Even if you don’t live in a cold climate (like Northwestern Ontario – there is a snowstorm going on as I write this!), you know there is a clear distinction between winter and summer wardrobe pieces, including handbags. For example, a purse covered in mink fur ain’t gonna fly in July. Not only will you look silly, the fur with make your arm hot, causing it to sweat, which will mat the fur and make you smell like a wet dog. Okay, I know, a semi-graphic example, but I think my point has been made. Because of this distinction, it’s important to incorporate some transition pieces into your closet. And this is where the Poya by See by Chloe comes in!

See is the diffusion line of Chloe, a chic French fashion house that is very popular with It Gals. Not only do they have a full ready-to-wear line of apparel, they also make gorgeous bags with the same street-style feel. While it may be hard to pull off a more couture Chloe dress for your day full of classes, a See by Chloe dress would be easy peasy. (Not to mention, easier on the wallet.)

The Poya is made of supple leather with dainty scallop details in a complementary shade. It’s a medium-sized satchel (14 L x 11 H x 6 D), so it will fit all your purse essentials. While it may not fit multiple textbooks, it’s the perfect size for a day of classes or shopping with your girls. The front flap opens up to reveal the main compartment, complete with a back zipper pocket for your precious trinkets

Now, you may ask what makes the Poya a great transition purse. The whisky-colored leather is a workable neutral that doesn’t have a specific season, like chocolate brown leather would be fit for winter. Also, the scallop detail make it girly enough to wear with a flowy gypsy top and cutoff denim shorts. Don’t believe me? See the two outfits I created below!

See?! How cute does the Poya look with both these outfits?! It’s not often that you find a bag that you can wear year round, so when you do, hold on tight.

The Poya from See by Chloe is priced at $495 and currently available at Nordstrom (which happens to be an Ebates affiliate! Hello, cash back!). However, it’s selling out fast, so don’t hesitate to pick one up! It’s not the cheapest satchel available, but when you consider that it’s made of real, quality leather and can virtually be worn every day of the year, it becomes a solid and justifiable purchase.

Check out Alex’s other must-have-bags (and say goodbye to your savings account) here.

But gloves are. Designers have really pulled out all the stops on gloves/mittens this year. They’ve incorporated all the latest trends (studs, ruffles, animal print, color) and made them fully functional for women of the 21st century. Meaning, fingerless/thumbless options so you don’t have to risk frostbite to check your News Feed.

And the best part: you can get them for cheap. You don’t need to spend $30 on something that you know you’re gonna lose (because you will and you know it).  Just stock up on the cheapies or, even better, grab a pair with strings. It worked in pre-school, so why not now? While your friends may mock you, you’ll be the one laughing when they tear off a mitten to return a text and lose it somewhere between here and that lecture hall across campus.

Here are some of the best of the best in hand and wrist warmers. Click on them for more info. Stay warm out there!