dream

The best tote you've never heard of...

Cuyana packaging

 

Every year i have this existential criss about the thing I carry around everywhere. In pursuit of the perfect handbag, I find myself pondering the makings and functions of the purse. Why do I carry a purse? What do I have to carry? Can't I just minimize the things I lug around? Why are purses so ugly? When will purses be less shiny and more matte? Why isn't this bag stronger, prettier, less gimmicky? When will I find something sturdy and luxurious, functional and elegant?

I've dreamt of a basic, tote like bag that has minimal, or better yet--no hardware and enough space without being chunky. I've imagined sturdy thick leather straps and a simple interior pocket. I've gone so far as to thinking about how to make it, how to price it, how much the labor would cost and who would do it best...but right when I started getting serious about making my dream tote, I found one. I've been following the brand Cuyana for a while and I'm entirely glad they beat me to making my dream tote, because now I own a piece I love without having to have developed it myself. Best part--it goes perfectly with the Etxe wallet, which I did design, to solve the problem of digging in my purse for my metro card. Now I have two leather pieces I used to dream about as my daily companions.

Cuyana Black Leather Tote by Etxe
Cuyana Black Tote -- by Etxe
Cuyana Black Leather Tote -- by Etxe
Cuyana Black Tote -- by Etxe

Inspirational quotes I found on my thirteen-year-old sister's phone

inspirationalquote1Full disclosure: I went through my sister's phone photos. It's not that I wanted to snoop, but I really wanted to see what her life was like as I hardly see her and moved away when she was about four. Since she is always on her phone taking photos (though not as many as my other sister, who takes about a selfie a second) I figured her camera roll would give me a glimpse. Between the 'big bows and nike pros', cheer shots and goofy photos, I found a ton of inspirational quotes, which she says she finds on instagram. She was livid when she found out I went through her phone, understandably so, but I am proud to say she has good taste. Wisdom beyond her years, if only she could carve a pumpkin without acting like a teenager. Her favorite color is glitter and she has a bijillion follows on instagram. Check her out @aliciaech. Just know, I am the big sister ;). inspirationalquote2 inspirationalquote3

Wanderlust Wednesdays: Sopelana sunsets and approaching dreamscapes

Sopelana, País Vasco

"For whatever we lose (like a you or a me) it's always ourselves we find in the sea." - E. E. cummings

Living in a small beach town on the Northern coast of Spain was an absolute dream. I'm wandering in my memories right now, ready for the onset of dreamscapes that always materialize when I'm reminiscing. I'm pretty sure I'm still technically a resident.

Sopelana, País Vasco

road signs in Sopelana, País Vasco

Sopelana, País Vasco

surfing in Sopelana, País Vasco

"I could never stay long enough on the shore; the tang of the untainted, fresh, and free sea air was like a cool, quieting thought." - Helen Keller

Sopelana, País Vasco

The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever. - Jacques Cousteau

Sopelana sunset