You Say Goodbye, I Say Hello

I've been putting off a "I'm home" post for 4 days now because it'll mean that...well, I'm home and vacation is over. But, since I've already been back to Birdcage Cards's business, house cleaning, dog walking, and babysitting I think its proof positive that it's life as normal once again - though not that that's a bad thing. After taking 2 days to travel home and getting locked out of the Newark airport I'm quite glad to be in the comfort of home.I brought home a slew of magical memories, a few of which are among the most meaningful of my life, tons of fun travel pics, and a heavy handful of super cool souvenirs and trinkets.

By far my favorite souvenir was, you guessed it, a bag. However, in my defense, this isn't just any bag. It's a super special, handmade in Guatemala, leather and Mayan brocade weekender by John Heaton. The quality is superb and yay for me the price tag was not nearly as steep as the one listed on the shop's website! Props to my dad for raising me in a flea market where everything is negotiable.

Unfortunately, I was in a bit of a frenzy before I found said weekender. You see, low maintenance me was convinced that I could pack for two weeks (including two formal gowns) in a simple carry-on suitcase. Well, once there I realized that not only had I under-packed, but I packed the wrong things. So, needless to say purchases had to be made and before I knew it my (or should I say my sister's) little red carry-on could fit no more. The day before I left I added shopping for luggage to my to-do list and while I ended up missing out on seeing one particular convent I did come home with this lovely lady... ...nice right?! And don't worry I haven't forgotten to share some of my gorgeous pictures of the rehearsal dinner, wedding, and city of Antigua. It's just that I took so many I hardly know where to begin! I guess I'll have a lot of sorting through to do tonight.

Until next time. Lots of love,
-Kate

A Few More Sigh Worthy Handbags...

saffron Silverlake leather convertible satchel by The Sak
blue embossed crocodile leather James tote by pallie bags
orange lambskin Claudia satchel by Botkier

Bag It Please

Okay I know I talked mini bags and pouches on Wednesday but I couldn't stop searching, looking, dreaming about the perfect sumptuous leather handbag to hold all of those fetching zippered pouches in. You know, the one, the perfect one that goes with everything. The one that says "hey I'm cool in a relaxed effortless kind of way". The one that makes jeans and a plain old tee suddenly look amazing and pulled together. And we all know it when we see it too because your heart starts to beat faster, your jaw opens slightly, you suck in a careful breath and...sigh. Hey, some girls do clothes, others do shoes - I do bags.
Part of my love lies in what Toni Collette's character, Rose, says in "In Her Shoes" - no matter what mood you're in, what size you are, how much you weigh a handbag always fits. Well, okay obviously we know she really talking shoes but you catch my drift. The other part of my adoration lies in the smell, the touch, the feel of a well made bag in your hands. The craftsmanship, the artistry behind it. Frankly finding the perfectly designed bag, the one that fits your shoulder just so, has all the right pockets, makes any outfit look amazing is down right magical.

If you're like me and this little sampling of purses has just wet your appetite then stick around because I'll be sharing more sigh worthy bags later today. I mean come on do you really think I could resist not to? And if your love of handbags isn't just skin deep be sure to check out Melissa Loves new weekly Wednesday feature "It's my bag, baby" to see what other women are toting around in their delicious handbags. It's definitely becoming one of my favorite features.

Well, that's all for now. See ya later!

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