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Fashion Blog Posts

100+ Beach Totes and Bags for Spring and Summer

Fashion Blog Posts, HandbagsAnneke McConnell

As we head into the warmer weather seasons of Spring and Summer, there are dozens of beach totes to be found across the internet.  From neutral woven bags to waterproof nylon totes, there's something for everyone.

I put on my major research-loving hat for this blog post to round up a diverse collection of beach bags for a casual day out shopping, a vacation trip to a resort, or a day trip to your local beach.

 

 

[PIN IT FOR LATER]

The boutique below is made up of bags in neutral colors to bright and colorful patterns, pom pom details (or even pom pom or tassel keychain additons to add to any bag).

The prices range from $20 to a few hundred or more depending on your budget, so I've made it easy by making sure the price can be seen when you hover on the photo. BUT FIRST - know that this may show a "full retail price" and not the sale price, sometimes half off or more!

I hope this helps you find the perfect beach bag for these warmer days ahead or that special vacation, honeymoon, girl's trip, etc.  I think of all of them, THIS ONE and THIS ONE are my favorites!

Are you headed someplace warm and sunny? I'd love to know where in the comments below!

 

BEACH BAGS AND TOTES

WARM WEATHER ITEMS

From the beach,

Anneke :-)

 

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Fall/Winter Style: One Dress Styled Four Ways

Fall Fashion, Fashion, Fashion Blog Posts, Handbags, Styling TipsAnneke McConnell

I'm always looking to mix and match pieces from my wardrobe and give staple pieces a different look depending on how they're paired.  I recently came across this dolman sleeve sweater dress which has a great fit and a little class to it. I love that it's a turtleneck too for these super cold days AND it's a pretty taupe color that goes with virtually everything! #winwin

First things first, it's easy to mix and match when you're staying within the same color palette and I threw in a little color with forest green handbag.  No matter what colors you gravitate toward for your closet, don't apologize for it and then have fun with little pieces here and there or even makeup and nail colors. :-)

 

LOOKS #1: The Dress Solo

Of course you can always go for a more simple look and wear a dress like this by itself.  This also shows you what it looks like as is! Even just adding an accessory like a belt or a statement necklace will do wonders and may be more of the focal point of the outfit.

Below is just a quick change of shoes, from black suede heeled booties (currently on sale) to taupe suede knee high boots (mine are the wide calf version).

 

LOOK #2: A Little Bit of Edge

This might be one of my favorite looks because it's amazing what a bit of texture and contrast can do when creating an outfit.  I love that this faux leather biker jacket comes with a removable hood, so you can create a chic look like this OR just pair it with jeans and a tee for a casual look.

You have the SAME leggings, suede heeled booties, handbag, earrings and choker. Just the jacket was added.

 

LOOK #3: The Cozy Vibe

Now to get a more cozy look, replace that black faux leather jacket for a warm creamy colored turtleneck poncho.  (This comes in black and ivory)

It may seem unlikely that a turtleneck over a turtleneck would work, but in this case it does because the underlayer is thinner than the top layer. :-)

On a side note, I am wearing this poncho with EVERYTHING right now!! Love it, love it, LOVE IT. It's perfect for these colder months!

 

LOOK #4: Neutral Chic

Ok, last but not least. If you're looking for more of the layered shawl look, this leopard reversible poncho is a great one for less than $40. I thought it would overwhelm my 5'3" frame, but I loved it right away! 

I love the fact that it is reversible with the same pattern on both sides, just one lighter and one darker.  Both the tan and black colors pull the taupe dress and black leggings and booties together.

Here is the light colored side.........

One Dress. Four Looks!

 

.....and here is the dark colored side. I LOVE IT!

BONUS!!!

If you're looking to ditch the leggings, opt for an over the knee suede boot like these pair below. These will fit a slightly wider calf too.  Although they didn't make the photo shoot, they're a great option with the subtle detail around the ankle!

I hope this helps you think outside the box when it comes to mixing and matching. Remember to have fun with it and don't overthink your choices!

 

xoxo

Anneke

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SHOP THE LOOKS

 

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS

Nordstrom I love you, but.......

Deals, Fashion, Fashion Blog Posts, Fave PicksAnneke McConnell

Ok ladies. It's officially the Nordstrom Clearance Event and even as a style blogger I was completely overwhelmed with the 160+ pages of options in the women's section alone!

Like DANG, that's a lot of cuteness to go through and choose from! Lol Sweaters, coats, boots, hats, jewelry, cardigans, scarves......it's ALL there. ;-)

This is just one reason why I love what I do - to save you hours of time so you can spend that with your kiddos or with girlfriends over a glass (or two) of wine.

I decided to make today's blog post "Boutique Style" to share items in the clearance sale I've narrowed down as favorites.  First, a Women's Boutique and second, a Home Items Boutique.

FYI, I've been waiting for these ankle boots to go on sale so I could snag them in black. I've had them in the brown for a couple years and still love them!

Also, at the end of today's post, I've narrowed down some weekend sales if you're looking for some deals heading into the Thanksgiving holiday!

Have fun shopping ladies - I'd love to know if you find something for you, your family or gifts!

 

WOMEN'S BOUTIQUE

 

Here are a few weekend sales worth noting:

Williams Sonoma - up to 50% off of cookware

Crate & Barrel - up to 20% off wine and dine items

BCBGMAXAZRIA - up to 30% off select items 

Banana Republic - up to 40% off family & friends events

West Elm - 20-30% off sofas, sectionals, chairs, furniture, rugs, and more

 

 

Have an awesome weekend!

xo,

Anneke

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Fashion Friday: 76 of The Best Scarves for Fall plus 3 Tips to find the right one for YOU!

Fashion Blog PostsAnneke McConnell

Happy Fashion Friday you guys!  Earlier this week on Instagram I had a candid confession about my struggle with style blogging at times amidst those things that matter so much more - many of you were so encouraging and I thank you for that.  It's a fine line, and I hope my hear for people always shows brighter than my love of piecing things together.

It's why my style motto is "Dress for the Occasion". Ours lives are made up of so many facets from working out, to home projects, lounging around, date nights with our husband, or a girl's night out.

With that said, I decided to pull together some resources for you if you're looking for a cute new scarf for this Fall and Winter.  There are a few things to keep in mind when finding the perfect fit:

 

  1. Determine the Shape: Are you more comfortable in a long oblong rectangular scarf or a big square blanket scarf?  As a petite person, I tried a square one and it completely overwhelmed my frame.  The oblong scarves really allow me to create several looks including long vertical lines to add "height."
  2. Determine the Weight: Are you looking for that war cozy blanket scarf that you'd take off once inside, or a lighter, thinner material that keeps you warm and you can keep on all day. Maybe this is a PNW thing? I'm not sure. Lol
  3. Determine Pattern or Color: What colors do you wear most often?  How about patterns?  I'd suggest going for a scarf or scarves that is within a color scheme you wear often so it goes with multiple outfits.  Also, if you tend to wear patterns, go with a solid colored scarf,. Likewise, if you tend to wear solids, go with some scarves with patterns like classic plaid, stripes, a cheetah print, or even a floral with muted colors, etc.

 

I find that I personally gravitate toward lightweight striped scarves in the spring and summer and plaid scarves in the fall and winter.  To each their own!

Below are just a handful of recommendations to get you started, but ASOS is probably my favorite place so far to find a large variety of scarves where I love ALL of them! Groopdealz is also having a HUGE discount right now on 36 styles of blanket scarves! #score

 

Have a great weekend!

xo,

Anneke

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“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
— Joshua 1:9