What's in a Bag

Hey lovebugs,
Tomorrow I will be participating in A Hasty Life's blog crawl "It's in the Bag" where I let you in on what's going on inside my purse!  In preparation for that reveal I wanted to share some great go-to bags with you.

And in addition to my picks, I'd love to hear not only what bag you carry every day, but also what's inside!!!  Is it full of receipts and change? Or is it perfectly organized and zippered?

Modcloth, We Bag to Differ, $89.99

I love this color combination! And it has a shoulder strap inside.

Roxy, Monsoon Tote, $20

My favorite feature about this bag (other than the price) is the magnetic snap closure.  I will not buy a bag unless it closes in some shape or form.

Milloo, Elessa in wool, $75

By far my fave pick.  Fishbone wool and dual straps.  And free shipping!

Forever 21, Weaved hoops hobo bag, $29

Yeah, so it's not real leather, but I'm loving the hardware on this piece.

Kate Spade, Washington Mews Maryanne, $425

And how in the world could I do a bag post without picking out a beautiful Kate?  Drooling over here.

So as you can see I prefer a tote/shoulder bag for everyday use.  I think it offers the maximum stuff-to-the-gills capacity option in case of rain (umbrella room), evening out after work (heels), or hunger (snacks!)

Be fabulous today!

Laced and Loving It

Yesterday we did rocker.  I hope you loved it.  Today we're going the other direction: lace!  So sweet and delicate but also can be very sexy and professional.  Remember lace very easily can look like a nightgown, find pieces with structure and shape- especially if you wear it to the office.

Also lovebugs, first call for recipes for Friday Foodday!

Donna Morgan, lace dress, $96

Let's say you're meeting his parents out for dinner.  You want to look stylish, sophisticated, beautiful, and classic.  This is your dress.

Asos, mango lace, $42

I love this scalloped hem line.  This is great under a blazer or in summertime with chino shorts.

Express, foiled lace mini skirt, $49

Note the "mini" in this skirt please! This pattern almost seems architectural doesn't it? Beautiful!

Charlotte Russe, romantic pearls and lace, $6.50

How sweet is this bracelet?  Vintage looking and it doesn't break the bank.

Urban Outfitters, silence and noise lace printed zip back, $28

It's all in the details with this top: razor back, zipper, scoop neck, pink underlay.

So what do you think? Feminine yet polished is what I like to keep in mind when looking for lace pieces.  While the item doesn't have to be darted perfectly, I like to shy away from skin tight lace or loose silk/lace combinations.

Be fabulous today!

Rock it Out

Ever feel like releasing your inner Kelly Clarkson?  You know that sassy rocker girl who is so confident she could wear a paper bag down the street and still look fabulous.  She's a little dangerous, a little rebellious and a lot fabulous.

I know you rock out to your iPod in the shower but it's time to work it down the street.  Try some of these rocker-inspired looks to spice up your day and your confidence!

Mocloth, Quick stud-y heel, $79

So many options for this!!!! jeans, pencil skirt, even a floral dress like Modcloth put it with!

Forever 21, Fab leatherette skirt, $12

If I see this anytime between the hours of 9am and 5pm I will be so so disappointed in you.  This is for girls night only!

Nordstrom, Pisarro nights embellished tank dress, $99

Delicate rock chic.

Lulus, gold studded black ring, $14

Of course you need the rocker girl version of a cocktail ring!

OPI, Katy Perry Collection

And finally some ultra rocker nails!!! Thank you Katy Perry!

So are you feeling bold, loud, and ready to rock? I hope so.  This is such a fun way to mix up a wardrobe that might be wound a little too tightly.

Be fabulous today!

Resort Season- So not cool.

Happy Monday lovebugs.  If you're at work today, I'm very sorry and I hope this post will keep you company for a bit.  If you're not, enjoy the extra sleep and take advantage of the whole day!

Today's post stems from one of my pet peeves.  Resort season.  It's when some of my fave stores (I'm looking at you J Crew) whip out bathing suits, sun dresses and flip flops during January and February because that's when people go on vacations and cruises.  Now I don't know about you but I'm currently sitting in Washington, DC with no upcoming vacay in sight on my calendar.  So the thought of bikinis, sun, and hotel are just mean to me! Can I get an amen?

Where am I going with this?  Today I will be featuring a pattern that is usually summer-chic but I'm digging it right now!  So we may not be going on vacation soon but let's enjoy this fun and whimsical pattern: Gingham.

Canvas, Pattern poplin shirt, $17

People.  This shirt is $17.  Hello.  Go buy it.  Layer it under a wool gray sweater or try it with skinny jeans untucked!

Asos, Check full skirt, $51

Love this! It's flouncy and the waistband is adorable.  Also loving how the model paired this fem skirt with oxfords.

Asos, Vero Moda short, $48

vertical flat pocket, high waisted, gorgeous color, this is a great piece to have in your wardrobe.

J Crew Factory, Gingham perfect shirt, $54

Look at the darting at the sides of the bust line, this is not your BF's shirt.  It's going be a great fit.

So vacations or not, here is a nice, warm pattern that will remind you Spring isn't too far away.  Try mixing this print into your winter rotation.  Just because you're not getting fabulously tan doesn't mean you can't work it.

Be fabulous today!