5 Must Have Handbags for a City Girl (or anyone else!)

Meet Paige. A totally fab NYC gal by way of Atlanta and originally Florida, she definitely has her stuff together when it comes to anything and everything. Pinky swear! From movie trivia to fashion and everything in between, this gal has the answer. And, she's always in the know. I'd say it's because she's up almost all the time amazingly working as a pediatric nurse practitioner so she's the first to get the scoop, but I've been lucky enough to know the gal since I was about 15 so I know it's that she's just super cool like that. 

So, so excited about what she's bringing you today. While she created her list for a "city gal," the list is totally perfect regardless of where you live. I'm in a pretty suburban setting, driving to and fro, and am in total agreement. Check it out for yourself.

In her words, here's Paige's 5 must have handbags for a city girl...

Great cross body bag

Not only are these bags totally in-style but oh so practical for city life... because you get to be hands-free! It's perfect for running errands and public transportation. Great finds include Lululemon Fast-in-Flight tote - great cross-body gym bag that doubles as a work or carry-on bag.  And Park Avenue Handbags has Pietro Alessandro bags, which are fabulous leather bags that follow the designer trends.

Clutch

A great going-out clutch is a must have. I'm obsessed with Lauren Merkin handbags because they are perfect for any occasion and came in a variety of colors and fabrics. They are also large enough to fit all the NYC essentials for going out (cell, camera, wallet, makeup). Another great thing about living in NYC is that there's frequent sample sales where you can get these for $20 to $100! (needless to say I'm a have a few too many, and I'm not allowing myself to attend the sample sales anymore).

Large Tote

My favorite is the Longchamp shopper; its a classic bag that literally fits everything! It's perfect for all the things that a city girl needs to carry all day and still remain fashionable without looking like a bag lady. I use it as my work bag and it can also double as a carry-on or great gym bag too.
TAGG tip: Another look? Try this Gap sequin strap tote for under $50 (plus 40% off in most stores every Wednesdays with provided coupon!); total knock-off of a Vanessa Bruno for $250! Thanks to Budget Babe for the scoop; check it out here.

Fabulous Black bag

A must for any girl, you need your go-to black handbag. My fav is the Marc by Marc Jacobs hobo.

Reusable grocery bags

One of the hardest things to get used to in the city is grocery shopping. You can only buy what you can carry home - unless you opt for delivery or fresh direct. Reusable grocery bags are not only fantastic for the environment but are extremely practical for long walks home from the store! Whole Foods even makes one that is a cross-body insulated bag!



A Gal Must: Good Reading!

For 2011, I'm determined to get in some more good entertaining, heart-wrenching, dramatic and engaging reading. For a million reasons (err, excuses), I haven't dug into enough books and feeling really behind the curve. As a creative gal who loves words (a little nerdy? maybe),

I really need to put down the People StyleWatch and pick up one of this year's best sellers, or a little-known-find that should be on that darn list.

Here's a few books on my hit list...

{Amazon for the best prices!}

What's your current favorite?

I'm game for anything from the serious to the light-hearted (I have read most of the Jane Green rom/com books). There's so many great options out there right now and I'm looking forward to cuddle up on the couch, wrapped in my fleece blanket with a good book in hand (sorry folks, no Kindle for me... at least yet).

Happy reading... and share your must reads!


 

Selling NY is Selling FL... and We're Invited!

Ahhhh, the glorious world of reality shows centered around snooping into (errr, checking out) someone else's home and knowing all the dirty details. Woohoo!

I absolutely love getting a glimpse inside of someone's home, seeing their style and knowing what the home is worth. Call it a bit of real estate obsessing, if you will... because that's what I'm doing.

One of our faves is HGTV's Selling New York, on every Thursday night. It takes you through the seemingly fabulous careers of three Manhattan brokerage houses as they help clients find the perfect space, err multi-million dollar space.

Well tonight, the lovely ladies from Gumley Haft Kleier (my fave!) have an open house cocktail reception just south of us in Boca Raton, Fla. for a 7,000-sq.-ft, high-rise condo overlooking the water and eek!... we're invited!! Truth be told, my husband is invited and I'm his "plus 1," but hell, I'll take it!

The lovely ladies from Gumley Haft Kleier

I hope I don't act like a nerdy school girl over ummm, brokers. Not celebrities. Brokers. Geez, I can already feel my slight giddiness coming on. Bad news, girls, bad news! Because if I'm not nerdy enough, HGTV will be filming this for the show. [And, I still don't know what I'm going to wear!]

There's other shows just like this, which the hubs and I equally adore. Bravo's obvious competitor, Million Dollar Listing shows the life of rich, young brokers, Josh, Madison and another Josh (though minus the crazy hair flicking Chad who made the Beiber's hair look like a buzz cut in past seasons), who are making kajillions selling palatial estates and lavish mountain-top homes to the equally rich and fabulous.
Mmm, I could eat it up!

Are you into these shows??

What other home shows tickle your fancy?

GIVEAWAY: Gorgeous Wristlet from Francesca Joy!

 It's funny that sometimes you have to venture far to find something awesome close to home.

Enter: Francesca Joy.
[keep reading to hear about the new brand, plus enter to win one of her wristlets!]

A new boutique-style brand is now available in my own backyard featuring hand-painted designs in bold bright colors, I discovered it through tweet'ing it up with the co-founder and designer, Elise Francesca. She's a Connecticut gal now in Florida who designed the collection based on her fine art paintings. As soon as I clicked through to the web site I was immediately blown away by the gorgeous, whimsical and beautiful bold designs. For summers at the beach or pool, or a vacation to a tropical destination, these are oh-so perfect.

Available online to you out-of-towners, she's opening a store with expanded offerings this Fall on the Worth Avenue in the glam Palm Beach. You'd expect with hand-painted designs and a Worth Ave address you'd have a pricey pricetag. Fortunately that's not the case. I find the wristlets the best value, however there's so many awesome options under $100! She has totes, t-shirts, chemises, table runners, pillows, cocktail napkins and golf shirt dresses. Check out the collection here. And, you can stay current on her latest designs by following her Facebook page.

I just LOVE knowing that each one is painted on its own (it's not copied to look like its hand painted like I find at Homegoods with all those affordable "paintings," haha). This is a piece of real art, ladies! 

Keep reading for a giveaway!

This is the designer, Elise, in one of her golf shirt dresses...

GIVEAWAY!

The beauty behind the line is giving one lucky TAGG reader a wristlet of her choosing. Aren't they just the prettiest little lovelies?! Adoring.  Plus, everyone gets $5 off any item (excluding wristlets; they're already a steal at $30!). Just let her know where you found her when you order.

To enter (required):
Visit Francesca Joy and comment here with your favorite item/design. Leave your email address if it's not linked through your profile.

Additional entries
(1 entry each --- leave a comment letting me know about each one in order for me to count it):
"Like" the Francesca Joy Facebook page / "Like" TAGG Facebook page / Follow TAGG through Google Friend Connect (right-hand column) / Follow TAGG on Twitter / Follow Elise Francesca on Twitter

Details: contest ends Sunday, April 3 at midnight. Available open to those in the United States.

Outfit: A Little Shoulder Cleavage + Fall Wardrobe Staple Renewed

Announcement: The winner of the new Who What Wear book giveaway from nearly 90 entries... drumroll, please! A huge congratulations to Allie of Wardrobe Oxygen! To all, thank you so much for entering and making my birthday blog goals come true! Look for another giveaway coming soon...

I'm not sure this constitutes as "cleavage" but since I don't have much of the real deal (sure you've noticed by now! ha), but lately I've been all about showing off one of my favorite body parts -- my shoulders and collarbone. Every single woman, regardless of size or body type, has a part they love. Determine yours and then find ways to highlight it, be it a pencil skirt to show your calves, a v-neck to show the real deal cleavage, or tanks to show your buff arms! 
(sorry for the sun shining right on my shoulder; hope you get the idea!)

Plus, this outfit is all about repurposing a fall wardrobe staple -- the skinny green cargos -- with a spring flair. If you have a pair, don't be shy about mixing them with bright blues, pinks and oranges. If you're more conservative, opt for a perfect weekend look of a white tank and fun flats.

photo credit: the hubs

pink short-sleeve sweater: h&m

cargo pants: mossimo, target

rose gold chain link bracelet: market in charleston, sc

gladiator wedges: madden girl via loehmann's
nail polish: opi's over the taupe

Too Hot to Handle

It's a steamy 80-something degrees today in Florida (sweat-y!) and I recently received an email from Saks with this gorge skinny minnie donning hot vintage-inspired suits from Diane von Furstenberg. Do I need any other reminder that it's time to start working on the thighs and tummy? Doubtful.

DvF swim

At least the bathing suits are divine, though if this gal would take the plunge, pun intended, she rather purchase one of the gorgeous DvF cover-ups!

(real world: not spending $200 or $300 on either but it gives me great inspiration to search for statement-making prints when shopping at other stores!)

Closet Must: Dark Denim Jeans

Hi ladies! Happy Friday! Just a reminder that today's the last day to enter to win the latest fashion secrets from the ladies behind Who What Wear. Enter here (and also help make my birthday wishes come true... it's today!). Have a great one gals.


Forget the trends for a second. While I love to share with you the latest fashion trends and must haves to keep you in the know, there's one that's ALWAYS a "Do" in my book. It should be in every woman's closet.

DARK DENIM JEANS!

Gap, Perfect Bootcut Jeans (dark wash), $69.50

As the seasons pass, you'll never find something that's so valuable and versatile in your wardrobe. Find a pair that fit you perfectly, whether it's from Old Navy for $30 or Joe's for to $200 (though if you want designer, check Loehmann's, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, etc for discounted pairs).

TIPS: Avoid anything with faded spots near your thighs and tush, and be sure the back pockets are sized proportionately for you, and not too high or low. Otherwise, these little details add up to extra lbs and width to areas you do not want widened.

And, consider two pairs: one hemmed for your heels and another for your flats. Depending on the brand -- and your height -- look for the ankle length to save on tailoring fees...just don't get them too short. Keep in mind they might shrink up to about 1/2 inch after your first wash.

The pair above is totally on my hit list. I already have a perfect pair of skinnies (that you've seen many times; they're from Forever 21) and could use a great straight/boot cut pair. They're getting hemmed for my flats, and I'm purchasing the next time Gap has 40 percent off... in many stores, it's now every Wednesday! 

5 Must Haves: the gal behind Much Love, illy!

Meet Ilene. She's the beautiful gal behind the much beloved blog, Much Love, illy. Illy's her nickname, afforded to her by best friend (now fiance!).

Her blog is one of my every day reads... and thousands of other women. She's popular, I tell ya! I love hearing her daily raves, rants and loves, seeing her fab outfits and much more. And, her creativity goes further... check out her super sweet, gorge headbands, earrings and more in her Etsy shop. I'm so thrilled to have discovered her in the Twitter-sphere. She's a constant source of happiness + helpfulness. We could all take some direction from this gal!

Oh, and can you tell how crazy gorgeous her hair in this pic?You should check out more of her pics on her blog because it's seriously enviable. I'd almost have to not like her, except that she's so stinkin' cool. Ha!

I'm immensely flattered and thrilled that Ilene so quickly agreed to share her five must haves... and thrilled since 2, 3 and 5 are pretty high on my list, too! So, without further ado, here's Ilene's FIVE MUST HAVES, in her words...

Make Up Forever Aqua Cream Liner

So I'm probably a fan of make-up as much as I am with fashion since it's one other way to express yourself - but if I had to choose piece of make-up that I can't go without is eyeliner, especially this one! Like the old saying goes, "the eyes are the windows of the soul" - if that is the first thing people notice about your face, why not accent on those pretties?

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion

I have the worst skin in the world. Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration - but I definitely do not have the best skin. Not to gross anyone out but I've had eczema since I was a little girl. At least, it's not as bad as it used to - but this skin is a little high-maintenance because of it so I pretty much douse my skin in this lotion every day. Love, love, love it!
TAGG mention: I can vouch for this stuff. I laughed when I read this because as I was lathering on this stuff in the a.m. I was thinking, man, I need to blog about it. Thank you to Ilene for doing it for me!

Pops of Color

For those of you that know me, know that I have an obsession over color! Whether the pop of color involves bright blue nails or a neon yellow cardigan, color makes me happy and is a part of my every day life. I'm a firm believe that color make life fun and outfits less boring!

My Canon Rebel

I love this little guy. He goes everywhere with me. I guess that is why I'm a fan of really large bags. Ryan (my fiance) refers him as our "special friend" since he is pretty much the third wheel on every single outing. My family and friends are also used to me taking pictures of everything and everyone. He is at best at capturing all my favorite moments with my family and friends

Peanut Butter Oreos

You know this one was gonna make the list with how often I eat and tweet about them! There is no better combination in the world than chocolate and peanut butter. Just. kill. me. now.


Well, there you have it. Aside from the non-material things like my relationship with God, my crazy family, and awesome friends, these are my must-haves, friends!!!


{thank YOU, ilene! gals: check out much love, illy here! and, remember, just two days left to enter our giveaway for this year's most coveted fashion book! Contest ends Fri, March 25 at midnight.}



It's Literally Impossible to Pass Up Accessories at F21

Just spent a blissful afternoon with one of my oldest friends, D. She's the best (and I'm super honored to be a bridesmaid in her wedding this fall!)! Naturally we met at the mall, eating first to fuel up and then hit a ton of shops. I'm trying to be good, only buying what I need, however the accessories always get me at Forever 21!

They're so darn fashionable and inexpensive. A lethal combo for my wallet.

Damask Lacquered Earrings, $3.80

Pink Sunnies, $5.80

I could not pass up these killer earrings and sunnies for just $10 total. I also forced D into the earrings after she told me she had a hot black dress to wear that night yet no jewelry. These are a killer statement maker and are going to be equally as adorable with a casual tee this summer! And the sunnies? A fun cheapie pair with a boho 70s vibe that I couldn't resist.



My latest glitzy and glamorous lusts!

Reminder: Just two more days to enter to win the most coveted (and helpful!) fashion book of 2011! Enter here... just takes a sec, and I'll be appreciative. Consider it your good deed for the day, which is pretty cool because you can potentially benefit from the kindness!

With my bday just a few days away, I feel compelled to share with you just a few gorgeous sparkly and shiny lovelies I've been lusting over the past few weeks (err, months). I'm sure there's dozens more... I must have drooled over the Nordstrom jewelry counters yesterday while shopping with my bb (best buddy), D. We had so much fun! What's on your accessories hit-list?

Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch, Neiman Marcus, $250.

I'm such a watch gal -- consider them practical and fashionable! -- and this rosey cutie needs a home in my collection.

Jordann Jewelry, Magnolia Pendant, Large, $160
Designed by a Palm Beach-based gal named Jordann, I've been eyeing this pendant for way too long. It's gorgeous in its simplicity. A statement maker you can wear every day. I love.

 

Tory Burch, Lucite Cuff in White, $45

Love the impact this will make wrapped around my wrist. There's also a black that's pretty fierce, too. Crazy great price because there are on ebay for $80+. If you like, go right to the source!

 

 

Allora Handmade, Rosette Pearl Necklace (comes in more colors), $39.

Have spotted this necklace on other bloggers and it's crazy adorable; throw on a white tee or simple dress, and this... fabulous. The hardest part is picking a color. I've been debating this or fuchsia.

 

Quick Bites: This Frozen Pizza Knocks My Socks Off

When it comes to preparing dinner, I have to admit I'm a bit of a slacker. After a full day of work, errands and time with my little chickie, it's at least 7:30 pm before I can prepare dinner. I never learned that whole slow cooker (though it does seem genius; do you use?!), and we try to avoid those individual frozen meals or spending a lot by ordering take out.

Our new fave dinner these days? An oversized salad plus this pizza by Greenwise (a Publix brand, if you have near you). Yes, it literally knocks my socks off. Promise. I had one tonight and well, I'm not wearing any socks right now! Ha. I make these at least once a week.

The hubs and I split either the Margherita or Spinach Feta (there's a third but it has tons of peppers; not my thing). Delicious and clocks in at about 350 calories and under 10 grams of fat for the 1/2 pie. I'm pleased with that for a hearty, pretty healthy meal. Sprinkle on a dab of parmesean cheese, and you're in heaven.

If you don't have this pizza near you, the organic brand Amy's has some good options.

TAGG TIP: Check the calories and serving size whenever getting frozen pizzas or meals. Most of the serving sizes are kind of tiny, so calculate accordingly if you plan to eat more than one. For example, we're each eating a 1/2 pizza pie, not a 1/3 like the serving size suggests.

I'm a Paper Doll....and it's so FUN!

Click here for my latest giveaway... your chance to win What to Wear, Where! by the genius fashion gurus behind Who What Wear. The best fashion book for 2011... you'll never be crazed for what to wear again!

You should know that I have a thing for redheads. Well maybe not so much a 'thing,' but definitely an affinity for other red heads and this one is no exception! So when I heard the fabulous Suze from Miss Vinyl Ahoy was coordinating The Paper Doll Project, a genius fashion project that pairs up bloggers to create a look for the other based on one item of clothing, I was totally game. While there's the innate challenges of not being able to walk inside each other's closets, it's been a total blast.

Suze paired me with the super-sweet and adorable Missy of Pieces of Earth. Scadaddle on over to her site to see how I gave her blazer a new look with items from her closet.

As for me, I picked a light-weight scarf from a past outfit post that was a winter look complete with a sweater, leggings and boots. I wanted a more summery look, and Missy totally delivered....

Minus the fact that that my legs are albino white, I'm loving this look since I know I never would have done it myself. This lace skirt was a total Target score, one that I've seen on at least a handful of other bloggers. But all of this together? New to me. As it gets warmer, I'll roll the sleeves more. 

Thanks for dressing me up, Missy!

Even my little chickie admires the look... ;)

scarf: target

white blouse: express

belt: new york & co.

lace skirt: target

bracelet: gift (part of a set, i think from banana republic)

wedges: madden girl via loehmanns

daughter: gap tank / khaki ralph lauren cargos / glittery sketchers sneaks :)

Giveaway: the Most Coveted Fashion Book of 2011!

With my birthday approaching this week, this gal is all about the giveaway.... gift giving is totally as fun as receiving! Especially when you have the perfect gift for someone. And, I do. I wish I could give this to every gal. I'm also hoping with this giveaway to spread more word about The Average Girl's Guide!

Help me reach some birthday-timed blog goals:  I'm hoping by Friday to have 800 Facebook fans (just 14 away), 1,100 Twitter followers (about 85 more) and 150 followers on Google Friend Connect (less than 40 to go). I can know you can help me do it. :) And, here's how...

GIVEAWAY!

Who What Wear, the totally amaze online fashion bible and style guide by Hillary Kerr and Katherine Power, recently came out with their second book, What to Wear, Where! Get ready for the best. advice. ever on how to assemble the perfect outfit for any social occasion. Ladies, rejoice! The authors of this site show you what they would wear and also gives you tons tons of timeless style suggestions. It's been getting tons of fab reviews, including from Harper's Bazaar, who you know they know what's up:

"[A] definitive guide to looking trendy and timeless. With style advice for more than fifty special occasions, What to Wear, Where is the ultimate investment piece."


Since I think this is the type of book many gals wouldn't splurge on for themselves but would totally love, love to have... I'm giving one away to a lucky reader! Yayyyyy!!!

How to enter
REQUIRED:
All you have to do is follow The Average Girl's Guide on Google Friend Connect (on the right sidebar) and leave a comment here to let me know. Easy peasy!

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:
- Follow The Average Girl's Guide on Facebook and let me know here.
- Follow TAGG on Twitter and let me know here.
- Tweet about the giveaway and let me know here. Here's an example: "#Giveaway! Head to the @avggirlsguide for your chance to #win the latest book by Who What Wear! Enter: http://bit.ly/f9FxMK"

Rules: Content ends on my birthday, March 25 at midnight. Open to U.S. residents only (sorry to those that might be excluded!).

Outfit: Black Jeans Require a little bit of Waterfront love

Happy Monday! Stay tuned for a giveaway coming your way this afternoon!


I'm a Downtown kind-of-gal. I love urban life. If I could have it my way, I'd walk outside my door every day to the best restaurants, shops, museums and galleries, you name it. But since I live in a pretty typical suburban neighborhood, I love venturing to Downtown West Palm Beach.... I guess Billy Joel's famous song, Uptown Girl," just doesn't apply to this chick!

It's an awesome Downtown... a mix between the modern -- with a destination called CityPlace that's packed with national brands -- combined the traditional and cool -- known as Clematis Street District with its independent restaurants, shops, etc. It's located on the waterfront, which was just redone. GOR-GEOUS!

I'm standing in front of the waterfront with the Intracoastal behind me (there used to be an old library blocking this view; a new one is just a few blocks west).The island of Palm Beach is across the way.

I wore this outfit for a happy hour for a non profit called The Foundation for Community Betterment. I'm on its Board because I so love the concept: we help the community one person at a time. Literally. We host events to help a 'recipient' who needs financial support. Since its inception 10 years ago, the national org has helped more than 120 people around the world. It's totally amazing and inspiring how quickly you can change someone's life when you get some people together.

Have a great week! Hope it's equally gorgeous where you are!

photographer credit: the hubs!

blouse: express

black jeans: gap

cardigan: gap

bracelets: set from h&m

ring: from macy's

watch: swatch

purple grommet-studded heels: kenneth cole reaction from macy's