Marc Jacobs bag splurge.

I've been wanting a new bag for a long time (browsing pinterest will do that to you).  A nice bag. A fancy bag. And when I say fancy, I think I do mean designer.

But not an expensive designer bag; a more "reasonable" designer bag (If that isn't an oxymoron).

Point is - I'd like a new bag. A splurge bag. A treat.

I get most of my bags from Banana Republic and they have great bags -- stylish, high quality, long lifespan AND -- when Banana has a 30% or 40% off sale -- a great bargain.

On to my splurge bag. Maybe it will be a Mother's Day present for myself.  And I've identified Marc by Marc Jacobs as the maker of my bag.  There are three I love.  I've cut it to two, and now I need help deciding which one.

Here they are:

Little Tate Tote

Take Me Tote

Love the color. Love them both --- totally different, but not different enough to warrant both.

Normally I'd say Little Tate is more my style - I love the faux quilted look and it'd be a cute, fun, light everyday purse or diaper bag. But....Take Me Tote is just so shiny and pretty and sleek! and can oomph up any outfit....

Which do you like?

Pinterest: ever revisit your pins and boards?

It's like going shopping in your closet. Well, your virtual closet.  And more like browsing your virtual closet to see what you might want to actually turn into items in your real closet.

I've pinned so many things, I've forgotten what I've pinned.  I've even pinned the same item twice accidentally.

This morning I went back and looked through some of my boards.  Pinterest has made some changes that make visiting the site even more visually appealing.  Here's a glimpse at what awaited me when I went to my boards.

A beautiful array of colors and products!

Items that made me smile.

Items I wondered why I had pinned.
(turns out they were from my very early pinterest days, and I didnt' know about changing the descriptions then either)

Stuff I forgot I pinned.

And tons of great stuff I still coveted. Some of my favorites that I rediscovered:

   

Source: piperlime.gap.com via Julie on Pinterest

Amazing Marc by Marc Jacobs bag. I love it. This is the item I pinned twice I loved it so much. Maybe something for my birthday wish list?

Source: fab.com via Julie on Pinterest

"Carry On" carry-on bag. Cute. Like the play on words.

Source: fab.com via Julie on Pinterest

Source: shopthetrendboutique.com via Julie on Pinterest

Very cute t-shirt. More than I'd spend on a t, but I do like this. Totally forgot I pinned it.

Source: etsy.com via Julie on Pinterest

LOVE this bracelet. Capital letters.  Found it at an Etsy shop, The Lucky Elephant.  It is so pretty, vibrant, fun and ... expensive.  Another item I'd love, but more than I'd spend. Another item to add to the birthday wish list?

Source: bellabyte.com via Julie on Pinterest

Cute and sweet print for the house.  Would be a nice addition to our walls.  Quite reasonable.

If you like any of these items and want to see  more, I welcome you to visit my boards. And remember to take a walk down your pinterest memory lane too. You never know what you'll rediscover.

ps - Another interesting exploration - seeing what has been pinned. I think that will be part 2 of my pinterest posting. Stay tuned for more.

Diaper bag and baby carrier in one. Can it be?

Ok, need your thoughts on this one.

I want to share this (seemingly) great item with you that I've been eying this for quite some time. The Go-Go Babyz Sidekick Bliss Diaper Bag -- it doubles as a diaper bag and baby carrier.

Two-in-one. Sounds awesome. Looks cute.  Comes in yellow, hot pink and gray. Reviews on Amazon (though only five) are all five stars.

I found it originally on Open Sky, a really fun and great site if you're not familiar. But I digress. More about Open Sky in a second.

Back to the bag.

I love the idea - I'd love to run into the Gap or run a few errands without shlepping the stroller in and out of the car.  Or stand in line and not worry about your little one running all over. This seems like a great solution.  If it works.  The write up says it holds a child up to 35 pounds, so we're still in the window.

It's a little pricey for a casual bag (for me).  It's $120 on Amazon, but there's currently a $15 off coupon, plus free shipping.

Thoughts? Experiences? Recommendations? I'd really love to hear what you think.  Please share!

ps, I'm adding a separate post about Open Sky.