Confessions of a Bagaholic

"My name is Parker Simmons, and I am a Bagaholic." Every time I leave my home, I have no fewer than 3 bags. Being an on the go fashionista that lives 40+ minutes outside of the city, there is no doubling back if I forget something. Therefore, being prepared is key. I, of course have my handbag, full cosmetics bag, a bag for my shoes and clothes, and something for my accessories. This level of preparedness has left me in quite a quandary with regards to my bag situation. I look totally unorganized when I get to my office and this bevy of bags completely clutters my workspace.

Thankfully, my friend Heather Carmichael over at Thirty-One Bags, helped me to "see the light" and reform from my bagaholic ways. With the Large Utility Tote & an All-In-One Organizer, my bag situation has been totally streamlined and I look much more polished. She showed me how the Large Utility tote can be one giant bag or how I can use it to carry multiple bags. She keeps it in her trunk and carries all of her grocery bags in at one time, but mine has become my mobile closet, so to speak. I keep a variety of shoe choices (you never know when you might need a pair of cobalt blue, peep toe pumps :) ), my All-In-One Organizer which houses my cosmetics bag and any possible toiletry item I may need, my Joy Mangano Go Mini Steamer (fashionista must have item)  my accessories bag and a basic black dress & pair of black leggings (you should always keep a dress and a bottom in your car, you never know when you might need it).

In addition to being functional, my Thirty-One Bags are also very fashionable. You can choose from a variety of fun and exciting prints and also for an additional $7 you can get any words embroidered on your bags! I don't know about you, but I love seeing my name or initials on anything! Also, for my budget conscious divas, Thirty-One always has a special going on, and during the month of June with a $35 or more purchase, you can score my Large Utility Tote for only $10 bucks! How awesome is that!?!?!?

So, if you can relate to being a bagaholic or if you just love cute, embroidered items, then explore the wonderful world of Thirty-One Bags. My Consultant of Choice is Heather Carmichael and her website is as follows: http://www.mythirtyone.com/145275/ . Happy Shopping!

xoxo-

<3 Parker S. 

The Spoiled Diva

 

Stylish, unique & chic are three words that come to mind when I think of accessories designer ChaKiva Felder. I had my first encounter with this FAB Fashionista in the parking lot of an event we were both attending about a month ago. As she emerged from her car, I saw a vision in green wearing earrings that I had to have. Of course, being the fashion stalker that I am, I tried to covertly follow her without looking too crazy.  Only upon entering the event did I find out, she was the designer of said earrings and some of the most amazing clutch bags ever!

Me & ChaKiva @Swapnista Day



Her company, appropriately named The Spoiled Diva, is a brand that specializes in making one of a kind handbags and earrings. Thankfully while there was a bit of a lull, I was able to chat with ChaKiva and get her 411. Originally from Missouri, ChaKiva always loved fashion. She leveraged her passion for fashion into a degree in Fashion Design & Marketing and went on to design for companies like Frederick's of Hollywood and Victoria's Secret.  Of course, like any designer, she wanted more and that's when The Spoiled Diva was born in 2004.

Each item she creates is made by hand one at a time. Her collection is like a combo of timeless elegance meeting urban chic. She literally pours her heart and soul into her designs and I can truly appreciate all the little details like the hand stitched labels in her bags & t-shirts and the hand decorated "Spoiled Diva" lining inside of her gift boxes. Because her pieces are one of a kind, you have to strike while the iron is hot when purchasing them.

As I told you before, what originally caught my eye were her earrings, and of course she had some that were similar to the ones she was wearing, but not quite the color combo. Isn't it crazy how we always want what we can't have? I literally looked at every color combo of earrings she had on hand, but I had to have those exact ones. But, because she understands "spoiled divas" :-) ,  she literally sold them to me off of her ears! How amazing is that?!?!  I have since purchased one of her amazing clutch bags and a bejeweled signature Spoiled Diva T-Shirt. I strongly recommend you check our her website and purchase one of her amazing works of art. Also, like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.

Whenever I wear my earrings or carry my clutch, I always get noticed. So, make a statement and stand out from the crowd in The Spoiled Diva, by ChaKiva Felder!

See you on the front row-

<3 Parker S. 

Two-Way Tuesday

Today I was feeling super girly and carefree. Given my jovial, upbeat mood, I decided to "Two-Way Tuesday" my ASOS Curve Skater Dress. Now, this dress is no longer available, but there are several cute styles currently online that will yield the desired effect. I had a meeting this morning, so I started my day wearing nude peep toe Jessica Simpson pumps and the lia sophia Tudor (short) & Classique (long) necklaces. I also added my lia sophia For You, by Debbie bangles & Amour pinky ring.

Now for the switch... I decided to lose the shoes and necklaces and add my #StyleSteal $9 jean jacket from Wal-Mart, Forever21 Sunglasses, Stella & Dot Lenoa necklace and Heiress hoops and ballet flats from Wal-Mart (not pictured). With my $9 basket from target, my outfit was complete and I was ready for my afternoon picnic.

Thanks for stopping by for a little Two-Way Tuesday inspiration!

See you on the front row-

<3 Parker S.

Patriot Chic

Today I have the luxury of enjoying a wonderful day at home, in a peaceful community thanks to the sacrifice of our service men and women. Without their continued protection both here and abroad, our streets could be filled with death, terror and chaos. Here in the US, we are so blessed to have so many opportunities that most countries only dream about, and I definitely am thankful for everyone of them. So, Here is my interpretation of our Patriotic Chic. Thank you again for everyone who has and continues to sacrifice for my freedom!

Necklace & Earrings- A.N.A by J.C. Penney

Scarf 5/48 by Off Fifth (Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet)

Dress-Soma by Chico's / Sunglasses- Tom Ford / Bracelet- A.N.A by J.C. Penney

xoxo-

Parker S.

Thank You

 

xoxo-

<3 Parker S. 

 

Two-Way Tuesdays: The Little Blue Dress

Two-Way Tuesdays is BACK!!! Today I decided to put a spin on my royal blue, one shoulder cocktail dress. Now I know you are thinking, a cocktail dress at work?!?!?! Yes, you can do it, it's all in how you accessorize it. I will take this look from day to night. For an office ready look, I decided to pair my little blue dress with my FAVE green blazer from Eloquii, Brighton Nolita Python Bag and blinged out ballet flats from Target. As far as my jewelry, I kept it simple for work... my gold lia sophia Mirage necklace worn short, Capri earrings and Spotlight bracelet.

Blue Dress was from Plush Boutique and is no longer available.

Now it's time for the date night switch. I guess i was really feeling the green and blue color combo, so I decided to lose the jacket, add a bold statement necklace (lia sophia Laguna of course) and a lime green skinny belt by Eloquii, with my kelly green Target peep toe mary janes & neon yellow clutch! As you can see, by simply changing the accessories, you are able to create 2 totally different looks for 2 totally different occasions. I challenge you to raid your closet and turn your fave date night dress into a daytime look!

See you on the front row-

<3 Parker S.

***Fashion Flash***

Hey Guys! Just wanted to let you know that one of my FAVE stores, ASOS, is offering free expedited shipping to the US when you spend $150 or more. This is a great opportunity to grab your Memorial Day outfits and totally stand out with a chic, Euro Style. BTW, if you are new to ASOS, curvy girls sizes 16 & up can find their clothes under the "Curve" tab. Simply use the code USEXPRESS12 at checkout and you can have your goodies in 2 days!! This code expires on 5.23.2012 @ 7pm est.

See you on the front row-

<3 Parker S.