(this post was sponsored by Nordstrom)
Eileen Fisher harem pants
James Perse Tank Top
7 for all Mankind denim jacket | mine is old, this Paige version is nearly identical
No6 Clogs
Margot Wolf necklace
Rebecca Minkoff mini Perry tote | loan from Nordstrom*, I am sending it back
Black & White (and gray) how do I love thee? I can almost never put an outfit together without all three colors; two at least. Although I’m experimenting a bit with all black, I have a hard time doing it (unless forced, like when traveling). A lot of my styling is about contrast, and there’s nothing better than the contrast between a white top and black bottom. Throw a denim jacket or gray cashmere cardigan on top and sneakers or clogs and I’m good (see above).
And usually I default to a black bag to bring everything together, but lately I’ve been thinking about gray. And white. As in a white bag. When Nordstrom asked me to do this post and select a bag to photograph, I instantly chose the Rebecca Minkoff mini perry tote in white snake patterned leather because it’s unlike anything I already own, I love the shape, and the pattern is perfect. It also seemed a nice way to try out both gray & white and see if I could make it work. I think I can.
I’ve always been a fan of Rebecca Minkoff; I appreciate her aesthetic, and remember when she first started out with just the morning after bag (which I had in Tangerine, go figure, and loved until I couldn’t any more). Her bags are always consistently good. They’re well-made, sturdy (the mini perry tote might be THE PERFECT work bag, although I would replace the thin leather strap with a thicker one if you’re going to be carrying it on your shoulder very often), and fit every lifestyle. Of course, they come in every color imaginable, but you know me, I’ll stick to the neutrals, thank you.
And yes, I’m still thinking about adding a white bag to my wardrobe. Should it be slouchy? Structured? Small? I don’t know yet, but here are some others by Rebecca Minkoff that I’m loving – would you ever carry a white bag? What style?
*I am being compensated by Nordstrom for this post. They sent me the bag to play with and photograph (and send back) and are paying me a flat fee. My opinion is not for sale, however, and that is my own.
You know how much I love neutrals, but I’ve never owned a white bag. It just doesn’t seem practical; I’d worry about it getting dirty. I recently bought a beautiful leather Hogan bag, however, and it’s a mushroom shade with contrasting color straps.
i know, but i’m intrigued by the look of a white bag. i can’t say why exactly…
maybe i’ll have to settle for gray. and mushroom sounds nice 🙂
I know what you mean, white does sound “intriguing.” Mushroom is a great shade, because it works well with other neutrals. It’s like greige. Also, I keep thinking that I’d like a brightly colored bag, but I don’t think I can bring myself to buy one. I feel weird if I’m wearing too much color. I guess that I’m also an “emotional dresser.” I’d never heard of that term before you used it. It helped me clarify my own sense of style, thanks!
Umm, I wish Nordstrom would send me bags so that I can fondle them. 🙂 I guess my monthly visits with a lap around the handbag department will have to do.
I love the idea of a white bag as well, but I hate a dirty looking handbag. I had a white bag from Forever 21 that I really liked although I don’t have it anymore. I’m sure if you put protection on it and take good care of it, it won’t be too bad. I think I feel in love with the idea of getting a “nude” color bag last year after seeing this See by Chloe handbag in a magazine. I never bought it (I should go hunt ebay) but I still love the thought of having that in my closet.
haha! yes, it was fun 🙂
i think a “nude” bag would be great, i have my eye on one, but i’m just not sure.
oh..just thought of something – i could get a white bag, and then, when it gets really dirty, i’ll call it gray LOL
just remembering though, i did have a cream-colored bag many years ago that i loved, and it got the dreaded dark denim stains on it, but they came off pretty well with just regular ivory dish soap.
sheesh. i’ve had so many bags, i forgot that i actually did have a light-colored one. so bad…
I’m with RJS: a white handbag seems rather impractical to me. Mine would be dirty in seconds. (Although in the winter at least it wouldn’t show the salt stains!) Also makes me think of the era of Jackie O; whilst very chic, it reminds me of white gloves and pillbox hats. However, your Rebecca Minkoff bag looks fab and modern and not too snakeskin-like, which makes me shudder. Shame you have to send it back!
YAY!!! you have a blog 🙂
no wonder you’ve been a little quieter lately!
now, please excuse me while i go read….
um. i always bring 10 pairs of underwear for a 7 day stay! i NEVER EVER want to be without clean undies…
i definitely don’t follow your packing light rules very well. but i knew that 😉
Ha ha! Undie math is as follows: number of days away + 1. (To a max of 7 pairs.) That’s all you need. 🙂 Thanks for reading my new blog!
what if you get stuck or something? or need different styles for different outfits?
my rule of thumb has always to bring ALL OF MY underwear. no matter what. but your undie math makes sense 🙂
If you mean getting stuck in an airport somewhere, I always travel with one clean pair of undies in my carryon. (Is that TMI? We’re amongst friends, right? :)) As for different styles of undies, you’ll see that in my manifesto, item #9 is to travel light at home and on the road. At home, I only have one style of underwear, so packing for a trip is easy since that’s the only style I bring.
I just left comments on her site. Laurel will have an instant readership, thanks to you Grechen!
if we’re going to go all TMI, then i’ll disclose that i wear thongs, granny panties & spanx , so there’s no way i could travel with only one style. i need spanx to wear under skirts/dresses – the pencil ones anyway – i wear thongs with jeans/leggings and “regular” panties or boyshorts with slouchy pants. high maintenance i know.
Wow, that is high maintenance! We’ll get you to come over to the light side of packing eventually. When I first met my boyfriend, the airlines would slap a big “Heavy Bag” sticker on his bag. After my tutelage, he’s now heavy bag sticker-free!
Thank God you packing gurus left me a formula for “undie math” (although I’m laughing them right off at this moment!). My trip was 10 days, so commando after day 7 if no access to a washer? 😉 I did very well using your packing info, btw, for my Chicago trip. I even could have left one sweater at home. My color theme was navy and black, and I felt comfy and chic. Thx to you and your readers, Grechen!
As for the white bag, it brings back memories of going to Sunday School in my black patent leather Mary Janes (yes, they really DO reflect up!), my hat, little white gloves and white patent bag. (What on earth did I carry at age 4 or 5???). My mom’s thing was that SHE was Jackie and I was Caroline. Seriously.
I’m a HUGE fan of the subtle print Rebecca Minkoff with your style, Grechen. It’s just that “little something extra” with the neutral wardrobe. Kind of like those beautiful clogs. Like!!!
haha! i wonder what laurel will say to THAT conundrum 😉
Do you mean Val’s 7 pairs of undies for 10 days and no washer conundrum? Handwashing, my dears. Our grandmothers washed their underwear (and all their clothes) by hand, so we can, too. Pantyliners help, too.
You guys mean no inside out?!? ????
oh no!!!
I’ve owned several lighter colored bags and always love the way they look. Unfortunately they don’t last forever because they do get quite dirty and you can’t exactly clean them. Just a thought- maybe try a lighter colored faux/vegan leather bag? That way you could probably just wipe any dirtiness away. I have never owned a faux leather bag, but it seems like they are getting nicer and nicer…