what's. in. my. bag.

Not going to lie, I’ve been wanting to do a “what’s in your bag” themed post for a while now. After seeing College Prepster’s recent blog post sharing the contents of her Kate Spade bag, I knew that it was my turn!  Plus, I thought this would be a fun way for readers to get to know me a little bit better, and in the process, be introduced to a few of my favorite products.  


Although what I carry in my bag changes on a day-to-day basis, what’s pictured above is a pretty accurate depiction of what I can’t leave the house without.

To start things off, I wanted to spotlight my current favorite Kate Spade bag...a black crossbody satchel (complete with a detachable strap) that is ideal for a weekend of running errands and shopping.  While I was initially hesitant of its small size, I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how much stuff it actually fits.  

  • Kate Spade “Good as Gold” wallet- A must-have for obvious reasons.  
  • Sunglasses of the moment + case (similar)- Since I’m much too clumsy to not carry a sunglass case, this plaid one from Madewell is just perfect.  Not to mention that it actually fits in my KSNY satchel…granted it’s a tight fit.  That in itself is a miracle!
    • Gum- While I don’t chew a lot, it seems like the instances in which I don’t have gum are when I most crave it.  In the end, it’s a good idea to just always have a pack handy!
    • At least two pens, preferably one black (Le Pen) + color (Stabilo)- Whether it’s note taking, agenda making or random doodles, pens are basically my best friend.
    • Her Campus Collegiette sticky notes- Going hand-in-hand with the previous item, sticky notes are great for spontaneous to-do lists and happy little reminders.  (As I recently joined the Her Campus Blogger Network, I just had to include some of their sticky notes! #onceacollegiettealwaysacollegiette)
    • A Band-Aid- Absolutely necessary for when I’m breaking in a new pair of ballet flats. BTW, how cute is this sequined Cynthia Rowley Band-Aid...I’m a tad obsessed.
    • iPod touch- My iPod touch (at least until I get an iPhone) comes in handy most often when I’m updating my social media feeds, checking email, photographing my latest #ootd or capturing other random shots.
    • Earphones- This one is so important!  I can’t tell you how bummed out I am when I forget my earphones at home.  They especially come in handy when studying – whether it’s because I’m having trouble focusing or because the person who sat down next to me forgot that it’s a library. Shhhhh...   
    • Phone in Kate Spade “Live Colorfully” case- Despite living in an age when “being connected” is deemed oh-so-important, I could totally do without a phone.  That said, I reserve mine for important calls and emergencies.  
    • Maybelline New York Baby Lips in Quenched- As I’m a total chapstick/lip balm-kind-of-girl, this one is non-negotiable.  Whether it’s Baby Lips, eos, or Softlips, I always make sure to carry some sort of lip treatment.
    • Twistband- As far as hair ties are concerned, my loyalties lie with Twistband.  Not only do they not dent or damage your hair, but they come in fun prints and colors too!
    • Jane Tran bobby pins- Jane Tran has mastered the art of bobby pins.  As you can see, I’m currently loving the polka dots.
    • Estee Lauder mascara- Travel size mascara samples are the best as they’re great for on-the-go touch-ups.
    • Hand sanitizer- Year-round (especially during the fall and winter months), I rely on hand sanitizer to combat unwanted germs.
    • Loccitane hand cream-  Nothing prevents dry winter skin like Loccitane’s best-selling Shea butter hand cream.  (Pretty soon, I’ll be switching it out for sunscreen.)
    Now that I’ve shared what’s in my bag, what’s in yours?  If you’ve recently done a “what’s in your bag” post, link to it in the comments section!  I’d love to check it out :)  
    xo,

    A
    0

    garance. doré. x. rifle. paper. co.

    Image via garancedore.fr
    Sometimes collaborations are just meant to be.  The stars align and everything falls seamlessly into place.  As far as stationery collaborations go, I can’t imagine a more perfect union than one between Rifle Paper Co. and fashion photographer, illustrator and writer Garance DorĂ©.

    Upon first glance, I knew that it was going to be good.  An acute attention to detail paired with seriously impeccable fashion illustrations combine to form a high-quality product that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional.  Those of you, like myself, who have an unwavering obsession with all things paper are in for a special treat.

    As luck would have it, both Anna Bond (co-owner and creative director at Rifle Paper Co.) and Garance DorĂ© share an appreciation for gorgeous illustrations and designs. It seems that timing was everything.  Despite this being Rifle Paper Co.’s first capsule collection, when DorĂ© reached out to Bond, her answer was a resounding “yes.”  The fact that they were both already fans of each other’s work makes the launch of their line even sweeter.

    Photo via garancedore.fr
    On their joint venture, Bond said:  “I have worked closely with Garance to guide her illustrations into products, art direct the look and style of the collection, and design each item. We are bringing Rifle’s attention to detail, product quality, and expertise to a group of products that are new and unique yet complementary to our own brand.”

    The line includes stationery, notebooks, greeting cards, calendars and even iPhone cases.  Let me tell you, the illustrations are as Parisian chic as they come, all featuring attractive script fonts and a soft, muted color palette.

    Photo by @annariflebond
    A notebook is more than just a journal to record thoughts in; how it looks and feels speaks volumes too. As DorĂ© told Style.com, “illustrations ought to be something you can carry with you.”  Maybe I don’t need a new notebook per se, but it’s safe to say that I secretly want one anyway!

    So classy, refined, and sophisticated, if this stationery collection doesn’t knock your socks off, I don’t know what will.  While the Garance DorĂ© x Rifle Paper Co. line already had its official debut at Paris retailer Colette, the launch date in the US couldn’t come soon enough.  Arriving Spring 2014, look out for it any day now!

    xo,
    A
    0

    sunday. at. the. museum.

    I don’t know about you, but there’s nothing that I enjoy more than a good art museum.  What else would you expect from someone who studied art history in college go figure!  While I’ve been to plenty of art museums in NYC (the Met, MoMA and the Whitney, just to name a few), I’m nowhere near as familiar with the art collections in Washington, D.C.  Since I was already on spring break anyway, last Sunday proved to be the perfect day for a museum getaway. #SundayFunday, if you will!

    Highlights of my visit include paintings by Edward Hopper, the contemporary collection and the Portrait Gallery courtyard designed by architect Norman Foster.  Speaking of which, what a space!

    Now that I’ve set the scene, I’m just going to let the pictures do the talking.  Enjoy! 


    1.  Portrait Gallery courtyard designed by Foster + Partners.
    2.  People in the Sun (1960) by Edward Hopper.
    3.  Cape Cod Morning (1950) by Edward Hopper.
    4.  Close-up detail of Candy (1979) by Robert Cottingham.
    5.  Close-up detail of Money (2005) by Mel Bochner.       

    Although I will certainly be back, I am happy to say that I can now cross the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum off my list of museums to check out in the D.C. area. What are your favorite art museums in D.C. (or anywhere for that matter)?        


    xo,
    A
    0

    march. the. list.

    As this week marks my school’s Spring Break, the only thing on my mind is taking things nice and easy. Granted, there is some work to be done, but I figure I can put it off for just a wee bit longer.  Since I’ve already made a to-do list, I’d say that I’m on the right track!

    That said, today I’m excited to be bringing you the March edition of “the list.”  With St. Patrick’s Day and the official start of spring in sight, I’m currently yearning for pops of green and anything remotely colorful.  Don’t get me wrong, though, I’m still very much in a winter state of mind.  I have one too many sweaters that I’m not ready to put away just yet.  Enjoy!  


    1.  Collection Neon Canvas Duffle Coat (J.Crew)- Straight from J.Crew’s Spring 2014 collection, this neon duffle coat will have you thinking spring in no time!  With those toggles, it can’t be ignored.  
    2.  Bespoke Loose Pocket Small (Anya Hindmarch)- Ever since Anya Hindmarch’s Spring AW14 show (read my write-up on it here!), I haven’t been able to get enough of this London-based brand.  Though small and simple, this captivating green pouch couldn’t be sweeter.  
    3.  Sleeveless Slim Signature (Equipment)- Who needs shamrock green, when you can slip into this refreshing, ice green sleeveless blouse by Equipment?
    4.  Via Limoni Lemon Coin Purse (Kate Spade)- SO...I’m not going to lie, Kate Spade’s latest Capri-themed collection also might have influenced my picks this month.  #SorryImNotSorry, but I simply can’t NOT spotlight this lemon-shaped coin purse.  #WhenLifeGivesYouLemons
    5.  Saturday Morning Mug in Strata Stripe (Saturday)- I’m always open to investing in more mugs to sip my morning tea from – I’m digging this cool aztec-printed one from Kate Spade Saturday.
    6.  Kiki Chambray and Grosgrain Ballet Flats (J.Crew)- Springing forward, I can’t think of anything more appropriate than chambray flats.  And that neon bow: perfection.  
    7.  Arrow Dynamic Dress (ModCloth)- A no-nonsense arrow-printed dress that appeals to my minimalist side.
    8.  Jumbo Bow Ring (BaubleBar)- You should know very well by now that no bow flies under my radar.  If it’s out there, I’ll find it.  No shame in adding one more bow ring to my collection, right?!
    9.  Embellished Cotton Jersey T-shirt (J.Crew)- The basic white tee just got re-imagined in a major way. Embellished with jewels, this one from J.Crew is a showstopper.
    10.  Kaylea Skirt (Joie)- It appears that my chambray obsession has now moved onto skirts, shoes and everything in-between!

    What’s on your spring wish list?

    xo,
    A
    0

    chairs.

    Two things that I love:  Colour + Chairs.  


    In case you were wondering...yes, I did use the Waterlogue app on the photo above.  If you haven't downloaded the app yet, then I highly recommend it.  Transforming all of your photos into beautiful watercolor images for just $2.99:  Priceless.  Don't say that I didn't warn you though, it's super addictive!

    xo,
    A

    P.S.- Stay tuned for my recommendations for March's installment of "the list" on Monday!  
    P.P.S.- Heads up  I just bought my own domain name!  You can now find me at www.bitte-und-danke.com.  (No more blogspot!)  Follow my blog with Bloglovin
    0

    porter. magazine.

    More snow...in March!  As much as I love snow days, I was pretty indifferent to the fluffy white stuff this go-around since I always have Mondays off anyway.  Oh well.

    Online global luxury shop Net-a-Porter recently released their first issue of PORTER magazine (remember when I spotlighted it in my February installment of “the list?”)  As a lover of all things print, I wasted no time picking up the mag at my local Barnes & Noble. Coming in at 282 pages, the Spring 2014 issue is chock-full of pretty photo spreads, carefully curated fashion memos for spring and features with the likes of Gisele BĂ¼ndchen and Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz.


    Take a sneak peek below:


    “PORTER, for me, has now come to stand for a chic, intelligent, adventurous woman of the world -- a latter-day Katharine Hepburn-type, if you like -- rather than just the name of a magazine.”  - Editor-in-Chief, Lucy Yeomans


    Although I’m still in the midst of reading PORTER cover-to-cover; so far, so good!  What are your thoughts on the first issue? 

    xo,
    A
    0

    hello. march.

     "she traded her parisian red lipstick for a shot of limoncello and an afternoon learning the ropes of island life."

    Hello, March!  Yup, I think it's safe to say that I'm in denial that it's almost spring.  How great is Kate Spade's "Capri" watercolor illustration above?  The colors are spot-on navy & white stripes...can't get much better than that!

    Hope everyone's enjoying their weekend check back for a new post on Monday!

    xo, 

    A
    0
    Glossier
    Back to Top