Shop Small: Luken & Co.

Today I'm excited to share a new brand, Luken & Co. based out of Norwalk Connecticut. The brand's founder, Francesco Lauri, after working with his family's chain stores throughout the Lazio region of Italy, as well as at top luxury brands, created Luken & Co. about a year ago.

 

The current collection focuses on bags built for everyday life, which provide a feeling of luxury while at attainable price points - ranging from $110 to $32. The bags in the collection are a mix of Italian leather, vegan leather, and fabric. One of the highlights of the collection is the option to switch up the straps on all the bags, with the addition of a sleek chain, or a vibrant printed guitar strap. 

 

I'm wearing the Firenze Shoulder Bag, a roomy camera bag made from Italian leather, with the gold chain strap. The bag features gold tone hardware and a fun tassel zipper pull. It's available in four colors, but I love this creamy nude/blush for a season-less neutral shade that isn't black.

 

If you fall in love with a bag from Luken & Co., use my code CHICLYDDIE to get 20% off your purchase!

The Rundown
Leopard Swing Dress Target similar
Raffia Wedges Steve Madden similar
Firenze Shoulder Bag c/o Luken & Co.
Earrings Akola via TJMaxx
Necklace Etsy
Bracelet TJMaxx
Gold Croissant Ring Etsy
San Marco Ring Golden Cleff via TJMaxx
Thin Gold Ring Etsy
Sunglasses "Orion" Ray-Ban

The Sun

It's been a grey and wet July, and I'm feeling robbed of my long summer days. I haven't had a beach day (or beach three hours) yet, nor have I gotten ice cream at 9 p.m. while enjoying the last glimmers of sunset while it's still warm out, or had a picnic at a winery, so I hope the sun returns soon. I hate feeling like I'm missing out on summer.

The Rundown
Navy Off The Shoulder Top Banana Republic similar
Cream Button Fly Jeans Banana Republic
Woven Slide Sandals Marc Fisher
Bag Kamilah Willacy via ThredUP
Gold Hoops Vintage via Shopgoodwill.com
Coin Pendant Necklace Julie Vos
Thin Gold Ring Etsy
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color Couture Curator Essie

Borrowed

You may have noticed I've been enjoying styling some designer bags lately, which has been a perk of working at Marijane Boutique. Of course I'm sad they aren't mine, but maybe having them in close proximity will prove to be the motivation I need to actually start saving for one of my own.

This Juliette Jake crocodile wrap clutch made the rounds with the celebrities back in it's heyday of 2010. I love the shape and it's a great size for the essentials, though the wrap design doesn't make for easy access.

I hadn't planned my outfit around it, since this was the first time I'd laid eyes on it, but it seemed like the perfect clutch for my leopard slip dress, which I'd gotten on clearance from Joie at the end of last summer.

The Rundown
Leopard Slip Dress Joie
Woven Slide Sandals Marc Fisher
Crocodile Clutch Juliette Jake via Marijane Boutique
Hoop Earrings Vintage similar
Bracelet TJMaxx similar

Bounce

I recently learned about a an amazing organization, 4-CT, which was created in March of 2020 when a group of philanthropists and volunteers sought to fill unmet needs of Connecticut residents being disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

With the goal of rapidly and effectively delivering relief, 4-CT aligned with the state government to fill in gaps where federal and government aid was lacking. This lead to the creation of the 4-CT Card program, a way to provide direct cash assistance via prepaid cards to individuals and families facing financial difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

By partnering with select community based organizations and Federally Qualified Health Centers across the State, 4-CT was able to utilize their knowledge and expertise to get the cash assistance to those in the most need.

Even now that we are over a year into the pandemic and for many of us, life is starting to feel normal again, there are still many people in Connecticut facing hardships as a direct result of the pandemic. Help CT Bounce Back this summer by participating in their #4CTBounceBack campaign with a $25 donation to 4-CT.org!

The Rundown

Double Gauze Dress Rebecca Taylor

Espadrille Sandals Isa Tapia

Round Raffia Bag Sun 'n Sand similar

Rattan Earrings Loft similar
Sunglasses H&M similar
Gold Crossiant Ring Etsy

Summer Uniform

Little white dresses and basket bags are the sum of my summer essentials. Though I thought I might try out some statement earrings and embrace having my hair pulled back more, which, in the summer, is where I want it.

It's Mid June and I'm already worried that the summer is going to go by too fast. I know, no sense in worring.

The Rundown
White Wrap Dress Nordstrom similar
Raffia Heels "March" Dune London
Raffia Half Moon Bag Mango similar
Raffia Earrings J.Crew
Charm Necklace c/o Grand Avenue
Thin Gold Ring Etsy
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
Cat Eye Sunglasses H&M similar

Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day! It was such a rainy and cold weekend, I didn't leave the house, and barely got dressed. It felt very much like being back in lockdown, and how readily I accepted putting on my loungewear and doing nothing should probably be considered a bad sign.

I've been trying to be good and not shop too much this weekend, but it seems possible I'll cave in the 11th hour. You know how that goes. Thus far I've just ordered a white belt bag from Coach. I actually liked the factory version better, but it's sold out and everyone on Poshmark is asking crazy prices.

Aside from that, I have been on a Poshmark kick again, ordering a Lucky Brand dress that I tried on in TJMaxx in 2019 and didn't buy then, but suddenly decided I needed now? Hopefully it still looks as cute as it did then! As well as a light floaty Theory dress, a white Coach backpack, and a cream Theory leather jacket.

Sometimes I actually think I'm being good with my shopping until I take a moment to stop and think about it!

The Rundown
Lace Puff Sleeve Blouse Adiva via TJMaxx similar
Straight Leg Jeans Ann Taylor similar
White Block Heel Sandals Kenneth Cole Reaction via TJMaxx similar
Straw Basket Bag TJMaxx similar
Blue and White Silk Scarf Lillian Vernon via eBay
Pearl Hoop Earrings c/o Mejuri similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy
Signet Ring Sashi
Nail Color "Pre-Show Jitters" Essie

May Budget

I got some nice secondhand steals with a dress from Poshmark and a leopard clutch from one of my favorite local resale shops, but also spluged a bit too much on shoes this month!

Emerson Fry Leopard Fold Over Clutch, $30 via Coco's on the Green
Vince Floral Dress, $30 via Poshmark
Cote d Argent Twist Ring, $15 via TJMaxx
Diff Polarized Aviator Sunglasses, $17 via TJMaxx
Loft Scalloped Hem Sweater Tee, $22
Banana Republic Button-Fly Jean with Slit Hem, $6 after rewards
Coach Bethany Belt Bag, $105
Marc Fisher Braided Slide Sandals, $105 via Nordstrom
J.Crew Raffia Earrings, $18
Coach Backpack, $115 via Poshmark
Female Figure Necklace, $30 via Etsy
J.Crew Knot Slide Sandals, $45
Diva Blue Dome Satchel $40 via Marshalls
Dune London March Slide Sandals, $80
Open Soul Amalifi Tote Bag, $112 via Marijane Boutique