Friday Favorites: Fall Handbags

TGIF! The weather this week has been beautiful! So beautiful I've gone running and taken Trixie out on extra walks. I even wore a light pair of pants yesterday. I'm still not packing up my warm weather clothes just yet but thank you Jesus for the slight cool down!

I have however packed up my summer handbags. The straw, super bright colored ones as they truly aren't fitting after Labor Day. 

In comes darker bags, with texture and utilitarian purpose because now I'm back in all the activities and meetings and need to carry all the things.

Here are some pretty handbags for Fall ....

SUEDE BUCKET

LEATHER BUCKET

4 colors

CRESENT 

in ivory & black

CROSSBODY

also in brown

SHORT HANDLE

also in brown

SLOUCHY

4 colors

LEOPARD

WEAVE

Dress Beautifully with a Fall Handbag

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Totes

TGIF! I find myself and lots of other mammas carrying it all from here to there with school and activities throughout the week. And honestly it's not all the kids' stuff. I have to carry my own books, computer, snacks etc. 

Tote bags need to have ample volume to carry it all, ability to organize it all with compartments and durability to hold up to the wear and tear. 

Tip: I find that 100% genuine leather bags are the most durable.

Lady Leopard Tote

This tote bag spoke to me when I saw it in the store window! I love the emerald green, sassy leopards, needlepoint/beaded detail and most of all the box structure with leather surround for keeping my things in their place. It has my personality all over it!!!

Here are some totes I think would be stylish carry all's ...

Woven Tote

This one ships fast and comes in 21 colors

also includes a zipper pouch

Very similar to this designer bag

Single Strap Square Bag

this looks so designer to me but at a great price

Leather Zip Top Tote

I purchased this years ago and it's great, sturdy quality!

Personally I prefer the zip top

several colors, sizes and styles available

System Tote

This one is perfection for work! It is designed to organize your computer and belongings.

It's made of quality leather in a sleek classy design! 5 colors

Triple Compartment Tote

this one has separated compartments making it easy to find your things and keep them organized.

I like the structure of this one. 5 colors.

Metallic Snake Leather Tote

I love love the metallic python print!

Sharp Work Tote

Dress Beautifully Toting it All

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mamma Monday: Bag Lady

Pre Mamma life handbags were shiny gems in my closet. Ok, they still are.  I invest in them and purchase them with great intent. I absolutely have champagne taste when it comes to my fine leather goods. I save and typically purchase them once I have earned them by reaching a goal.

These days I'm not traveling to the office with my notepads, planner and business cards. But I am toting around toys, snacks and notepads with to-do lists (Mamma brain is sooooo real).

Handbags and watches fall into the category of every day items that should be selected careful because it's something you will wear/carry with every outfit.
Keep it classy.

So here are some Mamma bags that check both the form and function box:

Totes

Louis Vuitton Neverfull - Mr surprised me with this bag at my baby shower.
I knew if we ever did have a baby this would be my bag.  I'm wasn't a tote kinda gal before hand but let me tell you gals, it's so useful! I opted for the grand size and when I don't need all the room I pull in the side straps.  It's great for travel! This bag is definitely a splurge.

This leather tote is much friendlier on your wallet. It's extremely durable and classic. It will last you decades!
It comes in several color options and you can monogram it.

Backpacks

This small leather backpack is chic and keeps you hands free! All my mamma pals are jumping on this trend. eh, it's not my style but I totally get it, when you're wrangling kiddos this would be a lifesaver.

Now this is technically a 'diaper bag' but who would ever know?!! My gal pal has it and loves it.
You can wear it several ways. Stock it with everything the baby needs and add your wristlet or drop in your wallet, keys phone and a lipgloss and you're off.

Crossbody

I never appreciated the benefit of a crossbody until I had Vivian Louise. Hands free really is necessary. I'm just wearing the handbags I own, I didn't go out and get any. So they are sometimes a bit fancy :)
But that's me. I'm a fancy gal and Mamma. This one is my most casual and I wear it often.

This is an easy category for you to shop but here are some crossbodies by some of my favorite designers: Kate Spade, Rebecca Minkoff, Tory Burch, Madewell, J Crew and if you're really feeling fancy Gucci!

Diaper Bag

This is our diaper bag. Simple and black because I wanted Mr to carry it and for it to endure many years without showing it's age in wear and tear.

Kid Bags

Vivian Louise has this hungry caterpillar mini backpack and here are more options. I use it as her toy bag when we are out or as a quick diaper bag with essentials.

Dress Beautifully with your Mamma Bag

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Mini Bags

TGIF! On Wednesday's post I accessorized with a mini bag.  And while they aren't practical from a stand point of carrying 'everything you need', they are super cute. Think of them as a clutch with a handle.  And besides what all do you really need? We are grown gals not babies (I can attest that they do need lots of stuff hence the diaper bag).

So here are some mini bags I find adorable ...

Top Handle Satchel

Sleek and sharp in bright white - Perfect for Spring/Summer & comes with a cross body strap

SPLURGE on this one! 

This Circle Bag is super cute - and I love the color 

Tassel Bracelet Bag - Comes in several colors! 

Blue Studded Bag - a bit edgy!

Quilted with Chain Strap Bag

Dress Beautifully in a Mini Bag

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Fall Bags

Today is a fantastic Friday!!!  For so many reasons I’m extra giddy this Friday – Mr arrives this afternoon and will be in our home forever!  (With the exception of two short visits back to the coast next month to wrap up some Navy business) AND big stuff is happening in my career AND this time next week we will be at our vacation destination!.  Needless to say we will be celebrating and cheering our many blessings this weekend!

Unless you live under a rock you know about the big Nordstrom Anniversary Sale that happens every July.  The sale introduces the upcoming Fall season with select merchandise at a lower price.  This sale is for a limited time and then the price rises back up to its retail price.  It’s a great opportunity to stock up on those normally higher priced items like handbags, boots and coats.

However, I find that it can be a challenge with the current afternoon temps over 100F and no sign of a cool down any time soon to even think about cold weather clothing.

In the past I have taken full advantage of the sale and brought home some great loot.  Over the past couple of years I haven’t had much luck but that may just be because my closet isn’t lacking (not that I’m a hoarder I just tend to purchase quality classic pieces that last and so no need to repurchase).  I also have been concentrating on home décor and our upcoming trip when it comes to spending our extra funds.

I’ve been lusting after a red handbag for over a year now and I’ve finally found ‘The One’ and I’m so close to earning the achievement to warrant such a beautiful treat! Work Hard –Play Hard #Hustle

I also wouldn’t mind adding a fall handbag this season.  One in a darker color and/or texture.

Here are my 5 favorite fall bags from the Nordstrom Sale ….

Black Tote  -  Pinot Crossbody  -  Calf Hair Leopard Shoulder Bag 

Suede Satchel  -  Grey Convertible Tote 

Black Tote:  Classic and Polished. Perfect for the office (files, computer, planner etc. ) and for weekend to hold all your running around essentials – water, snacks, even a change of clothes

Pinot Crossbody:  I’m obsessed with burgundy for fall/winter!! It’s rich and warm and always makes me thing of a big glass of red wine.  This bag is very ‘Chanel’ like and it doesn’t get more classic than that!

Leopard Calf Hair Bag:  When it comes to leopard accessories (bags, shoes, belts) ALL of mine are calf hair.  It’s gives a luxurious texture and construction.  Animal prints are a great way to add interest & print.

Suede Satchel:  Suede is another rich texture for fall/winter.  I’m especially liking suede this season as the 70’s, boho vibes are in full swing. I wouldn’t mind a suede jacket in my closet either. 

Grey Convertible Tote:  I like this tote for its versatile straps.  You don’t see chain very often on totes and I like that these are designed with grommets so that you can wear on your shoulder or crossbody.  Most crossbodys are small so this bag gives you lots of function.

Dress Beautifully with a New Handbag for Fall

XOXO Sarah Louise

Embellished Clutches

Brightly colored and in bold prints, embroidered/beaded clutches are another hot trend embodying the ethnic/resort style.

Whether you've vacationed in an exotic location or not, carrying one of these will at least give you a worldly look.

And, you can check of those elements of print, texture and color off in a big way!

Personally, I think they'd be great with a LBD for a beautiful pop of interest ... but for your everyday/weekends they go with everything.

Tassel Foldover

Beaded Envelope

Wristlet

Black and White

Peacock

Woven

Chandelier Pouch

Thailand Embroidered

Dress Beautifully in an Embellished Clutch

XOXO Sarah Louise

Bucket of Fun

Buckets Bags are bountiful on the handbag scene! 

It's a returning trend from the 90's.  I've held off on slinging one over my shoulder as I'm not quite sure how I feel about these bitty buckets.  If you think about it, they're an interesting looking bag - it's like an oversized leather pouch or sachet.  Since my handbag style is more on the structured & ladylike side, it would have to be of quality leather with a touch of sophistication - maybe some gold hardware and I'd go with a neutral shade.

Trends can be tricky.  

My advise: 

Don't invest too much money into something you're unsure of or that may not be cool in the upcoming seasons.  

Just because everyone else is doing it doesn't mean you should 

Stay true to your stye but don't be afraid to branch out either

Now I'm even more conflicted!

What do you think??? 

I've rounded up a variety of bucket bags from Nordstrom below...

Bucket Bags: Stripe   Cognac   White   Red   Canvas   Blue   Gray   Black

Dress Beautifully with a Bucket Bag

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pastel Purses

Spring is my most favorite season for several reasons: Easter (best holiday ever 'He is Risen'!!), my birthday, blooming flowers, warm sunshine and the return of wearing white & pastels!

Pastels are feminine, light and just so pretty.
But don't limit pastels to just your garments. Incorporate these lovely shades in a handbag.  These leather bags pair beautifully with neutrals (white, tan, navy grey), bold colors (teal, fuchsia, kelly green) and all prints!

I added 2 new pastel purses to my collection below.  It was refreshing to pack up my winter bags and adorn my selves with brighter more colorful bags.
Thanks to all who shopped my ebay closet, you helped support my purchases :)

Black: Prada || Light Blue: Rebecca Minkoff || Pink: Tory Burch ||

White: Michael Kors || Tan: Tory Burch || 

Here are some pastel pretties to shop ....

Blue Moto  -  Mint Elbow  -  Lavender Crossbody  

Pink Bowling  -  Bucket Bag  -  Blue Satchel  -  Yellow Tote  

Yellow Clutch  -  Lavender Satchel  -  Pink Quilted  -  Mint Hobo 

Dress Beautifully with a Pastel Purse

XOXO Sarah Louise

Foldover

Foldover Clutches are simple and yet so sophisticated.  Constructed in quality leather the material speaks for itself rather that with fussy hardware.  They're spacious and practical; throw it all in and go.

There was a time, when I thought of 'clutches' it was in the formal wear sense.  These clutches are for all occasions: office, weekend errands or a night out.  I love that I can forgo the large handbag to clutching a leather pouch under my arm.

Here are some of my favorites to shop ...

Leopard Clutch (Comes in lots of colors & prints) || Black Calf Hair (also in lots of colors) || 
Blush Pink || Grey || Bronze || Cognac || Blue Python || Red ||

I scored this beauty several years ago and love it for it's navy and black python print/texture.  It even comes with a chain strap but I almost always wear it clutched!

Dress Beautifully in a Foldover Clutch

XOXO Sarah Louise

Totes Magotes

Leather Totes are totally trending ... probably too much alliteration.  Their functionality coupled with the elegance of the the soft buttery leather makes them an everyday essential. 

I have more of a structured, short handle handbag style, tucked right in my elbow.  But you can't box yourself in.  You'll miss out on a world of opportunity.  

Confession:  I always saw totes as a 'Mom' bag

I'm changing my tune ladies.  Like in fashion, construction, design, and media makes all the difference. I'm a snob when it comes to fabric for my garments, and for handbags and shoes it's fine leather all the way! Quality is everything.  Leather is durable and like wine grows finer with age. The natural richness and functionality makes a leather tote a classic staple. 

Leather totes are a throw-it-all-in, grab & go bag while still maintaining a chic and modern look.  Whether it's to the office or running weekend errands a leather tote will carry all your favorites beautifully!

Below I've scouted some amazing leather totes for you ... 

I found this cornflower blue tote at a steal! Also in Black

These classic totes come in a variety of colors and styles.  

I'm in love with this Cuyana's mission: Fewer, Better Things. 

J Crew's Downing Tote also comes in several colors and is currently on Sale!!

Madewell's Transport Tote - even comes in a reversible style and several colors.

And for a like-leather budget friendly tote,  Target's reversible tote is perfect and comes in 8 colors!

Dress Beautifully with a Leather Tote

XOXO Sarah Louise