My Newfound Love Affair With The Crossbody Bag

via afashionlist.com

Ladies, it's time to let your hands spring free and your shoulders relax because summer is all about loosening up and letting go of that year round tension. Last week, I discovered the beauty of a crossbody bag and it changed my life. It's time it changed yours.

Now, as a smaller than average human, I'm drawn towards mini bags and anything that doesn't overwhelm my body. Unfortunately, there are so many things to carry in my day-to-day life that a little handbag just won't cut it. Somehow, I find myself with a giant purse filled with things I may or may not need to survive my day and I can't seem to get rid of any. Those days are over (for the most part).

I decided to take the leap and purchase a tiny crossbody bag, ideal for only a few essentials. This purchase was a lesson in packing light and selecting only the necessary. Here are some tips on how to do this:

1) Don't bring your entire makeup case. Your lipstick alone will do and occasionally, your eyeliner for quick touch ups.
2) You don't need to always have your entire wallet on your person. Take the cards you need every time you leave the house and you're golden.
3) If you're like me and need reading material, try an e-book. For travelling, you won't regret it.

Best part about this bag? You don't even need to hold it. Nothing in the world is more practical. So, next time you're thinking of stuffing your oversized tote with things, ask yourself whether you actually need every selected item. Eventually, you'll get used to choosing wisely and your shoulders will thank you.

Ponder It,

Bella

The Coachella Prep List

Coachella is just around the corner and of course, you have no idea what to wear. Lucky for you, the 70s are trending like crazy right now and nothing says Coachella better than your favourite hippie skirt. I know what you're thinking. Coachella is for celebrities and famous children, not you. What you don't know is that H&M has a Coachella collection dedicated to those of us who are fantasizing about the upcoming music festival and preparing our summer wardrobe accordingly. So you may not be attending this Hollywood extravaganza where fringes are favoured to sequins, but these trends still apply to you if you're planning on hitting the streets this summer for any social event. In honour of Coachella, I've prepared a list of trends to help you stock up your wardrobe and make you Coachella-ready for this 70s-inspired summer.

Here is what you need.

A Wide Brim Hat

I cannot stress enough the importance of a wide brim hat this season. For those of you who aren't inclined towards head attire, it's time to flip the switch and go for something bold. Nothing makes a statement better than something you would have never been caught dead in back in 2014.

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Something Fringy

In case you hadn't heard, fringe is the new black, ladies and gents. Whether on your handbag, the bottom of your skirt, or the rim of your crop top, fringe is everywhere and I simply can't get enough of it. Coachella may have not happened yet, but I can guarantee that fringe will make a star appearance on a number of celebs. If there's any trend you need to try this season, it's definitely this one.

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Cutoff Shorts

It isn't Coachella without a pair of inappropriately short cut off denim shorts. If you're not sure you're ready for high waisted flowy pants just yet, an easier option is a pair of jean shorts that you'll probably wear all summer long. In other words, it may be your best investment.

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Cowboy Boots

This may be the only time in your life where short shorts and cowboy boots are quasi appropriate. Conjure your inner Daisy Duke with a pair of suede booties that are purely #forthesakeoffashion because frankly, boots in L.A are never necessary. Add some fringe and you're right on trend.

via socialbliss.com

Big Shades

The sun is finally out and it is time to take out those funky shades. Coachella is a festival that celebrates the return of the sunshine with statement-making eye wear. Whether aviators or the latest round trend, pull out your festival best because this is the only time sunglasses are an essential accessory.

via vogue.com

A Statement Piece of Metallic Jewellery (Or Five)

When it comes to your Coachella jewels, more is more. It's time to tack on as many metallic pieces as you can whether stacked on your wrists or around your neck. Get out your best hippie jewellery and get ready to make some music with your bling.

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 Flowers or Florals

Whether worn in your hair or as a print on your dress, flowers are a must at Coachella. It's the festival that celebrates the start of spring and nothing says spring better than flowers blooming. Also, flowers are a symbol of nature and everyone knows that a true hippie lives for the natural landscape.

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Your Best Pair of Hippie Pants

What are hippie pants, you ask? Anything that provides all the breathing room you need to compensate for the constricting skinny jeans you're been wearing all winter. The flowier and wide the leg, the better. If you want to make a real statement? Get them in a bold print.

via elle.com

A Cross-Body Bag

If you're going to spend the entire day at a festival, your best friend is your cross-body bag. Who wants to carry a heavy purse when partying with your friends? Since cross-body bags are hands-free, there's no better way to ensure that you're a free spirit this festival season.

via en.louloumagazine.com

Your Best Friend

And the best accessory to try this season at Coachella? Your best friend. A group of well-dressed ladies attending the festival is guaranteed to attract some looks. Also, nothing is more fun than a party with your BFF a la model-off-duty.

via whowhatwear.com

Are you ready for Coachella? What will you be wearing?

Ponder it,

XOXO,

Bella

'Tis The Season To Be Fluffy

Winter is all about fluff. Snow tumbles on the ground only to transform into a bundle of white fluff that children make snowballs out of and throw at innocent passerby. As Buble would say, "It's a marshmallow world in the winter" and frankly, that sounds delicious. So, baby, it may be cold outside, but at least we can rely on fluff to keep us warm and cozy and compliment our Starbucks cup. This season, there is nothing more glamorous than some extra texture and for those who are not big on fur coats, it's time to take a look at some other alternatives. 

Here are ten fluffy pieces that I ADORE in the winter time. Take a look and get inspired.

The Fluffy Jacket

For those who are accustomed to wearing fluff, the fluffy jacket is an excellent style choice that will keep you feeling fashionable and warm simultaneously. It adds instant chic to your look and will make you want to keep that coat on no matter where you go.

via shopcade.com

The Fluffy Scarf

Not ready to commit to a coat? No matter. The fluffy scarf is a small accent  that will keep you feeling snug without the extra weight of a jacket. It can be subtle or bold, but make sure it's true to you.

via fashioninspirationblog.com

The Fluffy Vest

A fluffy vest is yet another alternative to the fluffy jacket. You may not be ready for all that fluff and I completely understand. This way, you can ease into it with a sleeveless variation of your typical jacket.

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The Fluffy Handbag

This year, fluff has been transferred to our handbags and we have Karl Lagerfeld to thank for that one. You may not want to WEAR the fluffy, but you can always carry it on your shoulder.

via lolobu.com

The Fluffy Sweater

This look is an easy fluffy go-to. Not sure what to wear? A fluffy sweater is ALWAYS the answer at this time of year.

via connectedtofashion.creatorsofdesign.com

The Fluffy Skirt

While this may seem bizarre to the average onlooker, the fluffy skirt is definitely a fashion statement. It defies expectations and when done right, it can look super cute with just about any slim fitted sweater.

via atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com

The Fluffy Hat

Nobody does a fluffy hat quite like a Russian fashion editor. Mira Duma reminds us that a fluffy hat can be chic without looking like over (read:road) kill.

via forum.purseblog.com

The Fluffy Muffs

It rhymes, therefore it is. Didn't some philosopher say that? Muffs are a great alternative to the hat. Breezy day? This invention is your chic solution.

via elleuk.com

The Fluffy Shoe

No, this is NOT meant to be practical or keep you warm. However, it's whimsical and that in itself is a reason to try it.

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Fluffy Mittens

Who needs fingers? If you want to avoid frostbitten hands, do as the fashionistas do and wear fluffy mitts. They may seem silly now, but just wait until you slip them on. Toasty.

via carolinesmode.com

I hope you'll feel inclined to try one of these fluffy options this winter. Nothing beats the cold quite like a fluffy fashionista.

XOXO,

Bella

Celine Is My Chanel

I'd like to apologize for my blog negligence yesterday. I was too busy celebrating mother's day to write about it (like everyone else in the social media world). In case you were wondering, we went out for dinner. It was lovely. But you probably weren't and just like everyone else, I decided to over-share anyway. 

On another note, I've made a very bold statement and you're probably anticipating some form of explanation. As you know, every season, there's an It-bag. In the fall, Karl Lagerfeld's Fendi Baguette was a fashionista favourite along with its fluffy toy accessory. This season, Karl introduced the Chanel backpack and it's rising to it-bag status as we figuratively speak. Some follow these bag trends, purchasing the next big thing every time it hits the racks. Others opt for the traditional Michael Kors or Hermes bag in a classic black that will remain timeless and suit their every need. Many girls are Chanel girls and this is a category on its own. Fashionista or not, everyone has heard of Chanel and if you survey most style conscious women in the upper middle class population, they will probably tell you that their dreams are filled with Chanel bags. Mine are filled with Celine.

via bergdorfprincess.tumblr.com

Red Celine, yellow Celine, green Celine, purple Celine, beige Celine, whether in its miniature satchel form or as a large tote, if I could buy them all, I'd have a closet full of Celine bags to match all my outfits. The shape is perfect for any woman's lifestyle and undeniably chic. My love for Celine bags is equivalent to Rose's for Jacques Dawson. Romeo's for Juliet. It's powerful, but alas, just like the love between these star-crossed lovers, it cannot be. I'm restricted by my own ability to reason and rationalize. Like the average consumer, I'm torn between my love for fashion accessories beyond my reach and my inability to rationalize such a hefty purchase. As I attempt to justify this type of purchase, I consistently lose the battle against myself. 

Many women will create excuses for themselves. It's my birthday. It's Christmas. I got all As in school. Obviously, I deserve Celine. Right?

I don't fall under that category. When I'm trying to reward myself, I might opt for a shopping spree at H&M. On my birthday, I'll probably hit the 100$ mark and press the stop button. And fashion god's forbid I purchase a knockoff. There's no bigger faux-pas. 

So, how do you actually justify Celine in a normal world? How do the Chanels justify a Chanel bag without the accompanied guilt? How do the Hermes gals justify putting themselves on a waiting list for a handbag that costs more than their rent? Is this merely a YOLO affair? Do we just succumb to debt and proudly sport our new bag at our next family event? Do we sacrifice cheap fashion fixes for the sake of one signature bag? Do we become one of those people with fancy bags and trashy clothing?

Unfortunately, I can't answer any of those questions. All I know is that sometimes the journey is better than the destination. Perhaps we can simply enjoy the dream of those Celines, Chanels, and Birkins. After all, dreams and anticipation are two necessary ingredients to a more exciting life.

Happy Monday! 

Bella