11.09.2012

lookbook: mini me


something old (a banana republic camel coat reworked by my tailor), something new (steven alan mini bag). paired together, it's remarkable how a little accessory can breathe new life into an old coat. 

after my last post, i decided to order the SA mini bag. now i can also finally cross off that "something burgundy" from my fall and winter wishlist! it's so nice to get something that checks off all the right criteria. my only complaint is that the little slip pocket inside one of the zip compartments is just a smidge too narrow to fit my iphone.

banana republic coat / uniqlo tee and jeans / chucks /

in my last post, some of you were wondering just how practically roomy this could be. here is mine with the bare essentials: breath mints, keys + keychain ID zip pouch, fresh lip balm, NARS lip gloss, square zip CdG wallet, and of course, iphone. (all the apps really also make this an incredibly handy camera / organizer / translator / life multi-tasker!)
it's not as flat as it looks, either. the leather is soft but thick, so it's substantial enough to expand to about an inch or so at the sides when full. 

hope this helps for those of you who might be considering the SA mini bag. what do you think? let me know if you get one!

p.s.: a reader asked about my iphone case - it's this version. it's pretty no-frills, but i picked it because it was inexpensive, and offers full coverage all around the edges of the phone. seamless fit too!

23 comments:

  1. I love it! It looks amazing with your coat (which is also quite lovely!) You've certainly inspired me to add a little bit of burgundy to my accessories. It's not a colour I would find myself wearing, clothing-wise, but it would definitely complement the things I own.

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    1. thanks Christine - burgundy is such a classic, rich color for fall/winter IMO :)

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  2. That leather looks so thick and juicy, I love the cherry colour. Bet you will hold on to this for many years!

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    1. i think so too, Ammu! :) have already used it a ton this week. don't know how i lived without a little crossbody bag for so long :)

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  3. Thank you for the sweet comment you'd left on my blog. I've actually been following your blog rather quietly for a while now and have featured you on my weekly Pass It Forward series - http://www.chocolatecookiesandcandies.com/2012/08/pass-it-forward-3-bloggers_10.html

    Absolutely love your minimalist stance. I've been thinking about the Celine Trio which is similar to this but the Steve Alan version is definitely easier on the pocket. I don't have anything that small which will allow me to wear it cross body style.

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    1. thank you for the blog mention - that is so kind! :)

      i love the trio too, which was the inspiration for my last post, but yeah, for such a small bag i find it difficult to justify the Celine pricetag. the SA bag in person and in use is quite wonderfully made. definitely stands on its own!

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  4. Wow, you can actually fit quite a bit into that bag! I never would have thought, and it is a lot prettier "in person" too :)

    I really like your coat - I haven't found the right shade of beige/camel for me yet, but I love how it looks on people!

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    1. thanks Maja! i'm really feeling a camel + burgundy combo right now.

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  5. I really love the bag but I have to say my purse is bigger than your bag. But it's still lovely.

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    1. oh! haha you mean your wallet? i find my CdG one in the 'french wallet' size is a good versatile size. though i also have a larger travel wallet that i use too on trips.

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  6. I really like the rectangle shape of this little bag and the color is beautiful. This is where I've had a hole in my handbag collection for awhile too. I resorted to borrowing my mom's black leather mini saddle bag earlier this year for a trip and it was great but I really need to get my own, ha. I love the burgundy but I might get something grey-ish for seamless year around wear (not that you can't wear burgundy year around!)

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    1. hehe - though i think the burgundy functions like almost a neutral for me - especially as a small leather accessory. let me know if you get the SA one!

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  7. I love the shade of burgundy of your purse! Especially with the camel colored coat. It's always great when you're able to purchase a new item and it looks like it's been a part of your wardrobe for ages.

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  8. You look great and I love the burgundy/camel (or nude?) color combination--I wouldn't have thought to try it, but I'm starting to realize that camel/nude is pretty much like navy and black: you can pretty much put it with everything!

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    1. indeed! the camel color is such a great neutral - highly recommend it :)

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  9. I really like that mini bag, even more than the Celine version that's larger and a little similar. It's the perfect size to tuck inside of a coat too and just carry the essentials.

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  10. I know exactly what you mean about an item that checks off all the boxes. Something burgundy is always on my list in the fall. You bag looks lovely- so buttery and soft. It looks great paired with your camel coat. I've been feeling a camel coat like the one in Love Story or CBK's.

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    1. i've been obsessed with a camel coat since the first Alexa Chung x Madewell collection. thankfully i was able to re-make this old one in my closet. the Celine one from a few seasons ago was divine!

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  11. Beside your lovely outfit, I'm really interested in your iphone case. Even if I cannot see it completely, it caught my attention nevertheless. :)
    May you tell me, where you got it from?

    Greetings :)

    PS: I looove the bag! So classy and useful!

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    1. thanks Elenor! updated my post above re your question! :)

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  12. Hi there, I was wondering - is the fur collar on your coat detachable?

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