There is nothing I cherish more such as garnishing myself in head-to-toe luxury, not to mention embracing authentic garments of a past era that all effortlessly define a story. It’s been said before that the journey is more important than the destination; however in a current age have we lost our authentic selves? Perhaps the only way to answer such a confound thought would be to ask ourselves what exactly does authentic mean within the context of craftsmanship. I can assure you it is never bought or imitated as it only holds the highest level of integrity and value.
Beau Satchelle recognizes this practice of authenticity through their premier line of bespoke handbags and luxury leather goods. Founders T.Michaels and April Bayles have built an entire business module that does not utilize assembly lines, only a leather artisan whom alone hand crafts one handbag at a time, hand-stitching each individual piece to perfection. Each bag houses an array of the finest materials which include those of kidskin leather and Italian lamb hide. All materials are professionally treated and dyed in an extensive range of colors, then handcrafted into bags of all sizes, small leather goods, and additional accessories.
Today, this form of authenticity is presented in the form of the Regina ‘Classic’ Bespoke Handbag, a design with minimal lines crafted in a slight triangular shape, with a subtle clasp and classic handle. An alternative to their initial ‘Regina’ Beau Satchelle, lead artisan T. Michael thought it was best he elongate the dimension of the height to 10.5” to complement my grand height. A bespoke handbag infused with the highest representation of luxury which (in my opinion) is evidently not found within the industry of mass produced goods.
When it comes to investing in a luxury handbag, you’ll find purchasing such a bespoke piece will become, in due time, a family heirloom. I endure each day with my bespoke ‘Regina’ Classic handbag, collecting yet another story that can be carried down to those who admire such beauty. The question which still remains is when will you purchase your own, bespoke ‘Regina’ bag and begin your timeless style journey that elegantly speaks of authenticity.
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Bespoke Regina ‘Classic’ Bespoke Handbag c/o Beau Satchelle
1950s-inspired Wiggle Dress c/o Bitter Root Vintage
Black Faux Fur Midi Coat (similar here)
Marble Gloss in ‘Eartha’ c/o Ultra Vixen-Cosmetics
Sonix ‘Lafayette’ Cat Eye Sunglasses
Fiore Glam 20 Satin Top Thigh High c/o Heels and Toes
BCBG Opia Lace High-Heel Pump (similar here & here)
Have you ever wondered what is on the other side of life? I have – ever since 2014 when I was diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic. From a defining trait to live life rather than just passing time, I find a majority of us to be careless with no acknowledgement of how our actions, daily behavior, and words spoken carry enormous weight to those around us. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue,” King Solomon once said. If we realize it or not, every day we are shaping the reality for someone by the words we use.
Now at the age of 35, I’ve found a great truth and solely choose to use words that build others up and not those that can damage or cause doubt. From all of the lessons and blessings in the last two years since my diagnosis, I’ve formed an organic sense of how to live an authentic life that channels pure gratitude and glamour.
Change is inevitable. Nothing stays still. Life is in constant motion shifting you through positivity and setbacks, but if you take a closer look at those hardships you’ll find a hint of glamour, I did. With a mindset to take such a diagnosis and allowing it to define myself in ways I never knew existed. Now, on a foothold of what my initial purpose in life is I awake each morning with gratitude for another day to inspire others with glamour, a story, authenticity, and an unbinding courage to never give up despite what my day or diabetes may bring.
I urge you all to take a moment and gather the essential facts of what diabetes is by visiting informational websites such as Beyond Type 1, Stop Diabetes, and Diabetes Alive. All of these organizations offer a better lifestyle for those living with this life altering condition. For 9 months I lived with dangerously high blood sugar levels that were estimated to be in the mid-700 range. During this duration of my life I fought my diagnosis in a state of disbelief thinking to myself, “This can’t be happening…I take care of myself… I eat healthy… I work out…why?” Despite your current condition anything is possible and having the proper knowledge of being proactive is the best practice and could also help assist others with awareness as well.
At the end, exploring your health and evaluating the areas that are in need of change will better allow yourself to replace poor paradigms with constructive behavior. By performing this proactive action you are bringing a subsistence form of freedom and new meaning to not only your life, but to those who cross your path. I encourage you all to stop living in lack and start living in love, find your inner gratitude and abundance will follow.
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Shoulder Draped Sheath Dress c/o Bitter Root Vintage
Miss Elliette California 1950s Metallic Cropped Jacket, Red Chair Vintage
Authentic Vintage Accessories (similar sold on Etsy in support of Diabetes Awareness)
Kate Spade Licorice Black Patent Heels
I find the Niles train station to bring such fond memories, an image that never fades. Standing at the train depots boarding gate, as a little girl, with such anticipation, not only for the thought that in less than an hour’s time I’d be in the presence of a gallery of grand art belonging to my grandfather’s artistic family members. On these bi-monthly excursions, I found them all to contain influential conversation on topics which clearly have been the building blocks to my conscious approach in life.
I find myself today intrigued to contemplate a sense of retro glamour centering my ensemble with these historic Scotland patterned houndstooth pumps in combination with my grandmother’s weathered sheer chiffon scarf. Both pieces present a nostalgic reflection to what was once seen as the romance of train travel.
The 1950’s had gifted women a chic approach to travel from vintage train cases, chiffon scarfs, a cinch waist and lady-like gloves. Accenting with the right accessories is a key element for daytime travel and I’ve found recurring success with an elegant vintage-inspired double-breasted sheath by Tatyana. In such a dress Hollywood actress, Sophia Loren comes to mind with her impeccable style for travel as seen throughout her ongoing film career. Train travel is remembered with fashion consisting of a burlap deco covered suitcase paired with the delicate touch of a pair of vintage pearl earrings, cotton day-wear gloves, and a white gold framed handbag.
Trains go where cars cannot: into canyons, along rivers, through mountains, and into town centers. So much about train travel is visionary. Imagine the early 20th century engineers who saw no obstacle to laying 153 miles of track out to the ocean. While I step onto the wooden deck today my eyes meet the vanishing point, where the glistening iron rails seemed to merge. The thought of my grandfather’s memory approaches with a sentimental sense of travel that will never be lost.
In loving memory of Robert “Red” Alexander (1916 -2007) a man who truly was my strength and anchor in learning the fundamentals of immeasurable success & character – Happy Birthday Grandpa, there isn’t a day that passes where I don’t practice your teachings.
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Tatyana Boutique Double-Breasted Sheath
Vintage Sheer Silk Scarf, Doris Alexander (similar here)
Pearl Earrings with Gold Plating (similar here)
White Leather Box Clutch (similar here)
Michael Kors MK Flex Mid Pump (similar in Black here & Houndstooth here)
richinlovefashion.com 