the perfect bag for a day in the city

how is it that the weekend seemingly comes and goes so quickly?

friday finally arrives and *blink* the weekend is over! 

filling your schedule with coffee dates, blogging,

a family dinner, while also catching up on several tv shows, 

and that essential saturday afternoon nap, certainly does not help.

if we just had an extra day (or two?), i would be 

a very happy and more productive lady!

disclosure: embrazio graciously provided me with the handbag featured

in this post! all opinions are my own.

for an afternoon in the city, a stylish, yet functional

handbag is essential. my work bag (a tote i picked up on sale a 

few months back) is ideal for commuting, as i can easily stash my book, 

water bottle and other essentials. on weekends, 

however, i prefer something slightly different.

i need a bag large enough to carry my phone, wallet, and beauty

essentials (i can't go anywhere without chapstick, a lipstick or two, 

and oil blotting sheets). while a tote is more practical than 

a clutch, this black leather crossbody bag is the 

perfect size, shape and style for every city-loving gal.

embrazio is a colorado-based company, and their gorgeous 

products are handmade in leon mexico. also on my wish list? 

this brown, leather tote and this gorgeous leather bracelet!

i love the luxurious feel of the leather and the convenient

 zipped pocket (to easily store my driver's license and debit card).

 the crossbody link chain keeps my hands free for a latte, fresh flowers from 

pike place market and my ever-present iphone! 

#bloggerproblems

additionally, the black and bronze coloring make this bag both trendy and 

versatile; it can be paired with just about anything in my closet!

when styling my crossbody bag, i chose black joggers and a cropped, 

scalloped sweater (currently on sale!).

for walking purposes, i opted for clogs instead of heels,

but these could easily be swapped out for a dressier evening or date-night look!

i kept my jewelry (aside from a statement ring) relatively simple,

as i wanted the handbag to stand out.

the link chain strap can easily be tucked inside the purse, 

allowing it to act as a clutch. this particular style is also available 

in all-black, cognac, black and gold or a black and silver combination.

photos by karya schanilec photography

sweater: zara (exact here), jogger pants: nordstrom rack,

clogs: born (similar here), ghost babe ring: c/o leia beila jewelry (exact here),

savannah leather envelope clutch & crossbody bag: c/o embrazio (exact here)

do you have a purse preference when exploring your city

(or somewhere new, too!)? i love something chic and feminine,

yet functional; this embrazio crossbody bag is the perfect combination!

xoxo.

blogger on a budget

'blogger on a budget' - that's me! 

having a fashion blog means clothing, shoes and accessories

are essential. or seemingly essential (which is likely more accurate!).

i often catch myself standing in line at the store, with more than one item

 in hand, attempting to justify why i need that new dress or necklace

or adorable pair of boots: 'oh but i can wear this on my blog,'

or worse,  'i need something new to share on my blog.' 

i sound terrible - like a shopaholic gone mad.

**disclosure: coach graciously sent me the handbag featured in this post.

all opinions are my own!

 

while i greatly enjoy shopping at nordrstrom, 

zara, anthropologie, and other high-end retailers, it isn't 

always practical (or budget-friendly). i simply can't afford to 

spend a great deal on one piece, or even an entire outfit, 

only to wear it a handful of times;

creating a budget, thrift shopping, and 

scavenging the clearance racks at my favorite stores allows

me to purchase clothing and other items i love, which i then 

share here on my blog.

one thing i have learned, however, is that 

some pieces simply cannot be skimped on.

purchasing an item you will use often or 

wear again and again may not be worth buying second hand

or on clearance - it could fall apart, and you will end

up spending more by having to replace it.

for example, a quality rain jacket and rain boots

are imperative for me as i commute downtown on the bus.

i end up walking several blocks to and from work in the rain.

keeping warm and dry (while looking

somewhat fashionable) is important, so i purchased my jacket

and boots at full price. 

another item i like to purchase new? wardrobe

staples such as a black or brown crossbody bag!

for an afternoon spent running errands in the city

and later meeting a girlfriend for coffee, my coach 'dinky' crossbody

was the perfect accessory! it fit my phone, chapstick and

 hand lotion, and a pair of sunglasses. there's an enclosed pocket inside

for my debit card and driver's license.

this particular handbag is part of the

coach spring 2017 collection.

 i'm styling the 'saddle brown' and there is an orange inner lining.

while this bag retails for more than i typically

spend on a handbag, i know it's an investment piece;

the overall style is more classic than trendy, and the beautiful brown

is incredibly versatile. i can pair this bag with almost any outfit,

and it can be used from season to season.

photos by karya schanilec photography

top: swap with my friend, dana! 

bomber jacket: stitch fix (similar here), jeans: american eagle outfitters, 

booties: urban outfitters (old), necklace: charming charlie, 

ring: old navy, crossbody bag: c/o coach (exact here)

are you a fan of the crossbody bag?

do you have wardrobe staples or specific pieces

you're willing to spend more on? 

xoxo.