Straw bags, straw bags, and yes, straw bags...

It's no secret the straw bag is the must-have accessory of the summer. I have seen them all over Instagram, on the streets, in street style photos, in stores - even my mom has two! I've always liked straw bags for summer, they go with everything, can dress up a casual look, and can easily go from day to night.

My favorite bag is the Lucky Brand "Baria" tote. It's great quality, snap closure, and has enough room to carry all my stuff. Lucky only sold the tan in store and online, but Nordstorm Rack has them in FIVE colors and on sale for a great price.

Baria Straw Tote  |  Lucky Brand

The two bags on the left I scored at Goodwill for 80 cents a piece (!!!) and both new with tags. I would recommend checking your local thrift stores as I see them all the time. Just check the interiors for staining and the zippers. 

Here are some additional straw bags that I own (and some I just really love!)

The most popular straw bag I have seen is the shoulder circle bag. I ordered this one on Amazon Prime. It came pressed flat, so I recommend stuffing it with some t-shirts for a few days to get the shape right.

Pros: has plenty of room, a shoulder strap and handles to carry either way, zipper closure, looks great with all my outfits

Cons: it's not as high-quality as one you will find at a department store, the side has started to cave in from wearing it on my shoulder (pressed in from my leg).

Donalworld via Amazon  |  $24.85

Large Eden Straw Tote  |  Francesca's

This is another popular style I have seen on Instagram and in person. I wasn't a fan of this style, the bag is not as large as the one above, closure not as sturdy and to be 100% honest - smells like BBQ on the inside!!! I promise you, hit up a Francesca's and open that bag. BBQ!

Round Rattan Bali Bag  |  Amazon

Adrianna Round Rattan in black  |  Francesca's

THIS BAG. If you have never seen this bag then you have been living in a cave. Personally, I am not a fan of this bag to use in everyday life. While it's pretty to look at, I think it has been used more than an Instagram prop than in real life. Over the past year, more retailers have come out with their own affordable versions. I saw the Francesca's version over the weekend, and it is really great quality - if you decide you really need one, I would recommend theirs.

Mini Ark  |  Cult Gaia

Bali High End Wooden Clutch  |  Francesca's

Handmade Bamboo Bag  |  Amazon

Starclouds on a Monday...

This weekend my husband and I made a quick trip down to the UTC in Sarasota (my favorite). We always stop by Saks to try on sunglasses, drool over the shoe department, and discuss how Target and Forever 21 are knocking off every single designer bag on the market. (Seriously, it's crazy!) 

This past weekend they were doing extra 40% off sale items. I lucked out and found these GLITTER Hunter boots on the rack for $62! (A steal if you ask me.)

I had pretty much given up on finding some Hunter boots...I won't pay full price for them, and the Target collaboration was a hot mess disaster. They fit so perfectly, are super comfy and hello, did I mention they are GLITTER!? I linked some down below where you can find them on sale, although it might take a little patience and a coupon code to get them down to $62.  

Now I just need a little rain. 

Starcloud Glitter Rain Boots  |  Hunter

Boots at Bloomingdale's

Boots at Nordstrom Rack

The struggle with jeans...

The struggle to find work appropriate jeans for me is real. My favorite jeans from American Eagle were from about six years ago - a skinny stretch in long with no rips. Not too tight - not too loose, the perfect amount of stretch. 

Now when I go searching for jeans, they are skin tight, have rips up and down the legs, the ends are cut or jagged, they are high-waisted mom jeans or tapered dad jeans or low waist baggy boyfriend jeans or whoever jeans. 

So for now, I am still wearing my six-year-old American Eagle jeans with my fingers crossed they come out with them again someday. A girl can dream, right?

Tie front shirt (similar)  |  TJ Maxx

Long Skinny Jeans (similar)  |  American Eagle

Elberta Flip Flop Sandal  |  Target

You know what day it is...

Happy hump day! If it makes me a whiney baby - I don't care - this has been the longest week ever (right?! Just me? Ok...) and I miss being on vacation. First world problems, I know. 

Anyway, as much as I wish I had a billion dollars and a wardrobe so large I didn't have to repeat outfits, I don't. Which is why I am wearing one of my favorite white tees (again) and these awesome Target slides (again!). I got the slides on clearance at my Target, they are still full price online, but I think as the fall shoes start rolling in you'll find more and more summer shoes getting marked down.

I LOVE the Rebecca Minkoff "Affair" bag. It fits me, I can wear it as a crossbody or a shoulder bag, and it has so much room for all my stuff. I got this gold one on Poshmark a few months ago for a steal. I have an embarrassing amount of RM bags, but the best part is, none were over $50! I have purchased most on Poshmark, one at Nordstrom Rack and my first one at Plato's Closet. They were all in mint condition, some even new with tags. 

I find that if I really like a trendy item, instead of rushing out to buy it to keep up with the bloggers, I can wait a bit, search sales and resale sites and find what I am looking for at a great price. Also, it's a bit of the thrill of the hunt...explains my addiction to thrift stores and antique stores. 

Anniemae Woven Slide Sandals  |  Target

Jeans (similar)  |  Levis

A New Day Kimono  |  Target

Lettuce Edge Tee  |  Good Luck Gem

Affair Gold Crossbody (similar)  |  Rebecca Minkoff

Made it!

The Lilly Pulitzer Bay dress is one of my favorites. Not only is it flattering, has cute sleeves and keyhole back opening, it's long enough for me to wear to work!

I hope Lilly comes out with more cotton dresses this fall, lately they have been so short and so expensive. I love the simple designs with long or 3/4 sleeves...fingers crossed for there to be some in the After Party Sale!

No Prob Llama Bay Dress  |  Lilly Pulitzer

Huntress Metallic Knotted Sandal  |  Target

Necklace (old, similar)  |  Dillards

Mondays make me crabby...

Mondays are always hard - especially after vacation! I always spend the first few minutes of waking up thinking that maybe I would find a million dollars on the street or win the lottery so I could just stay on vacation forever. Am I the only person that does this?

I got these pants a few months ago at TJ Maxx. They are so comfy and the tassel tie detail dresses them up for work. I picked up these sandals last week at Target - they were on clearance for only $7 in store. 

Everything else is linked below, and if not, similar items are there. Hope you have a great week! Friday will be here before we know it. 

Lettuce Edge Tee  |  Good Luck Gem

Linen Striped Pant (similar, similar) |  TJ Maxx

Pinch Me Crab Crossbody (similar)  |  Betsey Johnson

Anniemae Woven Slide Sandal |  Target

Say cheese...

I got this necklace three years ago at an H&M in San Francisco. It was an impulse buy and tbh it reminds me of cheese so I love it. 

The tee is a recent purchase from Forever 21. I found it in the men's section and it comes in three colors - black/white, red/white and navy/white. I normally shop the men's section for tees because I'm a taller girl (5'9) and have a hard time finding casual tees in the women's department (of any store) that are long enough! Anyone else have that problem?

Currently on my last day of work before VACATION! 🌴 I am working on my packing list so I'll be snapping some outfit pictures and posting throughout the week. 

Yellow Necklace (similar \ similar \ similar)  |  H&M

Striped Tee (similar \ similar)  |  Forever 21