3.11.2014

essentials: March monochrome

classics old and new – adidas superstars + everlane petra bag

it's finally starting to feel like spring! i snapped up a pair of these rad adidas earlier this month (unisex sizing, so go 1.5 sizes down from your usual). just in time to start wearing them with rolled-up jeans and a leather jacket this week...my mini collection of old-school kicks is now complete.

update on my everlane tote
i've been using it regularly now for two months (see my original review). the leather is fully broken in – the handles and corners have softened and the bag has developed a graceful slouch, but still retains a nice structure. on a few occasions the bag has brushed up against some dirt (including that time when my super accidentally stepped on it, gah!), but a quick swipe with a gentle baby wipe easily cleaned up any stains. overall, happy to report that my petra tote is holding up very well to everyday NYC/subway-riding wear and tear.

P.S.: just restocked online and in new colors!

what are your essentials lately? if you bought a petra recently, how do you like it?

28 comments:

  1. Glad your tote is working out well. My essentials are a pair of blue Levi's and my Carven coat, worn with a linen/cotton blouse and a cashmere scarf.

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  2. Bought the Everlane petra magazine bag based on your recommendation. Totally love it. It's my new work essential. Don't know how I ever got along without it.

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  3. Oh gosh, those Adidas are such a throwback! I remember always wanting a pair. And your tote is looking so nice after being worn in! Will have to remember Everlane when I'm on the hunt for a new bag.

    xo, alison*elle

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    1. me too back in the day! FYI everlane just restocked the petra in a bunch of new colors :)

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  4. What color is your Market tote? I am only able to see the black, blue and brown color.

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  5. Gah; you're making me want this bag again! Here's what happened: after your last review (and my hemming and hawing)- I finally pulled the plug and bought it. But once I received it, I didn't like how structured it was. It reminded me of an expensive Longchamp bag- which I thought I could replace with the Petra. I also thought it seemed too "big" to slug around on the train everyday. But now (!) it looks so perfect all slouchy like. So, back I go to hemming and hawing about buying it a second time.

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    1. hey jen - aww! i totally get your reservations about a too-stiff tote; that's why i didn't get the mansur tote and opted for the petra instead. the leather on the petra definitely softens up and slouches with wear though. i'd say mine is at that happy medium of drapey/slouch while still keeping its shape. let me know if you give it a second go :)

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    2. Thanks for the advice, Sophie! I pulled the plug and bought it, again(!) I also bought one for my sister as a med school graduation present. Did you end up waterproofing your bag?

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    3. oh cool :) and what a lovely gift for your sister too! i haven't waterproofed mine; the leather seems very hardy given its run-ins with NYC subway elbows and my klutzy super.

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  6. super luxe bag. love to see the return of adidas after nike!

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  7. Superstars! I wore them throughout high school and thought they were the shit. Hahaha. They look great paired with your tote - a bit street, a bit of polish.

    My current essentials are an old pair of black Zara trousers that have the perfect slouchy/tapered fit, and any number of boxy tops in a breatheable material.

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    1. mm slouchy trousers sounds really good. now debating which sneakers to bring with me on my travels...

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  8. I really want a Petra tote, but I bought a Rib & Hull tote last year so I can't justify it. Boo.

    Nice kicks!

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  9. arghhh I was really thinking that I was going to sit this round of the Petra re-release out but now your post makes me want to give it a try again. I was leaning towards the market tote in kiwi, but it's the only color that they decided to only make in the magazine size! Honestly the smaller size would probably be better for me as I tend not to carry that much stuff around with me but I like the versatility of the market size. And now I'm afraid they're going to sell out again before I finally make up my mind!

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  10. I'm happy to hear that the Petra tote is working out well. It's always exciting when a purchase gets better with wear. It really is a gorgeous bag.

    My essentials have been my Max Mara coats that I had tailored to fit (a camel cashmere coat in camel and cocoon coat in black). Lovely coats make winter a bit more bearable.

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    1. thanks Lindsay :) your coat sounds incredibly luxe!

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  11. I've been debating buying the Petra instead of using the stereotypical Longchamp bag, and now that you've said it holds up to NYC subways I am so so tempted!!

    Do you think it'll look too expensive for an early 20s med student?

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    1. hey Angela - i don't think so, one of the things i love about mine is that it looks relatively anonymous and yet quietly luxurious :) also versatile enough to go from low key to professional.

      let me know if you get one!

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    2. I caved and got the market, and I love it! thanks for the advice and all the pics!

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  12. Nice duet! Makes me want to update my dying Nike Blazer sneakers for something more fresh!
    The right everyday tote is life changing, okay I'm exaggerating a bit! But since I got mine, I don't have as much bag envies and it just fits naturally with any outfits and most situations.

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    1. thanks Aissa! you're so right about the bag - it's a very underrated everyday luxury.

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  13. It looks so lovely! One question: have you had any dye transfer onto lighter clothing? This is my big bag paranoia, as it's happened to me so many times over the years, especially when the weather warms up and our underarm area gets a little, ahem, moist... Guessing you would have mentioned it, but still, had to ask. Looks absolutely gorgeous though. And I'm loving the old school kicks! Post a photo with them on!

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    1. no dye issues at all. :) and i'll probably do a post on old school sneakers soon!

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