Recently in 3.1 Philip Lim Category

I am a huge fan of totes with shoulder straps - they come in extremely handy when running errands; leaving your hands free to do whatever needs to be done. I love my Marni everyday bag and I take it everywhere. My only complain is that the leather handles have come undone or rather, unglued. I expected the quality to be better and I have to say that I am a tad disappointed. The problem could have been easy avoided if they had just stitched the handles instead of applying adhesive.

Which is what this great bag from 3.1 Philip Lim has. Philip Lim is one of my favorite new designers and I buy his pieces every season. They are stylish, functional and full of subtle details. This bag cements that statement.

The orange stitched handle is a fresh contrast to the dark navy of the bag. A wonderful play on color that will be a bright hit all year round - especially during the dark, colder months. I am particularly loving the studded clasp on the strap. It adds a cool, edgy, unexpected detail that fits in perfectly with the vibe of this bag.

The leather exterior makes for a sleek finish and will look right for both work and play. Get this for US$545 at Aloha Rag.   

There are certain days when I don't feel like lugging around my everyday bag; days when I don't really need to. When accessories such as this simple, stylish document attache is just what I need.

The clean lines and detail of this document attache will certainly take you far. I am digging the rounded stud embellishments and the external topstitching; both adding a subtle detail point that shows how you can still be simple and look great.

The twist-lock closure and the envelope-style flap top are unique in their own rights. I like how this was designed to replicate a large, handy envelope. The soft suede lining will help protect your delicate items; like your Macbook Air, for example, which will fit into this sleek piece.

Get this for US$350 at eLUXURY.   

How cute is this cardigan? I am digging the whole illusion of a 2 piece layer. This means you can wear this all year round. In the Summer months on its own and in Fall, layered over a shirt.

The slouchy and lack-back vibe from the adorable 4 pockets ensures you get functionality and style without even needing to try. The black and white contrast is a fail-proof concept and will look great with most every color in your wardrobe.

I love detail and this cardigan is seriously calling out my name. Look at the 2 tiny buttons on the faux white tee! Philip Lim didn't just stop at creating an illusion, he went all the way and that is always dandy in my book.

Get this for US$310 at Aloha Rag.

I am loving this beautiful shirt from 3.1 Philip Lim who is fast becoming one of my favorite designers. This 100% cotton shirt has detail, color and contrast that blend together perfectly.

This shade of blue is just the thing to welcome Fall; and if you look closely, you can see a subtle gradual lightening of the blue from shirt down. It's like those black-blue fabric that look dark navy under certain light and black under other lights. This Prussian Blue shade will take you from day to night; both work and play. Gotta love versatility!

The exquisite contrast between grey and blue is highlighted in the collar; from far, this might look like a stylish clerical collar but it is a thin grey contrast band along the top edge of the traditional collar. To further accentuate and highlight the contrast, the top 3 buttons are grey while the rest are blue. I love this particular detail because of how it all blends together.

The center pleat down the back of the shirt adds a tailored touch to this already lust-worthy shirt! 

Get this for US$310 at eLUXURY.  

I am digging this shirt and cardigan combo from Philip Lim. It's a spin on the classic cardigan and it makes layering a lot cooler (literally) on those humid days. It's a case of which came first, the cardigan or the shirt?

I don't think it matters; it's a great piece to add to your wardrobe. Look at the detail on this; contrasting buttons add a hint of stylish subtlety while the woven panel down the center gives the illusion of a button down shirt. A trompe l'oceil effect  (it means to 'trick the eye') indeed!

Thin banded hem and 2 front patch pockets make up the rest of this cool 100% cotton cardigan. Get this at eLUXURY for US$395.

It's sale season and what better time to get your hands on cute pieces like this cute nautical-inspired swather from Philip Lim that will look great with dark jeans or shorts. With a 15% cashmere cotton blend, this sweater will look good and feel good too! Get it at eLUXURY for US$155.