Hey, Hey, Hey!!

It’s a rainy muggy start to August in ATL and has me thinking of Fall already!  Not that I am necessarily ready for Fall but kinda feel a bit like Fall is coming very very soon.  With that in mind I started (of course) thinking about Fall shopping!  Fall, BAG shopping.  Which led me to this post– how about a quick round-up of the best tote bags happening now.  More specifically, the best black tote bags!

I don’t know about you, but try as I might I can’t avoid having a “big” bag nearby!  I just have too much necessary STUFF!  It’s an unavoidable reality for me and luckily I came to that realization a long time ago and now I fully embrace it!  Don’t get me wrong I have my share (more than) of cute small bags, clutches, crossbody styles, etc. –you name a bag type and I got it,  but most often on a “regular” office, or errand running kinda day, I look to a larger bag to ensure I have enough room for all of my “must-haves”.  And you just may find a smaller bag inside…

With that in mind I am inspired to share a few of my “Best in Black” tote bag pics.  There is something here for everyone and every price point, because let’s be honest, not everyone can or even wants to spend $500+ on a bag!  We each can rock our personal style at any price point– you DO you!

Let me know what you think of my picks, own any of these?  Feel inspired to go and grab a new black tote RIGHT NOW?   Drop a comment below and please follow us–we’d love to hear from you!

Best in Black Tote Bags!!

 

 

5 Best in Black Totes!

1. Christian Louboutin Cabata Tote, $1290 – Gorgeous calfskin leather tote with the signature red rubber bottom.  Prepare to catch glances, stares and looks of longing if you splurge on this baby!  Slightly on the heavier side, measures approx. 15.5″ x 11.5″ x 5.5″.  No surprises here with the price tag, personally I think its totally worth the $1290 price tag.  I’d compare it to the LV Neverfull, which has a comparable tag for a non-leather tote.
2. Madewell Drawstring Transport Tote, $178 – If you are familiar with the other Madewell Transport styles this one making the list should not be a surprised.  Same quality bag, modern, minimal look and totally functional.  An alternative to the Transport Tote probably already in your closet.  Large bag with drawstring closure and double handles.  Comfortable 8.5in drop.  Also available in English Saddle
3. Rebecca Minkoff ‘Always On Regan’ Tote, $295 – She has the coolest names for her bags… Very versatile bag, zippered gusseted sides allows this bag to expand just a bit when needed.  Large size, easily holds your personal goodies as well as a laptop when needed.  Black smooth leather with silver hardware.  Measures a manageable 14″ x 12.5″ x 5″.
4. Street Level Reversible Faux Leather Tote, $49 – For the more budget-conscious and still Fabulous Shopper!  This tote includes a small wristlet inside perfect for corralling the extra-small things in your bag and a reversible contrasting interior.  I’d say this bag is extra-large size when compared to the other “large” bags.  Very soft material, magnetic closure.  Perfect option for work and play!
5. Tory Burch Chelsea Slouchy Tote, $498 – Great work tote or just plain ole stylish weekend schlepping kinda tote.  Quality grained leather with leather and chain detail handles.  This tote might be a little on the heavier side, but very durable as with most Tory Burch styles.

 

So what do you think of our round-up?  See something you like?  Own any of these?  Let us know what you think!   We’d love to hear from you!

Thanks so much for visiting our blog, comments welcomed!  Chickwares is more than a blog, check out our store for great fashionable gifts and girly stuff!  Need gift suggestions?  Let us work for you!

XOXO,

Chickwares
http://www.chickwares.com
@chickwares

We've pulled a top styles and spring fashion inspo for your shopping pleasure!  Check out our favorite kimonos, off-the-shoulder styles, gingham prints and more!

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Pink. Velvet. D’orsay. Pumps. Love!!!

Wanted to do a quick share on these hot, hot, hot pumps. I wore them today and got a ton of compliments and questions so thought I’d share. This style is actually one of my faves, these are the “Claudette” D’orsay pump by Jessica Simpson!  I don’t recall how I was first promoted to try this shoe, but I am so happy I did!  The style goes with everything!  Great for everyday if you wear heels everyday like I do —can go from office to evenings out effortlessly!  These are very comfortable yet sexy. The style tends to run small so I’d recommend going up a 1/2 size. I did!  

I love these and have them in 3 different looks, well 4 now…!  I have the nude patent leather (favorite), leopard print, black leather and now the pink velvet!

There is another shoe by JS that look similar to this one called the Livvy.  They are not the same, the heel is shorter and the fit is slightly different. I prefer the Claudette. 

A little shoe bio:

• Claudette pump by Jessica Simpson (yes, Jessica Simpson!)
• Pointed toe 
• 4” stiletto heel (not a super skinny heel but it is technically a stiletto heel)
• Half-d’Orsay style (sexy!)
• I’m featuring the velvet here but they are also available in leather, patent leather and suede
• Retails for $59-$89 depending on retailer and style, you can most likely find a great deals on any of the options!  See links below. 

Check out these retailers:

• Nordstrom.com| has the suede and a few more specialty styles 
• Zappos.com| has the velvet and patent leather 
• 6pm.com| has the leather and patent leather 
• Dillard’s.com| has the leather and patent leather
• Amazon.com| has the leather, the suede, the velvet and a few of the more specialty options

What do you think of these beauties?  Love?  Do you own a pair?  Comment here, we’d love to hear from you!
XOXO,

Chickwares

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Velvet, velvet and more velvet, velvet pieces are everywhere!  Definitely a hot and trending fabric for Fall and I think I love it!  Once assumed just a fabric for holidays or special occasions and nights out velvet has the ability to add “just enough” uumpf to any outfit so that you are always perfectly dressed or accessorized!

I think There are so many ways to incorporate this material into your wardrobe for Fall.  Every retailer and top brands are getting in on the velvet trend and offering some gorgeous must have pieces for the season!  You can spend a little or a lot to create your own FABULOUS look for Fall.  I’ve compiled a short list of must have pieces in a range of prices for your viewing and shopping pleasure!  Just to get you ladies started; so many options to choose from out there, Happy Shopping!

1. Velvet Clutch by BP., Nordstrom – $25; I love mine!  I use this inside of my larger tote bag to carry all of my smaller accessories and knick knacks!  Note:  I checked and this blue color is sold out, but this clutch was also available in pink or black.
2. Velvet Cami by Free People, Macy’s – $68; Gorgeous color choices!
3. Velvet Julian Backpack by Rebecca Minkoff, Nordstrom – $245  Great way to jazz up your weekly athleisure wear!
4. Hoxton Velvet Peg Jeans by Paige, Bloomingdale’s – $239
5. Velvet Double Tier Tank by Xhilaration, Target – $19.99
6. Graceful Velvet Ankle d’Orsay Pump by Topshop, Nordstrom – $100
7. Velvet Off the Shoulder Top by Do and Be, Bloomingdale’s – $68; pair with distressed jeans and sexy pumps!
8. Tai Velvet Wrap Dress by Seen Worn Kept, Anthropologie – $158; Velvet dress for this season– you’re going to need one!
9.  

Hope you enjoy shopping and wearing this trend!  What’s your favorite velvet piece?  Seen looks you love?  Share with us, we’d love to hear from you!  Follow us on Chickwaresblog!

Fall weather is upon up and I don’t know about you all, but I am ready! I love the weather and dressing for Fall! The weather here (Atlanta) during Fall is just the right amount of warm so that one can still be comfortable bare-legged; mixed with just enough cool so that you can wear sweaters and cozy cardigans later in the day or when you’re inside which I love! With that in mind and just in time for the week ahead I’ve decided to pull together a preview of some of the Fabulous inspo styles and looks that I’ve noted over the past couple of weeks.

This Fall sleeves and shoulder detail will be the IT thing!  Ruffles, slits, balloon, bell, voluminous, ruching, you name it and they have done it to our sleeves! So much attention is being paid to sleeves and shoulders for Fall–it is super awesome! I love great sleeve detailing and from t-shirts to sweaters there are so many options to choose from for the coming season. Check out the links below to see a couple of our top picks!

See ya soon!

XOXO,

Chickwares