Happy Bags

Let's have some fun on this hump day. Quirky and sassy bags that don't fit into your cross body, tote, bucket bag, and other standard categories. These bags have takes on a shape of their own. Let me explain.

Asos, Skinnydip Pineapple Bag, $49

Do we love this? I love this. So adorable and vacation-ready.

Macy's, Betsey Johnson Avocado Wristlet, $78

Thank goodness for Betsey, she always makes me smile. Notice the extras on this bag? Holy guacamole.

Torrid, Donut Crossbody Bag, $39

How can this bag not make you happy? The sprinkles? Come on.

Modcloth, Put It To Good Juice Bag, $44

Picture this bag against white jeans. It's going to pop!

Having some fun with your summer bags is easy when shapes and sizes are cheeky and playful. I love these bags for brunch, a wedding, or a night out with the ladies. Make it your own.

Be fabulous today!

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Bullseye

Happy Monday lovebugs,
Today I need you to focus. I need you to hone in on one store that is just crushing the handbag game right now. It's Target. I know, right? But seriously, I cannot get enough of these bags right now. Let me explain...

Target, Women's Satchel Handbag, $44

Oh hey there perfection under $50. This color isn't quite winter enough for hunter green but not spring enough for emerald. It's a happy fall medium.

Target, Polka Dot Pattern Satchel, $49

Personally I'd tie a pop of orange or yellow to this bag in the form of a silk scarf. But then again, a simple polka dot is pretty chic for fall.

Target, Quilted Satchel Handbag with Chain Detail, $34

Ladylike, feminine, insert the adjective, it doesn't matter, this bag is gorgeous.

Target, Crossbody Handbag, $26

Very retro for fall which is quite hot right now. I love the mix of colors with the clean lines.

If you haven't been there recently, I suggest you get to your nearest Target asap. These bags and so many more are ready to live in your closet and not break your budget!

Be fabulous today!

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I'm Glossy

Happy Monday lovebugs,
Are you feeling a little sleepy this morning? I am. Could have used one more weekend day. But alas, let's pump up the coffee and look at some high gloss bags. Bags that don't scream with color or pattern but rather shine.

Shoptiques, Olive Clutch, $69

Hello gorgeous. Oh my. Look at this geometric beauty! And that gold shoulder chain? Yes.

Aldo, Scotti, $85

A few weeks ago we looked at gorgeous top handle bags, and this one also fits the bill. 

Express, Patent Bowler Bag, $59

I love this for a travel purse. Fits my laptop and I can use the shoulder strap. The nude color matches any outfit.

Nordstrom, Ivanka Trump Travel Clutch, $95

This isn't just a navy clutch, it's a sapphire clutch. It's sophisticated and chic and it's perfect for a night out or to throw into a larger bag.

Add some high gloss and shine to your bag rotation. These beauties are eye catching without being show stealing.

Be fabulous today!

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Size Doesn't Matter

Earlier in the week we looked at bucket bags and I mentioned that we would talk the other bag trend: the mini bag. Now for me, the mini bag isn't a problem because I'm a minimalist when it comes to what's in my bag. For other women I know it can be a struggle, so I recommend using this bag for weekends when you can throw it on as a cross body with the essentials and go. The other reason I love this trend is with a small bag, you can afford a large label.

Bloomingdale's, Michael Kors Crossbody Jet Set Leather, $128 $89 

What did I tell you about the label. The man, the legend, Michael Kors. This is your do it all bag.

Diane Von Furstenberg, Sutra Micro Mini Tortoise PVC Crossbody Bag, $165 $82

That's right, DVF. DVF. Double digit DVF.

Barney's Warehouse, Deux Lux Blake Mini Messenger Bag, $69

These colors make me so happy. The pops of yellow in the leather weave and then a yellow zipper. You can't get much happier than this.

Sole Society, Cody, $29

And a nice canvas option that is what I'd pair with a sundress or a jean jacket.

Mini bags make a major statement whether you find a neon color or a big label. It's a trend that works for any style and any season.

Be fabulous today!

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Would You Like a Bag with That?

You and I both know that Philip Lim is doing Target. September 15. Huge deal. Huge, huge deal. I have already enlisted my mother in suburban Pennsylvania to go stake out her local Target. But today we're going to look at non-Philip Lim Target bags, because they're killing it.

Target, Merona Wine Navy Tote, $39

This is such a beautiful work bag. Double handle, space for files, lots of pockets it zippers closed. 

Target, Brown Wood Mid Bucket, $29

I don't always love bucket bags, I think they look messy. But this one has some structure to it. A great lush color as well.

Target, Hobo Bags Me Red Flap Closure, $29

Saddle bags are huge for fall but if you're like me, you can't afford the Coach version. This deep red will do just fine.

Target, Satchels Me Navy Zip Closure, $34

How about a rich navy bag? Oh I love this. The hardware is great and the foldover is a great detail.

Target is doing a fabulous job finding great pieces that look rich to fit into your lifestyle. I love these bags but I will also be hunting down some Philip Lim's this month!!

Be fabulous today!

Tightly Woven

Hey there lovebugs,
Happy Monday. I hope you had a great weekend. Today we're looking at a clutch that is very intricate. It's the woven clutch, this great detail is such an easy way to dress up your go to weekend bag.

Piperlime, Roberta Frey Rafia Clutch, $98

I'm loving the oversized foldover on this clutch and the faint metallic weave is perfect for day or night.

Asos, Weave Metal Bar Clutch, $22

This bag has a great Aztec pattern to it. Very different.

Nordstrom, Top Choice Woven Clutch, $26

This pattern reminds me of when I used to fold my Starburst wrappers together. Super fun and I love the price tag.

Lord & Taylor, Jessica McClintock Overlap Square, $45

I'm obsessed with this bag. It's so chic and visually appealing. Square body but rounded hardware.

A good clutch is just that, clutch. But think about mixing in a great woven material to give the eye some interest.

Be fabulous today!

Slight of Hand

Who doesn't love a great bag? And with the ginormous fall fashion catalogs that are sitting on my coffee table I'm sure we'll have a ton to choose from this season. One trend that I'm really loving is the top handle bag. It's a corporate but can be styled in so many ways.

Hey don't forget to enter to win a $50 gift card to bauble bar! I'll announce a winner tomorrow.

DSW, Poppie Jones Juliet Bag, $59

An adorable cross body bag that offers a pop of color with it's utility.

Modcloth, Houndstooth or Dare, $59

This bag is so urban chic to me. A beautiful cold day brunch bag.

Piperlime, Nora by Melie Bianco, $79

I love the leather laced through the hardware on the strap there. It's that attention to detail that makes this bag a stunner.

Anne Klein, Ostravaganza, $85

Can't afford the real thing? Try this ostrich look that offers a million ways to wear it. My first choice would be to tie a silk scarf to it.

The top handle is so pretty when used with these bags because what's usually expected in a briefcase is transferred to a great purse.

Be fabulous today!

Striped Hobos

Hey lovebugs,
I'm loving hobo bags right now but sometimes I find them looking the same- usually plain colors and similar sizes. How about a great stripe on your hobo bag? Something different and even a little more casual.

Gap, Striped Hobo Bag, $39

This is a great dump everything in summer bag- whether you're going to the beach, the park or the grocery store.

Izod, Multistripe Tote, $39

A little more structured and a great mix of colors.

Forever 21, Nautical Hobo Bag, $22

How great is this bag? So chic and easy to throw and go!

Macy's, Tommy Hilfiger Rugby Stripes Tote, $80

I love this bag. It's preppy and has a great mix of color and textures.

Stripes on a bag are a great way to spice up a plain outfit. And you can find one with great colors to match any outfit.

Be fabulous today!

Pattern Purse

Yesterday we looked at some great red clutches, today let's stay with the purse topic and look at some great patterned bags!

Gap, Ikat Canvas Tote, $44

Loving the double strap on this tote. And the color and pattern combination is very casual and chic.

Last Call Neiman Marcus, Turn-lock cross body sequin bag, $80

So many great things going on here, sequins, color, pattern, hardware. Great little bag for the weekend.

Macy's, Red by Marc Eko Handbag Wound Up Tote, $49

A mutli color chevron tote! How great for spring?

Nordstrom, Tasha Caged Minaudière, $88

This clutch is downright tropical but in a great dressy way. The bamboo inspired closure is a great added detail.

Pattern is always fun to wear, especially when its with an accessory like a bag or scarf. 

Be fabulous today!

Bag It

We all know color blocking is huge, but what about for bags? Mixing colors on your accessories is always a great way to spice an outfit.

Asos, Aldo Virga Clutch, $71

The turquoise trim really makes this bag for me. Such a small but noticeable pop of color.

Topshop, Spot Colour Block Clutch, $40

I'm a sucker for polka dots and this is no exception. Amazing.

Nordstrom, SR Squared by Sondra Roberts Color Block Clutch, $72

Chic to the extreme, I love the patent leather.

Macy's, Rachel Roy Large Magazine Tote, $89

Color blocking isn't just for clutches, here is a great tote for work or weekend.

I just love mixing punchy colors, but if you're not feeling brave to wear it, try accessorizing with it!

Be fabulous today!

Reader Request: School Bags

Hey Lovebugs! How was your weekend? Did you taken advantage of the Gap Friends and Family Sale? Any other good buys?

Today's post is from a reader who wants a new bag for school; something that can hold textbooks, laptop, and look fabulous too. Let's see what I can find.

Modcloth, The Perfect Plaid-rday Tote, $72

I love this bag for school. Fantastic pattern and neutral colors. 

Urban Outfitters, Deena and Ozzy Buckle Tote, $69

I love this bag! It reminds me of a Legally Blonde bag toughened up a bit.

Lucky Brand, Silverlake Canvas Leopard Print Convertible Tote, $69

I love the dual straps on this bag. It looks very durable.

Canvas, 1963 Washed Tote, $49

I love Lands End Canvas more and more every day. The price on this sturdy tote is just right.

So what would you carry if you didn't have to wear a backpack?

Be fabulous today!

Two Strap Satchel

Last week we talked about a couple of bags and today I want to focus on the two strap bag.  Super versatile and it can be dressed up or down.

Zara, two toned patent leather small briefcase, $26

This is so very sleek, I love this for so many types of occassions.

Nordstrom, Big Buddha Tweed Satchel, $99

Ooo girl, you are going to get stopped so many times with this bag.  Amazing!

Forever 21, Quilted Canvas Messenger Bag, $32

This is wonderful for a longer day when you need to pack a whole mess of things.  I'm thinking (in a perfect world) a wine tour and picnic.

Hurley, Market Bucket Bag, $42

Ok, hurley might be a little surfer chic for me but this bag is awesome for winter.

I really like the two strap bag for a day that could be busy. You have the shoulder option, the cross-body or the handle.  

Be fabulous today!