Category: Purses & Bags

Splurge Vs. Steal on Back To School Backpacks

Back to school week continues! If you’re stylish fashionista like myself (you’re here so I’m going to go with…yes!) it’s hard trying to keep up with what’s in style versus what’s in your wallet. Today, that decision won’t be a hard one, especially with these backpacks! Backpacks are at the TOP of the “what’s trending list” and they aren’t just for students going back to school. They’re for everyone! I managed to find backpacks that are both functional and stylish for everyday use. Check the bags below (or after the jump) to pick out your fave!

back to school: backpacks

Can you believe a simple backpack is over $1,000?! I’ll never get use to seeing a price tag that high! As much as I absolutely love MCM (and have since 19xx….disregard that 😉 ) I can’t imagine paying the cost of a mortgage for a bag. Maybe one day when I’m uber rich and swimming in money but today? Nope!

Anywho… hope these help with your back to school shopping lists!

Back To School–Plus Size Denim 3 Ways

Pretty sure you aren’t ready to hear the words “Back To School.”

Well, I won’t apologize just yet!

If you’re in college, thinking about what to wear to class is the last thing on your mind. You’re worrying about the cost of books, semester credits, and that weird thing your roommate does in her sleep. Side note, my college roommate was a sleepwalker and totally tried to smother me with a pillow one night…she managed to wake up before my untimely death. FYI: we’re still friends but that’s neither here nor there so I’ll just move right along 🙂

Is there a better way to take your mind off all of those stressful college things than clothes?! Personally, I think not! Previously, I created a “Back To School Bag Guide”  for every type of student, better known as the “Bag” To School Guide for any budget. This year, I wanted help my fellow book hoarders with outfit ideas.

First up: DENIM! Plus size jeans (denim) don’t have to be expensive (just like everything else in the mall.) They’re perfect for dressing up, dressing down and anything in between.

Here’s three back to school looks for 2014.

 

Back To School Plus Size Denim: Look #1

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Back To School Denim: Look #2

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Plus Size Back To School Denim: Look #3
What did you think of those three outfit ideas?
All are easy to shop for, affordable, on trend, and totally suitable for going back to class! Be sure to add your own touches to make each look personalized for you. Hopefully these looks will give your brain a boost before hitting the books (definitely a lot less stressful than finals in a few months!)
Almost forgot…I’m sorry for mentioning school.

Carrying Heat: Summer 2013 Bag Trends


No, not THAT kind of heat! Heat as in…nice, good, fire, or so freaking hot (in a good way!) Speaking of “heat” just because it’s summer, that doesn’t mean it’s time to let go of the big bags, purses, and carryalls. It’s just time to upgrade and update your summer bag collection. Bags are just one of my many vices. Right up there next to shoes and jewelry, it’s pretty bad. So which bags are the most coveted in my eyes? This should come as no surprise when you find out that the following pieces of arm and shoulder candy are perfect for the sizzling summer heat!

 

 

 

….because, summer means more color!

 

Kate Spade ~ Grove Court Stripe Maise ~ $318

 

Coach ~ Legacy Archival 2-Tone Rambler ~ $378

 

Michael Kors ~ Travel Tote ~ $298

 

 

 

 

 

……in case you like to be hands free.

 

 

Kate Spade  ~ Garden Groves Felisha ~ $498

 

Rebecca Minkoff ~ MAC Clutch ~ $295

 

Merona ~ Floral Crossbody ~ $19

 

 

 

 

 

…….because you don’t have to go on a cruise to feel tropical!

 

Tory Burch ~ Sloucy Tote ~ $295

 

Tory Burch ~ Multi-Color Straw Tote ~ $265

 

Kate Spade ~ Mexico City Stripe Tote ~ $198

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

…….if you’re feeling adventurous and exotic.

 

Guess ~ Carlow Box Satchel ~ $110

 

Coach ~ (Grey) Legacy Haley Satchel ~ $548

 

Dooney & Burke ~ (Yellow) Pocket Sac ~ $238

 

Guess ~ Genera Satchel ~ $110

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gucci ~ Bright Bit Python Clutch ~ $2300

 

Dooney & Burke ~ Snakeskin Triple Zip ~ $128

 

 

 

These bags are very versatile and can be worn year round if you like…hint hint…that’s why I chose them! Trends can be a very touchy topic when it comes to fashion but these bags will be HOT for years to come. Don’t worry about cost while shopping either, there’s a price point for all of us bargain shoppers too!

 

Happy Shopping!

 

 

 

Fall Foliage

 
 
Dear LUCY,
 
Would you mind, GETTING IN MY CLOSET?!
 
Please and thank you,
 
xo
 
Rena.

 

Meet one of fall’s chic and sleek bag from Botkier is called Lucy.  It’s available for $395 which is pretty amazing! Imagine this paired with skinny jeans and a nice big sweater on your way to Starbucks to get my favorite of the season…Salted Caramel Mocha!

 
 

Better yet, let me just show you with this magical outfit designer web thingy called Polyvore.  I mentioned it in Tuesday’s Morning Linkage.

Coffee Run

Keurig K-Cup Portion Pack Starbucks Veranda Blend Blonde Coffee – (Google Affiliate Ad)

 
Botkier Lucy bag, skinny jeans, comfy wedge Toms, oversized tee and sweater…fish tail a side pony/braid, slap on a cute pair of dark sunnies and Nars lip gloss…VOILA!  Perfect outfit for running around town and grabbing that perfect cup of coffee and maybe running in Target lol!  This is pretty much my staple and go-to pieces before the weather turns to frigid degrees here in Michigan.  Everything you see in the pic is available for curvy girls so don’t be shy…go buy!!

Saving Pennies: Balenciaga Wants

There is absolutely nothing I want more than THIS! Except maybe a castle overlooking my own private lake but I’m being realistic here!  I’ve had dreams of carrying this bag in the crook of my arm for several months now…I’m even on a shopping ban so I can kiss it!


Meet the bag that will deplete my savings.

Balenciaga City Polka Dots Tempete
$1,645.00
Courtesy of Balenciaga.com