Diane von Furstenberg – Any Second Now

As I’m writing this, the Olympics are in full swing, making me even more anxious for my London trip with Janice. With my trip only one week away, I’ve been mentally packing for about a month. Because I’m still mulling over what outfits I’m going to wear, I just thought I’d share what I’ll be packing them all in. I have two pieces from the Mariella collection by Diane Von Furstenberg that I found in two different Marshalls over a year ago (most of the full set is pictured above). I own the largest piece, which is the 28″ expandable suitcase, and also the 20′ wheeled carry on duffle (my actual case is pictured below and shows the studs in better detail). I found the duffle first at a location closest to me, and the larger piece I found at a different location while waiting for my husband (there is a Marshalls next door to where he usually gets a haircut).

The studs were definitely in line with my current obsession and yet another a nod to my gothic tendencies. In fact, in looking for a picture of the full set, I stumbled upon a wonderful blog called Vampire Gothic Rose, “the aging goth”. I love her thoughts and tales on being an elder goth and I look forward to reading more (I’ve added her to my “Daily Reads” section).

Note: I’ve created a new travel category called “World in my Eyes” in honor of my London/Paris trip.

(Top image courtesy of Vampire Gothic Rose)

Dimensions of all of the pictured luggage (details from Luggage Guy)

28″ Expandable Suitcase – Dimensions: 28″ x 20.5″ x 10″ – 14 lbs.
25″ Expandable Suitcase – Dimensions: 25″ x 18″ x 9″ – 12 lbs.
21″ Expandable Carry-on – Dimensions: 21″ x 14″ x 8″ – 10 lbs.
17″ Tote – Dimensions: 17″ x 13″ x 5″ – 3 lbs.

20″ Wheeled Carry on Duffle – Dimensions: 20″ x 14″ x 11″ – 6 lbs.

I wasn’t sure what I was looking for in what I feel is my most important fall piece: the camel coat. I wasn’t sure if I wanted it to be fitted, pea coat, trench or boyfriend style. I didn’t want it to be patterned because I already have a leopard print coat, and because I wanted to be able to wear printed scarves with it as needed. I did feel like I wanted a little swing to it and I didn’t want the fuss of a belt.

I began my search on beso.com. I just typed in “camel coat” an it brought back loads of choices. Here are 3 of my “lust” favorites (the Diane von Furstenberg Lady coat is fantastic!):

{Click on each picture for a direct link to each coat}

As a working mommy, my lust items are just a little bit out of reach (just a little!). So I used my shopaholic skills to carry on the search, which brought me back to one of my favorite sites. ASOS has come through for me again. Pictured below is the camel coat that I will be buying. At only $118, my husband will be glad to know that it won’t break the bank (he was looking quite worried over my shoulder at the previous links). I like the fold-over collar and the pleats give it the swing I wanted.

Isn’t it a great feeling when you finally have found what you have been looking (and even better, for at a price you weren’t expecting)?