DEISGNER ALERT - Kate Spade

By Jax

Recently, Kate Spade has put out a line of tote "shoppers."  These cute and versatile bags run for $145.00 (already low for a Kate Spade tote),  but this guy is on sale for even less!

Isn't it nice when designer fashion becomes so accessible???

Made By: Kate Spade

Price: $102.00 (originally $145.00)

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FASHION DEAL DIVA: Welcome Back 1976

By Jax

I really love this bag.  It's an absolute classic, but it just happens to work particularly well with the spring 70s trend.  And it's big without being overwhelming!

Made By: ASOS

Price: $71.72

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FASHION DEAL DIVA: A Cross-Body Investment

If you want to invest in a nice, cross-body leather bad that's not black or brown, I couldn't recommend this one more.  The small ruching detail and the fine leather make this a good long term investment choice.  I myself have yet to invest in a bag like this, so I might go to my local Steven Alan and buy it this weekend!

The good thing about this particular shade of blue is that it is appropriate for all types of weather and seasons (which, with the exception of navy, is rare for most shades of blue!)

Made By: Steven Alan

Price: $148.00 (originally $290.00)

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FASHION DEAL DIVA: Guys Buys

You know this bag can take a beating and still look great. Planning on wearing it to the office on your bike commute?  NO PROBLEM!

Messenger bags that combine sturdy design with manly good looks are usually the best sellers.  While this one was initially priced a tad bit too high, it's now down to a price that's more than palatable for an investment such as this.

Made By: MARC by Marc Jacobs

Found At: Bloomingdales

Price: $286.80 (originally $478.00)

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FASHION DEAL DIVA: Three Words Or Less

Describe in three words or less.

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FASHION DEAL DIVA: Evening Stunner

I've seen this swirl/ruffle fabric on a lot of dresses, and it doesn't always work on a dress....but my my my does it work on an evening bag!

FASHION DEAL DIVA: Awesome or Ugly?

Awesome?

Or Ugly?

YOU DECIDE!

BUY IT

FASHION DEAL DIVA: Shopping Spotlight - San Francisco!

I was out west almost all of last week (San Diego, then LA, then San Francisco!) When my boyfriend left from San Francisco for the next stop on his tour, I was left in San Francisco feeling sad and alone. So I did what I always do to perk me up....SHOPPING!!!!

I parked my rental car near Laguna and Greenwich (I think I was in a neighborhood called Cow Hollow?) and hit the pavement to find some cute boutiques and killer deals. I stopped in to get coffee at a small shop on the corner of Union and Laguna, but now I can't remember the name (yes, fail on my part, great coffee!) After wandering down Union a bit, I ran into a lovely little shop called Marmalade:

Photo Above: Marmalade

Photo Above: Marmalade

One of the things I love about Marmalade is that the shop looks like the bedroom 16 year old Jax always wanted. Cool and very pretty, but funky in a rebellious kind of way. The nostalgia added to an already pleasant shopping experience.

They had a lot of great, affordable basics, in a good variety of sizes and colors. It was definitely an eclectic mix, and the price points run about $30 to $60 on most items.

I settled on this studded shirt. The color is stunning! I don't have any item of clothing in this color, so it was a must for my collection. Price: $42.00

After Marmalade, I kept on wandering, and I saw a sign on Union pointing towards a shop that was up the hill to the left. I am so happy I followed that sign, and found Conifer!

Photo Above: Conifer

Photo Above: Conifer

Conifer reminds me of all my favorite shops in Brooklyn. I then talked to the owner, only to find out she was a Brooklyn transplant! (Yeah Brooklyn aesthetic!) Conifer is definitely pricier than Marmalade, but its chocked full of my favorite brands (Steven Alan, Lauren Merkin, Built By Wendy, etc.) I managed to find some great deals!

I was in dire need of a new white t-shirt. This one was originally $62.00, down to $39.00, and then another 30% off!

I fell in love with this Lauren Merkin bag. The braided strap and the funky embossing make this a good choice for both work and play. Plus, it fits a ton of stuff, which is always good for me (I am such a packrat.) Initially $525.00, it was on sale for the phenomenal price of $262.00! Talk about a designer alert!

And so came an end to my San Francisco shopping trip. I will note that after my shopping extravaganza, Sporty Special joined me for Sangria and crepes, making this one of the best days ever!

Marmalade

2059 Union Street

San Francisco, CA

(415) 673-9544

www.marmaladesf.com

Conifer

2484 Webster Street

San Francisco, CA

(415) 922-1892

www.conifershop.com

- Fashion Deal Diva

FASHION DEAL DIVA: Stark And Studly

I've been gravitating away from the zipper trend, but when it's done right, it's downright brilliant, and Mat and Nat did it right! The stark, bold look of a white studded bag in winter is exciting! Go ahead, rock that winter white!

Also, Mat and Nat are vegan approved (i.e. no leather or animal products used in their bags!)

Made By: Mat and Nat

Found At: Bloomingdales

Price: $129.50 (originally $189.00)

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FASHION DEAL DIVA: In A Sling

You don't have to pay a lot to grab a bag that fits with the sling trend. I personally love to wear kind of shapeless shirts, and then a sling bag crossed over the front of my body, which then provides the shape the shirt doesn't. It balances out that oversized trend, while building new trends of its own.

Made By: FredFlare

Price: $20.00

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FASHION DEAL DIVA: Satchel Gal

This bag reminds me of my 1st grade satchel bag. I loved it! I love this one as much.

And messenger bags are something I never feel I have enough of. I have totes and hobos and backpacks, but messenger bags somehow get lost in the shuffle! Don't let this one get lost in the shuffle!

Made By: Urban Outfitters

Price: $48.00

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Gray Days

I have a feeling that the surprise color of this fall is going to be...gray. I'm not sure why...maybe it's because Drew Barrymore had these stunning gray shoes on last week when she was on David Letterman. Soft, light gray is a warm and earthy color, and works well with a lot of key fall tones.

All that being said...this pewter croc-embossed clutch is the perfect addition to your gray fall outfit.

Made By: Zambos & Siega

Found On: shopbop.com

Price: $65.00

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HALF-OFF HOTTIE: Quilted

The quilted handbag trend seems to pop up again every once in a while, and I’ve recently seen the classic Chanel quilted leather with metal chain strap bag everywhere I turn!

I remember my mom having one from the 80’s or 90’s. Clearly, this is a timeless bag. Personally, it’s taken me some time to get used to the small-bag-with-long-strap thing, it just seems a tad oldlady-ish to me (maybe because I remember this trend from the 90‘s?) but seeing the trend everywhere has definitely helped change my perception and guess what?? I recently caved in and bought one.

No, not that one. At $3000 a bag, you really have to like it. BUY IT

Instead, I went for this bargain:

Aldo "Scates", $45.00

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Now you can be a part of the quilted handbag trend and still have some cash to carry in it!

Awesome Or Ugly!

Awesome?

Or Ugly?

YOU DECIDE!

BUY IT

FRUGAL FIANCÉE: Tote bags for everyone!

I have been looking for some good bridesmaids gifts which won't just get thrown out or put in the back of a closet after the wedding and I am a big fan of tote bags.

They are forever useful and the one above is only $9.99 from the Knot shop, which includes personalization. (I am one of those people who enjoys receiving presents with my name or initials on it, it feels special!) Choose from a wide variety of colors for the bag and the personalized stiching.

[Note: If any of my bridesmaids are reading this post, please act surprised if you receive a tote bag as part of your gift down the road :) .]

Made By: The Knot
Price: $9.99 (Originally $18.00)

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