Pajama Mama

 

shirt: Topshop, printed pants: H&M, sandals: Miu Miu, bag: Mulberry Alexa

Yes, I went out and brought Berry to playschool looking like I just rolled out of bed. Although this photo was taken when we got back. So it looks extra rumpled.

This outfit was presko, and I could actually feel the breeze on my legs when we were walking outside. We really should wear more pants like these seriously. 

My advice: Make sure the fabric is lightweight and soft on the skin. This is just made out of cotton. Linen is presko, but a bit scratchy. Silk would be nice, but too high maintenance in my opinion. And please, forget about synthetics!

Blast From the Past

top: Bimba & Lola, jeans: J Brand Lovestory, bangles: Alexis Bittar & Fenton/Fallon, belt: J.Crew, 

bag: Mulberry Alexa, wedges: Chloé

Good thing the 70s are back with a vengeance. I am finding myself reviving stuff from the recesses of my closet, not that it's deep. Got these J Brand Lovestory jeans from eLuxury back in 2006. eLuxury has since been replaced by Nowness.com.

These J Brands are skinny on the thighs and flare down once they hit the knee. They're the most perfect flares I've ever had, and it's a shame I hardly get to wear them because I don't really wear heels or wedges in my daily life.

Except this day, when my friend Frances passed by for us at our apartment for our brunch with the kiddos. Which meant we didn't have to walk far, or take the bus or subway. So, I took my wedges out for a spin , and after three long years, they again saw the light of day.

Baby Bags

Alexander Wang's niece Aila sure is rocking a baby Chanel 2.55 (a gift from Uncle Alex!) but this post is not so much about babies carrying bags, but more of a trend I am seeing - baby versions of all the bags that us big girls love!

It all started with this Celine nano luggage tote that the SA showed me in Celine Ngee Ann City.

This is super adorbs! It's all leather, and it comes with a detachable strap, so you can sling it like a shoulder or a cross body bag. Thing is, it's almost the same price as that mini luggage tote you see on the left. Hmmm, tough call right? Do you succumb to the cuteness or do you go for what's practical? Although, wouldn't it be shockingly cute (although I find it too indulgent) to see a little girl tote the micro luggage? Plus, mom can use it as a sling bag when she needs her hands free.

Yesterday, we spotted these:

But before you say, "Huh? That's just the Alexa, that's nothing new..." Check this out:

These are the mini versions, Baby! They come in Watermelon, Oak and Black and retail for SGD$1230. The Mulberry website sells it for US$695. Cheaper in the US, even with the GST refund in Singapore for sure. 

While I don't think big bags will ever go away because they sure have their purpose, and there are days when only a big bag will do, I see the wisdom in small bags. Now whether you spring for the baby version of a luxe bag, or you just buy any normal sling bag from the tiangge or a department store, I think you are doing yourself a favor by jumping in on the trend. Small bags are made for weekends - relaxed and casual. They are enough for you to keep essentials on hand, and perfect when you need your hands free (especially if you have a little one!). Besides, there are times when you don't want to be burdened by a big bag. Goodness knows, now that we don't have a car, and we just take public transportation in Singapore, I've realized that I really can do without a lot of things in my bag. I just carry a Rebecca Minkoff MAC or the Rocker sling and Berry's diaper bag, and we're fine.

As my friend Gretchen Uy says, "With small bags, you have to exercise discipline!" And isn't discipline and restraint the mark of true style?

(Photos via Divasoria, Mulberry.com, and My Wardrobe)

Want a Mulberry Alexa?

Stocks for Fall are out now! Check out:

1. Madison Los Angeles - available in Regular and Oversized

2. La Garconne - available in Small Shoulder Clutch, Regular and Oversized

3. Net-a-porter - more stocks  in Regular and Oversized coming soon!

Now you know where to go! If you want one, hurry! I'm pretty sure these will go fast!

Second Wind

It's been so hot these past few days, I haven't been in the mood to dress up. So lazy. I normally just throw on a dress and that's it. Then I remembered I had this pair of paperbag linen shorts with adjustable side ribbons I got from Uniqlo two years ago and voila! Something new to wear!

(Tee: T by Alexander Wang, Shorts: Uniqlo, Sandals: See by Chloe, Bag: Mulberry Alexa)

See how it used to look two years ago, back when I was conservative and baduy and wore it puruntong style! Wahahaha!

I love it when I find old clothes to recycle into something new! So this is what "shopping your closet" feels like! It really pays to buy classics that withstand the test of time. It's just a bonus that Uniqlo is so darn cheap! Loves it!

P.S. - Follow me! @CD_MFO

Inside The Alexa

As requested by JCD!

See, it's very roomy...and this is just the Alexa. How much more the Oversized! Has two inner pockets for easy access to your phone/Blackberry and keys. So you don't have to dig around the bag for them!

Fits all my essentials: big wallet, pouch for odds & ends, reusable bag, sunglasses. There's plenty of space for a cellphone, camera, plus car and house keys. I've tried stuffing it with a Born Free baby bottle and two little snack containers of Berry's and there was still room to spare. You'll fit much more, with the Oversized! Like more baby stuff, you can practically use it as a diaper bag!

Take note, the pouch is pretty huge. It fits my hand sanitizer, compact, gloss, lip balm, cheek tint, tape measure, plus other tiny stuff to keep them from getting lost inside. So this is a really roomy bag, so worth buying! I am sure your smart, generous and kind dear hubby will be more than thrilled to gift you with such a classic and practical bag! Oh, did I mention extremely handsome? Hahaha! I hope this helps in convincing!

P.S. - Follow me! @CD_MFO

Mowdeling the Alexa

When the Alexa was first released, my friend Ing aka The Baghag and I got so excited over Twitter that I am not surprised we both ended up getting one in Oak. While Ingrid has the Oversized Alexa, which is what Alexa Chung and Olivia Palermo tote around, I got the Alexa, which is the regular or standard size.

The difference in price is just $100 (the Alexa is $1,150 and the Oversized is $1,250) so I would say the Oversized Alexa is a much better deal. You get more bag for an additional $100.

Alexa Stats
Measurements: 12”W x 10”H x 4.5”D
Handle Drop: 1.5”
Shoulder Strap Drop: 22” – 25"

Oversized Alexa Stats
Measurements: 14"W x 12"H x 6"D
Handle Drop: 2.5".
Shoulder Strap Drop: 19" - 22"

But since I am petite, I decided to get the Alexa, which I would think is the right size and weight for me. I also figured, with my lifestyle, I would be better off slinging the bag around than carrying it on the crook of my arm. I need both hands free with Berry getting more active by the day. And I can't do that with big or heavy bags. Not that the bag isn't heavy at all, it still is actually. Nothing can beat a Goyard when it comes to lightness, but I like that the Alexa has a long shoulder strap that can be worn across the body and it fits all my essentials with room to spare. So yeah, I'm pretty happy with the Alexa even if the Oversized is the more popular and more sulit bag!

To A Loopy Life, here's how the Alexa looks like on me (I'm 5'2" and 95 lbs) !

Front, worn across the body

Back, worn across the body

 Side, worn across the body

Carried by the handle

(Romper by MaxStudio, studded belt from J.Crew, sandals from K.Jacques, bangles by Amrita Singh)

Honestly, I still feel the Oversized is a great deal for just an additional $100. But it really depends on one's lifestyle. Ultimately, I think the Oversized Alexa works best for those who really like big bags and carry a lot of things with them. If you get around in a car, and don't walk around with a bag slung on your shoulder, then by all means get the Oversized*, it's better value for money. But if you are like me and you walk around a lot and have your hands full most of the time, the Alexa is a more practical size I would think!

*UPDATE: My friend Kat, who owns 2 Alexas, has this to say about the Oversized: "It's like an attache case, so if you will be using the shoulder strap, ang sakit nun (It's going to hurt!)". She hit the nail on the head! Take note that the Oversized is the size of a Bayswater, and without the two handles, you can only sling the bag on your shoulder or carry it by the handle ala Alexa and Olivia. That's what I meant by recommending the Oversized only if you don't see yourself carrying it around for long hours.

P.S. - Follow me! @CD_MFO