This year was the year I was going to stop shopping, but of course, that didn't happen. I do think I made some improvements -- I didn't spend as frivolously or impulsively as I have in previous years. I was a little more wise with where my dollar was going and with what was coming into my house. 

This might go down as the year where I came to the realization that I do not need as much as I think I do. It was the year where the big purchases I made, made an impact. 

It sounds so much more poetic and deep than what it actually is but it's true. The items on this list, while not a comprehensive catalog of everything I spent money on in 2024, are items that I loved and truly used on a consistent basis. 

Let's get into it, shall we? 

 October was gone in a flash and I don't know how I feel about it. I was so busy this month that I don't think I was fully able to relish in the best '-ber' month of all. I did some fall things, like watch Hocus Pocus every single day (including when on three plane rides),  I hosted my friends for our annual fall girls night, baked fall cookies and used all my fall themed items, like Pumpkin Spice hand sanitizer and my Hocus Pocus Stoney Clover pouch.

The weather in New York agreed with the calendar changing and we had some decent fall weather. I think only a few days over the last few weeks were hot, making it feel like August instead of October so I'll take it! Before the month is over, I plan to bake some pumpkin bread and indulge in a few more fall scented candles.

October was a fun, busy month as I've mentioned 100 times over the course of the last few blog posts. I started it off in California for a work trip, my sister got engaged, I had countless family parties from birthdays, baptisms, and weddings. I went to Florida, saw Taylor Swift in concert, and had fun with friends. It really was one of the most exciting months I've had in a while and truthfully, it all went swimmingly. 

I didn't have any anxiety freak outs related to travel or being busy; in fact, it was the opposite. I found myself feeling oddly calm with a packed calendar which makes me think that I need to be doing more things to feel calmer. What an odd feeling! 

My shopping was at a minimum in October which is always a positive but that doesn't mean I don't have some new favorites to add to my list.

Let's get into it! 

Some women love shoes, some jewelry, but me, I opt for handbags. 

If you've been a reader of this blog for a while you know that there are few things I love more in life than handbags. I've always been a bag lady. Ever since I could remember, bags have been my vice. I always ask for handbags as my big occasion gifts; from birthdays to graduations to a regular Tuesday afternoon. 

Bags make an outfit, they're a statement piece, they're essential. Sometimes I look around on my work commute and feel very bad for all the men who don't carry bags, who don't experience the beautiful works of arts some handbags are.

When it comes to handbag trends, I don't pay them any mind. Sure, trends come into play when you're shopping and see what's available, or when you notice similarities between brands, but I always just opt for what I love.

 I don't remember when I learned the word 'Birkin', maybe I've just always known a handbag that exquisite, that desirable, that expensive existed somewhere in the world. It wasn't until much later in my life that I would come to know the bag so well that I could almost feel it in my possession. 

I've been watching handbag and luxury videos on YouTube for almost 10 years and seeing influencers unbox, review, and show off their Birkin babies still makes me salivate at the mouth. I think that will be the closest I ever get to seeing a Birkin but who knows... back then, I didn't think I'd ever own a Chanel bag and now I have two.

Hermes Birkin bags have been more popular than ever and with the rise of the luxury community on TikTok it feels like you're constantly seeing people shove their Birkins and Kellys in your face. It feels like everyone has one of the coveted handbags in their collection. Whether they're real or fake is an entirely different discussion.

 I love a good handbag deal. I love the deal even more when it's a classic handbag silhouette that I've been lusting after for years. That's exactly what we're going to talk about today.

The Prada Galleria has always been on my radar; I don't know where I first saw it but it was a bag that was always in the back of my mind. I loved how simple it was, how classic and elegant it looked, and how versatile it seemed to be. The fact that it came in so many different sizes, materials, and colors was just an added bonus.

I knew one day I'd add the bag to my collection and that day came two years ago when I purchased on from Fashionphile. I had been in the market for a new handbag (but realistically, when am I not looking for a new bag?) and decided that this was the year I got the Prada. I knew that I wanted the smaller one because I wanted to be able to use it daily instead of just as a work bag.

The Louis Vuitton Neverfull is an iconic bag, despite others saying it's outdated, overrated, and basic. When a bag hits classic status you're bound to see it everywhere and think its overrated...that's what classic is. That's why you see it everywhere, real or fake, the bag is simply beautiful.

I purchased my first Louis Vuitton Neverfull years ago from Tradesy, after admiring it from afar for what feels like my entire life. It was pre-loved, very torn up, and in horrible condition but I did not care. She was mine, she was beautiful, and I used her daily. 

Whenever I think I want a new work tote, or need something new in my collection that resembles a tote, it never lives up to the expectations I have in my head. Whenever I go back to the Neverfull I am reminded why this bag is so good and why it has the name 'Neverfull'. It's a work horse, it fits your entire life and then some...it's perfect, comfortable, and classic.

Ever since I could remember I've been a handbag lover. They were always my drug of choice, ever since I got my first Coach wristlet when I was a kid. I had so many Coach bags, and then eventually Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors. I lusted after Lauren Conrad and her iconic Chanel Medallion tote, or Paris & Nicole with their multi color Louis Vuitton.

Growing up, my mom had a few Louis Vuitton handbags and I always thought they were so beautiful and chic. I dreamed of the day I would own a real designer bag...and that moment came on my 16th birthday when my grandma bought me a Louis Vuitton Speedy 30. It was the start of a beautiful friendship between Louis & I.

Till this day, I think Louis Vuitton is my favorite designer. I don't care if people say it's basic, if monogram everything is out, if the Neverfull is overdone -- I will never get tired of the three iconic Louis Vuitton canvas prints.

Almost 10 years ago, another Louis Vuitton bag caught my eye; it was different from anything I'd seen before and I was hooked. Then, in 2017 it introduced a new type of Louis Vuitton print -- reverse monogram canvas. It was honestly love at first sight... the Pochette Metis was my kind of bag. 

 I am in a constant state of wanting material things; not a day goes by that I don't find something new to fawn over and dream about purchasing. There has to be a deeper, psychological reason for this behavior but right now, I'm just focused on not spending money on stuff I don't need.

Over the past few months I've tried to curb the appetite to spend money frivolously by creating wishlists of every item that comes across my screen and peaks my interest. I figured it would be fun to take a look inside my mind and the items I'm currently coveting. 

I might make this a series and share all different categories of items but today I want to talk about luxury goods because I am in my luxe girl era... but honestly, when am I not?

These items are what I've been dreaming about but I don't think I will get my hands on them any time soon, or ever. It's fun to imagine though, right?

February was so fast yet so slow and I simply cannot believe we're already in March. I can't believe winter is almost over and Daylight Savings Time is this coming weekend. I'm actually looking forward to it getting darker later because my seasonal depression needs it. 

February was a fine month - it was neither good nor bad. I think I hit a bit of a rock bottom in terms of mental health at the beginning and it tapered off towards the end. A highlight was definitely going into the office more (which I think helps my mental health - how annoying) and of course, my Charleston trip.

I'm positive about March and the rest of the year so here's hoping I manifest some good stuff!

Back to the point of this post though... my February favorites. I failed a bit epically in the no impulse shopping section and I'm going to do my best in March to get back on the horse. That being said, the new items I did buy were bought with intention and they are definitely some of my favorites this month!

 So, yes, this another Stoney Clover Lane inspiration post. They launched their cozy collection today and I have been waiting for this day like it's Christmas. SCL released a cozy collection last year that I purchased a few items from and was kicking myself that I didn't pick up more.

Lucky me, Stoney Clover decided to release a cozy 2.0 and I didn't miss out this time. The cozy collection consists of three colors: moss, hazelnut and rose. It also has two materials: sherpa & fur... so you can be cozy all fall and winter long.

SCL released multiple items (and a few new patches) for this collection, including a new shape... the heart pouch which is a too cute for words. I figured before it all sells out (the mini duffle bag already sold out), I'd do an inspiration post so you can get in on the cozy collection. 

However, first up, let's look at what I bought.

My Cozy Collection Picks

Plain Rose Heart Pouch

Plain Hazelnut Mini Tote

Small Hazelnut Pouch with pearl letters

Purchase Inspiration

Moss Small Pouch with Buttercream Letters

Hazelnut Heart Pouch with Pearl Airplane & Heart

Hazelnut Mini with Pearl Letter

Moss Fanny Pack with Snowflake Patches

Rose Fanny Pack with Pearl Letters

Large Hazelnut with Buttercream, Pistachio, Sparkling Cider and  Pumpkin Spice hearts

Moss Heart with Cozy Rainbow

Hazelnut Mini Backpack with Pearl Letters

Rose Small Pouch with Pearl Airplane

Rose Mini Tote with Pearl Heart and Cozy Rainbow

This is my first handbag review in quite a long time. I recently sold a large portion of my handbag collection and haven't purchased a new one since September/October. That handbag was in fact, this Coach Cassie Crossbody bag.

Coach has made a comeback in recent years and I've been very intrigued by their styles. The brand now has a modern, sophisticated look that is accessible, beautiful, and practical. Coach is doing amazing things and I'm excited to continue to watch what was once my favorite handbag company.

I had seen the Cassie Crossbody around the internet a lot in the past year or so and I was surprised to see it bare a striking resemblance to the bag that has been number one on my wishlist for years... the Louis Vuitton Pochette Metis.

When I saw that others noticed the same thing, I immediately started looking for one of them on the pre-loved market. I didn't want to buy it new because I wasn't a fan of the price tag or the options they had available. I had my eye on the rustic, monogram color and that was only available on e-Bay. Well, after much hunting I found one that was priced fairly and in near perfect condition... it even came with the tags and original dust bag so I was sold.

I've used my Coach Cassie bag more than any other bag the past few months and I have loved every second of it.

Below is my full review where you can see the bag in action! Please let me know if you have any questions and let's chat about bags!




xoxo
B

I have been on a huge Tory Burch kick lately. I have a new found love for her and her pieces I think because of the elegance and sophistication but also the trendiness yet classical way she designs things.

I've always loved the brand but her past few collections have really caught my eye. I have previously talked about my love of the Fleming Shoulder Bag so when I saw a few months ago that she released a Fleming Tote, I knew I had to have it.

$500 is a bit to spend on a tote for me right now so I found it pre-loved on eBay and paid nearly half of that, if not more. Since then, it has been a staple in my routine and I have to remind myself to use other bags in my collection.



The Fleming Tote is a small everyday tote, not big enough for work or school (depending on how much you carry) but just large enough to throw all your necessities into and have them at easy grasp.

The bag is not heavy, even when you load it up with items which is super important to me because I hate heavy bags. I use it run errands, go to the gym, and if you're going overnight somewhere, you could definitely fit a change of clothes or pajamas in it!



Tory Burch has this bag in a variety of colors but the pink hue of my bag makes my heart so happy. It goes with pretty much everything if you wear neutrals a lot (which I do) and the chain detailing makes the bag a little more fancy and adds a special touch.

I did a full in depth review of the bag on my Youtube channel and showed you what I keep in it on a daily basis and showed off more of the inside!

Tory Burch Fleming Tote

Make sure you're subscribed to my channel for more handbag reviews! 

What is your current favorite bag?

xoxo
B

I love designer items and I always have, ever since I was a little girl and received my first Coach handbag at the age of seven years old. There's just something so special about a designer item, whether it's Kate Spade of Hermes.

That being said, not everyone (including myself) can afford all the designer items their heart desires. That's where dupes come in.

Now, there is great debate on the Internet and IRL that dupes are harmful to the luxury designer houses. I beg to differ... dupes are very different than fakes. A fake designer item is one that pretends to be the real thing, therefore they have a fake logo.

A dupe is vastly different because they just have a similar style, without trying to be an exact replica. Smaller, more contemporary brands like Tory Burch, Rebecca Minkoff, and Steve Madden are usually known for taking style ideas & colors to create a more affordable dupe of a pricier item. I am perfectly ok with dupes because I feel like fashion is a constant reiteration of the same thing... and why shouldn't people who can't afford a luxury item not have a similar style? To be against dupes is a little snobby in my opinion.

Now that we got that out of the way... let's get into some of my favorite designer dupes.

This post was originally posted in March 2019 and has since been updated

I've been doing better with my shopping, or so I tell myself, but I still cannot kick my handbag addiction. There are so many bags that have been coming out and I want them all; I can't get them out of my head and this was one that started it all.

The Rebecca Minkoff Edie Flap Bag was released in early Fall and when I saw it, I fell in love. I don't remember the last time I fell in love with a bag the way I fell in love with this one. I couldn't stop thinking about it and I logged onto the Rebecca Minkoff website at least once a day to stare at it. I'm not joking, I had dreams about it... that's how obsessed I was.

While the Edie comes in a variety of colors, I fell head over heels for the grey one. I didn't have a grey bag in my collection and grey is one of my favorite neutrals, so it was no surprise that this one sang to me.



The silhouette, the grey hue (grey isn't available anymore in the large but is available in the small), the silver double chain, and the quilting all drew me in. While I know this isn't necessarily a 'dupe' for Chanel, it definitely reminds me of Chanel and that is one of the reasons I needed to have it. I wanted that gorgeous, quilted bag so badly and I finally bought it for myself around my birthday.

I've been using it for a few months and I can wholeheartedly say, this is one of my new favorite bags. It's very spacious, comfortable to wear, and versatile. It's made of very soft material and looks just gorgeous with everything because like I said, grey is definitely a neutral.

I did a full review and what's in my bag video a few weeks ago to take a full look at everything this bag has to offer!



Rebecca Minkoff has expanded the range of Edie to include metallic finishes, backpacks (which I also have and a review will be coming soon), belt bags, mini shoulder bags, and clutches. I love the entire line because of the gorgeous quilting and the classic look and feel of the bag!

Will you be picking up one of the new Edie bags?
xoxo
B

There are certain bags that I only wear in the warm weather and bags I only wear in the cold weather. Of course, I have in between, all year round bags but there's always a few that are saved for the specific seasons.

I think I love cold weather handbags the most because there are so many different materials to choose from; fur, shearling, velvet, metallics -- the possibilites are endless!

Today I'm rounding up some favorite handbags I have in my collection that are reserved for October-March.

Kate Spade Finer Things Merry Backpack:

This was one of my Christmas presents last year and oh boy, how I immediately fell in love with it. This mini, furry backpack started my love affair with mini backpacks and I can't wait to start using it again! It's tiny, yes, but you'd be surprised at how much you can fit inside of it. Of course, the reason I only use this in cold weather is that it's furry. It's such a cozy bag that you can dress up or down; what I love about Kate Spade backpacks is that most of them, including this one, are convertible so you can wear it as a shoulder bag, crossbody, or backpack.

You can no longer get this but definitely look around eBay and Poshmark. Also, any furry backpack will give you the same, cozy cold weather effect!

Kate Spade Wink Face Felt Bag:

Rebecca Minkoff Velvet Bag: 

Velvet had a moment last year and it's still going strong. I picked up this bag during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale last summer and truthfully, didn't use it too much last winter. However, my mom and sister used it a TON and they've kind of inspired me to use it a little more this year! It's pink, which in my opinion is neutral because all I wear is black and it can be very dressed up. I also have no problem wearing this on a simple night out and who knows, maybe I'll use it to run a few errands once the snow comes! Once again, it's no longer available but there are a TON on Poshmark!

Kate Spade Cameron St Flock Roses Binx:

I was debating putting this bag in this post because I don't know if I'm going to only use this during the cold months. However, now that I'm typing this out, I definitely will only be using this in the fall and winter. The velvet roses are the focus of the bag in my opinion and the reason I so badly wanted this mini backpack so yes, it's definitely a cold weather handbag.

I have barely stopped using this bag and it's become a top 5 favorite very quickly. I'll do a full bag review soon but you can read some more in my October Favorites post.

More Cold Weather Handbags:

I've always loved bags and accessories; I've always been that type of girl who loved her stuff and always wanted a new bag or a new wallet... specifically, name brand designers.

Where I By Pre-Loved Luxury Goods

If you didn't know, I have a Youtube channel and I've been posting (consistently????) for the past year. Over there, I talk more about handbags than anything else and the peeps who subscribe have been asking for a handbag collection video.



So last weekend, without any makeup on, because I was lazy, I filmed a very long, obnoxious handbag collection and realized I have over 30 handbags. I need so much help.

You've seen a lot of my handbags on the blog but recently I've sold a lot and gotten new ones so this is the most updated collection.



If you aren't subscribed to my channel, do that now ;)

xoxo
B