sigh.

Anyway.

I've been thinking about buying a shopper/tote style bag for a while now. I wanted something that would hold my textbooks/notebooks/laptop and all the other fun stuff that comes with grad school and not look bulky or overloaded (my textbooks weigh about one ton each).

I was browsing the internet and looking at what people usually carry to school and the whole shopper-tote style seemed the most popular. I narrowed it down to two brands that I could 1. Afford and was still 2. Fashionable. Nine West and Kenneth Cole do a really god job of making designer bags that don't break the bank. I was going to buy the bag on Amazon but I feel like you can get a much better idea of the size when you're in the store, even if you can do the whole free returns thing. 

I bought this beauty at Strawberry which is a retail outlet in the city. They have a lot of amazing products (especially designer) at ridiculous prices. When I saw this, and the price, I bought it and ran out of the store. I kid you not.

This is the Kenneth Cole Reaction 'Foxy' Two-tone Shopper. I absolutely adore this bag. It fits everything that I need and still retains its shape. I went with the black because well, I have no imagination, and I thought the white striped detailing looked brilliant. They had this in a couple of other solid colors but this one really did it for me. I also love the chain detailing on the front.

Bag - Kenneth Cole - $39.99
High waist trousers - Mango
Tank top - H&M - $5.00

A bit of Sale shopping

Circumstances have led me to require new clothes for my wardrobe. And when there's a sale. I use any excuse I can to acquire clothing (in this case, moving out).

I'm really trying to build a good capsule wardrobe, and these five items honestly check off some of the boxes that have been left empty for years!

Let me share/enable some of you #spreadtheguilt.

1. Black sweater - MANGO (890 INR)
    Mango on sale is heaven. It is one of the only stores that actually stocks my size, and is brilliant for workwear. I've been on the lookout for a lightweight black sweater to throw over things for ages. Everything I seem to find is either really questionable quality, or has some absurd embellishment/graphic situation going on. But this one is perfect.

2. Jeans - Vibe - (1529 INR)
    Finding a pair of jeans that aren't hideously expensive and fit me well is quite a challenge. I've been slightly obsessed with this brand called Vibe. The wash and fit of their jeans is amazing. They're also super soft and last ages. Would definitely recommend the petite ladies of the world to check them out. They retail at Shopper's Stop, as far as I know. But I'm sure they're at other places too!

3. Purple lacy bra - Loveable (Zivame) (500 INR)
    I have been on the hunt for a lacy bra like this one to wear with low armhole tops for ages. It's also ridiculously comfortable.

4. Maroon top - Insense - (450 INR)
    This was on sale. And it looked nice. And my friend made me buy it - YOU KNOW WHO YOU    ARE.

5. Black high waist treggings - MANGO (1290 INR)
  Another wardrobe gap that I had to fill. I have quite a few cropped tops and I think this is a brilliant basic to have, anyway. Fits like a dream.

6. Black Moccasins - Carlton London (1248 INR)
    Whenever I put on a smart/work outfit, I feel like I'm really lacking work shoes. I really cannot be bothered to wear heels on a day to day basis, so I wanted some slightly dressy moccasins that I can slip on and feel really put together. Plus Jabong was on sale...

Happy sale shopping!

Stepping out of the black box.

The best thing about fall sales is the amazing deals you can get on dark colored pieces. Pants, sweaters, tops, blouses - if you're like me, and live in your little black box, fall sales are the time to stock up on colors that you will branch out to (without paying full price) before the pastels come in. Don't get me wrong. I think pastels are gorgeous. But I'm a girl who loves her darker neutrals. Sigh.

I went to the mall once four times, and found some really nice pieces. I was in the market for some nice pants that weren't black, and a couple of new pairs of shoes.

I was determined to get some color.

When I'm not wearing black, I'm wearing grey or white. I needed to branch out.

A good way to do this is to look at dark jewel tones. Those colors are exactly what they say they are - colors that you find in well, jewels. Dark blue, emerald, purple. All really rich colors, all good alternate to black in terms of basics like blouses and trousers.

These.

Then this happened. I do have other pieces, but they're at my parent's house. And I wanted you guys to take advantage of the sale that is fizzling out!

1. Blue brogues - Forever 21 - 1699 INR
2. Fuscia Leggings - Promod - 990 INR (sale)
3. Navy cropped trousers - Mango -1490 INR (sale)
4. Black and gold flats - Westside - 1099 INR
5. Stripey socks - Forever 21 - 89 INR