The Only BS I Need in My Life are Bags & Shoes!

I self admittedly have an obsession with handbags; and unfortunately, with age, that obsession has grown, as have my taste's in designers.However, I too have limits in that: first, I never pay full price (which is a general rule for most purchases), second, I never make rash purchase decisions when it comes to my newest bag addition, and third, some brands will forever be off limits unless I manage to win the lottery sometime in the future. So, this brings me to the dilemma I was having with my obsession with Louis Vuitton. It started with a print, and the style took a backseat; but for the longest time I had my eye on the Neverfull, and later the speedy (mostly for cost reasons). 

Thus, I began my search. My search for that bag, at a fraction of the cost, and in near pristine condition. HA! I know, at this point you're laughing at me to, and I don't blame you. But hear me out; I've spent a lot of my shopping days, online, and on the hunt for the best deal I can find on the latest must have item on my list. But with LV it's just not that simple. While you can find somewhat of steals, most of them have ink damage, or tears, etc--enter my OCD. That would just NOT do! Every time I open my bag I'd have to see that, and just to have that fabulous print, and designer label? No thanks. 

So then it happened. I remembered seeing this print somewhere else awhile ago, and thus begun my new hunt--for the bag I now own, and very much adore. Michael Kors had a very similar print a couple years ago, and lucky me I found one, new with tags, on my good friend eBay :) I love the beaded straps, multiple interior compartments/middle divider, and most importantly that beautiful checker design! So now I have it, love it, and won't stay up at night feeling guilty over settling for something I just didn't need. 

P.S. On a side note, I had also considered this Barrington bag, same concept as far as design, and I LOVE their bags. However, I really was leaning towards leather, so that was a driving factor, but still-worth a look.

As always, thanks for stopping by, xoxo

My Purse Is Synonymous With, "Barney Bag"

Am I the only one that feels very frustrated, while simultaneously awed, that I can't seem to find my keys, chap stick or that last piece of gum, when I know I just saw it buried in the bottom of my bag? I say awe because I never cease to amaze myself at home much STUFF I manage to fit into one bag, and how resourceful I'm actually being :) I know I can't be the only one out there! I always seem to be adding to what I normally carry in my bag, but over time I've come to realize I can't imagine NOT having them on me at all times. There are dead giveaways such as chap stick (as previously mentioned), lotion, and mascara, but the other items are ones that might not be your everyday throw ins. 

 

1. Wallet. This is pretty straight forward, and common sense based but the one key aspect I will comment on is card slots. As I've gotten older I've realized that the more the better, and no less than ten will do! How many card slots are in your wallet ;) This beautiful steal is from Kohls.

 2. Tumbler. Yes, once it's full you can't store it in your bag anymore, but just having one of these in your bag in case you get thirsty, or want to pour out a drink into it to be chic' while running errands, is never a bad idea. Find yours, in many prints, on Amazon.

3. My planner. Now this thing, is my life. Not my life saver, my life. All my dates, notes, plans, assignments, tasks, and to-do's can be found in this beauty, and this one was a steal from Amazon for $26. I loved my Erin Condran, but once I laid eyes on this print from Lily Pulitzer, I was hooked. It's layout does not disappoint, and you won't leave home without it!

4. One might ask why I have two different wallets, or a clutch within my purse, but the reality is that sometimes my bag is a hassle, and having this to grab and go is a LIFE SAVER. Throwing a clutch into whatever bag your using, is something you won't ever be sorry for! I love this Kate Spade clutch because it's over-sized, but not too bulky, and makes me want to get out of town...always ;)

5. Last, but not least, is my cosmetic bag. I know not everyone carries around their make-up regime around with them all day everyday, but for me it's a must. I like having the option for touch ups, or emergencies, and you can't ever be too safe if you have your whole regime on back-up. I pictured this bag from Forever 21 because my own plaid C Wonder cosmetic bag is no longer available, but this one is still super cute!

Most of these items are common sense, but a couple might be realistic for you to get, or to start carrying around with you too. Honestly, the more the merrier, and as long as you aren't pulling a muscle from the weight of your bag, no harm done right? ;)

xoxo, Thanks for stopping in! 

Hidden Gems

One of my favorite parts about about fashion is the ability to put together and create different outfits, with things that are both new and old from your closet. I feel as though I'm always adding new items, but some of the days that I feel, and look, my best are when I rummage through what I already own, and bring back some of the lost gems I have forgotten about. Prime example is the rhinestone leaf headband I featured on IG today. I bought it years ago at Ross, and always tend to bring it back around every now and then. So, do yourself a favor and get yourself one; you will not be disappointed. They are easy to dress-up, or down, and make the best statement piece. Check below to see where to get your own; I added some on each end of the spectrum for everyone's budget, and those that are both minimal and overly dramatic.

• Top Left: Ann Taylor Loft (Leaf Headband in search)
• Bottom Left: Etsy (Leaf Headband in search)
• Top Right: Etsy (Leaf Headband in search)
• Bottom Right: Nordstrom (Leaf Headband in search)

Xoxo, Thanks for checking in! 

Why down is the way to go

As winter begins to make an appearance with snow and chilly winds, I'm reminded of how crucial it is to layer up--and find the perfect coat. I've been green with envy over the cute, knee length puffer/down jackets I see everyone with, and have been on the hunt for my own for a couple months now. Alas, Marshall's was the one to not let me down. They've been overstocked with this specific type; but then one is faced with the overwhelming choices of color, length, amount of puffiness, warmth, does it have a hood?--you get the idea! But I finally found the perfect one on a whim, after I had briefly given up. It is the perfect shade of grey/plum, is warmer than can be described, has a hood, and comes to right about my knees. Now, most of these jackets can run you well into the 100's, and this one could have too, but Marshall's didn't let me down with this fab find at 80 bucks! So, not only am I ready for the winter weather ready to hit Maryland, but I'm warm and stylish too. 

Tips for getting the perfect down coat:

1. Look at the length--don't buy something too long for your height, but invest in one long enough. The longer in length, the warmer you'll be.
2. The puffiness equates to a couple layers itself, and if they're insulated well you end up perfectly toasty, so look for one that is insulated with a cloth material, if it is simply the same material as the jacket, you're likely to freeze!
3. Go out of the box and get a color you normally wouldn't, but stay away from white, or at least expect to keep up with it much more than another color.
4. Don't settle on a jacket without a hood, you'll regret it on those especially chilly days when you're facing 20 degree winds.

Below you'll find some of my best finds, with the top being the closest to my own Andrew Marc down coat!


From top to bottom:
1. Nordstrom
2. TJ Maxx
3. TJ Maxx
4. Amazon

Thanks for stopping by! Xoxo