For work: 

I've said it before, but there are three essential components for a work bag: 1. It must be big enough to hold papers if necessary; 2. It should be in a neutral color so that it isn't too flashy and will go with pretty much every work outfit you wear; and 3. It should have the option to carry it on your shoulder in case it gets heavy during your commute (assuming you don't drive to work). Both of the bags I chose to feature have all of the above, and I know I was using my Emilie for work all the time.

1. Michael Kors | 2. Alexander Wang Emilie 

For dressed up fun: 

Clutches are perfect for evening - all they have to hold are your credit cards, a little cash, your phone and keys, and they're so chic! They're perfect for weddings, drinks with the girls, or pretty much any evening event. Depending on your lifestyle, I'd recommend having a few in different colors, as they're also perfect to add a little pop of color to your outfit.

3. Saint Laurent | 4. Coach | 5. Style & Co. 

For weekends/the gym: 

These bags are great for short vacations like a weekend away, for the gym, and as a carry on when you travel. (I've been lusting after the Lo and Sons OMG bag for ages, but I currently use my Longchamp and love it because it's light and big enough to carry extra things on trips, run errands with, and still fits under the seat in front of me on an airplane.)

6. Lo and Sons | 7. Longchamp 

For travel day: 

Cross body bags are great for travel because they leave you hands-free, and these options are big enough to still carry a camera along with my daily essentials, perfect for walking around and exploring new places all day. (If you haven't noticed, I use my Mulberry Alexa all the time when I'm traveling because I can fit everything in it!)

8. Mulberry Alexa | 9. Proenza Schouler PS1

For hands-free fun: 

This category isn't really essential, but I know I like to have a hands free option for nighttime as well - how better to hold a drink in one hand, and a date's hand with the other? 

10. Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC | 11. Rachel Roy

What would you say are your essential types of bags?

For all Style 101 posts, click here

In general, wherever there's some bare skin is the perfect opportunity to add a piece of jewelry, and jewelry is the perfect accessory to add some sparkle, some edge, or some color to your outfit.

See all Style 101 posts here

 Printed Clutch: Claire Vivier // Watch: Michael Kors // Scarf: mark. //  Ring: Tinley Road // Loafers: Sam Edelman // Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

There's something so luxurious looking about these neutrals paired with gold or rose gold (and, ok, the ring itself is really just gold with white, but it's so pretty I couldn't resist adding it in!). I think these accessories would be perfectly paired with a casual outfit (like casual skinny destroyed jeans and a white button down oxford) to add a touch of glamour. Plus, these are keeping me hopeful for Spring - and warmer temps!

I realized recently that the 5 scarves that I own are either pink or purple (no surprise there, really!), so I think it's about time I picked up a few more in new colors. I love the way a good scarf can add something unexpected to an outfit while also keeping you warm (pretty and practical!), so I rounded up some budget friendly options, all under $60. 

Celebrity images via Purse Forum, Model & Bag images via Mulberry

How cute are all these Gap slip-ons? Although not quite as luxurious as Stubbs & Wootton's slippers (which average at $400 a pair), at just $39.95 a pair, I wouldn't complain! I particularly love the Herringbone pair with the purple trim, but I might even spring for a couple of them! Maybe the animal print one, or the polka dots? (Since I already have leopard print slip ons from Topshop...) Hmm...decisions, decisions!

Which ones are your fave? Would you wear these, or are they too preppy for your style?

I rarely switch out my pearl studs, and even more rarely feel the urge to, but these earrings are making me reconsider! I think my favorite pair out of these is the drop dead gorgeous emerald pair (number 5) - they make me think of Keira Knightley's gown in Atonement - only in jewelry form! 

I will have you know though, that aside from the emerald pair, all of these are under $35! And the Bow Knocker Cameo one is under ten. Dollars. For those of you looking for a bargain, I think this is a great one!!

Would you rock statement earrings? 

Michael Kors // mark.

I love big, oversized gold watches for the summer! Sadly, I just don't feel justified spending $250 on one when my mother gave me a lovely silver Hermes watch for my 21st birthday, so luckily there's the less expensive mark. version! If you look, there's hardly any difference - I only know that those mini dial things (what are they called? - and can you believe I used to write the watches section in a magazine? haha) are purely for decoration purposes only on the mark version, but I don't know about the Michael Kors!

I have the mark. one and after having 2 links removed, it fits me perfectly. It's got a nice weight and feel to it, and I love the rhinestone detailing! When I was at a Michael Kors store about a month ago, the sales associate literally thought my watch was MK! 

I can think of many other things I'd rather buy with the $190 I saved - a couple dresses, some shoes...put it in my piggy bank to save for vacation...

Which would you choose? 

How gorgeous are these iPhone cases? They're all from Society 6 (and available for 3G/3GS, and 4/4S models) which from what I can tell is a place where artists can sell their work as prints, on canvas, clothes, or iPhone cases, and stationery - all of the cases above are also available as prints, which is a nice option to have!

I particularly love the giraffe and the surf print, and they'd both look great on my white iPhone...;) If only I could justify having one for each day of the week! 

Images

One thing I am never without is a drugstore hair tie around my left wrist. I hate how it looks there, resting among my bracelets and watch, but I hate even more when it's not there and I have to dig around in my purse or pocket with one hand holding my hair. (When this happens, I've normally already pulled my hair back and forgotten that my hair tie isn't on my wrist!) Plus, my mother dislikes the way it looks too, but up until now I haven't had a better solution - I'd rather have something be convenient and not look as good than to be annoyed later!

No more!

I came across Mane Message when I googled "hair ties", in search of a more stylish solution, and they were exactly what I was looking for! These hair ties are made to double as a bracelet, and come in what looks like a million different colors (either solid or tie-dyed). On top of that, they claim to not leave dents in your hair! 

My only problem now? Choosing which colors to get!

Shop here

This Theodora & Callum Madrid Scarf - I'm in love with colors (neon yellow and lavender and gray? Yes please!!) and know it'll go with almost everything in my wardrobe! Plus, I love how it's huge and you can wear it several different ways (video below; click on the link to the left to see more!) - versatility is essential for any summer traveling!

After spending some time going through the videos, I am thoroughly convinced I need one...now. (As if I live by a beach! Guess that's just another excuse to plan a beach holiday, now isn't it?)

Buy it here !

Images: 1 // 2 & 3