ON WATERLOO BRIDGE

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The PRINTED BUSINESS FOLIO featuring the Mini on Waterloo Bridge is one of my favorite bags. It was brought in December 2007 when I was in Europe last for a friend’s wedding. Quality, unique, stylish, funky can all be used to describe it, but if I had to use just one word it would be fun. It is made of woven 100% polyester with zip opening and chocolate leather trims and handles. It has a removable adjustable shoulder strap and is internally lined with the signature purple canvas. A leather multi stripe, Mini shaped luggage tag is also included. What really surprised me the most about the bag was to find out that it was made of polyester. It has the feel of a high quality cotton canvas and just shows how far synthetic materials have really come. I should note that this is older version of the Business Folio and no long being made. I am no expert but I think the design changed in 2008 and the biggest difference is that the newer business folio’s are not as structured. The bag measures 31 cm x 42 cm x 10.5 cm and one large compartment with a zippered internal pocket.

Where: Paul Smith @ Heathrow Airport
When: December 2007
Cost: I can’t remember exactly what I paid for it, but it was on sale & tax free. (Currently the Printed Business Folio retails for £210 – roughly $425 AUD @ current exchange rate)

I have to say that I find Paul Smith products really good value for money. For what you pay for, which is quite reasonable considering what you can pay from other labels, you get really well constructed products that that not only look good but are also a joy to use and wear.

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Life would be so boring without

P A U L AA S M I T H !

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images: Project Procrastination

PRADA, PRADA, PRADA...

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SOMETIMES YOU JUST DON'T NEED WORDS

PRADA IS LOVE

images: Prada

WHY MR BAILEY, WHY?

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The BURBERRY PRORSUM SPRING-SUMMER 2009 men’s bag collection was amazing; from the leathers and exotic skins to the canvas mega check in dark olive. I wanted to buy them all, with many sleepless nights spent trying to decide just which one to get. In the end I decided on the all LEATHER LARGE SATCHEL HOLDALL. It is incredibly versatile and has the most beautiful leather so it is no surprise that it is one of my favorite bags now, but I still can’t get the Canvas Mega Check out of my mind.

With the holdall already in my possession my attention has turned to the CANVAS CHECK TOTE BAG. It comes in cotton canvas with black leather trim and comes with two leather strap handles with chunky dark nickel buckles. Large front pocket with magnetic snap button closure and a detachable leather and cotton cross body strap with adjustable chunky dark nickel buckles. It measures 42 cm x 43 cm x 12.5 cm with a 20 cm drop and retails for $1395 USD (roughly $1800 AUD @ current exchange rates). Not a cheap bag but it sure is PRETTY and papa does need a tote!

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Now to make matters worse the BURBERRY PRORSUM FALL-WINTER 2009 men’s bag collection features both the cotton canvas holdall and tote bags in a new dark blue check.

Now I don’t what to do! Do I want a holdall or a tote? Do I want the dark olive check or the dark blue check? Now I wont be able to get any sleep and get any work done for my thesis! Why oh why MR BAILEY, are you such a genius? Why do you have to design such beautiful bags? And why do you have to make me have a

BRAIN EXPLOSION

Images: Burberry

CERVO EBANO MAKES 3

My PRADA DARK BROWN DEERSKIN LEATHER FLAT MESSENGER BAG was also brought in mid 2008 and is my third deerskin bag. The leather on this messenger is the best out of all my deerskin bags; it is really thick and super soft. The best part is that it has a really soft brown nappa leather lining which to me is really luxurious.

Measuring 30 cm x 30 cm x 2 cm it has an interior zip pocket and an exterior front zip pocket both of which are also lined in nappa leather. Its adjustable grosgrain strap with deerskin leather shoulder pad is thick and comfortable to wear. Great for those days when you just want to take out the necessities and don’t want anything to bulky, suprisingly it can hold a lot as long as it doesn't have to much bulk. Another classic piece with clean lines and a simple design that will not date, so I can see myself with it for a very long time.

I HEART PRADA

images: Project Procrastination

CERVO CORDA 02

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My LARGE PRADA LIGHT BROWN DEERSKIN LEATHER MESSENGER BAG was brought in mid 2008. I also own its smaller cousin my SMALL PRADA LIGHT BROWN DEERSKIN LEATHER MESSENGER BAG. And yes they are virtually the same bag. The only differences are the dimensions (35 cm x 30 x cm x 12 cm versus 30 cm x 27 cm x 10 cm) and the extra buckle. Why you might be asking do I have two bags that are virtually the same, well I didn’t mean to keep both of them. I initially brought the smaller one because the larger one that I initially wanted sold out. Several months later the large messenger became available again so I decided to get it and sell on the smaller one because I couldn’t really justify keeping the both of them. I even managed to sell the smaller one for $300 more then I paid for it on ebay. With the money in the bank and the bag packed and ready to send I found that I couldn’t do it. Knowing that I would regret it in the end I told the buyer that the dog ate it and refunded the purchaser his money. So call me crazy I kept both bags in the end.

The smaller one is great for running errands and when I don’t want to carry much, while the larger one I decided would be great for when I start working professional, but since I have started working I have found that I prefer to use my nylon Prada’s because I find that they are more durable and that I tend to worried less about them. So to this day my large messenger has yet to leave the house, yet I still find myself unable to get rid of it. I consider it a classic bag, in its colour, texture and style so I am not worried about it becoming dated. I guess I could use it for those important meeting or future interviews etc. In the end I love Deerskin, I love the colour and I…

LOVE PRADA

SO I AM KEEPING IT!

images: Project Procrastination

CERVO CORDA 01

Brought in early 2008, my SMALL PRADA LIGHT BROWN DEERSKIN LEATHER MESSENGER BAG is arguably my one of my favorite bags and is definitely one of my most used. Everything about it reminds me of a well aged classic from the colour, style and texture. This is one bag that will never be refered to as last seasons, a bag for all times. The leather is absolutely stunning and from the moment I felt it I became addicted to deerskin. So much so I currently have three Prada bags in deerskin. It is so soft and supple to touch while surprisingly resilient with any minor day to day scratches (it does seem to get a few) being easily removed by just buffing it with a soft cloth. This bag in my opinion is of the highest quality leather and has only gotten better with use and age.

It measures 30 cm x 27 cm x 10 cm and features an embossed Prada logo on the front flap that is secured with both a buckle and magnetic clasp closure in gold tone hardware. Which is perfect for me because I don’t like to buckle it up because 1. It is a bother to get in and out of the bag and 2. I don’t like to have the buckle strap deformed in anyway (ok I am a bit mental but it’s an aesthetic thing!). The main compartment is large and lined with a jacquard logo lining with an interior zipped pocket. It also has additional front and back zippered pockets and an adjustable shoulder strap with a deerskin leather shoulder pad.

I LOVE THE COLOUR, I LOVE THE SMELL

I LOVE PRADA

images: Project Procrastination

DOCTOR, DOCTOR GIVE ME THE NEWS...

I GOT A BAD CASE OF LOVING YOU…

I was out and about the other day and came across this Dries van Noten "Doctor Bag". Well not the exact one because I couldn’t find a picture of it. The one featured is in polished black leather with a cotton lining. While the one I am eyeing is in matte black granulated leather with a caramel leather lining, which was a nice surprise when I had a look inside. A top zippered bag with a flap covering secured with 3 buckles, it also came with an adjustable shoulder strap if you prefer to sling it (it is nice to know you have options!). I don’t know the exact size but I think it was around 30 cm in length, which I think just the right size for an everyday bag. My only grip about it is that none of the 3 buckles are magnetic closure, which would make getting in and out of the bag a real hassle but I could always leave it unbuckled. In regards to the featured bag I find that the polished leather tends to scratch really easily. They had a few other Dries pieces in this leather which where all scratched and when I asked I was told that scratches where a part of the bags character! I am not really willing to pay a premium for a scratched up bag and don’t know many who would! I don’t think the picture does the bag much justice so trust me it looks a lot better in real life; maybe it is just the difference in the leather. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it but for the $1225 AUD price I may have to wait to see if it goes on sale! Then again; decision, decisions.

I REALLY NEED TO STOP OBSESSING AND DO SOME WORK!

The same Dries van Noten "Doctor Bag" as seen on the SS09 runway, but in a larger version in caramel and dark brown. Arghhhh I want it even more now!


images: Dries van Noten

THANK YOU MR BAILEY…

FOR MY LARGE SATCHEL HOLDALL
BURBERRY PRORSUM SPRING SUMMER 2009

Words can’t describe how great this bag is. Could it be the Perfect ManBag? Only time will tell. It reminds me some what of an antique saddle bag of sorts, I don't know why but it just does. I can image a rider carrying all their riding gear in it making their way to the stables, but then again all there stuff would probably be already at the stables! Now when I say it is big I am not kidding. It is large enough to hold everything plus the kitchen sink. The leather is thick, granulated and super soft, a real joy to behold. Plus it has that amazing smell that high grade leathers have that I absolutely love (they need to turn that into a scent). It has a sense of real durability to it and I can see myself using it for a very long time, knowing that it will only get better and better with age. It should be noted that this bag has some weight to it, I was initially surprised but when you think about it, it is a fully lined, full grain leather bag with solid metal hardware so it should be expected. I have since gotten use to it, but I would definitely be thinking about what I was going to put into it, especially if I were going to have to carry it around for long periods of time. I do love the fact that it is so versatile and can be carried in the hand, on the shoulder or across the body with the included strap. The buckle details are a nice touch and thankfully two of them have magnetic closures which makes getting in and out of the bag so easy. Without it, just opening the bag can be a real chore, so thank you again Mr Bailey. In my opinion it is probably too big to use as an everyday bag, especially for my needs, but ideally it would make the perfect overnight/weekender travel bag so now I just need somewhere to go! Fellow blogger Brieuc75 has the same bag and uses it as an everyday bag, so if you don't mind the size go for it. I would just feel silly just having my wallet and phone in it, which is normally what I take out with me. Or maybe I just need to start carrying more!

Large Satchel Holdall in granulated leather. Metallic buckles in vintage finish engraved with the Burberry logo. Two flat leather handles and one detachable leather and cotton cross body strap. Flap with two belt straps and magnetic button closure, one central belt strap with buckle closure. Flap features metallic plaque engraved with the trademark 'Burberry established 1856' inscription at left trim. Sateen finish lining. One interior zip pocket, three interior patch pockets. Size 52 cm x 32 cm x 20 cm.

Where: Burberry.com
When: April 2009
Price: £905 + 100 shipping/insurance to Australia (roughly $2150 AUD @ current exchange rate)

OK it wasn't cheap but by buying from the UK I saved around $450 AUD. So I am spending to save myself money, well that is what I am telling myself! Plus I really needed it. REALLY. OK who am I kidding I have no idea when I will use it but knowing that it is mine makes me smile so it was all worth it. It even makes baked beans taste so delicious, which will have to be my diet for the next 6 months! Who knows I may need to carry something from the bedroom to the lounge! It was totally worth the wait and the $$$$, so I keep telling myself.

B U R B E R R Y + B A I L E Y = G E N I U S

image: Project Procrastination

LOVE IS A BALENCIAGA WEEKENDER

BECAUSE I HAVEN’T WON THE LOTTO...

I have a Black Balenciaga Weekender 08

Distressed lambskin leather bag with top zip and rolled handles, front zipper pocket and nickel hardware, fabric lined interior with zipper pocket and Balenciaga engraved plaque. Size 50 cm x 39 cm x 15 cm with 14.5 cm handle drop.

This bag is intoxicating, the smell, the texture, the leather, this bag has a presence; and dare I say may be the perfect bag, especially now that it has been broken in. It is enough to hold everything that I would ever need and more. Yes it is big but when not filled to capacity it doesn’t look it. It just hangs nicely and crumples into a heap when put down. The only thing I would like would be for a shoulder strap so I can sling it but you can’t have everything!

Initially I felt my bag was a little on the dry side. So I decided to condition it with a leather conditioner. This is something I do regularly to all my leather bag’s as well as spraying a water stop. It really brings the bag to life making it amazingly supple to touch. The next step is to start breaking it in. The quickest way to relax the leather is to over stuff the bag in order to stretch the leather so that it is no longer so stiff. I placed a small blanket along the base to prevent it stretching unevenly because I put heavy objects in to speed up the process. I then hang the bag on a coat hanger so that the handles will stretch as well because I like to carry it over the shoulder. After two nights the bag was broken in enough for my liking. The rest will come with use.

Where: Cultstatus, Perth
When: April 2009
Cost: $2123.50 AUD (after 10% discount and Tax back) RRP $2595 AUD

Expensive YES, but I think totally worth it especially when I know it will only get better and better with use. I love, love, love!!!

If LOVE IS A BALENCIAGA WEEKENDER
Then what would be a Balenciaga Weekender in Arena Crocodile be?

Images: Project Procrastination

A BALENCIAGA WEEKEND...

WHEN I WIN THE LOTTO I WILL…

Buy the Balenciaga “Arena Crocodile”
Weekender in Yellow

Custom made Crocodile leather bag with top zip and rolled leather handles, front zipper pocket and nickel hardware, fabric lined interior with zipper pocket and Balenciaga engraved plaque. Size: 50 cm x 39 cm x 15 cm with14.5 cm handle drop. Available from Balenciaga, and wait for it,$22,500 USD (nearly $30,000 AUD @ current exchange) Honestly do I really need to fix my car or go on that Japanese ski trip I was planning. In fact I could probably just live on baked beans. I wouldn't even need any new clothes because everyone will be too busy looking at my jaw dropping Balenciaga Arena Crocodile Weekender to realise I wasn't wearing anything! But if yellow isn't your thing then how about a Dark Brown Weekender? Currently retailing for $22,500 USD at Barneys New York.

Just Because its Balenciaga!

Image: Balenciaga, Barneys New York

SKY ROCKETS IN FLIGHT, AFTERNOON DELIGHTS...

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The sun is shining, the birds are singing and the postman paid me a visit.

And with him came my brand new Burberry Large Satchel Holdall. IT HAS FINALLY ARRIVED. To be continued...

image: Project Procrastination