Spotted Slim Pants + J.Crew Red Edie Bag (now on sale)

J.Crew Edie Purse in 7 colors (use SHOPNOW for extra 30% off, good til 8/7), eBay rope pearls

Ann Taylor sandals (use FRIENDSFB for extra 30% off), H&M spotted pants (sz 2, $12.95) & blouse

Thanks to JCA for sharing the unpublished code SHOPNOW, good for an extra 30% off sale items on J.Crew online. The discount makes this little bag $138.60, and still available in 7 rich colors. I got mine for $95 after calling several places using their in-store locator system - but I was told red was the only color at that price, and that I got one of the last ones left nation-wide at the clearance price (this was 2 weeks ago).

This bag is a lovely size for something with a smaller frame and can be worn three ways. You can carry it from the top handle as a handbag (above), sling it casually from your shoulders using the detachable long strap (below)...

Or you can loop the handle over your arm satchel-style...

It is no secret that J.Crew has been taking liberal inspiration from handbag designers (Tillary tote ...Celine luggage tote), and the Edie bag is no exception. For my little red bag cravings, I had been eying Coach's vintage red court bags via e Bay and was struck by the unmistakable similarities. I'm not a fan of Coach's overdone logo canvas, however some their older leather bag designs are timeless and functional. Despite loving the original Coach, I went for the Edie because I could get a new/clean bag for less (the pre-owned red court bags were going for $100-$150), and I was a bit skeeved out by stains I saw on the older suede interiors.

These H&M spotted pants are a recent purchase that I am very happy with. They jumped out at me on the website - and once I saw the $12.95 price tag, I marched straight to the store after work. I was worried that crazy animal pants would be unpopular with the boyfriend, but he gave a surprising thumbs up. I toned down the print with a solid top and neutral shoes, but added a small punch of color back with a classic red and gold bag.

Left: off the rack fit vs. hemmed + tapered   Right: unaltered and rolled up, styled with basic black

The sz 2 in these pants fit me well throughout the waist and hips, but I must point out the extremely high-waist which I have been wearing folded down. Also, the length is meant for someone several inches taller than me and thus doesn't taper down enough by my natural ankles. You can resolve this by rolling them up in cuffs, or by slimming down the pant leg and hemming as shown above.

See this bag in oasis green and sagebrush on Elle (plus a wonderfully thorough review), and the pecan color on Kelly. Despite ordering my bag on final sale, sight unseen (FYI - it is not final sale online), I was confident that it would look proportionate on me having seen these two ladies tote it frequently and lovingly. Please note that both of them have mentioned that this leather is scratch-prone. I haven't noticed this on my red one yet, but have adjusted my expectations accordingly and decided I wouldn't mind some scratches to give it a more weathered, vintage look.

Readers - Have you fallen yet for the little red bag? Please share any other classic and affordable options!