Spring & Summer's Best Bag Trends

{ Via: Tory Burch }

If you spend any time on Instagram, you'll find some serious bag collectors. There are people that have closets and closets filled to the brim with designer bags. I am not one of those. But I do feel that life is too short to carry a boring bag. This post is anything but boring. The trends for Spring are many, and they can be found at all price points. I've narrowed it down to four trends. Which is your favorite?  

~ Marbled Acrylic ~
No longer reserved for the red carpet and black tie events, acrylic bags have found everyday purpose.  They are my favorite trend this season. 

Cult Gaia Eos Marbled Acrylic Box Bag
Loving the playfulness of this structured bag. The beaded handle softens the look.
Moda Operandi 

Monunas Stelis Mini Bag
Inspired by the rainforests of Costa Rica, this bag works well in any type of weather. Fabulous!
Barney's New York

Valet Studio Alexa
 A very versatile bag that will go with many styles for Spring.
Need Supply

Edie Parker Triangle Minaudiere
Created by one my favorite bag designers. Loving the chic color in a glam green. Expensive but now 25% off.
Neiman Marcus

~ Geometric Shapes ~
Another of my favorite trends. The shape shifter bag is the new "it" bag. They are artistic and ever so Instagram-worthy. 

Johnny Two-Tone Leather Bucket Bag

Oh this is an eye catcher! Its' cool origami style with haute hardware is unlike any other in your current closet. 
Moda Operandi

Eugenia Kim Luna Clutch
Made from woven straw with a geometric handle. All of these arches and angles add up to stunning style.
Shopbop

The Pump Bag
My favorite bag of all time: Marge Sherwood's super chic Pump Bag. It's crafted with croc embossed leather. Not all "that" expensive at under $500.
Moda Operandi 

Bembien Chloe Bag
Natural geometry. The classic basket bag gets a modern update with a round handle and angled design. Made by artisans around the world.
Club Monaco 

~ Candy Coated Croc ~
Croc embossed bags were a big thing last Fall. They are back again for Spring but done in pretty pastels.  This trend is very ladylike. And no worries, these bags are only embossed, they are not real croc.

Jacquemus Le Sac Riviera  
A new brand to me, but this style is really good. That touch of tortoise adds seasonal flair.
Shopbop

Tia Croc Embossed Faux Leather Satchel
What an unique look! With multiple carry options, this bag is a vintage chic standout. At less than $50 it is budget friendly for everyone.
Nordstrom

By Far Ball Bag
Mini in size with major style. What a good looking bag!
Moda Operandi

Nanushka Tove
 It's faux (leather) but fabulous. Just the right size for your cell, a lipstick, and a credit card.
Need Supply

~ Transparent ~
I do like this plastic trend....and it is clearly chic. A bit problematic when the entire bag is clear, however. A good looking scarf could do wonders to give you a little privacy. And brands like Fendi and Staud have placed a smaller statement bag inside the transparent larger one.

City Clear Shoulder Bag
Totally clear. Just add the right accessories.
Bloomingdale's 

Fendi Peek A Boo Defender
Equal parts practical and powerful: the new Defender, is a clearly chic standout. 
 Fendi

Loeffler Randall Flavia
One of the best bags of the season. The dots are happy and haute! There's a matching pair of shoes that you must check out, as well.
Shopbop

 Staud's Pocket Shirley

Besides the adorable name of this bag, the style is as cute as can be. No need to be worried about the transparency. The pretty pockets will hide all of your secrets. Fun! 
Shopbop



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Tuesday Shoesday: What's In For Spring

Saturdays At Shop This

{ Via: Modaoperandi }

Yay for the weekend! After our gorgeous Easter Sunday in Chicago, I have a big case of Spring fever. Mother nature promises to ruin my vibe this Sunday with snow in the forecast. Please!  But lets think warm thoughts and enjoy the weekend anyway. In case you are new here ~ welcome. Every Saturday I wrap up the week with quick and unfussy links to finds that you are sure to love. So let's get to it.

Earth To Everyone: Fashion brands that prioritize planet earth. These three companies make getting dressed a little better for all of the the world.

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10 Sparkling Ways to Celebrate Mother's Day at Barney's New York. Even the pickiest Mom will love these ten fabulous jewelry options. Put your hints in girls!

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Did you know that Karl Lagerfeld has a line of bedding? It's pretty and affordable. See it at Amara.

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Speaking of Karl ~ Shop the Spring Awakening Sale at Karl Lagerfeld this weekend, and save 20% sitewide with Code:

20SPRING. You will love all of the affordable fashion and accessories.

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Cheat Sheet: It seems everyone is talking about "The Moment Of Lift." What Parents Can Learn From Melinda and Bill Gates. Read a brief synopsis at Maisonette. If you want more, get the book at Amazon. A great 
Mother's Day gift.

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One of my favorite handbags ever: Marge Sherwood's super chic "Pump Bag." It's crafted with croc embossed leather. Pre-order & Shop the trunk show at 

Moda Operandi. 

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Glow Getters: There's a new Clean Glow collection at bareMinerals! Discover mineral rich bronzers and highlighters for all of your Summer beauty needs. It's all so natural
 and pretty. 

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I am so happy to have found Deux Lux, a handbag and accessory line. Their chic collection is cruelty free and fabulous. All bags are under $200 and so many are less than $100. Loving this season's candy color clutches!

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Beauty Gifts With Purchase: I love a good beauty freebie, don't you? It's a great way to try new fragrances and skincare. Nordstrom's has lots of them currently, including a fab Estee Lauder gift bag valued up to $170. Check if there is a product you can't resist.

Nordstrom's

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Just a friendly reminder of the Spring Hostess Gift  inspiration on the blog. Click HERE.

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The Chic Octogenarian Behind Barbie's 
Best Looks
Thanks to Sara for sharing this good read with me! Click HERE for a little chic nostalgia.

Have a great weekend!
XOXOX
Deb
Shop This

Gifts For Moms Who Love To Cook & Entertain

We interrupt this "Foodie Friday" with Mom in mind. Don't despair, you'll find a mom approved recipe at the end of the post. If you or your Mother are like me, cooking and entertaining is mostly a pleasure.  Having the right tools, gadgets, and serverware makes time in the kitchen even better. Scroll down to find gifting inspiration for all of the fashionable foodies

 in your life.

HERE: 12 Gifts & One Wonderful Recipe

Le Creuset Fleur Collection

Perhaps the prettiest pans I have ever seen.  Mom's delicious food deserves to be served from this chic collection. Not to mention that these flowers will never fade.

Le Creuset

MacKenzie-Childs Flower Market Cookware

From Casseroles and Canisters to Teapots, this collection of enamelware is for the Mom who can't get enough flowers in her life.

MacKenzie-Childs

Danish Modernist Vessels

These modern vessels are handmade in Portugal. The Strom Collection comes in swoon worthy shapes and bright bold colors- from grey to tangerine. Mom will know how to use them - as a vase, jug, or bowl.

Food52

Rivsalt Original Himalaya Salt Grater & Salt Crystal

If you google the words "Himalayan Sea Salt," you'll find many of the "good for us" properties of this natural and unprocessed salt. It's the only salt allowed in my kitchen. A good cook also knows that the taste is superior than any other salt. Mom or any cook will love this gift!

Amara

Godinger Domed Cake Plate

If Mom is a baker, she will appreciate the form and function of this chic cake accessory.

Horchow or Neiman Marcus

Gilded Pinch Pots

Ever heard your Mom say " a pinch of salt, or a pinch of that? " Mine must have said it often, because that is exactly how I cook. These pretty pinch pots are just what she needs to be organized when cooking for company. They will add a pinch of pretty to her kitchen.

Shop Terrain

Dolce Gabbana X Smeg Kitchen Appliances

Perfect for the Mom who happens to be a fashionista, too. Talk about "counter chic!" A great gift for the well dressed kitchen.

Neiman Marcus

Leather Bound Joy Of Cooking

My own edition of this iconic cookbook is tattered, stained and worn. Your Mom's copy just might be, too. Available in seven 

stylish shades. 

Graphic Image

Aarke Carbonator

For glam moms you love their sparkling water. Now she can make her own. It's a beauty, and also creates chic cocktails. Find the brass maker at Nordstrom.  If mom prefers stainless you can find it for 20% off this weekend at 

Sur La Table

Dutch Deluxes Reversible Apron

Whether this image looks like your Mom, your daughter, or yourself, this is one good apron. Who knew that cooking could be so stylish?

Amara

Fragrant Herb Collection

A good cook knows that fresh herbs are the best way of  seasoning. Here's a six pack of organically grown Rosemary Shrub, Golden Sage, Lavender, and the Best Mint. Mom will cook, bake, and infuse your cocktails with this gift that keeps on giving.

Williams Sonoma

Staub Cast Iron Compact Grill With

 Folding Handle

The one thing I use every single day is my cast iron grill pan. It does take a lot of room, in the posts and pans drawer, however. This is a genius hack for cooks with storage space issues. Even if Mom has a grill pan, she won't be mad at one of these!

Food52

Ina Garten's Lemon Mousse

I made this recipe for Easter. This mousse is one of the best things that I have ever made. Because I really never totally follow of a recipe to a T, I made a pie out of it. Using a homemade graham cracker crust, it was a big hit. One other little change I made to the recipe, I swirled lemon curd within the homemade sweet cream topping. It was a pretty touch. 

Food Network

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Foodie Friday: 17 Spring Brunch Recipes

~ And ~

Mother's Day Gifts For The Mom Who Has Everything

Update Your Home With Bold Pops Of Design

{ Via: AHALife }  

Inspiration for this post is the photo above. That space really pops! How adventurous are you when it comes to decorating? One might say that I am an 8, with some design risks in my home like a shiny gold ceiling, a dark grey kitchen, and unique plexiglas and brass wall torchieres. But the digs are so ready for an update, and I am always taking notes on fun finds. Today I have rounded up some design ideas and stylish pieces to get us all  thinking boldly.

Haute House Pat Chair

Cotton chic! How fabulous are these chairs? Labeled as contemporary, but I think they can work in all decor styles.  Sold only at Horchow and now marked down by 
30% until April 26th.

Horchow

Bright At Home
I found this amazing room on Alchemy Fine Home's Instagram Feed. By the way you can shop their Instagram feed HERE. Back to the photo. Don't you love the paint design? The juxtaposition between the bright mod color and the aged architecture of the walls is really striking. I know that you will love the tabletop and home furnishings found at 
Alchemy Fine Home

Lisa Perry Tableware
No one will be late for dinner with this fun and fabulous collection. These bright pops of color will make anything taste better. Sold exclusively at
Barney's New York

Jonathan Adler's Mini Scoop Vase

I really can't get enough of Jonathan's playful styles. It's all finished by hand, and is just perfect for your
 Spring bouquets.

Horchow

 Designers Guild

Nothing updates a home easier than a fresh new coat of paint. Designer's guild has 156 timeless and fun shades available. Shown above is the shade, Lotus Pink. See how you can coordinate bold paint with Designers Guild patterns 
and furnishings.
Designers Guild

Peony Wall Decals
Very few things are prettier than the perfect peony. Make a dramatic statement in your home. This style is reusable and made of fabric. Gorgeous, and a quick fix. Other great designs are available.
Etsy

Floral Burst Chandelier
Many statement chandeliers are priced in the tens of thousands of dollars. Not this one, it's on sale and reasonably priced. The acrylic beads on the burst of blooms diffuse light beautifully. Love it with the simple table.
West Elm

Handheld Drapery Tiebacks
Any whimsical detail that you can bring to your space, makes it your own. Hands up if you think this hand is the cutest thing ever?? A real conversation starter.
Anthropologie

Bold Designs By Jonathan Adler & More
Click the photo or link below to read about and shop this edit of mod pops of design for 
your home. 

AHALife

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Bar Cart Chic!