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Secure The Bag- Kirk Geiger London

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Hi Pretties,

I am over the moon excited to introduce a new handbag brand, well new to me brand. I ran across this bag on the Nordstrom website and was immediately smitten. Kurt Geiger London is based in the UK and started in 1963 and widely known first for their footwear. While on my staycation, I popped in Nordstrom and picked up this beauty!

The studded top handle immediately caught my eye. Top handle bags are classic and elegant.

Along with the stunning top handle is a substantial chunky chain with a leather shoulder strap that adds to the flexibility and edginess of this bag.

With the dimensions of 11”W x 7 ¼”H x 3 ½”D, this bag is more than roomy to handle phone, wallet, sunglasses and a few other essentials. The interior has a center divider with a slip pocket on both sides and a magnetic closure.

The signature quilted exterior adds to the beauty of this bag. The workmanship is impeccable.

Iconic eagle emblem, encrusted with crystals!

These pictures do not do this bag justice, it is the perfect size and in the most soft buttery leather. With its luxurious vibe and a price point below $300, this bag is a winner If you are looking for an elegant but edgy bag, look no more, this is the one! Have you heard of the Kurt Geiger London brand?

robincharmagne

A Bag And A Bonus – Let’s Go

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Hi pretties,

Ahhh Paris, still on cloud nine from my Girl’s Trip last month and I can’t wait to share more deets about this trip. But first, let’s talk about the shopping. Paris is known for its fabulous fashion and accessories. You will find EVERY major fashion house in Paris from really affordable stores like H&M to top of the line stores such as Hermes. There is something to buy at literally every price point. However, my particular jam is handbags. I had a thought wayyy in the back of my mind to buy a bag. I wasn’t sure what style or brand but I kinda, sorta thought I would snag something cute.

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann

Galeries Lafayette was our first stop, the big one with the fabulous rooftop views of Paris.

a view from the roof

Honestly, there were so many bags that I was a bit overwhelmed. If you are in Paris and love shopping, you must visit this location. The dining, shopping and views can’t be beat.

The Avenue des Champs-Élysées

I do not have to tell you about this famed street that is a shopper’s dream. There are super high end stores like Cartier and then there’s The Gap. The avenue again has something for every budget. Tons of places to eat – we chose Five Guys because the girls were starving and we wanted something super quick but delicious! But I was still on the hunt for a cute bag. While strolling the avenue, we stumbled upon Lancel. I had never heard of this French brand but the bags were calling me…Come in Robin, see what we have! I am glad I did!

this lady though…

Lancel

Lancel is a French brand that started in 1876 and is a premier French luxury brand. Each bag is handmade from luxurious leathers. There were so many beautiful styles but I am a sucker for a good crossbody. I chose the Clic de Lancel in black. Let’s look at this chic but edgy bag.

Lancel Paris
smooth glossy black leather
beautiful hardware/spacious interior/outside pocket/bag charm
silver hardware/bill compartment/card slots/compact
holds all the my current essentials
“With Clic, vintage understatement meets the rebellious elegance of today’s women.” -Lancel

VAT (Value Added Tax)

So here’s another good reason to buy luxury goods abroad. The Value Added Tax, or VAT, is a consumption tax assessed on the value added to goods and services – like a refund. So if you buy certain goods in Europe, you get a refund on your purchase based on the price, usually about 12%. Isn’t that THE best. Lancel did all the paperwork right in the store. When you leave, you present the form at the airport. You can choose a cash refund or have it applied to a credit card…easy peasy.

Currently obsessed with this chic crossbody. I think it falls right in the middle of being a casual weekend bag but equally good as a dressy bag. Loads of interior space to hold everything for the on the go girl! And, a matching wallet to pull off a polished look. I love that it is a French brand that is not so well known. After a 140 years, I think Lancel sure knows how to make a bag.

Have you purchased luxury goods abroad?

robincharmagne

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale – Home

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Hello pretties,

Yes, I know I know, everybody is talking about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! Why? It is a good sale which includes luxury items they may never or infrequently go on sale. Of course, loads of good fashion, but today I’m sharing some of my favorite home related picks in the sale.

Good huh! Gold is definitely going strong in home decor, I just love the gold serving pieces from Nordstrom beautiful bedding from Ted Baker, and who doesn’t love a good smell goods like from diptyque! I had a ball perusing all the goodies and saw a few I would love to snag! Are you browsing or shopping the sale? Any favorites?

robincharmagne

What’s In My Bag

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Hello pretties,
Round handbags to round out this week! Did you catch that? LOL There are so many fun handbag trends – straw bags, waist bags, bamboo bags and my favorite round handbags. Today I am sharing an oldie but goodie, What’s in my bag? When I first purchased this bag, I was a little concerned about the size but this cutie surprisingly holds a lot of stuff. Take a peek…… 

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What A Girl Wants – 2017 Gift Guide

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Happy Holidays pretties!
It is a three day week and a holiday week with Thanksgiving just a few days away and my other “holiday” Black Friday. As we kick off the holiday shopping season, I thought I would pull together some gifts that I think are pretty cool. There is something in this guide from fashion, home, and travel, in a wide range of price points. Take a peek at these goodies…

Accessories

It may be cliche, but absolutely true, accessories can make or break an outfit. Amp up your holiday outfit with these three on trend accessories – a beret, designer belt, or fur lined slides. Right on time for cooler temps is the fashionable beret. This hat flatters any size head and it does matter if your hair is long or short, you will look uber chic in a beret. We can credit Gucci for the designer belt trend. This option is an affordable alternative, yet still quite stylish. Gucci for the win again with another hot trend, the fur slide. Perfect mix of comfort and style with this casual shoe.

Home Decor

During the holidays, we’ll be hanging around the house a lot more. Here are some fun and useful gifts. Make someone’s day and gift them a sprocket, they will love you forever. This is hands down the coolest printer to print photos directly from your phone. The paper has a sticky back for scrapbooking and memory keeping. Leave the paper on the back to add photos to picture frames. If you are like me and need some motivation to meet your water goals, this bottle is the answer. With time reminders, you will easily sip your way to hydration. Gadgets are my thing and this spiralizer is at the top of my list this holiday season. With three blades for a spaghetti cut, fettuccine cut, or a ribbon cut – easily transform fruits and veggies into noodles, ribbons, and chips. Make your meals healthier with this awesome tool that is budget friendly and dishwasher safe.

Travel

Do you have your passport yet? Get it now! See the world with these pretty and functional gifts. Be a stand out traveler with this unique wheeled carry-on in black and white. Snag it for your next weekend getaway. Store all your chargers with these cases in your choice of pretty colors – black, silver, or gold. For your international travel, you will need an adapter for the electrical outlets. This one is heavy duty and comes with a sturdy case.

I have been pretty good this year hoping Santa leaves some of these goodies under my tree. I really like that spiralizer…hint hint. Have a fave from this guide? Already have one of these gifts? Let me know what you think about it!

Linking with these lovely bloggers.

robincharmagne

5 Summer Trends – OOTD #112

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Hello pretties,
Summer is starting to sizzle and so is the fashion. There is no shortage of trends to try this summer but for today’s OOTD, I compiled 5 of my favorites I rocked in the month of June!

Summer Trends

Kimonos
Kimonos are everywhere in fashion and are the easiest of the trends to wear. You can find them in all sorts of patterns and prints, but look for the most lightweight fabrics, after all it summer. Long and flowy, they work well over tops/bottoms or paired with a dress – bodycons and kimonos is my favorite pairing.

Ruffles
Oh so ladylike and ruffles come in all sizes. And, the trend for now is the bigger the ruffle the better. Tops and dresses have this feminine feature. Becaefyl of uffles ut ruffles s cam add weight so

Linking with these lovely bloggers.

robincharmagne
Images:
GDemeritte Photography

Stitch Fit Part II – OOTD #107

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stitchfix-review-part-two-robincharmagne
Hello pretties,
I am a tad bit late on part two of this review. But, I posted here about my first Stitch Fix box and I wanted to share the other two pieces I received – a maxi dress and a cardigan. Take a peek…

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The maxi dress and the cardigan

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Geometric pattern maxi – denim jacket not included

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The Maxi Dress

The maxi dress was actually very pretty in a bright blue and yellow geometric pattern. My main issue was the sleeves, not a fan of sleeveless because, real talk my arms need some work. I also did not care too much for the wide band which I thought put a big red X on my mid section. If these are your issues as well, add a denim jacket to cover the arms and to give a longer, more lean look. And, the dress was way too long and would have required some alteration.

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I don’t think so…

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The Cardigan

The cardigan just was not my style. The color was okay but the curved hem made the cardigan hang in a weird way. I may have liked it more had the style been more drapey or flowy and a bit longer. Just did not love it and could not see adding it to my wardrobe.

I did get a 2nd fix and returned all those items as well. My stylist is learning my style and the 3rd fix should more closely match what I wear everyday. I am still excited about this service, it is nice to have someone shop for you without leaving home. You can try Stitch Fix and let me know what you think about your fix.

Did you try it yet?

Linking with these lovely bloggers.

robincharmagne
Images:
GDemeritte Photography

Stitch Fix Review – OOTD #106

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stitch-fix-robincharmagne
Hello pretties,
I am so excited to share this post. Stitch Fix, now offers plus-size clothes in sizes 14W-24W and 1X-3X. If you have not heard about Stitch Fix, it is a wardrobe styling service. You tell your stylist what you like by answering a series of style questions and they handpick clothes and accessories for you and then send you a box of goodies. My box had 5 items – top, dress, jeans, cardigan, and a necklace. Checkout my unboxing and styling…

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The First Fix

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The goodies

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Top – gold cold-shoulder

Jeans with distressed details

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Perfect look!

This first box was pretty nice. The price range for the items was $50 to $100 dollars and the quality was excellent. But I have to say, I thought it was a bit pricey, for example, the jeans were $78 which is above the price I generally pay for jeans. The top was $44 and the necklace was $34. Now, there were two more items in the box, a maxi dress priced at $78 and a cardigan at $48. Both were good but not great. The shape of the cardigan was not attractive on me and the maxi was way too long and showed my arms – not my best feature.

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Passing on the maxi and the cardigan

Although I loved this outfit, I opted to return this fix which is super easy with a prepaid envelope provided.

Just drop off at the Post Office and you’re done

Overall, on the pretty scale, I would say my first fix was Pretty Awesome. The items I liked were on point with my lifestyle – casual and comfy. But the prices were a bit more than I would want to pay. I scheduled a second fix because I am so thrilled the good folks at Stitch Fix value the plus size shopper. I cannot wait to share my next fix with y’all. You can try Stitch Fix and let me know what you think.

Has anyone tried Stitch Fix?

Linking with these lovely bloggers.

robincharmagne
Images:
GDemeritte Photography

Favorite Things – Gift Guide 2016

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Season’s Greetings pretties,
Are you done with the Christmas shopping? Or, better question, have you started? No you say, well I’m here to help with a holiday gift guide featuring My Favorite Things. These are all products I actually use on the daily, my must haves, take a peek…
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My Top 3 Faves

1 – Has to be the Lancome eyeliner pencil in Kohl. My friends know this because I have used this brand for years, only brand I use. It goes on smooth, lasts all day and sharpens nicely.
2 – If you follow my OOTDs, you already know I have a love for distressed jeans – in all colors. So fashion forward ad easy to dress up or down. I hope they never fall out of fashion.
3 – That Calvin Klein Euphoria will turn heads for real. It smells so good, subtle but sexy!!!

Did these suggestions help? What are your daily go-to items you would gift this Christmas?

Linking with these lovely bloggers.

robincharmagne