125/ ONE BAG TAG (& REVIEW)

I'm the kind of person that likes to change their handbag on an almost daily basis. Switching out the contents to a different bag can be a bit annoying at times but to me it's rewarding and comforting to be able to match my handbag to a specific look. There was a tag video on YouTube that was pretty popular a little while ago - it was called the 'One Bag Tag' and it had YouTubers talking about the most practical (or favourite) handbag in their collection. Basically the idea behind the video was if you could only have one bag in and of your collection, which would it be and why?

This had me thinking. Although my collection is relatively modest compared to some, all of the handbags in my possession have a purpose in my eyes. Some are bold and colourful, some are more classy for events, some are huge bottomless pits that are strictly grab and go and some are just collection dust at the back of my closet (we all have those, don't lie).

When I first sat down to think about it my mind was stuck on my big Longchamp Le Pliage tote - it holds a lot, it's great in any climate and it is probably my most worn bag. Although Le Pliage totes have a ton of redeeming qualities, it isn't appropriate for all settings. It's super casual and if I were to attend any events or meetings I would be screwed.

Then a light bulb went off - my 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli!! Of course! How dare I forget?

120 / MIXED PATTERNS

I don't know what to say for this post other than I really liked this outfit. It was definitely the wrong day to wear it, though. It was probably the hottest (aka most humid) day of the year so far. Seriously, I was dying. At least I looked cute though, right?

I decided to throw a stripe t-shirt on over a little black dress because I'm a sucker for layers and I paired it with my new bold floral handbag from Milly. You guys know me, I'm not one to mix patterns, but I view stripes as a neutral so I didn't think twice about rocking a daring handbag.

T-SHIRT&DRESS/ Forever 21+ LEGGINGS/ ASOS Curve SUNGLASSES/ Karen Walker

SHOES/ Keds BAG/ Milly WATCH/ Michael Kors NECKLACE/ H&M
LIPSTICK/ Chanel Rouge Allure '97' Incandescente

Photos by Aurelia Cerquozzi

ONE HUNDRED & ELEVEN/ longchamp love letter

Here's another post about me being a hypocrite! How fun for you!

There's a well-known trend in my life where I despise something immensely and end up becoming its biggest fan. This has happened with countless TV shows (Scrubs, The OC, Community) and even with Harry Potter (I'm sorry). The bags I'm about to share with you were high on my hatred list. They were revolting to me in a way that I had never experienced before. I used to think that they would just scream tacky but now I have completely turned around on them.

Why? BECAUSE THEY'RE SO HANDY!

I still believe that they aren't the most stylish handbags but at this point I don't think I could live without them. I'm of course talking about the infamous 'Le Pliage' bags from Longchamp. If you're not familiar with the style or brand you must be living in a box somewhere because they're just about everywhere. They've been having a moment now for the past several years and I can't go anywhere without seeing at least a handful of women sporting one.

The most common version of the Le Pliage, at least what I've seen, are of the nylon variety. They also come in 100% leather but that of course comes with a heftier price tag. The nylon that Longchamp uses is so durable and it is fantastic for those who have busy lifestyles. As someone who relies heavily on public transit, I adore that it can fit everything that I need for the day (plus so much more) and it has a little pocket on the inside that is the perfect size for my bus pass.

I am partial to the short top handles but the ones with a longer shoulder strap seem to be the more popular option. I have lived out of the larger model of this bag for the past winter because it was lightweight, waterproof, easy to wear and you can just wipe it down if you were to get anything on it. I use the smaller guy as a lunch bag; it is so easy to fill it up with items in the morning and when everything is gone by the evening you can just fold it up and throw it into any handbag that you're wearing.

Although I don't typically dabble in reviews, I decided that it was high time for me to make a post like this. I have known so many people who own and love these bags - my dear friend, Aurelia, even made a post of her own about them - but I didn't believe the hype until I owned one for myself. If you buy them from the website, a boutique or a department store they can be pretty pricey. If you're like myself and love to score a deal, there are at TON of secondhand versions floating around out there. Places like eBay and local consignment shops are a great resource. Winners and Marshall's also seem to have a good selection of Le Pliage styles and colours for great prices every time I'm there.

* This is not a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The orange one that I own is a size small. It is older and has a line under the embossed logo.
The black one that I own is the medium size handbag. It is a newer model which does not come with a line under the embossed logo at the front.

Both models can be folded up and secured by a clasp, they both feature the same small pocket on the inside and brown leather straps and detailing.

ONE HUNDRED & TWO/ loose lips sink ships

When I saw this lip shaped bag on clearance at H&M for $14.99 plus an additional 50% off I immediately knew that it had to come home with me. It was love at first sight. Admittedly it isn't the most practical handbag in my collection but it's slowly becoming one of my favourites. Every time I wear it someone comes up to me to either ask about it or showers me with compliments. Who cares if it only fits my keys, iPhone, credit cards and lipstick if I get a huge confidence boost out of each wear? I'd say the pros outweigh the cons on this bad boy.

If you're interested in seeing the rest of the handbags in my collection I've actually been working on a video collaboration with Aurelia on that very topic. The video is still in the process of being edited but you guys will be the first to know when it goes live!

COAT/ Old Navy SCARF/ Henri Bendel (via consignment)
SUNGLASSES/ Aldo Accessories WATCH/ Michael Kors (via consignment)
HANDBAG/ H&M SHOES/ Dr. Martens (secondhand)

Photos by Aurelia Cerquozzi