If you follow me on Instagram (
hali_chic), then you have already met "Phillip"... this year's birthday gift to myself! I know most of you are probably wondering why I gift myself a birthday gift in the first place. To tell you the truth, I've been doing it since I was 12 years old when I began making money from babysitting. It was a celebration of my independance and I was so proud that I could purchase that one thing that I have been wanting all year long. Mind you, not all of them are designer handbags but each item still holds the same sentiment for me. Another thing that I love is the process of deciding what I want and spending the year sourcing it out so I can make sure I will be getting exactly what my little shopaholic wants....
Introducing my current musing, "Phillip"
Basic Stats:
- Height: 6.5 inches
- Width: 8.5 inches
- Depth: 3 inches
- Drop Handles: 2.5 inch drop
- Adjustable strap: 23.5 - 27 inches
- Colour: Sage
- Hardware: Silver
- Dust bag included
This bag features the two signature vertical side zips that unzip to expose a pelican flap on each side which can allow for more interior room. The standard Mini Pashli is made of a gorgeous pebbled leather that comes in a variety of colours that vary with each introduction of a new season. However, if your tastebuds crave one that is more exotic, keep in mind that they do make limited edition bags that have multi-colored panels or with more exotic material (i.e. snakeskin) and with a higher price tag to match!
What I love about this bag...
- I love love love the colour of this bag! But I'm not going to lie, I was very anxious that the colour would be darker than what I was expecting, but when I unboxed it I was so happy that it was the exact hue of green that I had envisioned... that stubble pastel-like green. I also find that the colour changes in different lighting and against different pairings so in a way its like having a brand new bag every once in a while!
- The adjustable strap that is included gives you the option to turn this mini top handle into a hands-free cross body that has been my go-to bag this summer so far.
- I love the feature of the mini strap on the top handles that give you the option of clasping them together so they aren't flipping in every which way.
- The pebbled leather is gorgeous and I love how durable is! I have been caught in the rain with it and was not phased one bit. A quick gentle wipe with a cloth was all I needed to dry it and no one is the wiser.
- Don't let the measurements fool you, this bag maybe tiny in size but it can fit a surprising amount. Here is what I typically tote around in "Phillip" on a day-to-day basis: travel sized pack of kleenex, small make-up bag (with mostly lip products), small wallet/wristlet, cell phone, glasses (in a case), and keys
What I don't love so much about this bag...
- The dreaded Colour Transfer! I knew this would be something I would have to think about when I purchased this bag so I make the conscious effort to not let it sit on my hip when I'm wearing dark denim. When I'm wearing denim I make sure to use it as a top handle handbag instead of a cross body bag so colour transfer is not an issue. Remember, always check your handbags throughout the day and usually a damp cloth and a gentle rub will lighten any minor colour transfers.
- The length of the adjustable strap is ridiculously long! I currently have the bag strap adjusted so that it sits comfortably at my hip as a cross body bag and I tuck the excess end back up into the loop holes so it is not hanging around and getting in the way. Being only 5'1, if I ever wanted to adjust it to a shoulder bag length, that tucking method proves to be a bit more difficult to disguise. If you are truly annoyed with the excess straps and know that you will not be reselling your bag, you can always source out a leather shop to trim and bind it for you.
- The press lock closure and fold-over flap was something that I was annoyed with at first when I had to get in and out of my bag, but once I got used to using the press closure it quickly became a non issue. I tend to keep the pelican flaps open and use them as easy access points into my bag for my phone or wallet. If you are the type of person that needs easy access inside your bag all day long, a fold-over flap may not be for you.
Where to purchase your own "Phillip"
I am in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada so my only options for getting this bag was online. By the time my birthday rolled around (end of April) the colour Sage was hard to come by and most of my go to sites (
Saks Fifth Avenue,
Nordstrom,
Neiman Marcus,
Net-A-Porter) were sold out of it. Luckily
Forward by Elyse Walker was my saviour and I was able to get "Phillip" just in time for my birthday! There is one thing to mention about ordering from the Elyse Walker site and shipping to Canada; their prices are in USD and do not include duties or taxes so don't be surprised if the post office asks you for a sum before handing over your goodies. You can go to the
Canadian Border Services site and enter in value of your item in Canadian dollars and it will estimate your potential duties and taxes for you, that way you will have an idea of how much to budget for.
Styling your Mini Pashli
Follow me on instagram at
hali_chic to see how I pair my "Phillip" and tag me so I can see how you style yours too!
Thanks For reading and I apologize for the lack of new posts in the last little while. Some of you may already know but I am in the final months of preparation for my wedding in August so my days off from work have been filled with ticking things of on the wedding-to-do list. However, I have a few exciting projects coming up this summer so be sure to stay tuned!
xo
Thanh
