I enjoyed a bout of spring last week during a quick business trip to California – it was a treat for my legs to get fresh air after many tights-clad months. I took advantage of the sunshine, packing soft hues and bright colors that are not quite yet in season here in snowy Boston.
The latest member of my handbag family is a Loeffler Randall pastel beauty. I gravitated towards the durable, water resistant saffiano leather option, but it also comes in smooth camel brown, black, and prints. While browsing this brand of handbags at Nordstrom, I appreciated the multitude of petite-friendly options. Their signature Rider bag (also avail. in mini) is a very manageable size even for shorter ladies. I chose this style for its versatility – it can be held by hand satchel-style as shown, and also comes with a removable strap that adjusts to both shoulder and crossbody lengths. As an added bonus true to its namesake, the Rider bag has two straps on the back (see last photo below) to attach to bicycle handlebars.
I love mint green but own few pieces in this color. I turned to my helpful color wheel and decided to start with neighboring colors (in this case, varying hues of green and blue), plus neutral shoes to complete the outfit.
The Rider bag measures 11.5″ wide x 8.5″ tall, and the depth expands up to 4.” It holds quite a bit, plus has a multitude of compartments for organization. There’s two large pockets with a middle snap-strapped sleeve that can fit an iPad (as shown) or notebook. There’s also card slot holders, a cell phone pocket, and three other smaller compartments. In my bag below is a sunglass case, wallet, makeup pouch, cell phone, ipad, keys, shoulder strap (strap length when attached expands from approx. 32″ to 42″) and more. I’ll be doing another post in the coming week showing it worn casually with the shoulder strap.
This textured blurry check skirt has been on my wishlist for a while. It’s more than what I’d typically like to spend on an unlined skirt, but was decidedly a keeper given the good waist/hip fit and unique woven material. The fun color and print also make it a piece I want to reach for outside of just work.
In my experience, Topshop sizing runs at least one size smaller than US brands. If your size is currently unavailable, you can sign up for Nordstrom’s online waitlist to get back-in-stock email alerts. For reference, this US 0 is more fitted than some size 00 skirts I’ve tried and just needed a simple hem job (2″ shorter for me), which was a quick DIY job. Turns out I was not the only fan of the material – did a little double take upon seeing Nick’s new gym accessory.
Skirt measurements: US 0 is 12″ across the waist, 16″ across the hips and 21.5″ original length. US 2 (I had ordered both sizes to try) measures 12.5″ across the waist, 16.5″ across the hips, and 22″ length.
I'm new to your blog but I allready love all the chique and feminine outfits I've seen! Definitely going to follow!
hEY Jean. I have been looking around for a similar bag that can fit my macAir 11inch. Do you have any suggestions? thank you.
ps: I love your outfit
The silver snaps on the handle snap off…see my most recent post for a photo!
I bought this bag at Nordstrom today. How do you remove the strap?
I love your entire outfit; that bag is a stunner!
Lovely. Ca always count on ur detailed post. I thought this color was fun, but didn't think u would consider this splurge worthy…then I noticed it was a sponsored post. 🙂
That skirt is super eye-catching. I tried it on at Nordstrom too and it was amazing, but it was a tad too bold for my taste. Love your look!
http://www.pattyliu.com
Love this outfit! You have such gorgeous hair!!
XO,
Lexi
the-streetsofgold.com
I want that skirt
Win Blog/Website Design
wow that bag is gorgeous! and so is that skirt!!
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
It is $315.56 + 20% off if you subscribe to their fashion e-mails. @amazon.com.
Beautiful color combo! I have been adding mint to my wardrobe for a year now, and it's easily been my favorite color of late, but I'm resisting hard in adding too many pieces.
It started with a a random V neck tee in that color!
The texture combo of super light/silky top and heavy weave skirt is great as well. Your outfit is so balanced!
xo Ivche
hi jean- how do you care for the exterior of your aquatalia? I am so terrified to wear them in the snow – im afraid the salt will ruin them! any advice?
I love your outfit, Jean!
Love this! And love seeing a snapshot of your lovely apartment — so gorgeous and bright.
Looking flawless!
xo
Maggie A
LOVEMAVIN/YOUTUBE || LOVEMAVIN/BLOG
Amazing outfit! Absolutely love the pops of colors in the same color palette! http://www.excusedenied.com
I absolutely love everything about the bag– the size, the style, its versatility, and the compartments. I looked it up and it also looks perfect blue!
I love the blue check print with the pastel color of the bag and the chiffon blouse. Great spring outfit!
XOXO,
Elle
http://www.apairofshoesforeveryday.com
Quite stunning! I love the color of the bag.. just in time for spring!
Beautiful outfit! I love the pale pastel green and that bag is fantastic! Hope you enjoyed your California trip!
Suzie Q
http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
Ahhhh you have me lusting for more bags just when my shoe obsession has been reawakened! Lovely and practical looking bag and you look great Jean! Hope the weather warms up in Boston soon…looking forward to more of these pretty pastel posts! <3 Irene
Hi, I really like your shoes, what color is the Valentino shoes??
Nice color combo. Very similar to http://www.devonrachel.com/2014/02/i-love-you.html
I love all the different shades of blue! Your bag is so beautiful as well!
http://www.ericasedition.blogspot.com
Absolutely stunning! I love that bag, it's beautiful!
x. Sabrina | Simply Sabrina
Gorgeous outfit!!! Love your outfit and pics!!!
Your bag's color is really nice, perfect for this summer!!!! <3
xoxo
Le monde des petites
http://www.lemondedespetites.com/
nick photo made me lol for reals
I want that skirt-so classic and ladylike.
~Esther
This bag is so perfect! Can't wait to see more of it this Spring…looking forward to being enabled! 🙂
I'm obsessed with the look-that skirt is amazing and smart to get hemmed and don't get me started with that bag…. I'm in love!
http://www.asequinloveaffair.com
Gorgeous mint bag! Just like mint or turquoise jewelry, I'll bet you'll find a mint bag more versatile than you think 😉 love this outfit too! You always make a pencil skirt and ruffle blouse look amazing!
I've had my eye on that skirt, it looks gorgeous on you!
This handbag is so beautiful!
cool look!!
xoxo from rome
K.
kcomekarolina.com
This is also really interesting for me because those Valentino pumps are also on top of my wishlist!
You look wonderful and the outfit is just perfect for spring. Fortunately we have here in Bavaria since weeks more springlike weather and I like it that it is possible to wear such bright and light colours. And I like your new bag!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.blogspot.de
Wow I love this look! The handbag is great and I love the Valentinos!
http://missbagaholic.blogspot.com
This is quiet possibly the best bag ever! I'm stopping myself from getting other colors as I have to diversify. I LOVE this minty one and you paired it flawlessly!
NEW POST:: ALL MESHED UP
http://www.eyelikefashion.com
http://www.eyelikefashion.com
http://www.eyelikefashion.com
xoxo
Ooo, never mind, not for that price. But it is a great handbag.
That bag is SO classy. Love the style. You might've tempted me. 🙂
Hi Jean! What a beautiful handbag! The perfect color for spring, so fresh and light. I love the overall outfit, gorgeous pairing of that silk ruffled shirt and the blue squared pencil skirt.
Those Valentino pumps are on the top of my wishlist, but I have very narrow feet, so I'm a little bit concerned about the straps on the heels. I fear they might be too wide for me. They look perfect on you though, do you have narrow feet or are they rather normal?
X Sara
I love your overall outfit!
the-renaissance-of-inner-fashion.blogspot.co.uk