Thursday, 21 May 2009

21 5 09

Today I was on the hunt for a big bag to use as my carry-on luggage when I scoot off to America at the beginning of next month (yay!), I searched high and low, cheap and expensive, and found... nothing. Okay, I only looked on the high street, but still, when did the high street get so rubbish?! Have I just been away from these shops for so long that I've forgotten what poor quality their stock is? Or has it become increasingly worse over time?! Anyway, there was one bag which I kinda liked, in River Island. Exhibit A:



At first glance, I loved it. Chain strap - love, quilted - double love, patent – triple love! But then I realised I was looking at the back of it, and didn't notice the huge hideous badge that was on the front! What is that thing?!! Is this River Island attempting to make their accessories look designer? Is this their attempt at a double C Chanel logo?! WRONG WRONG WRONG! So tacky!
After being totally deflated I went into TopShop with the hope of something better. I didn't find a bag, but I found the most adorable cardigan! It's not TopShops own design, but one of the concessions, by a brand called Motel Rocks.



I tried it on and it is sooo uber soft, and has the coolest buttons!



At £50 I thought it was a bit pricey for a cardigan, but I knew I would wear it over and over, so I treated myself!
Then when I got home, I looked on the internet for a bag and came across this beauty:



It’s very similar to the River Island one, but the strap is a gold chain instead of silver which I think looks better, and it doesn't have that horrid logo on the front. Plus, the strap is much longer AND it was cheaper! Success! I have practically everything I need for the holiday now, minus a wash bag, but I've wanted a Lulu Guinness vanity case for ages now, and seeing as it's going to be cheaper in America, I'm going to get one over there. Sorted!

Wow, that's the longest post I've done in a while!! xxx
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23 comments:

  1. www.janetteria.com21 May 2009 at 20:16

    only a word: COOL!

    I adore nautical and classic chanel style...

    XoXo

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  2. Miss Woody21 May 2009 at 20:44

    and i love the sailor style too!

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  3. Darla: Retro Ways21 May 2009 at 21:42

    That is an adorable cardigan.
    ♥Darla

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  4. Unapologetically Mara22 May 2009 at 08:34

    Wooo...trip to America. where do you live?

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  5. Hannah22 May 2009 at 23:06

    I know exactly what you mean about the high street. The only stores I really bother with now are Topshop and H&M. I'm a bit of a snob really and refuse to shop in places like New Look (but charity shops/car boots- bring it on!). River Island is terrible for all the extra, completely unnecessary embellishment. Some of their pieces could actually be quite good but then they decide to stick a few sequins here, add a tacky logo there and bam! It's ruined!

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  6. Annie22 May 2009 at 23:55

    love the cardigan! so cute.

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  7. Louise23 May 2009 at 12:06

    I absolutely love that cardigan, motel rocks is such a gorgeous label. I wish I could afford to buy all of their dresses!

    And I agree, that River Island bag is ruined by the chunky silver logo, it makes it look so tacky. Your eBay buy is much nicer!

    x

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  8. Louise23 May 2009 at 12:10

    I just found your Motel cardigan on ASOS for £40!

    http://www.asos.com/Motel/Motel-Nautical-Stripe-Long-Cardi/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=625359&SearchQuery=motel&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Multi

    it is out of stock at the moment, but if you can wait till it's in stock again, i'd take the Topshop one back and order this one! Save your self £7 (with postage taken into consideration..)

    x

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  9. Couture Carrie23 May 2009 at 13:25

    Love that cardi and bag! So exciting that you are going to Fla. in 2 weeks!!

    xoxox,
    CC

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  10. Ella Gregory23 May 2009 at 14:27

    The design team at River Island must be crazy, because they make all these great bags and cover them in their shitty logo. Don't they know people only want labels from designer? I'd never buy something because it said the name of a high street store.

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  11. carrie / wishwishwish23 May 2009 at 16:58

    i love motel stuff! x

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  12. Emz23 May 2009 at 21:18

    I love all your picks!

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  13. H @ Narnia's Closet23 May 2009 at 22:41

    great bag! and good job finding a better replacement. i also love that nautical sweater! adorable!

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  14. Rebecca, A Clothes Horse24 May 2009 at 02:06

    That bag is quite cute--definitely better without the logo.

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  15. muchlove24 May 2009 at 08:31

    oh I LOVE that cardigan! You must be very excited about your trip!

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  16. alter_ego24 May 2009 at 09:49

    I can't use bags, only backpack, because for school, I need a lot of things! Grrr. The bag is cool, but the cardign is lovely, I love the buttons! *

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  17. Sophie, the Barton Girl24 May 2009 at 10:55

    That cardi is to die for!
    And I'm with you on the River Island vulgarissimo bag - yikes...

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  18. Anonymous25 May 2009 at 00:49

    I love the cardigan, the buttons are adorable! And that is a lovely bag you got in the end, I hate it when shops stick really ugly logos on otherwise beautiful things. x

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  19. LF26 May 2009 at 03:34

    fantastic cardi!

    PS///I gave you an award, check it out on http://HippieFrouFrou.blogspot.com


    jess s//

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  20. Anonymous27 May 2009 at 10:19

    oh I love the cardigan!! it's THE perfect one!

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  21. Daisy29 May 2009 at 00:31

    The cardi is lovely!!!

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  22. Mint Harvest18 June 2009 at 03:21

    that cardigan is cute and i agree that the first bag looks a little gawdy. the second one is really nice though!

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  23. selina13 July 2009 at 18:37

    i've seen that river island quilted bag sooo many times on the street! also seen hot pink ones, they are really something! can't get away from the tackiness!

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