January 22nd, 2013

Roses are Red, Voilets are Blue…

We have a lovely Valentine’s Day Guide waiting for you! Whether you’re looking for super-sweet outfit inspiration or you’re tickled pink over DIY heart decor, we’ve got you covered! Go ahead and mosey on over to our Gal’s Guide to Valentine’s Day, and feast your eyes on bags we fancy. Plus, nab some oh-so clever gift ideas for your main squeeze.

And did we mention that we’re running a Valentine’s Day contest with a chance to win an Austin Studded Foldover Tote + $50 to Handbag Heaven!? It’s our special gift to you. ;) Click here for more details!

By Molly in Contests & Giveaways, DIY Projects, Fashion, Featured Handbags, Lifestyle, Miscellaneous | Permalink | No Comments »

December 27th, 2012

Happy New Year! Our Favorite Posts of 2012

As we prep for an evening of party hopping, cocktail sipping, and memory making, we can’t help but look back on all the reasons we have to celebrate. 2012 has been an eventful year for Handbag Heaven as we moved into a chic new office space, launched a stylish and oh-so-helpful guide to Building a College Wardrobe, and worked like busy bees to ship your new handbags in time for the holidays!

So before we slip into our sparkly dresses and start teasing our hair like there’s no tomorrow, we’d like to take a few minutes to look back on our favorite posts from the past year!

14 Ways to Transform Your Handbag

What’s a girl to do when she’s dreaming of the latest runway trends, but living on a ramen-noodles-only kind of budget? Get a little crafty, of course! These 14 DIYs will transform your handbags from so-so to downright spunky.

Travel Abroad Survival Kit

Bitten by the travel bug, this must-have packing list prepped us for a little jet-setting. Now if only we had somewhere to go…

Bed to Beautiful: Your 10 Minute Morning Routine

Waking up at the crack of dawn is for the birds. We’re all about catching some z’s, which is why we’ve perfected the art of an efficient morning routine. Bring on the extra beauty sleep!

DIY: How to Make a Camera Case from a Handbag

Style snaps go out to our resident crafter, Stacie, for this crazy-stylish DIY. Now your camera case can look just as eye-catching as your prints.

Fitting Room Responses (How Do We Put This Nicely?)

Providing dressing room support is part of your best friend duties, but we believe so is telling the truth. Our resident wordsmiths show you how to break it to her gently that the top she’s ob-sessing over looks like a glorified garbage bag.

Will You Be Naughty or Nice This Holiday Season?

We know that too much time spent with the fam over the holidays can make you want to scream f— a-la-la-la. But when Aunt Betty questions your decision to have a second slice of pie, are you going to bite back or play it cool?

Thanks for spending 2012 with us! We can’t wait to see what 2013 has in store!

By Beth in Beauty, DIY Projects, Fashion, Lifestyle | Permalink | No Comments »

December 13th, 2012

Gifts for the Haute Holiday Hostess

From swanky soirees to casual cocktail parties, your holiday hangouts are plentiful this season. Now that you know what to wear to every event, you’ll need to grab a thoughtful gift for the holiday hostess, too. Whether it’s a best friend, coworker, cousin, gal pal, or even your mama, it’s the polite thing to do — especially when she’s doing so much to make sure you’re having a good time.

While a bottle of wine is the perfect go-to, we know how hard it is to get creative with gift-giving. A hostess gift should be something small and not too expensive, but thoughtful enough to say “thank you for all you do.” Here are our picks for the haute holiday hostess:

hostess gifts for the holidays

1. Glitter Polish — Give her a posh nail lacquer that’s perfect for seasonal festivities. Whether you choose this pretty pink polish or another hue, just make sure it’s full of glittery-goodness!

2. Cute Cards — Aren’t these Kate Spade cards to die for? Your holiday hostess will love getting punchy note cards that are sure to spread the cheer with every use.

3. Scented Candle — Umm … the name of this scented candle already has our mouths watering. Grab a delicious candle in her favorite dessert flavor so she can savor it all year round.

4. Clever Dishtowels — Dishtowels fall into the category of things you need, but never want to actually buy, which makes it even more perfect to give as a hostess gift! We love this conversion towel from Crate & Barrel — such a clever idea for the kitchen!

5. Festive Soap — Give her a yummy soap in scents like candy cane or sugar plum fairy to make her bubble baths uber-festive, too. You’re also giving her a reason to kick back and relax during the most stressful season.

6. Chalkboard Tray — How cute is this cheese tray? Give your hostess something she can use for her next soiree!

7. Bright Baubles — Every lady loves a pair of jewels! Say thanks with jewel-toned studs in her favorite winter hue.

8. Wine Glasses — We interviewed quite a few gals here at Handbag Heaven, and wine glasses were a unanimous gift favorite. Hey, we like our wine (especially in pretty glasses)!

9. Quirky Bookends — Give your hostess something to dress up those shelves! You can find these “literal bookends” at Modcloth, and you might just have to send one our way, too. ;)

10. Sparkly Clutch – There’s nothing more fitting for a haute holiday hostess than a sparkly clutch. Give her one in silver or gold, and tell her to wear it on NYE!

11. Animal Magnets — Animal magnets are all over Pinterest these days, and we just can’t get enough of these quirky-little-things! Whether you DIY or buy them online, your hostess will love placing these on her fridge or desk.

12. Pretty Ornament — Get your gal pal a gorgeous holiday ornament. Try to find one with embellishments or glitter so that it catches her eye when she plugs in the tree lights!

13. Cocktail Guide — This cute little cocktail book is the perfect coffee table companion for your haute holiday hostess. We’ll take a Cosmo, please!

By Molly in DIY Projects, Lifestyle | Permalink | No Comments »

December 6th, 2012

Stunning Silver and Glitzy Gold

Do you have a little Yukon Cornelius in you? Chances are you’re not the greatest prospector of the North, and you can’t detect precious metals by licking an ice pick. ;) However, we’re talking about having a penchant for all things that shimmer silver and gold.

Yukon Cornelius

We rounded up the most gorgeous silver and gold inspiration we could find. So grab a lattè, turn on some Burl Ives, and take a gander at all of this gold and silver … silver and gold!

silver and gold dress

Put on the glitz this holiday season with a silver and gold bedazzled dress.

silver and gold wedding

I hear silver and gold wedding bells.

Silver and Gold cake pops

These silver and gold cakepops are a treat for your eyes and taste buds.

silver and gold dresses

Wouldn’t you love a closet full of silver and gold dresses?

silver and gold jewelry

Are you swooning over this jewelry box as much as me?

silver skirt gold belt

A girl can’t go wrong with silver tulle and a gold sash.

silver and gold nails

Dress up your nails with silver and gold polish!

silver and gold glitter

Glitter up a handbag with our DIY instructions!

silver and gold bedroom

It’s nothing but sweet dreams in this silver and gold bedroom.

silver and gold holiday

Have yourself a silver and gold holiday!

silver and gold handbags

Shop silver and gold bags: Tessa Metal Mesh Clutch / Tricia Shoulder Bag / Margaret Rhinestone Clutch / Samantha Quilted Handbag / Party Girl Clutch / Eleanor Exotic Tote

Will you be adding some silver and gold to your holiday season?

Yukon Cornelius image from IMDB.com. Silver and gold images from Pinterest and WeHeartIt with no direct source.

By Sarah B. in Beauty, DIY Projects, Fashion, Featured Handbags, Lifestyle | Permalink | No Comments »

October 15th, 2012

DIY Your Way to a Haute Halloween

Finding a Halloween costume that is bound to wow can seem more challenging than spotting a bobby pin at the bottom of your makeup bag — until this year, that is. Our fa-boo-lous fashionistas worked their magic to cultivate a collection of haute (and handbag-clad) Halloween costumes for you to try. Plus, each costume’s bag is a treat to be enjoyed all season long. Talk about double trouble!

Mary Poppins

Better than a spoonful of sugar, a saucy red satchel completes this classic costume with a modern twist.

Coco Chanel

A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous … and so should her Halloween costume! Top off this look with the ultimate accessory: a structured feminine bag.

Rachel Zoe

Flaunt your inner fashionista with Rachel’s signature sunnies and fur vest. Just don’t forget a super-trendy-yet-still-utterly-sophisticated satchel to stash all of your goodies (say that five times fast)!

Cruella De Vil

If this chic take on Disney’s stylish super-villain doesn’t scare you, no costume will! Delightfully wicked, complete this look with a fabulous faux fur bag.

Tell us, what are your costume plans for this Halloween? Please share in the comments!

By Beth in Celebrities, DIY Projects, Looks For Less | Permalink | No Comments »

September 25th, 2012

How to go Glamping

Ladies, have you ever heard of glamping? Also known as glamorously camping. I would never consider myself an outdoors(wo)man, but sometimes the weather is so glorious you just can’t help but be out in it.

A few months ago, I was invited on a glamping trip to celebrate a bachelorette party. What a novel idea! I don’t do bugs, I don’t do sweat, and I really don’t mud or things like that, so glamping is perfect. You can glamp in either a tent or a cabin. And don’t take any flack for not being outdoorsy enough — we’re delicate.

how to go glamping

Necessities:

1. Champagne: Because a little bubbly instantly raises your glam-level.

2. S’mores: What’s more “camping” than s’mores?

3. Nail polish: Sleepovers require nail painting. It’s a simple girl’s night rule.

4. Playing Cards: They’re perfect for playing while sitting around a campfire… or maybe a battery-powered heater…

5. Cozy pajamas: Again, they’re a sleepover staple.

6. Flashlight: Camping essential – also essential for ghost-telling.

7. Portable speakers: Sleepover must-have. You and your girls should probably brush up on your Britney Spears and Madonna.

8. Portable heater: Glamping. Glamorous. Camping. No chills for you ladies!

9. Blankets & pillows: None of this sleeping bag nonsense. Use tons of throws and cozy blankets and pillows. It’s all about ambiance.

10. Blowup mattress: If you choose to go the tent route, there’s no way you should have to rest your body on the cold, hard ground!

Gather these essentials, your girlfriends, and get out for a fun weekend of glamping! What else would you bring for a weekend of glamping?

By Sarah in DIY Projects | Permalink | No Comments »

June 15th, 2012

Sweet Summertime

Summer style is heating up fast here at Handbag Heaven, and we have a few ideas that will keep you cool all summer long. It’s time to soak up the sun with a stylish bag in one hand and a tasty treat in the other to match! Did we mention that the sweet treat… a mini popsicle to be exact, is inexpensive, homemade, and healthy? Who doesn’t love that? Handbag Heaven is proud to present a few of our hottest summer styles coordinated with the most adorable mini popsicles out there.

Shelly Exotic Clutch

Shelly Exotic Clutch

Blueberry Pomegranate Popsicles

By: Gimme Some Oven

Ingredients:

1 (8 oz.) bottle of POM pomegranate juice
1 pint fresh blueberries, plus some extras for decoration if you’d like
1 (6 oz.) container of plain Greek yogurt

Combine all ingredients in a blender, and pulse until combined. Pour mixture into 5-ounce Dixie cups, filling 2/3 of the way. Freeze for 30 minutes, stick Popsicle sticks in the center, and freeze for six hours. Peel off the paper cup before serving.

Luna Frame Clutch

Luna Frame Clutch

Honeydew Lime Popsicles

By: Ciao Bella

Ingredients:

1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 (3-4lb) ripe honeydew melon, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2/3 cup fresh lime juice

In a small saucepan, heat water over medium/high heat, add sugar, and continue stirring. When sugar is completely dissolved let the syrup cool. In a blender, add melon, lime juice, and syrup and blend until smooth. Pour mixture into 5-ounce Dixie cups, filling 2/3 of the way. Freeze for 30 minutes, stick Popsicle sticks in the center, and freeze for six hours. Peel off the paper cup before serving.

Check out more adorable ideas below!

By: Babble

Leah Chevron Hobo

By: The Sweet Life

Nola Top Handle Bag

By: Somewhere Splendid

Lilly Mini Shoulder Bag

All eyes will be on you with a cute mini pop and fashionable Handbag Heaven look to match. Now that makes for one sweet summer!

By admin in DIY Projects | Permalink | No Comments »

June 5th, 2012

Welcome to the Handbag Heaven Suite

You may or may not know that we’ve got some new digs over here at Handbag Heaven! Our company moved into a new office two months ago and we’re proud to reveal our favorite room, The Handbag Heaven Suite!

pink office decor Where many-a-fabulous Handbag Heaven idea is born!

Gorgeous houndstooth chairs and a glossy black table. We heart it!

Chandelier? Totally. We’re that glam.

handbag frames See those handbags in frames? It was one of our DIY projects!

handbag themed room See the Sami, Paige, and Ashton displayed so beautifully!

Love our new room as much as we do? Maybe it’ll inspire your own little remodel!

By Sarah in DIY Projects | Permalink | No Comments »

March 15th, 2012

Bed to Beautiful: Your 10 Minute Morning Routine

You know the feeling: When you wake with a jolt and realize you slept through the alarm — and you’re supposed to be at work in half an hour (or maybe half an hour ago!).

We’ve all been there, so here are some tried and true tricks to avoid the panic that sets in when you realize you’re running very late!

10 minute morning routine

	Master Second-Day Hair Not only is skipping a wash really healthy for your hair, it’s a super time saver! If you haven’t tried dry shampoo yet, you’re missing out. It freshens your hair, adds volume, and removes oil. Pull your hair up into a ponytail, add a headband for a polished look, and bam — great hair in under a minute. {We recommend Oscar Blandi; it has a great lemony scent!}
	Prep your bags Get into the routine of packing your bags the night before. Even if you aren’t pressed for time, it’s much easier to forget things in the morning. Make sure you have your essentials back in your handbag and your work bag is packed and ready.
	Pre-make coffee Another great thing to add to your nighttime routine is getting your coffee pot ready for the next morning’s brew! Grind your beans, measure it out, and save yourself 2-3 minutes the next day. If you’re trying to get out the door in 10 minutes, hitting “brew” while you’re rushing is so much easier. Coffee will also help you shake some of that sleep off.
	Have a go-to outfit Don’t waste time trying to figure out what to wear, but also don’t throw on a thoughtless outfit. You should mentally have an outfit that you can always throw on when you’re pressed for time. A blazer, jeans, and flats (or a great pencil skirt if your dress code requires) is easy and works for pretty much any season. You’ll look totally pulled together and polished!
	Skip the full skin care routine As long as your nighttime routine involves a good cleansing and moisturizing, splashing some cool water on your face should be good enough. Just make sure you get all the sleep out of your eyes!
	Grab-and-Go Breakfast Keep granola bars and fresh fruit that’s easy to eat on-the-go stocked in your fridge. There’s definitely no time for eggs and bacon, and stopping at McD’s on the way to work won’t save you time either. Grab something quick to eat on your way to work. It’s important to fuel up before starting your day. With so many quick options, breakfast should never be skipped because of time.
	Go with minimal makeup A minimal makeup routine doesn’t mean no makeup. Think about makeup that saves you steps — like tinted moisturizer and a “multi” makeup stick that covers both your cheeks and lips. Add a quick swipe of mascara and you should be left looking fresh faced. You can pull this makeup routine off in about a minute!
	Grab a simple accessory An important part of getting ready in 10 minutes is trying not to look like you got ready in 10 minutes. A scarf will add some flair to your outfit without taking a second thought. Make it part of your go-to outfit so you don’t need to think about what matches what.
	Pack lunch the night before Again, if you make this a part of your nighttime routine you won’t be stressing over prepping a meal in the morning. Grab it from the fridge on your way out, along with your breakfast. Your meals for the day will be taken care of — no extra time required!
	Keep your keys in one place Simple: You don’t want to be rushing around searching for your keys when you’re trying to fly out the door. Keep your keys in one spot — always.

Now, isn’t that easy? A lot of these steps are easy to incorporate into your everyday routine — so you can get ready without a thought. That’s most of what wastes our precious morning time — thought. If you do the thinking ahead of time you’ll be ready to take on the day without idling over which earrings look best with your outfit.

By Sarah in DIY Projects, Fashion | Permalink | No Comments »

March 1st, 2012

DIY: Striped Clutch

I don’t know about you, but I see clutches everywhere around the web. On Pinterest, in stylebooks, on blogs — they’re all the rage! One of my favorite clutch styles is the oversized pouch, so when I saw Atlantic-Pacific’s striped version, I had to make a DIY-striped clutch of my own. :)

The inspiration:

striped clutch

*Swoon. From Atlantic-Pacific. :)

DIY striped clutch

Here’s what you need to make a striped clutch:

Clutch (Mine is this clutch. Seafoam is currently out of stock, but there are other colors!)
Paint
Mod Podge (the greatest stuff in the world) ;)
Paintbrush
Painter’s tape or masking tape
Hairdryer (optional)

DIY striped clutch

Step 1: Tape off your stripes before you start to paint. For stripes like mine, measure the middle of the clutch, and then tape a section about 5 inches across. Paint the middle section your base color. My base is white. :)
DIY striped clutch

Step 2: Take the tape off. You will probably have to straighten your paint lines. Unfortunately, the tape doesn’t make perfect lines; it only helps to keep everything straight.
DIY striped clutch

Step 3: Paint your middle stripe. You can use a hairdryer to speed up the drying process. This will help you paint multiple coats quickly to get a nice color. After all the stripes are painted, brush on a coat of matte Mod Podge.
DIY striped clutch