#happygirlhappybag

Last week I partaked in one of the strangest online shopping experiences of my life. I bought my first Mansur Gavriel mini bucket bag. I assume the hype + excitement of this event might have been similar to the launch of new Jordan's in the 1990's. People went crazy. There were most definitely tears.

I am newer to the Mansur Gavriel brand, but really the brand itself is pretty new. It is the lovechild of Rachel Mansur + Floriana Gavriel. These two met in 2010 at an XX concert (my favorite part of the story) and launched the brand in early 2013. They were very deserving but totally lucked out when Steven Alan gave the two of them his stamp of approval. Ever since their bags have been the hottest item on the market.

They restock their inventory every few months with the last two restocks selling out within the hour. They don't announce the exact time so last Thursday was a constant round of refresh, refresh, refresh for me. I totally lucked out. I refreshed about ten minutes before the email newsletter went out. If you didn't move right away the item you wanted probably sold out. I managed to snag a highly coveted black mini bucket bag with a ballerina interior. It arrived yesterday + it so beautiful. 

Selling out within a matter of minutes when customers have a one item maximum purchase oder is pretty amazing feat but the real craziness occurred on social media. It was a total cluster of happiness for those select few that snagged the bag of their dreams, the many few that had been waiting months to purchase but didn't make it to the site in time, + then of course there were what I like ot refer to as "the shady motherfuckers" who just wanted to make a quick buck. The already pricey handbags were going for almost double their actual price.

That part was sad. Mansur + Gavriel had such a huge day that seeing some of the comments + re-selling had to be a bit of a bummer. People were demanding better processes, more inventory, etc but keep in mind, this brand is TWO YEARS OLD. It is a baby. It is learning. But luckily the designs are getting better. 

The next re-stock is in May. I might try to snag one of their new + less pricey clutches but I've really got my eye on their Fall collection which includes what they are calling the "Lady Bag", It's almost a backpack, but not quite. I'd love something like this to haul my laptop around. I'm not so sure I will get as lucky next time around but for now I am a #happygirlhappybag.

Here's some of the ridiculousness first hand:

jamie xx || loud places (featuring romy)

I love this duo so much. There is a good chance this will be my top song of the year.

father john misty || when you're smiling + astride me

I'll be seeing this handsome fella May 3rd at The Vic.

good morning

!!!!!!!

maya jane coles || something in the air (bonobo remix)

My favorite little lady is coming back to Chicago on April 3rd. Come join me.

paxton gate

On my most recent trip to San Francisco my friend introduced me to the wonderful world of the Mission District. We enjoyed a nice brunch at Laszlo (which shares a kitchen with a much more crowded Foreign Cinema next door) + topped off our meal with a few cocktails at the ever eclectic  Lolo. Once we were sufficiently tipsy we hit the shops.

Shopping in the Mission is my jam. The store are almost all a mix of clothing, jewelry, + home decor so no matter your mood you can find something that tickles your fancy. Everything is just so my style too which made the day a bit painful as I tried to restrain myself from not buying everything. One of my absolute favorite shops was Paxton Gate.

Paxton Gate is a little slice of heaven in my mind. It is filled to the brim with plants, taxidermy, crystals, curiosities, + all things weird. It reminded me a bit of Asrai Garden, my absolute favorite shop in Chicago, but way more nutty. I nabbed myself an adorable goldfish plant that unbeknownst to me will bloom with little orange buds as well as some match boxes. They have an online shop too + most items are pretty affordable. While you're at it, check out their kids' shop, Curiosities for Kids.

grecian

I have been on a seriously sandal kick lately. It may be because I am willing spring to come as hard as I goddamn can or it might just be because I have spending issues. I even bought my first pair of Birkenstocks! Birkenstocks aside, I also have a beautiful pair of handmade grecian sandals coming my way from the Sandelles Etsy shop in Cyprus.

I went with the tan option above. My only word of warning is that because these ship from Cyprus, these aren't for the impatient which is why I suggest ordering them while snow is still on the ground.

living room two point oh

I have alluded to this before, but I spend entirely too much time dreaming about my future home decor + how my current pieces are going to fit into the mix. I also already have had a scheme in mind of what I want this living room to look like but now I feel like it's actually starting to take form...take form very very prematurely. 

I already own seven of the items above. Five of which are incorporated into my current apartment, two of which (the rug and pillows) were bought for one day use. It is a bit delusional, I know. Tastes change but I really do feel like when the day finally comes to do a full living room re-haul I will still very much want the same (or similar) look. I still love my current look, it's just a bit dark so I know that I will want something lighter, like this, next. These pieces have legs though. I'm sure most of them will make it to version 3.0 too.

chromatics || i can never be myself when you're around

florence + the machine || what kind of man (nico jaar remix)

i was there || caribou

Show: Caribou

Koreless

Location: The Fillmore, San Francisco

Date: 3.1.15

Favorite Song: God damn. This is a hard one. There was not a bad song in the set. He played all songs from Our Love + Swim but I think the stands outs for me were "Bowls," "Silver," "Back Home," "Hannibal," + of course "Odessa" did an excellent job getting the dance party started. More than anything, the whole show just flowed so perfectly. Each song was right where it needed to be.

Memorable Moment: I went to this show with an old friend who has great taste in music but wasn't quite familiar with Caribou. A few songs in I just saw that look on her face of "HOLY SHIT" + for some reason that felt so satisfying. I can nerd out for hours on music but when you see someone else that into it it is a beautiful thing. Also, the drummer was pretty good at his job.

Biggest Letdown: I wish I had caught a bit more of Koreless. Actually, I wish Koreless played the after show in a more intimate venue. I would love to see him for real sometime.

This Show: Was easily one of the top three shows I have ever been to + quite possibly the very best. What I love about Caribou is the mixture of both live instruments + electronic sounds + that came together so perfectly live. The show was absolutely entrancing. I knew when those big moments in the song were coming yet I still found myself at the edge of my (hypothetical) seat. The lighting, venue, crowd, everything was perfect. It was so cool to see the show in such a historic venue like The Fillmore. I need to travel for more shows but I'm also really thankful I get to see these guys twice more in Chicago.

i was there || slow magic

Show: Slow Magic

Lindsey Lowend

Location: 1014 Folsom

Date: 2.27.15

Memorable Moment: Noise Pop Festival was conveniently taking place during my time in San Francisco. Most of the good shows were sold out by the time I figured this out but I decided it was a good opportunity to check out another venue beside The Fillmore while I was there. 1014 Folsom is literally one block away from where I was staying + Slow Magic seemed like a show I could enjoy. 

Biggest Letdown: The loser that I am only stayed for one Slow Magic song. I mostly saw Lindsey Lowend who was okay. West Coast time caught up to me + I couldn't bring myself to stay out until 2am (or 4am my time).

This Show: Was a good chance to explore the music seen in another city. I have long confessed my love for SF but now I can really confirm that I would be happy there with their music scene. Like Chicago, most artists travel through San Francisco + I didn't encounter any assholes. The vibe was very my speed.