Designer Handbags 101: Get More Bang For Your Buck!

A few CSM readers have reached out and asked me about tips on how to buy designer handbags so I've decided to share my approach to designer handbags in today's blog post.  My central focus when I embark on the hunt for finding the next treasure to add to my handbag collection doesn't initially start in the handbag section.  My search always starts in the fashion accessories department.  Majority of the high end designers have fashion accessories in addition to their handbags that are much more affordable than their handbags are.

Cosmetic pouches, large wallet size pouches, etc all fall under the classification of fashion accessories.  Many  of these pieces are actually the size of a clutch but are only a small fraction of the cost in comparison to an actual clutch.  Remember my Alexander McQueen pictured below (post here)? Well here's a secret, it's actually a coin purse.

Alexander McQueen 

Check out the following designer fashion accessories that you can definitely carry as a clutch.  Which one will you be adding to your collection?

3.1 Phillip Lim 

Alexander McQueen

Alexander Wang

Givenchy

Lanvin

Proenza Schouler

#CSMTravels for the month of January!

The month of January so far has been such a whirlwind.  I toasted in the new year with a few glasses of champagne, made a few resolutions for myself personally and of course for CSM and then jetsetted off on a work trip to Hong Kong.  While I was there for the '9 to 5' I still managed to enjoy some sinfully delectable eats, scored a few man repelling pieces, accomplished a few personal fitness goals and even squeezed in some time to play tourist.

Check out my photo review of my trip abroad to Hong Kong and to Shen Zhen in mainland China.  Enjoy! xoxo

[Birthstone Baubles] January: Garnet!

Every year for my birthday my family and friends know that I always make the month of my birth a month long celebration (literally).  My philosophy is that our friends and family wouldn't be the same without us so why not celebrate our greatness.  I mean one day just isn't enough, right?

January's birthstone is Garnet.  The stone symbolizes constancy, faith, loyalty, and strength.  Wearing a garnet stone is believed to endow the wearer with cheerfulness and sincerity.

So celebrate the anniversary of your birth all year long with your birthstone bauble.  I've picked out 20 amazing pieces to help you do so in style!

Happy Birthday!! xoxo

[Personal Style] It's a Bright Winter!

Every year when January rolls around I usher in the new year, which in turn manifests this need for me to make a list of new resolutions I hope to achieve in the new year, but most importantly transition into a new color palette.  With Spring being right around the corner I begin to crave brighter, bolder and more vibrant colors.  The temps in Chicago during January are usually in single digits or negative double digits, so to help get into a warmer state of mind I've decided to make January a bright winter.

The Spring 2013 catwalks were filled with a bright, bold, vibrant color palette.  One designer in particular that just made my heart swoon with how effortless they presented this new trend is Tracy Reese. While many looks were head to toe color one definite reinterpretation of the color trend emerged.  The new take on the color trend for 2013 is the mixing of  bright, vibrant tones with neutrals.  Pairing my bright green sheen denim with a mix of neutral tones helps to highlight the brilliance of the hue while at the same time showcasing that bright, bold, vibrant colors are the new "black" for Spring 2013.

What I'm wearing: Andrew Marc Shearling Moto Jacket (Similar)/ Paper Denim & Cloth Button Down Top/ASOS Bright Colored Denim (Similar)/ 80%20 Boots-50% Off now!/ Alexander McQueen Clutch/DSQUARED2 (Similar)