If Carrie Bradshaw was literally going to be the lady who lived in her shoes, then I will be the lady who lived in her handbags. I guess the upside is that handbags are a lot roomier and more cushion-y than those 12 million pairs of Manolos Carrie rocked on a season to season basis.

Fact is, I love handbags. And I don’t discriminate against clutches or cross body bags or cute totes, either.

Anything that holds all of my crap also holds the key to my heart. And what’s more, this season there are so many options! Fringed brown shoulder bags, adorable chain strap clutches… I mean, for seriousness, how does one decide without Suze Orman knocking on her door saying, “hellooo, you’ve got a problem, girlfriend.”

Well, thankfully, you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank for that banging new bag (now there’s a tongue twister – take that, Sally and your sea-shells at the shore). Here are a few of my budget bags that are must-snags. Target and Lulus are not messing around this season, that’s for sure. And while blacks, browns and beautiful cognacs are still wardrobe staples, colors are becoming the new neutral. From jewel tones to gray to a soft red, don’t be afraid to add a splash of color to your normally uniform black ensemble.

And, best part, you can rock that bag knowing you’ve done both me and Suze Orman proud. Sure, Carrie has her Manolos but you have your Tarjay, and that extra money in your wallet is much more fab.

Read More »

Riddle me this: It’s June. It’s cold and rainy in most of the country so you spend your day shopping instead of at the beach. You stumble upon sundress after sundress, cute top after cute top, and you want to buy everything. In fact, you’ve pretty much convinced yourself that it’s totally fine if  you move some money from your savings into your checking. Clothing is a sound investment, after all.  And even though Suze Orman would say “stop it right there, sister,” you really want/NEED these amazing frocks for summer.

Well I’m no Suze Orman, but “Stop it right there, sister.”

Let’s face it, summer is only 3 months. Is it worth going into debt buying that totally adorable DVF wrap dress? Sure Carrie Bradshaw would say yes, but Carrie Bradshaw is a fictional character. I however, your trusty budget sylista, am 100% reality. And not reality like The Hills reality – reality, reality. So listen up.

For such a short season, especially one that has been unseasonably unsummery (seriously mother earth – get on that), there really is no need to go into debt and owe your soul to Saks. Especially when this summer is ALL about accessories. The bolder, bigger and brighter, the better. Bib necklaces and funky necklaces are all over the place making it possible to take a garb from the 8th grade and make it look instantly modern, and make the simplest of outfits look uber chic and pulled together.

I scoured the web and compiled a ton of awesome options. When you wear one, though,  remember to pair it with simple clothes, solid color dresses, maxi dresses or with a great pair of jeans and solid top. Keep the rest of your accessories minimal. And, no, minimal does not mean 3 cocktail rings and a pair of hoop earrings. (Yes I’m talking to YOU, Miss Over-Accessorizer…and you too, grandma) Choose ONE other accessory, whether it be one ring, a few thin bangles or small studs and let the necklace be the focal point. Throw on cute shoes and a great bag and – boom – you just saved yourself a lot of money and buyer’s remorse. Not to mention you still look hella stylish.

I know, I’m good. I’ll be here all week. Well, I’ll be here every Friday. Read More »