Leigh Feather

Hi. My name is Leigh and I’m super picky. And thank god, or I’d be broke. I like to carefully research things and then save the things I want on a Pinterest wish list. After a while, I’ll realize I don’t really want them or else I will buy them, and then sometimes after all that, I’ll realize I don’t want them. I guess it’s a normal part of online shopping.

Madewell Ruthie Sandal
I ordered 4 pairs of very similar sandals and this J Crew pair was the clear winner. If I hadn’t picked them, I would have chosen the “Ruthies.”

Madewell Boardwalk Sandal
No go.

Steve Madden Alexandra Sandal
Not very comfortable.

Madewell Tribune Blazer
I’ve been looking for a black blazer forever. This one was weird, tho. Very stiff (not drapey) and an unusual lapel.

Madewell Harper Mules
I obsessed over these! Finally ordered them even though they were pretty pricey. And you know what? I didn’t really like how they look on my feet.

Madewell Ryder Cardigan
Also, obsessed about this cardigan. It didn’t wow me.

J Crew Chino Shorts in Olive
I haven’t been able to find a replacement for a pair of olive shorts I had years ago. These were too long and too big. J Crew, stop messing with your sizes!

J Crew Leopard Sweater
Strangely unflattering.

J Crew Tippi Sweater in Rose
Not fantastic so I couldn’t justify it.

Rainbow Flip Flops
I heard these we the be all end all of sandals and that they are very comfortable (once broken in) but they just weren’t great in person.

Athleta Swim Top
I love that Athleta has a good return policy — like you can wear something and really try it out and then return it if it doesn’t work. This top was pretty but the fabric of the lining would shift and because it was a different color, it showed.

J.Crew Shorts
I loved these but decided the color wasn’t flattering. Too close to my skin color? Should have gotten the blue color. Also, they run very big. I sized down one size but should have sized down two.

L.L.Bean Cardigan
I bought this in store! But, I ultimately decided this wasn’t right for me. Usually if I don’t wear something right away, and often, it’s not as perfect as I thought. That’s two sweaters I bought and returned. The white cardigan quest continues.

Hi, and welcome to my secret world of obsession and indecision. I’ve been looking for a new handbag and although I think I know what I want, I decided to go through what I have to help me make a decision. Here’s what I have:

1. Black Banana Republic Top Handle Bag (similar): This is my go-to everyday bag. It has multiple pockets and zippered compartments, a top handle and a shoulder strap. It’s a bit heavy though and quite boxy/structured.
2. Black Liz Claiborne Shoulder Bag (similar): I love this bag. It’s made with a really great quality leather and has a relaxed shape. It used to be my number one bag but now I don’t use it much. It is a great bag…
3. Brown Madewell Transport Tote: I was thrilled to get this as a Christmas present a few years ago. I love the look of it, but it’s heavy and much too big for what I need to carry most days.
4. J. Crew Straw Tote (similar): This is my tried-and-true go-to summer bag. I choose it over the others most of the time. So good.
5. Multi-color Le SportSac Nylon Tote (similar): I don’t know when or why I bought this. I’ve seemingly had it forever. It is really good as a beach tote or if I’m going shopping. It’s lighter weight than the brown leather one and it’s a great choice if it’s rainy. I really like it, but it’s not very chic.
6. Black and Tan Element Backpack (similar): Why is this even included in my handbag collection? I mean who uses a kid’s school backpack anyway? But, I think it’s good. I actually bought it at Disney World. It’s pretty indispensable for traveling. It carries a lot comfortably. I took it to California last month and I was really glad I did.
7. David Bowie Ziggy Stardust Canvas Tote: This bag sort of checks off all the boxes. The perfect size. Kind of goes with everything. Not pretentious. It’s the sort of bag Rita would have as her handbag. It was $15 at Target. It’s cool but not very grown-up.
8. Black Canvas Barney’s COOP Tote: This was the bag I got when I bought a pair of J Brand jeans at the COOP. It was free but I liked it so much I kept it. I often use it to carry my laptop (in neoprene sleeve that fits in the tote perfectly.)
9. Hawaiian Print Tote: I got this on my honeymoon in Kauai so it’s pretty sentimental. It’s funky and on the small size but good for summer and goes with black better than my straw tote.
10. Brown Lucky Crossbody Bag: I bought this a couple years ago because I became convinced I needed a bag this color and shape. It’s nice but very stiff and the flap closure kind of annoys me. Also, it’s a little too small for an everyday bag.
11. Black Banana Republic Crossbody Bag (similar): I like the look of this bag. I like that it’s black and has the gold chain. It’s quite small and not practical for everyday.
12. Light Blue Coach Crossbody Bag (similar): So cute but so small. I almost never use it and wonder what I was thinking when I bought it. However, I did take it on my last trip and it worked out quite well.
13. Black J. Crew Clutch (similar): One has to have at least one clutch, so I have this.

My conclusions:

• I could choose to keep one or the other of my two black bags (or find one that I love.)
• The Madewell transport and straw tote are both keepers…
• …as are the nylon tote and backpack. Very functional.
• I could probably do with just one cute, casual canvas tote.
• I really only need maybe two crossbody bags – one black and one not black (and the brown one isn’t really working for me.)
• I really want a Spring/Summer bag that is leather, light colored, medium sized, that’s not too structured and makes me feel like a grown up.

I’m considering one of these:

I think my favorite might be the Madewell medium tote (in “Linen”).

What do you think?