Life. Love. Lipstick.

Someone tweeted recently about the bridesmaid selections at online boutique Ruche. I went to check it out and opened a whole world i never knew existed… think Anthropologie meets Urban Outfitters, except AFFORDABLE! I realize “affordable” is subjective term, but for a mother like me who literally lives paycheck to paycheck, affordable actually means “cheap.” So imagine how excited I was to discover vintage-inspired fashions that even I can buy!  Just a few of my favorites…

I have been “shopping” for a handbag.  I wander around stores (both online and brick and mortar) looking at them, but don’t really intend to buy one anytime soon.  I need a new bag, badly, but right now all our funds are directed at furnishing the apartment and getting married.  So for now, I gaze.

I am drawn to bags in a variety of styles and price ranges, but the ones that have stuck out the most to me in the last few days have really surprised me.  They aren’t labels I would normally turn to for a new bag.  Here are my 3 favorite handbag labels… this week.

Betseyville by Betsey Johnson

Loud, flashy, obnoxious and over-the-top… what’s not to love?!  I am a lover of all things Betsey Johnson.  I love the girliness of it all.  Girly without all the saccharine.  

My favorites right now are this sweet yellow bow clutch and this rockin’ leopard diaper bag.  Would kill for either (or both) of these!

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Kathy Van Zeeland

This designer is always a hit or miss.  Sometimes her bags look like granny purses.  Other times, I’m in total love.  I found one a couple of days ago that made me swoon.  I love pyramid studs on a bag, and the material this one is crafted of feels soooo good to the touch!  Would love this as a work tote.

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Urban Outfitters

I’m a huge fan of Urban, and I actually get a lot of DIY inspiration from there.  But their bags… excuse me while I wipe the dribble from my chin.

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