Free Your Hands with Beau & Ro

One thing most of us can agree on is that we love a great, functional bag. We also love those not so functional heavy, clunky, too short strapped/handled designer bags that we use more for decor than anything else. So where exactly does style meet function? That my dear readers would be at Beau & Ro Bag Company. Beau & Ro is the brainchild of Sara Rossi with the mission of helping people free their hands. It all started with a belt bag, and now Beau & Ro has just released a gorgeous line of totes that convert into a backpack.

The Lodge model with a cream cable knit panel and gorgeous tan leather.

This bag can do it all. With expandable handles that easily clip into backpack straps, the bag is perfect for work, the gym, play, and everything in between. Plus what is a good bag without pockets? This beauty has three interior pockets, and one exterior to avoid the dreaded "Mary Poppins bag" scenario. The tote + backpack comes in four gorgeous styles: The Lodge, The Waverly, The New Yorker, and The Fairfield.

Preppy and sophisticated, The Fairfield does it all.

Beau & Ro Bag Company started in 2013 with a line of clutches that converted into belt bags. No this is not your mother's fanny pack. The clutches come in so many colors and styles, and easily convert to a belt bag (that lays flat mind you) to give you the freedom of being hands free. Whether you're at the beach, running errands, at a concert, or you have children hanging on you at all times, there's a belt bag to suit you. Oh and did I mention each bag is made right in New York City? Gotta love that.

Perfect for a day at the beach.

Or wining and dining with friends.

Holidays are just around the corner, so make sure you check out Beau & Ro Bag Company's latest bags and styles as they would make the perfect gift for friends, bridesmaids, heck your mom would probably love one too! 

Thank you so much to Sara and Beau & Ro Bag Company for sponsoring today's post. Although I was compensated, as always all opinions are my own.

Hopping the Pond

If there's one thing the Brits know, it's killer outerwear. The chilly, often rainy climate leaves those residing in the UK with the need to look stylish while they keep warm and dry. The Brits have perfected such staples as the trench, pea coat, field coat, blazer, and wellie. Joules, a three decade old British clothier, has jumped the pond to bring the US their stylish, functional pieces that are sure to become staples in your wardrobe. I was so excited to team up with my friends at Joules again to bring you my outerwear favorites for fall and upcoming winter.


FIELD JACKET
This field jacket is the perfect transitional day to night piece with it's fitted cut and gold hardware. I love that it's light-weight but still warm (sorry puffy coat you're cozy but make me look just that, puffy).

DOTTED WELLIES
These boots are just too cute. I love these for relaxed weekends paired with leggings or jeans, an oversized sweater, and latte in hand ready to conquer errands, a trip to the vineyard, or even posting up at your local coffee joint.

CLASSIC TRENCH
I love this bold, red trench. It's the perfect mix of traditional and ultra feminine. Pair this beauty with skinny jeans, or your favorite LBD and you're ready to roll.

TWEED JACKET
The cut, the fur, the... the... sigh. I adore this great play on the traditional tweed blazer. The fitted cut and removable collar (but why would you ever take the fur collar off, am I right?) make this the perfect cozy statement piece to liven up an outfit.

SLEEK WELLIES
Say it with me: sexy rubber boots. Did you ever think you would utter those words in the same sentence? But I assure you, these boots are just that. Sexy and sleek, the slick black sheen and gold hardware scream just scream polished and put together.

PEA COAT
This doesn't need much explanation, but you cannot go wrong with a navy pea coat with gold buttons. Care for this little lady, and you will have it for years to come. Name an outfit, you can top it with this coat.



Thanks to Joules for sponsoring today's post and inspiring us all to be Brilliantly British!

On My Radar

No this is not a sponsored post, it's simply an homage to one company that I happen to think is doing amazing things when it comes to classic American style. If you're not familiar with Tuckernuck , then I must apologize for ruining your day because your credit card will be weeping once I'm done with you. Tuckernuck is an online retailer focused solely on bring you the best in the classic American lifestyle. From day wear and shoes, to dresses and jewelry, Tuckernuck has it all.

Currently, I am in love with their gorgeous blouses, cashmere, and shoes. Also, because I consider this a PG-13 blog, I cannot go into detail about what I would do for that belt... I mean just look at it. Any who, I don't have enough room to share all my favorites, but do yourself a favor and check out Tuckernuck for some great style and awesome gift ideas!

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Seasonal Changes

polish // sweater // lipstick // jeans // bag // booties // vest // necklace

Today is unseasonable cold and inspired me to post some fall favorite that I cannot wait to throw on! I love everything about fall but especially the colors, the chill in the air, dark nails, boots, sweaters, and of course hot beverages. Luckily, I picked up the herringbone vest last year but they are back in stock at J.Crew Factory so if you want one you better hop to it. I have fought the idea of booties for so long, but I think I'm willing to try some out this year. Also, how amazing is that tube of lipstick? Yes I'm lipstick-phobic, but the packaging and the color are swoon-worthy!

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Steal Her Style

cardigan (similar) // tank // jeans // watch // sandals // bag

Has anyone else noticed that Kristin Cavallari has really great style lately? She was always a trendsetter with her short layered hair and signature choker on Laguna Beach, but lately she has got it going on. Kristin always looks effortlessly put together and chic, dare I say almost Lauren Conrad status. I love this simple, neutral look she wore while traveling. It's comfortable without being sloppy, and really functional for air travel. I tend to stay away from white pants during travel, but that's just my experience of spilling and being spilled on talking. I like this look for a casual night out, running errands, or even hopping over to brunch. A versatile look like this with a few closet staples will take a gal far!

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Let Me Upgrade You

sunnies // curling wand // painting // night cream  
lip balm // wine glass // bag // face brush

I have been in a shopping rut and thus have not made many purchases at all in months. I'm at a transitioning point in my life where I want quality over quantity, and I want my purchases to be an investment in myself and my home. So today's picks are all about upgrading some basics that most of us all already have in some capacity.

First, find the right pair of sunglasses that flatter your face in a classic color and style, you'll thank me. A curling wand may seem a tad frivolous, but your hair is one of the first things people will notice (and who hasn't had awful hair days that ruin everything?). If you're like me you want pretty big loose curls and a crappy cheap curling iron just never quite gets it right. You should feel good about your hair. Real art. Just do it already. Find what you like, buy some, frame it, and enjoy it for years to come. Really good night cream. You don't have to break the bank for this one, but make sure you get a thick cream with anti-aging and moisturizing benefits because let's be honest loves, we're no longer spring chickens. While we are on the topic of skincare, go ahead and purchase that Clarisonic you've been thinking about for 2+ years. Exfoliation is crucial to your skin's appearance not mention it makes your cleanser more efficient. Bite the bullet, add to shopping cart, click checkout, et voila!

Lip balm that actually repairs and treats your lips. Did you know most lip products have ingredients that actually dry your lips out and make you use more of said product? I know it's total crap. Use a good balm and take care of your lips they are one of the first indicators of aging. I wouldn't dare tell you what to drink or how much you should spend on wine, but there comes a point when it's time get yourself a few decent wine glasses. Some for reds, a few for whites, and use them accordingly. Boom, instant civility! Last, but certainly not least. Get yourself a "big girl bag" at least for work/travel. Instantly polish your look with a good quality, sturdy bag that you can proudly take from the office to the nicest restaurant. 

What types of things do you upgrade in your life? Would love to hear how other people "invest" in themselves!

On My Radar

Getting older means a lot of things, but for me it means choosing where I spend wisely. Making smart choices isn't always about buying the cheapest option, but rather the best option for yourself. You've probably seen that quote that says "buy the best and you'll only cry once," and I truly believe that. I am buying a lot less these days, and saving up for quality pieces to build my wardrobe with the classics. Where to start can be a daunting task, but luckily there are some great lists out there on how to stock your closet (I took my inspiration from this one in particular). While I won't be acquiring everything at once, I am taking baby steps to build a classic wardrobe that will serve me for years.

Accessories: Skinny Belt, Matching Lace Bra & Panty, Tortoise Sunnies, Opaque Tights, Shawl, 

                     Leather Bag, Evening Clutch, Tote, Black Swimwear 

Bottoms: Dark Jeans, Skinny Black Pants, White Denim, Trousers, Flared Skirt, Pencil Skirt,

               Maxi Skirt

Jewelry: Gold Watch, Pearl Necklace, Diamond Studs, Statement Necklace, Pearl Studs

Shoes: Sandals, Ballet Flats, Sneakers, Loafers, Black Pumps, Tall Leather Boots

Tops: Striped Boatneck Shirt, Silk Cami, Long Sleeve Tee, Polo Shirt, Dressy Tank, Tunic, Wrap 

          Sweater, Cashmere V-Neck, White Button Down Shirt, Silk Shirt, White Tee, Cashmere  

          Cardigan

Outerwear: Navy Blazer, Wool Coat, Leather Jacket, Denim Jacket, Trench Coat

Dresses: Comfortable Maxi Dress, Little Black Dress, Sun Dress, Shirt Dress

If you made a list of closet staples, what else would be on your list? I would love to know how you would further expand upon this list!

Weekly Wants

coat // necklace // clutch // polish // lipstick // skirt // heels

It's the second week of November and I'm already freaking out about what to wear for holiday parties and NYE. I'm typically a procrastinator, but with vacation, work, and travel I don't have the time to search for things like I used to. I love a good party skirt and know I would have it for a long time. Also these shoes just scream festive and I think I have to have them. Top it all off with some pretty baubles, a punchy lip, and I'm good to go!

Button Up Baby

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It's officially getting cold in DC and usually I drag my feet on getting myself ready for colder temperatures, but I am actually looking forward to revamping my cold weather attire. I have Fur Fever badly (faux is perfectly lovely too)! I am ordering this fur scarf and Ted Baker ear muffs ASAP to start the process. I was practical last year and bought a down knee-length coat (it's not a puffy nightmare I swear) which is so great, but I would kill for this fuchsia wool coat... it would be absolutely dreamy with black pants and leopard pumps. I have been on the hunt for the perfect faux vest since last year, and I am pretty sure I have to have this one. Add a pair of lady-like gloves to top it all off and I'm buttoned up in style!

Weekend Looks

sweater // jeans // studs // snood // lip tint // bag // booties
blouse // coated jeans // pumps // lipstick // necklace // studs // clutch

I have a hard time coming up with outfits on the fly. Usually, I will just end up wearing the same outfit or similar style when pressed for time. So in the spirit of looking more put together, I put together two easy, polished looks for day to night. Each piece, to me, is so versatile and that makes them even more appealing.

What are your go-to's for easy outfit coordination?

Lazy Day to Cozy Night

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With all the travel and hectic schedules I've had lately, I'm really relishing the days that turn into nights where I have nothing I have to do. Since lounging at home is becoming more of a preference, I've been thinking there's no reason not to be stylish and comfortable for those lazy days in. I can picture curling up with a cup of tea, that gorgeous throw, and diving into a new book or watching an entire series on Netflix. Just because I live in an apartment doesn't mean I have to forgo that comforting fireplace crackle and scent. I can just light a WoodWick fireside candle and I'm exactly where I want to be. How do you like to spend your lazy days in?

Weekly Wants

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You Need: Blouses

Silk Blouse available here

If you're anything like me, you sometimes struggle with what to wear. I know that at 27 I probably shouldn't wear a sweatshirt and jeans for casual day to day, and I'm also aware that sometimes you need try a little harder than a cardigan and a cami. Even though I'm more fashion conscious these days, I still like to keep my comfort level high without being frumpy. Unlike many things in life, there is actually a cure-all to fill the comfortable, yet casual but can be dressed up needs of the modern lady. May I present to you the silk blouse. The one pictured is a gorgeous Equipment nude blouse that I could pair with a million things.

I say silk because it's a classic fabric that works well for pretty much everyone, but any type of flowy materialed blouse counts too (if it is synthetic just make sure it doesn't look cheap and you're good to go!). A soft, but structured shirt will take you from day to night, jeans to a skirt, and everywhere in between. These shirts look good by themselves, or accessorized with you favorite baubles. The possibilities with a good blouse are endless.

If silk or the style you like is out of your budget, try these awesome alternatives I stumbled upon at Express (I haven't been in there in years but these shirts fit like a dream, came in a dozen colors, and are wallet friendly at $50 a pop).  

Sweater Weather

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It's almost sweater weather here in lovely DC, and being home sick with a nasty cold has led to daydream about big cozy sweaters. I'm a sucker for chunky cable knits and fisherman's sweaters. I know big knits can had heft and bulk, but an over-sized sweater or buying one in the men's section has worked pretty well for me. Typically I don't like these types of sweaters to be fitted, so I like buying a size up for a comfortable look. 

I got a little teaser of fall over the weekend when I got to wear my boots for the first time, and now I can't wait until I can pair said boots with a big comfy sweater. Now that it is officially fall it's time to bring on the crockpot meals, scarves, and big sweaters and welcome my favorite season in style. 

Fall Shopping

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My apologies as I've been MIA recently. I got pretty sick Thursday and unfortunately I got a lot worse yesterday. With that said, what would cheer a girl up more than a new, lush handbag? The answer is not a heck of a whole lot. I scope out and obsess over a bah for a while before I make a purchase. I've never really been impulsive when it came to bags and since I don't have my sights set on one just yet, I thought this was the perfect time to start looking into one. 

Does anyone have recs for a great all around bag? I'd love to know what you're carrying this fall.

Falling for It

It officially feels like fall here in DC and that makes me one happy camper. As cliche as it is, it truly is my favorite time of year and with it comes so many things I love. This fall I am really looking forward to: 

Rich burgundy lips + nails and winged eyeliner

Vests and leopard

Chili and Cornbread

And of course, pumpkin spice anything

The British are Coming

Jacket // Sweatshirt // Vest // Boots // Sweater // Dress

Happy Friday! I've teamed up with Joules Clothing to bring you this week's Weekly Wants. As the premier the purveyor of "brilliantly British style," Joules focuses on traditional country pieces with modern updating and punches of color. With fall upon us, it's the perfect time to stock up on everything you need to keep warm and look great while doing so. 

I'm all about timeless pieces and these six items would be worn to death, and would stay in style for years to come. I'm dreaming of a crisp fall day where I can throw on that cable knit sweater and vest, slip into the cutest welly boots I have ever seen, and enjoy the outdoors (preferably with a latte in hand).

I don't wear dresses too often, but I would make exceptions for this red stunner. It's the perfect day to night or holiday party dress, but to be perfectly honest it looks like something Kate Middleton would wear and that seals the deal for me right there. This nautical stripe sweatshirt and quilted jacket would be the perfect casual pair for Sunday errands, trips to the vineyards, and dining alfresco. 

The Brits have a knack for classic clothing, and Joules is now bringing the best of the British outdoors to you. Shop online, or try on your favorite items at your local Von Maur or Neiman Marcus stores. 

This post was sponsored by Joules. All opinions are my own.

Loving Leather

I'm in love with all the leather I'm seeing in stores lately. I'm even digging all the faux! Really faux leather has come such a long way and is an inexpensive way to get that chic, edgy look. I'm pretty conservative in my clothing picks, but I would love to incorporate some of these items into my wardrobe. I know I have to have a leather mini and jacket, but I'm toying with the idea of some pant/legging looking pieces to wear with flowy blouses for a night out. 

Even if an all leather piece is not your style or budget, their are some great clothing pieces out there with  leather piping and accenting that really add that something special. Are you liking the leather trend?

End of Summer Wedding

I said I would never do it again, but I did... I'm using Rent the Runway again after a pretty horrible go at it back in October (the day before I needed the dress they called to let me know they no longer had it). They did their best to help last minute, but it was really thanks to my mom's handy Macgyver'ing that we were able to make a dress two sizes too big work. Needless to say, I swore off the service.

Fast forward ten months later and I'm in desperate need of a dress for a Labor Day weekend wedding. The thought of dress shopping right now is vomit-inducing and clicking through countless pages online to find something wasn't appealing either. So I did what I said I would never do and I am trusting/hoping/begging the universe that it goes well. I have a backup that I plan to wear to a September wedding and that is really the only reason I am trusting RTR again. 

I found this fun little number two weeks ago, and as soon as I realized the flowers at the top were just a necklace they styled with it, I was sold. I'm pairing it with a rented necklace for some fun contrast and nude Zara sandals. I have a lighter colored pashmina that I'll keep with me and top it all off with some simple studs. I'm surprisingly relaxed about this all coming together so keep your fingers crossed and send out those good vibes my way that we don't have another repeat of last year!

Wardrobe Staples: Jewelry

You may be noticing that I have a theme lately when it comes to my wardrobe: staple pieces. I am really into building my wardrobe around key pieces that are really versatile and timeless. With clothes, I've stepped up the quality of what I'm purchasing because it's right for me, but when it comes to accessorizing the budget-friendly possibilities are endless. 

I spent a few months gathering accessories to create my day and night time looks that I can really wear with anything and on any occasion. For day I like a nice watch, small studs, one small ring, perhaps a bracelet, and small necklace. At night if I am feeling more adventurous I tend to pair a bigger necklace with fancier studs, a fun bracelet, and a cocktail ring.

Jewelry is a really personal thing, and there isn't a wrong way to wear it. My philosophy is "keep it simple," but I do envy people who can pull off more elaborate looks. What are your go to pieces when it comes to jewelry?