Snowed In

Hi hi!

Off of work *again* due to snow, so decided to actually do something today.

Have a quick haul post for the first half of March. Tried actually editing and playing with my photos so there's less to read, and to give the post a more modern and mature look.

Enjoy!

I also have tumblr now! 

Rocco my World

Today I thought I'd do a review of the Alexander Wang Rocco Studded Handbag. 

Something pretty practical and hopefully helpful for anyone thinking of buying one.

I've had mine for now 2 months, and so I think that that was plenty of time to kind of learn everything about the bag and how it changes over time. I forgot to take lots of pictures of the bag when I first got it, so decided to use these lovely pics from google. I do have one pic that was on my instagram:

I decided to get the Rocco in Lilac, a very light purple color with heavy gray undertones paired with rose gold hardware. My pic has a filter, so the above pics give a better idea of the exact color. Honestly when I bought it, I wasn't too sure how the color would be since the bag looks different in harsh light versus natural and indoor lighting. I'd say that if you purchase online, definitely do your research if you're getting any color besides the ever popular black version. 

Because this bag is a bit of an investment, I'd say definitely pick an everyday color that would go with a lot of your wardrobe. For me, I mostly wear black and white, but didn't want to get the black one for fear that I would have too much black on and wanted the bag to stand out a bit more. I also like white, but thought it would get dirty and weathered too fast. So I settled on this neutral yet pop of color option and must say I love it. 

This is the bag after about 2 months of medium to heavy use. I used it for about a month straight and then went to using it about every other week during the second month.

Basics about the bag: 

-Amazing quality lambskin leather

-Quality metal hardware (very secure)

-Has a LOT of space

-Has two side zip pockets on one of the ends of the bag (pictured below)

Good to know:

-Is pretty heavy to carry (especially if you fill it up)

-As with most lighter colored leather bags, the color will change and darken with use/age

-At first the leather of the bag is stiff and then it becomes very soft (around maybe 2-3 weeks of use)

-Because the leather is so soft, it can be damaged easily if not treated carefully. This will be a bigger issue for lighter colored versions like mine

Up close view of the detailing of the leather, which I feel makes this bag! A few years ago I had one of the "inspired" bags from Ebay and must say the real version is infinitely more amazing and dynamic.The hardware is also just amazingly well-made and securely placed on the bottom of the bag. The hardware is also featured inside the bag with a sturdy zip pocket.

As you can see here, I have a few nicks on the end of the bag, where it most likely brushed up against something. For now, it isn't that noticeable or big of an issue, and can most likely be fixed when I take the bag in for cleaning. And something I didn't know about the bag before buying! It has two side pockets on one of the ends which are accessible by more awesome zips. Really like the convenience of hiding things you may need to grab quickly in these. Perfect for any lip gloss/lip stick stash.

Overall, I really like this bag, give it two thumbs up, and would highly recommend it! 

If the price is a bit too steep, I definitely recommend purchasing on Ebay (where I picked mine up...make sure you receive proof of authenticity and all that good stuff), where you can perhaps get a used one if you don't mind or find colors that aren't available anywhere else at the moment. 

There are some great new colors coming out as well! For current collections, you can always check out:

alexanderwang.com

Nordstroms, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman also carry some of his bags and clothing line.

And theoutnet.com and shopbop.com also carry some previous collections and have sales on both his Alexander Wang and T by Alexander collections.

Hope this helped for anyone contemplating about making the commitment, and happy shopping!

Sierra Anastasia

February Faves

So, I finally moved!

Still trying to get everything together, and figure everything out. Moving is extremely tiring and kind of complicated, but also this really fun and new experience. But glad to finally be mostly settled, and getting used to the area I live in.

I desperately need to blog, so I chose the easiest topic out there. February Favorites.

Not too many favorites this month, been trying to keep it simple lately... 

First up is the perfume I am absolutely obsessed with! It is Nirvana White by Elizabeth and James. The company is actually owned by Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, and the perfume comes in a White version as well as Black. The White is more feminine and soft, while the Black version has more of a masculine, spicy, wooden finish. Great packaging and scent meant I just had to buy it!

Then for random unneeded purchase of the month...my rabbit fur pom pom keychain wins hands down. I love this thing for two reasons...it's black and fluffy! Soooo soft and I tend to just sit around petting it when I'm bored :)

A major favorite this month is H&M in general. I've been loving their collections lately, and am so excited they brought on a new New Icons collection this year. The looks are always so effortlessly stylish and just so model-like. So needless to say, I've been in there waaaaay too much. This month I ended up getting a lot of  their jewelry. I love to catch it on sale with additional 50% off, which is how I usually get my rings for about 50 cents or less, and bracelets for only one dollar, but this time I fell in love with a bunch of their full priced jewelry. 

Besides the fabulous H&M, I've sadly been in Starbucks way too much as well. Beginning of February I picked up a pack of their mints and must say they are tiny, but pack a huge punch! Whenever I want to feel as if I'm breathing in the entire world at once, I pop one and enjoy the ride.

Next up is my new baby! I picked this up beginning of February also and it has become a definite go to purse. This is the Michael Kors Selma handbag in black patent leather (not sure if the color has a name of its own). It's a pretty basic bag, but comes in a nice structured shape and just adds a bit of class to any outfit. This and my Alexander Wang I plan to be my bags of 2014.

And since I just moved...home stuff! 

I'm in love with candles. They have to be the single greatest invention in the world. And Marshalls has them for great prices! I picked these two out because of the mature and classic packaging as well as their warm and cozy scents. Great for the end of winter.

Mason Jars. Need I say more? They're simply amazing, from holding mini candles to making tea. 

Complete love.

Lastly want to include some favorite music. Of course my number one fave is 2NE1 and their new album Crush. It really shows a more mature 2NE1, including more ballads and really moving vocals. My fave songs would have to be Gotta Be You as the best up beat song and then Come Back Home, Good To You, and Baby I Miss You as the best ballad and softer titles. But they're seriously all great and worth the money.

Another album I really like is Sun Mi's Full Moon and Stellar's song Marionette. 

Well that's it for February, and on to collecting stuff for March. Hoping that perhaps one of my March favorites will be a furry friend?

-Sierra Anastasia