Forget animal print scarves. Last week, Jennifer Lopez wore an entire snake print outfit to the 2011 Summertime Ball.

E! Online asked readers to declare if this was a fashion “whoa!” or a fashion “no.” Among big love and lots of sass, one user under the alias Voldemort says, “So that’s what they did with Nagini” (ba-dum tsss).

Whether or not this skin suits your fancy, no one can say J-Lo is slacking. On top of joining the “American Idol” judges panel for the show’s most recent season, Jennifer and her hubby Marc Anthony have a reality-tv show in the works called “¡Q’Viva! The Chosen.”

According to People.com, J-Lo and Mark will travel with “tour-director-to-the-stars Jamie King to 21 countries across the Americas” in order to find the “world’s most extraordinary talent.” But before you roll your eyes and ask how this is different than AI, listen to this: there are no auditions. Instead, the trio is “literally being guided by the people,” Anthony says (according to People).

Lopez hopes this will lead them to “places people wouldn’t normally look, where all of this rich talent lives and wouldn’t normally be discovered” (i.e. “clubs, bars, dance studios, underground dance halls, and festivals in villages, towns, and cities”).

“We’re going to do our best to make the most amazing show the world has ever seen,” she says.

But wait! There’s more: J-Lo also has a new perfume “Love and Light.”

According to Fragrantica.com, the seventeenth scent in her collection is “glittering and floral-woody” with a flacon that “accentuates a woman’s curves.” Premiering July 2 on HNS.com, Fragrantica.com reports J-Lo “will share with the readers her stories on global trends in beauty, inspiration and creations, as well as on her private life and [career].”

With all this attention, this writer thinks J-Lo can afford to drop a few jaws and turn a few heads. So why not up the ante with this vegan snake skin clutch? With a rhinestone clasp and velvet interior, this clutch adds glam to any outfit – get yours today!

photo credit: E! Online, New York Daily News, Fragrantica.com

This guest post is by Shannon Ables, founder & editor of The Simply Luxurious Life blog.

A woman’s bag can be her signature piece, her statement, her opportunity to express a small piece of herself without going overboard. Throughout a typical week, there can be a handful of situations when a different purse is best-suited. Below I have chosen five different styles of purses to fit almost any occasion a woman might have to navigate on any given week.  Take a look.

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Work

Five days out of the week, sometimes more, sometimes a bit less, a woman is expected to be pulled together, professional and stylish all at the same time. So it only seems fitting that the purse a woman carries with her be multi-functional as well. Between her smart phone, Chanel Coco Rouge lipstick, business cards, wallet, a small handful of almonds and perhaps the most recently released and highly-praised title on the New York Times Best Sellers’ list, quite a bit is expected of the purse a woman takes to work with her.

A structured satchel or tote, such as the above Ashton Oversized Satchel ($40.76), provides enough space for more than a handful of necessities while still exuding the style and professionalism that is needed on a daily basis. Whether neutral colors are preferred or a magnificent emerald, ruby or plum to add the special element which seems to pull the entire wardrobe together, be sure to always have a go-to bag for work that eliminates the guess work.  Mornings can be harried enough without having to stop and decide which tote to grab.

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Day With The Kids

Speaking of totes, if your responsibilities call for looking out for the well-being of children, whether staying home or traveling, carpooling or transporting, the necessary bag is an oversized tote. The beauty of a tote is that it allows you to toss whatever may be of importance on any given day inside of it and still appear pulled together.

With the fall’s trend of animal prints, this Classic Zebra Print Shopper ($38.21) is not only in vogue, but ready for wear and multiple uses. Toss shoes, diapers, food anything else that is necessary, knowing passersby will notice the stylish facade instead of the chaos within.

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Cocktails

Like a breath of fresh air, the weekend has arrived and with it plans to head out on the town with your significant other or a good friend.  With minimal fuss, and at the same time bringing a dash of color to your ensemble, a clutch is the necessary ingredient for tucking away your favorite lip gloss, cash, cell phone and breath mints. Nothing encumbering, a clutch allows you to bring along what you need without getting in the way of the focus of the evening.

Whether a faux snakeskin, patent leather or a touch of sparkle, this seemingly minor accessory is just enough to polish off your look. Alex Wristlet Clutch ($25.46) & Katie Patent Clutch – $33.11.

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Travel

The opportunity to travel can be made much more enjoyable if you are able to bring with you the items that will help create the most comfortable environment – a book, magazines, water, i-Pod, make-up for touch-ups and a quick snack, just to name of a few. The type of purse to gravitate towards should be malleable, oversized and sturdy.

The Caroline City Bag – $41.61 is an example of the necessary space needed to make your trip a pleasurable experience.  Simply tie a scarf around one of the handles and you will be presenting yourself with the confidence you desire.

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Brunch

Sunday tends to be the day to relax and possibly catch up with a few close girlfriends.  A casually nice outfit is typically chosen and a fun wedge or a beautiful ballet flat, but what to do about the choice of bag? The perfect envelope clutch is a simple way to not only have just enough room for your necessities, but also to take with you if you decide to do a bit of window shopping afterwards.

A smashing accessory that again pulls it all together might be found for example with the Chelsea Envelope Clutch ($33.11 seen above) – fun, and most certainly eye-catching and functional.

So, no matter what your busy schedule calls for, rest assured that your choice of purse is only a simple click away. Happy shopping.

Images: All bags, clutches, purses can be found on Handbag Heaven (1) Hawtvintage (2) Blanche DuBois (3) Icons: Glamour France (4)  ashley said that on(5) Don’t Let Dreams Be Dreams (6) VPS Vogue Blog

Andrea is the founder and editor of the Stylin’ & Profilin’ blog. From trend reports to celebrity looks for less to can’t-miss shopping deals, her blog provides helpful tips and advice on how to keep your wardrobe fashion-forward without breaking the break. Visit the blog at www.stylinandprofilin.net.

It’s getting chilly outside, and that means it’s time to break out the luxe: cashmere sweaters, three quarter-length jackets and coats and fabulous accessories — especially handbags. And with the many discount clothing and accessory lines offering designer looks at more affordable prices, now everyday fashionistas can have high-end style for less.

Check out these three handbag styles — all on-trend and under $50 — that every chic chick should have in her fashion arsenal this season.

A Clutch Situation

Animal prints are major this season – from shoes to outwear to dresses. But if you aren’t yet ready to take the trend head on, a simple way to incorporate it into your wardrobe is with a chic handbag. Be it leopard, giraffe or snake, an animal print clutch can help punch up your style quotient and totally works for an evening out.

Zebra Print Clutch, $25.46

Prim & Proper

A classic satchel never goes out of style. The sleek silhouette and handle add just the right touch of sophistication, whether it’s an office look or something more casual like a boyfriend cardigan and jeans.   You can update the accessories staple this fall by opting for versions with mixed fabrics like tweeds and animal prints. Or go for one in a vibrant hue, such as cobalt blue.

Satchel — Alexander Structure Shoulder Bag, $33.11

Carry It All

For those days when carrying a small handbag just won’t do, a tote is the obvious way to go. And if you’re going to rock a big bag, be fly while doing it. Try a slouchy tote bag in a neutral hue (neutral tones are another big trend this season) like camel or gray. Experimenting with textures — think suede and ostrich leather –  is another great way to spice things up.

Tote — Center Grove Tote, $46.71

Walk in to any supermarket, and you’ll see teeth-whitening products lining the aisles, whether it’s toothpaste, whitening strips, or chewing gum. But is teeth whitening really a high priority for those of us who want to stay fashionable? Today’s guest post was written by Martin, who if you can’t tell, is from the Cosmetic Dentistry Guide site, where you can learn more about teeth whitening or many other cosmetic dental treatments to boost your fashion profile. Here he addresses our obsession with white teeth and gives you some tips on achieving the look.

The cover of every magazine, every photo of a Hollywood A-lister, the presenters on TV and the manufactured pop-stars filling up the charts … what do they all have in common? A gleaming white smile.

Whether their teeth are aligned and looked after “perfectly,” all the major role models, celebs and fashionistas in our society have brilliant white teeth. We all know that they’ve had them done professionally cleaning or bleached, and some of them aren’t even showing off their real teeth. However, it is necessary to whiten your teeth in order to be considered fashionable?

Are white teeth just a trend right now, like the colors that come in and out each year? Or would Naomi Campbell or Kate Moss suddenly lose all their fashionable credibility if they were to turn up on the catwalk with a more natural shade of teeth?

How can you make sure your smile is “fashionable?”

Teeth whitening gels and strips can be used in the comfort of your own home, without the need to sit in the dentist’s chair. Over-the-counter whitening trays and gels are either brushed into or applied onto teeth at home. The peroxide in these gels usually takes a few weeks to achieve full results, and teeth stay white for a number of months. Similar effects are achieved by whitening toothpastes, which use special abrasives and chemical agents to remove stains and improve the shade of teeth. Neither option costs a lot, so it’s easy for teenagers and young adults to get a hold of them.

Treatment at the dentist allows for more protection to gums and a longer-lasting effect, but this comes with an increased cost. The use of laser or heat treatment means that the whitening can be done in one visit, with the cleaning agents applied directly onto the teeth.

The risks are virtually nil for most people and the results can be both short and longer term, depending on how the teeth are whitened, so it’s clear to see why people are reaching for a quick solution to solve their naturally stained teeth.

But, doesn’t it all serve as part of the illusion?

It’s become common knowledge that most of the photos used in celebrity and glamour magazines are digitally enhanced to improve the figures of ordinary people. It’s an easy deception which many believe gives off a false impression of beauty. It’s common to want to look like all the stars in these photos, and young girls and teenagers are going to follow-suit no matter what. It might not be completely necessary to have brilliant white teeth in order to be considered fashionable, but parents might be more accepting of this rather than having their children starving themselves in order to look as thin as a catwalk model. In the end, it’s all down to personal boundaries. But why not try and bring natural teeth in as the next big trend, eh?

Photo Credit: anythinghollywood.com

What do you think? Is teeth whitening necessary? Do you whiten  your teeth?

Today’s guest bloggers, known by the monikers Jazzsquared and Macksquared, are experts at scouting out great fashion finds and style tips. Today, they show you three great end-of-summer/fall looks using Handbag Heaven bags. Check them out, and let us know what you like (and what you might do differently!)

This season, the key to putting together a great outfit is mixing something girly with pieces with unexpected edge. In this look, we paired a lace, 3/4 sleeve top, with a full leather skirt. The skirt changes the usual connotation associated with “leather mini skirt” and allows the look to be edgy, without looking too tough or provocative. A big, bold, mixed-color necklace adds definition to the lace top, making it stand out in all the right ways. The shoes bring together the two themes of edgy and girly by pairing patent leather with lace and pearl-like accents, a perfect medium between the top and skirt, without being too matchy. Now all that is left to do is to throw on a go-to bag that has hardware detailing, but is still wearable for day or night, like the Broad Ripple Satchel.

Summer is the perfect time to show your wild side (without making the folks at PETA mad, of course). An 80’s inspired silk top with flowy sleeves mixes PERFECTLY with a tight-fitting, high-waisted mini with an animal print. Add some futuristic style to this look by wearing some white platform heels to brighten up the look. Put your hair up and throw on some gold jewelry, such as big earrings and a long, thin necklace. A bold, red, classic-style rectangular flap bag such as the Classic Quilted Shoulder Bag will complete the look with vintage flair!

Love,

Jazzsquared and Macksquared
Don’t forget to check out our blog at
storyofmylifesquared.blogspot.com

How to Jump Start a Career in Fashion

Portrait by Leigh Keily

Alexandra Suhner Isenberg of Searching for Style is back, this time to give Handbag Heaven readers some insight into finding a job in the fashion industry. She knows her stuff: in addition to studying fashion in Paris and London, Alexandra has worked as a designer for Sonia Rykiel and Burberry. She has lectured at Saint Matins College of Art and Design and the London College of Fashion, and currently, she teaches fashion students at both the Arts Institute of Vancouver and the Vancouver College of Art and Design. Be sure to check out her blog for some additional bonus tips for students looking to make a living working in fashion.

The fashion industry is extremely competitive, but it can be a very rewarding career path once you get your foot through the door. If you are passionate about fashion and want to prepare yourself for a job in the industry, here are a few things you should be doing.

1. Get an education: There are thousands of people trying to get fashion jobs, so a post-secondary education will definitely make things easier for you. There are tons of great fashion-related degree and diploma courses available, but those aren’t the only ways to get into the industry. If you want to do a traditional university course, it doesn’t mean you can’t work in fashion afterwards. American department stores often hire psychology graduates for their buying teams; in fact, I know a very successful Canadian magazine editor who studied psychology in university and never did a fashion course! Another friend of mine studied theology at a famous English university before she went on to be a marketing manager at Harrods and then a publicity director at a Conde Nast magazine.

2. Learn a language: I would have never been able to study and work in Paris, the fashion capital of the world, if I hadn’t been able to speak French. The fashion industry is global, and contrary to popular belief, not everyone speaks English. So if you have high school French, keep it up by practicing it. Italian and Spanish are also very useful. If you are thinking of learning a language, and you are ready for a challenge, try learning Mandarin. China is the manufacturing hub of the world and one of the most important new fashion markets. Having Mandarin on your resume will be a huge asset. (Did you know it is the most widely spoken language in the world? Spanish is in second place. English is third!) I am starting some Mandarin classes soon…it is going to be tough!

3. Get retail experience: Retail is sometimes a dirty word in fashion, but at the end of the day, the fashion industry is about selling clothes, and that happens on the shop floor. When you are studying, try and work a fashion retail job. I know it doesn’t pay as much as waitressing does, but I can guarantee you that out of two candidates going for the same fashion job, the one with retail experience will definitely be chosen over the one without. I know of a very big activewear brand  that makes all their staff do half a day a week on the shop floor. That includes designers, buyers, and even the CEO! They value the retail shop floor experience enormously, and so should you. Get a part time job in one of your favorite stores, and you’ll also be eligible for discounts! Another thing to consider is graduate training programs; there are many companies that offer excellent programs for college graduates. I had a friend who started off selling men’s shirts in a big luxury retailer, and through their graduate training program, ended up on their marketing team! Find out what companies offer graduate training programs, get a job in their store, and work your way up from there!

4. Be aware of the options. Many students I meet want to design evening dresses or be a buyer. Are you great at math? Because you need to be if you want to be a buyer! I always ask my students, “How many evening dresses do you own?” Usually the answer is “not many”…but we all have tons of pairs of jeans, t-shirts, and day dresses. Why not design those? Consider your job options — there are so many roles in the fashion industry, you should be open-minded and choose something that will suit your skill set. Think about the brands you love, and have a look at their job listings. What sort of roles are available in that company? Do your research and keep your career options open.

5. Know your stuff: I get really frustrated sometimes when I meet fashion students who don’t know about the major fashion brands and have no idea what’s going on in the industry. I get most of my fashion updates from blogs, which are available to anyone with an internet connection, so these days, there is no excuse not to be in the know about the fashion world. Start reading magazines, websites, and blogs, and make sure you know who’s who in fashion. Here are some of my blog recommendations — I get them into my inbox every day:

Business of Fashion is my bible and should be yours. It is the BEST fashion industry blog.

On the Runway is written by Cathy Horyn, one of the industry’s most respected fashion critics. Make sure you know what she is thinking.

Style Bubble, by Susie Bubble, is a great way to keep up with new designers and interesting brands.

The Cut is New York Magazine’s fashion blog, which features little bits of gossip, fashion news, and celebrity stories. It’s a great way to keep up with fashion stories as they happen.

And my blog, Searching for Style, has coverage of all the major runway shows during the fashion weeks. I do a shortened version for my readers, as well as a lot of commentary on the latest fashion news.

Good luck! Do you have your own tips for making it in fashion? Know of some great fashion blogs we should be reading? Share the love!

Today’s guest blogger is the charming Victoria, author of The Sweet Life, a blog in which she shares tales of life in Texas. Here she gives us a Texan’s perspective on the perfect handbag.

So, I’m not a native Texan, but let me tell you, there is NO other state that has more state pride than Texas. I’ll give you $100 (or maybe just a high five) if you can drive more than 200ft before you see one of the following:

a) an outline of the state of Texas
b) the Texas star
c) Longhorns
d) a Texas flag
e) a combination of the above

Texans love their state and take it very seriously, and that includes their sayings. You know, when they say, “Everything is bigger in Texas,” it’s TRUE! No self-respecting Texas gal will leave her house without her hair the size of Dallas and her handbag the size of Houston.

The Valencia Blush Hobo is great for any Texas girl. It’s big enough to store all the essentials: lipstick, mascara, blush, powder, eyeliner, a hand mirror… whoops! I mean driver’s license, credit cards, cell phone, and money, of course. As everyone knows, Texas girls wake up looking beautiful!

If you’re feeling a little more “Don’t Mess with Texas,” try the Heartbreaker Rock Satchel, still big enough for the essentials, but it comes in one of our state’s favorite colors, RED, to match our ever-present state flag. Throw on a blue scarf and call it a day!

Trying to “Beat the Texas heat” this summer? Aren’t we all?!?! This being my 4th summer here, I’ve learned to never leave home without a water bottle. What if the valet takes 5 minutes to get your car? You’ll melt out there! Check out the light and airy Paisley Cotton Hobo. Still big enough to be your home away from home, but soft and summery enough to carry every day.

Well, that’s what’s up in Texas. Until next time, “Bye, y’all!”

Today’s guest blogger is Alexandra Suhner Isenberg, the editor of Searching for Style, an insightful look into the world of fashion. Alexandra knows her stuff – after studying fashion in Paris (aren’t you jealous?), Alexandra worked at Sonia Rykiel and Burberry as a designer. She then went on to run her own lingerie company and to earn her MA at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. Today she’s here to give us her expertise on building the perfect collection of handbags.

I have always been a one-bag girl, splurging on one luxury bag and then using it everyday for two years. At the moment I am in a transition phase: my Dior Rebel bag is falling apart, and since I haven’t been inspired by anything else, I am in bag limbo, using an old Bree leather bag my Mom gave me. One bag almost everyday for two years works fine when you are just going back and forth to work, but I certainly don’t depend on that one handbag for everything.  That’s where the handbag wardrobe comes in… so when I have a party, a dinner, a concert, or a weekend away, I have a selection of appropriate bags to choose from.

Building the right collection of handbags is very important. We all have a favourite style or shape, but it doesn’t mean you want a closet full of them.  There is a time and place for everything, and so here is a list of the essential bags one needs in order to have the perfect handbag wardrobe. The Everyday Bag: This one is up to you. I prefer a satchel or hobo style – it HAS to go over my shoulder and have pockets for things like phones, keys, USB sticks, etc. It has to be durable and versatile, so I usually go for brown or black. Some people like to carry just their wallet and essentials, other like to carry around their kitchen sink.  Choosing the right everyday bag is very personal, and should depend on your needs. This one is also a bag that’s is worth splurging on, especially if you use it everyday: you want great quality, and you’ll get your money’s worth, even if it is expensive. For the everyday bag, I like the Fulton Satchel, with its big outside pocket, or the Madison Messenger Tote.

The Classic Evening Bag: A staple in every woman’s closet. I like to have something a bit dressy and shiny, and I usually go for black, so it can go with most cocktail dresses and won’t clash with shoes. I’d go for the Katie Patent Clutch, or something similar with a chain strap.

Job Interview Bag: If you are like me, and you end up trashing your everyday bag, it is good to have a backup for important meetings and interviews. Buy something timeless, so it doesn’t go out of style too quickly. The Clayton Patent Bag is a good one; it looks good, without being over the top.

Laptop Bag: I don’t like laptop bags, so it is always a struggle to find a bag that fits my laptop but doesn’t scream “I am carrying a laptop!” I like to find an everyday bag that can squeeze in my laptop if necessary, but when I am carrying paperwork too, a great tote or shopper bag, like the Heather Patent Stud Tote, will work perfectly.

The Fun Evening Clutch:  I never used to be a fan of clutch bags, until I moved back to Vancouver. When you are living in London, you are always worried someone is going to steal your bag, so a clutch doesn’t make sense. But now that I have a car again, and I am living in Vancouver, I have started using clutch bags. The Eliza Wristlet Clutch is a perfect fun clutch. I can dress it up and wear it in the evening, or pair it with jeans and take it out during the day. It is big too…there is nothing worse than a clutch that can’t even fit a smartphone (most of my vintage ones are like that. They were made before the smartphone was!), so I can fit all my essentials into it.

By the way, make sure you check out my review of the Eliza Wristlet Clutch and then enter my giveaway to win your own!

Check Searching for Style for updates on the contest.

The Oversized Bag: Everyone needs a very big bag with a zipper when you are traveling heavy. This bag can go to work and then the gym, on an overnight trip, or as a carry on bag. Make sure it has a zipper and fits over the shoulder for ease of carrying. Check out the Tessa Oversized Tote.

Messenger Bag: When I am going to a concert or when I am know I am going to be walking a lot, I like to have a messenger bag. The Charlotte Sling Bag is a small one that fits whatever you need for a music festival or a day out.

Weekend Bag: I like the Zebra Print Duffle Bag, because it is fun, has a zipper, and can fit whatever is necessary for a weekend away. I have a similar version in plain black, too, depending on how I am traveling. Zebra print is fine for a personal trip, but if I am traveling for business overnight, I prefer something a bit more discreet.

The rest… A collection of eight bags is never going to satisfy me, so here are a few more you may want to consider adding to your handbag wardrobe. A rock chic bag: When you are feeling a bit rock’n’roll, check out the Hudson Oversized Clutch. A Summer Everyday Bag: I like to change my everyday bag for the two or three months of high summer. My everyday bag is always black or brown, so I like something colourful and a bit more fun for the summer months. I like the Ava Chain Handbag. A Basket: Great for farmer’s markets or picking flowers. A Fringed Bag: For when you are feeling a bit hippy…. Something a Bit Novelty: Maybe you only bring it out once or twice a year, but a girls has got to have a few fun pieces in her wardrobe. Try the Greta Kisslock Satchel, the Brianna Soft Flower Clutch, or the Cheetah Print Tassle Bag.

What do you do if you get to sit down one-on-one with a fashion blogger? Pick her brain, of course! Today we’re here with Jaime from Denim Debutante to get her scoop on fashion, accessories, and her awesome blog.

1)      What is your blog about, and what inspired you to start it?

Denim Debutante is kind of a one-stop shop for all things denim-related. We have pulled away from the celebrity postings that some of the other denim blogs do and focus on fit and fashion. After all… there aren’t many of us who look like a supermodel, but there IS a perfect pair of jeans for everyone one of us. I’m just here to help people find the right pair for them.

2) What’s your personal philosophy on fashion?

Don’t let your clothes wear you. It’s an older adage, but it absolutely still holds true… the most important thing to remember is that fashion is an extension of your personality. Let them enhance you, not the other way around. And forget about trends; instead, wear what you love and you’ll always look fashionable and stylish.

3) What was your most memorable handbag?

When I was in high school, I switched purses every single day. One of my favorites was a purse with petal-like flowers on it (similar to the Brecken Flower Bag). These days, my fashion sense is a little more subdued. (Editor’s Note: The Brecken is now discontinued, but check out these other floral handbags)

4) What do you want to share with our readers?

Accessories are what make the outfit! I’m a big fan of basic staples (I mean, I write about denim, the most basic of all fashion pieces, other than a plain white t-shirt), but you can spice up and change up any outfit with some fun accessories. I happened to score a Mint by Jodi Arnold dress at the Outnet sale for $1… it wasn’t perfect until I gave it a little flair.

5) What are the three most important tips you could give someone who is experimenting with fashion?

First, always be yourself. Just because it’s a popular trend (like those terrible skinny cargo pants!) doesn’t mean it will work for your figure. Second, take the time to find your right sizing. A perfect fitting bra, jean and dress will make you look a million times better than you would in an ill-fitting one. And third, don’t be afraid to experiment! Some of my favorite outfits have come from trying something totally different, and I’ve never regretted a look. After all, fashion is supposed to be fun!

6) What do you recommend in a handbag?

For me, I live out of my car… which means I live out of my handbag, too. I need one with a lot of size, tons of pockets and that will last. Make sure to check the stitching and handle joints. And when you’re not using them, make sure to keep them in a dust bag. Good quality items should last, and they will if you care for them properly.

When it comes to styling outfits, I love accessories – they make or break a look! That’s why I was thrilled to try the Ramsay Rock Tote… it’s big enough to hold all of my items (I’ve been known to always have a book, camera, 12 different lipglosses, wristlet and notebook with me at all times) while still looking fantastic. Plus, the bag was super durable and easily transitioned from day to night. It was the one piece that put my outfit over the top and gave it a little edge against the cute cashmere cardigan!