Well the holiday countdown is on with just two weeks until Thanksgiving and under 45 shopping days until Christmas.  Besides the obvious shopping component of the holiday season (maybe it’s not obvious, I meant gifting) – there is also an abundance of holiday parties, events, and reasons to need new things for yourself!  For me, the biggest thing is to wear something that looks special, but but will be worn again (before next holiday season).  There are fabulous dresses out there, but the only one I would buy must be described with these three words *little black dress*.  Here are some of my favorite finds for this holiday season…versatile, budget-friendly, and beautiful!

In addition to the clothing you wear, you can instantly glamorize your look by swapping your normal purse for an oversized clutch, add some sparkly jewels, and gold or silver shoes!

Tanks by J.Crew
Flats by Tory Burch

Rather than explaining each item, you can click and see exactly where it’s sold and for how much.  The point is that you can buy just one festive piece (I prefer silver or gold rather than red or green) and pair it with things that you probably have in your wardrobe!  I know that I’m loving the J. Crew Sequin tank paired with the paperbag Gap skirt, or even the j. brand black skinnys in my closet!  I’ll be all dressed up with nowhere to go…better to be prepared!

Think of this as my holiday kickoff post – there are many sales to be discussed beginning now (well tomorrow).  Lastly, congratulations to Kaylea of Syracuse for winning The Shopaholic’s 4 Month Blogiversary Giveaway!!!!  Thank you to everyone for participating and referring your friends and family to this site!

shops love!

Molly, the newlywed from Nashville, has asked for some help finding the perfect bag to carry to work.  Here’s what she needs to fit inside: laptop, iPhone, iPad, kindle, files, books, and lunch – wow that is a lot (loving the fun gadgets though)!  While her Vera Bradley Miller Tote has treated her well since college, she wants a grown up version that is more classic and less *colorful* to take along to meetings.  Well Molly – I’ve got my work cut out for me, but I hope something here fits your demands!

If any designer knows class, it’s Tory Burch.  The Ella tote ($195) should hold all of your belongings while subtly screaming sophistication.  The nylon is durable and the patent leather trim is beautiful…too bad I don’t carry more stuff to work!  The Jaden Tote ($250) has a base with metal feet that makes it even more durable than Ella.  Just as beautiful and similar in size (the picture shown has a pattern, but they make one with solid black nylon too).

For a more budget-friendly alternative, LeSportsac could be your brand.  I really like the Deluxe Everygirl Tote ($92).  Plenty of room inside with inside pockets for a much more modest price. 

For an all leather version, the cost is definitely going to go up.  Cole Haan’s Camden Devin ($398) is a bee-u-tee-ful bag that is a little trendy too.  I love that is has the option to be a cross-body as well as on the shoulder.  The picture below shows the sides clipped inward, but they open up to provide much more interior space.

You could always look at the Longchamp totes as well…timeless, but I’d look into the all leather versions to avoid tearing at the bottom corners.  So, Molly (or anyone else in the market for a large work tote) – I hope you see something that will work for you…or at least helped you narrow the search!

If it were me, I’d go for a Tory Burch tote and call it a day.  I’ve never regretted a Tory purchase!!!!

shops love from the state of Maryland

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Of course I’m talking about handbags!  For us ladies, handbags are a necessity – how much we spend on them and how often we switch is completely personal though.  You will almost always see me carrying my Louis Vuitton shopper tote because it matches almost anything and fits just about everything!  When we get a sitter and have an evening out, I usually switch into something smaller and carry just the necessities.  I like to buy one new bag in the fall season…usually something leather that will hold up and from my favorite of the bag trends for that season.  This season though, I’m loving SO many different bags that I am clueless as to what exactly I want (shocking).  I think it’s time to pack up the classic LV for a bit and go for something more trendy.  The satchels, the hobos, the crossbodies paired with the chains, the studs, the metal – how will I ever choose?  It’s a matter of choosing something neutral enough to get through the season.  There are tons of muted colors that will blend wonderfully while still accessorizing in just the right way.  Here’s whats I’m talking about:

I’ll get my dream satchel out-of-the-way first because honestly, what’s not to love?   Oh right, I do not love the pricetag…but let’s pretend for just a second.  *flawless*  The deep clay color (or black or tan), the subtle gold chain, and the top zipper are perfection.  Kudos, Tory Burch.  Now back to reality, you can find a super cute satchel for a fraction of Tory’s cost.  Steve Madden did a nice job with this Candy Studs bag (shown in coral, available in black too).  Priced at $65 at Macy’s, it’s sure to get you noticed in a good way!

Are you more of a Hobo kind of gal?  This season has got you covered, too!  Cole Haan made the right move by adding the additional long strap.  Very versatile and big enough for the mom in us all!  Enough zippers/cubbies/pockets to stay organized too.  On sale at Zappos for $240 (and remember, always free overnight shipping).  And for a more wallet-friendly alternative, check out Big Buddha’s Chain Rocker faux leather hobo (say that three times fast).  It has just the right amount of metal and chains.

The last featured fall trend is the crossbody bag – usually smaller than the other styles.  I love the free spirit attitude of the crossbody - throw it over anything and forget it’s there – no one else will though if you’re wearing one of these.  Lucky brand did a pretty good job of maintaining the interior space of “Stash” which retails for $178.  Available in black and brown, but also purple and red which are great fall colors.  Finally, Nine West shines with “Star Bright.”  I love the pewter, the rhinestones, and the $40 price tag!  Find it at Piperlime.

So whatever your style, the season, or your budget - you can find a purse that will get you noticed for being *so now*.  These are just a sampling of what’s available, but the weather is changing and your handbag should too.

shops love!  Happy Labor Day Weekend!