Bag review - Follow-up post about my Coach Bleeker travel tote

For Mimmy!

Ever since I got my Coach Bleeker tote,  I've only had a chance to bring it on road trips and it wasn't until early this year that I was able to take it on its first short distance trip on a plane. I was heading to Las Vegas for 4 days and 3 nights and didn't want to deal with checking anything in, so it was my carry-on and regular luggage, all-in-one. 

Between size and weight restrictions and what we can bring in terms of liquids and gels, travel can be hectic and I just wanted to show how this bag held up in case any one is looking for alternatives. 

The bag and cardigan were out of the bag for this photo, but it fits into the bag easily.

Everything in! (the above cardigan is in the Oliva Harris dustbag to protect it)

This is everything I packed inside the Bleeker, and for liquids, I just put it all into a ziplock bag, ready to pull out at security.

I also want to retract my previous comment about wishing the straps were longer - they are actually long enough to go over my shoulder, but they are still stiff. The more I use the bag, the more it's softening up, and somehow it seems to be making it lighter (but probably not since that's impossible haha). Also, the size dimensions are just right for putting it neatly in the overhead compartments, and since it holds it shape so well, VERY easy to pull out. 

I definitely recommend this bag for short travels to hold everything for your entire trip. If you're looking for just a carry-on bag, I'd go with something else since it's pretty sizeable and I could see it getting cumbersome because it still isn't a light bag and if it's not packed full, it's just unnecessary material. 

My favourite wardrobe additions in 2015

I think out of all the additions that came into my closet in 2015, my favourites were my: 

• pre-loved Cole Haan Johanna ankle boots;
• Townshoe Loafers;
• Nine West taupe wedges;
• Marc by Marc Jacobs backpack;
• Coach leopard print double-zip wallet my husband gave me;
• Banana Republic ivory and leopard skinny belts;
• all my items from LOFT;
• Franco Sarto peep-to flats;
• Banana Republic cobalt drape pants;
• Banana Republic black and white color-block dress;
• Banana Republic light colored, striped, color-block sweater; and
• Banana Republic black sleeveless top (so simple, but so perfect)

My Bleeker's first official plane ride! Vegas, here we come!



I'm headed to Las Vegas today for 4 days and have decided to do only carry-on, and not just that, but try to minimize the amount of stuff I'm bringing so that I can carry the beauty that is the Coach Bleeker; I have been waiting about 3 years to take her on a plane.

 



I've used her for other weekend trips but I would say that this is her first major test. Just to give you a better idea of what she will be carrying and how I packed her, here's a brief run-down of my trip: I arrive on Tuesday afternoon and leave Friday afternoon; we plan to have one day of randomness until the rest of our team arrives the next day, plan to go to the shooting range, have a nice team dinner, a gambling competition, spend some time at lounges, and a full working day. I have packed a heavy cardigan, pair of black jeans, toiletries, PJs, clutch for going out, under garments, belt, a top, and left room to comfortably fit a puffer jacket that can be bunched into a pouch. I could fit another pair of shoes and a few more tops, but I gaged our activities there and with what I packed, and my outfit to the airport, have enough to mix and match. If it were summer and I didn't have to pack for cooler weather, I'd have even more space!

 

From my previous trips, I can tell you some of the pros and cons of the Bleeker:

Pros <3 - 

• Spacious - I am always able to pack at least 3 days worth of outfits and that usually includes at least 2 pairs of shoes, 5 outfit changes, PJs, toiletries, curling iron, and my laptop and ipad. My previous trips, the bag would be stuffed to the brim but since I'm flying, don't want to over-do it. 
• Organization - it has 2 large inner, slip pockets, 1 large zipped compartment, and one outer slip pocket. The inner pockets are very useful for electronic cords and chargers, and I keep important documents in the inner zip pocket; I don't use the outer slip pocket except as an emergency place holder for papers, before I move them to another spot. I like the openness of the bag because it lets me pack that much more stuff in it.
• Large opening - the zipper extends well beyond the opening of the bag so I have easy access to my stuff and it also has a little more give if it gets over packed. 
• Color and profile - what can I say? I love the color, and I love its very minimal look.
• Leather - its leather is super sturdy and I really like that it holds itself up so I can easily organize my things.
• Feet - I like that it prevents the bag from touching the ground, and with a bag that size, gives it a bit of detailing.  

Cons </3 - 

• Heavy - it's VERY heavy. I don't recommend this if you have to move around a lot from place to place. Ideally, you should be carrying her from: car -> airport -> car -> hotel; also, don't carry more things than you need to, outside of this bag, or else it will be very difficult for you juggle. For this Vegas trip, I'm designated all my electronics, and travel documents to my handbag, and leaving my liquids on the top of the Bleeker for easy access at security.
• Handles - most of my complaints are with the handles. They are very stiff and short. If they were slightly longer, and able to fit over my shoulders, I think I would have an easier time dealing with its weight, but as it stands, the short handles mean that I have to use this as a hand-held, and it does get cumbersome. Also, if I am carrying a lot of things, the stiff handles do not make it easy to juggle a few things at one time as they give no amount of flexibility and sometimes you just need things to twist and turn a bit to manage - don't try with this, it will hurt your hand. 

Changes I would make - 

• Nylon with leather trimming to lighten it up, while keeping its sleek look and maintaining some of its structure; I think there's a heavy canvas version which would probably fare well, but have not had a chance to see it in person.
• Lengthen the straps, or give it a detachable shoulder strap (although given the weight, the shoulder strap would probably hurt, but it's still nice to have the option so it can free up your hands from time to time in the event you need to have your hands free for a moment)

July comings and goings

What came in - 9

• 2 dresses from my mom
• Coach wallet - a surprise gift from my husband =)
• Denim shorts
• Ivory skinny belt - I LOVE this piece, easily a new wardrobe staple and favourite
• Black crop top - not super short though!
• 2 non-iron blouses
• 1 short-sleeved blouse

What went out - 8

• 1 pink collared shirt with argyle patterns - I started to feel kiddish in it
• 1 black blouse - the material just made it very hot to wear
• 1 ivory sleeveless top - I love it but this time when I wore it, it seemed like an item that needed a lot of fussing, which I didn't love. I am sad to part with it
• 1 gray hoodie - I think over time I have been shrinking it in the wash, as well as outgrowing it =S x 2 (although that is one less hoodie I own! A category I've been wanting to downsize)
• 1 olive skirt - too big now
• 1 pair of shoes - sadly, a pair of my Cole Haans
• 1 collared shirt
• 1 dress

Wallet comparison - Michael Kors and Coach

I rarely receive wallets or bags as gifts, so when I do, they hold a very, very special place in my heart. It just so happens that I was gifted 2 wallets in less than a year, by 2 very special people in my life - my baby cousin and my husband. 

Michael Kors Jet Set travel wallet & Coach double-zip wallet

They each chose great wallets and I wanted to do a review and comparison because they are quite similar in size and function. These opinions are based on how I organize and use my wallets. 

My cousin gifted me the Michael Kors Jet Set travel wallet in navy for my birthday last year - I was so blown away! Below are some of its quick stats: 

• Saffiano leather
• 6.5" X 3.75" X 1"
• Handle drop: 7"

NOTE: I  believe the new versions now have a zip coin pocket next to the cell phone pocket. 

My husband <3 recently gifted me the Coach double-zip wallet in ocelot as a surprise! These are some of its quick stats: 

• Cross-grain leather
• 6" X 3.75" X 1.25"

Both wallets are considered to be classic pieces, so they can be found in classic colors, as well as in seasonal colors and designs. Currently, both styles are on sale, for similar price points. 

Exterior - the Coach has an exterior pocket, great for those who carry a card that needs to be frequently accessible. For me, I carry my transit pass.

Size - I've cropped this picture low so you can get a better idea of the height difference, if they were both lined up properly. The MK is half an inch taller than the Coach - you can really see the difference in the picture; and of course, being a double-zip, the Coach is wider than the MK, but surprisingly, only by a quarter of an inch. (Per their respective websites).

Interior - the MK opens up into one main compartment that has (from left to right) an almost hidden interior pocket, a large compartment, cell phone pocket, large compartment, then 3 credit card slots along the side. The Coach has 2 separate compartments - the left one has 4 credit card slots and an ID pocket, a back pocket behind the cards you can slip bills into, and the opposite side has the cell phone pocket; the right compartment has an almost hidden interior pocket, a large compartment, and a zip coin pocket. I believe the newer MK wallets now have a zip coin pocket next to the cell phone pocket.

Cell phone pocket - probably the biggest feature of both wallets is that it can hold a cell phone, for iPhone, Samsung and Blackberry. I own a BlackBerry Q10 and can confirm that it does fit in both wallets as long as  it is without a phone case. I choose not to use this feature because for work, I have to always be near my phone. This leaves me with an extra large compartment where I put my receipts and other miscellaneous items.

Extra details - the MK has beautiful gold tone hardware and there are little MK details throughout the wallet, such as the name etched on the clasp of the wrist strap and zipper, and also embossed on the interior wall. The hidden interior compartment is also lined in its monogram. The Coach also has gold tone hardware and like the MK, has Coach details throughout the wallet, including 'Coach' etched ever so tiny, onto the clasp. The zipper of the coin pocket snaps tight against the zipper when closed so it doesn't catch onto the zipper of the wallet when it is being opened or closed (I really appreciate this detail because there are a lot of wallets where the tab always gets in the way). Of course, it also includes their hang-tag, synonymous with their brand. 

Durability - When I first received the MK wallet, I used it non-stop for over 3 months. I recently took her out again and except for a few scratches on the plate, she looks brand new. Saffiano leather is known to be super durable so I have no worries about her getting scratched. I have only started using the Coach (about a week now) but can tell that it will be another one that will hold up well for many years. The cross-grain leather makes it very sturdy and almost feels bullet proof. 

Open and close - the zipper on the Coach was a bit iffy when zipping around the corners when I first got her but after some use, it's now starting to get smoother. The zipper on the MK was smooth from the start.

I am someone that carries a lot of cards with them and as much as I try to downsize, it's difficult - both these wallets have a lot of space for cards, despite both having very little designated slots. I also need to keep my receipts for work and sometimes it may take months before I remove them from my wallet - I like the open compartments for this a lot. I rarely carry cash, and therefore do not have a lot of change so my MK version not having one does not affect me greatly, although I appreciate it in the Coach. 

Both of these wallet fit my lifestyle really well - I could never carry a mini wallet regularly, but sometimes like to carry something smaller than a full-length wallet; these medium sized wallets are great because they fit into a majority of my smaller bags with ease. I like that both have the detachable wrist strap which lets me use it as a small clutch of some sort, or hang it from my arms if I need to be hands-free while running an errand.

While I use both as an every day wallet, I prefer the MK on a regular basis because I can access all my things by opening one compartment. The Coach is great but because I can't squeeze all my loyalty cards into the same section as my credit/debit card, I sometimes end up having to open both compartments, which takes more time and maneuvering. That said, when I go on vacation, I carry as little as possible. This is where the Coach has more points  - when I'm on vacation, I carry cash so I can keep my bills, receipts, and coins in the right compartment, and use that side regularly; this allows me to store my cell phone (which I don't need as much), along with important cards I don't use often (including my credit/debit cards), in the left compartment, secured and on my person at all times. 

The Coach does have one thing I wish the MK had, and that is the exterior pocket. 

I hope these pictures, and thoughts on how these wallets work for me, can help someone out! Feel free to ask me any questions or ask for more pictures!

Excitement! - new favourite outfit and accessory!

I thought Mimmy made a really good point in her post comment about the 'odd man out' - "I think I was actually trying to pair it with things that worked against it." This really spoke to me and she had mentioned she decided to pair her piece with neutrals and let the piece speak for itself. 

Here is that same sweater again - 

(Rosie Neira)

And taking into account Mimmy's words, yesterday, I decided to wear it as the showcase piece and made this outfit with it - 

(Banana Republic, GAP, Rosie Neira, Cole Haan, Coach, Pearson & Brown)

I wish I had taken a photo with the outfit on because the colors look way better together, but this is a new favourite outfit I discovered; it uses my color capsule and a 'odd man out' piece to form a decent outfit, but then is taken to a non-boring level by my shoes and scarf. 

(The more I look at it, this cardigan seems to be a shade of gray with some green undertone ... ya, I still have no idea about its color, sigh...)

Now, let me talk about this scarf - I received it from my mom's latest trip to Asia and it's actually landscape. I don't know if you can tell from the photo but it's mountains and a body of water. I don't know too much about it other than it's silk and by Pearson & Brown - if any one has more info on this brand, I'd love to hear about it! It's beautiful and oh sooooooo soft. It's fast becoming one of my favourite items. 

(Pearson & Brown silk scarf; sorry for the poor photo quality, I used my phone camera to do the pano)

The yellow played off of my shoes and the green picked up the undertones of my cardigan. And since I left everything else neutral, both the scarf and cardigan got to stand out. So, thanks Mimmy, for giving me the idea to let the 'odd man out' shine, and also to the girls on TpF for all the talk about scarves lately that gave me the idea to pull this out. 

Review of January's bags

In January I took to testing out a bag that I didn't use in 2014. It was my black Kate Spade Wellesley Elena tote - After a month of using her for work I have decided to keep her (at least for now). She was originally purchased for work and she has lived up to her standards. After using her for so long on a regular basis, she is much easier to carry than I remembered and the only thing that keeps me from loving her 100% is that she is very structured and I'm used to having some saggy-ness in my bags. All in all though, I love looking at her and since I find her much easier to carry now, I will be keeping her.

Weekends are when I switched out my bags for smaller bags and the first weekend, I switched into my white gold Cole Haan "Village II" zip satchel - I love this bag. It's size, versatile color and convertible wear (hand-held, or shoulder/crossbody) makes this one of my favourite bags in my closet. Not to mention, I got it at a steal last year and its cost per wear is well into the single digits.  

For my second weekend, I was spending it at my parents and didn't need much so I decided to go for my Coach small hobo (I think from the Soho collection) in brown leather - this was a bag that I was trying to sell in 2014, but with no success, I tried to use her again and found her to be quite comfortable. I mostly use larger bags (the usual size of my bags are at least the size of the Cole Haan mentioned above) so this is quite a stretch for me. I have learned how to use it and it now works great - in fact, I ended up using her for most of the remaining weekends in January. While I won't be buying any more bags in this size or style, I am glad I did not part with this beauty because her leather is phenomenal and I love watching her leather change. 

January's comings and goings/ February's capsule wardrobe and bag of-the-month

In January, I let go of: 

• 1 scarf - it was actually a 'second chances' item - I just don't like it anymore
• 1 pair of dress pants - it is a wider leg pant and I am slowly making my way towards slimmer fitting pants for work
• 1 top - replaced it with my recent GAP plaid top that I like more
• 1 sweater - I just don't feel the same about it anymore
• 1 bag - not from my main collection - it was a bag I purchased in university and I had been using it as a beat-around bag, even though it's handles were showing large amounts of wear
• 1 perfume - I sold it! One of my minimalism goals is to have only 2 perfumes in rotation and now I have 3 in current rotation and one unopened (which was a wedding gift from my sister-in-law - it's a Hello Kitty wedding themed perfume!)
• 1 coat - finally donated one of the winter coats I was debating on letting go of last year. I did take from it its fur trim from the hood since it was easily detachable and doesn't look like anything is missing from it - I attached the trim to another coat that can't bring myself to let go of yet, to spruce it up
• 1 money clip - I gave my Gucci money clip to my guy bff - I'm SO happy to pass this on to someone who will enjoy using it; I bought it in my university days for clubbing and only used it a few times (it wasn't an ideal purchase as I thought it would be) and have been feeling guilty about not using it enough. 

8 items out of my wardrobe, and dropped off my bag of donations of household goods, books, and other random things. 

In January, I brought in:

• 1 bag - not purchased, but given to me by same guy bff: it is a canvas tote from Indigo of sizable proportions with detachable shoulder strap. It will be taking the place of the bag I just let go of but its condition and style will let me use it for other occasions

• 1 pair of tan Uggs - I have been waiting for my pair (mine are gray) to be completely unwearable before I replaced them but my mom recently bought a pair of boots she liked better and gave me her Uggs that she had only worn a few times  ~Thanks, Mom!~

• 1 scarf - it was a gift and hand-made by a close family friend, in a beautiful torquise-y/teal color - love it!
• 3 pairs of tights - I really needed to replace my old ones, and I got them on sale =) I don't count these as additions to my wardrobe since they're sort of like socks, but I am reporting them to keep myself accountable for the things that I do buy
• 1 wool coat - I found a beautiful camel colored wool coat at Nordstrom and jumped on a chance to buy a quality, neutral colored coat.

3 items into my wardrobe (cost me NOTHING!), 3 pairs of the same item that is a wardrobe staple needing of replacement , and a neutral colored coat (which I see as an upgrade and a long lasting wardrobe staple) 

February is going to be an interesting month as I will be visiting my husband and in-laws in Nova Scotia for a week. I have picked 2 very small capsules for this short month - one for home, and one for travel.

Again, no app for me to post pictures, but here is what I have picked out for my time at home - 

My bag this month will be my much-loved and used blue Coach saffiano leather tote - she is one of the easiest bags in my collection. She fits easily over my shoulders, carries tons of stuff and because she has some structure to her, I don't find myself digging through a black hole; I love her color and especially love that I don't have to worry about her when I carry her in the rain or on transit - the color and material seems to just be scratch and dirt-proof. I love her so much that I have her in white and brown for the summer (although I admit, the white is less user-friendly because I will worry about getting anything on her haha). 

Happy New Year! and 2015's debut bag and SLG combination

Happy New Year to everyone! 

Thanks for all the support you have shown me in 2014 when I started my journey. I'm really hoping to continue on my path towards minimalism and staying focused on my goals. Blogging about it has really made me accountable and more aware of my wardrobe and lifestyle choices, and I look forward to sharing my ups and downs with you. In fact, I have enjoyed blogging so much that I'm getting a bit distracted from work, so I will be posting only on Tuesdays and Fridays (with the exception of this post =)). 

As the new year begins, it's time for a fresh start so I'm starting with an overhaul of my bag and its contents. 

One of my resolutions is to continue to use and assess the bags I currently have and decide what to do with some of the bags I didn't use in 2014. 

I'm going to start the year off with a saffiano leather Kate Spade Wellesly Elena tote that I purchased at the outlets for the purpose of a polished, professional look. I have used it in previous years but did not take it out in 2014. 

I very much like its structured shape and how well it holds itself up on its own, as well as its organized interior - all great for meetings when I have to bring pitch books and need to reach into my bag to easily grab things I need. However, her pluses are also her minuses - because she is so structured, there is no give and it means that I cannot pack her too full and for someone who takes transit to work on a regular basis, this is a slight problem; added, I have to leave enough room for pitch books so this really leaves me with one side of the bag for 'personal' items. This is a bag that I have been debating whether to keep or let go - her structured, professional look and indestructible material make her a keeper but her lack of space keeps me thinking... 

For my wallet, I have chosen this coated canvas Coach Poppy zippered wallet - this was a 'because I love you' gift from my then-bf, now husband, and she has seen much use. 

I have semi-retired her as she is beginning to show signs of wear (although not bad for a 5 year old wallet) but since my husband will be away for 2 months, I have decided to bring her out while he is gone so I something from him to carry with me every day =) This wallet actually made me realize how much I like zippered wallets and with this bag I'm carrying, knowing that everything in my wallet will be secured and compact, is much appreciated! 

For those of you who do not use a key holder, I highly recommend it. My keys used to be loose until my brand new LV Epi Sarah fell victim to a cluster of key marks - ever since then, I have been using a key holder. I have 2 key holders and for 2015, I will be switching into a brown leather Fossil keyholder, given to me by a friend and fellow co-worker during my university days in Toronto. 

I can actually fit a substantial amount of keys, plus lipbalm, eyedrops, and perfume; also great for bobby pins, hair ties, and loose change. 

For make-up and random first-aid bits and pieces, I'm going simple and just using a Bodyshop pouch - simple, light and spacious. For those extra VIP cards and coupons of the sorts, I'm using my Coach made for factory keyholder that I was using last year for my keys. 

These will all fit nicely into one side of the bag, with enough room for an umbrella, leaving me with the other half free for my pitch books, pencil case, and calculator. I have learned to leave the middle zippered section empty, or for small amounts of paper as it bulges and makes it hard for me to access my stuff on the sides. 

Jewelry purge and goal

Jewelry is an area where I personally find easy to own a lot of yet difficult to work into my daily outfits. I know a lot of fashion advice tells us that by changing up our jewelry, we can easily change up our look. This is really difficult for me as I'm admittedly lazy and rushed in the mornings and can't imagine having to add more brainpower to getting myself out the door. 

I have my daily jewelry which consist of my wedding and engagement rings, two bracelets on my left arm, two Pandora rings on my right hand, diamond studs, and a necklace with a family charm and a jade Buddha hanging from them. I wear these every day and only change them when I have an event that requires a little bit more. 

The 'little bit more' is where I plan to focus my attention - I did a major purge of my jewelry (not including fine jewelry or family pieces) at the beginning of the year and even tried to re-purpose a few items into bag fobs or other pieces that I may wear more. Now that I've minimized my collection, I'm trying to incorporate one piece into my outfits and force myself to change up my daily pieces. 

I still get lazy some days but I have noticed that a necklace really does spruce up an outfit and take it to the next level. Below are some of the pieces I've been able to use on a more regular basis. 

Left to right: navy and silver link 'Guess' necklace, a blue smoothed glass necklace (gift from husband from his latest trip to Nova Scotia), black 'J Crew' bangle, rose gold 'Coach' bangle, silver Tiffany & Co. mesh bracelet) 

Recent bags in rotation - tons of rain, but I'm worry free!

The last month we have been experiencing non-stop downpour, and these are the 3 bags I chose to tackle the horrible weather.

Coach Madison "Julianne" Op-art tote - despite being hot pink, I reach for this bag a lot when I can't think of what bag to use. Its canvas material gives me peace of mind since I don't need to panic and baby it in the rain, and the detachable shoulder strap makes it really easy for me to go hands-free to hold my umbrella.

Banana Republic "Scalia" tote - I bought this bag as my 'public transportation' bag and it has not failed me. This bag is HUGE and with all its compartments, works really well for work. Taking public transportation means I have to be quite prepared for our temperamental weather and at a moment's notice, I can pull out the scarf and gloves I have stashed away, or put away my jacket if it warms up. The compartments keep my documents neat and separate. Even though it is leather, I don't have problems using this in poor weather because it is so tough and I swear, any marks that are made on it gradually disappear over time. The only down-side is that it gets a bit heavy, but the wider straps and generous drop counter that a bit.

Valentina mustard convertible hobo and crossbody - I found this at my local Winners 5+ years ago and it has been one of my best bag purchases. Not to mention I got it on clearance - I think I paid around $50 for it, and it's made in Italy. The leather is pebbled so it can withstand a lot of abuse and since it is convertible, when I have to unexpectedly hold an umbrella, it is so easy. Even though it looks like it puddles and it would be difficult to find anything in it, it actually has some interior compartments that alleviate that a bit. A zippered pocket, one cell phone pocket, and then a larger slip-pocket. Its color makes me one of my faves to pull out for fall.   

Less is more - I sold one of my bags

Today I sold one of my bags - a Coach Madison “Lindsay” satchel in fuchsia. It is a top handle satchel with a hidden outer zip-pocket and removable strap; the body is about the size of an 8.5” x 11” piece of paper.

It’s a beautiful bag but it did not work for me - as I hone in on what bag styles I’m drawn to and use the most, I found that top handle satchels with a somewhat structured body is what works best for me (it has to somewhat hold its shape on its own when I put it down).

This bag has a slouch of its own and puddles the second I put it down unless I carrying something that can hold itself up, in which case, the bag has to lean against something, lie flat, or hang off of something. Too fussy.

For a bag with this much slouch factor, I prefer something with a body that is half the size of the “Lindsay” (such as Coach’s discontinued “Sophia”, which is the “Lindsay” but with a shorter body).

It was hard to let such a pretty bag go but once I realized it wasn’t working (and why), I knew it was time to find it a new home where it can be used, loved, and truly shine.