SHOPBOP SCORES | Bright Embroidered Bags

via Shopbop on Instagram

Sometimes more is more - especially when it comes to summer handbags. Forget black, beige and boooring, I've got my eye on a bunch of beaded, tasseled, fringey, embroidered beauties at Shopbop right now. Antik Batik has obviously mastered the look, but some lesser-known designers recently caught my eye. Both Christophe Sauvat and Star Mela have SXSW-style accessories down pat, and in the case of Star Mela, I wouldn't feel the slightest bit guilty in picking up a new summer handbag or two. 

And you? Are you loving these bright embellished bags, too?

Antik Batik Cuzo Clutch, $285

Christophe Sauvat Cover-Up, $210

Star Mela Jui Cosmetic Case, $65

Antik Batik Minette Baguette, $185

Star Mela Estee Pouch, $80

Christophe Sauvat Antigua Bag, $540

Christophe Sauvat Mandala Bag, $390

Shoshanna Rainbow Fringe Embellished Peasant Dress, $285

Star Mela Peri Pouch, $65

Antik Batik Gaspard Pouch, $225

Star Mela Jui Bag, $140

SPLURGE VS. SAVE | Spring Jackets

via Zara

Now that spring is here, we can safely pack away our parkas and puffers (well, mentally anyway) and shift our focus to breezier fare. From bad-ass little biker bombers to classic trenches, I've rounded up splurge vs. save outerwear options for every spring budget in my latest story for W Dish...

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PATTERN PLAY | 12 Ways to Work Prints Into Your Wardrobe This Spring

via H&M

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Much like art, our taste in prints says a lot about who we are. On first impression, I'd say someone in florals is a girly-girl, a woman who loves stripes probably wishes she lived in Paris, and a lady who likes leopard is, according to my husband, on the cusp of becoming a cougar. A boho batik tells me she probably loves to travel and a loud '70s print says she's fun-loving and doesn't take herself too seriously. 

But our choice in prints is a far more nuanced affair than you'd think. Take florals - from tiny ditsy florals to exotic tropicals to splashy impressionistic buds, the print options are endless. And then there's the all-important way you wear your florals - head-to-toe like a boss, subtle and discreet as a clutch, worn prim and proper with a pencil skirt with heels, or in a dress paired unexpectedly with edgy black booties.  

When it comes to fashion, it just doesn't get more personal than prints, from the ones you choose to the way you choose to wear them. Luckily, spring brings with it an endless array of pretty options to please us all. 

Want some inspiration before you shop? Check out these 12 fun ways to work prints into your wardrobe this spring. Happy March!

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SHAKE IT OFF | These 40 Fun Accessories Will Get You in the Mood for Spring

You're lying on a beach...the sun in shining...and breathe....via Valentino

Originally posted in The LOOK

You might not be thinking spring yet. I mean, who can blame you? It's March but it feels less like a march and more like a drag, or a slow, weary slog. And I can't pretend that any footwear other than winter boots makes sense right now. I went to a fashion party in heels the other day, and let's just say my entrance was totally memorable - like, nobody at that party's going to forget me falling on my face on a patch of ice and the contents of my clutch flying all over the sidewalk. Yup, I'm the coolest.

So while I love to dream ahead, today's post is firmly entrenched in the reality of our current Canadian situation. I've picked out 40 fun accessories because you can wear them now to breathe new life into your existing outfits. Bored with your black sweaters? Add a fun necklace. Done with your parka? Add a bright infinity scarf. And that black handbag? Why not switch it up for a pretty blue? Luckily these small but mighty adds will hardly make a dent in your budget while giving your winter wardrobe a mini makeover. 

Consider spring accessories an investment in your end-of-winter mental health. I don't know about you, but I could seriously use a little pick-me-up right about now. Um, or two, or three... (who's counting?)

Happy accessory shopping and a bright and happy March to you!

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SHOPBOP | The Big Event Starts Today

When Shopbop had its Big Event last November, I finally fulfilled a personal fashion goal: I scored myself a Smythe blazer at 25% off. No regrets. My philosophy was (and is) that there are certain items worth the splurge, but if you can get that something you've always wanted on sale, it makes the score that much sweeter. 

As a Shopbop blogger, I'm thrilled to announce that The Big Event is back! The sale starts today and runs until Sunday, March 8th at 4:00 AM (Eastern Time) and details are the same as last time:

Save 15% with purchase over $250

Save 20% with purchase over $500

Save 25% with purchase over $1000

The best part? There are NO brand exclusions with this sale except for Stuart Weitzman (no biggie) so you can finally score yourself a SMYTHE, pick up a pair of Ray-Bans, get that 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli you've been eyeing and pick up a few other designer treats for your sister/mom/friend while you're at it. These items normally never go on sale. And remember, the more you purchase, the better the savings - so it's a great idea to team up with your friends on this one. 

Head on over to The Big Event HERE and (not to employ fear tactics here but...) find your favourites before your size sells out. I can't think of a better way to celebrate spring xx