Sunday, November 2, 2014

What's in your bag?

All women own them.  They come in different shapes, sizes, materials, and designers.  Whether you use it for work, play or evening, it's what's on the inside that counts.  Our handbags hold magical powers that help us battle every occasion.  Personally, I have lots of handbags - a girl can never have too many handbags or shoes - but 3 basic styles that get me through my day - a satchel for work, a cross-body for shopping, and a clutch for an evening out.  I never really thought about my handbag style and how to care for them until I discovered Rue La La's Handbag Guide which is a wealth of information on handbags.  If you love handbags as much as I do, you should definitely check it out!

My go to day bag for work is a satchel.  I typically remove the crossbody strap, but I like the option.  I like that a structured satchel is professional looking, but still holds all they stuff I need to make it through a day.

 Most of my favorite handbags are Kate Spade, including this one.  As you can see, I store my handbags in cubbies my husband built in my closet.  Along with these cubbies, I also line them up on shelves in the top of my closet.  I don't store my handbags in the dust bags because I like to look at them, but Rue La La  recommends it and it is a good idea to keep them clean and dust-free.  I keep my handbags in constant rotation - I typically switch them out every 1-2 weeks so they don't have time to get too dusty.
 My everyday handbag is full of stuff:  my Kate Spade wallet, my Coach business card case, my Coach pill case, a small zip wallet that holds all my credit cards (I have one for each of the stores I shop at.  I like the rewards and discounts I get by using a store credit card when I shop.), a protein bar, Carmex lip balm, hand sanitizer, a pen, lipstick, breath freshener, and finally, a small zip bag with even more essentials........
This is a small zip bag I received as a Clinique bonus buy.  In it you will find a travel toothbrush, tooth paste, lip pencil, nail file and clipper, perfume atomizer, band-aids, skin shield, and Band-aid Blister Block.  Can you tell I have frequent issues with my shoes hurting my feet :)?

For shopping I like a cross-body bag to keep my hands free.  This is one I purchased from Coach.  My first nice handbag was a Coach that my husband bought me in 1991.  For many years I stayed away from Coach, but I have re-discovered them over the last couple of years and I am again a fan.  I also like their small leather accessories which seem to last forever.
 Coach rose-gold metallic cross-body bag.
I need less stuff for a shopping trip and will typically only have my credit card wallet (I'll throw in my driver's license and some cash), breath freshener, hand sanitizer, lipstick, Carmex lip balm and car key.  A cross-body keeps it light and convenient for a day of shopping!

Finally, for a night out with the hubby or with the girls, I don't need much so a clutch is my go-to.  I have several, but this Kate Spade is one of my favorites.
 The other side says "Pardon My French".
Just a small J Crew zipper case to hold my driver's license, a credit card, and some cash, breath freshener, Carmex Lip Balm, Lipstick, and keys and I am good to go.

I hope you enjoyed the peek inside my bags.  What's in your bag?

Saturday, August 9, 2014

eShakti Review

The nice folks at eShakti contacted me recently to pick out an item to review.  WOW!  What a concept:  you choose the item, give them your measurements, and they send you the item.  You even get to pick the length.  I chose knee length for this dress, but would probably choose mini if I were doing it over.  The dress arrived in about 10 days and was a perfect fit!  The quality is awesome.  The dress is 100% cotton and fully lined in cotton too.  Even the prices are super reasonable for a custom made item.  I highly recommend and you should definitely check them out!  Until August 15 you can use the code 'beachstyles' for 10% off.

Happy Shopping!!

eShakti Dress
J. Crew Cork Clutch
Sam Edelman Cork Wedges


 

                                 










Saturday, July 19, 2014

Summer = Seersucker & Popsicles



J. Crew Factory Claire Sweater
J. Crew Factory Seersucker Pleated Shorts
Kate Spade Popsicle Necklace & Earrings
Kate Spade Handbag
Jessica Simpson Sandals via TJ Maxx






 
 
 

Monday, July 14, 2014

Momma Got Birkenstocks!

I have purchased numerous pairs of Birkenstocks in my life, but have never worn a pair.  When my daughter was in middle to high school she wore nothing but Birkenstocks and Doc Martens.  Yes, I bought my daughter $100 shoes - several pairs - while I owned one pair of Nikes for the week-end and 2 pairs of pumps for work - one navy and one black - that I probably bought at Payless with a BOGO promo. 

I always thought Birkenstocks were pretty ugly.  However, seeing them everywhere lately has changed my mind.  While in TJ Maxx this week-end I spotted a pair of Birkenstocks in the clearance section for $20 and couldn't resist. They were my size and when I tried them on I was amazed at how comfortable they were.  I now own my very first pair of Birkenstocks!  I doubt I will buy multiples, but I'm glad I finally got my own after all the ones I paid for.


Saturday, July 12, 2014

Neon Floral

I have really been loving the J Crew Factory lately.  Maybe a little too much.

These neon floral embroidered shorts are super cute and fully lined!

Gap Shirt
J Crew Factory Shorts
Coach Handbag
Jessica Simpson Sandals via TJ Maxx
Nail Polish:  OPI Toucan Do It If You Try






Tuesday, July 1, 2014

My Work Uniform

J Crew Café Capris and a Tippi Sweater are my typical workday uniform.  Thank goodness I have dozens of each to keep it interesting :).


J. Crew Tippi Sweater
J. Crew Café Capris
Nine West Pumps
J. Crew Belt
Necklace via Benevolent Jewels






Saturday, June 7, 2014

Whale of a Deal

How cute is this shirt from.... Target?  And on sale for $17.  Looks like Vineyard Vines.  These J Crew pleated shorts are also on sale.  They are cheaper in store than online - $34.99 minus 40%.

Target Shirt
J. Crew Shorts
Jessica Simpson Sandals via TJ Maxx