Sunday Splurge: dreaming in leather!

I've been thinking for a while now about investing in a new handbag for spring... I've been carrying my J.Crew Tillary tote for a little less than a full year now and while I absolutely LOVE it, I am ready for something new and fresh in my life.

In my opinion, it's always worth it to invest in handbags. They are the one item you use every single day and they really get a lot of abuse so you want something that lasts under pressure.  My bag is always in and out of the car 50 million times a day, dragged around stores, sits on the floor of dirty sports facilities and fields while I watch my kids and lugs everything from my wallet to a veritable buffet of snacks, toys and on and on. I really need a larger tote or satchel type handbag and I prefer one with an open top (rather than a flap) and of course, I would prefer leather.  

I've been terribly indecisive on choosing one and I don't know why! (maybe because I just want one of each!)  Here are my top contenders right now... 

1. tartine tote

2. candace carryall

3. mercer isle

4. courtenay hobo

5. tartine satchel

6. maison bag 

Tough decisions... what are your gals' thoughts? Any one that stands out to you? 

I would love your input!

Sunday Splurge... Coach!

I have been just swooning for Coach's line this season.  They have always made gorgeous and quality bags but the colors and silhouettes this season are calling my name!  Here are some of my favorite picks...  they would make amazing Christmas gifts!

top left: white/black

top right: red/navy

bottom left: red

bottom right: clutch

(PLUS: if you follow Coach on Facebook they are offering a 25% off voucher good through Monday!!! Whoa!)

Which one is your favorite?

sunday splurge (and save!) - a camel coat!

The bad news is that it is definitely winter coat weather already (I suppose it is November!).  The good news is that winter coats can be absolutely adorable (like these two).

I have had a camel wool coat on my wish-list for years. I honestly do not know why I haven't just bit the bullet and purchased one already (serisously).  These two options are great options no matter your budget and would be a great investment in your winter wardrobe.

(splurge/save)

sunday splurge: a new winter coat!

I am in dire need of a new winter coat... specifically a new puffer.  I know not everyone is a fan of the ye' olde puffer.  But I am.  No doubt about it.  Especially in these harsh cold Michigan winters. I hate to be cold and a puffer really delivers the warmth.

The key is to always make sure your puffer has a belt (defining your waist in one of these babies is key!) and a removable hood (because sometimes you need a hood and sometimes it's nice to leave the extra bulk of a hood at home).

Are you a puffer believer?

(puffer coat... I really like a classic black, but the 'dark artichoke' is pretty too!)

Sunday Splurge: The basic (but beautiful!) black bag!

A reader emailed me recently that she is looking to invest in a basic, but beautiful, black bag this season.  Her max budget was $500... so all of these bags are in that price range.

When it comes to handbags, I'm a firm believer in splurging a bit.  Sure that means you will have less bags overall, but you will have great pieces that will last for years and years to come.  Here I pulled together four gorgeous investment bags that would be perfect in anyone's wardrobe.

top left: Biennial Hobo by J.Crew

I'm a huge J.Crew handbag fan now that I've owned the Tillary Tote for 6 months or so.  They are sturdy and beautiful bags with buttery leather.  

top right: Mitchell Bag by Dooney & Bourke

D&B is a classic heirloom bag... I remember my classmates in high school would borrow their moms D&B bags and we would all covet them!  This bag is a great investment bag and potentially one your teenage daughter will try to steal (the ultimate compliment, right?).

bottom left: Cobble Hill Kori by Kate Spade

I love the option for the shoulder strap or the hand strap on this tote.  Plus, I'm a hands down huge Kate Spade fan.  You can never, never go wrong with a Kate Spade bag.

bottom right: Legacy Candance Carryall by Coach

Again, an absolute classic by Coach that will last for years to come. I love a tote/open top type bag like this (as they carry just about anything!) and this classic shape is so pretty!

Do you invest in the 'handbag' market too?  If so, what are some brands you can't live without!?!

Sunday Splurge: Glittered Loafers!

I absolutely love the glittered loafer trend... (well, glittered anything really!) and while there are some real beauties on the market like these glittered Kate Spade loafers, there are also some great options for less expensive glittered loafers as well.  (a while back I thought I saw a pair at Target too... maybe those are sold out now? I can't find them online)

(kate spade | modcloth)

Would you sport the glittered loafer look?

Splurge & Save : the beloved "bubble" necklace!

You are hiding under a rock if you haven't obsessed over the J.Crew "Bubble" necklace like everyone and their sisters have been lately.  J.Crew has been selling the (now iconic) Bubble necklace for a few years now and it's practically become a staple in many bloggers closets.  I have a version from H&M two springs ago that I love and wear often... I felt lucky to snag it at $15 or so compared to the J.Crew price of $150.

But recently this style of necklace has been showing up on ebay, in boutiques and most recently on Baublebar's website as well (LOVE Baublebar).  At first I felt like mine and all of these other's were "copies" of J.Crew's Bubble necklace.  Maybe you have felt the same? But then I was talking to a friend who was talking to a gal that owns a jewelry boutique that said that the Bubble necklace style originated from Europe somewhere and J.Crew "discovered" them on a sourcing trip and brought the style to their chain. (I think that is how the story goes)  So... rumor has it.

Now I don't feel so bad about having a "non" J.Crew Bubble necklace... not that I ever felt that bad to begin with.  After all... we all know there is nothing new under the sun these days (or ever).

So if you love the J.Crew Bubble necklace... here is a less expensive version - just for you!

splurge: pink, navy, orange, green, turquoise, blue

save: orange, grey, purple

Sunday Splurge & Save (boot edition!)

After cleaning out my closet last weekend I knew one of the first things I needed to invest in was new boots for fall.  And while I am good at shopping for new boots (i.e. ogling all the beautiful styles from Tory Burch, J.Crew, Loeffler Randal, Frye and the like) I'm not so good at looking seriously within my price range.

With Nordstrom's Anniversary sale going on I knew this would be my time to find some great boots at a decent price - knowing that they would still be a little investment.

Once I saw these (and their price!) I knew they were the ones for me!  So while the Tory Burch option is gorgeous... this option fits my budget much better!  Plus, I love the zipper up the back, how cute is that? Once mine arrive from Nordstrom, I'll be sure to fill you in on how I like them.

Sunday Splurge!

A gorgeous bright blue handbag like the Telegram Mini-Satchel from J.Crew would be my dream handbag for fall.  It's just bright enough for a season that is usually on the 'toned-down' end of the color spectrum.  This bright blue would be perfect with fall staples like jeans, cords, boots and blazers.  (this bag is gorgeous too!)

Or for a "save" version... check out this option!

Sunday Save (no splurge required!)

Today's Sunday Splurge (and save!) is JUST a save!  How about that? Old Navy has re-issued it's popular colored skinny jean for fall in 31 (yes thirty one!) colors and finishes.  Whoa!  And since colored jeans aren't going any where for fall... (yep, you betcha they are sticking around!) it's time to add a few new colors to your wardrobe!

I know I have my eye on about two or three new colors... and I'm super excited for a colorful fall. Usually fall clothes are so muted, but this season is definitely going to be a bright one!

Check out my top ten (hey, what can I say? It was hard to narrow down my favorites!) for fall...  and each of these are UNDER $35. Definitely time to stock up!

(Old Navy Rockstar Color-Pop Skinny Jeans)

I have my eye on the "Plum Tonic", "Tsunami" and "Bright Night"... although, given the opportunity I could snag one of each with no complaints!

Sunday Splurge (and save)!

I've got my eyes on a pair of gold flats... actually, I have for a while.  I had a pair a while back that I wore to death and then I never replaced them.  At this point I'm still trying to decide if I should go for an investment pair... or a less expensive pair.  These are the difficult decisions in life (wink, wink).

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Sunday Splurge (and save)!

I'm swooning for these striped blazers!  I mean, how cute and perfect for summer? Here are two perfect color combos... one is half the price of the other!  What a fun way to splurge or save...

splurge or save!

Sunday Splurge (and save!)!

I feel like the neon trend is a vortex that keeps sucking me in. I can't even fight it!

I am loving the idea of a funky little pair of neon flats... with jeans and a simple tee it would make quite the statement!  Whatever your budget... there is a pair for you (and me!).

Top Left | Pink

Top Right | Yellow

Bottom Left | Yellow

Bottom Right | Pink

What do you think? Would these be fun to wear or what?

Sunday Splurge (and save!)!!

Right now I have a healthy mix of 'cheap' sunglasses and name brand glasses... I like each pair for their own reason.  So I definitely think a little splurge on sunglasses here and there is a great investment (especially since they come with such nice cases in order to avoid the classic "I just sat on my glasses and broke them!" incident...)

Selima Optique of NYC just partnered with J.Crew on a REALLY fun line of sunnies... I seriously want a pair of each style.  They are so fun!  And the splurge and/or save might surprise you here... the Selima Sun for J.Crew are almost a quarter of the price of the Selima Optique styles... SCORE!

Splurge!

Save!

sunday splurge (and save!)...

It is definitely maxi season!  Maxi skirts and dresses have been calling my name without fail as the temps warm... this flowing pink number on the left is just SO gorgeous. No?  But unfortunately it's a little spendy.  Enter the one on the right - it's downright cheap and still such a pretty pink color!

I would pair either of these dresses with a fun turquoise necklace and gold sandals and call it a day.  Amazing!

Splurge!

Save!

Sunday Splurge...

I'm not going to lie... a neon handbag of some sort is pretty high on my I-almost-feel-like-I-can't-live-without-it list right now... but at the same time, a neon handbag is not the most practical of all purchases.  I mean remember what a bad rap neon got after it's booming popularity (and fall from grace) in the 80s?  I do realize this is likely a fad - albeit a fun one.

This neon Margate purse from J.Crew is exactly what I am looking for... but it's not exactly cheap.  This fun laser cut clutch is really fun too... and is more likely to leave some extra cash on hand to actually stuff in the clutch!

sunday splurge...

These gorgeous eyelet pieces are making my heart skip a beat!

(blazer/pants)

Sunday Splurge (and save!)...

Lately I have been equal parts obsessed with wedge sandals for spring and neon.  So when this gorgeous Juicy Couture wedges started calling out to me... I was inspired and a little sad.  I mean how gorgeous are they? But the price tag? Not so inspiring.  

So it was like fate when I found this equally fun pair... at a seriously great price!  

splurge!

save!

Sunday Splurge (and save)!

How gorgeous are these two zig-zag style scarves? I'm seriously in love with them both... however one is LESS than $20 and the other is OVER $200... whoa!  The colors are so fab! Perfect for winter to spring...

(steal, splurge)

sunday splurge... printed!

It's pretty safe to say that printed pants are the "next big thing" and while the style is sure to trickle down to friendlier price points soon - you may just want to jump on the bandwagon now with these ikat beauties!

I can totally see them styled up with a chambray top for weekends or feminine blouse and blazer for day time.  Or they would be perfect with a sleek black top and black pumps for the evening.  I'm seriously crushing on this pair!

(silk ikat pants, michael kors)