It's a Fanny Pack, people.

Clare Vivier's new waist bag

I know a fanny pack, ahem...waist bag, is sort of inherently a fashion faux pas. Knowing that I don't hesitate at all to tell you that I own one. It is the most beautiful tan suede with wide leather belt fanny pack you have ever seen; it also happens to be Maison Martin Margiela and is one of my most treasured possessions (Really!) An exception to the no-fanny-pack rule, it might be.

My MMM pride and joy

So perhaps because of owning this special and novel fanny pack, I reacted more positively than the average person to the new "waist bag" by Clare Vivier. It is smaller than the average bum bag, which helps I think. And it is very simple in design. And to be honest, wearing a fanny pack leaves you hands-free, a wholly underrated fashion experience (especially as a parent). I do find that fanny packs only work in the summer though. Jackets just get in the way of it (does it go over or under?) and it looks best when combined with some version of two-piece outfit - shorts or a skirt - and occasionally with the right cute summer dress or romper.

I included this photo of a vintage Chanel fanny pack (for sale yesterday at R29, alas it sold out already) just to prove its validity as a fashion item. I mean, if Karl Lagerfeld thinks it's okay then we are on to something, right?

And not to be outdone, Leandra Medine of Man Repeller (if you are into the underage blogger thing) has a quite covetable diamond-shaped fanny pack in lipstick red. Hers is by Larissa Hadjio, who has an even chic-er one coming out soon, all black with gold hardware, available in two sizes (pictured right).

Clare Vivier in navy

The Clare Vivier waist bag is available at Shopbop for $216. A less pricey version of this trend (trend?) can be had at American Apparel. And because of the bright colors of their version, I think it would be a great accessory for a kid. They have a nylon one for $22, a leather one for $42, and corduroy or denim, both for $22.

my new black Filson bag

Purchased at the original Filson store in Seattle, my new handbag is very much a "man-bag". I had always admired the small cross-body messenger bag from outdoor hunting brand Filson but couldn't decide on a color and felt that it might be too authentic and not enough fashion for me. When I spotted the new black color - a first for Filson* - I took inspiration from Coco Chanel and her love of manly items and purchased one for myself. The body of the bag is a soft black wool and it is trimmed in black leather. And with a lifetime guarantee, this bag seems to be a relative bargain at $175. After one week with this bag, I am loving the sheer utility of it:

• the long strap means it is perfect to wear cross-body but it also has a short strap on top so it can be carried one-handed as well.
• there is a "tip" pocket on the back, similar to the classic Chanel bags, that is a great spot for the iPhone
• the roomy interior easily holds my large wallet, makeup bag, two baggus, sunglasses, keys and even a small notebook
• the front flap pocket is a good place to tuck things (like important papers) that you don't want to get lost
• lastly, it is not nearly as heavy as the twill Filson bags I've used in the past

*(To note: Filson has also done black in the medium messenger size as a collaboration with Blackbird, the men's boutique in Seattle. This limited edition run of 66 is a black twill with dark brown leather trim and only available in the larger, double pocket silhouette.)

L O V E

What is there to say? It's amazing to me that these are paparazzi shots and not from the pages of a real fashion spread. Sorry but it's the rare celebrity that can pull this off, supermodel or not. And she really makes me want to wear my vintage fur every day. And i heart the bag. Also definitely a vintage piece.

(And sorry for the lack of posting. My house is finally done so I'll be posting more. This spring feels like one of the better s/s seasons in a while...)

Paris Fashion Week

This week's Chanel show was full of some great looks from their usual celebrity lineup. I loved looks by some of the lesser known on the fashion week circuit. Then while browsing the shots from outside the shows, I found two other interesting looks. I'm loving the angular '80s blazer over short shorts or miniskirt. It is very eighties but the combination keeps it from looking dated and instead it looks chic. And along the same lines, the angular oversized double-breasted coat is a fresh take on the oversize trend, the double-breasting adds more structure and again keeps it from looking dated. The LV show was off the hook but more on that later...

vanessa

Vanessa Paradis is the face of the new Chanel Coco Rouge lipstick campaign. And this cover image jumped out at me the second I saw it. The color of her hair and shape of her eyebrows are flawless.

She also just has great style in general. I loved her look at the Chanel show during Paris Fashion Week. See below:

And looks great dressed down too running around with her kids.