Splurge or Save Thursday: Embleme Grained Leather Shopping Bag

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Balmain - Embleme Grained Leather Shopping Bag

The color of this striking bag made me stop scrolling. I’m going to make this gorgeous shade of green my new neutral of choice. 

Taking a closer look, this versatile leather tote by Balmain has gorgeous details that might justify its four-figure price tag, including signature “coin” buttons, a subtle foil logo, and a matching tethered pouch. It looks large enough to comfortably hold a wallet, some cosmetics, an iPad, and anything else you need for a day out. 

Balmain’s Embleme Grained Leather Shopping Bag is $1,350 at Nordstrom.

Sales of note for 2/14/25 (Happy Valentine’s Day!):

(See all of the latest workwear sales at Corporette!)

  • Nordstrom – Winter Sale, up to 60% off! 7850 new markdowns for women
  • Ann Taylor – Up to 40% off your full-price purchase — and extra 60% off sale
  • Banana Republic Factory – 50% off everything + 15% off (readers love their suiting as well as their silky shirts like this one)
  • Boden – 15% off new season styles
  • Eloquii – 300+ styles $25 and up
  • J.Crew – 40% of your purchase – prices as marked
  • J.Crew Factory – 50% off entire site and storewide + extra 50% off clearance
  • Rothy’s – Final Few: Up to 40% off last-chance styles
  • Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off
  • Talbots – Flash sale ending soon – markdowns starting from $15, extra 70% off all other markdowns (final sale)
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Random parenting win thread.

I’ll start: In the midst a 20 minute full blown meltdown tantrum over something ridiculous last night, when my 4-yr old asked for a tissue she said please.

A minor update here – I posted yesterday about wanting to get my kid (newly 4) evaluated and exhaustion from solo parenting. Thank you for the kind responses and food for thought; now I’m thinking I may just need a beat, but TBD what we end up doing.

Coincidentally, we had this kid’s open house last night at his school. I spoke to a mix of his teachers – his main teacher, as well as the others that float in and out, and they all said he’s a sweet kid, that tries at his work, is branching out more socially, etc. – overall good things. I heard from multiple folks they feel like he’s really blossomed in his speech, which was great to hear. The main teacher did mention that he makes noises sometimes, but she said every kid has their thing. Another teacher said he tends to keep to himself sometimes, which I have seen at times, so will keep an eye on.

She also mentioned that he does tend to trip on his own two feet often, resulting in him falling over other kids. I’m quite a klutz, and my older kid also leans this way (no one ever raised it to us when she was the same age as my son, maybe because of COVID?). However, the speech therapist raised this, too, which makes me think maybe there’s action we should take – I don’t want him to get hurt or hurt someone else.

Is this type of thing something OT would help with? Another activity? Time? Kiddo is currently in weekly soccer and swim. I also plan to reach out to the ped.

What color should we paint our basement walls? We’re getting it fully furnished, floors will be a medium oak (not too yellow, not too gray). Very little natural light. I’m leaning toward a wheaty beige, but should we do a bright white to help it feel lighter? DH also suggested a light blue. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Low-stakes update from yesterday– my kid’s friend came over for dinner and I served chicken nuggets, corn on the cob and bread with butter. He sat down and said “bread and butter, my favorite!” LOL.

My first post on the Moms side! I love in the UK and due in the Spring. I’m not sure if this is a cultural difference (I’m American) or how to manage it, thought someone may have guidance…
I’m an older first time pregnancy, and I feel that my midwife is erring on the side of not-cautious-enough. I’m not sure how to communicate that I want more caution or attention to risk.
For example, I missed the window for a genetic screening (nucchal measurement) because I was travelling and she decided that a diffeeent screening would be adequate.
I have risk factors for preeclampsia but she decided not to put me on aspirin (I started on it myself after talking with an American doctor).
Anyone else with UK birth experience or advice on how to get more attentive and cautious care

What are you serving (or eating) at an afternoon birthday party? My daughter’s 4 year old birthday party is from 2:30-4:30 PM. Most of the other birthday parties that we have attended have been late morning (10:00 – 12:00 PM) and serve pizza around 11:30 as lunch. A 2:30 PM party seems late for lunch, so I am thinking of getting more “snack foods” for the kids and parents with cupcakes to sing happy birthday. Is this the right move? If so, what are some snack foods you have seen or would serve for the kids and parents? Or should I provide pizza (which seems to be universally liked) despite the afternoon hour?