Wednesday Wishlist: Carry All

This time of year, I seem to be perpetually in need of a giant bag to hold all of the stuff I'm lugging around. In the summer I can get away with a little crossbody bag, but once September hits it seems like I need to tote half of my life around with me, so a roomy shoulder bag becomes a very valuable thing. Happily, there are many good options to choose from. Let's take a look...

clockwise from l to r:

Vanessa Bruno Cabo Embellished Shopper ($253) -- These were everywhere ten years ago and were kind of overplayed in my opinion, but somehow a decade later this tote seems kind of fresh and interesting to me. I like the moody gray fabric offset by a bit of sparkle, like a cloud with a silver lining.

Monsoon Ticking Stripe Shopper ($38) -- crisp, clean, practical.

Target Leather Metallic Tote with Color Block Base ($60) -- Target seems to be introducing some slightly higher end bags to their inventory, including a number of interesting metallic options. I generally find their bags look and feel a bit cheap, but this two-tone tote is quite sharp.

Urban Outfitters BDG Convertible Tote -- I could never bring myself to pull the trigger on a Foley + Corrina City Tote, but I did quite enjoy the look and the cool slouchy shape. I'm digging this black on black inspired-by version from Urban Outfitters (though I may not be able to get over the fact that their parent company continues to be the worst).

Street Level Canvas Tote ($48) -- this bag has a lot to love -- practical shape, smart color combo, great price. A nice option if you're looking for an alternative to Madewell's popular Transport Tote.

Warehouse Leather and Suede Shopper ($69) -- this is about at sexy as a tote bag gets. The most fabulous way to schlep around way too much stuff.

Dogeared Big Canvas Tote ($32) -- a sturdy tote that comes with your choice of cheeky sayings. Since you know I'm going to end up at Chipotle, this one seems particularly practical.

Clare V. Matilde Backpack ($525) -- this a splurge (slightly less so if you can catch it during the Friends and Family sale), but it would be a nice investment piece if you have to tote around a lot during the workday. I have a lot of meetings and client visits and I always have to carry presentation materials, folders, tablets, and my own personal nonsense with me. This bag is chic and elegant and might even give people the impression that I have my shit together.

Luxe-ish

I may still be pining over the spendy pieces that I just can't afford right now, but I've also come across some great pieces that are fantastic and fantastically affordable. Sometimes you need to fake it until you make it -- it is nice to have some things in your closet that don't remind you that you're a girl on a budget.

1. J. Crew Factory Long-Sleeve Stripe Boatneck Tee ($26, on sale) -- this shirt has been highly touted by some of my favorite bloggers, I'm surprised it hasn't sold out yet. This is a great option for a classic striped tee -- the fit, fabric, and overall feel of this shirt is top notch, like a high end designer version at a fraction of the price. Two notes: first, the color is cryptically listed as "oat navy spring", but the stripes read black to me. Also, the full price of the shirt is almost $50, but J. Crew has been running plenty of sales lately -- I picked mine up in a Factory store for $26 and couldn't be happier, so hold out for a decent discount code!

2. Atterly Road Bladerunner Black Bodycon Dress ($54, on sale) -- you could spend a lot more on a simple but flattering dress like this. Save your money for great shoes or a killer bag to pair it with.

3. H&M Trenchcoat ($70) -- I love the idea of a classic trench, but I'm not sure how often I'd get to wear it. This seems like a great option -- I love the clean lines and sleek silhouette. There are cheaper versions, but unfortunately they often look it.

4. Dorothy Perkins Neutral Check Blanket Scarf ($25) -- Blanket scarves and coats are everywhere this year, probably because it is so damn cold. This cozy scarf is so chic and versatile, and a nice option if you feel like you're seeing the traditional yellow/red/green plaid one on everyone's neck these days (you are).

5. Warehouse Suede Zip Round Crossbody ($63) -- I was surprised by the price of this cute bag -- a real leather purse with classic styling could easily cost two or three times as much. This reddish color is striking but still neutral enough to work with lots of looks.

6. Target Dianne Cap Toe Espadrille ($25) -- I'm sure you've seen these before, they've been heavily featured on other great blogs. They don't work for me (not enough stretch), but I wish they did -- I would take them and myself straight to Italy. How perfect would these be for strolling the windy cobblestone streets of Venice or floating on a boat off the coast of Capri?

7. Target Solid Envelope Clutch ($16.99, on sale) -- I never think about shopping for an evening bag until I need one, and then I'm frustrated with my options: spend an arm and a leg for something I like, or settle for something budget-friendly but cheap looking. This one is shockingly good for the price -- I'm going to pick it up now so I'll be able to shop my closet when I need it.

8. Forever 21 Faux Leather Slides ($13) -- So simple, so chic. I'd buy two pair for this price.

Wednesday Wishlist

On Wednesdays, I'll share a roundup of whatever I'm obsessing about at the moment. This week the weather has me thinking about just one thing: coats.

                                       one/two/three/four/five/six/seven

I have a lifelong problem of never being dressed appropriately for the weather. So much so that random people stop me on the street to ask why I'm not wearing the right coat/shoes/headgear. Utilitarian outerwear can be often be pretty ugly, but sometimes I imagine that if I just had the right (and very cute) options, I'd finally get my act together. So this week, I'm dreaming about coats. I did just add a gorgeous dress coat to my wardrobe, but now I need something that will serve me on a day-to-day basis.

I'm not the girl who can wear a white coat without getting it dirty, but of course, all of the coats that are tempting my itchy mouse finger are pale and not at all practical. Still, the heart wants what it wants, so let's take a look at some dreamy, creamy winter coats:

Zara Padded Jacket with Patterned Lining ($129) -- I own a similar quilted jacket from Old Navy and I love the style. Mine is perfect for winter in Florida, but I'd love this more substantial version for winter...well, anywhere else.

Wool Duffle Coat ($39.90, on sale) -- Uniqlo's take on a traditional duffle coat is simple but perfect. The end-of-season pricing means sizes are limited, but this is a steal if you can find yours. I love this rich camel color, but the cherry red would also be a favorite for years to come.

Princess Coat ($55, on sale) -- A coat fit for Kate Middleton herself. The lines are so very feminine and the color, a sort of mink-y greige, is perfection. Right now is a great time to score a deal on a coat, and this one is firmly on my maybe list.

Heritage Sweater-Sleeve Duffle Coat ($275) -- Just too impractical and just not a wardrobe priority, but lovely nonetheless. After first seeing it on Capitol Hill Style I have developed an irrational, unbridled love for this coat. It's kind of the way it happens, right? Reminds me of a time my college roommate was visiting me in New York City and we saw Lisa Loeb at Chelsea Market, looking perfectly adorable in an ivory pea coat. A few weeks later my roommate called to tell me she went out and bought a similar coat because she just couldn't stop thinking about it. Maybe every woman needs a winter white coat at least once in her life?

Luxe Fur Collar Coat ($217) -- For the Olivia Pope in you, because you need that shit to be HANDLED.

Ultra Light Down Compact Jacket ($59) -- An Ultra Light Down coat has been on my wish list for a while. I've avoided down because I could just never get on board with the idea of wearing what is essentially a full-sized sleeping bag as a winter coat, but Uniqlo has figured out a way to make warm down coats look sleek. The hardest part is figuring out which style and color to choose (there are tons!), but I'm leaning towards this pretty mauve.

Catharine Coat ($178.20, on sale) -- For the Queen Elsa of Arendelle in you, because you want to use your magic to brighten a dreary gray winter day.