5 Bags Every Woman Needs!

Satchels and clutches and duffles, oh my! With so many bag styles to choose from, it can be tough to decide which carryalls to add to your collection. The right bag can add a pop of personality while keeping you organized and ready to tackle the day.  What kind of bag do you like????

#1 The Professional Tote

I don’t know about you BUT I love bags that are versatile whether you are a busy mom, a working women or a student.  Maybe you wear ALL of these hats and more.   Here is some favorites to take you from work to the gym to date night! I’m a BIG bag kind of girl so my fave is the Modern Tote!

Whether you work in an office, are running to class or just love to have ALL the essentials with you while out and about, a classic tote is a staple! Toss your laptop, books or planner (maybe even a snack or two) into this iconic over-the-shoulder style and you’re ready to slay the day. Is it just us, or does carrying a tote totally make you feel like you have your life together?

Top Totes: Modern Tote, Cindy Tote^TM

 

#2 The Compact Crossbody

Sometimes a no-fuss purse is exactly what the situation calls for. A small crossbody makes the perfect add-on to date night looks and casual outfits alike, and it’s just right for those who prefer a more minimal everyday bag. Plus, having your hands free means more hands for waving hello, holding ice cream cones, petting dogs… Wait, where were we? LOL!  

My favorite is the Inspired Crossbody!  It is my 3 in 1 bag!  I used it as a wallet, add the crossbody strap when I needs hands free and if I need a clutch, I add a wristlet strap!  

Crossbody Crushes: Boutique Crossbody, Inspired Crossbody Ltd.

 

#3 The Versatile Backpack

The roominess of a tote meets hands-free ease! Backpacks are a must-have for everything from travel to outdoor adventures, and with so many styles, there’s an option for every outing. Sporty, functional backpacks are great for hiking, day trips, airplane carry-ons or even diaper bags, while elevated faux leather backpacks make fashionable, on-trend options for work or everyday wear.

Our Backpack Picks: High Street Backpack, Adventures Backpack

 

#4 The Perfect Gym Bag

Think of your gym bag as your sporty sidekick – having all your workout gear together and organized can be just the motivating boost you need to get out the door and get moving. Of course, gym bags are ideal for activities like sports, yoga, dance, weightlifting and much more, but they can also double as overnight bags!

Our Go-to Gym Buddies: All Packed^® Mini Duffle, Cinch Sac

 

#5 The All-star Accessory

OK, so they might not be bags exactly, but we think a wallet or pouch are absolutely essential to any bag arsenal! These little accessories help keep things like cash, cards and IDs in place instead of floating around in the depths of your purse. Pouches are especially handy for keeping essentials like lip balm, hair ties, phone chargers and makeup organized and in reach. You can even carry these accessories solo by clipping on a matching Wristlet Strap!

Our Must-have Accessories: All About the Benjamins^®, Rubie Mini

Ready to refresh your bag collection? Learn how Thirty-One Insiders can earn rewards like product credits, half-off items and exclusive styles here!

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

How To Pick Your Holiday Look

I know it is almost Halloween and I am already talking about holiday looks……..the perfect look isn’t just for the holidays, it can be for a special occasion or just to treat yourself.  It you are looking for the perfect accessory for your holiday look, I have a few suggestions for you with the help of Thirty One.   We’ve got you covered! Follow this decision tree to find the perfect accessory, then follow the links to shop your style!

Super Soft Blanket

If you are a homebody who enjoys sitting by the crackling fire and watching a sappy holiday movies (I’m a year round Hallmark movie gal – what about you?). Keep things cozy with our Super Soft Blanket – it’s perfect for snuggling up on the couch and drinking hot cocoa on a cold day! You can add embroidered personalization to make the blanket even more special!

All About the Benjamins^® wallet with Wristlet Strap

You’re a go-getter who needs all your cards, cash and phone at-the-ready for your holiday night out! You don’t want to worry about searching for your wallet in a big purse – the All About the Benjamins^® is perfect for you! This classic style will keep your cards and cash organized and can serve as a chic clutch by adding a Wristlet Strap.  I love the fact my phone will fit in it as well as my car key when we are headed out for an evening on the town.

Rubie Mini with Wristlet Strap

If you are like me, you are always looking for things to serve multiple purposes – the Rubie Mini is perfect for you! This small, stylish bag is a great clutch on its own or can be thrown in a larger bag to keep small items organized. Add a Wristlet Strap to keep things handy during a night out. With many prints and colors to choose from, this bag will elevate any holiday look by adding a pop of color and give you the functionality you’re looking for!

Inspired Crossbody Ltd.

This bag is chic and functional, just like you! The Inspired Crossbody Ltd. combines all the great features of a wallet and a purse in a fun and stylish package! It’s perfect for keeping everything you need right at your fingertips and can pull double duty as a wallet with the crossbody strap removed.  I use it as a wallet and keep the crossbody strap in the car console.  This way when I am out shopping, I grab the strap and am ready to fight those holiday Black Friday crowds.

Forever Foldover Clutch

Take the glam to the max with the Forever Foldover Clutch! In either sequins or patent faux leather, this bag will take any look to the next level and is perfect for a night on the town or formal holiday party. You can add a Crossbody Strap or Wristlet Strap to go hands free or keep it chic by carrying it as a clutch. Keep your cards in place with the four credit card slots inside, and store all the essentials in the large open compartment in the middle.

Which one is your favorite?

Have a blessed day!

Fall Bag Trends

Fall may not officially be here BUT the kids are back to school and we know the cooler weather is coming, right?  Are you looking for a fashion refresh this fall? I’m definitely not a fashionista when it comes to clothes but I am grateful Thirty One keeps me on trend when it comes to my bags.  From trending colors and patterns to spotlight-stealing purse silhouettes, here are some top tips to update your look for the season.

Mandatory monograms: Long a staple of classic Southern style, embroidered monogramming has quickly taken hold in every region of the country as a sophisticated way to make stationery, totes, shirts and even front-door wreaths truly one-of-a-kind. Big or small, our embroidered initial and monogram designs are the perfect way to add a special touch to your look – or to create a treasured gift.

Get the look: Go big or go home with a Large Monogram on our Around Town® Tote, then embroider a sweet Rubie Mini to match! Choose a tone-on-tone shade for the ultimate in subtle sophistication, or coordinate perfectly with a single color that ties the two pieces together. Want a fool-proof tip? Play up a shade from one of our exclusive prints!

Mad for plaid I was never a fan of plaid, more the solid black kind of girl BUT I’m loving the new plaid patterns this year.  Playful patterns and creative color mixing are just some of the reasons we’re loving plaid this season. From designer couture and 2019 Fashion Week to top style influencers, you’ll be seeing chic checkered designs cropping up all season long. Admittedly, Thirty-One’s take on this hot trend is more “realway” than runway – which is great news for everyone looking to add a dash of gorgeous plaid to elevate their everyday look.

When it comes to plaid, black and white are anything but basic: Try a trend-right travel solution in Perfectly Plaid (shown above on our top-selling Away for the Weekender) or a handbag or crossbody style in Buffalo Check Pebble. And for a burst of seasonal color, accessorize with our new Charming Check Pebble in shades of navy, berry (shown below) and gold.

Berry in-demand:  Another trend right off the runway and poised to add polish to your look is Crushed Berry – a crave-worthy color super-saturated and super-versatile. Amp up your style quotient with the Diamond District handbag in this sophisticated shade, and make it mean even more with a petite and polished Embellished initial embroidered on the front pocket flap.

 

Want to go casual and conveniently hands-free for fall? This juicy hue looks fabulous on our best-selling Boutique Backpack and new Festival Mini Backpack. (Seriously, check out that Mini – it’s fun-sized!) You can also add a pop of Crushed Berry to jazz up your neutral handbag with a Rubie Mini, All About the Benjamins® wallet and new Fab Fob – all three of which you can personalize!

Exclusively yours: Let me help you get the girls together for an amazing time shopping Thirty-One, and you could earn our Hostess Exclusive All Weekend Tote for more than 60% off! It’s the perfect structured travel bag or carry-on with easy-care nylon and pebbled faux-leather details in this beautiful berry shade that’s just “ripe” for fall.

Clutch performance:  Trust us – this kind of glamour isn’t just for holiday parties anymore! (Although you will want to pick up this Forever Foldover Clutch in time for all those seasonal soirees.) Sparkle and shine with sequins or patent faux leather to dress up one of 2019’s hottest bag silhouettes: the party clutch.

Roomy but refined, Thirty One’s take on this style folds over and snaps down to make it easy to carry. And it wouldn’t be Thirty-One if we didn’t crank up the function factor: Side D-rings make this clutch easy to convert to a hands-free crossbody bag when you pick up a matching strap, while a zipper pocket and four credit card slots mean you can leave your wallet at home.

See all your Thirty-One must-haves for the season, plus amazing holiday gifts, in our fall Catalog.

Bonus tip: Love what you see, but would rather get it for half-price – or even earn it all for FREE? (And really, who wouldn’t?!) I can make it simple to Earn Rewards just for shopping and sharing the Thirty-One products you love with your friends and family!  We can do it online or in your home….

Have a blessed day!

Tasty Tuesday: S’mores Brownie Pie

 

Thank you Jen from @The Haute Mommy Handbook for today’s recipe….You know those days when you want to curl up with something chocolatey but don’t want the same old thing you usually turn to? How about combining the deliciousness of pie with the fun of s’mores?

This recipe does both, and the longest part of it involves waiting for it in the oven–and for it to cool down already!

Whipped cream is totally optional, but why wouldn’t you use it? It’s whipped cream.

Enjoy making–and more importantly, eating–this s’mores brownie pie! All the fun of camping with no chance of hungry bears!

Time: 1 hr 30 min     Servings: 8-10  

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• brownie mix
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
• 1 Tbsp water
• marshmallows
• whipped cream (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until incorporated. Press into 9″ pie plate until evenly spread. Bake for 10 minutes at 350° F.
2. For the brownie pie, combine brownie mix with egg, oil, and water, stirring until smooth.
3. When crust is ready, scoop brownie mixture into it. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until knife inserted at 2″ comes out clean.
4. Allow pie to cool for about 30 minutes. Decorate with whipped cream (if desired) and top with marshmallows.
5. Slice into wedges and serve.

Taking your lunch or just want to pack this YUMMY pie as a snack…. Try Thirty One’s Going Places Thermal.  It is actually part of the Outlet Sale happening NOW through January 17th.  The Going Places Thermal has a spacious compartment for lunch or snacks as well as a water-resistant thermal lining. The crossbody strap is ideal for taking snacks on the go for long walks, hikes, or any time when you just need your hands to be free to carry other items. A zip-around closure keeps contents sealed and protected, while an interior mesh pocket and exterior flat pocket provide extra storage spaces for other items like cell phones or keys. Holds up to 10 lbs.!  This is ONE of my favorite thermals..

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

Tasty Tuesday: Pizza-fied Chicken

I don’t know about you but I get tired of chicken!  I love there are “zero” points because I am now eating more protein but it can be boring!  Thank you Hungry Girl for another yummy recipe!

Entire recipe: 272 calories, 8.5g total fat (3.5g sat fat), 633mg sodium, 6g carbs, 1g fiber, 2.5g sugars, 40.5g protein  Freestyle™ SmartPoints® value 2*

Prep: 10 minutes     Cook: 10 minutes   MAKES 1 SERVING

Ingredients

5 oz. raw boneless skinless chicken breast cutlet

Dash each salt and black pepper

1/4 cup canned crushed tomatoes

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. onion powder

3 tbsp. shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

4 slices turkey pepperoni (optional: roughly chopped)

Optional seasonings: additional salt and black pepper

Optional toppings: crushed red pepper, fresh oregano

Directions

1. Evenly pound chicken to 1/4-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Bring a skillet sprayed with nonstick spray to medium heat. Cook chicken for 3 – 4 minutes per side, until cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, to make the sauce, combine these ingredients in a small bowl: crushed tomatoes, garlic powder, and onion powder. If you like, add salt and pepper. Mix well.
4. While still in the skillet, top chicken with sauce, and sprinkle with cheese. Top with pepperoni.
5. Cover and cook for 2 minutes, or until sauce is hot and cheese has melted.

Why not make extra for lunch this week?  Freeze the leftovers and enjoy them heated up with your favorite side salad.  No better way to take lunch to work but in a Thirty One Thermal.  Did you know ThirtyOne had a NEW Crossbody Thermal Tote?

One of our most popular personal lunch thermals is now a crossbody! Stay on-trend at the office or school with our fashionable and functional Crossbody Thermal Tote cooler bag. Webbed handles plus a long, adjustable strap give you three ways to carry your snacks and drinks in style. Or give it as the perfect teacher’s gift! Choose personalization to make it even more special. AND a steal at just $20

Have a recipe you want to share?  Send me an email and if we use if in the blog, you will receive a FREE gift as a thank you.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!