Travel Cases

Tumi / Tri-Costal Design / Orla Kiely for Target / Kate Spade / Vera Bradley / Kate Spade

I have a handful of  weekend trips planned for the summer and one of them involves flying–which means I have to travel lightly, and that is definitely not something I’m good at. But I think a new travel case will help in my plight to roam with less. When I head out for the weekend now I usually pack two separate bags for all my beauty goods, one that holds my makeup and another with everything else. With a slightly larger case I think I can pack everything I need into one. Plus, it will (hopefully) help me be more selective when packing. The green  Orla Kiely for Target train case it the front contender–nice and roomy with two compartments and an adorable print makes it well worth the reasonable $20 price tag. But a girl can always dream of toting her glosses and balms about in a Kate Spade. I just love that the Tri-Coastal Design has three removable compartments. And the Tumi’s print is seriously rivaling my go-to for quilted perfection.

 

Currently Craving: Bright Bags

Target / Michael Kors / Kate Spade / Target / Jessica Simpson

Between cashing in Old Navy coupons and scouring the sale racks at Ann Taylor, I like to stroll through the the full price handbag section of swanky (well as swanky as you can get in Des Moines) department stores. I tuck the supple leather handles in the crook of my arm and pose in front of the beveled-edged mirrors fantasizing what it would be like  to drop several hundred dollars on a beautifully constructed handbag. On one of my recent visits with Kate and Michael I decided it was time to start the hunt for a spring handbag–a bright structured bag to be specific–and preferably one that would allow me to also pay my rent.

This Jessica Simpson is a serious contender. With several pockets–inside and out–and an adorable polka-dot lining it lives up to my colorful, fun-loving expectations in a spring bag. On sale for $75, its still a bit of a splurge, but doable.

Now this cool-mint Target satchel (above) is quite similar to my girl Kate(right). And the Target version is about one tenth the price of the Kate Spade, which is something I can certainly get on board with. My one hesitation is that Target bags really only last one season.

Stay tuned on Instagram to see which brightly hued bag finds a home in my closet!

Favorite Fall Finds

 

Fall is officially just around the corner. Along with the chilly weather and cozy comfort food I love the new shapes and colors of fall clothing.

I am dying for a pair of gap’s always skinny blue denim jeans. I have them in black and teal and love them! Now if only they would go on sale.

 

Essie is my favorite nail polish brand, they have the best colors and they last for days and days. But at $8 a bottle I only allow myself one new color a season. For fall its Stylenomics! The deep emerald shade is oh so very fall-y.

I am loving all the whimsical bows and polka dots popping up everywhere. In tones such as grey and brown they come off as sophisticated and stylish, my closet is slowly being taken over by them.

*For links to all my fall favorites go here.