#TBT: YOUR Bag-Holding Technique

I decided to pull out one of my OLD blog posts and update…Today is the LAST day of Thirty One’s Fall/Winter Catalog and any of our favorite products are going away… WHY?  Because the NEW Spring/Summer Catalog starts tomorrow.

Since joining Thirty One I have been carrying a variety of purses.  Some I fell in love with while others were not my cup of tea.  But everyone has a purse style and a way to carry it which tells a lot about them….

Let’s have some fun…Did you ever think that someone can tell what type of person you are by the way you carry your bag?  Which one of these are  YOU?

 

THE SCHLEPPER: You’ve got 2, 3,4 or maybe even 5 bags to worry about so you’ve got a “whatever fits” strategy going on.  You’re fatigued, exhausted and in a rush.  The bags suggest you’re a little spaced out and have a hard time being present.

THE ARM CROOK HOOK: Favorites of paparazzi-chased celebs, this limp-handed style just screams power. You are wearing the bag as if it’s a badge of honor or an award.  You feel as if you’ve got a sense of superiority.

THE HANDS-FREE: The girl who wears a hands-free bag willingly covers up her silhouette and outfit.  It’s useful, but it also shows you’re slightly dorky.  Tends to be a favorite with young women.

THE TWOFER: usually done with a coy smile and a leg cross, the two-handed twofer clutch denotes a shy, defensive person.  This creates a fig leaf position as if you were protecting your goods.  If you find yourself dong this on a date, it’s because you feel weird about where it’s going.

THE BAGUETTE: a recent favorite of street style stars, the baguette style is a scoop-up, on-the-go method.  It’s a utilitarian look and you don’t really care about the bag but rather what’s in it. You are goal oriented.

THE THIRD ARM DRAPE: The move usually involves a bag with a long strap – but instead of crossing it over, you choose to wear it over your shoulder. Since the bag is prone to slipping around, it shows a lack of awareness and says “I don’t have power over my world”

THE ARMPIT VICE: Clutches are hard to hold, but this move keeps your bag in place while leaving your hands free.  There’s an awkwardness about it, and I see if happen a lot with women who are carrying a purse that doesn’t fit her body.

THE BRIEFCASE: There is a certain type of woman who chooses to forgo the shoulder strap for the top handle.  She’s in business mode.  She’s going fas and her bag has a lot of weight – she cars less about her appearance and more about where she’s off to.

THE THUMB-TO-PIT: There is a resin this move’s associated with Carrie from Sex and the City – women in cosmopolitan cities are doing this.  They remember their mamas telling them to protect their bags.  They don’t want to get them pulled off while they are walking.  They are street smart.

So ladies, which one are you?  I  am usually a cross between the “thumb-to-pit”, the “third-arm drape” and the “briefcase” depending on where I am going for the day.  I am not sure I agree with all of these description so please don’t shoot the messenger. The next time you pick up YOUR bag, think about the message you are sending….

Share with us your thoughts… Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

I know, the holidays are barely over AND maybe you are just putting your decorations away.  The kids just went back to school and you are trying to get a grasp on the New Year…..Have you been in the stores lately?  Christmas sales are GONE!  Valentine’s Day, St. Pattys and even Easter decorations are out. It is CRAZY!  So I figured I would jump on the bandwagon since Thirty One is having an AWESOME Outlet sale. What better time to shop then during a sale, right?

Thanks to a little help from Thirty-One Gifts, you can convey a message to leave a lasting impression on that special someone’s heart. Forget the box of chocolates – there’s nothing sweeter than a shared memory or sentiment which holds a special meaning. If you want to touch someone’s heart with a truly special gift, check out these customized ideas sure to become their all-time favorite gifts.

Straight from the heart

It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without giving someone your heart, right? But if you’re not quite ready for a commitment, why not give a heart on a pillow or tote instead? The new heart-themed print designs allow you to add a heartfelt message to your gift. Each is a graphic print you can add to any of several Statement Canvas products including throw pillows, custom wall art, a Mini Shopper or Zip-Top Pouch.

Bundles of love

There are lots of things which come in small packages, BUT think of all of the AMAZING things which could come in a BIG Thirty-One bag! Why settle on one gift when you can pack lots of love in a tote, caddy or bin?  Create a special gift set with everything your sweetheart can appreciate throughout the year.  Check out some of these ideas:

Design a bin just for him

Put together a sports-themed Essential Storage Tote with game tickets, his home team’s jersey, sports magazines, signed memorabilia or a new pair of running shoes or cleats. Or design a fishing-themed Catch-All Bin with new tackle supplies like bobbers, hooks and lures or packed with a new tackle box or fishing hat!  Guess what??? Those Catch-All Bins are part of the outlet sale (you can save up to 70%)!

Create a special spa package

Fill a Mini Storage Bin with bath bombs, sugar scrub, slippers, beauty products, a sleep mask or even a gift certificate to a local spa or massage therapist. On a budget? Search for DIY bath product recipes on Pinterest. And YES, these are also part of the outlet sale…

Have a romantic indoor winter picnic 

Treat your honey to a personalized Picnic Thermal Tote with chilled champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, fancy cheeses and crackers. (The Leak Lock® lining means you can fill it with ice!) Just spread out a blanket in front of the fireplace, grab a couple of champagne flutes and toast to the perfect Valentine’s Day!  The best part is you can use this year round when you want to take the picnic outdoors.  It is great for tailgating, trips to the park or even road trips.

Add a little sparkle

Were you thinking more of jewelry??? If you want to whisper sweet nothings in her ear, make sure they’re properly dressed for the occasion. Our Gallery™ Earrings and Luxe Loop Dangles are the perfect start to any romantic dinner or a night on the town.

Make her blush

While we have your attention, gentlemen…you should probably know she’s had her eye on these fashion-forward styles in her current favorite color since we introduced them this season! For a fail-safe Valentine’s Day gift she’ll love to carry all year long, choose a Convertible Belt Bag, Rubie Mini or Studio Thirty-One™ bag in Rose Blush Pebble and personalize it with her monogram in tone-on-tone Blush embroidery. (You can thank us later.)

Share the love, ladies!

Even if without a significant other this Valentine’s Day, you can always be Valentine-mates with your best friends, your kids, your mom, your dad, your brothers and sisters – anyone and everyone you love. Valentine’s Day is about appreciation and letting others know you care. We want you to know we care, too! Lots of love to you this Valentine’s Day.  Thank you Thirty One for today’s tips….

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

How To Accessorize Your Little Black Dress

Thank you Thirty One for today’s blog post.  I will admit…. I don’t have a little black dress BUT I do have my favorite pair of black pants and black top (that counts, right?)

Whether it is a black dress or not, everyone has go-to items in their wardrobe.  The things which  never let you down – you feel great when you put them on AND you can dress them up or down with a pair of go-with-anything heels to the perfect dark wash denim to the LBD – otherwise known as the little black dress!  Your staple piece can easily go from a casual day of errands to a night on the town. With so many silhouettes and styles, there’s a little black dress for everything life throws your way.

But when you have a dress to go with everything, how do you even begin to accessorize it? No matter the occasion, Thirty One has you covered with our favorite ways to dress up (and down!) the classic LBD.

Effortless Everyday

Whether you’re running errands around town, walking in the park or going to class, a T-shirt dress is the perfect way to stay comfortable and cute when you’re on the go. Throw on a denim jacket and the Avenue Scarf in Lovely Leopard or Deco Diamond to complete this simple yet chic look. Add a Retro Metro Hobo Crossbody in Twill Stripe for a subtle mix of patterns that stands out with ease

Need some fresh scarf styling tips? Learn 10 easy ways to tie a scarf!

Office chic

When you can’t bring yourself to put on another pantsuit, turn your little black dress into a sophisticated ensemble perfect for the office! Choose a sheathe or shift silhouette, then throw on a blazer or structured jacket for a put-together look. Add flats in a pop of color or fun print like leopard, and stack on a few Cherish Bracelets for some shine. And don’t forget your work bag! Choose a Cindy Tote in one of three neutral prints and you’re ready to rock the work week.

Girls’ night out  

Everybody needs a girls’ night every now and then, and with the right little black dress you’ll feel ready to paint the town!  Try a dress with a fitted silhouette, then go black-on-black with a black moto jacket and black booties for the perfect mix of feminine and fierce. Keep the accessories simple with a Rubie Mini or All About the Benjamins and Wristlet Strap for a hands-free bag you’ll feel comfortable carrying all night!

Wedding season

Have a wedding or other special occasion approaching? Don’t rule out black just yet! When it comes to wearing black at a celebration, it’s all about the details. We recommend a classy fit-and-flair silhouette, but go for whatever you feel most comfortable in. Add coordinating jewelry like our Gallery Necklace and Luxe Loop Dangles in Silver or Gold-Tone, and go for a sleek pair of heels for the perfect finishing touch.

Date night

Even the iconic little black dress needs a makeover from time to time, so why not try a little black jumpsuit on your next date night? The one-piece trend has been in full swing for several seasons now, and there’s no question why! A jumpsuit or romper is a head-to-toe outfit, so you won’t have to stress over pairing tops and bottoms. For a fun and funky look, choose a pair of chunky statement heels, a simple belt and a Fringed & Fabulous necklace. Add a bag from our Studio Thirty-One collection for a personalized piece that expresses your unique style!

So whether you are headed out on the town or to work, show us how you rock your little black dress with the #thirtyonepartywithHope hashtag.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Neutrals for Fall

 

Thank you Janet Kinkade  for today’s blog post.  Janet is the creator of JK by Thirty-One jewelry. Her ultimate passion is to inspire women and help them recognize their own beauty and potential.

When updating your wardrobe for a new season, there’s always a temptation to play it safe. (If you are me, it is usually black, pink or white)  You might gravitate toward neutral colors, intending to get the most wear out of the new pieces you buy. But fall is the perfect time to rethink your definition of “neutral.”

When we think of colors which go with everything, we think of the neutral trio: black, white and grey. But this year’s most popular patterns – including animal prints, stripes and camo prints – are surprisingly versatile.

Leopard print

The thing about leopard print is it never goes out of style. Sure, sometimes it feels more “of the moment” than other times, but it always remains a fashion classic – so classic, in fact, it’s time you started looking at leopard print like a neutral. Because leopard consists of neutral colors (such as caramel, tan, brown and black), the print is actually super-versatile: It can be matched with any color and look fantastic. It even looks great with other prints, such as stripes, because the bold patterns and neutral colors are compatible with each other.

Tip: Our Lovely Leopard Pebble and black-and-white Twill Stripe are a safe but stunning combination to try this fall!

Olive drab & camouflage print

This fall, feminine camo is hotter than ever! Like leopard print and stripes, it’s considered to be a neutral. Camo might seem masculine and tough, but the truth is, it looks better on women than it does on men! It’s all just a matter of how you style it. Pair it with jewel tones like Ooh-La-La Olive Pebble, stripes, glam accessories – just about anything! Camouflage fashion is definitely having a moment again this season. Don’t wear camo head to toe, but do use it to add color and accessorize.

Tip: I love our new Deep Merlot paired with camo this fall.

Stripes

Stripe fashion may feel bold, but most stripes are a shockingly neutral print. Like the leopard print, stripes typically consist of neutral colors, while the print design itself is bold. Don’t let the pattern deter you from mixing and matching your stripe purse. Because striped accessories are so versatile, they can be paired with any color, as well as other prints like our new dark florals and Lovely Leopard Pebble!

Tip: Make sure you have Twill Stripe in your wardrobe this season: Its versatility will surprise you!

So remember: Be bold, ladies! These versatile hues and prints are the perfect way to breathe some life into your fall wardrobe and amp up your everyday look.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!