skinny-vinny.

For the past few weeks, the weather in Amsterdam has been amazing, so gorgeous that I finally decided to take my bike out of retirement (it's been locked up for about 5 months now).  For me, there are two main fashion challenges that come with biking:

1.  Clothes: choose dresses and skirts wisely - make sure the hem is long enough, unless you don't mind flashing people on the opposite side of the street)

2.  Handbags: durable enough to survive rainy days and can be worn cross-body or as a backpack.  I'm not a huge fan of putting handbags on the handle bars, since they can slide down towards the wheel or get swiped (apparently that happens).  Only a couple of my handbags come with shoulder strap; the one that comes with my Prada nylon satchel is a tad short for cross-body wear.

With the handbag dilemma in mind, I set off to find the perfect bag for my Amsterdam summer biking adventures!

Then I was introduced to Skinny Vinny, a Brooklyn based brand that creates functional, canvas handbags, suitable for casual, everyday use.  Skinny Vinny was founded in 2007 by Carnegie Mellon graduate Vincent Lai.

Check out their beautiful sentimental Spring/Summer lookbook video below:


Spring Upon A City - Skinny Vinny - Spring/Summer Lookbook from Satan's Pearl Horses on Vimeo.


check them out at:
www.skinny-vinny.com
www.svlookbook.com
skinnyvinny.bigcartel.com

happy queen's day!

Yesterday, the Netherlands celebrated Queen's Day, a national holiday to honor the Queen's birthday.  Public transportation in Amsterdam's city center was shut down and hoards of people dressed in orange gathered in the streets to drink beer and dance.  The canals were filled with boats blasting electronic beats and the sidewalks were lined with flea market-like shops selling various trinkets and souvenirs.

a boat full of festive, orange people
(not to be confused with oompa loompas)

baring the streets with our orange blow up crowns

Orange has never been flattering on me and Queen's Day got me thinking -- is that color flattering on anyone?  Orange accessories (e.g., bags, shoes, jewelry) - yes.  Orange clothing - I don't think so.  To get my answer, I turned to Hermès and Tory Burch (both brands use orange as the theme color).  After browsing their respective websites, I reaffirmed my stance: orange accessories are flattering in small quantities, but orange clothes are never okay.

Orange...

Handbag?  Check.

Hermès Unisex Jypsiere Bag

Enamel bangle? Check.

Hermès Clic H Enamel Bracelet

Sandals?  Check

Tory Burch Tumbled Leather Thora Sandal

70's styled shirtdress?  Hells no.

Tory Burch Christelle Dress

Images courtesy of hermes.com, toryburch.com