Tuesday, February 7, 2012

CAN YOU LOVE A PURSE?

Saturday, the day after my birthday, we took a ride downtown to spend the afternoon. It was a cold, blustery day but we pretty much stuck to one area and were fine. I mentioned that The Husband had bought me a purse as a birthday gift and it really wasn't to my liking. It was a gold, blingy sort of bag by Michael Kors. I usually like his things but this was very dressy to me to carry everyday. So our plan was to return it and get the one I wanted.
We took Lake Shore Drive in. It's hard to see Lake Michigan but it's there and very cold looking.
We went to Macy's in Water Tower Place to return the purse. I felt a little bad because The Husband's clerk and another lawyer helped him pick it out and they even wrapped it for him. Believe it or not, I only have about 6 or 7 purses and I switch them out for the season. They are all good purses so I take care of them. Anyway, I hope they don't think I am too fussy.
After business was taken care of we hit the shops. This is Urban Outfitters. Lots of cute stuff that I would never in a million years fit into.
Topshop is new to the U.S. from London...it's a really neat store.
This is the John Hancock Building, all 98 floors. We sometimes stop and have a drink on the top floor which has a view that stretches out forever, but it wasn't a clear day and we would be sitting in clouds.
In the basement...not the bottom floor, the basement of the John Hancock is the Cheesecake Factory. It is made to look like you are inside a piece of cheesecake and I have found it to be very claustrophobic. The cave~like atmosphere and the fact that there are 98 floors on top of you!
We finally hit Oak Street and my destination. My favorite designer.
And this is the bag I had wanted all along. Can you love a purse? It was waiting for me {I should know, I called ahead of time!!}. It's called The Leslie satchel and I thought that was sweet since my late sister is named Leslie and she would have had a good laugh over this. This is so perfect for me, it's nylon so it wipes clean. It is just like my Nook cover in fact. I forgot to take a picture so this is from the Kate Spade website. I am totally flippin out in love with this!
Now it was 4:00 and time for a late lunch/early dinner so we headed over to Tavern On Rush. A lot of celebrities come here, but I didn't see anyone.
We had a window seat in the bar. I had a huge salad and The Husband had pasta. Yum!
After that we walked a block down to a piano bar called Jilly's. Whenever we have been here, it has been night time and there is a line snaking out of the building. The music is SO good. I'm not a good singer but there is nothing more fun than a piano bar with friends. We stepped in out of the cold and there was only one other couple there. We warmed up with a drink and talked to the bartender and hostess as they readied for a big evening. I was wishing it were already evening, we had the best seats in the house!

This week has started out cold and gloomy but I am so happy because my family room furniture was delivered. I am so, so please with it, the construction, the fabric, how it looks. I am not sharing any pictures as of yet because I haven't hung anything on the walls yet and don't have my curtains up. Maybe in my next post. Until then, have a good week! :-)

57 comments:

Julie Marie said...

Hi Janie... you are talking to a purseaholic here!... I admit it, I LOVE purses!... your Kate Spade is gorgeous!!! It is YOU sweet lady, and now I want one too!... sometimes a certain purse just calls out to you... it looks like it will go with everything!... I have some dressy ones I hardly ever use because I am not a dressy person... love that you can just wipe yours clean if need be.... ok, I hope Kate has a website online!... xoxo Julie Marie PS Also can't wait to see your new furniture!!!

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Sounds great and love the handbag! Is Tavern On Rush, near Oak Street, meaning the River North area? Taylor and I will have to check it out next time we are up there!

Sue said...

Of course you can love a purse...what a silly question! You can also love a pair of shoes!! I love your new one. They have recently added a Kate Spade outlet in Orlando and I wanted everything (I got gloves). It sounds as if you had a great day!

It is feeling more like winter around here...I don't like it! I can't wait to see your furniture!

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Dear Jane,
What a lovely day you had. It's funny but, although I'm a woman, I don't really like bags and shoes !!!! Oh dear....I heard a gasp go all around Blogtopia when I typed that !! I love jackets and coats....I have so many and can't possibly wear them all !! I have about 4 handbags.....I find it so annoying that I have to transfer everything when I need a different one. I stick with my favourite black one for the most part. Your Kate Spade one is lovely though.
Isn't Topshop great.....I've been going there for at least 40 years, probably more and, I still shop there....I love Urban Outfitters too. !!
Looking forward to seeing your new furniture. XXXX

Sunflowers With Smiles said...

I can never have enough purses. Just like a diamond is a girls best friend, so are purses! HA!

Anyway, your purse is gorgeous! Love it! Looks like you enjoyed your rest of day there.

Linda said...

The purse looks perfect for you! And your day sounds PERFECTLY wonderful!!

Looking forward to seeing your room!

Unknown said...

Very cute and summery purse. I love Kate Spades stuff. I've never been to Chicago and I am dying to go sometime!

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
I totally understand loving that purse. My sister sent me a Kate Spade for Christmas. It's an animal print and holds everything.
I love it. She sent me one last year too, so these handbags have been by favorites.
Love the Kate that you chose. It's so pretty and I love the nylon too because it's easy to keep clean.

Looks like a wonderful shopping trip.

hugs
Sissie

Lynn said...

The answer is "yes", that's a great purse Jane, love the stripes! Sounds like you had a fantastic day-enjoy:@)

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Oooh, I can't wait to see pictures of the furniture, Jane! You sound so excited about it!

Sonny G said...

my Aunt loved her purses. No one could touch them..

excited about your new furniture- cant wait to see it.

Leslie said...

Ohhhh yes.....you can love THAT purse. I do!! Thanks for bringing us along to Chicago, I have never been there. My oldest daughter us planning a trip there to see an art museum in may....maybe she will let mom tag along.
I can not wait to see your new room.

Debby said...

Sounds like you had a fun day getting your exchange. I like the new purse.
Thanks for the tour of the City.
Oh new furniture....what fun. I can't wait to see it.
You have a good week already and it's only Tuesday.

Honey at 2805 said...

Yes, you can love a purse! Looks like you had a wonderful day!

Unknown said...

!!! ♥♥♥ !!!

Hugs
Tine

Deborah said...

Jane..first of all..Happy Birthday!!
The purse you picked is beautiful! I'm a purse girl..I love them and sandals too!
This looks like such a fun time..glad you enjoyed it so!
Can't wait to see your furniture and how you put everything together..I know it'll be beautiful!

Deborah xoxo

Olive said...

Jane, love a purse? Yes, yes. I adore Lucky brand purses with their hippy style-reminds me of the 70's I guess. I sold a Kate Spade purse last year and was so proud of myself for not keeping it. Your new purse is beautiful and should last a long time. We have a Kate Spade outlet near here and I shall be there this weekend with my kiddo who I am visiting at her college. hugs, Olive

Amy Chalmers said...

I am glad you got what you really wanted Janie! Its only your birthday one day a year~go for it. Loved the pics of your day in the city.

Anonymous said...

We're neighbors! I live a few miles west of the Mag Mile, but I rarely get to that part of the city. Thanks for the pictures and for reminding me to take the Chicago Ave. bus to Water Tower for some shopping!

Rebecca Nelson said...

My hubby bought me a Brighton Handbag last year and I love it. Unless I'm dressed up I carry it every single day. I love it. But this one...oh my gosh...SWOON!

Love it! Love it! Love it!

xoRebecca

Susan Shull said...

I love your new purse and the pictures of Chicago. I am going to start taking notes! Did you like Topshop? That is one of the stores I would love to visit.

Lori said...

Sounds like the perfect time to me and I love your new purse!

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

Love the purse! I have been on the hunt for a new one-not that I need one-just want one! I am only five feet tall, but I love a BIG purse-I mean almost suitcase size. I probably look funny, but I can't help it no other one will do.Sounds like you had a nice birthday celebration.Looking forward to seeing the new furniture.

FRENCH LAUNDRY said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful day and evening to boot! AND you got the awesome purse you wanted. YAY! Happy Belated Birthday Jane!

Hugs,
Judy

P.S. I too am looking forward to seeing the new furniture.

Tracy said...

Love your new purse Jane! I am another purse-aholic, I think because I am so hard to fit in clothes or shoes that purses and jewelry are the only wearables where I can pick from the full range of options (within budget, of course!) It is very hard to pick a purse for someone else though, I think either you really are drawn to a purse or you aren't. It's the thought that counts though and your hubby seems very thoughtful. I'm excited to see your new furniture!

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

Oh how I wish we had places like this to shop near us. We are very rural, and the nearest mall is 60 miles away, and there is no Macy's or anything even comparable. I can't wait to see your new furniture. Hurry please!!!!

Debi said...

You are one girl who I think loves to shop. What a wonderful evening and you got your dream purse you really wanted. It looked like such a fun evening. Loved seeing all the pictures of where you were going.

Something Nice and Pretty said...

What a wonderful day you had, love your purse, love the black and white on it! I can't wait to see your familyroom furniture so glad your are in love with it!

Mary said...

Glad you found the perfect purse for you dear - I like how it will remind you joyfully of your beautiful Leslie. I enjoy a good bag too but am really fussy when it comes to choosing - don't like them too big, too small or too heavy, no dark linings where you can't find anything, strap must be perfect length or adjustable, color has to be muted and unusual. I know you'd soon give up shopping with me, I'd probably drive you nuts!!!

Happy the furniture was worth waiting for - looking forward to seeing your love new spas.

Hugs - stay warm by that big 'ole cold lake! I've only been in Chicago in hot, humid Summertime!
Love, Mary

Mary said...

Sorry - that should read space - I know you're not decorating a spa!!

Mary X

Low Tide High Style said...

I think your sweet sister sent that purse your way, it's gorgeous! And how on earth did I miss your birthday, I'm sorry, and Happy Belated Birthday! I'm so excited that your furniture came, I can't wait to see it. I love that you are loving your new camera, your photos look wonderful! And I love the photo of you in your last post, beautiful as always!

Kat :)

Pondside said...

Your Leslie purse is just great! I'm pretty particular about purses too, and use the same one all season, switching from season to season.
Looking forward to seeing that furniture!

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Happy Belated BD my dear friend..I have not been downtown Chicago in 20 years and what a change..Love the purse and what a special hubs you have to take you for the whole day..Love ya my dear friend..Hugs and smiles Gloria

Unknown said...

sounds like a fab day x

Connie Eyberg Originals said...

What a fantastic day you had! I enjoyed all your highlights. I really like the purse you chose. I didn't get that gene, I'm afraid and don't normally pay a lot of attention to purses and shoes. Now jewelry is another story ~ lol. We all have our thing don't we. Happy belated birthday!

Theresa said...

Love the purse! I am the same way about the purse thing, gotta be just right because I carry them forever:) All of these pictures make me want to see the sites with my own eyes! July... in July:) Have a blessed day dear Jane! BIG HUGS! Can't wait to see the furniture:)

Anonymous said...

HI Jane! Oh, I love your new pretty purse and so glad you were able to exchange the one that wasn't to your liking! I've never had a Kate Spade purse - I'm so deprived! Looks like a wonderful day too!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

oooh, looking forward to the reveal!!.. and I guess you can love a purse if you're a purse fanatic! I loved a purse yesterday at the store that would not hold my wallet!.. UGH!!...

Made In The South said...

Love the purse...Sweet that its named Leslie. Don't you love when even the smallest thing can connect you to a loved one?
Sounds like it was a fun day. I love it when we can go down to New Orleans and just have a relaxing time.
Can not wait to see your room reveal. I am sure it is going to be over the top.
Melissa

Tammy @BeatriceBanks said...

The Kate Spade purse is beautiful! Wow, I simply adore it. Classic stripes and easy to clean. Great choice.

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

Happy Birthday Jane! Sounds like you had some fun! Cute purse...looks ready for summer :) As far as snow...we have had it snow twice this month, and it's always gone before 2pm! What kind of crazy winter is this?!! (not complaining or anything....!!)
Have a nice week!

Melody said...

You've got a lovely blog! :)

teaandbubbly.blogspot.com

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Happy Birthday Janie! Sounds like you had a fabulous day in the city! I can't wait to see the transformation in the family room~! I know you are excited...

And I LOVE LOVE LOVE the purse....

It is 72 DEGREES here today! WHACKO WEATHER!!

Lou Cinda

Paula@SweetPea said...

Cute new purse! I'm glad you found exactly what you wanted.

I haven't been to Chicago in a few years and your posts about the fun places to go there are making me want to go back!

Sonia said...

Looks like you had a great time in the city! Love that handbag! Black and white is so classic! I scanned down to your previous post and love your new kitchen island and your new baskets! Looks like you have been busy!! Stay warm...we are back in cold weather but thankful to have had a week away!
Miss Bloomers

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

Happy belated birthday Jane! It sounds like a fun day in the city, and I'm glad to hear you got the purse you liked. It's never easy to return something that loved ones gave you, but it's better than never using it.
I love your Kate Spade purse!
Looking forward to seeing your family room. :)

Jen Beaudet said...

I do believe you can love a purse. I don't have that many but I've fallen in love with many of them:) I love your choice and can see why you had to have it.
Thank you so much for visiting my new blog design! Your comments are so nice! I'm following your beautiful blog now!
Jenniferxx

Heaven's Walk said...

Happy Birthday to you, sweet Jane!!! Sounds like you celebrated in grand fashion -- like a fashionista! lol! LOVE that purse, too! Great choice, girlie!

xoox laurie

Debbie said...

Oh yeah....purse love is a very real thing....I love every single one of mine!!!haha.
Looks like you had a fun day with your hubby.
I'm anxious to see your new furniture. Have fun putting the room together.
xxoo

Stacey said...

love the purse and it was best to get the one you really wanted. i'm sure your hubby was happy to oblige:-). hurrah for the family room furniture arriving and i can't wait to see it! thanks for your lovely comments:-)

Donna said...

Sounds like you had a great day! And found a purse that was much more you, to boot! I've not been to the Windy City for quite a few years, it was very cold and blustery when we were there, too!!

Karen said...

I love purses too! Your new one is fabulous and I love the name. I like a good, well-made purse that will last me a good while. I'm pretty picky.
Thanks for your visit.
And a belated Happy Birthday to you.
Karen
Ladybug Creek

Unknown said...

If I had a purse like that, I could love it for sure.

Anonymous said...

Yes, you can love a purse, Jane! I love the one you chose.:-)

stefanie said...

what a huge store!!!!! looks like fun!

Knitty said...

How wonderful that your week turned from gloom to glee! Happy Birthday dear lady!

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Oh YES... I do believe it IS POSSIBLE to LOVE a purse. :-) And, yours is just toooo delish. I'm crazy about Kate Spade (my iTouch cover) and black and white stripe, check, polka dots or whatever else they can do with black and white. And, the style is just perfect.

xoxoxo
Spencer