Custom Design

It might be a bit early to declare box bags as a trend, but the sight of Victoria Beckham carrying one a little while back and now the appearance of fall’s Alexander Wang Tai Dopp Kit Bag make it seem as though more such bags will come out of the woodwork in the near future. Boxes certainly fit with the emerging trend of petite, streamlined, slightly retro handbags, and if you want to hop on this look before all of your friends know about it, we’ve got a few suggestions – one that plays up the bag’s grey tone, another that accents the creams and beiges.

The Bag

Alexander Wang Tai Dopp Kitt Bag – It comes in both embossed natural python and black leather, but since mixing patterns is also a fall trend, this seems like a perfect time to wade into those waters a bit and see how things go. The black version, of course, could be mixed into a wardrobe in a similar way to a large black clutch.

The closure and structure of this bag make it easily more interesting than any clutch in my closet, though, and I’m betting the same is true for you. That the short handle must be held by hand will make it unwieldy in some daytime situations, but it’s such a cool, different bag that it would be worth the tradeoff. Buy through ShopBop for $795.

Daytime – Edgy

Helmut Lang Raven Top – This silk and jersey asymmetrical top is full of color inspiration for any number of different outfits, but pairing it with neutrals in different textures allows the subtle pattern and draping to shine. The traces of cream and beige tie in with the bag, and combining the two gives you a relatively safe way to mix prints without looking like a crazy person. Buy through ShopBop for $320.

Vince Oversized Pocket Sweater – In a temperate climate or during the part of winter before it’s gotten truly cold up north, a sweater like this is absolutely key. It can go with boyfriend jeans and casual shoes or be sexed up a bit with silk and leggings, and the charcoal grey color gives the knit a bit more dimension and versatility than black would. Buy through ShopBop for $345.

Plush Liquid Faux Leather Leggings – I’m not much of a fan of fake leather in general, but in some situations, it just makes sense. Leather leggings cost hundreds of dollars and don’t have much season-to-season staying power, and this faux version is priced perfectly and isn’t too shiny to be worn during the day with a casual outfit as an interesting, textured alternative to basic black leggings. Buy through ShopBop for $70.

Elizabeth and James Coli Suede Flats – Winter is all about mixing textures, and choosing suede flats for daytime is just another way to do it. The medium grey color pulls from the greys in both the bag and shirt, and it provides some softness at the end of the leather leggings. Buy through ShopBop for $285.

Dannijo Coco Ring – For an ensemble with this many textures, jewelry can be kept to a piece or two. When wearing sweaters, I stay away from bracelets because of snagging, and earrings would compete with the huge collar. A statement ring is therefore the perfect option, and this one adds just the right amount of shine while still keeping with the mood of the clothes. Buy through ShopBop for $216.

Nighttime – Feminine

Foley + Corinna Asymmetrical Party Dress – Nude and cream tones dotted the runways for the past two seasons, and this frilly dress gives a girly look to a trend that can become boring quickly. I’d be a bit afraid to crush the frills if I sat for too long, but this is the ideal dress for standing at a bar or dancing at a club while still looking flirty and pretty. Buy through ShopBop for $390.

Anna Sui Faux Fur Cropped Jacket – Fur is noticeably huge for fall, and the always-reliable Anna Sui has created the perfect (faux!) night-out topper. It’s cropped to show off as much of your dress as possible, and the plush, glossy black fur will keep you warm and dressy-looking simultaneously. To go tough instead of glam, layer a cropped, draped leather jacket over your party frock instead of fur. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $350.

Jeffrey Campbell Clara Mesh Platform Pumps – These shoes ride the fence between pump and booty admirably, and the black suede with mesh insets will mirror the dress well once a foot is inside. The design anchors a floaty ensemble without being too heavy, and they would be a versatile nighttime option to have in your closet in case of random fabulous parties. Buy through ShopBop for $136.

Rachel Leigh Zelda Cluster Drop Earrings – Nothing accents an asymmetrical neckline like a pair of good dangly earrings, and since most necklaces don’t work with this type of dress, go for big and sparkly. This pair provides a little color variation for a very neutral outfit. Buy through ShopBop for $188.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Have you noticed the lack of posts on PurseBlog in the past week or two? I am almost embarrassed to say it is because Vlad and I have become so enthralled following World Cup Soccer that our work productivity has been compromised. As much as I love sports, soccer has never been my favorite sport. But there is something about a World Event that sucks me in. I even jumped off the couch this morning during the USA win over Algeria. It is that bad.

I saw this the other day and I could not pass up sharing with you all. As I said, my mind is on soccer right now, but I was waiting to see which designer would create a soccer themed item. While not a handbag, Santiago Gonzalez of Nancy Gonzalez created a Crocodile Skin Soccer Ball designed for Harrods. The item is no longer is stock on the website (sold out?!).

While the price tag of $5,200 is steep, I have to admit that I love the dark brown hexagons paired with black pentagons. This ball was put on a stand, but I kind of wish it wasn’t. I want to imagine myself putting on my designer heels and kicking the ball around the house. Because while seemingly ridiculous, it is kind of an awesome idea.

I know many people will find this design absurd, but it is meant to be a luxury item for a soccer lover. This is just an art piece, but a very cool exotic one at that. Price was $5,200 via Harrods.

[found via Fashion Foie Gras]

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Leopard print has obviously been around forever and the trend has been building for some time, but as far as handbags go, the look is about to reach critical mass. Since some people are apprehensive of the pattern and unsure of how it could fit into their wardrobes, we’ve taken the liberty of styling the Dolce & Gabbana Miss Charles Leopard Print Bag for both night and day to demonstrate leopard’s versatility.

This bag is particularly appropriate because of its petite size and mix of hardware – it can be paired with silver or gold and used night or day. Leopard provides an interesting opportunity to create visual interest through mixing textures because multiple attention-grabbing colors would compete with the pattern, and I particularly love how it looks with dark pinks and metallic touches. Details for each piece are after the jump.

The Bag

Dolce & Gabbana Miss Charles Leopard Print Bag: You can’t really have a conversation about modern leopard print without talking about Dolce & Gabbana, can you? As with most of fall’s leopard looks, this bag is made of printed haircalf, which I love to combine with other interesting textures in neutral colors, plus a pop of brightness – the pop should be bigger for nighttime looks. Buy through Nordstrom for $1550.

Casual

Burberry Prorsum Military Belted Cardigan: Cardigans can be a little boring, but this one proves itself special through lots of attention to detail – the buttoned loops at the shoulder and utilitarian pockets and belt are wonderful touches. The charcoal grey color can be worn with nearly anything during the colder months, and it tones down some of the sparkle when combined with sequins for daytime. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $795.

Diane Von Furstenberg Paragan Sequin T-Shirt: Daytime sequins are set to be big again for fall, and combining their shine with the simple, casual familiarity of a basic white tee makes them easy to incorporate in pre-cocktail hour outfits. This shirt matches the glamour level of leopard print while still remaining appropriate for casual environments. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $157.

Joe’s Jeans Chelsea Skinny Jeans: You can substitute your own favorite skinnies here, but if you’re still looking for a wear-all-the-time pair of your own, try these. The ultra dark wash hides figure flaws while ensuring that the look stays clean and tailored. Buy through ShopBop for $159.

Michael Kors Ceramic Chronograph Watch: Yeah, I admit it – I’m still not over white watches. When you have a daytime outfit that uses sequins, jewelry is best kept at a minimum, and the graphic white of this watch will stand out nicely again fall’s long, dark sleeves. Plus, it’s a heck of a lot cheaper than a Chanel J12 if you want to hop on the bandwagon a little late. Buy through Saks for $450.

Yves Saint Laurent Suede Tribute Sandals: With lots of textures going on in this outfit, these sandals are all of the bright color that you need. Plus, high heels make your legs look a mile long when combined with skinny jeans. And just look at ‘em, they’re gorgeous. These shoes are the easy part. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $995.

Dressy

Acne Lou Lou Satin Dress: I am in deep, inconvenient, all-encompassing love with this dress. This particular variety of magenta makes nearly everyone’s skin look radiant, and the bold bow belt is a brilliant, simple addition. The volume of the sleeves is like the cherry on top – wear this all fall and winter with black tights and statement shoes. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $300.

Miu Miu Glitter Platforms: Of course, if I had my way, the statement shoes that you’d choose would be these shiny, fantastic sandals. Just because they’re open-toe doesn’t mean they can’t be worn with tights, and a black background will make the gunmetal glitter all the more special. Since there’s no room in this outfit for additional bright colors or patterns, the shine makes sure that these shoes are still interesting. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $416.

Proenza Schouler Cable Cuff: This bracelet could go with nearly anything, but the modern, almost industrial lines make sure that the outfit doesn’t get too twee. You could pair it with either outfit, if you’d prefer not to wear a watch. $725, more info via ProenzaShouler.com.

Madewell Dangly Rhinestone Earrings: Costume jewelry with clear stones is a trend now, which is convenient since it goes with almost anything but doesn’t take up too much visual space. The vibrant color of the dress and bold print of the bag are enough that this outfit doesn’t require earrings that make a big statement. Buy through ShopBop for $45.

Original post by Amanda Mull

With all the focus being on designer iPad cases, the iPod is feeling a wee bit lonely me thinks. Major brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci are giving the iPad love and now Dolce & Gabbana wants to give loving to the ever popular iPod.

But Dolce & Gabbana does not just want to get in on the action, they want to make an iPod case that is much more of a snazzy statement piece that just so happens to hold an iPod as well. I’m not going to lie when I say that this piece truly confuses me. And here is why…

Can you imagine carrying your music player in a $725 pouch?

With Apple releasing so many products, I have to think hard before confusing the iPhone with the iPad with the iPod with the iMac. I kept thinking this was a really upscale phone pouch. But Dolce & Gabbana wants to market this as a iPod pouch. So back to why I am confused. If this pouch holds nothing else, that is one expensive and ornate case simply meant to carry your music player around.

I really wish there were dimensions for us to check out. That way we could know if the iPhone would fit (which I think makes much more sense), along with keys, and a lipstick. If that were the case, this pouch may work. But I feel like this is meant to be a small case, and if it is too small it won’t do much of anything for us. The case looks like a coin pouch mixed with an iPod holder which is then attached to a long ornate chain shoulder strap. I understand what Dolce & Gabbana was trying to do with this case, but it just isn’t feasible. Buy via Luisa via Roma for $725.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

I can’t think of a bag that’s more versatile than a big black clutch. Add an exotic skin to the mix for a healthy dose of luxury and you’ve got a bag that can be worn day or night and year-round, no matter your age. Sometimes it’s hard to imagine how you’d work even the most basic bag into your wardrobe, however, particularly if you’re not prone toward considering a clutch (even an oversized one) to be a legitimate option for daytime use. With a little help from the Nancy Gonzalez Large Crocodile Clutch, I’m here to give you some food for thought. Or, maybe, I’m just here to make up pretty outfits. I’m comfortable with either of those options.

The Bag

The Nancy Gonzalez Large Crocodile Clutch: This should take very little explanation. Black is a hugely versatile color and an oversized clutch is a hugely useful shape to own. I for one don’t mind holding a clutch under my arm on most occasions (besides maybe shopping), and a bag like this is particularly appropriate for daytime events – an afternoon wedding, for example. Of course, it looks equally chic after dark. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1850.

Day

Acne Shy Pleated Satin Tank: The key to wearing black accessories during the summer is making sure that you include bright color and light fabrics in your outfit. This magenta top looks super chic against nearly any skin tone and would easily be office-appropriate under your favorite cardigan or blazer. The twisted strap is a subtle-yet-modern detail. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $200.
Alice + Olivia Eric Pant: Is there anything more luxurious for summer than a pair of voluminous white linen trousers? I certainly can’t think of anything. Not only are they weather-appropriate for summer, but they make bright colors pop and can be worn in a variety of situations and settings, as long as the sun is shining. Buy through ShopBop for $253.
Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti High Heels Ankle Wrap Sandals: You can’t have a pair of flowing, wide-leg pants without a proper pair of platforms to accent their shape. The wooden heel keeps the shoe summer-appropriate despite the black leather, which coordinates with the color of the clutch. These are the type of shoes that you’ll use over and over again with a thousand different outfits – they’re nearly as versatile as the featured bag. Buy through ShopBop for $620.
Lee Angel Etienne 18 Strand Necklace: I don’t care who you are, where you’re going, or what you’re wearing: a simple outfit needs statement jewelry. Unless you’re going crazy with patterns and texture, there’s not an ensemble that can’t be improved with some bling, this one included. Sure, the top and pants are very nice, but when you throw on an enormous, confident necklace like this one, the entire thing is taken to the next level. Buy through ShopBop for $155.
Alexis Bittar Large Lucite Bangle: This super modern bangle certain falls into the “statement jewelry” category, but it won’t take up as much visual space as a metal bracelet would, meaning that it won’t compete with the other giant piece of jewelry that I included in this outfit. Isn’t it nice when things work together? Buy through Bergdorf Goodman for $495.

Evening

La Petite S Asymmetric Jersey Dress: How I love this dress, let me count the way: it’s an unexpected yet gorgeous color that could work well on lots of skin colors, the asymmetrical draping is gorgeous, as is the dramatic jersey ruffle down the back, it’s long enough and cut high enough that a woman of almost any age could wear it. In short, I love it and would like to have one immediately, if not sooner. I will find an event for this dress. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1480.
Ranjana Khan Silk Petal & Bead Earrings: If you’re going to wear an asymmetrical neckline, please don’t wear a necklace that competes with or interrupts it. You’re screwing up the dress. Instead, take the opportunity to put your hair up and wear totally over-the-top earrings. They’ll attract attention up, making people more likely to notice not only your interesting neckline, but also your beautiful face. Buy through Saks for $390.
Fendi Cinderella Runway Platform Sandals: Hear me out on this whole lucite thing. I know that it makes some people think of stripper heels, but Fendi did it in such a pretty, feminine, ladylike way that I can’t help but totally adore it. They chose wisely to confine the lucite to the platform and make the heel out of a traditional material because the shoe strikes a perfect balance between pretty and sexy. In this case, the draping that makes up the body of the shoe is particularly appropriate because it reflects the structure of the dress. Buy through Saks for $1140.
Roberto Cavalli Swarovski Serpent Bracelet: The colors of this particular snake bracelet work really nicely with the green dress, but this is the sort of piece that could really go with anything: neutrals, brights, patterns. Day, night, whatever. I wear my animal cuffs more than I wear anything in my jewelry collection, and people constantly ask me where they can get something similar. Well, here you go – spread the gospel far and wide, my children. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $675.

Original post by Amanda Mull

After the faux-fur-on-ice (literally) escapades of Chanel’s Fall/Winter 2010 collection, it was hard to predict the direction in which Karl Lagerfeld would go for his next collection, Chanel Cruise 2011. Well, after the collection’s presentation in Saint-Tropez, we know that Kaiser Karl has his mind planted firmly in the Riviera of the 60s and 70s. Models arrived to the show by speedboat and Georgia May Jagger, daughter of Mick, graced the runways to give the show some retro cred (it also doesn’t hurt that Georgia May looks like Brigitte Bardot. Startlingly so.)

The clothes recreated the era fantastically, even though a few pieces would probably have best been left in the time period from whence they came. Most of them, however, were a welcome contrast to the version of the 60s that graced fall runways – tailored, traditional, neutral. The flowing, flowered caftans, jumpsuits and crocheted overlays had a distinct flower-child appeal, and they look utterly appropriate for the cruise crowd: airy, light and perfect for the deck of a yacht. If you like what you see, order early, though – the Kate Hudsons fo the world will likely buy the entire collection out from under you.

All images courtesy of Style.com

Original post by Amanda Mull

Any other day this review would belong on PurseBlog Savvy, but today it is going right here. Why you ask? Because I love French Bulldogs. I love bulldogs in general (Vlad and I will own an English Bulldog sometime in the near future, they are our love). The little quirky Miss Marc looks all kinds of awkward on the nylon Marc by Marc Jacobs Miss Marc Packables Pouch surrounded by her French Bulldog friends.

I would use this pouch for makeup and toss it in my handbag. Then I would pull this pouch out, and explain to everyone around me my love of bulldogs. It would get to the point of being so annoying that only Amanda and Vlad would listen (they both love bulldogs too). So maybe, I should just buy this, and then while I blog all day I can stare at it myself and smile. Thereby keeping all of you out of my bulldog-loving-long-winded-speech-path. Dimensions are 5″W X 9″H X ¼”D and it is available in fuchsia and twig brown. Buy via Saks for $58.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Fashion can get a little tricky when trying to mix lots of pieces with different textures and patterns, and for better or worse (we think for better), texture and pattern are all over the place lately. The moment’s trends call for bold looks from head to toe, and it can be a little daunting to try and figure out how to piece together a look like that at the mall – in fact, you really don’t want to know how many pieces I went through before I chose the ones you see above.

Because we like to be helpful, we’ve put together two bold looks, one casual and dressy, based on the very trendy Marc by Marc Jacobs Tribal Pixie Bucket Bag. A bag that has so much personality can be hard to style, but if you focus on incorporating pretty prints and standout accessories, you’ll have an outfit in no time.

The Bag

I wasn’t sure about it initially, but the more I look at the Marc by Marc Jacobs Party Girl Tribal Pixie Bucket Bag, the more I love how spunky and fun it is. Also, it’s the perfect size to use for day or night: it’ll fit your essentials for weekend activities like shopping or lunch with friends, but it’s not too big or bulky to be inappropriate for night. Plus, with a neutral color and gunmetal hardware, the folks at Marc by Marc Jacobs did a good job reigning in what could have been an overly exuberant design. Buy through ShopBop for $398.

Now, on to the looks:

Casual

Roberto Cavalli Printed Silk Kaftan: This may not be the first top you look to for a casual outfit, but fashion is all about reconsidering our conceptions of print and texture recently. Why can’t something as beautiful as this be worn during the day? There’s no good reason, particularly if it’s styled correctly. The painterly color palette gives you a million colors to work with, but in order to dress down, you should let this kaftan speak for itself without layering on the colorful accessories. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $815.

Paige Denim Jimmy Jimmy 2 Jean Short: If there’s a better way to make a dressy top casual than by pairing it with jean shorts, I certainly can’t think of it. The downmarket staple has become something of a fashion hit this season and they’re a perfect foil for a flowing, girly top. I prefer a dark wash to keep your look high-end, and this particular pair can be worn as a cuffed short-short or rolled down as a pair of mid-thigh cut-offs. I’d roll them up so that they just peek out from under the Cavalli kaftan. Buy through ShopBop for $129.

Jeffrey Campbell Nena Sandals: I’m not much of a fan of black sandals for summer so I went to great lengths to not include them, but I also wanted to make sure that the shoe still coordinated with the bag in some way so that they’d both make sense in the context of the outfit. Since the gunmetal hardware on the bag is so prominent, the similar gunmetal finish on these nearly all-metal flat sandals is almost an obvious choice. You could pair the shoes and the bag with nearly any outfit and still be ok, but the metal coordinates well with some the Kaftan’s darker hues. Buy through Nordstrom for $99.95.

CC Skye Pavé Pyramid Stud Earrings: With such strong statements in the bag and top, you really don’t need anything but a bit of bling at the ears for a daytime look. Keeping the shape simple and modern keeps the look young. Buy through ShopBop for $150.

Evening

3.1 Phillip Lim Printed Silk Dress: I can’t even tell you how in love I am with the splatter-paint pattern of this dress. Not only is it thoroughly and completely modern, but the spots mimic the hardware of our bag and the colors give us tons of inspiration for accessories. When a dress is mostly dark, the best trick for a standout ensemble is to pick accent colors from the pattern and pull them out for bold shoes and jewelry. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $650.

Yves Saint Laurent Agate Drop Earrings: Chunky jewelry with lots of personality will get you more compliments than anything in your wardrobe, I know that for a fact, and the bright purple raw stone in these YSL earrings are the kind that will make you want to wear your hair up at all times to gain maximum exposure. They’re so vibrant that I want to build an outfit around them, too, but that’s a thought for a different day. Buy through Saks for $295.

Elizabeth and James Mason Suede Platform Pumps: This chartreuse color is my favorite of the moment, and putting it on an suede pump with an architectural platform is pretty much an awesome decision by whomever designed these. They lighten up the outfit considerably, and I could see them being paired with everything from this dress to a pair of super-dark skinny jeans and a neutral top. Chartreuse platforms will make pretty much any outfit exciting and modern. Buy through ShopBop for $350.

DANNIJO Frankie Cuff: This cuff could actually fit in equally well in either outfit (and basically every outfit in my closet), but I put it with the evening look because everyone wants a little more jewelry at night and it ties in the color of the bag’s hardware with the rest of the outfit. The bracelet is big and noticeable without being too much bling. Buy through ShopBop for $430.

Original post by Amanda Mull

It has now been above 60 degrees for two days in a row in Georgia, and the sunshine is giving me the travel itch something fierce. My fair skin has never ingratiated me to tropical vacations, but the advent of warm weather is making me wish that I were laying in a beach chair right now.

Perhaps spring makes you want to do something different – go hiking in Colorado or maybe (if you’re lucky) shop for your summer wardrobe in New York City. Wherever you want to go, we’ve got some bright and cheery travel essentials that don’t skimp on functionality to get you to your destination of choice.

1. Ray-Ban Cat Sunglasses: I don’t care who you are or where you’re going, you need a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses. Even if you already have a pair, you need another pair. I have four pairs, and I need another pair. You can start easy with a pair of regular black Wayfarers or silver Aviators if you want, but if you’re feeling a bit more advanced, this translucent purple-to-clear cat-eye take on the traditional Wayfarer is a witty choice for warm weather. ShopBop, $135.

2. Graphic Image Passport Wallet: I have a tremendous amount of travel-document anxiety, and I find myself constantly checking my pockets and bags to make sure I have everything I need in order to board a flight or get into my hotel room. My ID, boarding pass, itinerary and hotel key cards are always scattered among my various pieces of luggage, and a brightly colored passport holder with plenty of pockets would provide a place for all of my out-of-town papers to hide while still being easy to spot in the black hole that is my travel bag. Even if you’re not leaving the country, something like this is a must-have. Saks, $61.

3. Le Sportsac Reverie Large Weekender: Speaking of travel bags, a sunny pattern in durable synthetic like nylon is the way to go if you’re looking for an option that won’t show wear or weigh you down. Even with in-flight shifting, I can’t imagine that I’d have any problem finding my carry-on if it was covered in this fun print. ShopBop, $108.

4. Tumi Lightweight International Carry-On: Ok, I know that chartreuse is not a functional color. I’m sure it’ll show dirt eventually. I get that. But it’s so bright and modern that I can’t motivate myself to care in the slightest, and it will certainly stand out on the dreary, black-Samsonite-laden luggage carousel at your eventual destination. Just be careful that another passenger doesn’t get jealous of your awesome suitcase and grab it while you’re not looking. TUMI, $495.

Original post by Amanda Mull

You know how people are always trumpeting the fact that particular bags are “versatile” or perfect for “day to night?” It’s kind of a lazy fashion writer’s fall back – everyone that’s reading this is easily sharp enough to figure out that every bag can be worn with more than one outfit. So I figured, why not put my money where my mouth is? Just in time for summer, here are a few ideas for wearing the Kate Spade Folly Beach Benedicta Straw Satchel for both day and night – after all, who wants to pack a bunch of bags to take to the beach?

Daytime
1. Free People Crinkle Racer Tank Dress: I could see this light little dress thrown over a bathing suit or worn as a regular dress, and versatility is important when packing for a vacation. The pattern is fun and bohemian, plus the material is supposed to be wrinkled, making it very suitcase-friendly. Buy through ShopBop for $128.
2. Kenneth Jay Lane Multi-Layer Necklace: I’m pretty sure it freaks all of us out to travel with expensive jewelry, so now’s the perfect time to show off less pricey pieces. This necklace brings out the green in the dress’s pattern but could also be worn with a variety of other colors so that you don’t have to pack a jewelry look for every outfit. Buy through ShopBop for $80.
3. See by Chloe Flat Criss-Cross Sandals: Don’t make the mistake of being the girl that only brings towering wedges to the beach. Not only does this dress also pick up the blues in the Free People dress, but it lets you do all the walking you need (which can be a lot if you didn’t drive to your vacation spot) without asking for a piggy-back ride at he end of the day. Buy through Bloomingdale’s for $260.

Nighttime
1. Single Silk-Chiffon Leopard Print Dress: If you can’t wear a floaty, asymmetrical, red leopard print dress after dark at the beach, where can you wear one? Tropical locales were made for bright patterns that would be harder to pull off in an urban setting, and this dress is exactly that: wild and a little sexy while still being comfortable and not too skimpy. It’s a graphic statement, but the use of cream instead of graphic white gives it a slightly bohemian note that makes the dress totally work. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $315.
2. Kenneth Jay Lane Gold-Plated Bamboo Hoops: Again, leave the expensive jewelry at home. These earrings are gold-plated for those with sensitive ears and will add a touch of glamour to virtually any outfit in your suitcase. The best part, however, is the price – you don’t have to fret too badly if you lose one in the sand or forget them at the hotel. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $60.
3. Belle by Sigerson Morrison Crisscross Wedge Sandals: You don’t want to be that girl that ONLY wears enormous wedges, but if you’re going to wear a dress like this, you should still bring them. They’re dark and chunky while still being neutral and beachy, which makes them perfect to anchor a dress that has such a loud print. If they were lighter or made a smaller statement, they’d get swallowed up by the outfit. Also, the darker leather ensures that you don’t look like you wandered the mall for hours, holding up your tote bag to every pair of sandals until you found a perfect match. Repeat after me: matchy-matchy is not a good look. Buy through Saks for $240.

Voila! That’s how you get through vacation with just your tote bag. How would you wear it?

Original post by Amanda Mull