Happy Weekend, friends! I've been out of town again for a few days this week for a quick trip (see below) but am enjoying being back home for a few days before we head out for one more quick trip next week. I have not done one thing for Fall, hoping to remedy that this weekend and at least get my porch all decorated. Have you done yours yet? It finally feels like Fall thank the Lord, so that helps! I have some fun things to share for you for Five Friday Favorites this week, let's get to it!
1) Until just a few days ago it's still been HOT where we live and as much as I want to be on board with Fall, it's been hard to dress for Fall yet. This sassy little jacket solves that problem! I say jacket, but I'm just wearing it like a shirt here. You could layer something underneath and wear it open for a cute look too. It's not really a jacket for warmth, it's super light weight fabric hence why it's perfect for this time of year. The front is super blousy and already perfectly tucked under for a bubble hem, and the back hangs straight flowy and loose. I just paired it with jeans for running some errands but it would also be really cute dressed up with a big statement necklace, flare pants or jeans, and heels or boots. (I had to grab a screenshot from video to show back so you got me frozen mid sentence!😆)
Tan Jacket/Top sz. L but could have done M | Jeans here, here or discount options here (they run 1-2 sizes big) | Leather Crossbody Bag | Similar Leopard Loafers here or here
2) You just saw it in the photo above, but I got this new woven leather bag before our big trip and have loved carrying it. It's Italian leather and I've had my eye on it for well over a year, there are actually a few different sizes that I was trying to decide between. I ordered a few options including similar look alike more affordable versions to compare them all in person and thought I'd share my thoughts...
Clockwise from top-
Leather Woven Sling Bag- I have a Lululemon belt bag that I use often when running errands, and I thought this one would be a more elevated version that's a little less sporty of that one. It seemed comparable in size and would fit cards and cash, my phone, and glasses. It only had one interior card slot, I wish it would have had another pocket as well on the inside but thought it was great!
Woven Crossbody Belt Bag (one strap)- A slightly more "orangey" brown tone in color, could be worn as a belt bag or crossbody with adjustable strap. More roomy than the leather sling bag and it had an interior zipper pocket and multiple card slots.
Leather Mini Woven Shoulder Bag- Premium leather, slightly larger capacity than the sling bag with an interior zipper pocket and 3 card slots. It comes with a shorter strap to wear it over the shoulder or carry in hand as well as an adjustable longer strap for crossbody wear. I can fit my wallet, glasses, phone, and other essentials inside and it still lays relatively flat against me while I'm wearing it, not too bulky. There's also an even larger version if you need a bit more room.
Woven Crossbody Belt Bag (two straps)- Also more "orangey" brown in color and very similar to the other affordable option. Like the one across from it with just one strap, it has an interior zipper pocket and card slots, but also has two interior slip pockets AND an exterior snap closed pocket on the back, giving lots of compartment storage in a small bag.
Even though I ordered options to compare, I knew I wanted a leather bag and ended up choosing the leather mini woven shoulder bag. I planned to use it often for traveling so it was just a touch roomier than the sling bag, has multiple straps for different length/wearing options and is still compact and lays flat when wearing. I've also switched out the leather strap for some fun striped bag straps that I already had like this one. I do like the sling bag too though for daily grab and go running errands, considering it in a different color in the future. Of the two more affordable options this one would be my pick because of all of the extra pockets it has and the additional strap.
Current Similar Version of my Vest- I've had it for years, it was worth every penny! Similar option here.
3) Number 3 on the list is kind of a 3-for-1... three things I'm loving in one photo! First, THIS LEOPARD CAP. I was in Nordstrom Rack recently and the chicest lady stopped me and said "I HAVE to know where you got that hat!!" Pretty nice to get such a sweet comment on an accessory that's under $12! Also, I've been wearing this matte gold coin necklace on repeat. Theres a design on both sides so that's fun to have the variety or just nice if it flips over that there's still something on the back side too. And third, I grabbed a new pair of Amazon sunglasses that I've been wearing a lot. I've shared these from the same brand multiple times that I still really love, but nice to have a slightly different style with this new pair.
4) I've been helping house and pet sit in Arkansas for Caleb and Kenzi this week as they are hopping around Europe to celebrate their third anniversary- hard to believe! We've been loving the photos they send from all of the places they are visiting. Here's my cutie daughter in law in Prague in a cropped trench jacket she wanted to share with me (& you!). She is loving it for their trip and is impressed with the quality. The cute plaid lining doesn't hurt anything either! There's a matching plaid tie around the neck in the front that can either be knotted or just worn loose untied, nice extra detail.
5) 'Tis the season....to think outside the box and stock up on affordable "Christmas" ribbon for occasions, gift wrapping, and holidays year round!! Walmart has been one of my go-to ribbon sources at Christmas for several years now, and I always gravitate towards styles and colors that aren't Christmas specific. The price and roll size is always right, it's such a great ribbon to use in bulk then layer in any pricier ribbon you might have as an accent to save some money. These just flew right off the Christmas shelf into my cart, I mean how adorable is that thin one with the ric rac detail (pink and red, white and red, or green and red)? For sure, anything pink and red, grass green, or any shade of pink is an immediate yes for me and these are all styles and colors that I will use for things all throughout the year. (All of these shown will be linked below in the collage graphic, it was just easier to link them all in one spot.)
I also love this wide velvet-ish ribbon and grab several new rolls every year, it is 3 1/2 " wide and comes in big 10 yard rolls for under $10!! I love the warm colored ones for Fall, or they'd be beautiful if you have a wedding coming up! All of the solids here are the velvet style- (FYI I use the darker red, not the brighter more tomato red color.)
It's soft and nice to work with, I've made so many Christmas bows with it. There is a big selection of colors, many would be so pretty for Fall decor, wedding or baby showers, and gift wrapping throughout the year. The 2" velvet ribbon is also super affordable and has some great colors, but it has a different texture and is a bit more stiff than the wider one. It's hard to see the color variation in this photo but I used the red and the hot pink in the bows on my mantle two years ago- (pink gingham ribbon here)
I pulled all of these because they're not only fun for Christmas but... Valentine's Day! Memorial Day! Fourth of July! So many things in my Christmas tubs do double duty for other holidays as well, might as well get the biggest bang for your buck! Again, I especially love the ric rac style but that creamy white with the gold embroidered lines feels so high end, and the sweet red bows are super cute!
I was focused on finding and sharing only Christmas collection ribbon that wasn't specifically for Christmas, but there were a few red and green combos that were too good to pass up. Love this polka dot with the green stripe on the back, and the red with green pom pom edging seems much more expensive than it is.
Here are my picks in a clickable collage to shop for more info-
I'll close today with two random entertainment favorites. We loved (we meaning Ray really liked it too!) watching the series Seeking Persephone. It's available on several services but we watched for free on Tubi. And, as I mentioned in my last post, we just went on a super long road trip vacation and really enjoyed listening to the audiobook Mrs. Kennedy & Me (free on Libby Library app), a memoir by Clint Hill who was Jackie Kennedy's personal Secret Service agent during her time as First Lady. Highly recommend both!
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