Red is a Neutral: Ms. Scarlet's first two weeks!

You all know how much I love handbags and that I have a huge collection of colorful purses. I love matching my handbag to my outfit precisely and switching it up every day. So when I got my Chanel purse for my 40th birthday, I was a little worried about limiting myself to wearing a lot of black and white and whether I would get enough use out of the purse to justify CPW. Well, I'm happy to report that red is indeed a neutral and Ms. Scarlet goes with everything!

I decided to try to become a one-bag lady for two weeks, and it was a lot easier than I thought! She went well with work outfits and MOTG outfits, black and white outfits (1, 4, 12, 16) and colorful outfits (5,8, 10, 13, 18), tougher outfits (7) and soft outfits (6), monochromatic (10) and tonal (13) and triad of color (18) outfits. Equally at home with H&M (2, 7, 8) and Target (11, 19) as she is with Ralph Lauren (10) and Kate Spade (12). She does UWP (7), demure bombshell (10) or boho (14). Works as crossbody, shoulder bag (one or two chains), or even a clutch (15). It's the perfect size for me. I could wear her for day or evening. She even works well as a diaper bag in a pinch--I just throw in a pair of diapers and wipes. DS2 loves to grab the chain to teethe on it. I bet Ms. Scarlet never thought a Chanel purse would have to work so hard! She's a dream though, and always goes with the flow!

Which outfit(s) are your favorites? My absolute favorite was the matchy matchy striped peplum/floral jeans outfit with my mini me and her Forever 21 matching purse (16)! Thanks for looking and commenting!

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20 Comments

  • lyn* replied 10 years ago

    #18 is my hands down favourite - but it says a lot to me (I think) about my own preference for dressing. #5 and #10 are also favorites of mine - Ms. Scarlet really does go with everything though!

    I think it's adorable how your daughter wanted the same purse as you :) Maybe by the time she is her cousin's age, she can inherit Ms. Scarlet ;) 

  • MsMaven replied 10 years ago

    #4, 6-9, 11, 13-16 and it's hard to pick my absolute favorite, but I'll go for #7. 

    Your daughter is so cute.  I like #16 for her. 

  • harmonica replied 10 years ago

    Wow - you have convinced me I need a red bag! LOL ;-) It's really hard to pick a favorite, but 18 is ladylike, beautiful and fun!

  • Kristin SF replied 10 years ago

    My faves are 6, 11, and 14. Is that a Zara kimono in 6? I love that top!

    I love that you took a pic in front of the Chanel store, and I love that the chain is a chew toy!

    I have a pair of red shoes that I just duplicated because I wear them so much, with so many different outfits. Red is indeed a neutral!

    Love your daughter's matching purse, and I can't get over how quickly DS#2 is growing! Super cute! :-)

  • rachylou replied 10 years ago

    I just can't get over how good you look with Miss Scarlett. You look young and lively, totally in the swing of things. You & Miss Scarlett are so right for each other.

    I can't personally imagine looking so good in Chanel anything.

  • shedev replied 10 years ago

    My favorites are 2, 5, 11, 12, 14, and you should frame 16. It's super adorable.

  • Eliza replied 10 years ago

    What fun it is to see your outfits and how Ms. Scarlet amps them up. Red may be a neutral, but a powerful one. Cute mother-daughter photos.

  • replied 10 years ago

    You are officially the cutest thing in the world, Natalie!  Just love these outfits.  Mixing gray Cons with red Chanel = true fashion genius!  And how adorable is your family, right down to the cat?  *faints*

  • Runcarla replied 10 years ago

    As I paged through the pics, Each one had a turn as my favourite. Miss Scarlet is awesome. Actually, YOU are awesome. If absolutely forced to choose, I would say #6. #11 is hilarious. Was that serendipity with the cat? Of course you know #16 is priceless, don't you?!

  • pil replied 10 years ago

    When all is said and done, Miss Scarlett was a practical choice for you! I can't decide on a favorite, though anything with your adorable family certainly has a head start.

  • goldenpig replied 10 years ago

    Thanks so much everyone!
    Lyn, I totally thought of you when I wore that pussy bow blouse and pleated skirt outfit! I don't know if I'd be ready to part with Ms. Scarlet in 6 years, but maybe DD can borrow it once in a while! At least she has her copy to keep her occupied till then.
    Thanks MsMaven! DD and I had fun together! She loves matchy matchy as much as I do!
    Harmonica, yes you do need a red bag!
    Kristin, yes that is a Zara crossover drape fish top. Sona has one too. Red shoes sound great--what kind do you have?
    Thanks Rachy--trying to break the Chanel=old and stuffy association maybe? Though it seems to be getting more popular with the younger crowd. And I saw a LOT of quilted purses at F21!
    Thanks Shedev and Eliza!
    Alicat and Runcarla, I agree, my cat totally makes the photo in the cat T shirt outfit!
    And thanks pil and everyone for the compliments about my family, I think they're pretty cute too!

  • Adelfa replied 10 years ago

    They are all great but #11 steals my heart. I am so happy for you that you got your red Chanel bag, and so impressed at all the different ways you can wear it.  Super inspiring.

  • Joy replied 10 years ago

    My favorite photo is the last one with that adorable baby. Tearing my eyes away to look at outfits, it's hard to pick. I guess 12, 13, 14/15 are the stand outs for me. I'm so glad you got that birthday bag as it is perfect for you.

  • kkards replied 10 years ago

    #3....mini me, but showing her fashion independence. 

  • Lisa replied 10 years ago

    1, 6, 7 and 14 are my favorites.  I like when the bag stands out against the outfits.  It's a gorgeous bag!

  • cobaltblue replied 10 years ago

    What a lookbook for Ms. Scarlet. I'm amazed at how she dresses up and down. My favorite is #18. Your family is, as always, beautiful.

  • No Fear of Fashion replied 10 years ago

    Good heavens.... those are a lot of combinations you are showing. And I love each and everyone. But one. And I won't tell you which one as I would only rain on your parade and it is only a matter of personal preference. Besides 1 out of 18... that is a high score of GOOD.
    I have to use my red bag more often, you have shown me the way. Thanks.
    Greetje

  • merwoman replied 10 years ago

    Just goes to show the power of a classic bag - it goes with everything and then some! Spectacular outfits Natalie - I can't pic a favourite.

  • Kristin L replied 10 years ago

    It's hard to pick! It's wonderful that Ms. Scarlet goes with everything. I think my favorites are 5, 8/9, 16/17 and 18/19. 

    And your family is absolutely adorable! Maybe you'll be able to pass Ms. Scarlet down to your DD one day in the (distant) future. :)

  • CocoLion replied 10 years ago

    Chanel should pay you.  You are truly a walking advertisement for the versatility and beauty of this bag!

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