Wedneday Wishlist - Bucket Bag

Bucket bags are one of the hottest bag styles right now, and they come in so many cute variations, I'm having a hard time deciding my favorite.  Especially for me as a mom (if you are one, you get it, if you're not yet, you totally will), a bag that is a decent size but doesn't feel huge and cumbersome is a must.  And especially having a long strap to wear cross-body as an option is a must, because if it's hanging from my body, I won't loose it, LOL. (And two hands free when out with a toddler is a necessity.) 

I think I would have every occasion and outfit covered if I could just get one of each of the below.

Top Row, L to R:
 -  The geometric print of this one is fun yet not too loud, and I love anything blue and white.  This one has two interior pockets as well to help (attempt to) keep everything organized.
 -  Love the two tone of this one (goes with everything!), it is real leather (on sale!!) and has two strap options: the longer cross-body and the shorter tote length.
 -  Cognac is one of my favorite colors for leather accessories, and this bucket bag is perfect.  It's real leather (another one on sale!!), and I think the perforation gives it fun character

Second Row, L to R:
 -  Isn't this one so unique? I love the combination of materials, and the print (I think up close it looks like reptile) from a distance looks like marble.  Also has the two different length straps to chose from.
 -  This taupe style is simply classy with the gold hardware details.  It is faux-leather with slight texture that makes it look rich and supple.  A great basic piece (majorly on sale).
 -  Seriously, how cute is this one?  It is appropriately called The Interstellar Bag, and is black textured vegan leather with embellished gold stars.

Third Row, L to R:
 -  The description of this one says it's brown, but I'd call it more of a mustard, which is partly why I love it.  It has a very modern style, and the tassels are so cute and on point.
 -  If you can only get one, you can't go wrong with classic black.  But this is anything but boring with the mix of suede and leather, and it has the cutest detailing with the rings and studs.
 -  This one is so fun for the holiday season.  Amazing jewel tone with a fun zipper detail (and it's a rental, so you can change it out when you're ready.)

Bottom Row, L to R:
 -  This style comes in five colors, and I want them all.  Great size and shape, super affordable AND just dropped another $10.  
 -  This teal is one of my favorite colors in anything, so I'm love with this bag.  The tassels are a cute detail, and it comes with a bonus snap flap wallet to coordinate.  
 -  This one comes in 2 colors, and is another great classic style.  Can't go wrong with this one.

Do you already own/use a bucket bag?  Let me know what you think about them.

Style Tips - How to Look Expensive

So I was flipping through my most recent copy of Lucky magazine, and I noticed a short piece promoting the web-exclusive brand Datura (datura.com).  The short article proclaimed that the site is "our new go-to for classic, wear-forever staples," and the founder, Stefania Borras was quoted saying "I saw a void for timeless, quality clothes at affordable prices.

Now, anything that claims to be affordable will get a second look from me.  And after a glance at the collection pieces shown with the article, and poking around the site, it confirmed to me what I've already thought for a while: the word "affordable" to the fashion world means something totally different than it does to me (and I have to imagine to many Americans.)

My income these days is significantly more than it was 10 years ago, but I don't think my budget has changed much (seems like the more $ I make, the more expensive everything else in life is.)  "Affordable" to me is not $150 for a linen shirt.  In fact, unless for special occasion or quality leather, anything over $100 is generally too much.  I don't have an extra $300 laying around for a silk shirt dress, and I confess envy if you are reading this and do (and not because I want the $300 silk shirt dress, but because I have student loans to pay off, and extra cash would help!) ;)

The good news is though that its not the price of what you wear that makes you look fashionable and stylish.  Subconsciously we think stylish = expensive, and that's probably because the 'stylish' people we look up to for inspiration are rich: actresses, models, socialites, reality stars.  We start to think that to look as fabulous as we think they do, we need their budgets.  But that's so not true.

A while back, I read the book How to Look Expensive: A Beauty Editor's Secrets to Getting Gorgeous without Breaking the Bank, hoping for some secret tips.  And while I'll go in to some details in later posts, here are some key things to get you started and keep in mind when shopping and dressing:

1.  Steer clear of super trendy items in general. Of course have fun with your style, but anything that is too extreme quickly dates itself and is often not very versatile. And versatility is the key to a making the most of your wardrobe.

2.  Black, white, neutrals - you can't go wrong.  They may seem boring at first and on their own, but they provide the perfect foundation for layering and accessorizing, which is really what makes the outfit (see below.)

3.  Proper FIT is a MUST.  Even the most expensive garment will look bad if it fits you poorly.  Everything fits models perfectly not because they are a size 2, but because the items are tailored for their bodies (that's why there are fittings before runway shows.) Take that $30 H&M dress in to a tailor and have them nip it or shorten it or whatever will make the garment just right for your body.  Extensive tailoring can get expensive, but if you save on the dress and pay a bit extra for customized fit, it will be a great investment.

4.  Once everything fits you well, think about LAYERS. Scarves, vests, jackets, etc.  These are versatile pieces and will help transform so many outfits. Jeans and a T are staples, but just eh.  You can change up the entire look with a beautiful scarf around your neck (even ok in the spring and summer in a light fabric.)  If you are going to invest in anything, a quality, classic handbag is a good way to go, but you can also rotate in some fun patterns and colors in cheaper versions and look just as stylish.

5.  ACCESSORIZE.  You can easily spend bank here, but totally not necessary.  Do spend on quality metal if its something you think you'll want to wear and keep for years, but embrace trends here with cheap (but well made) statement pieces or layering pieces.  And BELTS are a great way to change things up, cinching in a blousy dress or top, adding interest to the outfit (another layer) and helping define your shape.  If you're going to invest in anything, a quality classic handbag is a good way to go, but you can also rotate in some fun patters and colors in cheaper versions.

This is a start.  If you pay attention when you see well-dressed, stylish women, you'll notice that them employ all of these elements.  And you have no way to know how much everything actually cost them.

I know, in a perfect world we'd all have walk-in closets and unlimited wardrobe budgets (and there would be no more cancer, or hunger and the world would all just get along.)  But alas, we are clearly not in a perfect world, so we must make the best of what we've got (see my Thankful Thursday posts for reminders.)

What are your key styling tips?

Wrap Me Up Pretty

Ok, so here's the reality: while I would love to look crisply attired and professionally styled at all times, that just ain't happening when trying to chase a toddler around.  What I need is simple outfits that I can put on quickly, but that still have some character and style to them. I need to look like I tried without having to actually try that hard.

That's what's so wonderful about scarves.  They are simple pieces that come in a vast variety of colors and patterns, and can instantly take the simplest outfit and add that element of style that pulls it all together.  Jeans and a T: comfy, practical, but boring.  Add a brightly colored scarf and you have instant detail and interest with no fuss.  And they're not just for cold weather anymore.  They come in a variety of light, airy fabrics that feel just as spring and summery as tanks and sundresses (both of which you can add a scarf to.)

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Additionally, they're  a functional accessory, particularly good for air travel, when you encounter a variety of temperatures and can be hot one minute and cold another.  Light scarves can provide just the right extra layer to adjust to temperature changes.

And there are so many ways you can style them, its like 20 pieces in one.  And you can easily find so many styles at very affordable prices. So its a win all around.  And who doesn't like winning? :)
 

Click this image for instructions on these looks and to visit a website dedicated to how to tie scarves
 

Friday Favorites - Shopping for a Good Cause

TGIF! Hope the week has been a good one for you, and the weekend even better.

Not to get preachy, but I've been thinking a lot lately - or I'm trying to be continuously aware of - how blessed I am in this life.  I feel like I'm constantly in the "I want", "I need", "how can I have more" mind set, and while those can be self-motivating, I also don't want to forget all that I do already have. Which is so much more than most of the world.  And if you are reading this, you are likely living a blessed life as well (and I don't mean because you read my blog.  But if you are, that's another way I am blessed. Thank you.  ;) )

My favorites for this Friday are companies that are helping those who have much less than all of us.  Our purchases from these companies provide women, both domestic and foreign, with jobs so they can support themselves and their family, and provide food for hungry school children.  And we get to add some great accessories to our closets, which hopefully when we wear will remind us how fortunate and blessed we are.

Your purchase of a fashionABLE product helps create opportunities for vulnerable women in Africa.  fashionABLE works with women to help them start small business coopertives, and partners with and requires manufacturers to employ women with fair wages and fair hiring practices.
 

Clockwise from top left: The ABLE Scarf, Minka holding the Hibret Zippered Pouch, Tizita Bracelets, ABLE Necklace, and Agnes Foldover Crossbody Bag
 

Founded in 2007 by Lauren Bush Lauren, FEED supports the World Food Programme's School Feeding program, which feeds and educates hungry children.  Every product sold has a measurable donation attached to it and, to date, the social business has been able to provide over 87 million meals globally through the WFP and Feeding America.
 

Clockwise from top left: FEED 5 Bracelet (with pouch) provides 5 meals, FEED Diaper Bag provides 1 mother and 1 child with micronutrients for a year,  and FEED 10 T-shirt provides 10 school meals.
 

Better Life Bags is based in Detroit.  They hire women who otherwise could not get jobs, and then rent them a sewing machine and tools while teaching them skill sets that allow them to become a primary or secondary provider in their families.   Most of the women are fist generation immigrants, so BLB provides them with fellowship and friendship.  They have ready-to-ship items, or you can customize with your choice of fabrics.

Clockwise from top left: Laptop Sleeve, Linda, Brynnda, Wristlet Set, and Nesting Pouches with Leather Bands.