The Pretty Pear

B. Makowsky, chick magnet

I was watching QVC late one night about a month ago when there was a Today’s Special Value for a B. Makowsky handbag. Now, B. Mak bags are what I would consider to be on the spendy side. However, in the grand scheme of handbag prices, they’re pretty affordable.

I had been searching for a high quality black bag I could carry every single day but wasn’t boring or plain. I wanted a hobo bag with something to give it personality. I also wanted real leather and a price under $200.

Ta da!

The picture really doesn’t do it justice. It’s much slouchier and yummier than it looks here. It’s a basic hobo bag but so much better with the studs and all the pockets and the lining is leopard print and I love it!

I get compliments on this bag all the time. Obviously, I didn’t design it so I can’t take any credit for its beauty but it’s a conversation starter. People always ask where I got it and they’re either surprised I ordered it from QVC or not at all surprised because they love QVC, too.

I can’t afford to buy a closet full of designer bags but having just one that I’ll want to carry every day is almost as good.  What I learned is that a staple piece should be a staple for me. It doesn’t have to be boring to be a good investment.

We've all heard about Etsy by now

We all love Etsy, we're all addicted, we all need a 12 step recovery program. I could browse through the listings all day and never run out of cool stuff to covet. To me, Etsy signifies everything that's wonderful about the internet and I'm more than happy to hand over money to the artists that sell their wares there. Let's see what I've bought recently.

Brown and cream ponytail holders from cutecumber. A fun little treat at $3.50. I tie my hair back a lot and wanted something cute to perk things up and these are perfect. I use a regular, black hair elastic for the actual hair holding and then wrap these around to cover it up. The seller has tons of cute hair accessories just like this.

Oui Bird and Tender Pear necklaces from birdzNbeez. Ok, yes, I seek out pear stuff because I'm just that narcissistic but come on, it's cute! I love the little birdies and overall vintage feel of both pieces.

Wine Tasting Weekend Bag from Paco and Lupe. I don't normally drop $110 on handbags but I knew that if I didn't buy this bag, I'd regret it. So I bought it and I'm glad I did because I love it. It's even better in person and I plan to carry it forever and ever.

Found: green handbags that aren't $250!

So, I've been lusting after the bag I posted about last week and now it's not even available on the Zappos website. I'm taking that as a sign that I should look elsewhere. I remembered a few places I hadn't looked yet and lo, I've found a few great bags that are in my budget:

• Ring Satchel from Nine West, on sale for $30
• Large Suede hobo, also from Nine West, on sale for $100
• Nine & Co. Big Shot tote from Kohls, on sale for $20
• Merona large satchel from Target, $25

I'm sure there are more out there but those caught my eye the most. Now I just have to decide which I like best. What do you think?

Bag lust

I've been searching all over the internet for The Perfect Green Bag. It's become a minor obsession that's left me feeling mostly disappointed. I do believe that I've found my ideal bag, though: this gorgeous patent tote by Fossil. This bag is the closest I've found to what I'm looking for. The color, shape and size are all perfect. The only problem is the price.

At $240, it's outside of my price range. But instead of doing what I'd usually do, which is find a cheaper alternative that I don't like quite as much and would probably end up not using because it's not perfect, I'm going to see if I can save my pennies and splurge on this bag a little later. I'd use my birthday next week as an excuse but I already ordered a new laptop (which I actually need), so there goes that plan.

If I do end up buying this bag, it will be the most I've ever spent on a single accessory. I'm hesitant but I do love it so we'll see. Hopefully a cheaper, just as perfect alternative will present itself to me.

Hey, look! Cute bags!

I have a major weakness for inexpensive, yet seriously adorable cotton tote bags. I think that a good quality leather (or leatherish) everyday bag has a place in most women's wardrobes but I tend to use my cotton totes more often. And interestingly, I've gotten more compliments on an extremely simple $5 tote with a bright polka dot print than any of my more expensive bags.

I spotted this floral graphic tote from Old Navy and had to have it immediately. I love the print, especially because it's just creeping up from the bottom and doesn't cover the entire bag. It's a little unexpected. The bag is 18 inches wide so it'd make a good shopping companion and at $12.50, it's a fun little splurge. It also comes in gray and red.

This squirrel lovers tote bag from Torrid isn't exactly a mature choice in handbags. It's actually really silly. But you know what? It's hanging in my closet right this second. I laugh a little every time I look at it and if something brings a smile to my face, even if it is a little dorky, what's so bad about that? Look at the crazy bunnies!

I don't think that clothes and accessories have to be all business, all the time. I work from home and I dress casually 95% of the time so I don't really need anything that's office appropriate. If you do have to dress up every day, why not have a little fun with your weekend bag?