442 McAdam Hobo Bag

I recently received my new Hobo bag from 442 McAdam, which I purchased back in the fall. This bag, which measures about 17" at its widest point is perfect for travelling (after all, you need to carry a camera, phone, wallet, passport, etc, etc...).  It also comes with regular handles as well as a longer strap so the bag can be worn diagonally. For me, it's also going to be the bag I'm using for events like Fashion Week, when I need to have a small computer and camera, in addition to my phone, wallet, keys and basic make-up.

Without diagonal strap:

With Strap:



What I'm wearing:

Dress: Banana Republic, size 00P (from circa 2008 or 2009)

Camisole: Smartset, XS

Shoes, Stuart Weitzman, size 5

This bag is bigger than what I normally have.  My typical larger bag usually measures no more than 13" at its widest point and most of my regular bags are smaller than that.  What do you think?

House of Hseuh Clutch GIVEAWAY has ENDED...

We will announce the recipient of the gorgeous red clutch on WEDNESDAY!!!  Thanks to all who entered.



Cynthia

REMINDER: House of Hsueh Clutch Giveaway - ENDS January 31!

Just a friendly reminder to readers that we're giving away the bag above!  This is another collaboration with DelectablyChic! so you have up to 8 chances of winning.  Details on how to enter are here.

House of Hsueh Clutch Giveaway!



Remember the clutch I had in the last Petite Fashion Challenge? Well, Shorty Stories (in collaboration with DelectablyChic!) will be giving the bag away! This gorgeous red clutch by House of Hsueh with blue birds makes a great clutch for a night out on the town (maybe for Valentine's Day?), a make-up bag or whatever you like!

This is open to everyone, all over the world.  To enter, you must be a public follower of this blog and fill in the form below.

To tweet, please click here

Giveaway closes January 31, 2011 at 5 pm Eastern Time.  If you enter on both sites, you have up to eight entries (four per site).  You will need to fill in the form on both sites to qualify for more than four entries.

Michael Kors Bag!!



Last week (and the week before), I posted asking readers their opinion on which bag to purchase.  I was looking for something that was not too small - enough to fit my essentials, which include my wallet, my Blackberry, lipgloss and sometimes, my camera (especially if I'm covering an event for DelectablyChic!)I finally bought my new purse, a MICHAEL Michael Kors Jetset Chain Shoulder Tote at Holt Renfrew.  My mom gave me a gift card so the total damage to my credit card was $100 less than retail!  Thanks Mom!

(what I'm wearing:  Top from Smartset (XS); Jeans from Allison Izu (size 00/31), shoes are Bernardo (size 5))


As you can see from the first picture, it really isn't that big, a pretty decent size for us petites who want to carry a lot of stuff with us! 

The perfect bag...

I love bags, probably because it's hard for me to find good shoes.  I guess if I created Carrie Bradshaw rather than Candace Bushnell, I'd make her a bag lover.  I'm always looking for the perfect one.  I have actually found and pre-ordered one for the spring from 442 McAdam, but what about the winter?  The bag I use most often is a black nylon Prada bag I got several years ago on sale.  I don't even think it's available anymore.  It's black, and great most of the year.  Like back in the summer when I wrote about bag choices, I'm looking for an alternative.  I saw this one from Coach (Mia), but it might be too light for Toronto's snowy weather:

Totes by Coach

The bag also comes in navy blue, teal, purple and, according to the Coach website.  A non-patent version is also available, but in black and brown only.  It's bigger than a typical purse for petites, but it'll carry a lot that I need.

Totes by Kate Spade

Then, there's this Kate Spade felt Treesh.  I haven't bought anything from Kate Spade in a while - her stuff disappeared from Toronto stores for a couple of years.  I think I've seen this at Holt Renfrew, but it might look too much like something that one would buy and use only for one season (it DOES look a little winter-ish, no?).  It also doesn't have zippers, which means that your wallet isn't as secure.

Shoulder Bags by MICHAEL Michael Kors

Then there's the above patent python Michael Michael Kors bag. It's patent python, but the official Michael Kors site says it's "oversized."  It also sounds like it could be very heavy.  Michael Kors also has a series of quilted bags, this season, under their Hamilton line. 

I know I probably should be getting something other than black or brown and should expand to other colours (I have a bag or two which is all purple and a handful of mustard coloured ones too)...what do you guys think?

May Survey Results

Last month, we asked you whether you found the tote bags popular right now were too big.  Results?  46% said that they overwhelmed their bodies.  Interestingly, 33% liked them.  Another 13% didn't seem to care - they've been using the same bag/purse for years.  6% of you chose other.

So I got a new bag....

A few weeks ago, I asked readers what new bag I should get for summer.  Well, here it is...

Yes, I know, I said I wasn't going to get Coach...

Suggest a New Bag for Me!

OK, so I've had this Kate Spade bag for seven years - it's in its last legs and I am looking for something to replace it.  It's for spring/summer use (I have a black bag for winter, which I've had since 2005-2006).  Any suggestions?  I don't want anything too big - I'm not looking for a tote, so under 12" wide is ideal (but not too small!), and it should be dark brown or tan.  Ideally, I'm looking for something no more than $300.  Any suggestions?  Ideally not something from Coach - every woman in Toronto is carrying a Coach bag!

From Prospere Magazine: Chinese Laundry

Hello!

Thought you might be interested in this week's designer profile from Prospere Magazine. Prospere Magazine has profiled Chinese Laundry, a California-based shoes and accessories company which launched in the 80s. Chinese Laundry carries sizes 5 and 5 1/2 in pretty much all their styles. The designer profiles is now going to be a weekly feature in Prospere Magazine, going live every Thursday.

Enjoy!

C