1. Miu Miu Madras Top Handle bag in black
2. Valentino Va Va Voom studded leather convertible bag in lipstick red (link to the mini version)
3. Proenza Schouler PS11 textured Leather clutch in black
4. Dior Miss Dior bag in Geranium leather

I want to purchase a clutch bag this year as part of my 13 items. I have narrowed my choices down to these bags and specifically these colours. Yes notice the red and black trend!

Miu Miu: The simplicity yet elegant design of this bag is very attractive. I like the contrast between the black madras print goat leather against the gold hardware.

Valentino: First of all I can’t go past the striking Valentino lipstick red. I love the gold stud-embellished hand strap; it adds a tough edge to the clutch. I also like that it has a detachable chain shoulder strap which gives the clutch versatility.

Proenza Schouler: This is the latest addition to the Proenza Schouler’s cult accessories line. I think this black textured-leather clutch strikes the perfect balance between classic design and modern detailing; with the silver grill fastening.

Dior: This bag in geranium quilted lambskin with Cannage stitching is both feminine and bright. I absolutely adore the sorbet pink lambskin interior. It contrasts beautifully with the geranium leather exterior. I know this bag will remain a classic and transcend the seasons.

Which one do you think I should purchase?

Mel

THANKS MOMO!

Elle

My Outfit:

• Country Road Swing Shirt (I have this in cream, stone and electric blue because I can’t decide on a color – first world problem much? Well technically mum bought the electric blue – it’s only $37.50! Sold out at the online store but check in stores if interested)
• Forever new leather shorts
• Zara heels
• Chanel earrings
• YSL Belle Du Jour Clutch
• Michael Kors Watch
• CC Skye mini spike bracelet
• Rayban Sunglasses

Today started off with a picnic at Botanical Gardens. It was the perfect day for it! It was sunny and not windy. We found a nice spot under the shade. We ate, drank, read magazines, relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings.

For a bit of adventure and to re-live our childhood moments we went to Luna Park in St Kilda. I have actually never been even though I am raised in Melbourne. The theme park is actually quite small and mostly filled with kids on school holidays. We bought an all day pass which cost around $45 . Either that or it was $9.50 per ride. To ease into the rides, we first went on the carousal. I think you can never be too old to ride the carousal because it is a classic ride! We ended up going on 6 rides in total!

Mel

My Outfit:

• Dotti floral playsuit (bought this at DFO South Wharf for $20! Bargain!)
• Wittner Zilly loafers
• Celine sunglasses
• Chanel earrings
• Chanel bag

About this sequins skirt, it would be so much better if it was an inch or two longer. I spent the whole night pulling and tugging at it because I felt like it was too short but I still think it looks pretty good. Again, I bought this skirt before my ’13 items a year’ challenge so it would be a while before I can buy another one!

Just an update on my wardrobe situation – I’ve CULLED half my wardrobe already but I still have so much crap in it! I don’t understand why! I feel like I’m forever cleaning and forever culling. Just THINKING about listing the clothes on ebay is enough to make me feel exhausted! Round 2 culling is underway today! Will keep you posted!

After ROUND 1 culling! - Still so cluttered!

Elle

My Outfit:

• Country Road Boxy Shirt (so so versatile and its on sale too!!)
• Forever New Sequin skirt
• Witchery snake skin heels (these are seriously so comfortable!)
• YSL Belle Du Jour Patent Clutch
• Michael Kors Watch
• CCSkye mini spike bracelet

 When I went to Zara the other day I spotted this metallic grey tweed jacket straight away! It also comes in black which is the one I have been on the look out for. I decided to try on the grey jacket anyways in a size S to see if I like the cut. The jacket looked very elegant on. The photos doesn’t do the jacket justice because the material is actually more metallic than it appears. I found the size S sleeves to be way too long. I was lucky to find a XS on the changing racks where people dumped their unwanted items.

Mel

My Outfit:

• Zara metallic grey tweed jacket
• Witchery relaxed sweater
• Tophop burgundy jeans
• 3.1 Phillip Lim Nina sandals
• Lady Dior bag
• Ray Ban Aviators
• Diva earrings

This Thurley Asymmetric tee is actually a long top but I wear it as a dress because I’m not very tall. I love the sparkles on the dress! This tee also comes in white but it is very see-through. I think the black is more versatile!

Mel

My Outfit:

• Thurley Asymmetric Tee
• Lolitta cardigan
• Ray Ban aviators
• Tony Bianco suede heels
• Olga Berg clutch

I’ve been wearing this Sportsgirl skirt heaps! I recently taken up dancing lessons (well, about a year now – but I’m so embarrassed to admit that I still dance like a beginner) and since I can’t be bothered changing at dance class, I just wear this Sportsgirl skirt to work. It is slightly short for work but my work place is quite casual anyways. Also I actually didn’t end up wearing the Zara heels as shown in the pictures as I thought it looked to matchy matchy and too much black with gold. Instead, I wore my plain black Witchery snake skin heels.

Today’s outfit was inspired by blogger Tuula. She is absolutely gorgeous.

Elle

My Outfit:

• Witchery relaxed sweater
• Sportsgirl skirt
• Miu Miu Pattina in Madras Nero
• Zara Heels
• Metal belt from open closet
• Michael Kors Watch

If you are searching for something different to the classic Chanel flap bag, here’s a few options.

1. Dolce & Gabbana Mini Miss Sicily bag
2. Celine Classic Box bag
3. Dior Miss Dior bag

I see girls walking down the street with the classic Chanel flap bag more frequently these days than any other designer bag of that class. If you are looking for a classic iconic bag but don’t want to be carrying the same bag as the girl next to you, then I suggest why not try on the Dolce & Gabbana, Celine or Dior bag next time! I personally love the Miss Dior! It’s on my wish list…maybe it will be 1 of my 13 items that I purchase this year!

Mel

But seriously though, how gorgeous is this outfit with the bag?

Elle