Back to Basics: How to pack a big punch in a small bag

Last week I talked about going “Back to basics“, not that getting a new Marc Jacobs purse (from Valamode!)  is going basic, but the trouble here is that I am a pack rat. Even when it comes to my purse. I carry everything with me at all times. Bandaid? Makeup? Hair clip? Purell? Yes, yes, yes! The question is, do I need it all?

My son Victor is 3.5 years old, which is why I am now embracing the SMALL PURSE MOVEMENT! Only those who have carried a diaper bag for 2.5 years will understand that a mommy can not in her right mind get away with carrying a small bag, if you’re going out for more than 1 hour with your kid. Victor and I are used to going out on full-day trips, so, being paranoid about forgetting anything, my diaper bag has always been overpacked and ready for any situation! It’s time to let go of the past and learn to pack a lean purse!

Last night, I used my small purse for the first time and packed:

  • cash, debit card, M/C and ID
  • compact mirror and lipstick
  • phone
  • gum
  • business cards

It’s truly all I needed for a night out! Not sure I could use this for a day trip with Victor though, but it’s a start!

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Now for the juicy part. I bet you’re asking what the heck is Valamode? Well my friends, Valamode is Ottawa’s top authentic luxury online consignment shop! My friend Dia is the powerhouse behind this amazing local business. She scours the closets of fashionistas all over Canada and the US and makes your designer wishes come true! She is known as the luxury matchmaker. If you are on the hunt for a specific designer bag, watch, bangle, belt or shoes, she will find it for you! I always say, everyone needs a Dia in their life. On that note, if you’re looking to sell your designer goods, she can help you there too!

Dia runs her store online and in person, and typically hosts pop-ups around the city throughout the year. I always keep an eye out on her website or send her a note if I am looking for something in particular (a.k.a the small purse!) But here’s the thing, her stuff sells quickly, and she can barely keep up with postings on her site. So, my suggestion is if you like something, don’t sit on it, because it will sell.

Burberry purse Valamode

I was dragging my feet on a tiny Burberry bag, and it sold in less than a week. But its okay, because something else will come around, and it did!

I got so many compliments on this little baby last night, and I can’t wait to welcome it into my closet!

#redcarpet look for International Humanitarian Fashion Week with Unesco @unesco @ihfashionweek

A photo posted by Ottawa • Canadian Blogger (@chantsy) on


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Ottawa Street Style: Vest Dressed

Ok, I have been holding on to this post in my drafts for almost 8 months. I have been desperately waiting to publish it, but I thought it would be cruel to do so in the winter. In anticipation of spring fashion, I am hitting send today! Yes, there is a snowstorm predicted for this afternoon, but I don’t care anymore. Let it be spring!

This was part of a series of photos that I did with Kristy Chapman Photography last summer. Enjoy!

In these pictures, I am wearing:

 




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Winter Fashion Street Style Looks- Vintage wool

Since we are supposed to be getting another snow storm, I thought it would be timely to share the last look from the winter fashion street style session that I did with Amy Symes. Check out the other two looks from the series Vintage Fur and Black and Grey.

This was the first look we shot, not entirely our favourite, but the look is there, non the less. We shot this in the field next to my house. Amy was concerned that the backdrop wasn’t lively enough. What do you think?

In this photo, I am wearing:

  • Bandeau and black gloves with bow from H&M
  • Vintage wool coat with fur trim from Rewind Couture (Toronto)
  • Grey turtle neck from H&M
  • Blue jeans from GAP
  • Rebecca Minkoff purse from Fashion United
  • Ugg Boots

In this outfit, I felt very warm and comfortable. This is a great casual and easy look for “mom on the go”. I get loads of compliments on this jacket too, and most of all I love the detailed buttons. One thing I have to admit is that I ADORE my hair here, this to me is a good hair day. The cold always gives me nice hair. That’s all 🙂

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Cost-per-wear: How good is your Fashion Math

Today’s lesson in math will show you how to justify expensive items to help you build your dream capsule wardrobe. Remember the essence of this exercise is to invest in classic, high quality items that will/should last you a long time. Again, we want to lean towards becoming stylish not trendy!

The Fashion Math
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This is quite basic math. To help you find your Cost-Per-Wear, take the total price of your favourite item, and divide it by the number of times you will wear it. The ultimate goal here is to lower the CPW. The more times you wear your item, the higher the price can be! Take a really expensive  pair of jeans, for example. Jeans are worn so many times throughout the year, that you can easily rationalize spending between $200-$300 on a good quality, well fitted pair of denim jeans. If you end up wearing these jeans every day for a year, they will have paid for themselves! What a deal.

Sometimes we buy into the trends of fast fashion and get lured into purchasing lots of pieces that we don’t end up wearing, or we spend a ton of money on one not-so-key item. When you use the CPW as a common indicator, you can quickly see how you probably should not have purchased that $1000 ball gown, you will never wear again! (CPW= $1000… Consider Rent Frock Repeat, you crazy girl! What’s wrong with you?)

A few things to keep in mind when you are calculating CPW:

  • Durability- don’t sacrifice on the price! Invest in leather shoes and bags, they get the most wear and tear. I cringe when I see fake leather or plastic purses deteriorating.
  • Quality vs Quantity- buy nice things, just less of them.
  • Functionality- Do not compromise when it comes to functionality. Invest in warm, weatherproof boots and coats. Splurge on well-made and supportive heels that you will wear all the time.

Lastly, I want to close with the value of thrift shopping. This is an excellent way to splurge on things you don’t want to pay full price for. Maybe it’s a season too late, but who really cares! Paying less also means you can buy stuff that is outside your ideal “capsule wardrobe” collection. This is also when you can have a little fun and go outside your comfort zone.

Here are a few items that yield a low CPW… depending on your daily habits! What do you think of these price points? Sorry for all the black… it’s seems to be my go-to this season.

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Paige skinny jeans • Paige • $507.02
Lord & Taylor Wrist Length Knit Cuff Leather Gloves • $40
Hudson’S Bay Company 100% Cashmere Scarf • HBC • $120
Merrell Women’s Decora Sonata Waterproof Winter Boot Brown 8.5 M US • Merrell • $169.99
La Canadienne Womens Mazy Knee-High Boot,Black,10 M US • La Canadienne • $274.63
Caley-F5 Large Black Mesenger Bag • Mackage • $595
Kay-F5 Long Black Winter Down Coat With Fur Hood • Mackage • $795
Pierre Hardy Black Suede Ultime Pumps • Pierre Hardy • $455
Ann Marino by Bettye Muller Fleetwood Booties • Bettye Muller • $130.30

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