Monogram Tote Bags from Mark & Graham

I am in love with Mark & Graham monogram personalized bags. Monograms have been trending lately, seen everywhere from necklaces to sweaters, so I know I’m not alone in my obsession. I love that with monogram items, you get a well-designed style that you can make uniquely yours. I only just discovered Mark & Graham, and I already have a ton of bags picked out that I. Must. Have. I love that with them, not only can you personalize via your own initials, but you can choose the color and even style of the monogram. Love, love, love. I am in deep trouble. Here are my picks.

Mark & Graham Everyday Leather Tote Bag

Mark & Graham Everyday Leather Tote Bag

We have to start with the Mark & Graham Everyday Leather Tote. This is exactly the style of leather tote I’ve been on an endless hunt for. These colors are great, I can put my own unique monogram on it, and, c’mon, just look at that thick, smooshy leather. How can anyone resist?

Mark & Graham Everyday Leather Tote Bag

Comes in 9 different colors, with 30 different monogram styles to choose from. That’s right, 30!!! That’s insane. I could spend hours just looking at the different monogram style + color combinations. I really can’t get enough. It’s appropriately named too, because this is the kind of bag I’d want to use every day. Maybe even a different color/monogram each day. Amazing. If you’d like to start obsessing over your own unique Mark & Graham tote, get it here for $199.

Mark & Graham Uptown Bag

Mark & Graham Uptown Bag

Appropriately named, this Uptown bag looks like a more “uptown” version of the Everday Leather Tote. It’s a bit more ladylike and refined, yet can still go casual. Comes in cognac, which of course is my favorite, but the gold monogram really pops well against the black as well.

Mark & Graham Uptown Bag

You have 4 monogram styles to choose from, with a choice between gold or silver monograms. Using wild boar leather, this Italian-made beauty is one to pine for. Get yours here for $375.

Mark & Graham M. G. Confidential Bag (aka Classified Bag)

Mark & Graham M. G. Confidential Bag

M.G. Confidential Bag has me completely obsessed. How chic and uber preppy is this bag?? I love it in Navy and that Taupe. You have 9 monogram styles to choose from, and this time you can even choose the color of your monogram. The vibe of the bag actually changes depending on what color monogram you choose…for example, the white above vs this hot pink against navy. Mmm mmm!

Mark & Graham M. G. Confidential Bag

How much do you love it!! Ahhhh. It has decent sized leather handles, but also comes with a long shoulder strap, which is how I imagine I’d carry this bag. Roomy enough to fit a laptop and binders, this bag isn’t just a pretty face, it’s also a serious workhorse. Just love this bag. Only $175 here from Mark & Graham.

Mark & Graham Canvas Post Tote

Mark & Graham Canvas Post Tote Bag

It’s named the Canvas Post Tote, but I don’t think it looks anything like a postman’s bag. It looks like the chicest, super preppy alternative to a backpack or work bag perfect for men or women alike. Some people may not like brown & black together, but I’m the opposite. I think these two colors look very classically chic together. Plus, love that the canvas is thick and sturdy, and the leather looks worn and vintagey. Mark & Graham really know how to work the details on these bags. Again, you can choose from many different monogram styles and colors, so go find your own unique combo! Get it here for $175.

Mark & Graham Elisabetta Slouch Handbag

Mark & Graham Elisabetta Slouch Handbag

Mark & Graham Elisabetta Slouch Handbag is probably the fanciest of the bunch. Made in Italy from calfskin leather, this luxurious bag seems much more structured in this photo than it is in real life. It’s called the Slouch handbag because it is actually very relaxed and unstructured in real life, making it perfect for any occasion from formal meetings to casual luncheons. 4 monogram styles to choose from, both gold and silver. Simple, classic, gorgeous. Get yours here for $398.

Mark & Graham North Tote

Mark & Graham North Tote

The Mark & Graham North Tote feels so Parisian to me. I can imagine this being the perfect bag to take to the farmer’s market, to buy fresh flowers in every morning, to hop down to the local cafe for some pastries and macrons with. Love the cotton chambray fabric, love the detailing on the leather shoulder straps, and love that depending on the monogram style, the bag can take on completely different personalities.

Mark & Graham North Tote

Mark & Graham North Tote

Mark & Graham North Tote

How cute right? I can imagine different monograms depending on the season, activity, or even your mood. Best of all, this tote is available for a STEAL for a price, at only $65 here from Mark & Graham.

Have you ever bought anything from Mark & Graham? Any cute bags I’ve missed? Let me know!

Top 5 Most Comfortable & Cute Summer Sandals

It’s that time of the summer when you realize all the super cute sandals you picked up for the summer aren’t all that comfortable. Tired of the blisters and heel/strap rubbing, you begin the hunt for replacement, comfy sandals so you can actually go out without meticulously planning how much walking you’ll be doing. I’ve been there. Here are some of my top picks for comfortable, yet chic sandals this summer.

Clarks Amelia Air Wedge Sandals

Clarks Amelia Air Wedge Sandals

Clarks Amelia Air Wedges are hands down one of the most comfortable wedges ever. Or maybe even all sandals in general. Premium leather, cushioned sole, summery espadrille feel, and with the platform, the actual height feels like nothing. I don’t feel much pressure on the ball of my feet in these, which is rare with almost 4″ heels. The detailing on these also makes these look expensive. Get them in cognac brown for casual days, but these in nude are a MUST have.

Clarks Amelia Air Wedge Sandals

They literally look like they instantly extended your legs by 4 inches,  making them look super long and making you look like you just lost 5 lbs. Some designers/brands don’t do a great nude and it just looks pasty, but Clarks really did a great job with the nude on this one. It really blends in well with your skin. I actually picked up both colors last year, and both still look great and are even more comfortable, if that’s possible. Didn’t expect Clarks to bring them back again this year, but guess with all those rave reviews (77 5-star reviews on Zappos!), they knew they had a popular style on their hands. Get your cognac Amelias on sale here for only $77, and your nude Amelias on sale here for $95 (yes, nude is more expensive as it is THE one to get!).

Salvatore Ferragamo Barbados Sandals

Salvatore Ferragamo Barbados Sandals

These Ferragamo Barbados sandals are super chic and cute, and the price is ridiculously reasonable for a pair of Ferragamos — only $160 (on sale at Zappos here!). I love that because these are essentially jelly sandals, you can wear them in the rain without fear. They’re also very bendy so they do somewhat bend with your feet as you walk. I’d recommend trying them on before purchasing though, because some people’s heels may rub against the heel cup funny. They cup mine perfectly though, so no rubbing at all and actually act to hold your feet in well. Get your pair here for $160.

Island Slipper PT202 Flip-Flops

Island Slipper PT202 Flip Flops

I’m in love with these Island Slipper PT202 sandals. Never mind that these are technically “Men’s” sandals, just get 2 sizes smaller than your usual size. Island Slipper has been making these leather sandals entirely by hand for the last 66 years, so you know you’re getting top notch quality you won’t find with mass-produced brands out there.

Island Slipper PT202 Flip Flop Sandals

They only use full-grain leather (which is the best, most expensive leather), and build in contoured heel cup and arch support for the ultimate comfort. J.Crew calls these state-of-the-art flip flops and I couldn’t agree more. They feel like heaven on your feet; I was amazed by how comfortable and plush they are the first time I slipped them on. Get your pair here from J.Crew for $89.95.

Balenciaga Arena Studs Sandal

Balenciaga Arena Sandals

These Balenciaga Arena Giant Studs Sandals are for anyone who have ever owned any Balenciaga bags or have liked them. Or even if you haven’t. They are made from soft crafted vintage lambskin, and feel amazingly soft and cushy on your feet. The classic Balenciaga Giant Hardware studs on top also act as a great pop of color and add just a touch of dressiness. I like them more than the version with the studs all around the straps, which feel too loud and a bit too much going on. Get yours here on sale for only $359.

K. Jacques Nehru Crisscross  Flat Thong Sandal

K. Jacques Nehru Crisscross Flat Thong Sandals

Made in St. Tropez, these K. Jacques Nehru sandals epitomize French craftsmanship and luxury. It’s amazing that with a design so simple and classic, these sandals can look so luxurious and effortlessly chic. But then again, minimalism is trending now precisely because too much accessorizing and crap piled on top of a single shoe just looks like you’re trying way too hard. And it’s kinda lame. These simple sandals are perfect for almost any summer outfit from beach wear to lunch at a cafe. Get yours here for $240.

Ann Taylor Loft 50% Off Sale Picks

I know Ann Taylor Loft and Banana Republic tend to keep some kind of “amazing” 40%-50% off sale on their site at all times, so this 50% off one at Loft last night was no biggie. However, I haven’t visited the site in a while so I saw a few goodies I “had” to have & the 50% off was a nice bonus.

Ann Taylor Loft Lace Tank

Ann Taylor Loft Lace Tank

I fell in love with this top at first sight. Why? I asked myself that. I don’t own anything like this. This top’s lace pattern is very primp and proper, almost very traditional goody-two-shoes type of English lace, but given there’s no lining, it’s concurrently very sexy and feminine without revealing too much. It’s also in the perfect white lace color, allowing you to add in fun pops of color with bikini tops or camis underneath. You can pair with solid color camis underneath also for a more seamless, demure look. Great with jeans on the beach as a coverup, great with a cami underneath and a pencil skirt for the office. Love, love, love. This for me is a must have. Get it here from Ann Taylor Loft at $69.50 (don’t forget to catch a % off deal!).

Ann Taylor Loft Colorblock Ponte Skirt

Ann Taylor Loft Colorblock Ponte Skirt

Also fell in love with this colorblock ponte skirt at first sight. Something about taking a classic pattern like a black & white stripe and blowing it up is very bold, yet simple. And very on trend. Reminds me of partially why I love the Banana Republic Chevron Stripe Top. Plus after reading the rave reviews about how this is so comfortable and stretchy, yet flattering, I could not leave without it. Get it here from Ann Taylor Loft for $49.50.

Ann Taylor Loft Tile Embroidered Riviera Shorts

Ann Taylor Loft Tile Embroidered Riviera Shorts

These Tile Embroidered Riviera shorts and that top aren’t the same print, but somehow they work so well together. I love that. I’m still learning how to mix and match prints, and it still surprises me how stylists out there can put together pieces that we may think won’t go but go oh too well together. These shorts are perfect for the beach, but throw on that also matching beach shirt over the top and you’re set for that lunch date or shopping with friends. Love the pattern, love how it’s so summery, and love the entire outfit. Best of all, only $22 right now. CRAZY good deal. Get the Beach Sea Vine Print Halter Bikini here, Tile Embroidered Riviera Shorts here, and Surf Stripe Softened Shirt here.

Ann Taylor Loft Beach Double Strap Wrap Dress

Ann Taylor Loft Beach Double Strap Wrap Dress

Speaking of beach, this dress is one of the cutest cover-ups I’ve seen this season. It’s so simple, so laid-back chic, yet “sultry” (Loft’s words) and best of all, comfortable. Beyond just the beach though, this dress would be very cute in any casual setting. Throw on a cami or strapless top underneath or even just add a pop of color with a fun strapless bralette. So many ways to make it look effortlessly fun. Also love it in the Emerald Isle color.  So summery.

Ann Taylor Loft Beach Double Strap Wrap Dress

Get these lovely dresses here for $49.50. They’re an online exclusive.

Ann Taylor Loft Piped Shirt

Ann Taylor Loft Piped Shirt

Something about this top speaks to me. It looks so serious, so polished, yet unbutton the top and throw a cami under and suddenly it has a whole different vibe. Love the piping, and love how they paired it with an equally serious / polished pair of shorts, both neutral, then added a simple, elegant gold bangle. Classic, simple, effortless, and sexy. Get it here for $44.50. PS it has rave reviews (as do all my other picks here).