Three Ways: Black Wrap Dress

One of my favorite purchases this month is a black wrap dress from H&M. I'm obsessed. OBSESSED. 

{Fit Tip: Even the best fitting wrap dresses and v-neck dresses can gape a little when you move. I bring these kinds of dresses to my tailor and have them add a tiny hidden snap or hook & eye closure. right where the fabric meets at the neckline. No one ever knows it's there, and you won't have to spend the day adjusting yourself to keep covered. It costs about $10 and is worth every penny!}

Amazing, right? It is incredibly simple but lovely, flattering, and (I hope) really versatile. I love it as an easy work option -- when you're running late, a classic dress like this can be a lifesaver. But I'm so excited about this dress I want more reasons to wear it, so I decided to play around with some other options:

Dressed Up

When you have a blank canvas like this dress, even the simplest accessories will stand out. It's tempting to load up with lots of jewelry (and let's face it, I probably will at some point), but how about just one bold bracelet and bright earrings?

And don't miss an opportunity to break out some sexy shoes. I am still in love with these Zara beauties and look, they work here perfectly! I think I need to buy these shoes.



Dressed Down

I usually live in jeans on the weekend, but this would be an easy way to change things up and still feel relaxed and comfortable. I'd wear this for brunch with friends or just running around the neighborhood taking care of weekend errands. I love the idea of layering lots of different neutrals -- just add a casual little jacket and scarf and then you have the perfect blank canvas to showcase your current favorite accessories (a sharp tote, fun flats, a great chunky watch).



Client Ready

I can think of a million ways I'll wear this to the office, but these chilly winter temps are making me crave a cozy knit sweater and great boots. Mixing black and brown can be tricky -- I think adding warm gold jewelry helps tie things together nicely. I just bought a similar tank-style watch and I love it, and I have my eye on this zodiac pendant (great on its own or layered).

Wednesday Wishlist: Perfect Everyday Bags

Confession time: I'm not really much of a handbag girl. Of course, I need to lug my stuff around so I have to have a few good options in my closet, but they're far from the most important part of my wardrobe. I don't need to have a different bag to match every mood, I don't really care about the latest it bag. For my everyday bag, I have a few very specific requirements: it has to be leather (or at least look like it), it has to be roomy but not bulky, and it should be easy to carry (nice long shoulder straps, and maybe a crossbody option).

I don't have a brand preference -- I generally avoid anything with logos and instead try to find bags that convey style and quality while staying kind of anonymous. These bags may share some details with of-the-moment bags (a little quilting here, a tassel there, etc.), but they are definitely not knockoffs. Theory just launched a line of bags and accessories and I love the way they described their aesthetic: "Unbranded is our brand". When it comes to bags, I'm happy to take mine unbranded.

Since my bags get a lot of use, I don't mind spending a little money for something I love. Here are some of my current favorites at around $200:

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

1. Madewell Transport Tote ($168) -- A best-seller and blogger favorite. Even though this generally meets all of my perfect bag's qualifications, the Transport Tote didn't really catch my eye until I saw the black/cognac color combo. Boom: love. The price feels a bit high for me, so rather than wait for a deal I think I'll try the next best thing: raiding my mom's closet. My ever-chic mom was way ahead of the trend and picked up an almost identical Cynthia Rowley tote on sale at Marshalls...almost 2 years ago! I'm sure she'll be ready to retire it soon...

2. Vince Camuto Kat Convertible Satchel ($150, on sale) -- I love the shape of this bag. Marc Jacobs made it popular years ago, and for good reason -- you get a roomy bag that tucks neatly under your arm and goes with almost everything. The poppy red color is my favorite.

3. Deux Lux Basketweave Hobo Bag ($129, on sale) -- Deux Lux is one of my favorite brands for stylish and affordable bags. Even at full price they are pretty reasonable, but I often find great deals at TJ Maxx and flash sale sites like Hautelook. This one is clearly influenced by Bottega Veneta, giving it a modern but timeless feel.

4. Isaac Mizrahi Oversized Hobo Bag ($218) -- Just big and slouchy and great. The only issue is making sure you don't overload it and give yourself a hunchback, but this is perfect for the eternal Girl Scout who never likes to leave the house unprepared.

5. Boden Maida Vale Bag ($228) -- The most classic slouchy hobo shape in a really fresh color. Check out the other options, too -- the silver is great if you love a good metallic.

6. Deux Lux Drawstring Bucket Bag ($105) -- I gravitate towards totes and hobos, but a bucket bag is a fantastic and practical style that would be a great addition to my wardrobe. Keep the strap a little short or wear it crossbody to keep it from going too soccer mom.

7. Forever 21 Colorblock Faux Leather Tote ($30) -- If this looks as good in person as it does online, this is a steal! I love the color combo and the overall versatility of this bag. Forever 21 can be very hit or miss when it comes to handbags, but I've got my fingers crossed for this one.