Home Organization, Hope Wissel, Travel Tips

TOP 10 MUST HAVE to Be Spring Ready

Springtime is here – well maybe finally!  I know it has been a mix bag of weather here in NJ….

Whether you are planning a spring break getaway, a casual day out, or an at-home room refresh, Thirty One has your warm weather organization needs covered.

Check out these new spring faves and more in Thirty One’s Spring Catalog!

FOR ALL KINDS OF GETAWAYS

1. Deluxe Travel Tote:  This new fave keeps your spring break travel accessories clean, dry, and organized. Pack it with the outfits and swimwear you need for your trip. A bottom compartment makes packing travel extras easier than ever before.

2. Day Away Backpack:  Stay prepped on your next hike with this brand-new go-to. Interior pockets and snap tabs for extra space mean you always have room for out-and-about essentials.

3. Insulated Bottle Crossbody: Cool water – yes, please! Make sure your water is always crisp and refreshing with our new insulated design. Bonus: The travel-friendly crossbody means you can stay hydrated without the hassle.  These are a HOT item and on the TOP 10 for must haves for the Spring.

4. Packing Cubes:  Organize your suitcase with cubes to keep your clothing safe and secure. The front mesh panels add breathability, so your items stay fresh over long trips.

FOR DAYS SPENT OUT & ABOUT

5. Fold-Over Lunch Bag:  Take snacks on the go with this new lunchtime fave — while supporting a great ­cause. For every Fold-Over Lunch Bag purchased between March 1, 2022, to August 31, 2020, Thirty-One is donating a portion to our partners at Girls on the Run®. (You can learn more about the impactful work GOTR does here.

6. Pick Up & Go Tote:  Get to the seaside early with packing and pick-up ease. This new fun fave helps you stay organized on your next spring beach day. Bonus tip: fill it with towels to keep your sand setup put together and dry.

7. Insulated Bucket Tote:  This on-trend spring essential takes snack storage on the go. Have healthy snack options on hand whenever you need them, whether on errands or your next midday meeting.

FOR REFRESHING YOUR HOME OASIS

8. Small & Medium Rope Baskets:  New rope baskets –available in two sizes – keep at-home accessories together with ease and style. Fill them with notebooks, sunglasses, hand towels, and more to make sure everything has a designated place.

9. Mini Carry-All Caddy:  Your desk has never looked so organized! Use this fave to keep all your pens, pencils, and other home office essentials in one convenient place.

10. Small & Medium Reversible Bins:  Get ready to have two on-trend looks in one. Now you can stay organized and stay on top of home style trends with reversible style options.

Feeling overwhelmed by all of the options?  Have a budget and don’t know where to start?  Email or message me on Facebook and I will be happy to help you.

Be sure to email on my Thirty One email by signing up on my website, find me on Facebook at Hope’s Purse Closet which is my VIP group or on Instagram.  Click to be a part of my MONTHLY GIVEAWAY by answering the survey

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

 

Products shown are from Spring 2022, available from March 1, 2022 – August 31, 2022. For more information about product availability, go to my website:  www.partywithHope.com

Travel Tips

Cooler Destinations for Summer

Warm days call for cool drinks and snacks, especially when you’re away from home enjoying the sun or getting work done! Our selection of insulated lunch totes, kids’ snack bags and family-sized cooler totes for large parties and gatherings is just the solution you’ve been in search of!

 

We made finding the right size and type of cooler tote easy for you by pairing our recommended styles with popular Summer destinations. Check out our handy graphic to find the best insulated cooler to help you chill out this season!

1. Heading to the beach or pool?

We recommend: The New Horizons Tote Clear Clip Pouch  The tote will hold your beach towels, book and other “stuff” which the clear clip pouch can keep your suntan lotion from melting in the heat.  I love the canvas fabric on the tote which is also a great solution when hitting the farmer’s markets or flea markets this summer.  The washable fabric makes it easy to care for if it gets dirty.

OTHER GREAT OPTIONS!

  • Adjustable Sling Backpack: carry essentials hands-free!
  • Fresh Market® Thermal: holds ice to keep food & drinks cold!  This large thermal is also a great way to see your ice cream from melting on the way home from the grocery store.  Pack all of your frozen items in it with the refrigerator items on top and your will be surprised how solid the freezer items still are when you get home even on the hottest days.

 

2. Off to the office?

We recommend: Thermal Tote OR Around the Clock® Thermal .  Not sure which one to pick, it all depends on what you take for lunch.  A visual is a “6-pack” will fit in the Around the Clock Thermal with some room to spare.  The Thermal Tote is great for the kids for their school lunches.

OTHER GREAT OPTIONS!

  • Zipper Pouch: great for office supplies, small electronics and more! 
  • Everyday Essentials Tote: lots of pockets to keep your work items organized!  This is the NEW favorite for the beach, the gym, school, crafters and teachers.

 

3. Off to a lake cabin? Leaving for a camping trip?

We recommend: Large Utility Tote + Essential Storage Tote   You can never enough of either one of these bags!  The large utility tote is a must have for everyone – beach, grocery shopping, sports equipment, car clutter and so much more.  Did you know TWO Essential Storage Totes will fit in a Zipper Pouch?  This makes them easy to store.

OTHER GREAT OPTIONS!

  • Journey Backpack: when you want to do a little hiking or biking!  The best part is this has a thermal pocket to keep your drinks and/ or snacks cool.
  • Move It All Bag: don’t forget blankets, towels and extra clothes!

 

4. Taking a road trip? Family vacation by car?

We recommend: All Packed® Duffle +All Packed® Mini Duffle  Where will you be traveling to this summer?

OTHER GREAT OPTIONS!

 

5. Family picnic in the park? Neighborhood backyard BBQ?

We recommend: Round About Cooler Tote The NEWEST Thirty One thermal.

OTHER GREAT OPTIONS!

 

6. Planning a kids’ playdate? Taking the kids to the zoo? 

We recommend:Cinch Sac

OTHER GREAT OPTIONS!

  • Tiny Utility Tote: a handy storage basket for toys and other playtime essentials!
  • Snack & Go Pouch: Food safe snack bag for kids to keep treats in when away for the day!

Not sure which thermal or tote is perfect for you?  I am happy to help you find the right combination for all of your needs.  Believe it or not, each bag has over 31 uses so one bag may actually solve more than one of your dilemmas.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Hope Wissel

What’s Your 2021 Style?

 

We’ve invented our 2021 Style Quiz to help you discover which fashionably functional pieces to include in your new year wardrobe. Ready to take the quiz? Let’s do it!

Select one answer from each of the choices below to get your result!

A. Versatility AND variety are the spices of life! HS BP

B. Simple and classic is the way to go! CT

C. I need help getting organized! ZOUT

D. I need to get away and have some more fun! TW

A. Innovative

B. Stylish

C. Practical

D. Carefree

A. Hands-free adjustable straps + top handles

B. Spacious interior + zip closure

C. Lots of pockets + laminated, easy-clean interior

D. Shoulder length handles + adjustable/detachable crossbody strap

A. Casual purposes: errands, classes, work… even hiking!

B. For shopping, evenings out, church or to social events

C. For business and school, family outings or even the gym

D. For weekend travel or day trips to casual places

A. Faux leather is ideal

B. Something with a soft texture and faux leather details would be nice

C. Something durable and easy to clean

D. A nice brushed cotton or canvas with faux leather details

If you selected mostly A’s, that’s AWESOME! The High Street Backpack will make 2021 an adventure-filled year for you!

 

If you selected mostly C’s, you should CELEBRATE! The Zip-Top Organizing Utility Tote (ZOUT) is the organizing solution for you!

If you selected mostly D’s, that is DIVINE! The Takealong Weekender will take you places you’ve never been!

Hope Wissel

Personalize Holiday Gifts

Finding gifts for friends and family used to be easy for me….. I would note things there were interested in or wanted and probably wouldn’t buy for themselves or it would be something that triggered a memory.  Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons (mainly the MS) this has become more and more difficult.  If I don’t buy it or write it down when I am thinking of it….it is gone out of my head never to return.

I love giving things that are personal to friends and family.  I know it can be the difference between giving something they enjoy and something truly unforgettable. No matter how long your shopping list is this holiday season, these fun and creative ideas can add a personal touch which makes your gift one they’ll never forget! 

The holidays are a great time to celebrate the hardworking loved ones in your life. Maybe they’re driving the kids to and from practice and need some extra storage. Or they’re educating little ones and need a place to put all their classroom supplies. Or they’re nurses and need to be extra prepared for those extra-long shifts. Regardless, a Large Utility Tote or Medium Utility Tote will be a perfect fit for their busy schedules.  Here are some fun ways to personalize their bags:

For moms:

    • Chaos Coordinator
    • Too blessed to be stressed
    • Bless this Hot Mess
    • Wife. Mom. Boss.
    • Mom Life
    • Messy bun & gettin’ things done

For teachers:

    • Prepare to get schooled
    • Stop. Grammar time!
    • Because I’m the teacher, that’s why.
    • The influence of a great teacher cannot be erased
    • Teach, Love, Inspire

For nurses:

    • Work Hard. Stay Humble.
    • Sleep all day, Nurse all night
    • Boo Boo Crew
    • Hair up, Scrubs on
    • Comfort & Joy

 

Home is where the heart is, so help your friends and family make their space festive for the holidays with some of these keepsake decorations. Our Statement Canvas Pillow Cover is perfect for any room – and with so many options for embroidered or printed personalization, you can be sure to find something for that special person in mind.

Here are a few ideas for personalization:

    • Choose a Christmas Tree with the phrase “Home for the Holidays”
    • Use a festive lyric like “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”
    • Add a name along with a snowglobe or snowflake design
    • Insert Baby’s name with the phrase “First Christmas”

Other products like the Close to Home™ Round Tray are perfect for those who love to host friends and family for those big holiday meals. And with the endless possibilities of playful personalized phrases that can be added, their guests are sure to be served well.

    • Eat, Drink & Be Merry
    • Let’s eat!
    • All are welcome
    • The Miller Family
    • Gather Here
    • Eat, Pray, Love
    • Bless this Home

 

For all those people in your life who have a flair for the dramatic, our bold products and prints are sure to fit their personal style. Plus, by adding some sassy personalization to go with it, their one-of-a-kind bag can complete any look.

Our classic Cindy Tote™ Ltd., casual Retro Metro® Bag or new Festival Mini Backpackall make great gifts for those who want to stay on trend this season.

Personalization makes any bag mean even more:

Whatever you pick, remember about 90% of Thirty One’s products can be personalized… make the gift you give this holiday season one they will remember.

Have a blessed day!

 

Hope Wissel

Campus style: College fashion bag trends

I know High schoolers and younger are not thinking about going back to school BUT I am sure the college students are gearing up for their new life.  The summer Belinda went off to college was a whirlwind of craziness….

Of course, changing colleges just two weeks before heading off for the first extended trip away from home did help either.  She went from attending Johnson & Wales in Charlotte to Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.  I wasn’t sure how it would work out but it was the best decision she ever made.  I miss her like crazy since she is 12 hours away but I am so proud of the woman she has become.

From backpack purses and messenger bags to slouchy totes and crossbody wallets, this year’s hand-picked campus trends will take you back to college in style. Read on to discover the hottest bag fashions designed to be super-functional, keeping you organized semester after semester.

Trend-right mini backpack purses

A small backpack purse is the perfect combination of hands-free and on-trend. Choose one with sturdy hardware and plenty of pockets – the one you pick will need to hold a ton and stand up to your busy daily routine. Don’t go too bold with this one: choose a solid color in an elevated finish to maintain wearability and lend a timeless air to an of-the-moment style. Thirty-One Gifts’ own Boutique Backpack comes in a luxe, faux-pebble fabrication in your choice of four colors with contrasting striped handles for a pop of fun!

Brand new for Fall 2018, our version of this fashionable, hands-free bag is available early (and at a great price!) to Customers who invite their friends to shop Thirty-One Gifts together this July! Connect with me to learn more about shopping and sharing this great style when you host a party. And as always, personalization is free on Hostess Specials – so make your backpack really stand out with an embroidered monogram or initial in color-coordinating thread.

Campus fashion tip: Wear it over a flowy floral top or dress, and tie a light cardigan or denim button-up shirt around your waist for those college lecture halls that seem to perpetually blast the AC.

Hands-free crossbody wallets

Whether you’re biking to class in the morning or hitting the town at night, hands-free is where it’s at. Choose a sleek and slim crossbody wallet to keep your phone, credit cards, ID and other essentials close at hand. And if you find one with a removable strap like our chic Tons of Funds, snag it – these styles easily transform into an everyday wallet for your larger bag, or clip on a Wristlet Strap for a cute clutch. Three great uses – all without unpacking your things!

Campus fashion tip: Skip the jewelry and sling a brightly colored crossbody wallet across a simple striped tunic and leggings to add a trendy visual pop.

Versatility is key when you’re selecting an everyday tote for class. Our slouchy and stylish Retro Metro Collection features a few stand-out pieces perfect for campus life: Try the Retro Metro Hobo Crossbody in black-and-white, vintage-inspired Twill Stripe. The long, flexible handle means it can be worn as a crossbody, or knot the strap to shorten the handle drop for a relaxed shoulder bag.

Need something with more room and a bit more structure? Our Retro Metro Fold-Overshares the same comfortable styling and durable construction, but features a shaped base and reinforced square corners for more of a messenger bag look. It’s available in cotton or canvas, perfect for toting textbooks, tech and more.

Campus fashion tip: Pair a slouchy bag with a fitted blazer or jean jacket to balance the casual vibe.

What better way to achieve exactly the campus style you’re looking for than by designing it yourself? For a true messenger bag in a chic, upgraded finish, check out our Studio Thirty-One Modern purse. The large magnetic flap is removable so you can switch up your look from semester to semester…or even day to day!

We love the classic sophistication of a monochromatic Caramel Charm Body and Flapwith a stylish pop of black-and-white webbing in the crossbody strap. And be sure to check out our Studio Thirty-One flaps from the Global Inspired Collection featuring bright, graphic prints.

Check out even more hot Studio Thirty-One combinations, or jump right in and start designing your own! Bonus: Each one of these purses is polished enough to take you from class straight to your internship. (Grown-up points!)

Campus fashion tip: Wear it with an olive green military-style jacket and cute ballet flats to punch up your favorite jeans-and-tee combo.

Bonus accessory trend: Lightweight scarves

Want another great college-friendly fashion tip? Think beyond the bag! A square, rectangular or infinity scarf is a key element in your back-to-school wardrobe. Tie it on your bag to add stylish flair and a shot of color, or wrap one loosely around your neck to make a fashion statement in any season.

There are as many ways to wear a simple scarf as there are prints available in our long and lightweight Avenue Scarf: a quick search on Pinterest turns up tons of creative tying methods, from simple knots to fancy braids, head wraps and even belts!

Campus fashion tip: It’s easier than you think to turn a rectangular scarf into a stylish kerchief: you’re just seconds away with this four-step tutorial we love!

Thank you ThirtyOne for today’s blog post.