Back to School!

My computer bag, and all its charms

Hi everyone!

I’ve been sick for the last 10 days, without much of a chance to truly rest up because launching our new Ghia ~ Le Fizz ~ has taken every bit of time and energy I had. At long last, I’m so happy it’s out, it’s juicy but dry, and feels like a grown up drink, but also tastes like the end of summer. The ingredient list is A++++ and at $20 a bottle, which is also how much I begrudgingly pay for a cold brew + croissant + tip in LA, it’s also our most approachable bottle - very hard to do in these times. I’m seeing it pop around on the gram at the NYFW parties, and it makes me so so so happy. If you’d like to try it, use the code NIGHTSHADE for 15% on our site.

Everything else I’m seeing on the runway and wanting to wear feels very grown up, a little repetitive, dare I say boring? Spending more time in Paris has helped me realize that the “Quiet Luxury” echo chamber is limited to a small but mighty US bubble, where conformity translates to a sense of safety and belonging. Perhaps I prefer to watch it from the outside (Europe) while wearing clothes collected over time, carefully filtered in because they express who I am and are flattering to my own body. Individuality, at least in fashion, is celebrated a lot more here.

Not everything in NY was like that though: I, too, am swooning over Cate / Khaite’s happiest collection (the beaded shoes!!), Tory Burch gave me the chills for the 3rd or 4th season in a row. I loved all the woven leather, the Raw denim in matching sets, the macrame, voluminous pouches and colorful accessories. And even the Madewell x Alexa Chung collection, though not revolutionary, feels wearable and untrendy in a really nice way.

Cate Holstein strikes again - Khaite SS25 show. The sandals!

Summer feels far away, but I’m not mad at my fall uniform: slightly flare slacks, an oversize shirt, my beloved Bally boat shoes, fun beads. I would show you but I look terrifying, burning throat, fever and all. Add my Savette clutch, and I’m ready for dinner. But alas, it’s 8am somewhere, and I need to stuff a vessel with my Macbook, the only thing around here more tired than me.

I don’t want my computer bag to scream “work is my whole personality”, perhaps in response right now to the fact that my work is my whole personality. So while my passport says I’m in age of wearing work appropriate clothing, my inner child spent 6h of Sunday scrolling through colorful charms to freak things up for you!

Enjoy :)

Melanie

The Bags

The computer bag doesn’t have to carry a computer. They’re the bags you grab by default on the weekdays, big enough to carry a lunch box or your pilates clothes, chic enough to be your only bag for the day, but not fragile enough to care too much about it (so, not this, even though it’s gorgeous). I feel strongly that at least two perfect computer bags were already invented: the Proenza PS1 satchel and the Chloe Edith bag, both models are for < $300 on Vestiaire or TRR.

1. Proenza Schouler PS1 ($235), Another color option ($188), Or another! ($204) - There are a million on TRR< usually < $300.

2. Chloe Edith (for 115 euros!) you can try to use the code MELANIEXVC for 20% off your order, too!

3. Balenciaga Le City ($2,850)

4. Madewell Suede Hobo ($178)

5. Dragon Diffusion Bali Basket ($467)

6. Bally Leather tote!!!!! ($1,456)

7. J.Crew Berkeley Tote ($228)

8. Sezane The Tote ($390) I have the bright red wheeeeee

9. Demellier Suede Tote Bag ($670)

10. Callista Grained Leather Tote ($690)

11. Savette Tondo ($1,990) (maybe doesn’t fit a laptop, but it does fit an ipad and a lunch box)

12. ODP ($965)

The beautiful @leiasfez and her Birkin

The Strap

When tying fabric on your strap, a light silk scarf works best, with a small print for max visibility. Again, the internet is a trove and these should not be too fragile - they can easily be swapped based on mood, or tied in your hair come summer.

1. The Rope Strap ($47)

2. Clare V. Resin Bag Strap ($105)

3. DVF silk floral scarf ($35)

4. LESCARF Animal print ($60))

5. Liberty of London floral scarf ($56)

6. Surya Silk ($25)

7. Paracord Strap ($45)

8. Turquoise Hermes silk scarf ($79)

9. Marimekko silk floral scarf ($64)

10. Prada Lips scarf ($147)

11. Fendi Beaded Bagstrap ($404)

12. Pucci Silk Scarf ($70)

Source unknown but yes!! I am partial to suede, beat up bags (and the price tag that comes with them!)

The Charms

This is the fun part! A few months ago, I asked my friends at Eliou to make me a charm with a few strands. Something big and hefty, like their necklaces, which I wear almost daily, but for my basket. Enough people asked them about it that they decided to release it. The chubbier, the better (I think) - this is meant to be fun!

1. Jil Sander Coin Purse ($105)

2. COS woven leather keyring ($25)

3. Tory Burch Giraffe ($139)

4. Tory Burch Lemon ($149)

5. Tulips ($50)

6. Coach Pinwheel ($29)

7. Free People Sun Bag Charm ($20)

8. Amazon Leather Heart ($14)

9. Beaded Carabineer a la Khaite! ($19)

10. Eliou Melanie Bag ($350)

11. Embroidered fish keychain ($20)

12. Prada Robot ($204) is a fruitful Vestiaire Search

13. Tigra Tigra Lucky Amulet ($42)

14. Felt Salmon ($28)

15. Crochet Frida Kahlo ($14)

16. Bows ($4)

17. Loewe Tassel Charm ($181)

18. Polymer Clay Blackberries ($21)

19. Leather Strawberries ($81)

20. Lady liberty ($39)

21. Large Leather Tassel ($12)