Thursday, April 24, 2014

Stylish Selma

Blogging is proving to be a serious obstacle to any conscientious attempt at resisting material indulgences. The latest proof: this navy Michael Kors Large Selma Top-Zip Satchel that I spotted on The Mod Mermaid several weeks ago. It was instant obsession. Suddenly, I felt like I had been living under a rock all this time, oblivious to the beauty of this bag. I had vague recollections of seeing it before, possibly in other variations (colours, detailing, sizes), but I'd never paid much attention, dismissing Michael Kors bags as "not my style". I normally have a strong preference for slouchy leather (my last major bag splurge was the Mulberry Alexa), but recently I've found myself warming to more structured pieces. Blame it on the popularity of the Céline Luggage and Prada Saffiano Totes, but I wanted a piece of the action.






The main aspect that sealed the deal for me was the relatively affordable price tag. By no means is this a cheap purchase, but compared with luxury brands like Céline or Prada, the Selma is within reach. It's part of the more affordable diffusion line MICHAEL Michael Kors and retails for $459 in Australia ($358 in the US). I actually made a hasty visit to the Michael Kors store at Westfield Sydney but they only had the brown, black and a bright blue. I was fixated on the navy as the only option I'd consider, so I had to resort to purchasing it online. Shopbop didn't have the navy, Bloomingdale's never sent me my 10% off code after I'd signed up to their mailing list, so it was Nordstrom all the way. I did have to pay over $40 for international shipping, but in the end it worked out roughly the same price as the Australian retail after factoring in shipping costs and US currency conversion.

I'm genuinely so pleased with the Selma, and despite the unexpected splurge, I think it's one of my more savvy bag purchases. It's a beautifully made bag that looks more expensive than it is. A lot of people have commented or complimented me on it the first few times I've worn it out. The leather and gold hardware are refined and understated, and the bag appears more luxurious and higher quality than its price might suggest. My pet peeve with expensive bags is gold hardware/detailing that looks gaudy, overly shiny or "fake", but thankfully the Selma has no such problem. The stiff, structured leather also seems like it would wear well over time and not become a crumpled mess when stored away like some of my slouchy bags (though I'm partly to blame for not stuffing them). It's not the roomiest of bags and I find the base is fairly narrow (at least compared with the bottomless caverns I'm used to), but it fits all my daily essentials. The additional strap gives it extra versatility and functionality, as the bag can be carried over the shoulder, cross body, in the crook of the arm or by the handles.

With its structured look and clean, elegant design, I think it's an ideal office/work bag, or an accessory that makes any outfit more sophisticated and polished. I see this being a timeless, classic piece that I can keep in my wardrobe for years to come — provided I keep it in fairly good condition!

41 comments:

  1. I can totally relate to you on feeling an instant obsession for this bag! I bought it in tan as well a few months ago but I feel like the colour is only suitable for the summer >.< It isn't so much my style either, but it just had such an appealing look to it!
    xox, michelle | alovelyallure

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  2. This bag is gorgeous! I generally gravitate towards bags with a little more structure and maintain its shape and not "mould" around the items within it, so this bag is totally down my alley. The stiff leather is something that would definitely wear well over time, and a great classic piece- money well spent! :D

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  3. She is my dream too but in classic black color <3

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  4. This bag is gorgeous! I really like MK bags - they always come out with new style!

    Nhi | Miss Blushaholic

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  5. This is a very chic bag! I am not a big fan of Michael Kors, usually their designs look very commonplace but this is a good one!

    Things I bought in Paris | http://theconsciencefund.com

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  6. Beautiful classic bag! I can style it with so many things! Great purchase.

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  7. It's gorgeous! Very simple and classy. And not TOO expensive... Haha.

    Sheri | Behind The Frames

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  8. I somewhat have a feeling that I have read this post before. Weird. But nonetheless, lovely bag! Your pictures make my interest to this bag go 50% higher. I've been contemplating on getting a MK bag as well (aren't we always wanting something?) but if I were going to get one, I think I'd get the jet set something bag with the shoulder strap (the one that looks like prada saffiano copy). Which would make me feel like owning a Prada bag without the label and the price :p

    I understand how slouchy bag seems more inviting that the boxy one. They just look more effortless chic and when you wear them crossbody, you won't feel awkward (at least I do). But the boxy ones look more professional (agree?).

    By the way, will you do a what's in my bag post? The contents of your bag are just dying to get the spotlight, I think :p

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    1. It might be because I posted a picture earlier on Instagram when the bag first arrived, but I haven't dedicated an entire post to it on the blog before :p

      I agree, structured pieces are more professional/"classic" looking, though I think I'm a slouchy bag girl at heart. But still, a bit of variety never hurt! It's great that Michael Kors is giving people the look of Prada without the accompanying price tag, haha. I guess it explains the burgeoning popularity of the brand in recent years - especially with the rose gold watches that exploded too.

      I've done a previous What's In My Bag post before with my Marc by Marc Jacobs Groovee Satchel - it's a bit old but truthfully not all that much has changed! :) http://sleepandwater.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/whats-in-my-bag.html

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  9. Absolutely adore this bag!!! I also recently purchased this but in black and I have to agree with everything you have said. I think the quality of the bag really outweighs the price and I see myself using this bag for many years to come, great review.

    Chantalle x
    ceceandgrace.blogspot.com.au

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  10. Such a gorgeous bag! My sister has a similar one from Charles & Keith x

    A Little Treat | Beauty & Lifestyle Blog

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  11. Selma is indeed the most beautiful bag I've seen from Michael Kors.. I love how it is very simple yet shopisticated and fairly affordable..
    I have 1 bag from Michael Kors, the Hamilton 1st generation and I have to say I am happy with the quality esp for the price! The leather and handcraft are better than other brands in the same price range like Tory Burch in my opinion..
    and you chose a lovely shade!! Selma is constantly sold out at Michael Kors stores in Berlin, it is very popular, no wonder because it is a pretty bag!

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  12. Well then I'm completely over the moon for you that you gave them a second look after dismissing the brand! This bad is definitely completely a classic piece, I don't think it will ever go out of style and it's so clean looking, so sophisticated. I love structured pieces like that and would love to get a new hand bag soon!

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  13. it's gorgeous! It's on my wishlist too, I can't decide between navy and baby blue, but I think navy is definitely timeless... good choice! :)

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  14. What a gorgeous purchase. The price tag is SO reasonable considering how sleek and stylish it is!

    Sarah | More Than Adored

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  15. Whoaa that's gorgeousness in this one divine bag. I am literally drooling over the sight right now lol. x

    Shang J. | The Feminine Crusade

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  16. I love how simple but chic and sophisticated it looks. I did thought of purchasing one but nordstrom doesnt ship michael kors to oz!!! Meeeh going to save and get a prada in future :/

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    1. I live in Australia and ordered this off Nordstrom! So unless something has changed in the last 5-6 weeks, you should still be able to order it and ship it here :p

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  17. This bag has been on my handbag wishlist since forever. Probably since I saw Kayla Lashae with one! Hers was a bright neon color though! I want the navy one because navy is my favorite color and I think it goes better than black against my skin tone (not as harsh) and is just unexpected! Great choice! xoxo

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  18. Mmmm it's beauutiful! You and pretty bags... In time, my pretties, I'll get there one day.

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  19. I love that bag, stunning and so crisp looking.
    I definitely understand the issue of blogging creating a constant need for purchasing new material things, I am trying so hard to resist

    Madeline | Its a Mads Mads World

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  20. This is one of those bags I would actually really like to have, but that price tag...

    RIKKI POYNTER
    // RIKKI POYNTER MAKEUP

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  21. IT'S SO PRETTY *__*
    They opened a Michael Kors store here recently...I don't know but, I might try to get something like this myself. It's so lovely!
    Take care*

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  22. what a gorgeous bag! I can totally understand it is an impulse purchase. I like the color too. Navy goes with anything and still not as " typical" as black.

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  23. The bag is amazing, I love the color you've chosen!

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  24. Kudos for giving into the temptation - I've been resisting the white version for about two months now. Pretty sure I'm caving on the next pay day.

    Sophie x

    www.yourgirlislovely.com

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  25. This bag is utterly stunning. Its simplicity is what draws me most to it, and I can see it both as a bag for school or work as well as for going out. How versatile! This is exactly the type of bag I hope to invest in one day :) Brilliant choice.

    Emily
    ahemitsemme.blogspot.com

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  26. That bag is beautiful, I absolutely love it :)

    Melissa | MELISSA LOVES THIS

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  27. What a beautiful purchase, money well spent I think as it is timeless and will last you such a long time. At the moment I'm considering saving up for a more expensive bag, something a bit luxurious but I can't yet decide what I want to go for. I have time on my side though as it will take a little while to save up haha!

    Enjoy your new purchase :)

    Amy x | A Little Boat Sailing

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  28. Looks like a great work bag! I love bags with a shoulder strap option. Good call on sticking with the navy.

    And sorry to be a wet blanket but... I do have to say that based on my sister's and my experiences, MK bag/shoes don't age very well. Hang on to your receipts just in case and maybe Nordstrom will give you better service than Michael Kors did for us in the past. MK basically says too bad - they will recommend third parties to fix things but will still charge you for the price. At least the ones here in Canada does, anyway.

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    1. :O Yikes, sorry to hear about that subpar customer service experience. I don't treat my bags very delicately but I've gotten a lot better since the last few years, where it was basically bag abuse. I'll try to be mindful to at least not do anything that might damage or wear it out prematurely. I've never shopped at Nordstrom but from general impressions, US customer service seems to be at a higher level than Australia (and possibly Canada), especially when it comes to returns.

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  29. This is such a gorgeous bag, and as you mentioned, it's ideal for work! It definitely reminds me of Prada Saffiano, love the clean and classic design!

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  30. BEYOND GORGEOUS!!! I love saffiano leather, it holds up so well. Lusting after this now.
    Carolyn | BLOG

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  31. This bag is #1 on my wishlist right now! I didn't know there was a navy colour - so pretty! & I agree, compared to other brands it really is such a fabulous price!

    Style Sunrise

    :) x

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  32. It is beyond gorgeous! It's girly, classy, the perfect size. The perfect purchase
    It is my dream bag now, haha!
    I love that classic design

    Kisses,
    www.mfashionhour.com

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  33. Any classic, structured bag is perfect in my eyes! Great buy.

    nueyork.blogspot.com

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  34. Love the bag! It's such a classic =)

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  35. love this bag! but does it fit a 13 inch macbook?

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    1. I'm sorry I really have no idea! But the size I bought is the medium, I'm sure there's measurements lying around somewhere online. Generally I wouldn't carry a laptop in it though - if you're anything like me and carry quite a bit already in their handbag, the addition of a laptop (provided it could fit) would bring the bag to absolute arm-breaking territory.

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