Savings Saturday – Kate Spade New York Florence Leather Satchel

Generally, I do not buy handbags on a budget.  I like quality handbags because I know they will last for several years.  However, I am not sure I want to spend the big bucks on a bright pink satchel.  Although the bag would be a fabulous colorful accessory, I just don’t find spending $448 for the Kate Spade New York Florence Leather Satchel as practical.  I own a green Cambridge Satchel Company satchel so I don’t think I need to spend $205 for another satchel.  So the Target bag (although smaller) is perfect and for a fraction of the cost.

Which bag would you carry?

Savings Saturday – Celine Black Python Luggage Tote

Everywhere I look I have been seeing the Celine Black Python Luggage Tote.  The bag is absolutely gorgeous!  But for $2,000 I can never justify the costs.  So I discovered the Marcela Grey Tote from Mimi Boutique for $60 I felt like I saved a boat load of money and it looks really similar!

Review – Jordana Paige

I was contacted by Jordana Paige to review one of their handbags.  I knew about the handbags thanks to Alison of Wardrobe Oxygen.   Even though I don't knit, I knew the handbag would be perfect for spring and very stylish. 

Jordana Paige was founded in 2002 after Jordan tried to find a stylish bag to keep her knitting material organized.   Her handbags are now stylish and useful for knitter and fashion lovers alike. 

While looking over their handbags, I was immediately drawn to the Bella handbag.  I loved the weave texture of the bag and knew the pearl color would be perfect for spring!  The Bella provides many pockets and is made from woven vegan leather with drawstring closure.  The Bella features eight pockets along the inside wall, three credit card slots, small zippered pocket, large zippered pocket divider, two circlets^TM to prevent yarn from tangling, and feet on the bottom. 

When my bag arrived, I immediately fell in love with the quality of the bag and organization details.  The Bella is absolutely gorgeous and looks like real leather even though it is vegan.   I love the pearl color but the Bella is available in black licorice and bronze.  The Bella is lined in a bright green color, which I absolutely loved!  The bag also comes with its own dust bag to protect it while it is not in use. 

The bag offered perfect spots for my wallet, lip gloss, glasses, sunglasses, and cell phone.  The Bella is also large enough to hold my iPad making it a great bag for travel.  The Bella's feet also allow the bag to stand up on its own.

Overall, I was really impressed with the Jordana Paige Bell Handbag.  If you need a new spacious handbag, I would definitely check out Jordana Paige even if you aren’t a knitter.

Disclosure:  Jordana Paige asked me to review their products.  I received the Bella as part of my review.  However, my opinions are 100% my own.

Savings Saturday – Tory Burch Structured Bag

Neons are a huge spring trend.  Although, I am not sure I can wear neon from head to toe.  I think a neon or bright colored accent could work however.  I love my orange Cole Haan handbag but I have been drawn to yellow handbags.  I love the structured shape of the Tory Burch handbag but it costs $617.  The handbag for less is not as bright as the Tory Burch handbag but I love the shape and for only $58 is a perfect spring accessory. 

Thursdays are for My favorite Things

This week’s favorite things is all about handbags!  I love each and everyone of these bags.  Each of these bags are unique and gorgeous!

Savings Saturday - Balenciaga Classic Town Bag

How gorgeous is this Balenciaga Classic Town Bag?  The red is fabulous and the shape is amazing too!  The Balenciaga Classic Town Bag costs $1,405 definitely not in my budget.  So I found a bag similar to the Balenciaga bag for only $60.

Handmade Clutches

I have started working on handmade clutches.  I wanted a sequin clutch but couldn’t find one that I really liked so I decided to go to Jo-Ann Fabrics and look for sequin fabric.  I discovered gold sequin fabric and decided to make a clutch.  Once I started the first one, I couldn’t stop.  I have now created two gold sequin clutches, one brown faux suede clutch, and one black faux suede sequin clutch.  I am still in the process of perfecting them, but I really enjoy making them.  I wanted to share my creation with my readers and get their opinions.

What do you think of my handmade clutches?

Savings Saturday – Jimmy Choo Gwen Leopard Print Calf Hair Shoulder Bag

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Last week, I made my rounds to local boutiques for research and found this Jimmy Choo Gwen Leopard Print Shoulder Bag at Emily Benham.  This bag called to me as soon as my eyes spotted it.  When I picked it up, I immediately knew that I could not afford this handbag.  I picked up that tag and saw that it cost $1,695.  Definitely not in my budget unless I win the lottery (please let me win the lottery, please!!)  I decided that this would be the next Savings Saturday post, because I can’t justify getting this handbag.  So I started trying to find this bag for less.  Although, I did not find anything that looked exactly like this bag I did find a few great options.

The Something Wild Purse for $32, the Grybel from Aldo Shoes $35, Guess Dynamite Leopard Crossbody Flap $88, Audrey Brooke Leopard Cross Body Bag – Black $70, and Leopard Studded Bag $98. 

These bags are definitely not as great at the Jimmy Choo handbag, but they will do unless one of my fabulous readers wants to get me the bag for my birthday today!

Savings Saturday – Mulberry Satchel

This fall I am all about satchels.  The bag’s structure is great for fall and great bag for work.  I love everything about this Mulberry Fox Lock Textured Satchel except the price.  The Mulberry Satchel costs $1,800. 

I found the Call It Spring Convertible Bag from JCPenny for only $35.  Although the color and leather is not as fabulous as the Mulberry Satchel, the shape of the Call It Spring bag is perfect for fall.  Plus, you can save $1,765. 

Would You Carry This Bag for Less?

Blogger Brilliance – What’s in my bag?

Saturday, I attended Blogger Brilliance in Tampa, Florida.  I plan on sharing my trip with you throughout the week, but I thought I would share what I brought to the conference.  I brought items that I felt would be necessary for the conference so all of the blogger essentials.

1.  Coach Black Tote Bag – Coach Outlet – Similar 

2.  iPhone

3.  iPad 

4.  iphone charger

5.  Camera charger

6.  Fast Flats 

7.  Folder with my ticket and directions

8.  Coach card holder with my business cards - Similar 

9.  Umbrella - Similar 

10.  Glasses

11.  Coach Wallet – Coach Outlet – Similar

12.  Not pictured my camera 

Check back this week to read more about Blogger Brilliance. 

Savings Saturday - Celine Sac "Small Satchel" Red

Red is hot for fall and this Celine Sac "Small Satchel" would be perfect for the fall.  But the Celine Satchel costs $2,442.  The bag is gorgeous but not in my budget now and I have a feeling EVER.  So I found a bag for less.

Click on the Photo for Links to Each Item

My Savings Saturday bag is from Zara and costs only $30!  It is a pretty good purse for less.  It has the same shape and handles and saves $2,412!!!

What do you think of this Savings Saturday bag?

An Outfit Around a Purse

I purchased a bright blue purse from Asos when they were having their huge sale.  I got the purse for $12!  Woo hoo!!

When I ordered the purse, I started thinking about what I was going to wear it with.  I knew I had blue shoes and thought I would let my shoes and purse act as the color to my look.  The rest of my outfit was is neutral. 

 

Blue Purse – Asos (no longer available) – Similar

Cole Haan Blue Moccasins (no longer available) – Similar
Curvy Trouser Jeans – Loft
White Tank – Target (no longer available) – Similar
Safari Jacket – Macys (no longer available) – Similar

Do You Ever Create An Outfit Around A Purse?

Savings Saturday – Diane von Furstenberg Maje Dress

If you weren’t aware, Kate Middleton and Prince William visited North America two weeks ago.  Kate’s wardrobe was a huge success while she was here.  I loved everyone one of her outfits, but I especially loved the green Maje Dress from Diane von Furstenberg. 

 

The dress costs $398, Lytten nude heels $177 and Lytten clutch $295 for a total of $870.  She is the Dutchess so I understand her wearing the designer names.  Don’t get me wrong I’d love to have this exact look, but I really can’t afford it.

So here is my Savings Saturday tip to recreate Kate Middleton’s look.  

Coast Kamil Jersey Dress - $95
Cream Beige Faux Ostrich Clutch - $24
Michael Antonio Loveme Pump - $50
Total look cost:  $169

Would you wear this look for less?  Check back next week for another Savings Saturday.