Showing posts with label handbags. Show all posts
Showing posts with label handbags. Show all posts

Dagne Dover + Made By Girl

If you didn't know,  I recently collaborated with Dagne Dover. A handbag company that focuses on sophisticated organized handbags for the modern woman. Their bags are the most functional bags I've owned. In fact, I can't say enough of how functional they are on he inside, while still looking beautiful on the outside. I own their black 15 inch tote and if you're a business owner like myself, this bag is great! This design is very well thought out and even allows a protective slot for my laptop! With that said... when they approached me about a collaboration - I was on-board! 

We collaborated on around 45 items (card cases + handbags) which I hand-painted myself with my signature style. There are limited quantities available & they're almost all sold out. You can view the entire collection here.  It includes brushstrokes, lipstick kisses & flamingos!  


If interested in collaborating with me on something, shoot me an email! I'd love to hear about it!




-post by jen ramos



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GIGI NYC : My New Phone case

I have been a fan of GIGI NY for as long as I can remember.  They offer handbags, clutches, phone cases, wallets & more...all made with the highest quality leather.. I really love their brand for many reason, one is, they offer personalization on almost any of their products.  They are super stylish & come in a variety of colors as well!

I recently got an iPhone 6 and wanted a case that would match my personality... but also be functional. I remembered the ones that GIGI NY had and I really loved the this black embossed python one + their iPhone wallets. The wallet cases are super cool & come in a variety of styles & color! I admit, I  was hesitant at first...thinking that my phone would just fall out when I opened it. But no. The phone somehow stays on with a strong piece of velcro, that almost seems like a magnet. But it def holds, so that's good news.  I would highly recommend the wallet cases for all the working women out there.

In case you're wondering,  this is the one I have.

So, thank you to GIGI NY for sending a few pieces my way.  I'm quite happy with my cases. In fact, I've gotten many compliments on my embossed hard shell case when I'm using my new iPhone. If you're in the shopping mood, they are currently having a HUGE sale 30-40% off.  Check them out here.





My iphone case + wallet case


-post by jen ramos
-images of phone cases by jen ramos

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Dagne Dover Event

Was such a pleasure to work with talented ladies from Dagne Dover this past weekend! I was at their pop-up shop hand-painting bags for their customers. This was such a fun event & so fun for everyone that popped in. A few people weren't sure at first about a painted handbag, and then when they saw them in person they were convinced to get one! I left with my all-white mini-tote, but my mom snagged it when I showed it to her that evening. I couldn't say no!

Speaking of bags, these bags are some of the nicest work bags I've seen. Before I work with a brand I have to really love the product and know that I would absolutely use it myself. When I first received my bag from Dagne Dover, I was super impressed. The beauty of the bag flowed from the inside-out. The inside has many (well thought out) compartments, even one for your umbrella! But can also be used for shoes & water bottles! The zipper is a gorgeous chunky gold on most of the bags, which I love! A bag with a cheap looking zipper is a huge turn-off, but these do NOT disappoint there!  The tote bags come in a variety of sizes like:

The 15 inch Tote :  the ultimate day-to-night carryall, made with highly functional compartments to keep specific items in place. Stylish and spacious. I own this one in black & can carry my new gold 11" macbook. Made with a canvas material almost identical to the Louis Vuitton bags.

The 13" Tote :  It's made for 7am-10pm lifestyle, with the same clever compartments but a slightly a slimmer shape and fold-down handles for tighter situations.

The Mini-Tote This small-bodied model is designed for speedy days-about-town that call for more than a purse but less than a full-size carryall. Fully-equipped with a 10.5” tablet sleeve, pen loops, a water bottle holder, and an array of convenient compartments for wallets, phones, cards and more! Since I don't tend to carry a lot, this is my favorite size!

The Tiny Tote:  For day-to-night dressing, our smallest tote is your smartest choice. This miniature version of our classic style features the same stashable compartments with a stylish size to take you well into the evening. In addition to a separate 3-pocket card case, it includes a secure zip pocket, magnetic-close pocket for a phone or your card case, and pen loops. Detachable cross-body strap frees up your hands!





I highly recommend these bags if you're a working girl, or a busy entrepreneur. These bags are well designed and well thought out....I can't highlight this enough.  They are much prettier in person too!
You can buy yours directly from Dagne Dover.



-post by jen ramos


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Cool Mom. Cool Diaper Bag.

Ok, so now that I'm a mom, I'm on the hunt for a diaper bag.

Yes, it's a bit late...why? Well, you see....I've been using one of my bigger handbags as a diaper bag. I'm quickly discovering there aren't enough compartments to put everything in!  Very annoying when you're out with your baby on a long stroll & find yourself digging around your BIG handbag for a small pacifier etc.

Now after searching and searching online I've come across some great options that are not only stylish but functional. Let's face it, there are some UGLY diaper bags out there.  I just can't see myself holding a bag that feels like I'm hauling around a clown outfit.  No offense but...."Dear designers, please make nicer diaper bags."  In the meanwhile I've got a few I'd recommend - some not-so-affordable and some are.

As of right now I'm looking at #2 , a black quilted diaper bag by StorkSak. This bag is pretty cool....has all the necessary pockets & then some.

Moms, take note...this is def a cool bag!



 see more at storksak


-post by jen ramos




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Pea Pods Custom Cookies

I think most people love customized stuff right? This particular shop can bring your ideas to cookies! Let's say you're crazy about CELINE handbags - (who isn't?) - Kristie, the owner, can have them made very similar just for you! Sweet!

Based out of New York, her shop is called PeaPods & I managed to pick out my favorites! Let's see, the handbags, the Brooklyn bridge, & the stash of lingerie for Bachelorette parties. 



Which is your fave? Where would you serve these cookies??










-images via  pea pods





Enjoy your weekend!!!





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Deux Lux = P-r-e-t-t-y

Wow, yesterday was tough.


I hadn't felt that sick & exhausted in awhile. In fact, I didn't sleep much this past week & things just finally caught up. Ever feel like that? But, thank God, I'm feeling a bit better. So today I wanted to introduce you all to this AMAZING shop called Deux Lux. They have the cutest messenger bags - so glam & edgy. 

You can carry any of these styles while you're wearing jeans & a t-shirt, they're that versatile! You may have already seen these cute bags, in fact the company was launched in 2005 by two ladies by the name of, Fati Mahdavi (aka "Mama") and Sara Naghedi. They've been featured on several blogs already as well as tv & so on! 
 



My favorite bag has got to be the 'studded' clutch. Oh my gosh....I've been WANTING this clutch for quite sometime now - so, I'll just add it to my wishlist - again! Take a peek at the rest of their stash here, you will love it.



- images via deux lux




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Fashion: Cross Body Bags

Hello loves! Lauren here again. Can you believe it's already mid June? Where does time go? I feel like I just made a post on Spring fashion, and now it's going to be Summer! In fashion, it is hard to know what to spend money on and what not to, especially when trends change so often just like seasons.

But one item that I always like to invest in is my bag - such as the always-in-style cross body bag. 

image sources {clockwise}: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

Cross body bags are for sure my favorite because they are just so darn easy to carry. I mean, what girl really wants to lug around a big bag when shopping? I surly don't! They come in all different sizes, for housing small things such as the Iphone, lipsticks, and wallet or bigger things like an Ipad. And so many great patterns and colors. 

My suggestion: invest in a neutral cross body bag for year round, and then save on a fun neon cross body for Summer time. Here are some of my current favs!


1. Aldo $40 | 2. Stella & Dot $148 | 3. Ann Taylor $148 | 4. {A03} Designs $65 | 5. Rebecca Minkoff $250 | 6. J. Crew $148 | 7. Rebecca Minkoff $147.50 (on sale!)


My heart is skipping a beat for #7. I mean, classic white plus metal hardware? Yes, please!!
Which of these are your favorites? Do you gravitate towards the neutral shades? Or are the fun graphic prints calling your name? Do tell.



 
 
 
 
-post by lauren wickman





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Fashion: Spring Bags

Hello everyone! It's Casie Mace, from Whipped Style bringing you some Fashion!   

Can you believe it's March already? 


As I've mentioned before, I get really excited to shop for spring staples and year after year, one of my favorite purchases is a spring bag. Whether it's just a fun now-and-then clutch or an everyday lasts-forever white bag (something I only treat myself to every couple years), the spring bag purchase always kind of feels like my shout out to the new season.  

 Of course I'm loving neon this year along with florals and bold hues but there's something so classic and PERFECT about a nice white bag for spring, don't you think? Here's a few of the bags I'm loving this year! 





*All product images via their respective retailers


-post by casie mace




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What's Your Favorite Handbag??

Ok ladies, this post is for you! I OWN about 30 handbags. 

I'm not sure if that's a lot - but if I had to guess, I'd say YES!  Every 6 months to a year I try to give one away... especially if I'm not using it. Either to a family member, friend or Salvation Army

The reason I buy a specific handbag is because I like the design or I like how it goes with most of the clothing I wear.... + Good quality.

Where do I get most of my bags? 
  • Directly at the designer's store.
  • Ebay
Now, buying bags on Ebay can be a tricky thing. If you don't know how to distinguish a real bag from a fake, I'd think twice about hitting the BUY button. There are countless videos on YouTube that you can watch that help guide you on how to spot a fake bag!!  Even then, be careful on Ebay.  So far, I've been fortunate to not run into any trouble there.

However, today I wanted to know what brand of bag do you prefer? If you had to pick one bag from your closet....which would it be? Brand name?????

I know that not everyone reading my blog can AFFORD a designer handbag like the ones below, so if it's something simple you bought for less than $100, that's fine too!! A pricier handbag doesn't make a person ANY better, it's just a crazy obsession some of us have developed....



image above by Michael Nagle/Bloomberg







image above via here



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Opelle Handmade Leather Handbags...

I love a handmade bag or clutch... don't you?? Tassels are a cute addition to leather bags these days & I'm really into these from Opelle leather handbags. They're made to order by Amy who is an independent handbag designer in Toronto, Canada. 

She sells them all via her Etsy shop & from the looks of it I'd say my FAVORITE is the camel colored one below! Perfect for Fall don't you think??
 
She also makes these in black along with a few other CUTE styles!
 
Amy is nice enough to offer a DISCOUNT CODE to Made By Girl readers of 15% off at check out! Woo hoo! Code is: friends15. Pick up your bag here.




 Which is your favorite color??



-images via opelle




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Glimpse into My Master Closet...(Via Made By Girl)

Ahhh Monday again. Did you have a good weekend? I know some of you were snowed in with the storms, hopefully you're out & about today! The weather has been amazing here, couldn't ask for better!

On another note, this weekend we finished my MASTER CLOSET! Well, it's actually 98% finished. I'm still considering getting some LEOPARD print wallpaper for the section you can't see behind the doorway.

It's such a PLEASURE walking into my closet now, thanks to my dear husband, who made it all happen. I am in awe of his abilities & grateful to God for him! He bought the shoe shelves as plain wood at Home Depot and stained them to match the IKEA closet system. Brilliant!


above: AFTER (so happy)

below: BEFORE (so ugly)


It's all soooo exciting! I have plenty of storage now, with a bunch of large drawers and shelving for all my clothing & more. The shoe & handbag shelves are my favorite part....it feels like a mini BOUTIQUE every time I walk into this closet!  

When I first started the project, I was UNSURE which direction to head in.  However, I knew I wanted something GLAM..... you know, the chandelier, leopard print and shoes  stacked endlessly on display!  

So, tell me...what do you think so far?

(Click on pics for larger images)


above: those are just a portion of my handbags, the rest are in the IKEA shelving and behind the door.

I think I own 35 handbags. Is that a lot? How many do YOU OWN????
I ACTUALLY had more shoes and handbags.....but I donated them.  If I don't use it after a year I will usually just donate it.


above: My hanging clothes are to the right behind the closet door.

 










Chandelier is from a local antique shop
Ornate medallion is from Home Depot
Leopard Runner by Ballard Designs
Closet System by IKEA


-images by jen

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Grace Designs Handbags & Home Accessories...(Via Made By Girl)

I love this shop, Grace Designs, Art + Home Accessories. They carry some really colorful handbags and totes as well as a variety of Kimono Pillows (which I love). The owner of the shop, Alison designs all you see here using found obi's and kimono's from Japan...how cool is that??  

I can definitely see myself sporting the vintage Japanese obi pouch! The geometric pattern on the fabric and the clipped on feather is what I love the most! Go ahead and visit her store here for more pretty pieces!





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Handbags Inpired by Marc Jacobs & more....

Ok ladies, we all love handbags right?  Well, after seeing this post on Le Musings of Moi blog, I emailed Summer & asked about her super cute purse!  She pointed me to Fashion Junkee, a site that sells handbags inspired by famous designers such as: Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Bottega Veneta, Prada & more!  I ended up buying the Marc Jacobs (inspired) black chain handbag!  The reason why most of these bags are so affordable is because:
1. They aren't real leather & 2. they aren't designed by the 'actual' designer.  


Of course they aren't the real thing,  but there are times some people want to be practical!  If I had purchased a REAL designer handbag every time I bought a bag, I'D HAVE 35 DESIGNER BAGS in my closet right now!!  Now that's a lot of money $$$$.  So, I usually try to buy low some days & high others... 

How about you?  Do you own lots of designer purses?  How many total purses do you have??




 




 





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