Whipping It Back and Forth In The 2011 Cadillac SRX

Heated seats, a place to hide shopaholic paraphernalia, Dual Screen DVD and did I say, heated seats? At first glance, the 2011 Cadillac SRX will certainly draw your attention but even if it doesn’t, what may be lacking on the outside is certainly made up for, on the inside. The Cadillac brand does itself great justice because the newly designed 2011 SRX provides sleek, visual appeal and although classified as an SUV, the 2011 SRX embodies a luxury only matched by Lexus RX 350, Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLK but at a much more cost effective price. It’s no longer the disappointing 2010 version which more closely resembled a station wagon and left consumers very much disenchanted. Once behind the wheel you will fastly realize why the 2011 Cadillac SRX is the best-selling vehicle amongst luxury crossover SUV’s.

Although you don’t necessarily associate an SUV with compactness, the SRX doesn’t weigh as heavy as the cargo volume, height and width might suggest. I know because during a Holiday shopping spree which I embarked on with full intent to shop for everyone but myself, I deterred and was surprised by the cargo space of which I utilized to hide certain items. The SRX has a rear cargo shade which can be used to separate items as needed…”all the better to hide my dear”, and a floor cargo area as per the hidden cargo management system. Cadillac uses the word “hidden” in the term so how can one expect it to be used for any other purpose? I (an admitted “shopaholic”), actually forgot about the items I placed in that floor cargo space but thankfully remembered before the scheduled pick-up time.

Cadillac is a recognizable brand and the grille with the Cadillac crest garners attention. I received quite a few thumbs up while in transit and engaging in the life that is me, Lady Erin for the week that I had the pleasure of whipping the 2011 Cadillac SRX back and forth. The presentation which is what I’m most immediately drawn to in a vehicle, is such that it’s a pleasure every time you put the SRX on the road and even moreso because the keyless access and remote start ensures that it’s ready to go. For those not familiar, per DMV.org, “A remote starter allows you to start your car or truck using a key-fob remote control―without going outside. If you left the heat or A/C on, it turns on when the engine does. Your car can warm up cool down, so it's nice and comfortable when you get in.” But as much as a remote starter is great, when I first see heated seats as per any vehicle’s specs, I’m in love. And trust, if you’ve never rested your "cold as ice" bottom on heated seats on a winter morning, you don’t know what you are missing.

The SRX is high-tech luxury and includes fabulous features so every time I left the office and stepped up (I’m only 4’11”), and into the SRX, I didn’t miss a beat. Everything from the standard touch screen and easy to use OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation (rises out of the dashboard), which allows you to specify the details of where you need to be and results in voice led Turn-by-Turn instructions on how to get there along with real time weather and traffic data. And although I primarily listened to El Debarge’s newest release, Second Chance during my time spent with the 2011 Cadillac SRX, the AM/FM/XM/CD radio with MP3 capability and 8-speaker Bose audio is not to be overlooked.

The Bluetooth for Phone allowed me to maintain constant and safe hands free contact with Madame Myra and handle all Bag Ladies Radio bizness while traveling to and fro. The rearview camera is a luxury that I absolutely love. It lessens the work required when it comes to backing up or parking. It’s like another set of eyes and combined with the alert which notifies you if too close to another vehicle or curb, you can park quickly, safely and with virtually no effort …it may even afford you bragging rights because you simply can’t park poorly with this feature.

The SRX comfortably seats five and includes luxuries some of which are standard, others of which are optional such as leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, Ultra View panoramic sunroof (like having a skylight in your car), and iPod integration port.

As I am a “Bag Mommy”, the rear Dual Screen DVD’s lessened the “don’t touch me”, “you’re too close to me”, “stop looking at me” arguments because it was suppressed by, “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, “Daddy Daycare” and “Toy Story 3”. As a Parent, this feature perhaps outweighs all others because nothing can compare to the comfort and peace of quiet kids. Can I get an Amen!!

The walnut matte interior made for great “eye candy”. And various compartments from the doors to the seats, ensure you ain’t driving around with junk everywhere. You can stash stuff everywhere and out of the way. The front cup holder provided a perfect base for my Febreeze Pomegranate Reed Diffuser …you know I’m all about aesthetics ;-). Cup holders don’t have to be just for beverages. The smooth handling further complimented by front-wheel drive with traction control and StabiliTrack electronic stability control made for, to put it simply, a great ride. Turns and cuts were effortless. Handling was light. And the 3.0L, V6 Direct Injection provides robust power and allows you to go from 0 to 60mph in just 8.2 seconds with 265hp.

Although it’s been argued that the 2011 Cadillac SRX versus the 2010 model, is slightly heavier and affords less mileage, regardless of the specs and numerous design changes, it’s all about how you feel as a consumer and driver behind the wheel and as long as your preferences are met which definitely can and will be either by way of standard features or optional add-on’s, the 2011 Cadillac SRX is definitely worthy of consideration. The 2011 Cadillac SRX is rugged yet fabulously classy whereas I felt just as comfortable kicking it in my Add Down “Gloss Puffer” Jacket and UGG “Cassady” boots as I did in my Lanvin for H&M dress and Badgley Mischka “Humbie 2” pumps.

Sometimes our love of automobiles is discounted simply because we are women but we love to whip it back and forth in a fabulous ride, just as much as the next ...man. I enjoyed doing so in the 2011 Cadillac SRX. The starting MSRP is $34k.

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Lady Erin

Producer/Host, Bag Ladies Reality Radio

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Up next, 2011 Buick Regal CXL Sedan

Get it!

So yesterday we posted what it was and today we tell you how to get it. And we are referring to Bag Ladies Look of the Week for those of you whose minds were starting to wander. Bag Ladies kept it cute and simple this week and we are profiling a style that in one motion, you can pull it on and in one motion, you can slide it off.

There are various ways you can accessorize a romper and take it from completely casual to completely hot in a matter of moments. Slip on a belt on and cinch the waist or throw a blazer on and dress it up that much more. We found similar styles in various boho prints that we loved just as much as this one Kiely Williams of 3LW rocked at last week's opening of Upstairs Boutique in West Hollywood, CA. And what is boho chic you might ask ...It's relaxed, it's comforable, it's easy and in terms of color, earth tones or a floral print but overall, that bohemian feel. The chic-ness depends on how you accessorize.

One of our fave online shopping destinations, Shopbop offered a few rompers. This Brigid Catiis Jaclyn Romper is a great look. It's a bit more costly being $168 but it's a limited edition piece and exclusive to Shopbop. We particularly liked the pockets and gathered waistband. Also comes in a black and white zebra print.

Also from Shopbop, we couldn't resist the color pattern of this one. Just cause it's boho doesn't mean it has to be color no-go. Was that a bit lame? Well whatever. This What Comes Around Goes Around Jasmin Romper with multi floral print pairs well against the silk texture. Again, the elastic banding at waist makes you look smaller and the pockets are just practical. A bit heftier cost at $230.

This Free People Summertime Floral Romper gives the illusion of being a dress but it's a printed woven romper with halter ties and side pockets. A price tag of $108 is not bad and the benefit of so many adorable colors is that you can accessorize it with anything and everything.





One of the score's of the week, this Urban Outfitters Ecote Strapless Smocked Jumper is, drum roll please ...$19 bucks! Comes in both the print seen here and deep navy and per the reviews, fits close to size and there are still a plethora of sizes available at urbanoutfitters.com. You get the pockets wit this one too. The legs are a bit shorter but you can always slip a pair of leggings under it or if you are blessed with great legs that you don't mind showing off, do you!

So being the considerate ladies that we are, we recognize that not everyone me included can pull off the rompers and instead the jumpsuits are the better way to go. In keeping with the theme, we found this Newport News Bandini-print halter jumpsuit for $49.

Some of our fave accessories to compliment the style of the boho chic look.

We adore these MICHAEL Michael Kors Rose Open Toe Silver Pumps/Heels found at Overstock.com. And silver is a color that can easily be paired with any print and provide a nice contrast to color particularly deep, darker colors

We can't mention silver without mentioning gold which really offsets bright colors. This Chinese Laundry Bootsy goes great with the Shopbop Jasmin Romper we profiled above. $68

And some clutch ideas ...For $86 bucks, the snakeskin J. Renee "Christi" Flap Bag can easily be paired with both the Free People and Urban Outfitters rompers. The look of print on print is a great look!

The silver Zagliani Python Clutch also a snakeskin, has exquisite detailing but for Zagliani, be prepared to pay. It just was so delicious to look at, we had to profile it. The cost, $1500.

The large black clutch from Target is definitely a best buy and not only is the side bow a great accent but the patent leather makes it the perfect accessory for any outfit. It reminds us of a patent purple Christian Louboutin clutch and for $14, it's a must have. Only available online.

As far as jewelry, the sky's the limit but with a romper style, you want to wear styles that lengthen your frame which although flats certainly work should you just be running around but for a night out, a great heel is the best. But in terms of jewelry, a long dangle earring to elongate the neck and for a necklace, keep it simple because the boho print speaks for itself so you don't want to make the look too gaudy. If you do wear an elaborate necklace, keep the rest simple so solid color shoes and clutch. But add an over sized blazer to create one look and a short cropped jacket to create another. That's one great thing to love, the versatility of rompers and jumpsuits.

Let us know your thoughts and send us a pic of the look or looks you create. Happy shopping!

-- Lady Erin