Wardrobe Essentials- Part 4

So I know I haven’t done a post about wardrobe essentials in a while, but I have been meaning to, I swear! Today, I will be focusing on shoes, which I know every girl can’t live without. And while I would love to talk about how there are at least 10 shoe essentials, that would take forever and I know no one has the time or money for that. So, I’m going to focus on three different kinds that are absolutely essential. At least, in my opinion.

Black High Heels

Credit: Chinese Laundry, zappos.com

As always, I try to include at least one thing that will transition from a college students wardrobe effortlessly to a working woman’s wardrobe. This time, I chose black patent high heels because they are such a versatile piece for any woman’s wardrobe. They are perfect to wear on a night out with the girls, on a date, or to a job interview. In addition, I made sure to look for a relatively low heel, and for closed-toe shoes. Although a higher heel and peep-toed shoes are fun, they don’t work for as many outfits as these shoes do.

Flip Flops

Credit:Havaianas

I know I mentioned this many times before on my blog, but no college girl should be without flip-flops! When it is so hot out that it is unbearable, these are the perfect things to slip on. In addition, flip-flops go with everything, and are an essential for when you are going to the beach, pool, and amusement park – basically  every summer activity. Plus, flip-flops come in so many fun colors and patterns, everyone can find something that they like!

Riding Boots

Credit: Naturalizer, shoes.com

Now although I only got my first pair of riding boots this fall, I don’t know how I have lived without them before! These boots are perfect for the fall and winter, and go with just about everything. Personally, I love tucking mine into skinny jeans, or wearing them with dresses and tights. In addition, while I prefer brown boots, black would be rather versatile as well. For example, on a lot of the days that I didn’t feel like wearing my rain boots or Sperry’s, I pulled out my trusty riding boots to get me through the rainy day.

So, what do you guys think? Would you agree with my choices? What do you think I missed?

The perfect purse

I don’t know about you, but I have tons of stuff I carry around with me on an everyday basis. On a typical day, I usually drag around my wallet, a 32 oz Nalgene water bottle, keys, cell phone, iPod, snacks, sunglasses, glasses, and tons of other things that I “need.” So, it’s very important that I have a bag that is sturdy and practical bag to carry around all of my everyday necessities.

That’s why today I have decided to do a post on the perfect bag. Even though I am not in the market to buy a new bag (unfortunately), I thought I could give some tips on how to buy a great bag that will last through the years.

1. First, look for a bag that will comfortably fit everything you need to carry around with you on a day-to-day basis. This sounds like common sense, but I don’t think a lot of people think about this. So, if your anything like me, you are going to need bag that fits tons of stuff. In addition, look for lots of pockets! Individualized pockets for things like your cell phone and wallet make everything very easy to find.

2. Look for style that works with your life. For instance, a handbag or a clutch isn’t very practical if you will be carrying other things in your hands all day. Personally, I think the best options are crossbody bags and over-the-shoulder handbags. These options stay out of the way, and keep my hands free for whatever I need to do.

3. Choose a bag in a practical color, like brown or black. Although my favorite color is pink, I don’t wear pink every day. However, if you have a bag in a basic color, it will go with everything in your wardrobe. In addition, a darker bag will not show the wear and tear of everyday use like a light colored bad will.

4. Make sure the material is something that will last. A genuine leather bag will be easy to clean, and durable. On the other hand, while cotton bags may be a  lot cheaper, they are not very easy clean and they will show their wear very quickly. Plus, just think about all the gross places your purse could be potentially sitting (like on the floor of the bathroom-ew!) So, find a bag that you can easily wipe off.

With these tips in mind,  I chose this Jessica Simpson and Target bag because they fit my criteria perfectly (in addition to being affordable). They are both large, so I could fit everything that I need to carry around with me all day. In addition, they are both over the shoulder bags, that way I am always hands-free. Plus, they are both a beautiful shade of cognac that I know would go with any outfit I choose to wear.

Jessica Simpson

Target