Longchamps! (Which bag to buy?)

Which Longchamp should I buy?!

Hey everyone! I've been thinking about the future/college life.

So, I found a job- and being the shopoholic I am, I'm already researching ways I can spend it. The one thing that is definitely at the top of my list is a school bag for college- I'm sick of my navy Jansport backpack, it ruins outfits :(

BEFORE: (THE JANSPORT)

^My current backpack. Cost: $35

AFTER: (THE LONGCHAMP)

Now I've been searching online for the perfect college tote- plenty of people at my highschool already have longchamps, but since my income= me begging my parents, I could never get my hands on one. Now that I'm a little more financially independent, I'm determined to save up for a day-to-day college longchamp!

I'm more of a classic, will-match-everything type of girl. So I'm looking for versatile colors like grey, navy, brown, and black. These are my options so far:

Option #1: The grey "Planetes-Large" shopper longchamp.

Measurements: 12 1/2"W x 12"H x 7 1/2"D. (measures medium; don't know why it's called large then)

Cost: $168

Comments: I was instantly attracted to the 'planetes tonal' series of lonchamps- where the leather straps are the same color as the rest of the tote. The grey would look great with the navy peacoat I have...

Option #2: Black "Planetes Tonal" Tote, longchamp

Measurements: (Measures medium...but I've read from several sources online/pictures that the tote is actually only slightly smaller than the large- which I like!)

Cost: $168

Comments: I LOVE LOVE LOVE this. It was love at first site. I really like that the straps are balck instead of brown like the common longchamp 'le plaige' bags. My concern is that I might look too dark ovrall if I use this bag- which although might sound silly, I don't want to look completely drab if I decide to wear a black coat. But still, my mouth is watering.

Option #3: Victoire Tote Bag, longchamp

Measurements: 12¼x12x7½ inch (color=lead)

Cost: $215

Comments: I love that it's not as common to see this tote, but still clearly longchamp. The horse rider symbol is pretty, I think, and I actually don't mind it being plastered unto the bag. I think I can try to work with this color if I wanted to.

Option #4: Le Pliage Hobo bag in black

Measurements: 14½ x 11 x 5½ inch

Cost: $195

Comments: I think that this bag looks better and bigger in real life than it does in the picture- one of my classmates owns one and I admired it for 1) Actually fitting folders/binders and 2) Seeming to be less of a strain than the bigger totes due to it's thick shoulder strap. It looked like it could even *squeeze* in my macbook, if that'll give you an idea of the size.

Option #5: The run-of-the-mill, "Le Plaige" large tote- black, navy, or chocolate

Measurements: 13"W x 13"H x 7 1/2"D

Cost: $145

Comments: I know every other girl in New York has one, but they are classic, durable, and great for carrying books. I'm heavily leaning towards the black and chocolate.

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So, this is the favor I'm asking: Tell me what you think! Which one would be best for my next year at college?

Any input is much, much, much appreciated. And in case you wanted to know- I'm not sure what color my winter coat will be (if that affects your opinion). Probably navy, but also possibly black. I'm also a big fan of black and chocolate brown boots, and I like wearing denim jeans. Haha just giving more info in case you want to make a more educated decision :P

Thank you thank you thank you!

-NewYorkChique

The cold! The dark! My love!

In New York City, I feel that the winter completely romanticizes the nighttime. I'm also love the winter, so I may be biased, but there's just something about seeing everyone with hot coffee cups in their hands, the beautiful elegant coats worn, the bare trees of central park outlined against the twilight sky, the thrill from the fresh air hitting your face, the love felt as you snuggle for warmth while walking in the dark. I love the winter, and I love the nighttime. It brings me inspiration and makes me pensive, romantic, hopeful! Here are some updates on my life...

1. HAIR:

I chopped off my hair. It went from covering my breasts to above my shoulder. A bob with bangs. AHH! I did this at the very beginning of December, so by now it has grown some, but it's still very short- not quite touching my shoulders. People have told me I look french. I've gotten plenty compliments! Then a jerk said I looked like a turtle. Bahaha. Anyway, since my hair is naturally dark and straight, I'm actually proud of the fact that I can pull off the look. The question is, should I keep the bob for college? Or let it grow out?

This is my hair: [Katie Holmes (below) was my inspiration!]

Why did I do it?: My hair was feeling too heavy, too bothersome, too in the way. I was on the road of recovery from a broken heart [see past two posts...depressing!], and I wanted to be fresh, start anew. I also wanted to experiment a bit with my hair before college. I also felt SO MUCH LESS pressure to look like the 'average' girl at my school now that I'm single (with no boy in mind...I think I'll be staying single...). I was like- "okay, I'm single. I don't plan on impressing anybody, because I don't really have a crush. I'm going to do whatever I want!"

...And this is the moral of the story: EXPERIMENT. Live a little! I'm one of the few girls in my high school with short hair...and you know what? I stand out, people have complimented the look, and I'm proud of pulling off something not everyone can. I would have never known the look suited me if I hadn't tried!

2. MONEY:

I'm itching for a part time job so I'll have petty cash for going out/shopping for clothing without begging my parents. I don't get an allowance- only birthday money and every trimester, $20 for every A I get. Which at my private school, is actually hard to get. Anyway, I find this cash melts through my fingers from movie theaters..come'on, in the city they charge $12 per ticket!

-And then food, at a diner, will most likely be $15-20.

-Starbucks frappuccino (flavor: vanilla bean!) will be about $6 (If I remember right).

^Vanilla Bean Frapp! Ahh these are so bad for you. But oh so delicious. My guilty pleasure.

-A pack of gum from a street vendor will be $1.50 (so overpriced for just one pack...)

-A roundtrip metro card $5

My point is, it adds up. A day of going to the movies and dinner and running around the city can cost! I'm sure it's not much to people from more affluent families, but sheesh, on my birthday money/grades "salary", my piggy bank is emptied very, very quickly. Not to mention that I like buying clothing.

So, I'm trying to see if I can find a job babysitting/tutoring, for $10 an hour. But man, no one wants to hire a high schooler! Even if I am mature, any parents would prefer a college student/adult watching their child. Bahh, wish me luck anyway!

3. MUSIC:

Some songs I love recently....

Nothing at All - The Shins

Rotten Apples - Voxhaul Broadcast

Soft Shock - Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Telephone - Lemon Sun

Brainwashed - George Harrison

Nonbeliever - La Rocca

405 - Death Cab for Cutie

Lake Michigan - Rogue Wave

Radiation Vibe - Fountains of Wayne

D.A.N.C.E. - Justice

Comfortably Numb - Pink Floyd

Beautiful Stalker - Sugarcult

A Sentence of Sorts in Kongsvinger - Of Montreal

Bunny Ain't No Kind of Rider - Of Montreal

Love in an Elevator - Aerosmith

She Paints Me Blue - Something Corporate

...I know lists of music is annoying to read because there's no easy access to have a quick listen to them. But if you're in the mood to listen, I really hope you find something you like! =]

I love dancing around in my room. It makes me so happy. Sometimes I imagine myself dancing in the sunshine, in front of a lover who thinks my moves are cute.

Parting Words:

To be completely honest, I've started to feel guilty whenever I think about fashion. Looking at beautiful clothing and not being able to buy it...and then feeling frustrated for not having a job...ahh what a problem! So I've been concentrating my efforts on finding a job, and thinking to myself, "I'll allow myself to look at beautiful clothing once I have the money to afford something." Probably not the best way to look at it, but I want nice clothing for college. Good, quality clothing. Anyway, that's my goal. And that's the reason this blog has been turning over to my life instead of the runway.

I found out that a major reason that my ex had broken up with me was because his best friend despised me and kept bothering him constantly about our relationship, pressuring him to break up with my. Great. I don' know if I miss him, or I just miss being in love and having someone love me back. I've tried a few dates with several people, but I feel like each time I'm selling myself short...trying super-hard to convince myself I like the person, only to realize that they aren't half as compatible as I was with my ex. But after all that's happened, all the hurt he caused me, I still have moment where I miss him. GAH. I've grown jealous of the other couples in our grade. And I'm sooo screwed for prom. PROM. I'M SCARED.

I just want to find someone who can be my best friend AND lover. Someone that I'm attracted to and can make me laugh.

The truth is I just want high school to end already!

Thanks for listening,

New York Chique

P.s.- Did anybody see the bright full moon recently? So beautiful!