Treat Me Like a Lady-The Bag Lady Reports...Spring Style

This week the temperature soared over 90 and suddenly it's summer...WAIT! What happened to Spring?? OK, today it is 47 and things are shaking back to normal, whatever that is...The weather,however, made me realize I am really behind in my Spring Prep and if I don't hurry it will be August!  The winter turtlenecks and woolies are still sitting on the shelves and the boots are still lined up in the mudroom...time to open the windows, plant the pansies and maybe do a little Spring Fling in the closet. In the process of tossing and sorting I came across some treasures-vintage bags that belonged to my Grandmother and that I simply adore. Classic frame bags with French purse closures, petite handles, silk and leather lined ...and they still hold her compacts.

Kate Spade   

There is nothing like a new bag for Spring, but what has become of the graceful bag? I can rework my wardrobe for a new season but not without the addition of a new bag...or three.  The problem in recent seasons, even for this Bag Lady, has been that the bag world has gone klutzy. I am all for oversized mini-suitcases given what I toss into a bag, but what happened to a bag being a compliment to a look-so many bags shown at retail arrive 2 hours before the rest of you...and many are just plain ugly.  For Spring, I love a Classic Lady-Like look, crisp lines, delicate details, happy colors and oozing elegance.

Gucci and Dior/Bergdorf Goodman

I want a bag that is reminiscent of Nana's bags and my Mom's handbags that I grew up playing dress up with, bags that emulated the style of all of our fashion icons-Coco, Jackie, Audrey and Grace...

Here are some favorite Spring Bags that I have spotted, and a few on my shopping list...All fit for a Lady!

Kate Spade

Lanvin/Bergdorf Goodman

Chanel

Anya Hindmarch/Nordstrom

Prada

Kate Spade

Longchamp/Nordstrom

Ted Baker London/Nordstrom

The Bag Lady Reports-a FLEEting Sale and Jane's Bags are a Marvel

(Jane Marvel)

THE perfect answer to a sun-less summer...Hello!! a NEW Bag! especially a new bag that works in all weather and that is what is on the Bag Lady report this week...

This week finds one of my favorite bag lines ON SALE!

Great bags for any day but I love them on a rainy day, which is everyday around here this month, Flee Bags -"for Busy Women on the FLEE" are made of wonderfully wearable oilcloth so they are perfect for everyday, Mom's, bad weather,work, travel, picnics, daytrips....This month some of Flee's fun fabrics are on sale in their classic styles --be sure to check out the great interior fabrics! The Mini Flee is the perfect Lunch and Shopping, or Night at the Movies size 8x10x3.5" with an interior pocket and a side pocket to toss the cell into it closes with a magnetic snap. Selected patterns are on sale for $40

The Day Flee is the perfect Grab and Go size as well as your business bag with an exterior pocket for water or yes an umbrella 12.5x11.75x5.25 with magnetic snap and shoulder length strap-throw it all in! Select fabrics on sale for $53.00The Signature Flee is my Off for the Day Bag-similar styling to the Day Flee but in a larger size, holds 2-3 pounds of my Stuff 13.5x15.5x5.75". Select patterns on sale for $61.00.

My favorite new find is Jane Marvel who defines her bags as "Like Flying First Class at Economy Ticket Prices". Jane's bags are made of light weight coated fabric so they are ready for this or any weather you encounter.

These are bags that "work" with style and sizes that go everywhere. Jane's fabrics are clean,classic in great go with everything colors.. I love her styles for Getting Away-

The Jitney,

The Puddle Jumper and the Duffel Weekender are coming away with me! Priced perfectly because Jane believes that "... it is every woman’s right to have great style and not go broke getting it."

Each bag also comes with a free travel gift and BE SURE to click on the Pink Ribbon to fund a Free mammogram!

Mother's Day In the Bag

Do you remember the cards and gifts you made at school for your Mom each May? Make a bet she still has all of them!! Can the same be said for the gifts you have given to her in recent years? Mother's Day is a BIG Shopping Bag challenge, after all this is the woman you owe EVERYTHING to..no pressure!

You can send flowers and do brunch and she will be happy no question...unless of course the flowers arrive wilted and the eggs benedict are cold. Chances are your Mom does not shop for herself for special things very often-now, that's where you come in! Here are some favorite spots to help you make it happen...

1. Pierre Deux Sure they do fabric and wallpaper that everyone has tried to copy, but Pierre Deux also has wonderful accessories-picture frames,lavender sachets, and the reason I love to wander through Pierre Deux-their wonderful bags!! My Mom and I have both carried the Petit Voyage style for as long as I can remember, Pierre Deux on Newbury St in Boston would make them to order and I loved picking out the fabrics and trim for my bags. I rarely head out for a weekend without their Weekender. Now I am a fan of the newer Metro Tote available in a couple of sizes. Can't miss with the great toiles and this striped tote is coming home with me! If you are fortunate enough to have a Pierre Deux in your area-go! The website does not have hardly any of the fabrics for the bags so go play if you can.

2. The Sundance Catalogue Ok I will always love Robert Redford-can you say no to Hubble Gardner?? We know his dedication to the enviornment and his Sundance Institute but have you shopped with him? Of course I like the two strand pearl love token necklace!

3. The Source Perrier is one of my favorite places to visit and play but not necessarily for gift ideas unless I need a hostess gift. I did find this lovely tray for a desk or bedside that fits Mum perfectly.

4.Garnet Hill is always clean, fresh and soft. All natural fibers were the mainstay of Garnet Hill from the start. You can do the traditional and sweet with a lace trimmed robe. If Mum gardens Garnet Hill has snuggy Foxgloves . I love the Teardrop Necklaces from Chan Luu, like gumdrops on a cord. Or an Eileen Fisher throw...or my favorite Hadley Pollett belt!!

5. We have a local shop that is doing terrific bags that go everywhere and do everything. Made from oilcloth Flee Bags are the PERFECT bags that endure any Mom's day. Practical styles coupled with fun fabrics that trust me can weather it all-how about a winter in Boston! I love the Signature Flee but be sure to check out the Day Flee and the Stowaway Flee which also makes a great Diaper Bag complete with changing pad. Remember Oil Cloth just wipes clean which is why the Hanging Cosmetic bag is a must.

6. You should pamper Mom, and yourself, everyday but especially this time of year-have you looked at your toes?- are they ready for summer? Make an appointment at your favorite salon or spa for a Mother Daughter afternoon, or give Mom a manicure a week for a year. Did you know that Jo Malone started as a skin care line?? She is known here for her wonderful fragrances, and there are some great gift sets that are perfectly put together,but in London her skin care is famous so give that a try too . Speaking of skin care , Liz Earle is a wonder, the best cleanser for all skin. Her naturally active ingredients from botanicals are simple, clean , and they work.

7. There are Moms all over the world for whom Mother's Day cannot be about cards and flowers. Their day is about survival and the survival of their children. Give Mom a caring gift...make a donation to these organizations working to change women's lives.

http://www.womenforwomen.org/

http://www.globalfundforwomen.org/cms/

http://www.dressforsuccess.org/

http://www.beyondthe11th.org/

http://www.rosies.org/

OK... tie it all with a perfect bow, go get your crayons and make your Mom a card!