Post your non-BE purchases here - copied from many other subforums!

[Jenova]

Originally Posted by pixiechic

That Shimmy Hobo has the most amazing texture! Is it as soft as it looks?

The leather is quite thick and has an unusual dry soft feel - strangely appealing.

[Jenova]

Originally Posted by zuzu maxx

My amazing vermillion (tomato red) Hermes Bearn Wallet; pre-owned of course!

That is gorgeous. I have never quite seen why people love Hermes so much but now I understand the fascination. The quality is evident even from a photo and I love that red colour!

[zuzu maxx]

Originally Posted by Jenova

Thanks They are made by YOMA but I am not sure whether they ship outside the UK? http://www.yomauk.com/

Thanks Jenova! I looked at the site, but didn't see your shoes. I love flats. I broke both of my feet a few years back and got stuck in flats so now I always notice cute ones!

[Jenova]

Originally Posted by zuzu maxx

Thanks Jenova! I looked at the site, but didn't see your shoes. I love flats. I broke both of my feet a few years back and got stuck in flats so now I always notice cute ones!

I have a really pretty purple pair by YOMA too. I will take a pic of them when I photograph my cute £25 purple suede bag from Dents the glovemakers (via TKMAXX).

I also bought 2 pieces of MISSONI knitwear, both reduced from £245 to £39 and £42 respectively, from TKMAXX yesterday.

I am rather pleased with the results of my recent cheapo shopping!

[zuzu maxx]

Yes, I have to do some cheapo shopping too! I have all these nice bags and my clothes look dreadful. I wear suits everyday and I need to bump them up a notch so that they are not so frumpy. I am off of work next week so I am going to the cheap places and looking for more feminine tops to go with my suits.

I have a hard time with more feminine tops because I just don't feel girly enough when I wear them, but I need to get out of button-down mode. I feel like an imposter when I wear silky or floral type tops so I end up feeling uncomfortable in my clothes. I hope I find some that feel right for me!

[*suzi*]

Originally Posted by zuzu maxx

Yes, I have to do some cheapo shopping too! I have all these nice bags and my clothes look dreadful. I wear suits everyday and I need to bump them up a notch so that they are not so frumpy. I am off of work next week so I am going to the cheap places and looking for more feminine tops to go with my suits. I have a hard time with more feminine tops because I just don't feel girly enough when I wear them, but I need to get out of button-down mode. I feel like an imposter when I wear silky or floral type tops so I end up feeling uncomfortable in my clothes. I hope I find some that feel right for me!

Zuzu - I wear a suit every single day and know exactly what you mean about bumping them up. I usually wear a somewhat traditional Talbots suit (with an above the knee skirt) and then in the last few years I started adding fun, trendy silk tops so I feel more like me than a banker! Macy's has great tops from INC and Alfani that work for me, but you are saying that silky tops make you feel less girly than button downs? Is it because they don't accentuate our umm... assets? I was kind of confused on that one, because they definitely make me feel much more like a woman than other types of tops. Kwim?

[Jenny1963]

I decided to make a list of what bags I actually NEEDED to feel moderately put-together, as opposed to just randomly buying things that I like, but then not having what I actually need.

I decided I need a black, chocolate brown, and a light-colored neutral shoulder bag (for summer). I'm feeling a bit frustrated by my large black Hug Me (I hate the way it looks as a shoulder bag). Last summer I lugged around a bone tumbled leather weekender from Anthropologie (brand?); but after seeing pics, I realized how HUGE and unwieldy it was.

Since I cannot afford to buy these bags right now from BE (although I'm VERY interested in the Enchant Me) or the like, I decided to use my credit at AFF. I have a credit at Ann's Fabulous Finds from when I was on my buying spree last year.

So, after reading this thread, I learned about Gerald Darel. I then bought a Gerald Darel in Grey (24 heures) and Dark Choco Brown, and a Moni Moni large Splendor in White. I can return them if I hate them. I've never seen any of these bags or brands IRL, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed! Will post pics when they arrive mid-week. Kind of nice to get three (hopefully) usable bags for the price of one new BE!!

[lovebags2]

Originally Posted by Jenny1963

I decided to make a list of what bags I actually NEEDED to feel moderately put-together, as opposed to just randomly buying things that I like, but then not having what I actually need. I decided I need a black, chocolate brown, and a light-colored neutral shoulder bag (for summer). I'm feeling a bit frustrated by my large black Hug Me (I hate the way it looks as a shoulder bag). Last summer I lugged around a bone tumbled leather weekender from Anthropologie (brand?); but after seeing pics, I realized how HUGE and unwieldy it was. Since I cannot afford to buy these bags right now from BE (although I'm VERY interested in the Enchant Me) or the like, I decided to use my credit at AFF. I have a credit at Ann's Fabulous Finds from when I was on my buying spree last year. So, after reading this thread, I learned about Gerald Darel. I then bought a Gerald Darel in Grey (24 heures) and Dark Choco Brown, and a Moni Moni large Splendor in White. I can return them if I hate them. I've never seen any of these bags or brands IRL, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed! Will post pics when they arrive mid-week. Kind of nice to get three (hopefully) usable bags for the price of one new BE!!

Jenny, I absolutely can't wait to read your review on the Gerald Darel. After seeing Contessa's gorgeous pics I decided this is one designer I"ll look into more very soon. I even think I love the 24 version in the wine for fall. Although I bet your grey and dark brown might tempt me too. Can't wait to see pics as I haven't seen these colors yet.

And YES I know the feeling about how nice it is to buy 3 bags for the price of one BE and/or other designer. Over the past month I've purchased 3 Coach styles I love so I can relate to your sentiment. It's great to find a high quality bag at a reasonable price point. And to be honest, I"ve gotten several lovely compliments on my Coach bags which makes it even sweeter!

[Jenny1963]

LB, which coach bags are you liking right now? I did look back and saw that some of you really like the Parker. I was interested in the Ali hobo cross-body, but might it be a little boring??? The Parker actually looks like the Mulberry Jacquetta to me somewhat, though without the cross-body capability. The jacquetta or parker to me looks much more like a satchel or shoulder bag though than a cross-body bag. Even on Katie Holmes, I think it'd look better on her shoulder, IMHO.

[lovebags2]

Originally Posted by Jenny1963

LB, which coach bags are you liking right now? I did look back and saw that some of you really like the Parker. I was interested in the Ali hobo cross-body, but might it be a little boring??? The Parker actually looks like the Mulberry Jacquetta to me somewhat, though without the cross-body capability. The jacquetta or parker to me looks much more like a satchel or shoulder bag though than a cross-body bag. Even on Katie Holmes, I think it'd look better on her shoulder, IMHO.

Hi Jenny,

Here's my Coach loves right now:

The parker in large as a shoulder bag. It does get too heavy IMO as a cross body. But, I also have the parker in cinnamon in the medium or smaller size and it's perfect as a messenger.

I also purchased the Maggie in Saffron over the weekend and it's LOVE!!!!!

What are your favorite cross body styles other then of course our wtm midi's?

I thought the Ali was cute but maybe a smidge too boring. I like a little more interest.

[Euridice]

Gorgeous Hermes wallet, zuzu!! And fantastic bags as usual, Jenova!!

[*suzi*]

I needed a lighter colored bag for vacation and BE doesn't really have anything, so I purchased two almost new bags in the last two days. One is an ivory Gucci leather Abbey and the other is a light colored Prada tote. I'm not sure if I will like either one, but I can just turn around and sell them if I don't. I'll post pics when I get them.

[lovebags2]

Originally Posted by *suzi*

I needed a lighter colored bag for vacation and BE doesn't really have anything, so I purchased two almost new bags in the last two days. One is an ivory Gucci leather Abbey and the other is a light colored Prada tote. I'm not sure if I will like either one, but I can just turn around and sell them if I don't. I'll post pics when I get them.

Suzi - I'd LOVE to see your pics.

Jenny - Yes, I can see where you wouldn't like the HM as a shoulder bag. I normally carry it hand held. That's why I mainly use my HM just for travel days and even that's a stretch because it is nice to tote a bag around that can look pretty on the shoulder as well. Aah, always the hunt for the perfect handbag!

[zuzu maxx]

Originally Posted by *suzi*

Zuzu - I wear a suit every single day and know exactly what you mean about bumping them up. I usually wear a somewhat traditional Talbots suit (with an above the knee skirt) and then in the last few years I started adding fun, trendy silk tops so I feel more like me than a banker! Macy's has great tops from INC and Alfani that work for me, but you are saying that silky tops make you feel less girly than button downs? Is it because they don't accentuate our umm... assets? I was kind of confused on that one, because they definitely make me feel much more like a woman than other types of tops. Kwim?

Hey *suzi*! I will look at some of those brands. First off, I don't have any assets - I'm pretty much straight so when I wear delicate silky tops I feel like I look like I am playing dress up. So, the tops are girly, but I'm not

I think it's just a body-image thing that I need to get over because I don't want to always look like a banker either. I'm glad your finding fun tops for your suits!!

[TejasMama]

Is anyone else addicted to Yellow Box flip flops? I LOVE them, and it seems they are what I wear most of the year. Very comfy and love the styles...