St. Patrick's Day Parade of Fashion

Erin Go Bragh! Walking the #GreenLine in this year's #StPatricksDay #Parade. #HappyStPatricksDay All! via @njdotcom pic.twitter.com/12Lrvrf9JC
— Marie J. Miczak (@DoctorM) March 17, 2015

Saint Patrick's Day 2015 

I was honored to again be asked to march in a Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Freehold, New Jersey! We always have a great time and although it was VERY windy, my bonnet stayed put. Other hats were blowing in the breeze such as the one that had to be retrieved by the gentleman behind me in the above photo!

My outfit inspiration? Downton Abbey with 1920's British Isles styling. After all, St. Patrick was born in England. Here's what I'm wearing: French Cloche wool felt hat with gold buckle. Trench Coat in the color Cigar by ExOfficio. Raynia Leather Pumps by Earthies. My bag is a Python Leather Satchel by Helmer. On my green "Kiss Me I'm Irish" sash, I wore a gold Celtic Jeweled Pin.

I was very warm and comfortable despite the cooler than normal temperatures this year and wind chill. Happy Saint Patrick's Day to everyone!  PHOTO courtesy of NJ.com

Exotic Python Mimi Satchel by Helmer - Travel Mani Kit by Crabtree and Evelyn

Helmer Exotic Python Bag with Designer Dust Cover.

I took this beautiful little satchel with me to an artist's exhibit at a local gallery a few weekends ago. It is the perfect size for your iPhone, mini wallet and lip gloss and with it's soft rich python skin, is a work of art in itself. Definitely a gallery scene stealer!

Batik Lined the Mimi Satchel has a separate inner pocket as well as an outer one which gives you a bit more space and organization than most bags this size.

Detail on the Mimi Satchel's interior and Batik lining.

Python is everywhere in this bag as there is no skimping on the use of this exotic leather. Notice the inner side of the top flap is all skin. Even the adjustable/removable shoulder strap is completely done in snakeskin. You can remove it and carry the bag by the top handle as a clutch. So you get a day satchel and elegant evening bag in one.

Magnetic Snap Closures under each buckle.

 I especially like the silver hardware used throughout from the front magnetic buckles to the rotating strap clasps. These are handmade in Bali from natural python skins so no two are exactly alike. Just look at the detail and varied size of the scales. The Mimi Satchel has wild, one off beauty as a result. Each bag comes with its own designer dust cover with the Helmer tag. Exotic reptile leathers are on trend this season and into fall so see more Helmer bags by stopping by online at Hel-Mer.com

Crabtree & Evelyn Travel Manicure Kit

Crabtree & Evelyn Travel Manicure Kit in Turquoise Snake Print
In keeping with the reptile theme this summer, I paired this sweet little Travel Manicure Kit with the Mimi Satchel. It fits perfectly in the outer pocket of the bag and elegantly holds everything you'll need for a mani on the go. The perfect gift for your friend with those perfect nails or envious YOU wanting the same!

Delicately presented Travel Manicure Kit

Crabtree & Evelyn's Travel Manicure Kit offers a set of six quality steel instruments in a lovely snake print clutch for gorgeous nails:

• Nail file
• Slanted tweezer
• Cuticle pusher
• Nail clipper
• Scissors
• Side nipper

Crabtree & Evelyn also makes very beautiful nail polish sets which I plan to show off this summer. Look for the Travel Manicure Kit and other sumptuous gifts by visiting CrabtreeandEvelyn online.

Python satchel c/o Helmer
Manicure Kit c/o Crabtree and Evelyn London
Tortoise Shell framed Eye wear by Hobie