Summer Tote Solves Work Problem. Kind Of.

Last evening, while stuffing WWDs, a Harper's Bazaar, and a small stack of papers into my purse,  I briefly thought "I need a briefcase." Of course, I don't mean an actual briefcase, but a pretty tote to carry all of my important papers home on the subway. This will more stylishly perpetuate my delusion that I am actually diligently reading everything instead of just lugging pounds of paper around for a daily commute. Yes, before I curse at them and throw them into recycling, I would like my work papers to ride in a chic bag. I think this could be a nice summer option:

I spotted this at the 34th Street Esprit flagship last week. Now, it's nothing exciting, but it's a lovely, simple, big-ass tote. I don't want the usual, LL Bean type big-ass tote and its nylon cousin you see all over the subway in the summer. I'd like something a little different, but just as big. The weave is nice for a change, and the shoulder bag is awfully cute, too.


Esprit 21 W. 34th Street between Fifth & Sixth Avenues

Shoot It Twice and It's Yours

I wish. I keep taking pictures of this bag when I'm in Gap Herald Square.

That photo was from the beginning of September, and the below is from last week. The bag is now surrounded by its clog partners. I'm charmed by them all.

Totes are $98, clogs are $79.50. I'd go for the bright suede ones, they are totally 70's.

Gap Herald Square, 34th Street & Broadway

Hold Them Up

There is a bright side to the incessant rain we're enduring this holiday week: inclement weather=opportunity to accessorize in exciting new ways. A great example is the umbrella holster Jeffrey showed me last week:

I admit that before he tried this on, I feared "cell phone belt-clip syndrome," which occurs when something handy yet horrible looking is appropriated on the street. Luckily, guys, this holster is practical and sexy. It looks good from every angle. Jeffrey got this Totes umbrella ($25) at Macy's Herald Square.

And because the weather isn't so great, there might not be such a crush at the last day of the Gianfranco Ferre sample sale at Soiffer Haskin. Prices will be way reduced as it's last call for Ferre at non-Ferre prices.

Macy's Herald Square, 151 W. 34th btwn Broadway & 7th Ave, 212-695-4400

Soiffer Haskin, 317 W. 33rd just west of 8th Ave, 718-747-1656