Casual Sunday: Pastels and distressed denim

mint bag destroyed denim1

Loeffler Randall rider bag, Burberry trench sz 2 (similar), Gap real straight jeans (similar)
Louboutin heels, H&M; blouse and blazer

I last posted this bag as a handheld satchel, and wanted to show a more casual look using the strap. Usually, unadjustable cross-body styles fall closer to my lower thighs, but the length of this works well for shorter ladies. I love how the look can go from more ladylike and formal, to hands-free for running errands. Paired it here simply with distressed denim and my favorite trench (layered over a blazer for extra warmth).
mint bag destroyed denim3
There’s a mini version of this bag in the same mint leather with pretty silk citrus print. I wouldn’t be able to get much use out of that style, but was inspired to recreate the color and print combo using this pastel floral blouse.
mint bag destroyed denim4

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The strap is convertible from 32″ to 42″ (measured from the points that touch each side of the bag) by a few metal stubs, as shown above. You can also snap off the 4 stubs and remove the strap altogether. 42″ on me (I’m ~5 feet tall) is shown above cross-body messenger style, and 32″ works on me as a regular shoulder bag, shown below:
mint bag destroyed denim5
Looking forward to milder days when I can rent bikes around the city and on the cape – will be sure to put the backside handlebar straps to good use!
mint bag destroyed denim

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34 Comments

  1. KrisMercado wrote:

    Hi Jean, I love your casual outfit posts. I am also petite and find it hard to dress casual with out looking like a kid. Hopefully you can post more outfits with denim or outfits for going to the mall or running errands. I find it the most difficult finding jeans that fit. Thanks Jean.

    Posted 3.13.14 Reply
  2. Anonymous wrote:

    I think you made the right choice in size as they look great on you. I never thought I could wear the cuffed style til I saw this post! Thx for the quick response!

    Posted 3.9.14 Reply
  3. Jean wrote:

    Hi there – I ordered 00P/24P and they fit as shown. For a casual look I could've have sized up, in hindsight (had no idea how they'd run before ordering and they are final sale) especially if they shrink at all in the dryer.

    Posted 3.9.14 Reply
  4. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi jean, love your blog and am a big fan! The gap jeans look great on you. What size did you get them in since they run small?

    Posted 3.9.14 Reply
  5. Jean wrote:

    Grace, thanks so much for your first-time comment and for letting me know! I will have to go look for a copy : )

    Posted 3.6.14 Reply
  6. Jean wrote:

    Hi Christine – you don't feel them : )

    Posted 3.6.14 Reply
  7. Jean wrote:

    Hi Arts, unfortunately I have no experience shopping rolling laptop bags. If you're looking for a slim crossbody or shoulder bag though, I like how these look (with handle and straps) by MBMJ: http://www.shopbop.com/actions/viewSearchResultsAction.action?searchButton=Submit+Query&query;=marc+jacobs+commuter+bag&searchSuggestion;=false

    Posted 3.6.14 Reply
  8. Grace wrote:

    Hey Jean, never posted on here, but have been following you for some time. Love your style and tips. Just saw your picture in Redbook magazine, page 58. I remember the outfit from your post 🙂

    Posted 3.6.14 Reply
  9. Kai-Li wrote:
    Posted 3.5.14 Reply
  10. Giovanna wrote:

    Cute look! Loving that blouse and bag!

    xx
    Giovanna
    http://www.HeyLoveBlog.com

    Posted 3.5.14 Reply
  11. DontBlameTheKids wrote:

    Ooohh, pretty spring eye candy to get me through (another) snow! Warm weather cannot come fast enough!

    Posted 3.5.14 Reply
  12. Gigi Katz wrote:

    love that bag! cant wait for spring now! xx. gigi. http://www.gigikkitchen.com

    Posted 3.5.14 Reply
  13. Janna Dana wrote:

    You are very beautiful. I love all of your outfits, and I follow you since 1 year.

    You are in my favorites blog on my website.

    Come and see when you have the time.

    Bye !

    Johanna

    http://janna-dana.blogspot.fr/

    Posted 3.5.14 Reply
  14. Dice wrote:

    Love the look of this outfit! So classy and chic!

    Posted 3.4.14 Reply
  15. Christine de Leon wrote:

    love the loeffler randal. so simple and beautiful! I wonder if the bike straps bother you while you wear the purse though (especially as a cross body)..?

    from–The Lion's Den

    Posted 3.4.14 Reply
  16. Kstylick wrote:

    Thumbs up! XD I hope that maybe we could follow each other on Bloglovin, GFC or Facebook.

    Please leave a comment on my blog and follow by blog!

    http://kstylick.blogspot.com

    You can also like my Facebook page.

    https://www.facebook.com/Kstylick

    I will follow you back! 🙂

    Korean Fashion

    Posted 3.3.14 Reply
  17. Emily wrote:

    I feel so cold looking at you.

    Posted 3.3.14 Reply
  18. Arts wrote:

    Hi Jean

    Can you give some suggestions on a comfortable yet stylish laptop bags, preferably a rolling one.

    thanks.

    Posted 3.3.14 Reply
  19. Iv wrote:

    This bag is impressively versatile! Right now I have a bag from Hobo that I wish had an adjustable messenger strap. The strap is way, way too long. (I'm 5' too!) I used to use just the short straps but I've been running errands a lot lately and need a hands-free from bag.

    Currently.. as I walk, it goes *bop…bop..bop* as it hits me mid thigh, with the lowest point hitting nearly my knee. Sigh. New investment piece time!

    xo Ivche

    Posted 3.3.14 Reply
  20. Sheez Petite wrote:

    Love this causal styling!

    SheezPetite.com

    Posted 3.3.14 Reply
  21. Kárin Styles wrote:

    Beautiful outfit! Love that top with the coat

    -Kárin
    http://karinstyles.blogspot.com/

    Posted 3.3.14 Reply
  22. Rachel @ Grok Grub wrote:

    I like how you let a different bag's print inspire your outfit combo. I do the same thing with food blogging: get inspiration for recipes from different flavor combinations. 🙂

    Posted 3.3.14 Reply
  23. Patrícia M. wrote:

    Those bags are really perfect designs! Love the perfect mix between cute patterns and a work model.

    <3
    http://zazzish.blogspot.pt/

    Posted 3.3.14 Reply
  24. Anonymous wrote:

    I'm not quite sure why but I find this such a Sherlock Holmes-esque outfit! Super chic ♥

    Posted 3.3.14 Reply
  25. Dressed with soul wrote:

    I like both, too, especially because at the moment I´m really into pastel 🙂

    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena

    http://www.dressedwithsoul.blogspot.de

    Posted 3.3.14 Reply
  26. k come karolina wrote:

    fantastic look!!

    xoxo from rome
    K.
    kcomekarolina.com

    Posted 3.3.14 Reply
  27. Diana wrote:

    i love your trench coat!

    Posted 3.3.14 Reply
  28. Mei Fleming wrote:

    You've got me craving spring!!! Beautiful blouse and colors. The rider is seriously such a go-to bag. Love it in mint. Have it in black and craving another color. You look simply refreshing and beautiful!

    http://www.eyelikefashion.com
    http://www.eyelikefashion.com
    http://www.eyelikefashion.com

    NEW POST up…
    xoxo

    Posted 3.3.14 Reply
  29. Suzie Q wrote:

    Love the look of this outfit, simply classic and chic! I can't get enough of relaxed fit jeans since they're so comfy and yet still look chic with heels. The color of the bag is so perfect for spring!

    Suzie Q
    http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com

    Posted 3.2.14 Reply
  30. Jessy T wrote:

    Love this casual, yet polished look. These soft colours look beautiful on you. : ) I wish the snow would hurry up and leave Toronto already. So jealous that you're already in springtime attire!

    Posted 3.2.14 Reply
  31. Le monde des petites wrote:

    Love this outfit!!!! Love the pastel colors and your jean's! I am also looking for a jean's for Petite but can't find anything!!!! Is the H&M; blouse from the current collection? Love it!!! The print is amazing!!!!
    Thanks for your reply!

    xoxo

    Le monde des petites
    http://www.lemondedespetites.com/

    Posted 3.2.14 Reply
  32. Joy wrote:

    Lovely blouse and beautiful pastel purse!

    Posted 3.2.14 Reply
  33. Anonymous wrote:

    Love it. Very chic and functional.

    Posted 3.2.14 Reply
  34. EM wrote:

    I love how relaxed this look is, and I especially love the flowy top!

    http://www.ericasedition.blogspot.com

    Posted 3.2.14 Reply

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