Because Every Girl Needs a Classic Black Satchel
January 18, 2012
It’s true, every girl needs a classic black satchel to call her own. What makes a purse classic? Well, there’s a certain simplicity about the shape and form of the purse- something structured and clean. Then comes texture and detail. Whether it’s a fine grain texture, a soft quilted design, or a smooth and flawless matte finish- it’s a fashion staple that will last you forever.
And then there’s the detail.. oh beautiful, subtle detail. Sometimes it’s the stitching of the purse itself, or perhaps as in this case- the lock and chain feature. I love how the clasp is very functional in securing the purse, but also adds a nice tough of elegance. The tassle which hangs from the other end of the chain give’s you more movement and lengthens the design.
The rest of the bag speaks for itself- a strong silhouette with a beautiful textured finish.
This is my new new little darling and it’s been getting more attention than I anticipated while I have been out and about. Enough people stopped and asked me about this bag that I wanted to share it with you, and more importantly why I selected it.
When I was shopping for a new bag, this purse called out to me from the simple glimpse of the silhouette. It seemed to be the right shape and size for what I was looking for. I wanted something somewhat lightweight, medium sized, elegant, and with plenty of pockets inside to organize my belongings. The material and structure of the purse seemed solid which was also important to me; I wanted something that wouldn’t bulge or sink when I put my wallet or phone inside.
I also wanted something that was secure, but still easily accessible. The clasp was the perfect answer, as well as a charming extra feature. There is a zipper to close the purse even beneath the clasp for an optional added security.
The handles are firm but comfortable- they keep their form and the integrity of the purse’s design. I adore this bag! And I adore it because it is exactly what I needed for me- it matches my personality, meets my purpose, and functions beautifully.
What do you look for in a classic black satchel? The beautiful thing is you can always have more than one. I know I do! One to match each of my moods and needs. This is my newest beauty and I am quite proud to show her off!
Find some inspiration or your next must have satchel on yesstyle.com. It’s my favorite place to get unique items and catch up on the latest trends. I also love how you can not only shop by the style of bag, but also by color! Brilliant!
Featured item in this post: Moonbasa Tassled & Chain Satchel
Dreams Of Golden Flowers
March 31, 2010
When it comes to accessories, a floral theme is a favorite of mine. Whether done with brilliant colors or kept simple with one tone, but done extravagantly, you can be certain I will be there.
This particular necklace was a lovely find from one of those shops that feels like a warehouse when you walk in. You know the kind, they have an overwhelming selection with the same item in multiple colors and a price point you can hardly walk away from.
But this one was on its own and hidden away as if forgotten. It may have been an inexpensive find, but that doesn’t keep it from being fabulous. I love mixing my styles, from designer items to whatever the world brings. Some of my most unique accessories have been one dollar items found in antique shops. You never know where style will find you.
What I love about this one is how large it is and how lovely the flowers are arranged. Even the giant golden links add a bit of character. The matching earrings are a pure happy bonus!
You have the large golden petals holding little gems keeping the design in full. It just feels right. Because the necklace is such a statement piece, I like to wear it with something simple and black. A classic little black dress worn with these accessories makes you ready for anything. Simply beautiful.
My cat, Aveline, seems to approve, too- lol. She had to sneak herself in. I’ve purchased several new (and stunning) shoes from YESSTYLE which I will be showing you in the next few days, and she has been inspecting them thoroughly. She’s a shoe kitty, but who could blame her. I’ll update you with the details and photos here soon!
What are some of your favorite inexpensive and unexpected finds for accessories? I would love to hear your finds as well!
Black Quilted Elegance
February 15, 2010
There is nothing like the beauty of a classic black quilted bag. I’ll admit I go weak in the knees for an elegantly styled quilted bag, most anything quilted like leather furniture for that matter, and when it is done right the results are gorgeous. My latest bag is a classic design in a perfect size.
Not overpowering big, not obnoxiously small: it is just perfect and carries all my needed items without changing the design. If you have ever tried loading up a bag and found it sunk or frustrating to carry with the weight unbalanced, then you know what I mean. It is a nice solid shape that is elegant and simple.
The details are subtle marks of gold, from a clean and simple designed clasp to the chain woven in leather that keeps the bag together. Usually when I see the sides open as they are here, it is a concern of mine. But fortunately that is only in design; functionality comes in with an unseen zipper keeping all your contents closed. Love it.
This particular design is from STYLEKELLY of yesstyle.com. Ever since it arrived it quickly became my daily bag as it matches with anything and makes all outfits look fabulous. I will still switch on occasion when I want a colorful bag or something a bit more out of the ordinary to change things up, but when time is an issue I don’t have to worry about it. This one works lovely every time. Now that I know I like this designer’s style I am going to start looking into more bags. You know how it is, you can never have too many… well, fill in the blank, lol.
At the very least you can never go wrong with too many of the classics; they are timeless, glamorous, elegant, and beautiful!
Want the bag?
This specific one is gone from STYLEKELLY, but another identical bag is available through YES STYLE right now. If it is not, visit and search for “quilted” under bags and find some more inspiration! I know I am.
Dreaming Of Silver Links
January 31, 2010
There is something dreamy about a bunch of silver strands and links elegantly combined, especially when it comes to necklaces. My normal accomplishment of such a look is by cleverly combining necklaces of various lentgths together, making sure the end result is elegant and bold but never a mess. Every now and then you find a piece that on it’s own accomplishes the look beautifully. This piece from Truffles Co. is just on case!
The combination of links and strands with a decorated piece bringing the links together, gently hanging down at an angle depending on how it is worn, works beautifully.
The miss match of link sizes with collected strands and a decorative piece with beads makes for a unique and fashionable look. Worn alone is fantastic, but it also gives you the opportunity to mix another piece into this already elaborate setup. The entire piece is designed quite long, in fact it is long enough to be worn as a belt (it is not unusual for me to find link styled belts and wear them as a necklace, lol).
The way I like to wear this style is by having half of the necklace show in the front, and have the other half decorate the back. This works great with dresses or tops that scoop in the front and the back. It can really dress up the look.
I like to wear it where half of each design is showing for a different kind of look. You could certainly wear it where each uniformed style shows from one view- one in the front and one in the back, keeping the decoration resting on the shoulder. But I like the dynamic of the mix.
Another possibility I am playing with is mixing it up as a choker or or very elaborate bracelet. With the length and change of styles there are many opportunities to explore.
I love playing around with shapes and textures, especially when they are in the same color scheme. Elaborate earrings are another fun area you see the trend in, most commonly with chandelier type earrings. I like earrings that are unique and miss matched; having the same theme so you can tell they belong together. When earrings resemble each other but have different lengths, I think that, too, is a fun style with a lot of opportunities. Take for instance this set that also plays into the links feel. This find is another item from Truffles Co. available on yesstyle.com.
Anyone can miss match a pair of earrings, but getting them to feel like a part of the same set is where it gets interesting. They either have to have been designed that way or play as a part of a theme. They have to look like they belong.
This piece from yesstyle.com does that well. You have all the same elements presented only slightly different, giving it a very unique and bold look. I love it. And it has the links and strands that I have been craving in my fashion.
What fashion cravings have you been having?
Floral Dreams Of A Fashion Wonderland
December 20, 2009
I love the soft, delicate, and feminine charm of a floral theme especially when it comes to fashion. I think accessories have a lot of room for creativity and playfulness here. I know the first time I saw the incredibly gorgeous floral rings from Dior that this would be a theme I would keep close to.
Anything that resembles the thoughts of Wonderland holds a special place in my heart and within my style. Take for instance here with this beautiful bracelet from a boutique shop called “Nonno.”
A pearl, crystals, gold, pink shades, and a dainty chain all come together here for a lovely look. And the lady bug is bonus feature. Floral designs within the accessory world is not an uncommon theme. Though it may be winter now, spring is soon to follow with many new welcoming designs.
After a winter of many dark, rich, and decadent colors the softer pastel shades are soon to return. And with them, the many joys of spring as well.
Designs and inspirations are everywhere. And accessories are becoming more and more creative! I cannot wait to see what the new year brings. But for now, I’ll be enjoying the pieces I already have, the ones I have just recently been given (such as the ring above given to me by an amazing friend), and the floral designs of shoes, dresses, lace, and even household decor.
Yes, floral designs are everywhere. Even in our earrings as seen below, a favorite of mine from a set I found on YESSTYLE.com. They always have great styles and inspiring ideas for your wardrobe there. You can see more of these earrings, including the other mismatched piece to the set, which really makes me think of Alice In Wonderland here:
You’ll also find more inspirations of the floral fashion theme in the post listed above. It is a favorite of mine since there are so many ways to reinvent and style such looks. And the feel alone always brings a smile to my face.
Accessory Love: A Perfect Match!
October 19, 2009
Don’t you love it when you unexpectedly come across an accessory that matches one of your own, in color and in texture? It can be a rare treat, but one that will last a long time within your fashion wardrobe.
Just the other day, yet again at Target, before heading to the checkout I decided to take a glimpse into their bags and scarfs. I wasn’t really expecting to purchase anything, but then there it was, this bag. Shimmering just subtly in the light, and in the exact same style as my Michael Kors shoes which I love so dearly.
I didn’t have to question it, just accepted that it was meant to be. Even more so when you consider the price- only ten dollars, ha. What a treat!
Now, the shoes had a much higher price on them, but that is part of the beauty of this find. It makes for a rich combination- style is determined by personal style and not by price. There is no one and only, but what makes you happy and what you feel confident wearing. Sometimes it is a treat to spurge on a luxury items, other times they find us at a bargain. It doesn’t matter- they are all fabulous finds.
When something matches this well, I like to play it carefully. Normally I’ll let these two items be the only things that match in my outfit, keeping the rest very simple. I think the matching stands out more without being overpowering. You want to compliment it. But every now and then I’ll get in a mood to go all out.
When I go all out- I’m looking for consistancy in color (kind of like all black) and keeping the focus on the shape and silhouette. Matching takes some strategy to get the look to work just right. And I think I’ll be having some serious fun with these two accessories together.
A “New” Old Fashioned Hat
October 6, 2009
I love the classics, the old fashioned timeless looks. A little black dress, strand of pearls, and subtle but elegant hat: beautiful. I just love it!
Of my collection of hats, only two are “new”, meaning they were actually bought in store and had been made recently. Most of my hats are vintage- very old, often times handmade, and very unique and delicate. Besides my big floppy beach hat- this one you see here is my latest “new” old fashioned hat find.
And of all places where did I find this? Target! Their fashion is constantly growing and in a beautiful direction at that.
(Oh- I also got a gorgeous Anna Sui dress at Target I must share with you! It’s a cute one.) Target is constantly impressing me with their style options, and their prices are very welcoming. You don’t have to spend a fortune to look like you do.
Their collections are so charming and really have a personality to them that you can connect with. The moment I saw this hat I knew I had to have it, no question about it. It is a true classic- the shape, with that subtle bow angled at the side, and with the right texture in fabric.
This is my new toy, and I am just looking for every reason to wear it. Why not? The day I bought it I was on my way to an event (perfect timing) at Santa Barbara Cigars for a night of scotch and cigars- love it! I had a Cain F cigar paired with some Macallan 15 year scotch, mix in some great conversation and it was a night to remember.
And this next photo (just below) is thanks to the incredible Tracy Tesmer of Tracy Tesmer Photography. She took this one with her phone! Yes, she’s that great… only her! Thank you, Tracy!
Fashion From Under The Sea
October 3, 2009
Fashion with a theme is a great focus to get the creativity flowing, and one simple little piece is all it takes. Take for instance my latest find from under the sea.. a “my pet octopus” ring from ModCloth. Look at those gorgeous lines- I couldn’t resist. Besides, it’s my new pet.
This particular style they offered in a bracelet and necklace, too. But when there is something as unique as this it only takes one to make the statement without going overboard. I knew for me it had to be the ring- just look how those legs dangle and gently cover over some of the other fingers. I love that, but of course- I love “big” and unique style.
I switch around which finger I wear this ring on, just because it’s shape plays so nicely on them all. It gives a different feel which also keeps things interesting.
This one is a beautiful find, and one of many I hope. I must admit when I play the animal theme I generally lean on the wild cat side of things, maybe the occasional bunny- but I haven’t really explored the depths of the sea.
I think maybe it is time for just a touch of under the sea fashion.
Fit-To-Kill Loving A White Rabbit Accessory
August 17, 2009
With a name like “fit-to-kill” how can you not instantly fall in love? The theme of this design is very Alice in Wonderland which strikes a lot of points from me- I’ll admit I’m mad about such styles.
This post may be a little bit mean since it turns out I was the lucky one to order the very last set of these (yes, it’s too late now) but I still love them enough to share the style idea with you. Something about miss matched earrings appeals to me. A theme keeps them together, almost like a story, but the fact that they are different is beautiful.
With this set- one side is a pretty white rabbit while the other holds dainty flowers.
In case you couldn’t tell from my hat and updo, I’m feeling especially girlie this afternoon. I have my days where I go all out for no other reason than just going all out. I love it.
The earrings are very much like from a fairy tale, also bonus points. There was another pair that I think may be available still that I had my eye on- it is a four piece set so you can mix and match to your pleasing. The signature piece (what would be like the bunny in this set) is a deer, and it comes with a pearl, mushroom, or butterfly to pair with on the other side. I’m still considering it- here’s their sneak peak from the site:
They even have an actual fairy tale set directly out of Cinderella- with choices of a crown, crystal, glass shoe, and carriage to choose from. Very adorable.
It is all very unique and makes a feminine, but darling statement. Pretty fabulous! You can look for more items from Fit-To-Kill by searching on Yes Style.
