In My Closet: Maison Martin Margiela Funky Two-toned shoes

Funky or fashionable?

Do you (or is it just me) look at your closet and think hmm...  I bought my first pair of Maison Martin Margiela shoes online a few months ago. I knew they were edgy, possibly edgier than items I usually wear. I started second guessing myself when I received them because the patent was brighter/more gradient than I initially envisioned. But I still appreciate the almost architectural detail of the leather and the unique pseudo-mesh side. These are definitely statement shoes!  I am still struggling with what could be paired with these shoes - a classic LBD, a white dress, or a simple set of separates (let the shoes shine right?)

Either way, I still want to work these shoes into my wardrobe because sometimes it is nice to go outside the lines just a little bit.

So how do you think I can wear these shoes?

In my Closet: Chanel vintage camera bag

Remember when I posed the question: is a Chanel handbag worth it?

I debated the same thing to myself for a while, but finally decided yes!  I'm fortunate to be part of a DINK (double income no kids), have no debt, and have been financially responsible enough to treat myself once in a while. Regular retail for Chanel still scares me (as well as reports of worsening quality in the last few seasons) so I am perfectly happy to purchase vintage handbags in good condition.

I got this vintage Chanel camera bag from a seller on TPF Marketplace (available through application only).  I had been stalking reissues for a while, but this one also caught my eye.

I love the timeless shape...

...the classic gold and black combination (btw, vintage gold chains may actually be gold plated as well!)

...the unique quilted detail on the chain and the charm

...and the sturdy caviar leather (which is also a great size - I keep other clutches in here now!)

My dear husband got this for me aka I negotiated and bought it and he was allowed to call it my birthday gift last year.  I saved a ton of money over retail and was able to get an extra discount because the seller had something mis-sewn inside the bag.  Always remember to purchase vintage goods from reliable sellers!

It really is a great bag and I'm now on a mission to find more vintage Chanel handbags.  These are definitely purses I'd be happy to pass onto my daughters some day!  Tres chic right?

{Fashion Review}/In my Closet: J.E.M. Apparel (Sweet, modern apparel and accessories)

I'd like to introduce you to a new store, J.E.M. Apparel.   They just launched their spring collection today so hop on over and check it out!  I had to use the words sweet and modern to describe their selection because they have very feminine basics with fun details, like petals and ruffles (think cardigans with flattering fits and chiffon petal details, it reminds me of Ruche in a way).

I was sent the ruffle collar illusion dress for a review.

The package arrived within a few days and was sent in a lovely wrapped box (gotta love fast shipping).

I was pleasantly surprised by the easy fit and flattering cut of this dress - the ruffles and a-line skirt work for a variety of body types.  Yes, you can have a nice full meal and still look chic (ultimate combination right ladies!)  I had a positive experience from the store and would certainly shop there again.

Here are a few modeling shots of me in the dress frolicking around Asia.  Be kind - I don't do lookbooks, um ever.

My look and savings:
Ruffle collar illusion dress (gifted), Marc by Marc Jacobs bangle (giveaway prize), Cynthia Rowley ruched pumps (this brand makes pretty comfortable, affordable shoes-6pm.com <$50 sale), Tom Ford Mia sunglasses (Swirl.com purchase)

Get the look:
Ruffle collar illusion dress, J.E.M. Apparel, $70

Lace Garden bangle by Marc by Marc Jacobs, Zappo Couture, $68 (mine is sold out, but this colorful one is even cheaper at $68 and totally on trend for spring neons!)

Bracelets by Marc by Marc Jacobs

Clarks Domino Pip, Zappos, $89.99 (My Cynthia Rowley shoes were sold out, but I gotta say, these Clarks Mary Janes are pretty cute and comfortable looking right?)

Shoes & Boots by Clarks

Tom Ford "Clemence" sunglasses, Madison Los Angeles, $340 - I am obsessed with Tom Ford sunglasses - so gorgeous and eternally chic (worth the price but it also goes on sale!)

Sunglasses by Tom Ford

Look out for a giveaway from J.E.M. Apparel when the blog birthday celebrations begin next week!

Shopping Finds/In my Closet: Crossing over to the Orange (Hermès) side

It's official.  I crossed over to the dark side.  Dark orange, very French, and very chic.

Yep, a few Hermès scarves now reside in my closet.

I told my husband I wanted to get my mom a Hermès scarf for Mother's Day.  She has some of the most beautiful scarves and it has always been a staple wardrobe piece for her.  But I wanted to get her the ultimate scarf: an Hermès scarf.   In the process of oohing and ahhing over scarves for her, I accumulated a few for myself.

Hermès scarves are known for their craftsmanship.  Raw silk is converted directly into silk yarn and spun into fabric twice as strong as other silk scarves (at its inception in 1937).  New designs are individually screen printed and up to 40 colors can be selected from a range of 200,000 colors.  The vibrant colors and vivid designs of these scarves can be pretty amazing.

I also love versatile pieces and when I saw that I could wear an Hermès scarf as a headscarf, top, or belt (instructions here), I was sold.  Savvy also recently posted DIY scarf as a hat instructions and the Glamourai also posted a scarf dress here.
I also view these as pieces of artwork and am looking into getting a few framed some day (ahh and Apartment Therapy thinks it's a good idea too!)

They retail for $375 and up (for the 90 cm/35" square size), but of course I never paid that.  I got a few through the Market place at Purse Forum (you have to apply to be a member) and a few on eBay.  I always looked for 100% seller feedback, hand-rolled hems, good condition, and the presence of the care tag (though "Quai Aux Fleures" doesn't come with a tag, I loved it too much to care).

This is the scarf I eventually ended up getting my mom: a mousseline (semi-sheer)

Here are my scarves "Quai aux les fleures" and "Au Coeur de la vie" (yes the same as the one I got my mom but in a different colorway!).  I affectionately refer to them as white lady-like scarf with carriage and tropical Jimmy Buffet. ♡

So do you have some lovely scarves of your own?  How would you wear/use them?