glittery gold sperries

I first fell for Sperry boat shoes after spending time at a gorgeous marina in Sturgeon Bay the last few summers. Maybe it was all the pristine white boats... the perfect summer sun... the wine at sunset - either way, I have to admit I'm smitten with the entire lifestyle. It's like I've found my vacation-style calling. Here's where my mind wanders:

sperries • collage • boat 1 & 2

fashion52: photo challenge (27-29/52)

The summer is flying way too fast over here so I'm a bit behind on my weekly fashion photo challenge. Here are my 27, 28 and 29 week photos, featuring my straw hat (Target a few seasons back) and you also get a glimpse of two leather bracelets I bought in a market in Rome in 2010. They're falling apart a little bit but I still love'm. 

Hope you all are having an incredible summer! :)

fashion52: photo challenge (14/52)

This leather handbag is a favorite on so many levels. I bought it while my husband and I were celebrating our 5th anniversary in Rome, Italy a few years ago. It's buttery-soft, has an adjustable strap to wear as a shoulder bag or a cross-over and has plenty of pockets. Looking at the little 'boot' embossment on the front totally takes me back to our time traveling. 

I also picked up a Vespa keychain the same day and temporarily put it on the purse but now the two are inseparable. There were SO many vespa's humming around - we weren't quite gutsy enough to rent one and brave the italian traffic ourselves - but maybe, hopefully, ... Next time ;)

leather handbag love

I'd been searching for the perfect leather handbag since...since forever it feels. A sophisticated, quality, rich brown, leather handbag. And then I started a new job and wanted a new handbag even MORE. 

Here's a bunch that I'd been lovvvving - but unfortunately - most were WAY out of my range *tear* ... so I kept on searchin'.

Lotuff Leather Working Tote • $750

Fossil Vintage Revival Satchel • $298 

Chloe Bag  •  (no longer available)

Stuart Weitzman Flaptote • (no longer available) • $595 

Prada Handbag • (no longer available)

omg, I drool over that last one every time I look at it. *sigh* 

I also did a little pencil/watercolor sketch, modeled after the Fossil Satchel:

Happy ending to my little handbag story. I recently found an amazing bag on eBay for a mere $55. It's that perfect worn-in, soft, brown leather. It's a convertible (both short straps and adjustable cross-body strap) and has tons of pockets and fits my work binder. It's a little more on the masculine side but I still adore it. The color is somewhere in between the shots I've taken - which was is so nice because I think it's really hard to find a darker brown leather that's not too cognac or chestnut. And the smell - UGH - you can't beat that awesome leather smell. :)