Friday, July 9, 2010

Mariner Purse

There are few things I love more than the original Parent Trap movie, so I was delighted to see Design*Sponge's Living In: The Parent Trap feature. Hayley Mills was beyond adorable in her necktie and poofy hair (as both girls!), and, more generally, I think sleepaway camp represents all the best things about life. So while I can't buy a teepee or a canoe, I can indulge some of that summer fun vibe with this LL Bean Signature Mariner Purse, $77.50.

A little rope, a little leather, a tiny bit of gold--it's like what your counselor (who seems so glamorous just because she's all of 19-years-old) would wear when leaving the camp on her day off. Also, the rope strap would solve a bit problem I have with leather purses--the leather on the side of the strap also starts flaking and peeling off. If I were buying nice expensive Birkin bags this wouldn't happen (I hope, at least), but I've had my Nine West purse for about 7 or 8 months and the strap is already looking a little worse for wear. On the other hand, I'd probably get that white rope strap incredibly dirty, but perhaps that would add to the vintage camp charm.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Peacock in Water

Of all the retailers to hear my call for more peacock prints, J.Crew was the last one I'd expect to actually come through. But then I saw...
Plume print bikini top, $39.99. It looks like the bikini bottoms are sold out, which is no fun--this isn't the sort of swimsuit that's improved with some mixing and matching. The print is inspired by Liberty of London, obviously, is about as classy as "Peacock-print bikini" can get.