Personal Purchase: Kenneth Cole Watch

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SO. Lookie what I got! You know this watch? CARTIER. This watch that has been floating through my Pinterest, and probably yours, for a long time now? I grew to really want this watch. Just like I wanted a boyfriend watch (which I already have). And then it was the Cartier Tank Francaise. Is it not a beautiful watch, or what? It's gold, it's strong, it's classy and expensive. And best of all, it goes with EVERYTHING. Just like a classy watch should. This is my first gold watch (and dirt cheap too!) so now I have a silver watch that goes with cooler colours in an outfit, and a gold one for warmer colours. I have a bad watch obsession and I am influenced very easily. 

This was on my radar for a little bit. At first I wanted the Fossil one that was similar except it was a bit more expensive and the dial was longer and more rectangular. And it didn't have a white dial. This does not have a white dial, but a MOTHER OF PEARL one. And best of all - it looks better and has hour markers! So say hello to the newest member of my watch family. 

Kenneth Cole, you are here to stay. I can't afford the Cartier but you are a damned good alternative.

Shades of Brown

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Shades of brown...plus a pop of red! Ok so this outfit went from semi dressy to completely dressy, lol. I originally wanted to find a nice pair of leopard print loafers but when I came across the red Louboutins I couldn't resist. So cute. If I had to name an appropriate occasion for this outfit, I'd say for someone who is in her 20s or early 30s wanting to go on a date with her man to a restaurant for a romantic dinner or another equally classy setting. You could always switch the shorts for a black high waisted pencil skirt but the shorts were perfect (inspired by Olivia Palermo). Ultra glamorous, chic, and most importantly EXPENSIVE. But, that's just me. 

Light and Off-White

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You know what I have been seeing as of late? Off-white fabrics in fashion. I find that not only are rich, luxurious fabrics and materials glamorous, but especially off-white ones. Whether it's a dress, coat, pants, a pair of gloves, bag, or scarf, it's very chic and expensive-looking. I'm not sure if it's a trend right now, but it sure looks good. 

Artwork by Martin Beaupre

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So I was flipping through a back issue of Canadian House & Home and saw an advertisement for Beauchamp Art Gallery in Toronto, and one of Martin Beaupre's works was featured. I can't find it on the website (so I'm guessing it's sold) but it was arresting enough to have me search the website and look up Martin's work. The colours, textures, and techniques used make the figures appear as if it were three dimensional and I always love looking at artwork that has you wanting a closer look. 

These pieces are contemporary and figurative and I have a huge appreciation for art. I love all kinds and from all eras but I always like ones that are not so clear on what the subject matter or message is. I love the colour selection and Japanese/Asian themes present. Best of all is the ethereal, dreamy look that overall makes each piece stand out on its own, and even better if they were framed and hung up on a wall. 

The Crossbody

When it comes to handbags, I like a crossbody bag for everyday use. It's perfect for running errands because all I need are my essentials: chapstick, cell phone, keys, money, and earbuds. It's lightweight, simple, comes in perfect sizes, hands free, and is suitable for dressy occasions or casual wear (if you find the right one). It also feels nice on my shoulder since nothing flaps around and it's pretty easy to grab stuff out of! I have a number of crossbody bags in varying sizes but the one I use most often is this:

DKNY Town & Country Small Crossbody

I think I bought this sometime last year at Winners for $18 on clearance. I had one DKNY bag before buying this one so when I saw this lil bag also by DKNY and it was on sale...I had to get it. I was never interested in crossbody bags before but ever since I bought this, I started wearing it all the time. Granted I don't like the pockets in the front but other than that, it was like a love affair had bloomed. It measures about 9x6" and it is THE PERFECT size!

For the last few months, I had been searching for another crossbody to upgrade, but this time, I had a better idea of what I wanted. My list of criteria include:

• Zippered top (non-negotiable)
• Pouch-like style
• NO flaps
• No patent leather or flashy material
• Around 9x6" in dimensions
• Dressier than casual bags but not over the top
• Neutral colours with metal hardware
• No ugly prints or monograms
• No pockets on the outside
• Less than $150 (should I find one that exceeds $150, it better be so damn hot that I'd want to trade my soul for it).
• No stiffness in material (offers no flexibility)

This looks like a tough hunt but I KNOW my bag is out there! It's not a common style and I like that I won't seeing someone wear a similar bag anytime soon. When I find THE ONE, it will be so worth the time and effort (and money). It will be like landing Mr. Right, but in bag form. Now I present to you some choices I've seen on the internet (have yet to go looking in store!) that look pretty and totally "me".

(a)

(b)

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I know the first two are dressier and have flaps but they are soooo pretty to look at. I would prefer other colours than black but all non-black bags I've been looking at are kind of ugly. This is a tall order to fill so I will be on the lookout from here on out!