Fashion Blog

Okay, your reaction was probably something like…”What?! How about under $50?” kind of close, or something like it? Well, I know $200 is steep these days, but if you’re planning on investing money into a handbag, a nice one at that, you will unfortunately have to pay the price. Yes, yes, we’ve gone over this a million times before. I won’t try to convince you anymore of this. Instead, I will show you some great bags for under $200…just as I promised.  I guess everyone loves a deal because the first handbag I eyed on Nordstrom.com, a Steve Madden Crossbody Drawstring bag was already out of stock! It must have been it’s reasonable price of $180, a steal for colorblocked butter leather…oh well, we shall say farewell to this and move on, there’s plenty more where that came from.

All right, some “rockstar” ruffles never hurt I guess, and plus I haven’t picked any Betsey Johnson goods in a while. I do love the color of this satchel…I’m always a sucker for olive green. The ruffles are fun, I just wish it were a different shape is all. I prefer over the shoulder bags always. I have a secret fear of leaving behind a bag I have to carry on my arm or with my hand. Shoulder is best, but this one’s still pretty cute.

The ruffles are snake embossed on this bag. This one should turn some heads!

Betsey Johnson ‘Rockstar Ruffle’ Satchel $179.90

Now this next bag is one I REALLY like. It’s not only a better price, but the design is obscure yet drawing.

I love this Marc by Marc tote bag. A multicolored backdrop with little white clouds here and there makes this tote funky yet almost a little classic looking. Not sure if I’d use this in the fall or winter…probably not, but it would be perfect to start using again come February and keep using through the end of September. $117.60 is a high price for cotton canvas, but just by taking one look at this bag you know you are paying a higher sale price for the design and label. How can you resist?

Marc by Marc Jacobs Women’s Locket Pocket Big Tote, $117.60

So, this last one doesn’t qualify as a “handbag” officially, seeing as how it’s a mini pouch! But, I couldn’t resist this one.

How cute is this little zipper pouch! It’s meant to strap onto a larger See by Chloe satchel bag, which is not under $200 so is not included in this post, BUT it is the best shade of mustard yellow I’ve ever seen and of course I fell in love with it because it says “Dance or Die.” PERFECT! This is my new theme in life. It even has a little record player at the very bottom that seems to be playing out the words. The small graphic design is brilliant, and I would splurge on this and use it as a going out, bar hopping ID and lipstick bag. It seems to be just the right size for this, and strapping around my wrist as I dance the night away…

See by Chloe Dance or Die Small Pouch $66.50

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more handbags.

Are you one of those fortunate people who have extremely fashionable mothers, aunts, or grandmothers?  Maybe they have carefully maintained the styles of their childhoods, with 50’s updos and Jackie O fitted, quilted dresses.  Or maybe you have a mother or aunt who’s closet is better than a vintage store because their fringed vests and maxi dresses are perfectly your size.  In exchange, you offer knee-high boots and the occasional foxy fur trench coat.  But let’s think outside the box for a second, shall we:  what fashions of today can both mothers and daughters invest in, and enjoy, in their own separate styles, ages and daily lives?  Here are some picks and tips for how you and your mom can style a piece to fit your personal needs, and think of every price as halfsies!

Steven Madden Women’s Clubbin Studded Ankle Boot: $159.95

Available in full and half sizes from 5.5-10, these beautiful sexy studded ankle boots are uber fashionable and classic with a slight rocker-punk edge.  You will love pairing these with some skinny jeans and a sparkly top for a night on the town, and your mom will love the fresh facelift these boots will bring to her afternoon at the theater or pencil skirt for the office.

Development Brown faux fur button detail vest at Bluefly.com: $216.99

Perfect investment for fall, this chic faux fur vest is toasty and sleekly fitted.  Pair it with some black leggings, knee high boots, and white long sleeve shirt and you have a perfect fashion staple for fall; your mom will be delighted for the fashionable step-up from the quilted or skipants-material vest she usually invests in. Warm clothing doesn’t just have to be functional, it can be fashionable too!

Hype Ivory Leather “Eugenie” medium tote at Bluefly.com: $210.00

A really fashionable and functional back that can transition from the workplace to the night.  Big enough pockets for your mom to fit her work stuff, yet sleek enough for an evening out.  Pair it with a chic little black dress or funky skirt, it’s totally versatile!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s totes & women’s vests.
Discounts on women’s ankle boots.

One of the fun little perks of being a woman (mysteriously left out of the great Rogers and Hammerstein classic, “I Enjoy being a Girl”) is the handbag.  The bag can be practical, cute, chic, elegant and endlessly useful.  They don’t call it arm candy for nothing.   So, what’s up with this no-calorie sweet treat for summer?  Let’s talk about totes you can take to the beach and the fresh city bag, the day clutch.

Take me with you:

Why is it that a little trip to the sand and sea requires so much stuff?  Towel, book, iPod, hair clip, water and if you forget the sunscreen, boy will you be sorry.  So, how to pack it without looking like you need one of those little rolling bags people use to run over your foot in the airport?  The tote.

I really love a metallic for the beach — there is something so flashy/trashy about sliver, gold or bronze against the sand.  Look for a canvas or plastic bag with metallic highlights or even an embossed leather to help withstand the wear and tear of a beach trip.  Leave the delicate calfskin or scarf silk at home unless you don’t mind the weathered look.  I love the St. Tropez glitz of the Carlos Falchi Snake Enbossed ‘Jill’ tote ($140) found on the ever popular Bluefly.com.

May I also suggest a practical canvas tote, here in a strong pop of summer color, by Tory Burch.

Tory Burch ‘Tory’ Canvas Tote: $235

In the Clutch:

Starting up last fall, the day clutch is still a clear trend this spring/summer season.  As always with warm weather, straw makes an appearance and a summery straw clutch with a ocean theme or bright color detail makes even your work suit feel summery and fresh.

For a more seasonless look, I am still distracted by the “tough” leather clutch for day.  The contrast of a slightly rough bag with a floaty summer dress or on trend flowing pant is about as good as it gets.  And, done in forever chic black or a strong burst of color, the clutch can stay with you well into fall.  Take a look at this chain detail cheap and chic bag from Urbanoutfitters.com….

Deux Lux Chain Flap Clutch: $42

….or the luxe to a fault poppy colored Lanvin on sale at Barneys.com.

Lavin Pop Chevre Clutch: $649 (was: $1,075)

These day clutches can really give you something to hold on to.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more clutch handbags and tote bags.
Discounts on Tory Burch totes and Carlos Falchi totes.

Although we are struggling through the typical June gloom here in Cali, beach season has arrived officially.  Last week I gave you my top beach essentials, this week I am narrowing it down to my top five beach bags…styles, colors and shapes that are my favorite.  I’ve become kind of obsessed with beach bags, always needing to make sure mine is functional yet stylish.  I like hauling a lot of stuff to the beach and always making sure I am prepared for this or that.  I am usually find myself thankful for bringing certain rescue products when my skin feels too dry, or my hair is knotted from swimming in the ocean.  Here are a few of my favorite bags for this summer:

This Old Navy Crossbody Hobo is a really cute style and the pattern is fun and bright and will spice up any plain old white bathing suit coverup.

Women’s Printed Crossbody Hobo in Turquoise Floral: $10.00

As much as I love bright colors and funky patterns, I am a sucker for pure white tote bags among other things.  There is just something so refreshing and chic about them. This one from J. Crew is right up my alley, and the size is good as well.

Canvas Boardwalk Oversize Tote: $59.99

Anthropologie had a slew of absolutely perfect beach bags so I couldn’t resist choosing two.  Everything was right about these two, size, pattern, shape and functionality level…

This roomy bag not only has two top handles but an embellished shoulder strap as well which makes total sense.

The Artist’s Totes bag: $68

This Santa Ana Weekender has a great shape and size, and I absolutely love the detailed paisley embroidery on it.

Santa Ana Weekender: $128

Lastly, a beach trip just wouldn’t be the same without a roomy, traditional straw bag. The Gap of course has done a classic take on one.

Structured Straw Tote: $34.99

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more beach bags.
Discounts on straw totes.

Starting a new job always has its perks…one of many being the downtime in between the last day of one and the start date of another.  What the heck does this have to do with fashion?  Absolutely nothing.  Except that during one of those sweet days off while transitioning, a girl can finally take some time for herself and jet to the beach!  It may be apparent that I have not had the pleasure of any beach outings recently, but with some down time arriving I can finally allow myself to get excited for sun, sand and sea.  I have decided to this by picking out my top seven beach essentials, this was an extra fun assignment since beach-going is one of my favorite things to do…

Apparently straw fedoras will be big (again) this summer.  To ensure “non-dime-a-dozen-ness” I say pass on that trend and opt for a pretty, wide-brimmed sunhat.   Admit it, it sucks having the same hat as that girl across the street, and the one in liquor store, oh yeah…and the one sitting next to you on the sand. You catch my drift.

This J.Crew stripe beach hat ($38) in bright daffodil is pretty cute, the yellow stripe is something fresh and different for summer.

I think this summer, I am opting for a bandeau style swimsuit, although I do love the vintage glamour of this Victoria’s Secret suit…

It also comes in coral.

Retro Push-Up Triangle Top:  $58 on sale!

I will also be on the hunt for a reasonably priced straw tote to throw everything into, but until then, a brightly colored canvas one will do.

Mossimo CORE Tote Canvas in Blue: $12.99

Sunscreen is definitely necessary and this Alba Hawaiian Sun Aloe Vera Sunscreen ($5.11) smells great and isn’t greasy.  And I would be completely lost if I didn’t bring my favorite lip balm in the whole world with me.  This smell of this stuff reminds me of the beach and works like a miracle.

Blistex Daily Conditioning Treatment for Lips ($2.19) is made with cocoa butter, aloe, vitamin E and has an SPF 20 in it.

A book is essential on my beach trips. Lately I’ve had a growing fascination with the troubled and talented Zelda Fitzgerald, Save Me the Waltz is on my must-read list this summer.

There was a time in my life where I thought putting coconut oil in my ocean-wet hair was a great idea.  I foolishly thought I was luxuriously moisturizing it in the summer sun while letting it air dry, when really I was cooking it.  It took years for my hair to finally recover, and now I make sure to take a leave in conditioning spray with me instead.  This Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner ($9.95) smells so good!  Spraying this into ocean damp hair and tucking it up under your fancy sun hat is a better idea.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more wide-brimmed sunhats and bandeau style swimsuits.

Discounts on tote bags.

I love handbags.  What fashionista doesn’t, right?  While on my search of the perfect spring bag, I came across this little number sold at MyPurseWorld.com.  It is a Louis Vuitton Love Tote.  For some reason this season I have an obsession with tote bags.  Maybe because they remind me of spring/summer.  This store is loaded with designer like bags.  It’s great.  I was very excited and now I can not wait to buy one.  So, if you get a chance check this site out and if your a handbag lover you will not be disappointed!

Louis Vuitton Love Tote for $205.00

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more Louis Vuitton handbags.
Discounts on tote bags.

This bag is super girlie with it’s ruffle detail.  Ruffles aren’t usually my style, but I like it!  The rich green color is a great contrast with an otherwise bland colored outfit.  If green isn’t your fave…you can also find it in black, dune or deep red.  It’s made of soft leather and it looks like it might even be big enough to carry around a few school books or a small laptop.  The lining inside is really cool.

Lucky Brand Rockin’ Ruffles Tote: $126.86 (Was: $187.95)

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more tote bags.
Discounts on Lucky Brand handbags.

Returning home for the holidays can be a drag. Mom and Pop just can’t seem to accept you for who you are, and you just can’t seem to get stoked for another Thanksgiving served with sarcasm, criticism, and disrespect on the side. Or maybe, it is the moment you look forward to all year. You can’t imagine a whole year going by without sharing some quality time with the ‘rents, checking in with the little bro, and visiting that swing you absolutely adored as a child, which you still can’t believe how impossibly small it looks! No matter what your holiday spirit, there’s one way to cheer yourself up: travel in style. Arrive looking your best and exactly how you want to look, not what your parents want you to look like. Be true to yourself. That way, you will be guaranteed there is one family member you won’t be estranged from at the end of the trip…yourself.

Find your Personal Style:

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. Rebel is not just your middle name, it’s tattooed on the inside of your eyelids. But you don’t need any reminders: you live your life the way you want to. And you have a little bit of a dark side, too.

Motor Helmet’s Women Travel Bag: $31.99

Beastly Beauty. “Light” as an adjective is only to be applied to yogurt and toy poodles—not to the amount of luggage you take with you on a rendez-vous with the parents. But don’t despair. These reinforced bags come with wheels! And will put no strain on your dazzling new manicure.

Liz Claiborne Signature Square Luggage: $341.97

“Suburb” by any other name would smell as sweet… Ah, back to the suburbs. (Hopefully!!!) you’ve spent the past year or so away from home and gotten a true taste of the world and not been blinded by the relative comforts of your backyard and mother’s wings. Don’t fear being an ‘outsider’ though. Vera Bradley is the only way to do paisley, and she’ll help you blend right in.

Vera Bradley Paisley Tote

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more Liz Clairborne luggage.
                                       Discounts on travel bags.
                                       Buy travel totes.

There are so many reasons to love this Via Spiga Zipper Tote.  First and foremost, it has plenty of room for all your so-called “necessities.”  Second, it’s under $200!  I love the color and the square shape of this bag.  It kind of reminds me of those Brach’s Milk Maid Caramels.  YUM!  Makes me want to take bite right out of it.  (Is it time for lunch yet??)  The zippers on the front are pretty cool, but I’m not sure if I would actually put anything in them.  Probably my cell phone for easy access.  I’m all over it! 

Via Spiga Zipper Tote: $153.00 (Was: $255.00)