In the Bag

I'm not really a big handbag girl, so when I do make a purchase it has to count. It has to be super versatile and work in both dressy occasions and on weekends. It needs to be a neutral and have special texture and hardware. And finally it has to be high quality but still a good value (read: at least 70% off retail). At under $200 for mid level designer bags, I'd say all of the below fit the bill. Personally I'm swooning for the Allsaints bags. It's my first time seeing them on my favorite discount sites and I can't wait to see more of them. 

1. Allsaints, 2. Frye, 3. Allsaints, 4. Vince

Act Natural

Rounding up some of my current favorite accessories that will give any outfit that perfect relaxed, just back from vacation vibe. Bonus points for anything straw!

Doen Phoebe Moroccan Basket Bag- $38

Antik Batik Embroidered Bag- $48

Diani Living Lifeguard Hat- $40

Sol Sana "Selma" Sandals- $39.99

Boho Luxe

My go-to for luxe boho pieces is French brand Antik Batik. Gorgeous prints, colorful embroidery, and Indian influences make each piece a special event you'll want to wear every day. 

Unfortunately, these gorgeous pieces come at a price. But I've been lucky to find a lot of gems over the years from Italian retailer (and Net-a-Porter owned) Yoox.com. Here you'll also find a ton of other Europe-only brands with great deals on clothing, shoes, and accessories. It takes some time to dig, but trust me it's worth it! 

See some of my favorites below. And Yoox is known to offer extra % off and free shipping almost weekly!

Antik Batik "Appoline" embroidered blouse- $52 (was $320)

Antik Batik "Lolah" kaftan- $59 (was $301)

Antik Batik embroidered blouse- $53 (was $224)

Antik Batik embroidered blouse- $36 (was $250)

Antik Batik beaded bag- $50 (was $216)

Antik Batik "Leonis" sweater- $51 (was $208)

Big Nasty Sale

There is a pretty serious sale happening at  Nasty Gal right now. I almost bought a few things on sale last week, but thankfully I didn't because all sale is an extra 40% off right now. 

Here's a few things that made it to my shopping bag.. 

Oversized soft tee- $9 (was $38)

Straw boater- $10.50 (was $58)

Wool boater- $12.25 (was $68)

Faux fur vest- $12.25 (was $68)

Tiered top- $10.50 (was $58)

Blank NYC flared jeans- $21 (was $88)

Vegan leather bucket bag- $24 (was $58)

Faux Suede dress- $13.92 (was $58)

Embroidered Maxi- $24.50 (was $68)

With the Tribe

As you may or may not know by now, I have an obsession with anything exotic and handmade in feeling. As a matter of fact I have an entire rack of it in my bedroom (!). This translates to lots of embroidery, block printing, hand-loomed fabrics, and tassels, pom poms, etc. I found this bucket bag on Nordstrom Rack and it is all of my bohemian dreams in one bag. Tassels? Check. More tassels? Check! South American loomed fabric? Check!

I love the graphic black and white pattern- it will go with more than your typical summer bag. I'll be wearing mine with a floaty white dress, gladiators, and this hat.

Kaia Bucket Bag- $49

 

XO

Celine-ish

Foley & Corinna Frances Satchel- $129 (was $325)

Today I'm a little obsessed with these Celine-inspired bags from Foley & Corinna via MyHabit, of course.

Simple and elegant, just like the inspiration, these bags will class up any look. At a fraction of the cost of designer handbags, (this Celine bag will run you about $3,500) you can rationalize buying something for yourself even though you should be holiday shopping.

xo

Gift Guide: The Cool Girl

She's your cool co-worker/cousin/best friend and you're always asking her "where did you get that?!" Get it for her this year.

The pop of color in this faux leather backpack will give her winter coat an instant makeover.

This cuff manages to be both classic and a little badass at the same time.

She probably already has a closet full of chic sneakers but these python print slip-ons via Madewell are sure to be her new favorite.

These cat eye metal tipped sunglasses will have the it-girl in her squealing with delight!

This oversized plaid scarf from ASOS will quite literally go with everything in her closet.

The classic fisherman sweater gets a modern update with directional cables and an asymmetrical hem.

xo

Fabulous and Vegan

I've been looking for a new fall/winter handbag for the last few months and have inevitably come up empty. And a big reason for that is price. On-trend quality handbags can be expensive (even for a discount shopper like me!) so sometimes the wallet-friendly (and ethical) way to go is vegan. Luckily, Zara has been putting out really beautiful, well-made vegan handbags for a long time. And this season, I can't seem to pick my favorite! Bucket or structured? Studded or classic? Which one is your favorite?