VERA BRADLEY GOES LEATHER

NUDE PUMPS • F21 • $78  //  FLAP CROSSBODY • c/o VERA BRADLEY • $78  //  BRAIDED BELT • KOHLS • $28  //  

NAVY TANK • VERONICA M • $26  //  GREY MIDI SKIRT • DOROTHY PERKINS • $17

I've been familiar with Vera Bradley for as long as I can remember. Middle school - stationary, High school - travel bags, and College - I.D. holding wristlets [phone, keys, ID, money - right]. Now that i'm mid-millennial what I look to from brands has also evolved. I'm not ready for a stuffy black leather work bag. Instead Vera's products are professional and pretty and don't worry - the lining stays true to the printed patterns that we all know and love. 

This young adult market is Vera Bradley's prime target for their new line of handbags. Women who want the fun of the brand identity, with the function of their products. Vera Bradley bags withstand the test of time and their stitching pattern is unmatched. After meeting the co-founder herself a few months back, I was sold back into the brand and particularly supporting of their new image. 

Clearly, i'm not alone. This gorgeous cross-body bag is sold out in fuschia, but not to fret - the other colors are just as vibrant. The best part? They don't break the bank! This beauty is only $78. I know, it's a steal. What do you think about the new line of handbags from VB?

This post is linked up to:  Mix and Match Fashion, Vodka Infused Lemonade, Stylin in St. Louis  Penniless Socialite, Cappuccino and Fashion, Thoughts for Thursday, Treat Yourself Thursday

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SHOP THE POST

WHITE MIDI SKIRT

Blush Top: H&M - Similar Here - $22   //   White Midi Skirt: Chicwish - Same Here - $46   //   Kate Spade Tote: Kate Spade - Similar Here & Here- $200  //   Nude Heels: F21 - Similar Here - $59   //   Necklace: eBay - Similar Here - $4

So when I wore this outfit, there were different things that people asked me about. "Where is that skirt from?" Chicwish, you should check them out! "How do you get your hair to stay?" H&M Hair Donut. "Did you retouch your lipstick?" Not once since 7 AM. ELF Matte Lip Crayon - I swear by it. But my favorite question was "Where did you get your necklace?" eBay - $4. I couldn't wait to find the right outfit for this necklace and this skirt sealed the deal. I posted about buying eBay jewels before here, and have gotten so many messages from you guys telling me what a great discovery it was! I still pick up a few pieces from time to time so i'll have to do a full review once I have a collection to share.

CROCHET STYLE + BLACK MIDI SKIRT

Crochet Top: F21 - Similar Here - $40   //   Bag: Tory Burch York Buckle Tote - Same Here - $295   //   

Black Midi Skirt: ASOS - Same Here - $38   //   Peep Toe Pumps: F21 - Similar Here - $90

Well, it's been a while. This week was a whirlwind, but i'm back and better than ever. Even with my busy week, this high-waisted midi skirt was simple to go from day to night and is still on my radar (even months later). I have a few others en route to my closet including a pretty white linen midi. Even though this week was slammed with events this weekend plans to be even more noteworthy. With a little over a year to go, wedding planning is starting to go into full swing and the grand kickoff begins this weekend.

Any tips I should keep in mind?

TOP 7 ABSOLUTE BEST PLACES TO SHOP ONLINE

1   //   2   //   3   //   4

I was having a conversation with the receptionist at my dentist's office yesterday about places that I like to shop online and I realized that this would be some great information to share with my readers. So, the above midi skirts are from a European online boutique called River Island. I picked up a few items during my last trip to London, so discovering that they had a US online store was heavenly. I'm waiting to get my first order in this week and can't wait to share the goodies with y'all!

Here a list of my top 7 places to shop online. I took into account price range, fashion diversity, low/no shipping cost, ease of return, and customer service. These are the places that made the cut:

7. Kohl's
I discovered the Kohl's brand after being a big fan of the LC by Lauren Conrad collection a few years ago. It's no secret that I love the pieces of her collection and I check the Kohl's website weekly to see what goes on sale. The online website does have more variety than in store, and no need to rummage through racks. Few things to remember: Kohl's often has promo codes so you should get at least 15% off your purchase at any given time - plus if you go into the store, BUT order from an in-store kiosk (same online experience) shipping to your home is free. Not too shabby. 

6. H&M
I cannot tell you how long I waited for H&M to finally start selling online in the US market. It took ages and multiple pushback dates, but it is finally here. The verdict? Could be better. H&M clothes are a hit or miss in terms of quality and sizing, but for the price it is generally worth the risk. H&M's online return policy is my greatest gripe with them - if you buy something.. chances are that you are going to keep it. 

5. AEO
This is one of those places that I try to avoid in person, but actively check the site for deals. I like the AEO lookbook so finding that perfect summer dress or jeans is easy online at AEO. Plus, their factory store is easy to access from the main page and all three stores (AEO, Aerie, AEO Factory) all actively use promo codes.

4. River Island
This European luxury brand has an American online shop. So far I know that shipping takes about a week, and I can give an update on my purchase when I receive my first order on Saturday. So far with US free shipping over $35, i'm sold.

3. eBay
One of my favorite bloggers buys a lot of her jewelry on eBay, i'm talking statement necklaces, dangly earrings, stackable bracelets - the works. I recently started bidding on a few pieces from China and haven't gotten all of them in yet so I will do a comprehensive review when I get them all in. Side note, when bidding remember that there is a possibility that you might win all of your bids.. and then you are obliged to purchase them. All, 20 items.. ahem. 

2. ASOS
I talked about ASOS a few months ago when I placed my first order. I love the fact that they have free shipping -both- ways. This makes it super easy to return items to the online store. Their items range from $10-800 so there is certainly something for everyone. Always check for ongoing promotions - they are scarce, but possible.

1. Forever 21 / Love 21
The Love21 collection is a higher-end version of the F21 brand, and where I get the majority of my pieces. This department is also available in some stores, but I like shopping online for the ease & comfort of not having to deal with a F21 store. They have free shipping over $50 as a standard and you can return in store which is a great asset and wins points with me.

I hope this helped, let me know your favorite stores to shop online in the comments below!

CLASSIC B&W - 30X30 - Day 20

Top: AEO - Similar Here - $8   //   Midi Skirt: Asos - Similar Here & Here - $33

Heels: JLO for Kohls - Same Here - $30   // Belt: Fiore - Similar Here - $32

I thought I would keep it classic with today's look. I decided on black, white, and gold with well, no pop of color. Timeless is my thing and this outfit is all about vintage glamour. This midi skirt has definitely been one of my favorite pieces in the 30x30 collection - I can't wait for this shopping ban to be over so I can get my hands on a few more!

Happy Thursday!

HALFWAY THERE - 30X30 - Day 15

Top: Old Navy - Similar Here - $40   //   Midi Skirt: Asos - Similar Here & Here - $33   //   

Heels: JLO for Kohls - Same Here - $30   //   Bag: Kate Spade - Similar Here, Here, or Here  - $158

It's Saturday, and I normally don't posts on Saturdays - but this outfit was too cute not to share. I'm starting to realize that with so many monochromatic colors in my 30 x 30 wardrobe, accessories really are key. My fuel band is seamlessly fitting into my daily wardrobe which is a definite plus. 

(Review on that coming soon)

I'm off for a quick getaway today - but come back and visit tomorrow evening when I share our proposal story for the first time.