Saturday, May 25, 2013

Chanel New Clutch with Chain 2013 Spring Collection in Rose/Hot Pink Review

My heart skipped a beat during my first mall outing since birthing baby Jacob...

I love visiting the local Chanel boutique in Neiman Marcus at our local Dallas mall. (usually just to gawk)   The ladies (and man) are wonderful, knowledgeable, friendly and nonjudgmental.   (Received the same level of service dressed to the nines and while wearing sweats!)  However, it was this hot pink beauty that caught my eye today:


Oh!  The shape!  The soft supple caviar leather!  The silver hardware!  The COLOR...it didn't help that the moment I picked up the clutch, two other ladies started circling me with great interest.  Too much interest.

Chanel rarely releases pinks and never the same exact pink -- earlier this year, a patent leather pink purse was available but I wasn't too crazy about the finish although the color was admittedly quite yummy.  

The friendly salesgirl (Theresa) informed me that she loved the classic styling of the envelope clutch (it is considered a classic bag - technically called the Chanel New Clutch Bag) and that it was just about half the price of the medium double flap while still maintaining the same look.  (retails for $2600 as compared to $4400 USD)

My husband said think about it...thoughts lasted about 10 minutes.  I know it is a big wad of cash to drop -- but it was a milestone gift as it happened to be my 30th birthday and the month of our wedding anniversary and my very first Mother's Day!  I know I am a very lucky girl...best hubby in the world!

It is gorgeous...the 'rose' color looks like a bright matte pink...I initially thought if I ever splurged on a Chanel purse in pink, it would be a pastel pink.  However, the more my eyes devoured the hot pink beauty, the more I loved it.  The color works well and pops against my usually muted wardrobe.  I love how it makes a statement!

Since most people are familiar with the classic double flap, I will use that as a comparison to the new clutch to highlight the differences.


The inside of the new clutch has a main compartment with a long and deep interior pocket.  It lacks the double flap which makes for easier access to the purse's interior.  There is a side pocket inside as well.  Like the classic double flap, the new clutch has a pocket on the exterior backside, though it is quite a bit larger.

The chain is strictly a single handle shoulder strap that cannot be adjusted unlike the relative versatility of the double flap.  I found the length to be perfect on my 5'2 frame.  If you want, you can also tuck the chain away and make it a clutch.



The clutch with chain is a decent size thought it is quite a bit thinner and not as 'sturdy.'  I definitely wouldn't put more than a wallet, phone, and a touch up kit inside.  It also isn't as structured.

 The material of this particular clutch was a variation of their caviar leather...this leather was very soft.  (different from the regular caviar finish of their classic double flap which is quite durable)  I believe it is what some forums are referring to as 'sueded' or 'iridescent'...some people say this type of leather does not hold up as well and attracts dirt and dust so I am a bit leary....  However will update if I ever find this to be true.  


I know it is relatively new but if you like the aesthetic of the double flap medium bag but want a lower price alternative, this is a wonderful choice.  I would consider buying it in another color if they release a white version in a different leather (regular caviar or lambskin!)




I am wearing Uniqlo chino shorts with the cuffs rolled...they are sooooo comfy, chic and come in a myriad of colors.   I love Uniqlo....but that is my next post!   My tshirt is from Matsumoto's shave ice from Oahu, Hawaii.  Toms are petal pink.  

I hope all of you have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!   I'm going to try to recover from a bad cold and hope that the weather clears up... T_T

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Revival

It is 5am right now and I just had a strange urge to revive this blog...it has been over 2 years since I last posted so only God knows who still is keeping up!  Congrats to anybody reading this post!

My passion for all things pink and my interest in the beauty and fashion world has not dwindled...only my time.  In the past few years I have changed jobs, moved, got hitched and now have been blessed with a beautiful baby boy...time flies!!!

Below are the past few years in pictorial form

**Princess Garden themed wedding**

Can you spot my Uncle photobombing?  :)




**Baby Bump Style**
(TRUTH:  I probably looked like this during 1% of the pregnancy..but more on that later!)
(I attempted at one point to document my pregnancy blogger-style, but just didn't have the energy at the time to commit) 

Note:  Leggings and elastic are a pregnant girl's best friend!  

Tory Burch Robinson Crossbody in luggage (tan) -- the PINK version is now on sale on the website for significantly less ($192.50, used to be $275!) as are the card holders -- they make great gifts!)  
(For another super girly Tory Burch bag, see the Bow Envelope Crossbody!  So cute!)  

Tory Burch Robinson Crossbody bag in PINK -- on sale now for $192.50, originally $275

Tory Burch Robinson Slim card Case in French Rose/Luggage- on sale for $59.50, normally $85 (admittedly quite steep for what it is, but also admittedly quite handy and chic)




Surprise wedding present from my dear hubby -- Chanel wallet on chain in black lambskin, silver hardware!  Very first Chanel  -- so versatile as a clutch or crossbody.  Review on this later.  For more Chanel see Jean's aka Extra Petite's in depth Chanel review here  

** 20 weeks in Maui **


**Babymoon on the beautiful island of Maui**











**My precious lamb**





Please stay tuned!  I have plenty of updates to share plus some product reviews and updates!