The Perfect Tote – Barrington Gifts

Hello, Everyone! We’ve been having amazing weather here this week so far, and that makes me one happy girl! I can take the heat, just leave the humidity out of it.

So, I love a great leather handbag like any fashion, loving girl; however, I have two little boys, and I need a tote that works for me, literally. I have two baby bags, and loved them, but for me, it’s nice to just carry a normal tote. My three requirements are the following: 1. It has to be able to carry everything, 2. I have to be able to wipe it down, if something gets spilled on it, and 3. It has to be super cute. I save the pretty leather ones for date nights, girls nights, or for outfit posts right now. I discovered Barrington Gifts totes a few years ago, and fell in love with the St. Anne Tote, mostly because you can design & monogram them. Who doesn’t love that? I get so many compliments on these totes, and I wear them season after season! It’s a win, win! These would also make a great gift for a new Mom as well. It comes in a baby bag design, but looks like a pretty, little tote.

Below are the designs that I’m trying to decide between. Which one do you think I should get?

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Image via

 The St. Anne Tote (Design #1)
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I love the blue and white pattern with a pop of green in the monogram! This one is a front runner right now. Plus, this year you can change the leather trim color as well, and I really like the lighter leather trim for something different.

The St. Anne Tote (Design #2)
gingham tote

This is just a happy, Summer design. Apparently, since having boys, I have snuck more gingham in throughout our house/life, according to my husband. I guess I’ve never really noticed that’s it’s everywhere, until he called it out. I do love gingham, it’s classic, and I really like the royal blue. I am a Mom of boys, and they do wear a lot of gingham. I’m thinking I should match them too, now. Ha!

The St. Anne Tote (Design #3)
seafoam stripe
I really love this pattern, and already own this tote with a hot pink/green stripe. The mint green/white stripe with this pattern is really pretty too. This pattern can be worn year round, so that’s an added bonus in my book.

The St. Anne Tote – Axis

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I have this print, and LOVE it. You will not regret this pattern for Fall!

St. Anne Tote Leopard
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Oh my goodness, I’m in love. Leopard is a neutral. And, this one just may be added to my closet for Fall!

I could play around with the designs of these totes all day long, but I do have two little ones waking up as we speak. I’m off to go get my second cup of coffee, and think about which one to get! Help wanted…I’d love your opinion, too!

Enjoy your day!
~KSSBelle

Handbag Picks for Spring/Summer 2015

I think handbags are hands down my favorite accessory. What girl doesn’t love a great handbag to tote around town? I am extremely picky about my handbags. My handbags have to have structure, and the bigger the better for me. I have a baby, so all of our stuff combined has to fit and be functional.

I’ve rounded up a few favorites I am loving for Spring/Summer 2015. One of my picks is a baby bag (for any Moms or future Moms), and then some are just great handbags, I wouldn’t mind adding to my closet.

What kind of handbags do you like? Do you tend to be brand loyal? Or, are you all over the place, like me?

 MICHAEL Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Top Zip Tote

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The shape of this tote is classic, and the navy is simply gorgeous.

Kate Spade New York Claremont Drive Marcella

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I really love the shape of this handbag. The cashew color is nice, because it will go with everything you wear. It also comes in black.

Kate Spade New York Classic Nylon Brynne Baby Bag

Baby bag

Do you notice a theme going on here? Structure. I have a baby bag from Kate Spade, and don’t know what I would do without it. The best part is, you don’t even know it’s a baby bag, it looks so much like a cute tote. Kate knows what she’s doing.

 Sondra Roberts Perforated Leather Tote

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The detail on this tote is beautiful. I love the natural color, and it could be worn year round. This would hold all of our stuff too. Perfect!

 Gramono Scalloped Edge Monogrammed Leather Clutch Purse

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I love the mint version of this purse. It would be so cute for a date night out or brunch.

Have a great weekend!

Etsy

Let’s chat about Etsy…

We have a large family (which is wonderful by the way), but between the birthdays and the holidays it gets hard to find things for everyone that are truly unique gifts. Problem solved: Etsy. Sign up today, if you don’t already have an account. I don’t like to buy gift cards unless I’m completely clueless about what to buy someone. I really do love to find that perfect gift every time, and I always know it when I see it.  Typically, I will think on gift ideas for a few days and then once I have an idea, I go on the treasure of hunt for each person. Well, lately, I have been doing a lot of hunting on Etsy. There are so many kinds of fun gift ideas that you can get for those hard to buy for people in your family. And, the best part, it’s affordable, you can personalize the gifts if you want to, and you’re supporting small businesses. What’s not to love about those three things? And, there’s honestly something for everyone on Etsy.

Below are just a few gift ideas I am loving lately. What’s your go-to shop for gifts items? Have you had a lot of luck with Etsy?

Monogram Wreath Mugs

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These are really pretty mugs, and you won’t mix up coffee mugs ever again.

Greek Key Initial Pad

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I don’t know about you, but besides these being super cute, who couldn’t use another note pad? I’m always looking for a notepad to jot something down on…

Beaded Tassel Bracelets

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I cannot stop thinking about these tassel bracelets. They just scream “fun!”

Children’s Name Signs

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This sign couldn’t be more perfect for a little one like a niece or nephew. I had one when I was a child (carved in the shape of a bunny rabbit). I still have mine, and I plan to hang mine in my laundry room today.

 Monogram Letters

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Monogram letters…adorable on a door, over a headboard or just hanging on a wall in a kitchen or den. You can order them unpainted, and paint it yourself, if you want to. It also makes a fun art/craft project for kids. My Mom and niece painted her initials over Christmas time together.

Art Prints

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Who doesn’t want to be inspired everyday? These prints are colorful and have happy messages that are good reminders for your loved ones.

 All images via individual boutiques