Tag Archives: handbag

Accessories Access: A Quilted Crossbody Bag!

Posted on by

While I do love a tote for fun beach days & running errands, as well as a classic clutch for special occasions, my favorite kind of functional bag for the every day is a crossbody bag (obviously, see post here, here, & here). Not to mention that quilted & chain details elevate crossbody bags & that’s exactly what’s featured today!

SHOP: A New Day square woven crossbody bag in 5 colors @Target ($30.00).

Honestly, I can’t decide which green crossbody I love more–the Kelly green or the olive, although the olive is a perfect match for most fall looks! I’ve never been disappointed by a crossbody bag from A New Day, especially after much wear & tear on weekends, between jobs, & when I’m just momming around with the requirement that my hands be free.

Which crossbody bag do you like best? Where are you shopping for must-have accessories? What kind of bag do you wear most frequently? For more stylish posts, check out: inclusive sweater vests for XS-4X, chic sweater hoodies for fall, & Succession star Sarah Snook on the cover of Variety‘s latest issue! Happy Styling!

Accessories Access: Spring’s Most Versatile Crossbody Bag!

Posted on by

When it comes to running out & about, whether for fun or errands, a crossbody is my go-to. I’ve fallen into the habit of changing out my massive weekday tote to a smaller crossbody for weekends, especially when needing to be mobile with my little one. This newest crossbody is not only versatile for its removable strap, but also stylish for any spring occasion, including a family party, date night, or al fresco brunch with girlfriends.

SHOP: A New Day straw chain shoulder handbag in natural, green, & pink @Target (on sale: $28.00).

I love the contrast of the tortoise chain, especially in the green & pink options, but when simplifying the look, I love the thinner strap. How would you style this bag? Which color do you prefer? How would you wear this bag? For more stylish posts, check out: gold hoop earrings for under $7, Lily James’ best beauty & hair red carpet moments, & chambray peplum tops for spring! Happy Styling!

Accessories Access: A Silver Crossbody for Weekend or Date!

Posted on by

I’m a sucker for a chic, slim crossbody bag that will help keep me light when on the go, but also adds to my outfit. Recently, Target has been my go-to for such great accessory finds at an affordable price.

SHOP: A New Day alligator print double gusset crossbody in metallic silver @Target (on sale: $14.40).

This is a chic option for when my day includes not only a brunch or al fresco lunch plans, but heading out & about for a family occasion in a blouse & trousers, maxi dress & cardigan, or midi dress & drop earrings. Other varieties of this bag (minus the alligator embossed texture) include black, olive, green, & electric blue at varying price points.

How would you style this bag? How often do you wear a crossbody bag? Do you like the silver tone? For more stylish posts, check out: flower jewelry from SUGARFIX by BaubleBar, all the jewels from the Oscars, & the red carpet glamour from the Oscars after parties! Happy Styling!

Accessories Access: Get Totin’ with Time and Tru Totes!

Posted on by

When it comes to summer, I always have an eye out for a cute tote bag to switch things up for the weekend or when preparing for a vacation. I don’t normally switch out my purse from season-to-season as I like to commit to an all-year-long neutral bag & then take something else special out for certain occasions. Recently, while browsing my favorite affordable style retailers for the latest in summer accessories, I discovered the Time and Tru jute pocket tote bag @Walmart for $15.00, available in six colors: multi stripe / shocking pink, natural with gold & cognac, natural with silver & vivid white, natural with black colorblock, natural with blue blitz, & natural with sunflower.

I love the idea of coordinating these with maxi dress for an outdoor movie, a blouse & cropped linen pants for a family brunch, or a printed romper & sandal flats for a day at the park. The combination of straw with the pop of color inspires me to play with hues in an unexpected way. For example, I’d love to try to yellow bag with a black dress or the cognac with a chambray & denim look.

How would you style this bag? What kind of tote do you rely on for the summer? Where are you shopping for affordable summer accessories? Are you a fan of Walmart’s Time & Tru brand? For more stylish posts, check out: a ruffled blouse from New York & Company for work & play, an entire outfit from H&M for under $100, the prettiest maxi dress for summer from Amazon, fruity fashion finds for summer, & pride style for always! Happy Styling!

Summer’s Most Stylish Wristlet for $12.99!

Posted on by

I was recently in a situation where–gasp–I realized that I was not appropriately dressed for an event. My husband & I were going to a concert & even though my maxi dress & shrug combo were perfectly comfortable, rain was imminent & the weather was not about to stop us from going to the beachfront concert. So, I had a little time after work to run to @Target for a quick change of looks. I found leggings, a tunic tee, & cozy hoodie to endure the weather, but also, this yellow floral wristlet pouch by A New Day completed my look while still staying true to my style. It was the perfect way to carry only necessities, instead of my usual oversized tote bag with absolutely everything I owned.

A day or so after the event, I went on Target‘s website to share my joy about this wristlet & that’s when I found the navy & orange combo on the same wristlet, which is equally stylish for summer.

Both wristlets offer a fashionable pop of color & tropical feel in their patterns, which work perfectly with any outfit this season. Also, they’ll transition nicely for spring looks when headed out to a party or daytime wedding. My absolute favorite part of these wristlets is the price–$12.99!

What kind of small bag do you carry to special occasions & outings? Where are you shopping for great deals on summer accessories? How are you incorporating flowers into your summer style? For more stylish posts, check out Jessica Alba’s platforms, affordable tees for every size, Betsey Johnson’s butterfly inspiration, & beach / weekend totes! Happy Styling!

SHOP NOW! Stylish Back-To-School Buys!

Posted on by

The back-to-school time of year marks the end of the summer, but it’s also an exciting time of year. Kicking off the school year in style always made me feel confident & prepared for whatever challenges were to come. While I’m no longer in the student phase of my life, I love checking out the newest back-to-school must-haves, especially since I’m always working on writing projects & reading in my spare time. There’s nothing wrong with a little stylish touch on with your school accessories, no matter what level of education you’re in. I’m mad for colorful paperclips & sticky notes for efficient note-taking, as well as personal journals for writing prompts. Also, being comfortable when I’m home studying or preparing something is essential, especially when I have to “tote” a lot of materials with me from one spot to another. Here are just a few affordable & fashionable extras to keep you organized, inspired, & stylish for the upcoming academic calendar.

SHOP: pom pom paper clips @Forever 21, gold tassel charging cable @Icing, bed rest pillow @JCPenney, large purple scarf @H&M, striped 2017-2018 agenda @TJMaxx, nylon tote handbag @Target, Yes I’m Reading This bookmark @Francesca’s, & staineless steel water bottle @Old Navy.

What back-to-school accessories are you shopping for? Where do you go for the best in back-to-school? What favorites help you stay inspired from year to year? Happy Styling!

Accessories Access: Lovely Lavender Handbags!

Posted on by

From the day-to-day, I am committed to the same one handbag to get me through my shifts at work, out with my boyfriend, and everywhere in between. I’m usually wearing just one bag for as long as I possibly can before switching from a lighter spring-summer design to something darker & more durable for the fall-winter months. However, when I spot a cute bag, my heart does do a little flutter. That’s exactly what happened when I spotted these lavender bags from New York & Company. I immediately pictured how I could style them, with a head-to-toe all-white look, a floral summer frock with wedges, & a little black dress accessorized with a pop of pastel.

SHOP: mini satchel, large satchel, tote, & crossbody bag @New York & Company.

Would you use a lavender bag? How would you incorporate pastels with your fall wardrobe? What’s your go-to handbag style? Where do you shop for your favorite accessories? Happy Styling!

Accessories Access: Laser Cut Handbags, Shoes, & Belts for Spring!

Posted on by

In getting ready for spring (because it still isn’t here on Long Island—though we experienced two very magical spring-ish days before massive blizzards hit), I’m looking ahead, specifically to the trends I can’t wait to explore. One of the easiest ways to get into the mood of a new season is with accessories. My goal is to turn to some staple & classic pieces that I’ve collected from past seasons for my own looks. However, for some inspiration, I love seeing what’s new & stylish in stores & online right now to get me even more into a spring state of mine. Since I’m always interested in ways to mix patterns & textures to create a detailed & sophisticated look, I love the idea of laser cut accessories, which are typically faux leather, modern & feminine, & created in soft & neutral tones, to offset bold hues, floral prints, & abstract color combinations, especially when it comes to handbags, shoes, & belts. To achieve an affordable & fashionable take on spring, I’ve scoured the web & some of my favorite go-to stores to find the chicest ways to elevate your outfit, as well as help Style Darlings to transition from these last remaining chilly winter days & into a brighter & lighter spring style.

SHOP: black & white tote @dressbarn, nude scalloped crossbody @ASOS, beige handbag @Target, & white Western crossbody @Express.

SHOP: blue pointy toe flats @GOjane, white d’Orsay flats @Old Navy, black Darlene flats @Target, & blush dress sandals @Charlotte Russe. 

SHOP: pink stretch belt @Charming Charlie, bone skinny belt @Old Navy, & black faux leather belt @Banana Republic. 

What spring trends are you most excited to wear? Where do you shop to refresh your wardrobe from season-to-season? What neutral accessories do you like best? Happy Styling!

Accessories Access: Mad for Affordable Plaid Extras This Season!

Posted on by

Plaid is the perfect print for fall, calling to match up your menswear style with sleek separates & luxe textures. Celebrities have been on the plaid train for a long time now, & it couldn’t look any better on the following A-listers: Reese Witherspoon, Jessica Alba, Taylor Swift, Rita Ora, & Hilary Duff.

Reese Witherspoon, Jessica Alba, Taylor Swift, Rita Ora, & Hilary Duff in plaid.Easy ways to add some plaid to your wardrobe without breaking your budget is to invest in accessories to wear with a variety of looks. Plaid goes against classic staples like a button down shirt & skinny jeans, a sweater dress & knee boots, as well as a lace blouse with a pencil skirt. Anyone of any age can rock plaid, & here are some affordable accessories to get you inspired to build that street style-ready fall look.

Accessories Access - Mad for Plaid This Fall!SHOP: 1. poncho ($37.99) in black / white @Necessary Clothing, 2. shawl ($39.99) in stone @ModCloth, 3. France Luxe headband ($20.00) in navy / green @Nordstrom, 4. Remington headband ($5.00) in red plaid @Target, 5. scarf ($12.90) in navy / green @Forever 21, 6. scarf ($12.99) in yellow checked @H&M, 7. Volcom pixie tote ($30.99, was $45.00) in red @6PM, 8. Croft & Barrow wristlet ($24.00) in black / white @Kohl’s, 9. Kelly & Katie pump ($39.95) in multi @DSW, & 10. flats ($12.00) in black pattern @Wet Seal.

When it comes to plaid, amp up your look with a little luxury, playing up your jewelry style based on the colors in your plaid. The richest colors include navy, green, burgundy, rust, burnt orange, gray, & purple, which are easy to find in stud earrings, decadent ear crawlers, statements necklaces, cuffs & bracelets, & cocktail rings.

Affordable jewelry to match with your plaid accessories.SHOP: 1. Helen Pavé square studs ($14.00) in navy @Francesca’s, 2. stone ear crawler ($7.99) in gray @Target, 3. faux stone cocktail ring ($6.90) in green @Forever 21, 4. enamel hinge bracelet ($20.96, was $29.95) in burgundy @The Limited, & 5. spirit beads necklace ($20.00) in light orange @Charming Charlie.

How do you like to wear plaid? What’s your favorite accessories for fall? What jewelry do you find works best with plaid? For more posts, check out fall floral separates for every size, affordable capes & ponchos for any body type inspired by Gwen Stefani & Jamie Chung, Olivia Palermo’s new jewelry collection for Bauble Bar, & Sienna Miller’s three-piece menswear outfit for less. Happy Styling!

Watch This Style: Marion Cotillard Designs The Latest Lady Dior Handbag!

Posted on by

Marion Cotillard for Lady Dior

While trying to fight off a cold & organize my best writing for a future as a grad student, I was sidelined by the latest news circulating around the fashion world, that Oscar-winning actress Marion Cotillard is designing a very special Lady Dior handbag. As a spokesmodel for the brand for several years now, the French beauty has taken her flair for fashion & forte as a creative force in music to new heights by lending her vision to Dior in creating a classic, yet modern bag.

In this video, discovered on my favorite site In Style, you can take a look at Marion as she brainstorms ideas for the bag with a behind-the-scenes peak at her fabulous celebrity lifestyle.  What do you think of her latest foray as designer? Happy Styling!