Etsy Reviews: The Elegant Elle and the Bold Banana

This summer, to celebrate the fact that I've successfully conned myself into another semester of college, I decided to do something I haven't done in what seems like months. I bought things for myself. I know, I know - just for myself, not for me to make into things or to give to other people. As should be no surprise, I turned to the wealth of wallet-guzzling talents known as Etsy. I purchased a beautiful hairband from The Elegant Elle and a messenger bag for school from The Bold Banana.



First up: Elizabeth Feather and Flower Headband by The Elegant Elle
The lovely packaging offered me a sweet, hand-written thank-you note with two business cards and promises of a discount on my next purchase. The package was wrapped in green tissue paper and was adorned with a black and green feather and a black ribbon.

This is really such a beautiful piece. It reminds me of the headbands that are popular right now in stores like Icing, but so much nicer quality and with much more soul.

Being worn:

Secondly, my White Rabbit Messenger Bag by The Bold Banana. I can't even tell you how excited I am to use this at school! I have a messenger bag from Mother Garden that I've been using as a laptop bag, but it just is not working for me - the strap is too skinny, so anything heavier than a pound or two and it cuts into your shoulder, and it's a very thin material and not protective at all. It's also bright pink and covered in strawberries. In case you haven't noticed, that's... not exactly my style anymore. So I invested in this lovely canvas messenger bag as a bookbag and laptop carrier. It has a great, understated classicness, and who doesn't love the original Tenniel illustrations from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland?




Yeah, but it can't fit that much, can it? Prepare to be as shocked as I was!

Three notebooks, two mooks, two textbooks, and a laptop, with room to spare! But I'm sure it looks all bumpy and weird when it's closed, right? Well...
I personally barely notice a difference; if anything, the extra bulk makes it look less sad and starved to me. The bag actually had room to spare, too, and could probably fit a few standard-sized textbooks and notebooks with enough room not to crush your snacks (I can't be the only one who enters class equipped with an arsenal of munchies to chose from!) There are also side pockets that snap shut, as well as a few inner pockets as well. I'll have to get back to you after a few weeks of use, but first impression dictates that this is really a great bag for any lolita going back to school or who needs to carry a bunch of stuff on the train or bus to work. The understated screenprint is lolita without being covered in rhinestones and glitter and bows, so it's great for slowly easing your classmates into your style while still preserving a very classic air.