Bag of the Week: Coach Factory Satchel

Happy Friday Everyone! I hope your weekends are filled with fun and holiday cheer!

I would like to start off today's post by first acknowledging a few things. 1). some may say I have too many purses, or that I have a purse addiction. I prefer to call it a collection of fine things. 2). it may be true that I have an addition to factory outlet stores and their sales--I fully acknowledge that such stores can often be hit or miss but when there's a hit and it's on sale, it's SUCH a good deal! 3). I know I don't neeeeeed a new purse. Now, with that out of the way I present to you this week's Bag of the Week: the Coach Factory, Peyton Leather Cora Domed Satchel. The shape/style/class/versatility of this bag make it stand out from all the other factory bags, and put it in the realm of a much more expensive tote. I've been eyeing it for weeks with every Coach Factory sale but with these new colors I don't know if I can say no to it anymore!

I find that I've been oddly attracted to the color brown lately. I say oddly because I'm usually a classic black or navy kind of girl but recently I've really been loving rich deep brown tones. I searched high and low to find a cozy brown infinity scarf or snood for winter and now this beauteous leather brown satchel is calling to me. 

But it's not just the brown! No, all the colors! I'm not even joking. I've seen bloggers and stylists using bright magenta bags like this for pops of color in outfits everywhere. And this satchel in red would be a classic for years to come. Not to mention that beautiful jade hue or classic black. I actually want all of them. 

And here is some more detail on the bag. The cross-body strap and roomy interior make this satchel totally practical,while the trimmings and that tan tag make it look super luxe. 

So, maybe don't be surprised if you see me toting this lovely tote around town sometime soon.

(a girl can dream, right?)

Happy Weekend, thanks for reading!

What I'm Loving: Capes!

If you've talked with me lately about winter fashions you may already know my obsession with capes. Really though...I'm not sure what it is about them exactly but I love the look of sweater capes and cape coats this season (I may have bought an ivory cape coat for the wedding shhhh!). I've been searching all around for a quality yet not too expensive sweater cape or two-I wanted something nice and warm but not too expensive since I've never had a sweater cape before and wasn't sure if I'd like it. There is just something about these capes that seem both effortless and put together, classic and modern. Needless to say, I ended up purchasing this Forever 21 Sweater Cape in camel when I wondered in the store this past weekend (shocker, I know! I was pretty much appalled at most other things in the store however) to my surprise, it actually seems well made and warm. 

Now that I've bit the bullet and purchased one sweater cape that I love, I'm already looking for more! Here are a few other options I've been considering, I love the idea of having another neutral cape, maybe in black or charcoal and I am also intrigued by the idea of this red cap-sleeve cape-ish sweater from Old Navy (it also comes in charcoal and cream). 

Then there is this more obvious cape sweater also from Old Navy, all in really great neutral color options. 

And there is this version from Ann Taylor, a bit pricier but most likely for a higher quality product (and pockets!)

What do you all think? Are you falling for this trend as much as I am? 

Or do you need some more convincing to jump on the cape-sweater trend? 

PS: if you're looking for some inspiration on how to style this cozy trend, check out Little Blonde Book's post here! she has adorable style and inspired me to make my first cape purchase.

image via Little Blonde Book

Wedding Wednesday: finishing the bridal look pt. II

Happy Wednesday!
I almost hate to admit this but I am totally that bride that is super indecisive and changes her mind at the last minute about things. Now I'm not talking about anything huge (like the dress or venues) but I did recently decide to explore some other options with my bridal look, specifically my hair and veil. I still love the ideas from this post (bridal look pt. I) but when I actually went in for my wedding hair practice (is that what you call these things?) I just wasn't sure if it really worked on me. And last weekend when I was home for my final dress fitting and I put all my accessories together with my dress I became even more sure of my not-so-sure about this feeling. I still have pretty strong opinions about veils--I do not want a blusher or something that covers my face. But when I tried on the birdcage veil I had ordered with my dress it felt fussy and I realized that what I wanted was something both effortless and beautifully bridal. I did some searching on Etsy and fell in love with this Swiss-Dot veil. And the seller, Tessa Kim was amazing to work with! Super sweet and willing to do a rush order, hopefully my new veil should be here soon!

I just really love the idea of a Swiss-Dot veil.
Classic yet unexpected. 

I plan on placing the veil at the nape of my neck so that it flows gracefully behind me as I walk (or at least that's how I imagine it in my head...) Which brings me to the second big dilemma of this post, the hair. 

 As a fairly young bride I sort of have this irrational worry of looking too young, when I look back on pictures of my wedding I don't really want to think 'oh I look so 22 there,' but instead want to look timeless and elegant. With that in mind, I think I should try out an updo. I still have a tiny fear of the updo but I think doing a second wedding hair practice should put me at ease and help me be confident in my styling decision. I find myself really gravitating towards the modern french twist in an updo. I love the idea of keeping my part and adding some volume then having the classic twist in the back. I can't help but imagine it as a perfect addition to my teardrop earrings and polka-dotted veil. I love these two looks below:

a classic french twist with some volume. 

I recently started reading the blog Kaylee Daily and I love her! Kaylee's style is so fresh and bright and always inspires me to try new things. She just recently did a Christmas card shoot with her hubby and showed us their shoots from past years. I had no idea it was her but I've seen these images all over Pinterest! What really drew me in this time was her hair in this photo shoot. It's the classic french twist with some mod volume, the perfect sophisticated updo and not overdone. I love it. 

you can see more of her style from this shoot here.

What do you guys think? 

Am I crazy for wanting to switch my look less than a month before the big day?

Wish List: TJ Maxx

If you read last week's Bag of the Week post, you know that I just recently discovered TJ Maxx's online shopping experience, and if you know my love for a good deal then you can imagine how excited I was when I found this new discovery. I found myself having to seriously retrain my urge to buy everything that I found because I love everything. Seriously, everything. Here are some of my favorite picks from TJ Maxx online including some party frocks, booties and bags! Be sure to check them out before they're gone!

PARTY DRESSES: the (proverbial) reason for the season

1. the jacquard printed skirt makes this party dress just delightful, don't you think?

2. the perfect mix of retro and modern in a bold hue

3. a gorgeous faux leather dress for you to test out the trend. 

BAGS: all necessary, obviously. 

1. this structured turn-lock tote looks totally luxe

2. I find myself oddly drawn to orange lately 

and I think a tote like this one is the perfect pop of color

3. this light blue color is the next must-have in bags and the studs make it edgy

BOOTS: my closet also obviously needs all of these.

1. this block heel tall boot with the braiding detail on the heel gives you that needed 

mix of casual cool and sophisticated.

2. the texture of this little black bootie reminds me of the much pricier 

must-have Rag and Bone booties from this fall

3. I love love love these flat cognac leather booties, so effortless!

TOPS: the essential.

1. plaid. enough said. and in a nice little popover so you don't have button problems

2. this green sweater is the best kind of comfy in my opinion

3. two more of my favorites in one! fair isle prints and cowl neck sweaters. be mine!

Clearly, I did not purchase all of these beauties.

Perhaps someday, someday (sigh). So for now I will just share them with you. 

PS: Look out for a new Wedding Wednesday post this week! 

I'll be updating you on my bridal look!

Bag of the Week: TJ Maxx Bow Satchel

Hi Everyone! Happy December! 

Things have been C-R-A-Z-Y around here for the past month (and they probably will be for the next month too!). I feel like with the wedding (dress fittings and showers) and now with holidays I've been out of town almost every week! And while it's all been for wonderful things, I think once January comes around we'll be ready for some couch potato weekends. 

On another note, I don't know if y'all have noticed but you can shop online at TJ Maxx now! Maybe I'm way behind on this but I never realized this before! So, obviously when I discovered this I immediately went to their website and searched every page (and almost doubled my winter wish list, I might share later this week!). But there was one thing that I loved so much I thought it deserved the bag of the week title!

This Nila Anthony Bow Satchel is a bag after my own heart. I've been drooling after similarly bowed bags for months at Kate Spade but just couldn't justify the cost. But never fear! This little beauty is under $30.00. A budget even my wedding planning self can appreciate!

isn't she a beauty? 

And if you're like me in your purse-wearing habits then you know that a cross body strap is essential, don't fret! This little bow satchel has one! Making it the perfect bag for a night out on the town or a day out exploring. 

AND! she comes in a lovely shade of purple as well--
dare I say it's Pantone's 2014 Color of the Year, Radiant Orchid?

You can find this lovely here and possibly in your local TJ Maxx!

Happy Friday!