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!

Most Worn Things: Summer

How is it almost the middle of March? The past three months have come and gone in a blink of an eye. Thanks to Cherie for tagging me to take part in this fun post reflecting on my most worn things this past summer.

1. Nail Polish
Revlon Whimsical. Though that would probably be at most only 3 times. Because of how much nail polish I have, I don't tend to wear the same shade over and over again in a short period of time. (Plus, I need to preserve this one bottle for as long as possible.)

2. Hair Product
Easy question, because Pantene shampoo every 2-3 days is the extent of my hair care routine. Usually, I can't even be bothered to condition. I literally don't do anything else with my hair, though I have been dabbling in Morrocanoil, which I bought on sale around Christmas. I use it on my ends after I've washed my hair, or the morning after (I always sleep with my hair wet — one of my many terrible habits). I'm not sure how I feel about it, mainly because I don't use it with enough frequency, and don't really pay attention to the state of my hair except whether it's clean or not. I have noticed when I put the Morrocanoil in it, my hair is more manageable and appears smoother, healthier, better-looking. Or maybe that's just what I want to see?

3. Bag 
Still my Mulberry Alexa. But I've recently switched to a navy Longchamp Le Pliage Medium Long Handle Tote because it's just so much easier. The Alexa was constantly overflowing and weighed a tonne. I need something that I can just chuck a lot of useless stuff into and be able to carry on my shoulder comfortably.

4. Shoes
These leopard print loafers I bought from ALDO in New York. I usually wear a pair of flats to death until it's time to buy another.

5. Clothing Item 
Nothing to do with summer, but probably a pair of black Zara work pants. I wear them at least 1-2 times a week. My wardrobe is spectacularly dull because I can't be bothered to think about what to wear most days. I just wear the same things over and over again to work, and the same (different but more casual) things if I’m going out on the weekend.

At home, I practically lived in this shapeless paisley cotton tunic all through summer. For a person like me who wants to expend as little effort as possible (mental and physical) to get dressed, it was the perfect garment. No buttons, no fastenings, you need only to slip it over your head. Super lightweight and thin (but not see-through), it also kept me cool in the heat.

6. Accessory
I rarely wear jewellery except some random rings I have lying around and the House of Harlow 1960 Double Sunburst Station necklace.

7. Foundation 
I was using Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow until I bought Rimmel Wake Me Up, which I started to mix with Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum as the shade I bought was too dark.

8. Bronzer and/or Blush
I went through a short-lived period of regularly using bronzer in an attempt to contour, but kind of gave up on it in the last few weeks. I liked the Bourjois Délice de Soleil Bronzing Powder and was close to putting it in a monthly favourites. As for blush, I'd say NARS Deep Throat. It's just easy to reach for because it goes with pretty much anything. I wore this to a friend's wedding in December, on laid-back weekends with more minimal makeup, and as a go-to blush during the working week.

9. Lip Product 
I'm going to narrow this down to something with colour, because clear Maybelline Baby Lips is just too boring. Truthfully, it's Korres Lip Butter in Mango or the underrated, now discontinued Revlon Protective Liptint SPF 15 in Pink Rose which lives permanently in my handbag.

10. Mascara
It's a toss up between CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume and more recently, Max Factor Masterpiece Max. I'm not really in love with either, but there's only so much a mascara can do for me with monolids and short lashes. They're both reliable everyday mascaras that perform reasonably well and don't have any glaring issues.

11. Eyeshadow 
Surprise, surprise. Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze. But I also really loved Laura Mercier African Violet from the Lingerie Eye & Cheek Palette.

12. Fragrance
Lady Gaga Fame, though being terribly fickle, I'm kind of over it now. There were also my usual picks for the daytime, Liz Claiborne Liz, Estée Lauder Pleasures and Elizabeth Arden Pretty.

Face, Body and Hands

This year, along with the Beauty Bag, Priceline has also released both a hair and skin care bag. I passed up on the hair one (mainly because I don’t do anything with my hair except wash it every couple of days and spray some dry shampoo in between washes), but this skin care one was just so stuffed with goodies, I couldn't resist. In order to claim one, you need to spend $50 on skin care across the participating brands (which include Avene, Dove, Neutrogena, Nivea, Sukin, Biore, Vaseline, Palmer’s, Yes To Carrots and others).

My bag contained 20 items housed in a Models Prefer black patent mock croc tote. There’s all the skin care I need for the next couple of years in here. Body lotion, hand cream, face cream, face treatments, face masks, face mist, blemish sticks, cleanser, facial towelettes, perfumed deodorant and sunscreen. Granted, I probably wouldn’t actively go out and buy any of the contents (except maybe the Avene Thermal Spring Water), but I guess that’s the appeal of a freebie bag: being able to sample so many full-sized products that I normally wouldn’t purchase.

Here’s what’s inside (and my thoughts on a few):

Apivita Express Beauty Mask With Carrot

Avene Thermal Spring Water (50ml)
It’s really just water (and nitrogen) in a can, but somehow I kind of love it. Spritzed on, it feels genuinely refreshing and calming, and adds a touch of dewiness to the skin if used as a makeup setting spray. The nozzle is a thing of wonder because it disperses a truly fine mist.

Biore Clean Things Up Gel Cleanser

Dove Silky Nourishment Body Cream

Innoxa SOS Skin Tissue Oil Aerosol
This is an oil in an aerosol that you can use on either your face or body. It claims to moisturise dry skin and minimise scarring, stretch marks, wrinkles and uneven skin tone. I’m not convinced about rubbing oil into my face, but it doesn’t seem any greasier than a rich cream, so we’ll see how it goes.

Neutrogena Ultimate Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30+
Pleased about the inclusion of this because I’m lacking a good sunscreen. It’s something that I usually neglect as an individual step (relying instead on the SPF in my day cream), because sunscreens I’ve tried are usually greasy, chalky and leave a white cast. But this one feels light and non-greasy, like I could substitute it for my daily moisturiser.

Nivea Intensive Nourishing Hand Cream
Pretty standard hand cream infused with the Nivea Crème smell, which I find unpleasantly pungent and overpowering.

OXY Emergency Zit Blitz Gel
I just realised it says at the top “engineered for male skin”. You’re supposed to apply the gel directly from the tube at the first sign of a spot appearing. I've been having minor breakouts fairly consistently, so I'm curious to see if this will work the next time I get a pimple (which can't be too far off).

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Fragrance Free Body Lotion
I wouldn’t say this is completely fragrance free, it smells like a much lighter version of the rich, buttery and chocolatey original. I don’t mind the scent of the normal one, but this fragrance-free version seems a bit fresher and lighter.

Playboy Play It Rock Body Spray
Not a fan of the scent. I sprayed it on my hand to test it and then wished I hadn't.

Pure Therapy Intensive Moisture Repair Gel
Not sure how much use I’d get from this as it’s a treatment for those with very dry and flaky skin.

Puretopia Glowingly Smooth Body Polish

Softlips Vanilla SPF 20

Skinvitals Hydraflex Flex-Cloth Face Mask

Sukin Facial Moisturiser (125ml)
I have a 50ml bottle which was another freebie. Wish it had SPF because then I could use it as my daily moisturiser. Otherwise, I sometimes use this at night, but it’s not my preferred choice. I like the feeling of my skin drinking up moisture from my cream (especially in winter), but this is quite watery and light.

U Little Beauty Hand Cream

Vaseline Total Moisture Aloe Fresh SPF 15 Daily Light Lotion

Witch Blemish Stick
Same purpose as the OXY Emergency Zit Blitz Gel but in the form of a stick rather than a gel, and with witch hazel.

Yes To Cucumbers Soothing Hypoallergenic Facial Towelettes
I’ve heard good things about these towelettes and they’re also an Allure Best of Beauty 2011 Award winner, so I’m looking forward to trying them out.

Slouchy Oak

When the Mulberry Alexa first came to my attention at the beginning of 2010, it was instant obsession. I knew that I couldn't justify the hefty price tag, as much as I loved the satchel design, beautiful tan colour and effortless charm it exuded. I'd just splurged on a Balenciaga bag a few months prior, and was still dealing with having spent so much money for a bag. The Alexa remained on my mind as an object I admired and wished I owned, but always thought beyond my reach. Last week, an opportunity came my way to purchase the bag on sale, and I caved. I'm a little bit wary of "It bags", but I feel that the Alexa has a timeless quality. It's not super trendy, it doesn't scream designer, it's relatively unassuming. I'm telling myself it's an investment piece. I'm happy to have the real thing, and I'm looking forward to using it for years to come.

My two favourite images of the Alexa:

 (via hanneli)

(via thecherryblossomgirl)

What's In My Bag

Grabbed this blog post idea from the lovely Michelle of Eat Paint Sniff Glue. I carry a lot of junk. I omitted some more prosaic items like keys, pens, my work security pass and umbrella. There isn't a lot of makeup, with the exception of lip products. I have enough of those to set up a mini shop inside my bag.

The bag is a black Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Groovee that I bought from Shopbop about a year ago. This is pretty much the perfect bag for me. I have considered buying a backup because of how much I love it. I really wanted to get a tan one, but in retrospect the black was a better choice given how prone to dirtiness my bags are. It's been subjected to total abuse, including being poured down on when I was suddenly caught in the rain, and has held up fine. I place dirty newspapers and rubbish in it (once there was a half-eaten cheeseburger), throw it on the ground, stuff it to the brink, pull it apart and rummage recklessly through it. I need my bags to be resilient and so far, it still looks as good as new. I love the design and the pebbled leather which seems to only improve with use.

Pocket Kleenex I can't live without tissues. I am the world's most wasteful tissue user.  

Covergirl Wetslicks Fruit Spritzers in Papaya Splash I'm not really a lip gloss girl, so this is something that just resides in my bag but rarely gets used.  

Korres Lip Butter in Jasmine and Pomegranate I love these. Quince and Mango are on my wishlist.

Klorane dry shampoo Gives hair new life and gets rid of oiliness with a spritz and brush through.

Burberry Brit Sheer mini perfume Not my favourite scent, but seemed ideal to throw in my bag because of the size. A clean-smelling fruity floral, I like the citrus and peach notes and white musk base. To me, very similar to DKNY Be Delicious Fresh Blossom.

Bag hook What a wonderful invention. When I'm sitting at a table, it takes my bag off my lap, chair or the dirty floor and frees up valuable space.

Glasses (case not pictured) I've worn glasses practically all my life. I blame reading by torch light under my pillow and too many hours in front of the TV as a kid.  

Small jar with Nivea Soft To smooth out any cakey areas on my face or for whatever reason that I might need a bit of moisturiser. It seemed useful when I put it in but I've barely touched it.

Revlon Beyond Natural Protective Liptint in Pink Rose Before Lip Butters, there were these. Smooth, glossy and pigmented. Smells of sweet berries.

Maybelline Baby Lips in Relieving Menthol Has replaced Blistex Lip Conditioner as my default lip balm. I have a tube in my bag, a tube at home and at least 3 unused backups stowed away.

Cotton On Body round mirror Decently sized but not too big, I like the pink, bow-patterned exterior and how sturdy it feels for something that cost a couple of bucks.

Missha blotting paper To take the oiliness of my T-zone down a notch, though tissues work just as well.

Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick in Primrose Probably my favourite pink lipstick, if not my favourite lipstick, period.

iPod Shuffle Very old and falling apart (only one earphone is useable). Mainly for when I get hooked on a particular song or album and feel the need to listen to it on repeat.

iPhone 4 I was an iPhone naysayer and latecomer, but I'm now fully converted. Still can't do Apple computers though.

Jurlique Citrus Purifying Mist I prefer the rosewater one which I have at home. This was a gift which I take around with me because of the smaller size. I use it when my face feels in need of a refreshing misting. Has a strange medicinal/citrus smell which I don't like.

Oroton pouch I think this was originally a small makeup bag, but it now masquerades as a wallet. I appreciate the super soft, supple leather and the unexpected roominess (good for stuffing receipts, tickets, notes, coins, cards, lipsticks, keys and whatever other junk I have).

In the Bag

After my Revlon Lip Butter haulage at Priceline, I also nabbed one of the Beauty Bags they had as part of their current promotion. If you spend $60 on participating brands, you get a complimentary bag with several full-sized products. From memory, Priceline has been running this campaign for a few years now, and I've made sure to get one each year. There's probably nothing I'd set out to specifically buy in these bags, but it's still quite a generous offering, particularly if you take advantage of the discounts and special deals they have for the brands included in the promotion.