But I NEVER Win Anything...

I cannot believe I haven't shared this with you guys yet!! Even though it was all over my social media, I just have to dedicate a post to it.

Let me start off by saying that I never, ever win anything -- giveaways, raffles, contests, races...nothing. I mean, I've pretty much entered every possible giveaway on blogs and on YouTube. But still. I never won once. (Oh, except for that time I thought I won..but it turns out someone hacked the users account and emailed everyone saying they won and to send their information over. Long story short -- I now receive 20 unknown calls a day from my information being sold.)

Well. My streak is over!! About a month ago, I found out that I won a giveaway on Ellie of City Brewed 's blog. Best part? IT WAS A PURSE! Not many of you may know this, but I am secretly a bag lady. Ever since I was little, I would store anything and everything in bags. My mom told me that I used to have a zillion bags all around my room. But if you asked me where a specific toy was, I knew exactly where it was.

After destroying the box...

Totally obsessed with this Joelle Hawkens bag! It's the perfect amount of grunge for me and it worked amazing for my commute into the city!! I definitely recommend checking out the other products on the site.

I still enter as many giveaways as I can even though I'm sure my luck is already used up. Fingers crossed though!

Decisions, decisions...

Do any of you have trouble making decisions? I am the Queen of being indecisive. Especially when high prices are involved. So now that I'm trying to decide on my first genuine leather purse, I am struggling big time. (#firstworldproblems)

A little background on this whole purse situation:

About 5 years ago, after I graduated high school, my family and I went on a two and a half week trip to Italy (take me back please). While we were there, my mom said I could buy one genuine leather purse. What better place to buy leather goods other than Italy?! Cue my inability to make decisions, and we had ourselves a stalemate. Low and behold, I didn't end up buying a purse in Italy. #Shocker. Luckily, my mom said that I could choose a name brand bag back in the US. 5 years later? Still no purse. Again, #shocker.

Now that I'm about to enter the real world as a working woman, I thought there was no better time to get my first "real" purse. But that means I need to make a decision. Uh oh. The deadline I've given myself is Christmas. How am I going to make this decision? With the help of all of you!

That's another reason why I love blogging. I'm a big fan of collecting people's opinions and taking them into consideration. You know, like gathering all the facts before coming to a conclusion. I find myself checking out the opinions and experiences of fellow bloggers/followers on products. So here I am, 5 years sans purse, asking for your help!

I've chosen a few options, pretty basic and mostly in black. I feel that spending this much money on one item requires getting something that is timeless, classy, and simple.

For play:

I've had my eyes on the Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Francesca for a little over a year now. It's simple, classic, and I've always loved the texture of Marc Jacobs leather.

After a while of seeing the regular Michael Kors Hamilton purse (Medium & Large), I decided it was too stiff for me. There's nothing nicer than the feel of broken in leather. So when I came across the Michael Kors Medium Hamilton Slouchy Satchel, I fell in love.

For work:

The idea of starting work also got me thinking about the possibility of a work bag. (Just what I need, more things to decide on and buy.) After reading a post about Dagne Dover on The College Prepster, I fell in love. Again.

Dagne Dover Tote & Clutch

Maybe I fall too easily. But the practicality of these two items sell themselves. That clutch is so perfect for going out at night and bringing just the essentials without carrying anything too bulky or uncomfortable. As for the tote? Not only does it have a slot for everything you could think of (laptop, iPad, cards), but it's totally chic too! Getting the tote in black would be the safest choice; but the oxblood is just so gorgeous!

Okay. I've narrowed it down. Now what?!

Opinions people!!

What's your favorite/current bag? Work or play!

Images from Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, & Dagne Dover websites.

Pinspiration Tuesday

It's been a while since I wrote one of these posts...

But going on my trip to Baltimore, I really had to "plan" out what to pack. I chose to get inspired by my fashion board on Pinterest. 

|| Denim shirt: Marshalls || Cross shirt: Forever 21 || Leather leggings: Urban Outfitters || Black combat boots: Steve Madden || Necklace: Forever 21 || Watch: Michael Kors || Bracelet: Brandy Melville ||

 

|| Scarf: H&M || Striped shirt: Marshalls || Leggings: Forever 21 || Brown riding boots: Franco Sarto ||

|| Cut out sweater: Mandee's (Jess's) || Leather leggings: Urban Outfitters || Necklace: Forever 21 || Shoes: Enzo Angiolini ||

 

|| Scarf: Marshalls || Flannel: Pac Sun || White T-shirt: Forever 21 || Leggings: Forever 21 || Brown combat boots: Steve Madden || Black studded cross body: Steve Madden ||

oops

Every time I travel, I always overpack...so this time I attempted to pre-pick outfits as to consolidate how much I brought. Needless to say, I still overpacked. I can't help it! I need options!

always,

cristinamarie

Virtual Christmas List

As usual, my mom's been begging me for a Christmas list. I'm always late giving my list...so why not make a virtual Christmas list? That way I can update it as I have new ideas ;)

Now I'm not saying I'm going to get everything on this list. But a girl can dream right?
Hey Santa.

{1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8 || 9 || 10 || 11 || 12 || 13 || 14 || 15 || 16}
5-Taylor Swift Red, The Lumineers, Mumford & Sons
14-The Little Fashion Dictionary of Fashion by Christian Dior, Decorate Workshop by Holly Becker, Decorate by Holly Becker

always,
cristinamarie