EWP Gift Guide 2011: A Fun Bag

Whatever your budget, there's a fun bag out there for the fashionista on your Christmas list.

Longchamp, $830

Kate Spade, $148

Zara, $79.90

Parisian Purchases

 I couldn't go to the capital of fashion and not bring home a few goodies for myself.

First up, a dress from my new favorite store: Promod.  It's like a European Forever 21 - lots of cute things, and all super cheap!! If a certain baby hadn't had her fill of sightseeing for the day and started crying, I'm pretty sure I would've bought out the store.  As it is, I walked away with two things.

Promod,  36.95 €

And then there's this, my delightfully delicious Parisian splurge.  Mr. EWP said, since we were in the fashion capital of the world, I could buy one ridiculous thing I wanted.  What I actually needed were some camel/cognac boots, but $1000 boots just don't do it for me. I prefer my fancy shoes to be pretty and adorned with butterflies.  So I decided I'd go for the other thing I've been wanting - a structured brown bag.  After much much looking, and taking of pics and different shops to compare them (yes, I'm a nerd), we settled on this piece of leather yummy goodness.  And since it's leather, it fits for our 3rd anniversary gift. You're welcome, Mr. EWP, for taking care of your anniversary gift shopping for you.  I'm such a thoughtful wife. :)  And I'm only just a little delighted that it's not even available in the US yet.

Yves Saint Laurent

Here I am modeling my bag, as well as my third Parisian purchase - a top from Promod.  It's not on their website that I could see, so no linky, but I think it was like 15€.  Gotta love a cute cap sleeve and a bow!



Now on to London!

Don't: Fakes

One of my major pet peeves is people buying fakes. You've seen them: the Fraudas, the "Channel"s, the "Goocci"s.

If you have a fake, this is you:
But way less cute.

Seriously, fake bags/jewelry are copyright/trademark violations and their manufacture and possession is against the law. Not to mention the people selling them are linked to terrorism, trafficking, and sweat shops. Is that really who you want to be supporting?

And legal/moral stuff aside, why bother with a knockoff? You are not fooling anyone. There is NO shame in not having the budget for designer brands. But you are painting a giant banner on yourself when you carry a fake that says "I wish I had money, but I don't, so I'd rather have this tacky fake than buy something nice within my means." Also, forget fooling others, you're obviously not fooling yourself. Does it feel nice to have that fake bag? What are you getting out of it? Wouldn't it feel nicer to have something real?

Fashion is not just labels, it's a look. Sticking a label across a bag, fake or real, doesn't make it look good. It's about style and construction. And that does not have to be about price. I've rocked a Forever 21 clutch and gotten as many compliments on that as the Diane von Furstenberg dress I wore with it.

So save your $20 for that knockoff, and go buy something cute that makes you happy. Something that isn't trying to fool anyone. Something you can be proud of.

EWP Gift Guide: Cute Cosmetics Bag

If the person you're shopping for is all set in the makeup department, why not give her something to carry all that face paint in?

I have a Kate Spade cosmetic bag and just love it. Super cute and just enough space for my gargantuan amount of makeup I like to cart around when travelling. Or you could get the smaller size like a normal person :)

Kate Spade, $85-$145 @

@Available in more colors

Reader Question: Diaper Bags

Hola! Would love a post on cute and functional diaper bags some time...most I've found are super ug!! :)

Cute I can definitely do. Functional I'm not so sure about. Not actually having had a baby, I'm not sure what makes for functionality. I know the Kate Spade bags have stroller clips (I'm sure others of these brands do too, I just didn't read the specs on them). And many, if not all, of these bags come with changing mats.

As far as cute, I love a diaper bag that looks like a handbag. I don't need something that screams "baby!" I think the baby I'll be carrying around will do just fine at letting people know I have a little one. My diaper bag, however, should just be another cute accessory. An accessory, mind you, that does NOT need to match your baby. I don't know how many times I've heard people worry they can't have a pink diaper bag because they have a boy. A) your diaper bag is your accessory, who cares what gender your baby is. B) what on earth do you want a pink diaper bag for??? This goes with the whole not screaming "baby" thing. If I wouldn't carry a regular handbag in pink, I'm not carrying a diaper bag in pink.

Below are many diaper bagoptions at a range of prices. I've also included a link for a changing mat on its own in case you go the route that many people do - just buy a nice, big, cute bag and stick baby things in it. It's a totally viable option!

Nest, was $220, sale $199.95

Caden Lane, was $140, sale $89 @

Nest, was $389, sale $340

Skip Hop, $89.99 @

Burberry, $1,095 @

Storksak, $450 @

Storksak, $198 @

Kate Spade, $395

Kate Spade, $395 @

Timi & Leslie, was $163.99, sale $114.79 @

Timi & Leslie, $158.99 @

Skip Hop, $30 @

@Available in more colors

New Diaper Bag

Mr. EWP has not been letting me things for BabyWP. He's a little nervous it would jinx things. But as we come close to the halfway mark and my belly gets rounder, he's softening on the rule. Just in time for me to catch a major sale on my had-to-have-it diaper bag.

I have known for always that I wanted a black Kate Spade diaper bag. I knew that's what I was going to get. It's black, it's basic, it looks like a purse and doesn't scream "baby!" Overtly baby type bags are just not me. This was the bag I had to have. No question about it.

Here is this season's nylon stevie baby bag:

Kate Spade, $395

This is last season's nylon stevie baby bag:

Kate Spade, was $395, sale $189

(+ currently 25% off of sale prices at Kate Spade)

Umm.... I'm pretty sure that's basically the same bag. Just one is hundreds cheaper. Clearly I ordered the sale one. It has an adorable green changing mat with polka dots. God, I love polka dots.

And don't worry, we're getting Mr. EWP a manly Columbia diaper backpack for when he's running around with BabyWP. He doesn't have to use this bag :)

Your Moment of Pretty

Before I send you off for your fun-filled weekends, I thought I'd give you a moment of pretty.


Mmmmmmm...... I just want to pet it....

Chloe, $1,895 @

@Available in more colors

Happy Friday, everyone!

30% Off at Kate Spade

New reader Natalie sent me a tip that Kate Spade was having a two day sale - 30% off everything. What more could a girl ask for?

Use the code: FRIENDLY30 and get 30% off anything from the diaper bag featured yesterday to maybe something for Mother's Day to some statement jewelry for yourself. Check out www.katespade.com and get your 30% off! Code only valid today and tomorrow.

My New Lover

I couldn't let my pass from Mr. EWP to go buy something ridiculous go to waste, even if I didn't find anything Miami.

So as soon as I got back to Chicago, I marched myself over to Neiman Marcus and bought this, the bag from my new year's resolution:

Chloe

Mmmmmm..... giant Chloe hobo. I'm particulary in love with the soft gray color.

I'm not generally a fan of having the brand emblazoned on the side, but it's pretty small so I was willing to overlook that.

I particularly like this little flat thingamabob that makes it easier on your shoulder. Chloe is very considerate like that.

An attempted shot of the inside but I didn't have good lighting. No matter, nothing much to report about the inside except I've already put all my things in it and made them feel at home.

I had a little twinge of bag guilt over the price tag, but then Mr. EWP said, this is a direct quote, "You really needed a bag that went with your shoes." WHAT? I think it really bothered him when the snooty Valentino man didn't like my bag. But, hey, if he's all for me upping my bag game, then I'm all for it too!

And since I had just hopped out of the shower at the time of this photoshoot and had dripping wet hair, I somehow convinced Mr. EWP to model the bag for all of you. I didn't even mind that he just got back from golf and was a little smelly.

What a wonderful sight: the love of my life and the love of my closet. :)

EWP Handbag Guide: Clutches and Evening

I love clutches. I am seriously a clutch-aholic. When we went out for my bachelorette many moons ago, five of my friends grabbed one of my clutches for the event. There's something in the clutch collection for everyone. I really think a well-placed clutch can really make an outfit - add a print or a pop of color with just adding a little bag. I love 'em.

To recap:
Evening bags, including my all time favorite go to dress up bag - the clutch (which has no strap and you hold -- or "clutch" -- in your hand) and wristlets (which have a strap just long enough to hang over your wrist), are the handbags you'll want for a special night out.

With lovely details like beads, fringe and sequins and fine fabrics like metallics and satins, evening bags will complement your evening wear perfectly. You can choose between soft, leather evening bags or handbags with structured metal frames, depending on how formal your eveningwear is (I'm definitely going through a structured box clutch phase. I can't get enough of them!) If your evening bag has a handle, you can tuck it inside to transform it into a clutch bag. You can also use a clutch bag as a wallet inside your larger handbag during the day, and then pull it out for evening. Nothing says glamour and romance more than accessorizing with a beaded or rhinestone evening bag.

Where you'll be taking your evening bag:
To a holiday party when you're there to impress
To a fine restaurant when you're there with your special someone
To a wedding (with a few tissues inside, obvi)
To a cocktail party, where a statement ring-clad hand holding a clutch bag will be the perfect elegant look

Do: get dressed to the nines and take advantage of the style of evening bags.
Do: let a fun evening bag, clutch bag or wristlet take center stage when you're wearing a little black dress.
Don't: try to cram too much into your evening bag. Only bring along the essentials: cell phone, mints, a credit card, lipstick and cab fare.

Here are some clutch/evening options. I will admit to totally being lazy and only shopping at one site for all of these. Other places to check for cute clutches (but always hit or miss): Banana Republic, Forever 21, Aldo, and Target.

Sondra Roberts, $88 @ *




Sondra Roberts, $98 @

Nordstrom, $88 @ *

MICHAEL Michael Kors, $198

Jessica McClintock, $52 @

Nordstrom, $68 @

Jessica McClintock, $48 @ *

Jessica McClintock, $58 @

Nordstrom, $58

Nordstrom, $88 @ *

[Just be sure to tuck that strap inside the clutch]

@ Available in more colors

* EWP fave

EWP Handbag Guide: Satchels

Satchels are true handbags because the handles are short enough that you hold it in your hand.

I must admit I'm not a huge satchel person, but no handbag guide would be complete without the satchel.

You'll want to use these luggage-inspired purses because:
With their wide, flat interiors and double handles, satchels have a classic look that never looks inappropriate.
Available in a variety of sizes, satchels can be filled with most women's day-to-day necessities.
You can achieve the perfect laid-back look with jeans and a leather satchel.
When you need a hand, your satchel easily rests in the crook of your arm, or if you pull the straps over your shoulder, your satchel tucks into your underarm.

Where you'll be taking your satchel:
On a date when you want a handbag with a ladylike look and plenty of storage
To a bar or club on girls' night out

Do: look for satchels with fun details like leather trim or fancy buckles on exterior pockets.
Do: choose brightly colored satchels in the spring and summer.
Don't: leave the detachable shoulder strap attached -- if your satchel comes with one -- across-the-shoulder straps are evil and must never be worn.

And now some satchel options just for you:

Kate Spade, $325 @

Longchamp, $420 @

Badgley Mischka, $155 @

MICHELE, $595 @

L.A.M.B., $395 @

Cole Haan, $348 @

Dooney & Bourke, $195 @ *

Marc by Marc Jacobs, $458 @

Tory Burch, $450 @

Fossil, $168

@ Available in more colors

* EWP fave