investment dressing


Poolside Lori straw tote review

pictured: Poolside Lori tote bag (customize the embroidery) /

I am not sure how I failed to review my beloved Poolside Lori tote back when I purchased it six years ago! Thankfully I have realized my mistake and am reviewing it now!

You read that right, I purchased this tote six years ago and it still looks fresh and new! The photo at the very bottom was taken in 2019, and the photo above was taken last month. As you can see, the tote still looks fabulous. This is a nod to the high quality of Poolside bags. You know I love a high-quality handbag! This is exactly that! Love!

Straw totes and straw handbags are always hot in the summer months. It makes sense to invest in one you can keep and use year after year. This way, you won’t find yourself purchasing a one season handbag every year. In the long run, investing in a good straw tote will save you money and time. The quality of the Poolside Lori tote is impeccable. The lining is strong and there is a drawstring for securing what’s inside your bag. It is made of a thick linen which can withstand daily use as well as beach days. Since I tend to bring my straw tote to the beach, I have had a lot of sand and sun touching my bag. It is easy to shake out and return to daily use in the city. Love that!

My Poolside Lori tote can fit a lot of essentials. As you can see, even with my wallet, phone, lipstick, keys, sunblock, and a book, there is plenty of room for snacks and other items. This is a nice, roomy tote; perfect for beach days, travel, and more.

The fun part? You can customize your tote bag! Mine says “Jet Set,” but you can have anything you want embroidered on the bag. You can put your name, your initials, or a cute phrase. The color of the embroidery is your choice too!

So, overall, I rate my Poolside Lori tote five out of five stars. Love!

Shop Poolside totes and handbags I love:

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

straw bags summer 2019

Handbag Spotlight: Veronica Beard Dash

Handbag spotlight: Veronica Beard Dash Bag /

How fabulous is the Veronica Beard Dash bag! I am in love! As the belted tote reigns supreme this year, the Dash bag by Veronica beard stands out as one of the hottest handbags on the street. Love it!

As you know, the belted tote is both a classic handbag style and an IT bag this year. Veronica Beard’s version offers timeless style, high quality, reasonable pricing, and perfect proportions; making it both beautiful and practical. I definitely need one in my life!

Veronica Beard offers the Dash in small, medium and large sizes. It has two top handles, a shoulder strap, and an interior packet. I am not sure which size I want to purchase, but like I said, I need one in my life! This bag is timeless and an investment handbag to wear and cherish for years to come. I highly recommend choosing a neutral color you know you will get a lot of use out of. I am leaning towards black. Love it!

The Veronica Beard Dash Bag online and alternative belted totes:

What do think of this trendy yet timeless handbag?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy


How to shop your closet for spring 2025

wearing: pink scarf / pink earrings / spring nail polish / green strip top / wide leg jeans / black bucket bag / sneakers /

Spring has almost sprung, so it is the perfect time to shop our closets for the spring 2025 season. Love this! Shopping without spending money is the best type of retail therapy!

There are a few steps to shopping your closet each season. First, we look at the trends. Which ones do you like? Which ones do you dislike? Second, dive into your closet and see what you already have. Chances are, you already have what you need for the season, minus a few pieces. Third, make a list of what’s missing and then shop for those items. Usually this will equate to under five items unless you have a lot of events this spring. Of course, when it comes to events, check the hang tag you created and see what you can wear again. Then, you can fill in your wardrobe for those events and the season.

So, what’s in and out this spring 2025? Let’s dive in!

The Anonymous Handbag is still hotter than hot. This investment handbag is serving you well since it is high quality and transcends trends. Look for suede, leather, and neutral hues. Spring 2025 is favoring slouchy bucket bags, belted totes and buckets, boxy bags, doctor bags, and east/west satchels.

Jeans. Every season we stress over which denim silhouettes are in, and which ones are out. This season, you can stick with what you wore last year. Pull out your wide leg jeans, boot cut or flare jeans, and your classic cuts. Despite the rumor online that skinny jeans are making a comeback, I have not see it come to fruition. Keep your favorite skinnies stored in the back of your closet for now.

Color is the best way to update your wardrobe without breaking the bank. Pull out shades of mocha, light pink, and pastel hues. Chocolate brown, burgundy and all shades of green, including dark, are relevant this spring season. Store your neon’s and ultra brights. Their moment is over for now.

Continue to keep your logo-wear stored. You should not display logos this spring 2025 season. Just say no.

When it comes to belts, the Gucci logo comeback was fleeting. This year, wear a logoless belt which is classic and understated.

Saving money is in! Overspending on an item is seen as gauche. The biggest flex is getting a lot of bang for your buck. So, stick to high quality brands and designers who are not price gouging you.

When it comes to shoes, stick with street sneakers in light neutrals, Mary Janes are still good, ballet flats, loafers, and classic high heels will round out the ideal spring shoe capsule while temperatures are still mild.

The overall look you want to pull to the front of your closet includes classic pieces, neutral or pastel hues, simple styles which transcend trends, and non-logo items. You should have a lot in your closet already! Love that!

Well, that’s it! Stay tuned for more spring coverage!

XOXO

Cathy