Buy the Designer Handbag Sans the Buyer’s Remorse

Kelsey K. — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 15:10:02 +0000

When you buy a designer handbag, you’re making an investment. And even though it’s an article of clothing, it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Just like every other decision you are faced with there are opportunity costs. Using these guidelines, not only will you be confident with your choice, but you’ll decrease the cost per wear.

First or Tenth

Is this your first designer handbag or your tenth? If it’s your first, consider choosing a classic color. Do you wear black or brown more often? This is the litmus test I recommend using for all wardrobe staples! Now that you have the color picked out, it’s time to think about the hardware. Do you wear silver or gold jewelry? Many high end brands craft leather goods with either/or. Consider this your warning: Do not settle. If you look hard enough you’ll find the perfect black bag with gold hardware vice versa.

Size matters

Once you have a “vision” it’s time to consider the size. Without question, in the handbag industry, the bigger the bag the higher the price tag. What type of lifestyle do you live? Are you often on the go? Do you have the iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 plus? For the lady on the go, a medium to large purse is ideal. Maybe you don’t have time to go home in between work and play. A sizable purse gives you enough room for a change of shoes and small laptop. Don’t be afraid to do a “fit test” in store.

Top (similar here and here) | Skirt c/o | Earrings (look for less here and here) | Lip Stain | Bun Maker

Everyday or special occasion?

How often do you plan on wearing the purse? Till “the wheels fall off” or for special occasions only? For an everyday purse, I highly recommend material that is easy to clean. Think smooth or patent leather – something you can wipe down with a wet wipe. Reserve the suede and velvet for special occasion. Tip: Store your designer handbag in the included pouch to increase its resell value.

Love Your Designer Handbag

The black shoulder bag (two pictures up) was my first Gucci purchase. This item is approaching five years old and its retirement is no where in sight. The medium size has suited me well over the years. Not only is it a show stopping “everyday” purse, but it doubles as a reliable to and fro handbag. I can easily stuff it with my cosmetics bag, iPad, and GG’s supplies. Fast forward to 2017 and my latest investment piece is this yellow statement bag. I realize yellow may not be everyone’s favorite color, but I am admittedly the most impractical person I know! So remember, consider the color, the size, and the longevity before pulling the trigger. This is the criteria I use when I splurge on a designer item and you all know how often I re-wear ’em all!

The post Buy the Designer Handbag Sans the Buyer’s Remorse appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

Side Slit Jeans and Sheer Lace Top

Kelsey K. — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 14:00:36 +0000

2017 is denim’s best year yet. But before we go there, let’s take a minute to reflect on the evolution of jeans. It all began in the late 1800s when Levis Strauss teamed up with the tailor Jacob Davis to craft a pair of durable “work pants.” Who knew decades later they’d become one of the most commonly worn garments in history?! Over the years we’ve witnessed this classic pant change with the times – for better and for worse. Fast forward to 2017 and “mom jeans” are back in style and the more rips in your pants the better. But it doesn’t stop there. Over the next few weeks I will be showcasing the latest and greatest in jeans and how you can go about styling them. Today we’ll cover the side slit jean trend.

Across the board, unfinished hens are IN. From rips, fringes, high-low hems, to slits, you name it it’s out there. Today we feature side slit jeans from the one and only Storets. I am in love with this trend because it is a comfortable alternative to dress pants. If you didn’t see the back pockets, you could easily mistake these stunners for a pair of powder blue slacks! That’s the kind of versatility I always look for.

When styling trendy jeans it’s important to consider their level of fancy. For example, destroyed or distressed jeans are casual. Pearl embellished jeans are dressy. In this case, side slit jeans fall right in between. Fancy is my middle name so I paired these bottoms with a sheer crop top. As you can see, I could literally swap the jeans for dress pants and the outfit would have the same affect! Next time I’ll go down the casual route and pair them with an embellished tee and mules or fishnet stockings and pumps during the fall. What is your favorite denim trend this year?! Stay tuned for Friday’s look featuring “stem hem” jeans.

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