You “crossed the line” versus, I “crossed the line”, versus ‘Crossing The Line’ all have different connotations to me. The first one usually means that I’m ready to cut you out of my life, and the second one means I really fucked up (since I usually don’t know when to stop and go overboard and rarely admit something’s my fault) - but crossing the line this time is just me trying to be a smartass about my laced up corset over striped shirt.
I’ve always been quite an underachiever that’s hard on myself (if that makes any sense). At the beginning of this year, I was out of a job and wasn’t quite sure how this year was going to unfold. I told myself I’d go easy on me for a while and let things happen. Pass forward to September and I had probably my most exciting NYFW so far with my work opportunity. If you’re an older reader of this space- you’ll probably know I like to refer back to old happenings quite often. I literally celebrate every small win because that’s just how I like to keep moving forward (I do it kind of quietly though, I think - I can’t help it, I’m a Leo). But I feel like, in the last few months, I’ve crossed some lines I’ve been dying to get through.
I’ll warn you now that there’ll probably be a lack of styling posts for a while as I’ve just been crazily working and preparing for a month long trip in Tokyo this coming October. Finding new ways to wear old things, like this corset topI last wore in Hong Kong, has been the only thing that's been keeping me trying to blog. Totally forgot about these studded Isabel Marant flats in their dustbags 'til now too. Besides, summer fashion has never been quite my forte, so I hope there’ll be some interesting things to put together for fall.
Before I start my usual honest breakdown of pros and cons about this J.W Anderson Mini Piercebag in velvet, I want to clarify that this bag was actually a very generous gift from my boss to me for my birthday and not a purchase I made on my own.
I'll be frank and say it now, before you read on, that I am actually not a huge fan of the larger version of the Pierce bag (mainly because it resembles the Chloe Faye quite a bit). I've been beating up my Proenza Schouler PS11 for the past few months, and although I wanted to give it a break, there wasn't really any other bag that caught my eyes. When I was in Europe last month, I thought about buying the Loewe Puzzle bag, but somehow, I didn't feel like I was too excited to get it. It has literally been sitting in my cart for the past 9 months or so (I know, I take forever to make a damn decision when it comes to purchases like these). If you're familiar with the J.W Anderson Pierce bag, you'll know that this is more on the trendy side versus classic. The price point for the large version of this bag isn't quite steep when compared to how much more this one actually costs. Before it even became available for pre-order I was already looking at multiple velvet bags. Something about fall approaching just made me wanted something with a different texture. When searching for velvet bags, I found that most were Gucci (and I actually haven't really been digging their later drops). I suddenly recalled this bag from the runway last season and begun frantically searching for it. Originally was going to go for the black one, but this green color was actually the reason why I decided I was going to get it (before my boss surprised me with it). At first glance, this doesn't look like a typical bag that I'd wear, but if you've been following me on Instagram, you'll know that I've been wearing this non-stop for the past few weeks. Because my wardrobe is so simple, a statement bag like this actually helps pull all of my looks together. If you're thinking about treating yourself to this bag as well, here are some things I love and do not love about it just in case you're looking for a reason to get or not to get:
I love the velvet texture of the bag. It's extra plush and soft in my hands when I'm just using it as a clutch without the chain.
I'm one of those people who doesn't like closing my bag so I really like that the metal pierce-circle serves as a heavy flap that keeps the bag closed. If you're one of those people who are concerned about always keeping your bag closed, this one might not be for you.
Another thing that makes the back stick out to me was the satin ribbons details. It's nothing new, but I love how it makes the bag feel quite unique.
I'm not a big fan of the accordion side flap bags, again - I'm one of those people who prefers a one compartment bag so I can just toss everything inside.
Although the bag is really green in person, in certain lighting, it looks close to black. It's the best of both worlds for me!
There aren't really many things I dislike about the bag, but more so concerns.
While the velvet is quite luxed, it does get dented a lot when rubbed too harsh against clothing. I've already noticed parts of the back of the bag getting slightly damaged.
The chain strap on the bag is pretty sturdy and polished, however, I've already started noticing that the gold plating is starting to chip
I'm not sure if each bag is unique, but I've noticed that my ribbon lengths for the bows are all different, and the OCD in me can't quite stand it. I'd recommend you going to an actual store and making sure that you're fully happy with the bag.
I hope that this was helpful, and I hope that you enjoy the change in photo styling for this J.W Anderson Mini Pierce Bag in velvet.
The last time I visited Venice was early Spring in 2015. Since that time, I always had a gut feeling that I would be back because to me, Venice was as captivating as a first love
Before heading to Venice in the peaked-tourist summertime, I was mentally prepared for all of the things Venice was known for in these sweltering months, overcrowded with tourist, humid temperatures and unbearable stenches from the water in the canal. In the back of my head, I knew that if I could love Venice even through all of these things that I hate most on travels, Venice would forever be my own little happy place.
We stayed in Venice for 5 nights and 4 days this time and that still felt quite short. Tucked away from the touristy areas, we stayed in a hotel that was more like a bed and breakfast (Ca' Amadi) and had a window that opened right out to the canal. It made taking naps so easy and leaving our bed so hard.
Every day, we got up at 7 am, to do what we love doing most in Venice (yes, even when the place was empty when were there off-peak season) —walk around to catch the sunrise over the Rialto bridge. If you ever get a chance to visit this magical place, I can promise you that this will be one of the things you must do. Watching Venice wake up is even more enchanting than the gondola ride for sure. Of course, I also made sure I had all the gelato I could.
Two years ago, I left a huge chunk of my heart in Venice even without having to experience all of the romantic charms it had to offer. A part of me was always hopeful that not being able to ride the gondola will somehow bring me back one day, and it did! I woke up on my birthday, a little grumpy at Shun actually (because yes, it's not always sunshine and butterflies), but he somehow convinces me to get on the gondola and got the gondolier to sing happy birthday in Italian. Silly enough, that did the trick and I forgot why I was even upset that morning. I suck with words, but it was quite a ride and it’ll be a birthday experience that I won’t be able to top for a long long time.
