Pink Tulips

The lovely Anette from Pink Tulips sent me the most gorgeous leather handbag last week and I am in love! A little excerpt from the website:

"My name is Annette Cook, and I grew up in a small Connecticut town where the school colors might as well have been pink and green. Lilly Pulitzer was regarded as a Goddess. When The Preppy Handbook was published, no one in town thought it was a joke. But while I no longer wear polo shirts with the collars starched up, I will always have a soft spot for the finer things that celebrate that identity – crisp lines, oh-so-perfect color combinations, and the persnickety attention to detail that is visible only to those who recognize good quality."- via Pink Tulips

I am not kidding when I say that I gasped when I opened the package. The bag is all leather with red ostrich tabs and a gorgeous striped fabric lining. The hardware is all gold. It reminds me of something that you would see Betty Draper sporting in Mad Men. It is the perfect timeless, classic, ladylike handbag. Whether your 22 or 62, this is the perfect handbag... See for yourselves...

This was before a night out. My shirt was over-the-top so this bag helped to tone down the sequined shirt. 

Isn't the lining so unique and fun?!

 

The bag was the perfect thing to dress up an oxford shirt on my way out to lunch. 

Mac tried to steal the bag once or twice... I think he's jealous. 

I tried to get him to give it back... 

To top it all off, this fabulous bag is made right here in the U.S.! If you have been reading Summer Wind for a while now, then you know that I feel strongly about supporting products made in the U.S.A. The bag is simply gorgeous and looks and feels luxurious. Plus, the ever so stylish Sarah Vickers of Classy Girls Wear Pearls also sports her Pink Tulips handbags from time to time!

My Pink Tulips wish list is quickly growing starting off with the mini clutch.

Then the whimsical tapestry bag.

And this gorgeous forest green number.

Have you shopped Pink Tulips? What is your favorite bag? A big thank you to Anette for sending me this gorgeous handbag! Have a fabulous day! 

Yours, 

sCe

So Clutch

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If I ever say that I need a new clutch-sized handbag, then I have truly gone crazy (look at this one from Southern Beaus!!!). The above picture is of just a few of the clutches that I own. Now, in my defense, the two on the top were "college clutches" which were inexpensive and meant to be spilled on and misplaced.... except that never actually happened to either of them. What can I say... I'm careful!

(Blogger won't let me flip the first picture.. WHY?!). Anyways, I just had to post about this clutch find. The other day I was walking through Macy's and I spotted it in the sale section for $50. I have been looking for a neutral, dressier/trendy-ish clutch to use when out at night. This one was inexpensive and had an expensive/luxe look to it. 

Usually, I am not into buying "cheap" handbags (I'm a bit of a handbag snob). I like real leather, name brand/designer. However, since I was going for a more trendy look to take out with me, I didn't want to spend a lot. I have a very similar Kate Spade bag but I don't like to take it out at night because it is too nice for bars... People need to learn how to keep their drink IN their glass! I digress...

This is a brand that Macy's carries called Olivia and Joy. I have never heard of it but they had a really cute section in Macy's that caught my eye. I was also debating on whether or not to purchase the Swanky Satchel in green (It looked like a $300 handbag). However, I decided that I needed to save my money and add to my Louis Vuitton fund (yes, this exists). Anyways, the above clutch, named the "Rendezvous" is fabulous (fabulous clutch, weird name.. someone on the naming committee needs to get booted). It has just the "edge" and grown-up look that I was going for and is also huge! This clutch is something I think I will keep my necessities in and then toss it in a larger bag/tote when I'm on the run.

How do I store all of these bags? I have several of these woven baskets that I use. I had them in college and used them for other things, but now they are perfect for storing handbags. I also have a really large storage bin and two entire shelves in my closet to hold all of my other handbags.. but that's another story for another day ;). 

Have you shopped Olivia and Joy? How do you store your clutches? Have a fabulous day! 

Yours, 

sCe

GiGi New York

I can't keep a secret any longer-- GiGi New York sent me the most gorgeous envelope clutch from their summer collection and I just have to share it with everyone because it is the perfect bag for a 20-something! 

This is my Pearl Envelope Clutch in Shell Croc Leather and I cannot say enough positive things about this bag. I love clutches; they compliment any outfit, however, I usually favor larger handbags because I carry a lot with me. Finding the perfect clutch is always an ordeal and am thrilled to have received this clutch. It fits:

• My iPhone
• My Ray Ban Aviators and case
• Multiple lip glosses
• A pack of  gum
• My camera
• My large wallet (it's still my absolute favorite, remember it from this post?)
• My car key (with rather large Lilly Pulitzer key fob)
• All of the above and there is still room for more.. 

This is the inside of the bag when you lift the flap. It has a large area and then a zippered area that is a must for any clutch. I use the zippered area for when I go out at night for my money and cards because I don't like to take my entire wallet out so it is important to have a zippered area for the important things. 

This is to give you an idea of the size and to show that there is another roomy pocket in the back of the clutch. This is where I keep my sunglasses for easy access.

See how big the back pocket is too?! The strap is completely removable and adjustable so it's very versatile. Plus, the pearl color is the perfect neutral color and goes with everything-- it has been my day and night purse since I received it last week! 

GiGi New York boasts incredible quality. It is a branch of Graphic Image so you can expect the best! Plus, with the high quality of the products, the prices are very reasonable... you know what makes prices even more reasonable?! A discount code just for Summer Wind readers! Shop GiGi New York using the code SUMMERWIND and you will receive 20% off your purchase!  

I think my next purchase is going to be...

The orange all in one bag. Ashley from Sweet Southern Prep reviewed it here and she has convinced me that I need it...especially because you can get your initials stamped on in gold! If you use the SUMMERWIND 20% off code, what will you be buying? Have a fabulous day!

Yours, 

sCe

JPK Paris 75

A while back, I got a question on my Tumblr about JPK Paris handbags. I had actually never heard of the brand before and decided to do some research and fell in love with all of the JPK Paris handbags! If you haven't heard of this bag and are looking for a well-made, high-quality handbag that won't break your budget then this is the brand for you. The bucket bags are their most popular style of handbag and are available in several different materials such as nylon and leather.

JPK's leather is extremely luxurious (their patent leather is actually leather, unlike many handbags and shoes out there). However, how fun would it be to get the Nylon Bucket Bag in Navy and then take it to your monogrammer and have your monogram stitched on in gold to match the hardware?
What I also love about JPK Paris's handbags are that the hardware is very sturdy and adds a beautiful touch to each of their bags. You cannot tell in the pictures from their website, but all of the hardware is extremely well made and even from far away, you can tell that the bag is well constructed.

 I got 2 JPK Paris Bags; the above one is the Betty Large Wrinkle Patent Leather and I LOVE it! it is so roomy and even comes with a matching wristlet-size pouch inside. This bag's handles are somewhat thin, but very comfortable and plenty long enough for wearing over-the-shoulder. One of the best parts of the bag is that the closure in the middle is extremely magnetized which makes it very easy to close.

I can fit all of this in the Betty bag and still have plenty of room left. The best part is that the bag doesn't look very large over my shoulder.

This is the Betty filled with all of my stuff and as you can see there is plenty of room for more.

This is my with the Betty after a day at the country club. This bag was perfect for toting around all of my pool essentials. The bright green shade is gorgeous and really stood out. On the website, the handles look pink and green striped but I would say that they are more of a "Barney" (you know, the purple dinosaur?) and green color. The size is perfect to use as a tote for books and magazines, but is also perfect to use as a purse. 

This is the JPK Paris East/West Nylon Shopper. My absolute favorite thing about this bag is the  color. It is a deep, jewel-tone purple and the gold hardware really pops against this shade. 

Here are some of the other color options for the JPK East/West shopper. All of these colors are great options and would match with a lot.

The great thing about this bag is that it has a great shoulder strap. So perfect for traveling because it is a roomy bag and you can have both of your hands free and there's no worry of the straps falling off your shoulder.

The East/West bag is fully lined and has two large pockets along with a roomy zipper pocket as well. The hardware is very luxurious and heavy, which really shows that it is a quality hand bag. I would definitely compare this bag to a Longchamp because of the size and the fact that they are both made of nylon. I love my Longchamps, however, this bag is most definitely of higher quality because of the lining, the hardware, and the pockets. Do you own a JPK Paris 75 bag? What do you like about it? Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Handbags, Pocketbooks, Totebags, Clutches, Pouches, Wallets

The list could go on and on for the different types "bags" that are available for women. I will admit that this is my absolute weakness. I have a think for totes especially. Instead of being absolutely ridiculous though, it is good to have a few basic, purposeful bags that will last. Here are my top favorite picks! First, I have the small Vineyard Vines tote to use as a casual, everyday purse. This has many pockets, matches most everything, and is very durable. Next, is my (vintage) Gucci bag. This is one of my prized possessions. My grandmother bought it for my mother in Italy when she was young, and it has been passed down to me! I think every girl should have a nice, quality, leather handbag, and this just happens to be one of my favorites. Next are black clutches. They are usually more appropriate for a dressy occasion, but having one or two in black will be sure that you have an option to take out with you at  night because black matches most "nighttime" clothing. While I am at school, I don't use a full wallet. I just use a card case and put cash and credit inside the zipper part and then my school ID in the outside pocket. I use one of these because it is small and can fit right into my tote or jacket pocket and the ID is readily accessible. I also love that it is attached to a key ring so my keys are always with me as well. The madras pouch is for my camera. There aren't very many cute camera pouches out there, so this one was being sold at J.Crew as a change purse but I turned it into an adorable camera pouch (it doesn't hurt that I have the tote to match!). Last but not least is a Longchamp. I really don't think these bags are very attractive but they do make a lot of sense. I've had my navy blue one for going on 3 years and it of course has wear and tear but it has held up pretty well. I also love having the monogram on it; the bag is very plain itself so monogramming adds a little spice. I also love how they fold up. When I go on trips, I usually fold up my bigger black one in my luggage so if I have a lot of purchases, I can put them all in my Longchamp.What are your purse staples or every day go-to bags? Have a fabulous Friday and weekend!
Yours,
sCe