Friday, March 18

A Tale of a Suitcase

The weekend! It's here! Or, it will be after 5:00 today. And do you know what this weekend will bring? A blog makeover (hopefully) and a birthday giveaway (double hopefully), so stay tuned!

My outfit today was one of those rare "eureka!" moments in my closet. I had been struggling with how else to wear this sweater skirt since I last wore it, and dare I say that it looks even better this time around because I had the sense to pair it with heels instead of stumpy-leg-creating flats? It would probably look better with an even higher heel, but baby steps, people. Baby steps.

type designer cardigan, modcloth
pleated sweater skirt, vintage via etsy (nocarnations)
fishnet tights, j.crew
wide belt, calvin klein
patent maryjanes, cole haan [x] [x]
ring, f21
gold bangle, kate spade




Things have been pretty hectic around here. Between work and working out, I've been trying to catch up with friends, birthday shop (my sister, friend, and Boyfriend's sister and mom all have birthdays next month -- oh yeah, and so do I!), and get ready for Boyfriend and I's much-needed vacation.

I also recently realized that I need to purchase a suitcase. It's so weird how moving out of my parent's house means that I no longer have access to any of their things, like luggage. Now that I can't traverse the country using my dad's knock-off Nautica suitcase (I believe it's branded as "Notica," which is strangely self-aware), I have to find a rolling upright of my own. This is simultaneously very exciting and very boring, the latter being because I just realized how boring, basic, and black the majority of suitcases for sale look.

26 comments:

  1. yes, suitcase shopping is boorrrring. i'm always tempted by the crazy little plaid ones i see at vintage stores, but who am i kidding, they would be used as decor, not for travel. :P

    i've had suitcase luck at tj maxx and marshalls, where i've bought a plum united colors of benetton weekender bag and a cherry red suitcase (with wheels!).

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  2. That skirt is totally not my style but it looks fab on you!

    I second the suggestion of TJ Maxx and Marshalls (and Ross). I recently purchased a turquoise Diane von Furstenburg set at one of those stores and it is anything but boring. I don't know how long it's going to hold up, but I bought a Samsonite last year thinking it would last forever because and it already has holes in it. Might as well look good then!

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  3. This outfit made me smile. The pleated skirt is totally cute and on trend, I love the peep-toe shoes and I love how you put it with fishnets. A+

    I remember thinking how boring a black suitcase would be when I bought mine and ended up with a turquoise rolling suitcase. After a trip through baggage handling, let's say it is looking less than pristine. If you get something different, make sure it isn't bright or light. A patterned suitcase would be good too.
    Marshall's and TJ Maxx will probably be a good place to go. I see cute DvF luggage sets sometimes and you know Ms. Diane loves a good pattern. :)

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  4. Target carries Eddie Bauer and Swiss Army luggage which are both rugged and will last. They are not the cutest luggage in the world, but I got a 4-wheel rollie from Swiss Army and it has lasted through numerous airport tortures and still keeps on rolling - plus the 4 wheels will save your back!

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  5. Love your outfit! The skirt is beautiful and it looks great with the heels! Great nail polish too:)

    I have always purchased my luggage at TJ Maxx. Good luck!

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  6. I giggled at your observation about "Notica"
    You look fantastic. The longish skirt look, once again, is amazing on you.

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  7. Get the one w/4 wheels!!

    I love the skirt.

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  8. I love your skirt. I've been trying to find one similar to it! I love the way you put your outfits together. =)

    And I'm excited for your trip! Everyone deserves a little getaway. =)

    -Erin (http://keepcalmandstyleon.blogspot.com)

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  9. This is a chic librarian look.
    Like the other ladies mentioned TjMaxx & Marshall have great luggage or try Burlington coat factory as well.
    Good Luck!

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  10. Love the outfit...great choices :)

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  11. I can't wait to see what you get for your birthday!
    Happy travels. I got a Roxy duffel-style bag on wheels with a pull out handle, and a carry handle. It fits in an overhead bin, and holds tons. I have been all over the country with that bag, and not paid bag fees. I got mine at TJ Maxx. There or Marshalls is THE best place to get a great deal on a name brand bag or suitcase.

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  12. Love, love, love this skirt with the black polka dots!! super sweet!

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  13. I love this outfit, that sweater is definitely one of my favorites! You look absolutely fantastic as well.

    On the suitcases, I second, third, or 15th T.J. maxx. They have super cute stuff!

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  14. I just found your blog and became a follower! :) Love your blog! Erin

    www.purplebookbloggingmommy.blogspot.com

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  15. Ugh, I don't like suitcase shopping...I generally just keep the hand-me-downs.
    Great outfit! The sweater is so cute and really makes this outfit. :D

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  16. Suitcases are a very grown up thing. In fact last year I took my coordinator on a business trip with me and I insisted that she took a real suitcase...not the duffle bag she had planned. :)

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  17. The skirt looks just fabulous on you! So glad you love it! Me too!

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  18. What a great find with that skirt!

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  19. Haha, I love the photo of you swishing your skirt! The skirt is beautiful, btw. Lovin' the pleats. :)

    - Caroline (http://keepcalmandstyleon.blogspot.com)

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  20. Great outfit and I think it's the first time I've seen you in a heel! You look fab! On subject of suitcases, get anything but black! If you have to check in luggage, a colourful one will stand out on the conveyor. And don't worry about the dirt/scuff marks, use a Tide pen and it'll take most marks out. I have a burnt orange Rick Steve's 22in. rolling upright. It's size-compliant to bring on board, and it's expandable, so if I do any shopping on a trip, I can zip it out and gain a few more inches in depth. It's my go-to case for my 2x a month flights back home. I have a smaller (think it's 17"?) Samsonite that's totally cadillac. I use it once in a while when I know I don't need a lot of room. Have fun in your search!

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  21. I used to think that suitcases were boring until last year when I finally had to buy my own, and now I have three matching purple Samsonite suitcases in different sizes. I would check out the Samsonite Spinner bags, but I would definitely make sure you get them on sale. I most recently bought a 26 inch at Macy's on sale (50% off!), and I found out that Bed, Bath, and Beyond sells them online at pretty good prices too.

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  22. Notica. HA! I actually have never purchased a suitcase. I've always borrowed one from family or friends. But I'd really like to have a stylish one of my own. A few weeks ago I was at TJ Maxx and they had some awesome (and very budget friendly) suitcases avail.

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  23. I just call my parents and borrow from them sometimes! That skirt is so pretty and I love the action shot!

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  24. Love the outfit, especially those maryjanes

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  25. Beautiful look! And lovely photographs, thank you for sharing the details :)

    www.featherfactor.com

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  26. Cute outfit!!! I especially love the sweet pattern of your sweater.

    www.thejoyoffashion.blogspot.com

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