Fashion:
I'm mainly a lifestyle blogger, but occasionally I'll posts things geared more towards fashion. Here are some fashion loves that I've found and want to share with you!
On the Hunt: Stylish Diaper Bag
It seems the rule for me is that I get one designer bag a year. That means that I do tons and tons of research before choosing the one that I really want. This “rule” keeps my bag obsession under control and Hubs’ wallet happy. A year ago I would have told you that the bag that I’d want for 2013 is the PS1 in Raspberry, Lipstick or another similar shade.
Well fast-forward a year and TA-DA, I’m pregnant! I know that having a beautiful PS1 bag is no longer a practical choice for me especially for having a newborn soon. Since I don’t like carrying around a lot of extra weight I’ll be using my diaper bag as my purse as well. So I’ve been on the hunt for a stylish diaper bag that doesn’t scream “I’m carrying diapers!” but something that I could continue to use even as a travel/gym bag for years to come.
As you know I’ve been doing tons of research on baby gear the last few weeks and it’s quickly sinking in that we’re going to be dishing out a lot of cash this year for Baby. That said, I started off my hunt with a frugal mindset to find the most stylish yet affordable diaper bag.
Let me tell you- it is HARD finding a diaper bag that I think is stylish let alone wallet friendly!
The only bag that I liked yet was affordable was from BabysRus.
JJ Cole Canvas Satchel Diaper Bag in Stone Arbor ($65)
It’s cute, affordable and has lots of compartments. And even though it’s pretty obvious that it’s a diaper bag I wouldn’t mind carrying it around. I thought my search was over but then I started reading the reviews. It turns out that while this baby bag is cute and affordable, the quality is not great. Many reviews say that the zipper/strap breaks within 1 year of use. For $65 I don’t think it’s worth it if it’s only going to last us a year especially since I’m not in LOVE with it.
Believe me I searched high and low for another stylish yet wallet friendly option but I still have yet to find one. So I’ve shifted my mentality. If I’m going to use this diaper bag as also a purse, gym bag and/or travel bag for years and years then maybe I can justify spending a bit more on it than I originally hoped. Here are some other options that I’m considering.
MARC by MARC JACOBS Pretty Nylon Eliz-a-baby Diaper Bag in Black or Grey $298
PROS: It’s a very versatile style that I can easily use for travel or the gym. The fabric is pretty light weight (although not as light as it looks). It’s easy to clean and has lots of pockets. It can carry everything that you’ll ever need. It has a detachable cross-body strap option for if your bag gets too heavy. Great reviews, everyone loves theirs and it’s recommended by one of my favorite bloggers, Andee from The Honeybee. Hubs can feel confident carrying this bag too!
CONS: It’s really large! I tried it on and I felt like it dwarfed my 5’3 frame. The colors (although will match with everything) feel a little plain and the other pattern designs feel too loud. I also wish there were even more compartments inside, haha. There are no specific stroller straps included (I think you can buy some stroller clips to make it work).
Kate Spade Nylon Stripe Stevie Baby Bag $418
PROS: How freaking adorable is this diaper bag?? I would love to carry this around even as just my purse. It comes with extra straps that attach to your stroller. I LOVE the red interior and many pockets. It’s sized a bit smaller than the Marc Jacobs diaper bag so it might work better for my frame. It got great reviews as well!
CONS: There is no cross-body strap option although you should be able to attach your own strap to the bag. It looks heavier than the Marc Jacobs bag but I haven’t seen this bag in person yet. It’s expensive for a diaper bag (but not for a regular purse).
So those are the three diaper bags that I have on my radar right now. As of now I’m leaning towards the Marc Jacobs bag in gray or maybe black. I love the cross-body option and also that I’ll never have to worry about running out of room. Plus I know I’ll get good use out of that bag for years to come. The Kate Spade bag is just so expensive even though it’s adorable… Not sure that I’ll ever be able to convince Hubs on that one, haha.
If you see any other stylish baby bags out there please let me know!
Wishing you a beautyfull Monday!
BellaVita Vita Bacca iPhone 4,4S Leather Wristlet Review
Hey everyone!
I was approached by BellaVita to do a review on one of their lovely leather iPhone wristlets. I was super excited since I’ve been wanting a phone wristlet for quite a while now. I choose the hot berry color called Vita Bacca.
Bella Vita Vita Bacca iPhone 4/4S Leather Wristlet $65
Front
Back
Inside
Here are my PROS: This is a lovely cell phone wristlet and I’m so glad I chose the hot berry color. It’s well padded so it gives really good protection from drops and scratches. When I first opened the packaging I noticed a strong leatherly/chemically smell but it’s been getting more and more faint. It was pretty easy to slide my iPhone into the case. You just have to pull out that center tab on the left side of the phone. There are two card holders which you can put your most crucial cards (ID, credit card) for when you just want to take the wristlet on the go. My absolute favorite feature- I LOVE the wristlet strap. It makes my phone so easy to pull out of my purse without having to dig around for it.
The CONS: The first thing I noticed is that my phone (iPhone 4S) does not fit into the frame very well. The top on/off button is partially covered and also the bottom battery hole is slightly covered. When I charge my phone I have to pull the leather case out of the way and fumble around a bit.
Partially covered on/off button and battery charging hole.
And yes I’ve tried to move my phone as far to the right as possible but it still doesn’t fit correctly.
While I find those two issues manageable and not necessarily a deal-breaker, here’s something that has been driving me nuts! When I text, I can’t reach the buttons on the far left side because they’re being covered by the leather frame. Most importantly, I can’t hit the button that changes the alphabet to numbers/symbols. It’s been really frustrating trying to text/type and not being able to reach those keys the first try. If you type with your thumbs like me you might encounter this problem too.
Overall, I love the concept of the cell phone wristlet. It gives such great protection for your phone and makes it super easy to locate in my bottomless bags! But honestly I’m not sure how long I’ll be able to use the BellaVita case because of the texting/typing issue. I haven’t tried other wristlet cases out before so I can’t compare it to anything else but the next time I go wristlet shopping I know this is one aspect that needs to pass the test before I purchase it.
I personally would not pay full price ($65) for a case that does not function perfectly BUT BellaVita is having a giveaway right now. Every month they will select one winner to choose between a BellaVita wristlet or wallet. If you’re interested, you can enter here.
I hope this review has been helpful for you if you’ve been looking for a cell phone wristlet. I know that this experience has taught me that I love cell phone wristlets and what qualities are the most important in my selection.
Wishing you a happy Thursday!
Customized Ugg Boots & Weekend Photos
Hey Everyone!
Did you have an awesome weekend?
Here’s my weekend in photos! And I’ll show you how we got my mama’s new Ugg boots customized at Nordstrom’s holiday party last night!
We finally found a bar cabinet that we like! The building instructions were complete crap but Hubs managed to figure it out and put this thing together. Yay for more kitchen counter space for me and a home for Hubs’ drinks!
We went to a Korean BBQ restaurant and discovered that they now have infrared grills! How crazy is that? Apparently, this is “SO 6 months ago” but I was still amazed, haha.
Hubs says that meat is always a thumbs up!
And that salad is a thumbs down!
But in actuality the salad was SO good! He loved it!
I think we’ll definitely be going back to this Korean restaurant again.
Santa sighting at the mall!! Hehe
Look at him trying to sneak away into the elevator!
And lastly, yesterday was my dear Mama’s birthday! YAY!
We celebrated with dinner then some shopping at the Nordstrom Holiday Shopping Party.
It was our first time so we were pretty impressed with the champagne and appetizers that they served while we shopped.
I felt fancy, haha.
ALSO, they had an UGG Hot Pen Event which worked out perfectly since my mama wanted new UGG boots for her birthday present!
The hot penning was complementary for the first 15 customers that wanted it.
He draws by hand! Amazing!
Mama chose a little bunny on one side and her last name on the other.
And just in case you wanted to see it actually being done, Hubs decided to record a bit of it for you!
Wishing you all a wonderful start to the week!
My New Short Red Hunter Boots Review!
I was super excited when my Hunter Boots finally arrived! We’ve had a pretty dry Summer and beginning of Fall this year but it’s finally starting to pour. While I prefer sunny blue skies (particularly in the tropics), I’m welcoming the rain because that means I can bust out my red boots!
Hunter Original Short Gloss Red $125
I got mine on sale for $92! Woot Woot!
When I first picked up my boots I was pretty dang surprised at how heavy they were! They’re much heavier than my Uggs. But once they’re on your feet, you don’t notice the extra weight at all. Plus, they’re amazingly comfortable! They remind me of my Crocs… but water proof! I now see the hype around Hunter boots especially for those living in rainy areas like the Pacific Northwest.
I was originally thinking that I was going to get the tall version not the short but once I tried them on and more importantly tried to take them off I decided it was best to go with the short! Hubs actually had to help me pull off the tall Hunter boots which was pretty funny in the middle of the Nordstrom shoe department. Sales associate did not look amused… haha. Since I knew that Hubs couldn’t be everywhere I am to assist me with boot-removals, I decided I’d stick with the short boots. I’m really happy with my decision and especially love them in red. It totally reminds me of my childhood and makes me want to jump into puddles!
I know that Hunter boots are pretty pricey for what they are (rubber boots) but I’m hoping that they’ll last a long long time. And finally having dry feet throughout the Fall and Winter is priceless!
Now if only someone came out with boots that were like Uggs on the inside and Hunters on the outside… :]
Wishing you a wonderful morning!
Daily Shot: Marchesa Parfum D’extase
Thought it was just a pretty bottle until I actually tried it out
Smells as beautiful as it looks!
Proenza Schouler PS1 Medium Leather in Raspberry
I woke up one morning in love! In love with the Proenza Schouler PS1 bag! Although I’ve seen it around for years, I never thought much of this bag. I’ve always thought that it looks very chic in black but I felt that it wasn’t “me”. That is until I laid eyes on the PS1 medium leather in raspberry. Isn’t it a beauty?
Proenza Schouler PS1 Medium Leather in Raspberry $1,695
I’ve been looking for a comfortable crossbody bag in a shade of red and I think Raspberry is gorgeous. I want to see it in person since I’ve learned never to trust color shades via computer/laptop screen and I’m extra particular when it comes to red-purple tones. I’m hoping that it leans darker than lighter. This would be the PERFECT accessory for the Fall brightening up any look!
The PS1 in Lipstick is really pretty too!
I like the PS1 in medium (12.5 x 4 x 8.5 inches) but wonder if it’s too small for me since I’m used to carrying much larger bags. Also, I’ve read that the strap on the medium is too short to carry comfortably as a crossbody. The large is 14 x 5 x 11 inches priced at $1,995 and has a longer shoulder strap so that you can comfortably hold crossbody. I’m only seeing the large in Lipstick and not Raspberry on the website.
If you’re like me and find the Proenza Schouler bags quite pricey, I’ve found a cheaper Raspberry alternative! It’s the Tory Burch Robinson Gusset Crossbody Bag!
Tory Burch Robinson Gusset Crossbody Bag in Raspberry $450
The size is similar at 12 x 4.25 x 9 inches
What do you think? Do you like the Raspberry shade better or Lipstick? Or considering the price difference, would you get the Tory Burch Robinson Triple Gusset instead?
Wishing you a wonderful start to the week!
Lesportsac Bisous Frill Clutch Review and GIVEAWAY!
**UPDATE- this giveaway is open to you international folks as well!**
Happy Friday everyone!
I’m so excited to share with you this LeSportsac giveaway!! At the end of this post, I’ll give you all the details on how to enter but first, let me show you what you’re winning!
LeSportsac Bisous Frill Clutch $78
AND limited edition bunny charm
Close up of the front top
Metal kisslock frame closure
Charm and bow detailing
The back is simple without the bow and charm
Top view
Open
And the limited edition bunny charm that is included as well :]
The LeSportsac Bisous Frill Clutch is 4.8 x 8 inches. You could use this as a clutch or if you’re like me as a makeup bag! Personally I find it a bit too ruffly for me to use as a clutch for my age… but as a makeup bag- PERFECT! I’m really excited to start carrying this around AND to see who else I can share this joy with!
So here’s how to enter the giveaway!
Giveaway Guidelines
Entries will start today and will be open until Thursday (09/27/12) midnight pacific time. The winner will be randomly chosen and announced on Friday (09/28/12) morning. This is a US based giveaway – sorry international folks Now open internationally!!! If you’re under 18 make sure you have your parent’s permission. I’ll contact the winner via email.
To be eligible for my giveaway you must:
- LIKE A Beautyfull Day on Facebook (easy click on the sidebar!) AND leave a comment on this blog post about how you would use the clutch if you were to win. Also include your email address so that I can contact you!
Here’s how you can earn extra entries!
- 1 extra entry for following @abeautyfullday on Twitter (make sure to let me know in the comments that you’re entering via Twitter as well and include your Twitter handle)
- 1 extra entry for subscribing to ABD emails to notify you when there is a new post or new giveaways
- If you’re already following me on Twitter or receiving emails, just let me know in the comments as well and I’ll be sure to give you extra entries!
LeSportsac Manoush Square Cosmetic Review
If you’re more of a conservative, low-maintenance type of gal, here’s a makeup bag for you! It’s the LeSportsac Manoush Square Cosmetic! It’s so very simple in the black fabric and gold hardware but with a feminine touch that comes with the bow. You definitely can’t carry too much around in it. It’s 3.5 x 4.5 x 1.75 inches.
LeSportsac Manoush Square Cosmetic (typically $20)
This is the back
Top view of the LeSportsac Square Cosmetic
open…
open wide!
Size comparison to the Cosmetiques Large
I love the black with gold hardware and bow. It’s probably one of my favorite designs from LeSportsac. Unfortunately the size of the square cosmetic is too small for me to use as a daily makeup bag. It would be good for travel to keep either medicine, headphones and usb cords, accessories, etc. Big bonus is that it’s all black so it won’t look dirty for a long long time. Since I already have a LeSportsac Square Cosmetic, I’ll probably be finding a better home for this guy.
Only one more LeSportsac Manoush bag review left and it’s the GIVEAWAY bag!! The giveaway starts tomorrow (Friday Sept. 21st) so don’t forget to enter!!
Wishing you a wonderful Thursday evening!
LeSportsac Bisous Frill Coin Pouch Review
Hey guys! I hope you’re all holding up well this LeSportsac filled week! I have a cute little treat for you today. It’s the LeSportsac Bisous Frill Coin Pouch! I swear I had something very similar to this when I was a little girl. Brings back good memories! :]
The Bisous Frill Coin Pouch is 3.25 x 3.25 inches. It’s heavier than the regular LeSportsac bag because of the metal kisslock frame closure. It’s adorable with the frills right?
LeSportsac Bisous Frill Coin Pouch, $42
The front looks exactly like the back. See?
The inside pouch is actually smaller than the bag itself looks.
You really can’t fit too much in there.
Maybe some coins…
or shillings as I like to say.
The inside pocket size is probably the one flaw in the Bisous Frill Pouch.
I love kisslock frames by the way <3
You can attach your keys to it too!
Or hang it off one of your other bags.
Whatcha think? I know it’s going to sound weird coming out of MY mouth but it feels just a smidgen too girly for my taste…. I’d totally love to give this to my little girl one day as her play purse. Wouldn’t that be freaking adorable? Or perhaps I should find a better suited home for it right now considering we don’t know when this hypothetical little girl will be joining our lives. :]
Wishing you a fond memory filled day!
LeSportsac Cosmetiques Frill Large Review
I wanted to show you guys the other version of the Cosmetiques Frill Large makeup bag that I reviewed this morning. The Cosmetiques Frill Large bag is the same size (3.5 x 6.5 x 2 inches) but has a different fabric pattern and also has frills.
LeSportsac Cosmetiques Frill Large, $38
The front and back look identical
This is the top view
The interior is black, very spacious and opens wide due to the gusset
The gusset is cute because it has the design on it
I love the functionality of these LeSportsac Cosmetiques Large bags. They are the perfect size for an everyday makeup bag and the gusset on the side lets the bag open very wide making it convenient when looking for anything inside. The LeSportsac Cosmetiques Frill Large bag however is a bit too loud for me. I think I would have preferred the bag if it were either just the print or just the frills, but not both mixed together. Oh one plus though is that it’ll take much longer for the Frill version to look dirty since it’s mostly black.
I’ll be looking for a new home for this Lesportsac Frill Large bag most likely in another giveaway or if one of the girls in my family want it.
What do you think? Would you sport this makeup bag look? Let me know in the comments below and if you think I should use this as a giveaway prize!
Wishing you a happy happy day!