I LOVE...

You know you've found a great new accessory when everyone who sees it says "Oh my god, I love that!" followed by "Where'd you get it?" Well, since the day I received my Stephanie Johnson pouches from the lovely people at Cambria Cove, that's all I've heard...

It's funny how such a simple, but glamorous design has caught the eye of so many! You've probably seen them featured a dozen times in different magazines, but I've been asked about them so much, I decided it was high time they made an appearance on coco+kelley. I'm especially enamoured with the latest addition of the ipad case.


*Order your own pouch set at Cambria Cove, or check out the complete collection on the Stephanie Johnson website.

Supersize Me {Redux}

My eyes might be bigger than my fashion stomach can take, but I'm still just completely enamored with all things oversized.



Especially when those things are luscious leather bags. I feel a new collectors item coming on!

images via brown dress with white dots

I LOVE...

Remember my recent post singing the praises of green leather? Let's just add this to the list, shall we?

Yum.

*gorgeous leather goods by valhalla on etsy

BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY! BEAUTIFUL BEEGEE BAGS

What's more important than the dress you wear to your birthday?? The accessories, darling! To jazz up my simple little white birthday dress, I found some beautiful vintage jewelry, popped on my Kate Spade heels and opted for a clutch recently sent to me by beegee bags!

These beautiful little clutches are amazing quality and come in so many fun and classic fabric choices (they can also do custom!) that there's sure to be one with your name on it. So tell us which one it is!

Head over to the beegee bags website and choose your favorite. Come back on over here to leave a comment and enter yourself to win a bag of your own! We'll draw the winner this weekend. Good luck!

GLOBAL STYLE: HMONG HANDBAGS

Hi everyone! It's Cristina from Fuji Files here to introduce you to the Hmong tribes and their beautiful creations. The Hmong are an ancient tribe who originated from the mountain regions of China and Mongolia and migrated south to Laos, Thailand and Vietnam seeking social and political freedom. The word Hmong means “free” and this is a defining element of Hmong tribes.
Following the Vietnam War many Hmong people were forced into refugee camps in Thailand or immigrated to America, Australia, Canada and France. You may remember Clint Eastwood’s film Gran Torino was based on a Hmong American community in Michigan.
Hmong people are often referred to as “flower Hmong” for their vivid pa ndau embroidery, meaning “flower cloth.”

The fabrics were originally worn for celebrations such as births, weddings, and New Year, but can also be seen in everyday items like baby carriers strapped to womens’ backs. Dazzling Lanna is an Etsy shop that creates one-of-a-kind handbags from vintage, handsewn Hmong baby carriers.

Model Abbey Lee Kershaw has been spotted carrying her own Hmong bag on numerous street style blogs.

So much work goes into each piece, from growing and dying the hemp to hand-sewing the embroidery. Cheaper alternatives are available on eBay but keep in mind that the cheaper price points usually means cheaper, machine made textiles.

I’ve already fallen for them and made a purchase of my own, and I receive compliments every time I wear it! Their one-of-a-kind vintage appeal is something you just don’t find everyday or at the mall!

*images by David Sutherland, Jane Gjestland, Rose.M, Craig Arend, StockholmStreetStyle, DazzlingLena

Euro Utility

With the thoughts of Italian hillsides still dancing in my head, when I stumbled across these Tamara Fogle bags, made of antique textiles like flour sacks, military tents and french linens, I was immediately smitten.

images via tamara fogle and pilgrim's way

They just pair so nicely with the rolling Italian hills, trips to the local farm stand or grabbing a few bottles of lovely wine as you stroll home for an afternoon on the veranda of your villa!

GO TOTE-ALLY GREEN WITH BLOOMIES + REBECCA MINKOFF!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Bloomingdale's. All opinions are 100% mine.

Ready to unleash your inner handbag designer? Well, in honor of Earth Day, Bloomingdale's is giving you the chance to go online and create your very own custom tote bag, submit it to a panel of fashion savvy judges, and win the chance to have your design produced by the fabulous Rebecca Minkoff! The winning tote will be sold exclusively online at Bloomingdales.com!
I whipped up this little design just to try things out, and it's totally fun, quick and easy! You can create a pre-made image to upload, or use the design tools they offer to create it all online. I decided to go with the watercolour trend and create a bag I'd actually carry - watery leaves with a sweet little message: {love your green}. Hey, there's nothing wrong with embracing your inner tree hugger!

On top of bragging rights, the winner will also receive a $2,000 gift card to Bloomingdale's (hello, shopping spree!). The runner up gets $1,000, and all entries are eligible to win $100 for a favorite design of the day... so what do you have to lose? I think it's the perfect little distraction for a Friday!

Don't forget to share your design with your friends - their votes could help make you the winner! Good luck and have fun!

HAPPY EASTER, BUNNIES

Hoping you all had a fabulous little holiday!! Instead of a chocolate bunny this year, I'll stick to my pre-vacation diet and take something a little more sparkly instead...
I'll be playing catch up tomorrow after my bachelorette partying, wine tasting, road tripping, easter weekend, but will be back Tuesday with posts and pics!

xoxo,
cassandra

*clutch by judith leiber

I LOVE BEING A GIRL...

Those boys don't know what they're missing.

*dress by 3.1 philip lim, bag by valentino. both available at net-a-porter

Deliciousness

The Braden Bag from Spool No. 72 is simply mmmmm,

mmmmm,

GOOD!

PS: And totally affordable!

I'm Loving....

Lily white looks to brighten my day.

in fashion...

Decor...

and of course accessories.

dress via gilt group

rooms via living etc, from the right bank to left coast, madebygirl, emmas designblogg

bags via needsupply and anthropologie

A Mixed Bag

I, like a lot of women I suspect, have a weakness for purses.  They're like throw pillows - you can change an entire look just by switching them out!

But even with my respectable collection I still haven't found the perfect carryall. You know, the giant, go anywhere, hold anything kind of bag. Something like this - 

I began doing a little digging and found a few viable options. The first is the line of satchels by Property Of. They're actually a line of men's bags but they're all amazing and totally workable. These are my faves.

property of via frolic! and mer mag

And if you want to go a little less utilitarian I'm also loving Moop's entire collection.

Their Market Bag in gunmetal grey above is particularly calling my name. You can check out Moop's store, their etsy shop or their blog. 

Giveaway! Tusk Patent Mini Bag

This is one of those giveaways where I really wish I could keep the prize for myself!! Tusk has long been one of my favorite creators of leather goods - especially their accessories (yes, I own a Tusk wallet!) I love their great variety of colors, finishes, and simple yet stylish designs.

So, since we're talkin' Spring Wardrobes here on coco+kelley soon, we figured we'd give you a jump start on a hot little accessory for you to rock in the sunshine!

The winner of this giveaway will be coming away with this fun mini bag from the Acapulco Collection in you choice of color. The scrunched patent leather finish is so fab... I would totally use this for a night out in black, but really it's perfect for any time of day. Especially in that fun yellow!

Ok, my little pretties, here's the drill! Head over to the Tusk website and come back to answer one of the following questions by leaving a comment below:

*1. What is your favorite find at Tusk? OR
*2. What would your dream bag look like?

Good luck!! The winner will be announced Monday, as usual, and thank you to Tusk for such a great giveaway!

I Love...

This bag from Antik Batik (well, really, anything from Antik Batik, while we're at it...)

*via here

Kinda reminds me of these too cool for school pinatas...

Complete with matching blindfold of course.

*PS - If you're willing to dish out $135 for a pinata... we obviously need to be friends. Please email me straight away.

Looky-Loo

I have a growing addiction to lookbooks. What was once a tool that only fashion insiders got to see, lookbooks are going mainstream.

My love for Hayden-Harnett is well-documented, but this pic from their FW2009 lookbook has me coveting more than just their fabulous bags. 

Loeffler Randall has achieved shoe-perfection, but they've tapped into my love for orange and I suddenly feel the need to empty spots in my closet to make way for their fall '09 wardrobe. More gorgeous pics from their lookbook here!

looks via simple lovely, vain and vapid,{frolic!}

You can look stunning and set your conscious at ease with the Christina dress from Sublet Clothing. They use sustainable materials and fair labor practices to make their simple and sweet ensembles. 

Putting fashion in context makes it so mouth watering. It's the perfect combination of fashion and art. If there's a career in lookbook design - I want in!

Three Times a Lady

Never underestimate the power of the killer accessory.

Be it a hot bag,

Fabulous hat (and hot bag)

Or rockin' coat (and fabulous hat and hot bag)

via  {this is glamorous} and style sightings

With the right details, even the simplest t-and-jeans look takes on a whole new life. 

I really need to find me that perfect bag! PS (I think pics 1 and 3 are the same girl!)

I Love...

This oversized clutch from Urban Outfitters


The pattern is simply beautiful and the pink lining to die for. This may be my first official purchase for Spring!

Sweet Girly Ruffles

I just can't get enough of girly ruffles these days, and I'm thinking I might need a sweet little clutch to incorporate them into my daily look...

My absolute favorite is this overdose of texture from Stacy Leigh in a perfect winter white.

Of course, I'm loving the tartan for the holidays, and the plaid fad is all the rage at the moment, so why not splurge on this fun little beauty, since it's only $28? My other runner up? A beautifully done faux croc bag that comes with two different lengths chain strap for ultimate versatility.

Did I mention all of them are Etsy sellers? Supporting small businesses is a wonderful way to get unique gifts for the holidays, so check out more of my favorite picks today from Etsy stores over at the gift guide.