Picnic Time!

I love Memorial Day weekend for one simple and blissful reason: It is the true marker of the beginning of summer. The weather is almost always beautiful, there are plenty of picnics and everybody has Monday off  from work to spend the day eating, drinking and catching rays. There is no better time to break out your favorite summer pieces than on Memorial Day. 

Here are some affordable essentials...

Forever 21 Sundress: $17.80

Francesca's Collection Aviators: $12

Aldo's Sandals: $20.99

Forever 21 Fedora: $6

Gap Straw Bag: $50

American Eagle Bathing Suit: $30 

Forever 21 Cutoffs: $19.80

A Style and A Cause

American Eagle is teaming up with a charity called FEED. By purchasing one of the designated totes or wristlets, you are donating to a UNICEF nutrition program in Guatemala. These bags are handmade, colorful and fashionable. If you're going to spend money on accessories, (which we all know you're going to do) it might as well be for a good cause, right?! 

I really like the vibrant and cultured vibes of the totes and wristlets and think they are great for trips to the beach of for carrying books to class. And, for hand woven products, they are extremely affordable.

Here are some of my favorites... 

The totes are $39.50 and the wristlets are $19.50

The Look for Less

 Bags can be extremely expensive, (especially the popular, irresistible designer ones) but are often worth the splurge because a good quality purse can remain by your side for years. On the other hand, if you're the type of person who tends to stain, lose, or overuse your belongings, spending your hard earned paycheck on one bag may not be the most sensible decision. This can bring forth a pretty serious dilemma, since bags are one of the few items thats price is actually reflected in its appearance. If a bag was cheap, it often looks cheap. This is not always the case, though, and luckily, a lot of trendy bag styles are replicated and sold at inexpensive stores.

Here are some great designer bags and similar, more affordable options...



Marc Jacobs, 625 dollars



Forever 21, 20.80 dollars

Coach, 198 dollars

Charlotte Russe, 20 dollars.

Michael Kors, 248 dollars

Charlotte Russe, 22.50.

It's a satchel... Indiana Jones has one

Lately, satchels (across the body bags) have been displayed in the very front of stores. It's no surprise to me, since the bags really are incredibly convenient. I hate the responsibility and annoyance of having my purse hooked over my shoulder when I go out at night. Then, there's the ever frustrating experience of bringing a shoulder bag or tote to the movies, restaurants, or stadiums when there is no hook. One sure way to never lose your purse is to have it draped across your body, which is exactly the accommodation a satchel provides. If you are going to purchase a satchel, it is essential to love it, as it becomes a part of your outfit. It can replace long necklaces or other accessories, so try to find one that is basic enough to match many ensembles but still expresses your personal style.

Here are some affordable satchels...

This Forever 21 cross body bag is 25.80 and also comes in red.

This PacSun fold over bag is on sale for only 9.99 and also comes in teal. PacSun
has a variety of other affordable satchels too.

This Aldo bag is 46 dollars and also comes in black.

This Forever 21 bag is 32.80.