The Perfect Flats

Wearing //

Express tee (I own 3)

Nordstrom jacket, similar here and here

Loft jeans

J.Crew Factory clutch, similar

Chanel flats, similar here and here

 I'm definitely a flats type of girl. I love the LOOK of heels, but they get uncomfortable pretty quickly. I also love the FEEL of sandals, but they often are far too casual with most outfits. Flats are the happy medium. I get the comfort level I prefer, but I still look polished and put-together. In a word, perfect.

These Chanel flats were a 30th birthday present from my mom and hubby. I always admired them on others, and every time I passed by a Chanel boutique, I would stare longingly at a pair. I'm not much of a shoe girl, so I never thought I'd be lucky enough to own them one day, but I guess I underestimated my family. They really are lovely, and very comfortable as well. The best part? They are as timeless as flats come, and they will never go out of style. Catch me walking in these beauties when I'm sixty.

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Clare Vivier Alternative

Wearing //

Express one eleven tee

Express suede skirt, similar here & here

Marc Fisher pumps

Lisa Taubes chain link necklace

Delezhen labradorite necklace, similar

Le Boutique Shop clutch

Beauty //

Glo Minerals lip crayon in Bloom

If you've been around the blogosphere for at least a couple of years, you'll know that this spotted clutch is basically owned by A LOT OF PEOPLE.  I remember when I first saw it carried by a top blogger, it was only a matter of days until what seemed like every fashion blogger had the Clare Vivier clutch. I immediately wanted in on the bandwagon. Not because it was so popular, but because it's just such a well-designed piece. I love the fold-over style because it holds more than a flat clutch, and I really am enamored with the print. Subtle, not at all garish like some leopard or cheetah can be. Leopard is a neutral, but I think it sometimes runs the risk of looking a bit dated if not done correctly. So for months, I've been going back and forth, especially when Shopbop has a sale. I never pull the trigger, I just make a mental note of how much I like it, but then proceed to the Express website where I get yet another barcelona cami because that makes sense right? Can never have enough of those!

 I do spend money on handbags, as I mentioned in this post. But for some reason, I just could never bring myself to splurge on Clare V. So when I saw that an online boutique was selling a similar looking alternative for a fraction of the price, I went for it. The shipping was super fast! The quality is great, very soft and malleable. I'm sure it can't compare to the real thing and full disclosure, I've never seen the Clare V in person. However, if you're looking for a less expensive option then I highly recommend it. It is currently on the website for $45 dollars, but I purchased it during a promotion so it was a bit less. Still worth it in my opinion.

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Carlsbad Flower Fields

Nate and I have been trying in vain to see the Carlsbad flower fields for literally two years now. I clearly didn't do my homework, because the flowers are only in bloom from March through May, and we always attempted to go during the Summertime. You'd think I would just google it, but nope. I just figured eventually it would happen, and finally this weekend, it did. This post is picture heavy because it's hard to narrow down which picture is prettier than the next! Most of these aren't touched up at all because mother nature doesn't require filters. I hope you enjoy!

Elizabeth Stone Jewelry

Express dress

Kendra Scott bracelet

Sole Society heels, similar

Gorgeous right? I really can't describe it in any other manner. I'm basic that way. I will say that it was too crowded for my liking, so if you can go during the week, I'm sure you'll enjoy it more. You can't actually go into the fields, which makes sense logically but people couldn't help themselves and they got yelled at for attempting. I wanted to lie in the flowers, but that will never be the case, at least not in the Carlsbad flower fields. I'll try my luck somewhere else.

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Mama Wants a Brand New Bag

I'm getting that itch again. The one where I get ridiculously obsessive about my next big purchase, and that always means a handbag. I've said it before - some women love shoes, some lust after diamonds, and some like myself well...it's all about that next beautiful bag to add to my (rather small) collection.

Here's the criteria:

• Must be practical and multi-functional
• In keeping with the upcoming Spring and Summer, I want one in a lighter color
• Which color have I narrowed it down to? Either beige, white, or blush
• I'm also in the market for a crossbody/saddle style. Trendy at the moment, but when it comes to bags in particular, the saddle bag comes back around every few years.
• Must be leather and of good quality because my bags are forever - quality over quantity
• Must be under the $400 range. As much as I'd love a Chloe, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, or Valentino, I just can't bring myself to save for one just yet. There are other pressing matters in life. I have to be realistic. 

I'm not one to jump at the chance to make a big purchase. I like to do some research, mull over my options, and then narrow the choices down to two or three. Sometimes I'll ask for others' opinions, but most of the time, I go with my gut because ultimately it's my money and I'm the one who is going to carry the bag! 

Some pretty options that are in the running:

Kate Spade 

Loeffler Randall

Michael Kors

Gigi New York

Milly

Which do you ladies prefer? It's hard to narrow down to just one! 

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