When this style of bag appeared in popular culture in the 80’s it was called a Bum Bag or Fanny Pack, neither name was particularly alluring. I mean who thought the words BUM & FANNY should go with bag? I realise it was meant to be worn backwards on your Bum, but seriously folks?
Usually made of nylon or cloth, a safe & practical way to carry your cash, ciggies & keys yet was it fashionable? Not so much. Sure there were sporty Men & Women wearing them as a fashion accessory, usually accompanying a shell suit & white trainers, but not in my world. I did use one during my backpacking years although I wore mine under my clothing like a money belt for security. I even slept in it if I was staying somewhere especially dicey. Come to think of it that happened a lot back then, oh such fun & life threatening times…
It wasn’t until over a decade later that the glam Bum Bag made my head turn. When the high fashion versions from Chanel & Gucci appeared in Vogue I suddenly saw the appeal. Obviously the magical designer touch added superior materials & hardware, re-styling the hell out of the humble Fanny Pack. I’m equally delighted to hear it has recently been re-branded the BELT BAG! Phew, can’t imagine saying “Hey, how do you like my new fanny pack?” with any real conviction.
Naturally the luxe versions are excruciatingly expensive & never go on sale. However there are unwanted gems to be found pre-loved if you look hard enough. Check out my posts on where to buy designer second-hand online here & here. I’ve focused my search on the Dior version Belt Bag for years because a) I love the quintessential Dior saddle shape & dangling D & b) It’s infinitely more affordable than my first choice of Chanel. Therefore a more likely option although still quite rare & unique. At last I finally found a bargain on Ebay for £120, met the nice lady in London to check it out & SHAZAM this baby is mine!
Today’s cream & black outfit incorporates my new Dior Belt Bag. I love cream & black together don’t you? Here are some more delectable second-hand specimens I’ve found for you to peruse…
PARISIAN CHIC, MOI?
Thank you all so much for the incredibly supportive comments & messages about my re-brand. I was overwhelmed by your complete confidence in my decision to take the plunge & switch to using my own name. Your faith, for which I’m truly grateful, has given me even more determination to make the blog successful.
One comment in particular made me chuckle & tear up in equal measure – Thank you Rozanne x
You may not see yourself as chic at heart, but I think you prove that an outspoken, wine-loving Aussie Brit can be classy as f*ck, if – as I do – one defines class as uncompromising passion and authenticity.
IN THESE SHOES,I DON’T THINK SO…
Remember back in October I celebrated my 50th birthday? Ahem… for the entire month, as one does. I was thoroughly spoiled rotten by family & friends alike & it has gone down as MY BEST BIRTHDAY ever. Anyway, in the lead up to my big five oh I mentioned that I’d like to mark the occasion by buying my first pair of Louboutins. With that in mind, my generous, beautiful & kind BFF in Melbourne sent me a large chunk of coin towards the shoes. I KNOW! What a woman! Now this got me thinking that I should properly do her proud & buy smart as well as iconic. Therefore I took my sweet time making a final decision. After trying several pairs of my favourite designs by Louboutin, Aquazurra & Gianvito Rossi I came back to Chanel. Unsurprisingly I settled firmly on these classic Chanel sling backs. There really was no comparison, they literally felt like they were made for me & my wardrobe. Even the Work Wife was adamant how perfect they looked. So for fun & to make a bit more of a big deal out of it, I had her take a short video to share with you. Rest assured you know I know how bloody lucky I am…
With thanks to CHANEL Kensington, London
for allowing me to shoot
PRE-LOVED JIGSAW LEATHER PANTS
I bought these incredible Jigsaw leather trousers off Ebay a while back & absolutely adore them! You can see how differently I’ve styled them here, here & here. They’re a fabulously flattering cut & the leather is super soft making them not only look sensational but also feel comfy to wear. I have size 10 which is true to size. The ones I found for you below are all Jigsaw, pre-loved & various sizes.
Bye for now loves x
Comments ( 23 )
Nancy Baten
Wow! I think I would put them in the living room to showcase and stare at them all day long!
MT
Heehee I know what you mean Nancy 😉
Petite teacher
Hi Michelle,
I am totally in love with your barrett and shoes: très chique Madame! As for the bag…..mmm…..still having too much of a backpacking image in my mind i suppose! Have a great week.
Love, Lieske
MT
Hi Lieske, Yeah I get that. It’s a love it or hate it look I think. Mx
Rozanne
Bloody hell Michelle, now you’ve made me come over all emotional ;o) I’ll pretend it’s just the cold germs making my eyes water. Lordy, those shoes are just… perfection. Simple and exquisite. You do indeed have wonderful friends. And I think I have said before how much I love the black & cream colour combination. This whole look is chic par excellence ;o) And I will get me some leather trews one of these days, once my indecisive waistline has finally committed to a dress size X
MT
Aww I’m glad to hear it Rozanne, you’re a star & I wanted you to know it xx
Abby@Midlifecrisisnut
You have made the perfect choice with the Chanel shoes, they’re my favourite too. Looking absolutely stylish there! Lots of love xx Abby
MT
I’m so pleased you agree Abby! When I spend this kind of money I really need to be sure all the elements are right. Ack who am I kidding? I’m like that when I spend a tenner! xx
Suzy Turner
You look amazing, Michelle! I’ve always had a ‘belt bag’ (!) in my wardrobe because I find them super handy when shopping. Unfortunately though, I’ve never had a super stylish one lol, just a very plain leather one (BORING) bought from eBay. I’d love to find an affordable one that is also chic! The leather jeans are also something I’ve been wanting to own for years. I had a pair in my early twenties and adored them – I didn’t care that they weren’t in fashion either. I felt like a million dollars whenever I wore them. I wonder what I did with them? I’ve coveted a pair of Louboutins too – but I need to find a pair that aren’t high and they’re not quite as gorgeous as the sky high ones! The Chanel pair you chose are a classic and they look fab on you, but not really my style. I’ll have to start saving and find the perfect pair for me!
Hugs from a very wet Algarve
Suzy xxx
http://www.suzyturner.com
No Fear of Fashion
Careful Suzy, I have heard lots of complaints about the comfort or rather discomfort of Louboutin shoes. Apparantly they spend all the money on looks and not on comfort.
MT
Oh darn it Suzy, you need to find those leather pants! I bet they haven’t dated either, they tend not to anyway. As for the Loubies, if I were you I’d start saving now & worry about the style later. The tricky thing is whether you go for a classic style or a showstopper. Now that’s a difficult choice, good luck xx
p.s. Remember the fun is in the search.
Lisa the sequinist
Yup, the work wife here sure thinks this was a wise choice. They are perfect for you, and I know you’ll have them forever. They are just your style. A wise, if spendy, investment. Can your friends please give you some more money so we can go shop at Chanel again, hahahahaha! Love these photos of you in your winter white. xxx
MT
Thank you darling xx
No Fear of Fashion
OK just lost a lengthy comment. Darned. Let me just say you made a very good choice with the shoes. They are very chic and scream “class” from afar. And you say you aren’t chic.
The belt bag is equally classy but not for me (wrong for my body shape). You look adorably French in your outfit with the classy shoes and belt bag. Nice friend of yours to send so many coins.
Greetje
MT
Thank you thank you, a thousand thank you’s my gorgeous Greetje! I must admit when I saw this cafe I immediately turned to Lisa “Yes here, take a shot here!” Then I grabbed the coffee cup from the waitress clearing the tables & et voila! Instant French chic 😉
Now I’m quite concerned about the comment losing situation here. It’s incredibly annoying to lose a long thoughtful comment & I appreciate your perseverance in re-writing it. I couldn’t see anything obvious in my dashboard but that doesn’t mean it’s not here so I’ve emailed my theme dev about it. I’ll let you know what he says xx
No Fear of Fashion
I have been able to give a comment to your next post without losing it (grin).
MT
Phew! Not sure what was going on before but I’m sure glad not to lose you my lovely 😉
Maria | passion fruit, paws and peonies
That was a beaut of a shopping day!! Love the chic look you beauty xx
MT
It sure was Maria! xx
Rhiannon Duffin
I wasn’t too sure about investing in a bum bag but you’ve definitely changed my mind. Nicely styled Chelle xoxo
MT
Ah that’s good to hear RiRi xx
Minna
You look so great and the choice for chanel was definately the right one. They fit to your outfit like nothing else could do.
MT
Thanks Minna, I’m dying to wear them again! xx