Madison's Picks: Handbags

We all want that designer look but unfortunately on a budget its kinda hard. I handpicked my favorite designer bags and found something similar that you won't feel guilty purchasing. I know what you're thinking...another one of those comparisons that make you realize how much more beautiful the designer bag is from the common one...believe me, this one is worth a peek.

 1. The Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM - a classic to all beauty queens. This little gem cost just about $1400. Never thought you could get that look? Think again. I found this Adrienne Vittadini look alike for only $35!!! yes, you read it right. Keep that pretty penny of yours and get yourself a look for less.

http://tjmaxx.tjx.com/store/jump/product/handbags-handbags-totes/Signature-Large-Tote/1000179578?colorId=NS1003549&pos=1:24&N=3264628212 

2. Prada Galleria bag - This luxury piece spares no expensive at $2230. Pretty little things aren't just for the rich and famous. Not quite as luxurious but still adorable. This black satchel from Charming Charlies, gives the same tasteful look without breaking the bank. You're welcome.

http://www.charmingcharlie.com/handbags/satchels/uptown-buckled-satchel.html#color=black 

3. Yves Saint Laurent Kate clutch - This iconic brand was not only the top pick for Serena Van der Woodsen but also a beautiful timeless piece. My affordable pick isn't quite fit for a Van der Woodsen but sure is adorable for any occasion. Your wallet will thank you. 

http://us.asos.com/dune/dune-studded-clutch-bag/prd/6903968?iid=6903968&clr=Taupe&SearchQuery=nude%20clutch%20bag&pgesize=23&pge=0&totalstyles=23&gridsize=3&gridrow=8&gridcolumn=2 

Accessorize Me

I have always been interested in finding new ways to wear my favorite pieces. A lot of women struggle with getting in a rut of wearing the same combinations. Maximize your outfits with changing what you accessorize with. This will create a new look without buying a new wardrobe! For my example I have taken a denim shirt and a jean jacket to create the perfect pairing. I know, I know, just those two pieces together is a tricky thing to pull off. With the right add ons, you will be looking fabulous in no time!

For my first look, i've pick something more classic. This will bring the focus in on the denim tops to create a fun sophisticated pairing. To accessorize this outfit, I added a burgundy velvet bow choker, a burgundy felt hat to match and a pair of strappy ballet flats. 

Another option would be to do something a little more cozy, I put this plaid blanket scarf, this grey crossbody bag! Just added a few different pieces can change this to a whole different outfit! 

A new look to create with these two items is with a dress. Camouflage is really fun for spring and add appeal to just an army green dress. Camouflage sweatshirt dress with layered necklaces, camel leather crossbody and tan suede flats. 

Organizing your Wardrobe

HAVE A CLEAR-OUT

Arrange your wardrobe into four piles: Love: I love these items. They fit me well and I wear them frequently. Maybe: I want to keep this but I don’t know why. (you know you have those items.) Donate: These items don’t fit my body or my life. Trash: These items are in bad condition.
Pro Tip: use your bed to make these piles so you have to finish before bedtime. 

After you have set aside four piles, revisit the maybes. Try them all on and ask questions. Does it flatter you? Have you worn it in the past 3-5 months? Will you wear it? Do you know what you will wear it with? If you answered no to any of these questions, chances are you won't miss it.

MIND YOUR GAP

Look out for gaps in your closet.

For example, when looking at your closet do you see lots of great tops and blouses but not enough bottoms to go with them? Keep this in mind when going shopping to keep your wardrobe balanced.

COLOR COORDINATION

This is something that is easy to do and looks much fresher on the eye. Arrange your blouses and sweaters by color.  I would put warm tones on one side, neutrals in the middle and cool tones on the other side. This will give you a better visual when putting outfits together. By doing this, you might see different color combinations that you might not have thought of when they were all together. Pieces get lost in the mix when your clothes are not sorted by color.

Before: 

After: 

Fall Go To

Love blush and layering for fall! Paired together this blush utility jacket with black and white flannel and graphic tee! You can do this with any colors! Such a comfy layered look!

Fall Hues

Love all of these new fall prints and patterns! Fall should be here by now but instead its still 80 degrees and sunny here in Michigan! Don't get me wrong, I love the warmth but this means that I can't wear any of my comfy layered looks yet! :(

Cant wait to wear all of these fall hues!

Back to Blazer

This comfy blazer isn't your ordinary workwear! You can wear it to so many different occasions! Its structured like a blazer but I treat it like a cardi! So cute and love this look for fall!

Check out all these cute ways to wear it!






















Super chic with this asymmetrical peplum and strappy flats!

Blazer: Sundays | Top: Anthropology |  Shoes: Report | Necklace: Francescas Collections |

You can't go wrong with a denim shirt and white pants!

Denim Button Shirt: Loft | White Pants: Jcrew |

Perfect fall look! Mixing patterns is great with this quiet stripe and large print plaid!

Flannel" Francescas Collections | Black Pants: American Eagle | Sneakers: Converse |

This blazer looks great with this hooded thermal! Love this street chic look!

Hooded Thermal: Jb and me | Jeans: American Eagle | Wedges: TOMS |

This army green button up is adorable with this blazer!

Green Button Shirt: H&M | Jeans: Hudson | Wedges: TOMS

Thrift Savvy

I was totally one of those girls that didn't go thrift shopping because I didn't want to have used clothes; I thought that everything that I would find would be something like my grandpa's sweater or a ratty mess. Well, I was wrong. I have found so many awesome finds at thrift stores! I know, I know, I have an advantage because because I work at one but shop around and you will find some adorable deals! I thrifted these pieces over a long period of time so don't feel bad if you don't find anything on your first trip! Just keep going back because they get new things in everyday and you want to snatch up the good deals before anyone else does!

Here are just some of my fav thrifts, Enjoy!

I got this cropped crewneck sweatshirt at a thrift store! I think I paid like $7 for it. It is so comfy and I love to layer it or wear it on its own! This sweatshirt is made by billabong.






















I got this Fringe sweater tank for $7!!! It was brand new and still had the tags on it! Fringe is totally in this season! For fall, I just threw a hooded flannel on over top and this is soo cute! The brand on this sweater tank is BB Dakota.

This peplum dress is perfect for any season and I love it! I paid less than $2 for this gem! I put a jean jacket and a necklace with it for summer but you can also wear it with a sweater, tights and boots for the winter! This dress is made by Forever 21.

Remember my post about flare jeans? Well you guessed it, I got those true religion jeans at a thrift store for...$10!

I picked up these 2 items and I LOVE them!! This oversized cardigan is great for lounging or for going out! The sweater is made by lululemon and the tshirt is made by vince. I paid $7 for each of these beauties!