silver totes...

I am absolutely IN LOVE with this tote from Kate Spade...


(Foiled Again Allana, Kate Spade, $245)

I love that it's a little flashy and fun, but also practical for carrying around all the necessities. It's anything but boring! But even with my birthday coming up, it is still always hard to justify shelling out over $200 for a bag. Although the temptation is definitely there!

Here's some silver bags that are just as cute (or at least close!) but a little easier on the wallet... (click the pictures for links!)

I think this Gap bag is a front-runner for me... I could definitely see myself sporting this bag this fall.



I have featured this one in outfits here on the blog recently... It's super cute and a great size.



This one has the most similarity to the KS bag... and for the cheapest price. I do like this one too!



Decisions, decisions!

shopping guide: south of the border!

These hot summer days and warm summer nights have me dreaming that I am actually on vacation... sipping margaritas with little umbrellas in them and eating my weight in chips and salsa would be just my style these days. So it's no surprise that I present to you this south of the border shopping guide... can't you smell the lime juice now?

(details: 1. Hyacinth & Hydrangea Satchel, Anthropologie, $78, 2. Mexico Tank, Forever 21, $10.90, 3. Orchid Embroidered Flat, Sam Edelman, $29.50, 4. Carson Poplin Short, JCrew, $29.99, 5. Lyssa Dolman Top, Forever 21, $24.90, 6. Basic Principles Skirt, ModCloth, $44.99 7. Embroidered Leather Sandals, Old Navy, $19.50)

tots totes!

Do you get this thing on the internet where people just randomly cut off a word and make in a new word? Like totally becomes "tots" - like, I tots don't get it. I'm figuring it's due to Twitter... allowing people only 140 characters per thought could lead people to crazy things. Any way! Apparently the trend is catchy... I'm complaining about it AND utilizing it all at the same time. It's the future peeps. See, there I go again.

So what started as a post title where I tried to use alliteration, has now become random blabbering and trying to predict the future.

~~~

What I am actually here to chat about is totes. I'm a "big" handbag person... not as in I really like handbags... as in I like BIG handbags. For all the stuff and junk. And they make a statement too. I like that as well. In the form vs. function battle of handbags I usually go for form. So I should say: I like big handbags because they make a statement... and also because they carry all my stuff.

In the summer months I find larger bags to be of even more use. You never know what the day will bring. Snacks, spare clothes (for the kids), spf, sunglasses for four and then even more snacks are always in tow. Here's some totes that I would tots carry all summer...

I love the sweet but modern bow on this bag... so cute. It would be fun for the farmer's market as well! (Lauren Moshi, Kitson, $88)


The sunny yellow and draw string top on this bag have me hooked. How handy that the kids (or strangers) couldn't go rifling through my bag at any moment. (Mar Y Sol Straw Tote, $88)


Stripes, stripes, stripes! It never ends... and frankly, I don't want it to. This bag is just adorable! (Striped Tote, Gap, $32.99)


I love this tastefully executed metallic bag. This is probably my favorite of the bunch. It would go nicely with some fun silver TOMS! (Metallic Tote, Gap, $39.50)


What are you toting around this summer?

a little indulgence is always in order...

While these summer days wear on the moms in the group... (myself included!) I thought it would be fun to indulge ourselves with a little window shopping.

Please be warned... none of these pieces are what I would consider "affordable", however they are all swoon worthy.

I am loving this sexy open back shirt... this top, skinny jeans and sky-high heels would make me infinitely happy - you know, in that purely materialistic way*. (Haute Hippy, Nordstrom, $195)


Good sunglasses like these would for sure hide my over-tired eyes... and make me skinnier**, right!?!? (Christian Dior, Net-A-Porter, $275)


J'adore this bag. Dang. I bet I could write better blog posts*** with this handbag on my arm. (Marc Jacobs, Bloomingdale's, $358)


This lovely tunic would be perfect for the pool and beach... I bet no one would even notice my hairy legs!**** (DVF, $210)


Well, hello gorgeous! Oh you weren't talking to me... oh, yes, the shoes. Gorgeous indeed! These would make the sippy cups***** melt from my existence. (Cynthia Vincent, Diani Boutique, $395)


Going along with my running joke (see ****)... this cosmetic bag better wake me up and put my make-up on for me for $95. Although, it is darling. (Tory Burch, $95)


* please note, I do not condone relying on "materialistic" happiness- I do however like to dream that it is a reality. It isn't FYI. THINGS will never make you (or me) happy. You do know that, right!??!
** if,IF, sunglasses could make you skinnier... $275 might be worth it - cheaper than a year of a gym membership. But again, pipe-dreams people. Until then, I'll stick with my $6 F21 sunnies.
*** you know, never mind the fact that actually writing a blog post AND having a purse on your arm at the same time would be extremely challenging.
**** in college I worked retail and always had a running joke with a co-worker... when something was over-priced we would say what that piece of clothing "better do" for us for being so expensive. You know like "those pants better wake me up in the morning and shake off my cellulite for $100" For some reason, I still get a kick out of that joke today. That was like 15 years ago. Good jokes die hard, I guess.
***** it's dumb that I get so annoyed by sippy cups. But enough already! Sippy cups are SO 2005.

shopping guide: white hot!

Again, this is a bit of a re-run if you receive my newsletter... you would have seen it there first! But it was too good not to put out here. White can seem so harsh and unforgiving of a color during fall & winter... and even a bit in spring. But when summer hits it feels like a glass of cold water tastes. Like a breathe of fresh air or a light breeze on a hot day. Just... ahhhhhh! Don't you think?



(details: 1. Fossil Watch, Lord & Taylor, $95 2. Flower Collar, TopShop, $85 3. Linen-Blend Boyfriend Shirt, Old Navy, $24.50 4. Tory Burch Flip Flops, Jildor, $45 5. White Boot Cut Jeans, Lands End Canvas, $49.50 6. Melie Bianco Metallic Trim Bag, Piperlime, $73.99 7. Schuyler Dress, JCrew, $99.99)

my outfit: short shorts!

oh boy... I am so not a shorts person. But I maaaaaaay just be coming around. My husband talked me into these (big duh there) and I almost hate to admit it, but I do kinda like them.

When I started putting this outfit together I knew I wanted a very summer/easy/simple/fresh look. But I still felt like it needed a little sumthin'. So I broke out the leather Coach and I think it really balanced the simplicity and brought a bit of sophistication to it all.


Also, the shoes are my new Superga's... when I first got them I thought they were too big. But I had my mom try them on, she has a touch bigger foot than me and they were too small on her. Hmmm. My brother suggested insoles to fill some of the extra space and ta-da! They fit perfect. (BTW, want more ideas on how to style these classic white kicks? I featured them in my Spring looks:book!)



How cute are the yellow striped pockets? But these shorts are short enough as is. thankyouverymuch. I wore this outfit to the library with the kiddos and celebratory Happy Meals for launching my Summer looks:book! Aren't my kids the luckiest? I do the work, they get the fun? Next time I should mix some champagne in there somewhere. For reals.



Details:
Purse, Coach (gift)
Top, Gap (similar)
Tank, F21
Horseshoe Necklace, Marc Jacobs (similar)
Shorts, Old Navy
Shoes, Superga (I got mine at GILT for cheaper!)

espadrilles, espadrilles! (part II)

I loved each and every espadrille I featured in the previous post about them (here)... and decided to feature more. They are just SO dang cute. And cheap. And summery. And, did I mention, cute!?!?

Being the nerd that I am, I googled "espadrilles" - turns out the word is French from Latin origin. Pronounced "es-pe-dril" - those frenchies, they love the silent letters at the end of words! Also, they are defined as a jute or rope sole with a fabric upper. Ta-da! Your fashion lesson for the day.

For some reason the florals really draw me in... and usually I am not even much of a floral gal.


This pair isn't so "cheap" but it comes in a million of the sweetest colors you could ever want. So, yeah, I had to include them.


Wedge espadrilles in gold? Yes and yes.


These are so sweet they remind me of sorbet. Mmmmm...


Wedge, lace-around-the-ankles, peep-toe espadrille? Yes, yes and yes!


I'll take just about anything in black. Plus, I just love the top-stitch on these!

designer: rachel roy

I love to find little brands or boutiques that offer something new and fresh - but not for an arm or a leg. Rachel Roy seems to embody this fresh and modern style but not at completely unaffordable prices. I love that her style is runway ready - but not at runway prices. Her looks embody the definition of everyday glamour. All of these pieces are just gorgeous... and UNDER $100 to boot!













I'll take one of everything... you?

my outfit: stripes & scarves!

Styling this sweater is like stealing candy from a baby (not in the really mean way...), it's just SO easy. I could march in my closet right now and style this sweater ten times and love each iteration more than the last. Why can't it always be so easy?

You might ask, what is with the scarf and jacket and sweater in May? Yes, that would be a great question! I live in Michigan and we have crazy weather this time of year - last week we had a lot of rain and gloom. But yesterday we spent basking in the sun at Lake Michigan where the sand was burning our feet. No joke. That's just what we put up with to have four seasons.



I say I wouldn't trade it, but, ahhhh, you never know! Maybe I would. (wink, wink)



If you want more ideas on how to style a striped top... check out my spring 2010 looks:book. This style top is featured there... and don't forget (drumroll....) my SUMMER 2010 looks:book will be out this Thursday (fingers crossed that editing will be done by then!) with even more good wardrobe advice and ideas for the warmer months. Both feature tons of outfit ideas and the must-haves for the season... without any overlap. Both have totally unique content so you will definitely want to check them both out!

Details:
Jacket, Gap (similar)
Sweater, F21
Scarf, Gap (similar, similar)
Jeans, Seven for all Mankind (similar)
Flats, Old Navy (similar)

hi & lo

I had so much fun doing THIS post last week... and just recently a few of these handbags jumped off the page at me. So I had to do a handbag version!

If you love the vintage styling of this handbag... like I do...
Treesje Asher Satchel, $498

Then it will be impossible to say no to this much less expensive version from UO. How summery is this bag? Perfect with jeans or a sundress alike.
Kimchi Blue Satchel, Urban Outfitters $48

I love good girl/bad girl vibe of this little clutch... but not the price tag so much...

Eyelet Clutch, Rebekah Minkoff, $365

Save yourself almost 300 big ones with this equally fun and studded clutch.
Hype Studded Clutch, $75

If pockets and zippers are your thing...
Dylan Shoulder Bag, Linea Pelle, $395

Check out this version at a fraction of the price (pennies on the dollar people! Do I sound like a used car sales man?). This bag is a perfect alternative to a diaper bag for any mom on the go!
Zipper Pocket Handbag, Old Navy, $17.99

This Kate Spade is so cute you want to pinch it...
Take a Dip Tote, Kate Spade, $195

But in real life, I think the Old Navy version is actually even more cute! It's fixin' to be my summer pool bag. How can you not love that price? This version looks bigger too!
Two Tone Canvas Beach Bag, Old Navy, $16.50

I about freaked when I saw this bag...
L.A.M.B. Freestyle Sak, $225

because THIS one from Old Navy has been on my wish list for a few weeks. Perfect for early morning soccer games on Saturdays. I can throw in snacks and sweatshirts and I'm set to go.
Crescent Tote, Old Navy, $10

What do you think? Do you think "hi & lo" should be a new feature here on the blog? I am kind of digging it!

summer dreaming...

Michigan weather likes to be super tricky... one day it's 80 and sunny and there's not a care in the world. The next it's 40 and raining and you just crave sun and warmth and bronzed skin...

They call it spring. I call it torture!

I am dreaming of the solid sunny days and warm weather...

Soaking it all up at Lake Michigan or at least the local pool.

Kids running through sprinklers.

Ice cream on hot nights.

Sand between your toes. Ahhhh... some serious summer dreaming! What are your favorite parts about summer?

Mother's Day Indulgences...

I just love to celebrate holidays... any excuse to have a party! Valentine's Day, Fourth of July and my birthday are a few of my favorites. But Mother's Day is just in a league of it's own.

Of all the holidays on the calendar - this is the one I have EARNED. Somehow cleaning up puke, endlessly sweeping up crumbs, folding laundry over and over, changing diapers and all the other less glamorous parts of motherhood (wait, are there even "glamorous" parts to motherhood at all?) - well, all this hard work pays off for a day of spoilery every May.

My husband is super thoughtful when it comes to special holidays like these... schedules for "activities", menus for homemade meals and hand written cards start popping up (along with a few gifts here and there!) and the thought that goes into it all makes it the most special.

Any of these indulgent and girly gifts would make for a big smiles on Mother's Day morning, no?

(Golden Shadow Earrings, Swarovski, $59)

(Calf Hair Ballet Flats, JCrew, $228)

(Drama Tie Feather Necklace, Juicy Couture, $148)

(Bon Shopper Tote, Kate Spade, $225)

(Chanel No. 5, starting at $95)

(Aviator Sunglasses, Tory Burch, $175)

I would gladly take any of these great gifts... although with life going at a break-neck speed lately I think I am going to simply ask for a day "off" - or two, and maybe breakfast in bed too!