My Obsession: Handbags

Are you a shoe person or a bag person?

For some reason, this is a common question in the fashion world.  It is thought that every woman can classify herself as one or the other. At first I was like, what no, I can't classify myself based on that. I love BOTH of those things. Then this year happened and I was totally changed. Bags. Bags are definitely my thing. This was reinforced by my birthday in August, when I received two beautiful purses from my parents, one of my choosing and the other a surprise. It's like my mother just knew. Don't get me wrong, I still love shoes. And jewelry and clothes. But, I seem to branch out and express my personality the most in my purses. So here we are, I've gathered a round up of my favorite bags: ones I love and already own to a few lust worthy options we can dream of.

Left column:
Tory Burch York Combo Cross-body in emerald stone / Free People tote - only $68! And I own it and love it /  Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Affair - Pink no longer available but love the burgundy version. 

Middle column:

MARC BY MARC JACOBS New Q Hillier Hobo in Rosey Red - obsessed / Rebecca Minkoff Mini 5-Zip - I have this in neon pink and it was the best decision I have ever made.

Right column:
kate spade new york Cobble Hill - a classic / Old Navy bucket bag - the best deal 

The Perfect Shoes for Fall

So I have been on a boot hunt lately, trying to find the perfect new boots for this season. After tearing my boots up abroad and a brutal winter, it was time for some new kicks. I love a challenge but let me tell ya, finding the perfect boot is tough. Especially when you have exactly what you want in your mind. The black leather Madewell boots above were my ideal (and I bought them) but had some hesitation due to comfort. Nevertheless, I couldn't find anything similar so I am slowly wearing them in, hoping they will be more comfortable as time goes on! And since I was thinking about shoes so much, I thought it would be nice to produce a round-up of fall/winter shoes that I have loved in the past. I have not owned every single one of the shoes above but have had something similar that I have loved. 

Dolce Vita boots: I have tried these on for fun - AMAZE / Madewell boots : go a half a size up / Vince Camuto nude flats: easiest shoe ever to throw on /  Converse white low top sneaker / Kork-Ease studded platform shoes: I want these SO badly / Seychelles wedges: so fun, no? / DV by Dolce Vita booties / Steve Madden loafers: a classic.

The Perfect Color: Black

Even though we're still in the middle of summer, I still consistently reach for black or grey in my closet. I don't know what it is but I've always had an attraction to the shade: mysterious, versatile, and easy. I popped this little number on the other day for work and felt instantly chic. Oh and my toes are currently painted neon pink but it doesn't show up in the picture - the perfect touch.

Red, White, and Blue

The perfect Independence Day Wish list... happy shopping!

Gap petite top / Equipment silk pajamas / J.Crew white shorts / Sole Society leather shoes / Converse shoes / J.Crew pink earrings / Flora Bella crochet hat / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics lips makeup / ArteHouse american flag wall art

Style Inspo: Lulie Wallace

Hey friends! I hope your weekend was lovely because mine definitely was. I'll post a couple pictures later but it consisted of exploring more of Memphis and doing it with the very best of friends. Now I'm ready to tackle this (short) week! Okay, about this post. This is something that I've wanted to do since, like forever, and I'm finally including it on the blog. Art is incredibly important to me and I love to surround myself with it. I've always found incredible inspiration from it for everything: color, my art, design, decorating, etc. And on Gals + Grace I wanted to start featuring outfits inspired by my favorite art. Now its a great idea in theory and I'm still working out all the kinks in this post (so bear with me) but I sincerely hope you enjoy! All feedback would be much appreciated: layout, price point, the art, etc. Drop a comment or two if you wish! Happy Monday!

The art: A perennial favorite - Lulie Wallace of Charleston, SC. I love her because they're easy, full of life, color, and quirky. Check out her work here and here at Anthropologie.

The fashion: Yellow sundress / Sole Society tan sandals / Aztec purse / Juicy Couture daisy earrings, similar here / Brooks Brothers raffia sun hat

Dreamin' of Summer Espadrilles

Does this ever happen to you? You see something once and it gets stuck in your head? Well, a pair of flat espadrilles for summer has gotten into mine. I honestly think they would be the easiest shoes to wear. And comfortable not to mention. In all reality I fell in love with a similar Chanel pair on my ever-favorite Julia of Gal Meets Glam. Then Mackenzie of Design Darling has been swooning over a few Tory Burch options: like these, these, and of course a metallic pair, these. Which, I'm not Tory-fanatic but she does this style in the absolute best way possible. I'm dreaming of slipping a pair on with an easy, light dress like above and a jean vest: voila! Quick, effortless and chic.

p.s. Also d-y-i-n-g over Mansur Gavriel's bag so I had to include on for fun, duh.

Velvet black and white striped dress / Hollister Co denim vest / Chanel black espadrille / Tabitha Simmons lace up espadrilles / Tory Burch leopard espadrilles / Soludos espadrilles / Mansur Gavriel bucket bag / DailyLook arrow necklace

Spring Flats

Aren't all of these so fabulous and just make you ready for spring and summer?! I've gotten out of wearing flats these days but since I'm interning this summer I think they will find a way back into my closet. These kelly green ones have my vote! What are your top picks?

Easter Sunday for You

If you're from the south, you probably understand what Easter Sunday means for most people. The first chance to break out those summer sandals and spring dress. Here I've rounded up some great looks for this upcoming Sunday. The French Connection dress on the right is to-die-for but I'm hoping to sport a hot pink dress. As you can probably tell, I'm really into neutral or nude sandals these days. They are just too good and go with anything. If I had any recommendations for an investment this seasons it would be these: flats and heels. Happy shopping!

Mesh dress / Miss Selfridge pink dress / Going out dress / Topshop heeled sandals / LOFT strap shoes / American Eagle Outfitters high heel sandals / Kate Spade hinged bracelet / Kate Spade pink bangle bracelet / Kate Spade earrings / Humble Chic gold cuff bracelet / Juicy couture earrings / Teardrop necklace

Wishing for: Long Necklaces

Y'all, I was the post child child for the huge, brightly colored statement necklaces. Don't get me wrong, I love them and probably always will, but I see myself quietly moving out of that phase. Instead, every outfit I plan I envision a cool long necklace with it. Problem is... I only own 1. Yes, 1. So I' m in dire need of more! I really want a gorgeous raw gemstone one like the fabulous purple one above, but those come in with a little higher price tag. Instead I found great options like the turquoise tassel and purple/gold arrow one. What are your thoughts? Anything on your list?

Chain necklace
metroparkusa.com

Kendra Scott long necklace
kendrascott.com

Serefina vintage jewelry
shopbop.com

Mata Traders gold jewelry
modcloth.com

Chain necklace
$30 - oliverbonas.com

Forever 21 jewelry
forever21.com

Snow!

Guess what?! We actually have a snow/ice day in Memphis. In March. Can you believe it?! I'm so, so happy! I just woke so I'm going to soak up no class (and no tests!) and sleeping late. Will post pictures later! First, here are a few "Snow Day Style" looks I'm loving. I will definitely be sporting my pom-pom hat and boots!

Images: 1/2/3