Tag Archives: it’s in the bag

Nov3

It’s In The Bag: Steve Madden Edition

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It’s In The Bag: Steve Madden Edition

Hi! I have always loved Steve Madden. In fact, my very first pair of heels that I purchased during eighth grade was a pair of Steve’s and, since then, a special place in my heart was dedicated to the brand. So, whenever I can find any Steve Madden shoes, bags, or accessories when shopping at TJMaxx, it is very exciting! Affordable and adorable, Steve Madden is a brand for all and I am so enamored with my new black and plaid backpack from my latest haul. Check it out:

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Fashion forward backpacks have become quite popular over the past few years and I have invested in a few, myself. Cute, convenient, and easy to carry these bags are definitely not your run of the mill backpacks that you tote your huge textbooks in to school. Unless you get a big and sturdy enough one, of course! Rather, the backpack trend is perfect for hauling along your essentials, totally hands free which makes them an optimum choice during travel or walking your commute to work in the city.

My new Steve Madden backpack screams fall fun and I love the jet black and red plaid combo along with a floral scarf tied on for some visual contrast. Shaped in a more bucket style, this bag runs deep and probably could fit a textbook or two if need be! I will always prefer a purse to a backpack no matter how fun the trend is. But, this pack will be a gorgeous fall staple paired with a skater skirt, knitted tights, and cardigan for a school girl chic look that will give Blair Waldorf a run for her money!

Are you a fan of the backpack trend? How do you incorporate one into your outfits? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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Aug28

It’s In The Bag: Chillx By LeMiel Edition

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It’s In The Bag: Chillx By LeMiel Edition

Hello everyone and welcome to a new edition of It’s In The Bag, brought to you by my TJMaxx Fall Haul. I always thought that when it comes to accessories, I am a shoe girl through and through. But, as I venture out on shopping trips or online shopping escapades, I have come to realize that I hold a very special place in my heart for purses.

To me, a good shoe is what completes the outfit. But, now I find that your look is only as good as your best accessories. This has inspired me to branch out and invest in things like jewelry, hair accessories, and yes – purses. During my seasonal shopping hauls, I have noticed that I have bought a purse to fit the changing weather each time this past year. And, I’m so not mad about it, because I wound up with this little Chillx By LeMiel beauty. Check it out:

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For those of you who don’t know, I am a HUGE fan of mustard yellow and will never not purchase something that I like in that color. So, when this gorgeous cross between a hobo and messenger bag caught my eye, I was all in. The perfect for fall palette of mustard yellow and the chocolate brown strap was just too good to pass up. And, the burnished bronze stud and lock detailing took it over the top into a purse that I didn’t just want but needed.

Although the color is what sold me, the shape of this bag also had a big part in the purchase, too. I don’t own any purses that are shaped like this one and I love the idea of carrying it by the small top strap instead of the long one that was included for a collegiate cool look. And, while we’re talking about the shape – can we please talk about all of the compartments?! Yes, please. I am all for a purse with a bunch of different nooks and crannies to keep all of my belongings organized in. All of the zippers and pouches will come in handy for all of my random odds and ends and I am definitely looking forward to utilizing them.

And, speaking of compartments – can we please talk about the two extra goodies that were nestled into them? Yes, please. While emptying the paper filling from the bag, I found a matching wallet and a huge reusable bag. I had known about the wallet when purchasing the purse but it was so nice to have the freebie tote bag included – it will be perfect for taking to the grocery store with my new favorite purse in hand!

What is your favorite fall color? How do you like to accessorize? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun2

It’s In The Bag: Antik Kraft Edition

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It’s In The Bag: Antik Kraft Edition

Yo yo yo. A trend that I absolutely ADORE come summer time is the bamboo or straw purses. Coming in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and patterns, I love the look of these bags and they complete any summer time outfit perfectly. I have spent many a months searching for just the right bag to tack onto my OOTDs and I think I found it with this little Antik Kraft number. Check it out:

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FIRST THINGS FIRST: Don’t mind the big ass box fan in the background because it’s hot as hell in my apartment and I didn’t feel like moving it. SUE ME FOR IT!

ANYWAYS, I love this purse. Lol. I love that it doesn’t look like a picnic basket or a friggen Thanksgiving cornucopia but it still definitely has that woven texture and look that I was going for. The colorful mandala pattern on the front side is to die for and it works so well against the blonde straw base. I also like that the strap is long enough to wear across your chest while still laying nicely against your body. And, the button clasp is a bonus to ensure that the purse isn’t constantly coming open.

Despite mad love for this bag, it isn’t perfect and I’m the first to admit it. It is absolutely too small for my liking and all of my necessities won’t be fitting in it, that’s for sure. But, do I plan on arranging all of them like Tetris in there because I have to try anyways? Abso-freaking-lutely. And, if we’re being honest, I’m not thrilled that this bag will only be used during late spring and summer. Because, come on, no one would use this during the fall and winter!

Lil Red is a woman of practicality, if nothing else, and I know that it might not seem like that to some. However, almost everything that I buy is something that I feel like can be utilized during at least three, if not four seasons. I’d be a liar if I said that it didn’t pain me while I was buying this knowing that it would sit dormant in my wardrobe for over half a year. BUT, it is gorgeous and is basically exactly what I wanted so beggars can’t be choosers and blah, blah, blah.

Do you buy your clothes for seasonal or year round use? What is your ideal summer purse? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun2

It’s In The Bag: Foley + Corinna Pt. 2 Edition

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It’s In The Bag: Foley + Corinna Pt. 2 Edition

As I was saying yesterday, my beautiful off white Foley + Corinna purse was so perfect that… I had to get it in black, too. *Face palm*

BUT LET ME EXPLAIN!!

As I admired myself with my white purse in the mirror at TJMaxx, I thought to myself “Boy, I sure hope that they don’t have this in another color”. I was so enamored with this bag, that if presented with it in a rainbow of colors, I would have bought every single one of them. But, luckily, TJs only had it in one other color, and it just so happened to be my favorite:

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Yeah… I bought it in black, too.

Finding this purse in black was like a kick in the gut and a complete brain blast all in one. I loved both of the colors so much and now I had to pick between the two?! I must have spent a solid half an hour at TJMaxx weighing in the pros and cons of each purse and each time I thought that I was making progress, something about the color that I was about to eliminate made me fall in love with it all over again. I was torn.

So, I guess it’s a good thing that my twenty-fourth birthday is coming up in five days because my mom pulled through in the clutch and offered to get me one of them for my b-day! How could I pass that up?! Was it necessary to get both colors of this bag? Absolutely not. But did I really, really want both? You have no idea. So, thanks to some birthday magic and a cool mom, I got to bring the only two of these purses in the store back home with me. HURRAY! 😀

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Have you ever bought anything in multiple colors? How has retail therapy helped you out during a tough time? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun1

It’s In The Bag: Foley + Corinna Edition

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It’s In The Bag: Foley + Corinna Edition

Hey! So as I mentioned earlier this week, your girl was in desperate need of some retail therapy. And retail therapy I did. Oh yes, retail therapy I did. Although I love all accessories equally, I can’t say that I am a huge purse girl. I’d much rather buy a new pair of shoes. But, that doesn’t mean that I don’t love purses and I definitely have a collection in my own right. I’m very particular when it comes to my bags, so when the right one (Or two!) come along at TJMaxx, it’s very hard to say no! Take a look:

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When I saw this GORGEOUS Foley + Corinna bag, it was really love at first sight. I loved the chain straps, the contrast between the off white color and the black spikes, and I am a sucker for all things studs and spikes in general. This purse is just the right size to hold all of my necessities and will be nice to carry around during the summer thanks to its small size. It really is just perfect. So perfect that I…

Find out tomorrow!!

What do you think I did next? What is your favorite style of purse? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar24

Snakeskin, Sister

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Snakeskin, Sister

Hi!! Although I am not the biggest fan of animal prints when it comes to clothing and accessories, I am definitely (faux) snakeskin obsessed. Cheetah, zebra, and whatever other animal prints there are simply fall by the wayside when it comes to snakeskin. To me, snakeskin is the chicest animal print – it tends to be soft and subdued but still has the perfect amount of glam rock edge to it, which sets it apart from in your face cheetah or zebra patterns.

I have never been able to find just the right snakeskin patterned clothing, but I do have a Nine West purse and two pairs of snakeskin booties that I adore. Take a look:

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I think that the best part about snakeskin is that it really is a neutral pattern. The blacks, greys, whites, and taupes blend so effortlessly that it never overpowers the rest of your look. My snakeskin boots are usually my go to’s when I want to spice an outfit up a little while still maintaining a rocker cool vibe.

And, can we talk about one of my favorite purses of all time?! My Nine West bag was a birthday gift from a few years ago and it remains as one of my most frequently used purses. It is perfect for either work or play and is large enough to fit all of my necessities in it without being too big. Sigh, TJMaxx shoots and scores again. :*)

Whether you want a chic pattern to incorporate into your work wardrobe or something more rocker when you’re at play, snakeskin will always be the best way to go!

What is your favorite animal print? How do you incorporate snakeskin into your wardrobe? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct11

It’s In The Bag: Cry Sanctuary Edition

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It’s In The Bag: Cry Sanctuary Edition

Hi everyone and happy Hump Day! As you all know, I’m a dedicated shopaholic, so it might be strange for you guys to hear that I’m not really a purse kind of girl. Don’t get me wrong, I have a lovely collection of totes and handbags in my collection, but I never actively seek out a new purse when I’m shopping. That’s what my shoe addiction is for!

Yearly, I can confidently say that I buy a maximum of two purses, which might seem staggeringly low for those who read my blog. I much prefer to switch out the bag that I’m using with another loved one in my clothing hoard with the change of the seasons or when I’m feeling frisky. Because I don’t swap out my bag very often, it leaves my purse collection feeling fresh and new and it’s fun to feel like I’m going shopping in my own closet!

Am I the number one fan of the purse? Not by a long shot. But do I know an amazing deal on a gorgeous piece when I see one? Absolutely. Take a look at my new Sanctuary brand bag and let’s discuss:

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  • Original Price: $220
  • TJMaxx Price: $60

What instantly drew me to this beautiful purse was the piercing like gold hoops threaded into the crocheted design. Lil Red is a pierced up, punk rock princess so finding a bag that reflects that was really exciting. The craftsmanship that went into creating this Sanctuary sweetheart is so evident just by taking one glance at it. When this bag babe arrived in the mail, it also took me one glance whence it was outside of the box to decide that I loved it.

This purse was an unintentional buy. Seriously. The only reason I put it in my “shopping cart” online was to get myself to free shipping status. Then, I planned on taking it to the store to return it once it arrived. That plan was an obvious bust. *Eye roll* I should know myself better by now to realize that if an item is in the shopping cart, then there’s a 99.9999999% chance that I’m going to buy it. TBH, saying that this was an unintentional purchase makes me feel a lot better because I didn’t mean to like it as much as I did!!!

Regardless of the intentions of this purchase (Let’s be honest, it was intentional.), this bag is totally and completely perfect. It is edgy and chic with a heaping helping of glam and I am so happy to be able to add it to my purse collection. I suppose that I would buy this Sanctuary beauty again in a heartbeat. 😉

So there you have it, the latest issue of It’s In The Bag: Cry Sanctuary Edition! What is your favorite accessory? Are you a purse or shoes girl? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul27

It’s In The Bag: Glorious Gudetama Edition

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It’s In The Bag: Glorious Gudetama Edition

Hello everyone and happy Thursday! So all over the blogosphere I’ve seen posts about this month’s Ipsy bag featuring a special little egg named Gudetama. Long story short, I’m obsessed. I’m not that big of a makeup girl so I’m not subscribed to Ipsy, but lucky for me, my older sister is! As soon as I saw the picture of the bag for the month, I made it clear to Kristen that I desperately wanted it. She wasn’t particularly blown away by the design (lol), so she happily passed it on to me! YES! Take a look:

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Everything about this pouch speaks to me on a spiritual level. The out there design, the “meh” zipper, the colors, Gudetama’s cute little fanny! It’s just perfect. Lol, I am so excited to transplant all of my little odds and ends from purse to pouch. Chapsticks that I never use, lighters, hand sanitizers, the whole nine yards. Who better to be the guardian of all of my random baubles than the laziest egg in the whole world?! I LOVE YOU, GUDETAMA! ❤

And a very special thank you to my beloved sister, Kristen, for parting with this sweet angel. :*) ❤

So there you have it, the newest issue of It’s In The Bag (Or, rather, It’s In The Pouch!): Glorious Gudetama Edition! Who of my readers are Ipsy subscribers? How did you feel about this month’s bag? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Deviant Art

Jul24

It’s In The Bag: Dream Control Edition

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It’s In The Bag: Dream Control Edition

Hi everyone and happy Monday! I hope that all of you had a wonderful weekend and are filled with endless energy to tackle your day. My brother and his wife are celebrating their second marriage anniversary shortly, so my mom and I hit up TJMaxx to see if we could find a nice present for them. We didn’t. But, naturally, I did find something! Take a look at this new backpack beauty and let’s discuss:

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^^^ Pretty! ❤

Although I share a deep love for all things fashion, I can’t say that I’m a very big purse girl. Don’t get me wrong, I have purses for days, darling, but I normally don’t go actively out of my way to acquire new ones on a regular basis. That’s what my love for shoes is for! ANYWHO, I’m very particular when it comes to my purses because it is absolutely crucial that my bags are unique but neutral enough to work well with my quirky, mix and match wardrobe. And that’s where this vegan leather, thirty dolla holla Dream Control book bag comes into play…

I LOVE IT SO MUCH OMGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!! ❤

Everything about this bag is just perfect to me. The slate grey color, the ethical material, the daring, envelope style shape. And, of course, the meager price tag didn’t hurt, either! Backpack style bags are so cool to me. They’re such a solid, unexpected staple piece that can be used in so many different cases. Whether you’re running around town, packing an overnight bag, or jamming it full of paper work from the nine to five, the backpack has got you covered.

I can’t say that I’m a trend follower, but when it comes to book bags, I willingly break my own rule! I have one other backpack that was also from TJMaxx and it’s one of my favorites. I freaking LURVE that thing, but it was lonely without a backpack buddy to hang out with on my purse display in my room, so obviously my Dream Control find was a must buy! #backpackBFFs

The slate grey color will make this bag easy to incorporate with all of my outfits, and I can just feel the compliments rolling in thanks to its unique shape. (I’ve literally never seen anything like it before!) Was it a necessary purchase? Uhhh…not necessarily. But a fun purchase, none of the less! It’s in the bag, darling. 😉

So there you have it, the latest issue of It’s In The Bag: Dream Control Edition! What is your favorite shape for purses? Who else loves sporting the backpack trend? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar22

Essential Accessories For a Sizzling Spring/Summer Wardrobe

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Essential Accessories For a Sizzling Spring/Summer Wardrobe

Spring has arrived and soon we’ll be basking in the glory of blue skies and warm climes. If you’re starting to think about your new season wardrobe, don’t get too carried away with expensive clothing because this season is all about the accessories. With the right accessories, you can ensure that you’re right on trend with every look without buying a different outfit for every occasion. If you’re after a sizzling spring/summer 2017 wardrobe, here are the accessories you need now:

The Embroidered Bag: Embroidery is massive this season and if you don’t want to walk around in patched up jeans or floaty folk tops, an embroidered bag is the perfect addition to your closet. You’ll find every style out there so you can choose from embroidered fringed backpacks or cross-body bags for festivals or patterned clutches for a chic evening look. Florals are hugely popular, but you’ll also find swirls, exotic birds, beads, and jewels. For a fun take on this trend, look out for bags emblazoned with customized patches or slogans for a cheeky wardrobe staple.

The Platform Shoe: A firm favorite in the 80’s and 90’s, the platform is back with a vengeance for spring/summer. Many designers mixed chunky soles with ultra-feminine touches on the runways to create an eclectic, fun vibe. Think sturdy heeled sandals teamed with frilly ankle socks and flatform sliders paired with skater dresses. The beauty of the platform is that you can add height without committing to walking around in stilettos all day. Platforms tend to be comfier and they’re usually easier to walk in. And did I mention that they are a Lil Red Favorite?!

sizzleHello, 90s fab!

The Earrings: This season is all about going large with your earrings and embracing the trend of mixing, rather than matching. On the catwalks, models were spotted with dramatic, hanging gems and masculine ear cuffs, which were embellished with a series of different studs and rings. This year, anything goes, so don’t be afraid to wear two different pieces or even just a single earring on its own. You can go girly with stylish chandelier earrings or keep it cool with a tragus ring or multiple studs.

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SO. Cute!

Rose Gold: Rose gold has been around for a while, but in the warmer months, it really comes into its own. This shade flatters everyone and it suits all ages. It also complements spring pastels brilliantly. Add a rose gold pendant necklace to a ruffled blouse and a pleated midi skirt for a beautifully feminine smart cashe look or team a tailored blazer, skinny jeans, and a silk cami with a statement watch for the perfect Friday night drinks outfit. If you’re looking for styling tips, have a look through some magazines, check out what your favorite celebrities are wearing, and have a browse online at sites like Frost NYC. With rose gold, you can be as playful or as formal as you like and your accessories will totally make the outfit. Dress up simple basics or vary your look by swapping between statement earrings, classic watches, bangles, and Bohemian stacking rings.

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 Love pocket watches!

The Miniature Bag: Gone are the days of hauling your entire collection of possessions around with you in an oversized hobo or tote bag. This season, it’s all about scaling things down and carrying the bare minimum with you. Miniature bags are a cute addition to both smart and casual looks and you’ll find a variety of options to suit your style and the occasion for which you’re dressing. Go for a tiny but incredibly sophisticated box clutch for an evening out or keep things casual with a mini backpack or even a bijou shoulder bag for a trip to the outdoor shopping centers.

Dramatic shades: If you’re a perennial aviator wearer, it’s time to step up your shade game and try out some different styles and shapes. This season is all about making a dramatic entrance and letting your sunglasses do the talking. Think oversized hexagonal frames, bold colors, and cat’s eye glasses for a bold “look at me but don’t look at me” look.

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 MeeeOW!

Spring is officially here so it’s time to crack open the boxes full of skirts, dresses, and tees and start thinking about how to incorporate them into your wardrobe. When a new season arrives, it’s tempting to buy a load of new clothes but you don’t have to go crazy to make sure that you’re on trend. Using accessories is a great way to create stylish looks without spending a fortune on new outfits. This season, embrace the new trends and have fun putting different looks together. Make a statement with some eye-catching shades or some dramatic earrings or keep things simple with elegant rose gold touches or a chic miniature clutch. No matter how you style for spring, let your accessories make a splash and head outdoors to show off your warm weather looks!