Splurge Gift Guide 2016

I’ve been asked a few times by friends and clients which designer handbags I like and recommend. I thought this time of year would be a good time to share on this subject, just in case you want to ask for a “splurge” item for Christmas. I’m always honored when people ask my opinion because frankly, it’s a lot of money, and I know it means they really trust me. Well, as always, I’m happy to lend my two cents, especially when it’s a splurge item! I take buying a splurge item very seriously… maybe a little too seriously (in the end it’s just an item, right?). For me, a splurge has to be good quality, function well, and I want it to be on trend but not trendy. HA! Sounds complicated, right?  That’s why when Nordstrom asked me to share accessories with you guys, I said yes! I went through all the handbags and ONLY took pictures with the handbags I LOVED! If I wouldn’t carry it, I didn’t take a picture with it. I decided to divide them into small, medium and large categories.

Small Bags: I mean, how cute are these little bags?!?! I’m not a small handbag person, but these make me want to try my sister’s bag strategy. She carries a small purse in her large tote and uses it as a wallet. Then, when she goes in somewhere and doesn’t want to bring her big tote, she just pulls out her small purse!  Kinda genius, right?  These purses make me want to try this strategy. I have loved Chloe bags for awhile, but I could never drop the hammer. However, this bite size one has me on the verge. I have a StellaMcCartney cross body bag and love it ( I wore it in this post)! This one is just so cute. You can’t go wrong! If you are a small bag purse, I envy you. I really do.

Medium bags: How cute is this Stella McCartney studded handbag that is also a cross body?!?! Don’t like the studs? Not to worry, it comes without the studs in lots of different colors. I’ve always secretly wanted to be able to carry a handbag. This klutz needs both arms. How cute is this classic, medium sized Chloe bag. It is the epitome of a classic design. There’s not too much to it, it’s just a clean saddle bag with a lock. Love it! If grey is not your color, don’t worry, this one comes in lots of different colors, too.

Now these are my kind of bags- large and in charge. Ha! I don’t keep it a secret that I am not an extremely organized person, so big purses work really well for me. I have always loved the Stella McCartney over the shoulder bags (large pictured, smaller version here). They have the perfect shoulder strap drop for easy on and off. Plus, they are super soft. I love this messenger bag because it’s different and not like anything I’ve seen from Tory Burch before. It has an adjustable strap, so you can decide if you want to wear it as a shoulder bag or a cross body. I love this Rebecca Minkoff backpack. Backpacks are really appealing to me for my klutzy ways, but also because my bag can sometimes get so heavy that my shoulder hurts. I love the pebbled leather without a lot of hardware. Lets just say it’s super chic!


How pretty are these necklaces?!?! I like nice jewelry that you can wear everyday and that you can sleep and shower in and never have to take off. That makes sense to me because if I spend money on something, I want to really wear it a lot. You can get that cost per wear down to next to nothing!

I was really surprised at what a good price the small necklace was for a splurge item! Oh, and…

…I love the matching earrings, too!

I take my purchases and my client’s so seriously. Probably a little too seriously, which in the end is good for you! If you are looking for a “splurge” item, I hope you found this post helpful! The great thing about buying at Nordstrom is that they have free returns! If you don’t like it, just ship it back for free!