Style Diaries: The Crossbody

I absolutely love crossbody purses. I think that 55% of my purse closet is devoted to different types of crossbodies (which vary in size and colour). This versatile version of the handbag is perfect for travel or everyday wear. This is probably the easiest style of purse to wear as well (hello laziness?). As you can tell by the pictures above, purses are my weaknesses along with rings. I love purchasing these whenever I’m out shopping. The ones above vary from different price ranges ($10-$450). For me, it doesn’t really matter on the brand, the make, the style, or the material…if I love it then chances are I will buy it. With that being said, I stick to smaller crossbodies whenever I’m going to concerts, shows or some event for a few hours. I find that the size is perfect enough to hold the absolute essentials you will need for the duration of the event. I carry midsized crossbodies when I’m out for the day, going to work, going shopping, or casual outings. This is my most used version of the crossbody because you can carry a lot of things you think you might need and you don’t really have to stick to minimal essentials! The last type of crossbodies I love are the large messenger style bags. These are perfect for travelling. You can really fit a lot into the purse and it’s easy to carry around, which is so important when you are travelling. In general, crossbodies are my favourite style of purses to wear and they’re so easy to style!

Below you will find 10 of my favourite crossbodies from different price ranges:

1. The Cobble Hill Carson by Kate Spade (I own a similar one in red that’s pictured above), $278: This is a classic chic crossbody that can be used for everyday!
2. The Penny Pebble leather crossbody by Danier, $149: I love this because of its zipper details and this is perfect for concerts/shows!
3. The Duroddell Studded Bow Crossbody by Material Girl (can be purchased at The Bay, also personal favourite brand for crossbodies),$55: This is girly yet edgy. The pop of colour is perfect for the spring/summer time!
4. The Minturno by Aldo Accessories, $50: This is perfect for traveling and is very easy to incorporate in your daily wardrobe.
5. The Osini Crossbody by Call It Spring, $35: This messenger style crossbody is perfect for travel or just a day out in the city!
6. The Classic City Bag by Coach, $278: I love this purse because it’s very simple chic and timeless!
7. The Amanga Foldover Messenger by Tory Burch, $435: This is one chic crossbody you can wear with anything and wear anywhere!
8. The Classic Q Flap Percy by Marc by Marc Jacobs, $238: This personal favourite  is perfect for a day out at the mall or a night out at a festival!
9. The M.A.C. clutch by Rebecca Minkoff, $295: Another personal favourite, this versatile and roomy bag is perfect for everyday!
10. Designer Lust: Arena Classic Town by Balenciaga, $1765: This fashionista and celeb favourite is the perfect crossbody for travel and is gorgeous (although I would probably use it for everything given its hefty pricetag!).

Happy Shopping dolls! x

Celebrity Style Look: Taylor Swift

As much as I hate to admit this, I am indeed a Swifty! I find her songs sometimes pretty relatable and catchy. Taylor Swift is the most stylish country singer out there who has evolved with her pretty fashion choices. She definitely can dress glamorously or super casual and both looks look amazing. This particular look is my favourite because she is wearing an outfit which can be worn by anyone. This fashionista has made this super casual look so effortless and beautiful. The best part about this look is it is super affordable and can either be dressed up or dressed down!

Dress: There is no doubt that Taylor Swift is wearing a H&M creation here. This particular dress is the exact dress Taylor is rocking. The best part about this gorgeous dress is that it will suit almost any body type and it’s only $20!!! If you want a polka dot dress that’s a bit different, you can try this one from forever 21, which is equally as beautiful and similar.

Shoes: I love the shoes she has paired with this look! It’s so simple and compliments her outfit well. In fact with dresses, the possibilities are endless with the type of shoes you can wear. It all depends on your comfort level and what you are feeling like wearing. It also depends on the occasion (casual/dressy). As you can see, Swift has gone with a neutral/tan colour, as neutral coloured shoes gives the illusion of elongated legs! I love these peep-toe espadrille flats from forever 21 because it’s so casually chic! If you want your flats to be a little bit dressier, you can go with these ballet pumps from H&M because of its cutest embellishments. One of my favourite shoes to rock with a look like this are a pair of sandals due to it’s high style power and it’s comfy! These day dreamer strappy sandals from Forever 21 will perfectly pair up nicely with this look! Here’s another pair of casual flats from Forever 21 that will look gorgeous with this look. If flats and sandals are not your thing, you can go with a pair of these adorable heels from H&M.

Makeup/Hair: Oh Taylor, always rocking the red lip! I swear ever since her album Red has come out she has made it an effort to wear a red lip every where. The key with the red lip is to keep everything minimal, no strong eye makeup or blush. This liquid red lipstick is my favourite because it stays put and doesn’t smudge at all! For her sunglasses, you can pair any sunnies you want but this one is quite similar to the one Taylor is rocking! She has also kept her hair very simple and natural!

Purse: Although you can’t really see Swift’s purse properly, it definitely is a type of a satchel/crossbody. These types of purses are perfect for traveling and are roomey enough to carry essentials. A black purse is classic and will match with almost anything, no wonder Taylor went with this look. Aldo has a similar one, which is not only affordable but very stylish. Here’s my favourite one courtesy of Coach. The Madison Hobo in black is perfect for travel and very chic purse to add to this look. It’s perfect for travel and has enough space for everything!

Remember: you can modify this look to make it your own! You can mix and match colours, outfits, shoes, hairstyles and makeup to see what best works for you!

Happy recreating this look Dolls! x (perhaps while listening to this)

Celebrity Style Look: ALESSANDRA AMBROSIO

Yes, I have another Celebrity Style look (perhaps this will become a weekly thing?)…I was looking through People’s website and I came across this look that supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio was rocking! This Victoria’s Secret Angel is wearing a casual look that anyone can practically wear. With spring around the corner and the winter blues clearing up, this look can be recreated with simple staple pieces in your wardrobe at any budget! (Before you go out and buy always go through your closet to find alternatives!)

Hair: Well looks like Alessandra just put her hair up in a messy pony tail…if you’re feeling creative, why not try a braided ponytail? Or maybe the braided bun? 😉

Makeup: Alessandra kept it simple. A bit of tinted moisturizer with SPF and a tinted lip balm is the way to go for this look. If you’re feeling edgy, I’d say go with a pink lip!

Top: I LOVE this sweatshirt pullover.  It’s so simple, fashionable and they seem to be all the rage now. In fact these simple pullovers now come in an array of assortments. You can get everything from a simple one like Alessandra’s to embellished ones. I personally love embellished ones because they add a bit of flare to a simple outfit. Express has two that I’m loving and are similar to Alessandra’s. There’s this one, which is a sequined tiger on a cropped pullover (best way to wear a cropped pull over? High waisted jeans or pencil skirt. If you want you can layer it with a tank/cami!). This one is another one from Express. Here’s another cute one from H &M, I love!

Bottom: Coloured Skinnies are not as hard to pull off as people think. I love the colour Alessandra has gone with here. The “wine” coloured trend seems to be the most popular thing courtesy of Lorde and Beyonce (hello grammy’s).  Here’s one that’s pretty similar to Alessandra’s from Old navy.

Shoes: Seriously, I’m a believer in comfort. Especially, if you have a long day of errands to run. Perhaps that’s what Ms. Ambrosio was thinking. Sneakers will never go out of style. This look can be paired with any sneakers of your choice! Here’s a similar one from Aldo. (if you’re feeling the need to vamp up the look…try a wedged sneaker).

Bag: Gosh, I’m a sucker for crossbody purses. Everything is so much easier with them…in fact I’m so obsessed with this style of purse that every time I’m out looking for a new purse, I try to make sure it’s a crossbody! Alessandra’s is simple yet the chain detailing on the strap adds a rockier feel to them. Here’s a similar one from Steve Madden. If you’re looking to jazz up the look, try a quilted crossbody. Here’s another one from Steve Madden, again.

Remember, you can always change/alter this look to make it your own!

Have fun recreating this look dolls! x