MightyOakHandbags

There are a lot of things I love in this world. I love my family, my boyfriend, food, really good food, writing, music, and handbags. No, I’m not materialistic. But I love art and fashion falls into that category for me. But sometimes clothes don’t fit or you don’t have anything wear. But handbags are easy. They fit everyone. They’re little pouches of art. You can wear a basic shirt from the sale section of your favorite fast fashion store and finish it off with a Chanel classic flap or a Speedy or this classy little bag from MightyOakHandbags.

Handbags are powerful. Not because some of them cost more than a mortgage payment but because you can carry a piece of art with you every day. Handbags hold sentimental value, like the vintage Coach bag my mother bought for me. If I had a super power I would want everyone to feel confident and comfortable with what they collect. Some people collect stamps, coins, or mugs. The best thing about being an individual is being able to love what you love without explaining yourself to anyone. Buy what you want. Collect what you want. And love what you want no matter what.

The owner of MightyOakHandbags was kind enough to make me this gorgeous velvet bag. Their bags are affordable and handmade. Choose from a great variety of options. You can visit the shop here.

Fanny Packs+ Should You Get One

Like most kids in the 90s I had a fanny pack. When this bag started popping up on celebrities a couple of years ago I was sure it was just a passing trend. But of course it is still here and I can’t really say if it will stay or go. Honestly, I really like the functionality of the bag. It keeps your hand free to do whatever and unlike a crossbody you don’t have to adjust it.

I love the look of having it slung over the chest instead of the traditional way of wearing one. I’m still nervous about the longevity of the trend so I’m interested in dropping a ton of money on one. So of course I found some really inexpensive ones, I even found a designer one that’s not too much if you want some designer in your bag collection.

Forever 21
Marc Jacobs
Amazon

What are your thoughts on the fanny pack trend? Will you be trying it?

The Grip Of It+Currently Reading

Hello everyone! Today I wanted to share with you all a book that I’m currently reading! It’s a horror book written by Jac Jemc who also attended Ragdale. I just started reading it so I don’t have every detail about it but overall it’s about a couple who recently buys a new house. The only problem is that the house is creepy and if that wasn’t bad enough they’re also dealing with some marital issues. I’ll definitely let you all know more about it when I finish. I’ll give a review of it on my Youtube .

Straw Bags+Trends I Love

There’s something about a straw bag that let’s everyone around you know that you are the fun laid back type of person. They’re effortless yet stylish and have somehow ended up on the chic runways during the fashion weeks.

It has finally warmed up and Spring is definitely here with Summer right around the corner. Now I’m piecing together outfits for future shoots. What I have noticed missing from my bag collection is a versatile straw bag.

You can wear it with a floral summer dress or a simple t-shirt and jeans.

I found some bags on the internet that are affordable and stylish.

Click on photo to purchase

This is the recent blogger favorite the Cult Gaia bamboo clutch bag. Okay, so this bag has been a hit among Instagram models and fashion bloggers. Made by an indie brand this bag is a big hit even for the most elite fashion crowds. It’s the more expensive bag on the list but it’s definitely making a name for itself by becoming a classic addition to your bag collection.

Click on photo to purchase

This is definitely a classic silhouette. The great thing about this bag is that it can go from the beach to a date night on a hot summer night. This bag is from one of my favorite places: Gap.

Click on photo to purchase

I’m not going to lie, I still want this bag. I originally found it on Amazon when I was searching for a bag for my upcoming vacation. I have since opted for my laser cut Summer Rose crossbody. I like this bag because it’s a backpack so it’s great for festival season.

Get Her Look+Meghan Markle

I hate to admit it but I’m that person that follows the royal weddings even though I’m American. But to my defense, the royal wedding coming up is kind of a big deal because Prince Harry is marrying the gorgeous American actress Meghan Markle. I’ll be honest I’ve never watched an episode of Suits in my life but I’m sure Meghan is great on it. I will say that I love her style. It’s clean, chic, and minimal.

 

Before the Royal wedding on May 19th ( my 26th birthday by the way) I wanted to give you all a guide on how to get her style. So I chose some pieces that you all could buy to recreate one of her looks from the royal tour her and Prince Harry have been on. This particular look is from their stop in Northern Ireland. I love this outfit for two reasons. The first reason is that there’s not a lot going on but it looks well put together. The second reason is that the green from her skirt really makes this pop. This would be a great outfit for spring. If it was actually Spring here in Ohio.

The photo does not belong to me

I’ll keep this post short and sweet and of course, I’ll include links to all of the items. ENJOY!

 

1. Purchase Here

2. Purchase Here

3. Purchase Here

4. Purchase Here

5. Purchase Here

 

 

Gennhaio+Review

I have a really exciting review for you all! A couple of weeks ago an awesome Etsy shop sent me the coolest items. The shop is called Gennhaio and honestly I’m completely obsessed. Everything is priced perfectly and everything is made out of vegan leather. There’s a variety of pouches, travel bags, handbags, and even key fobs. I was sent out a lovely pouch and and the cutest key fob! Also the packaging was amazing!

I can’t wait to start using the pouch especially for the spring. I think it’s the perfect time to use something like this in such a fresh color. My favorite part about it is the shape. It’s so different from anything I have now. I’m actually thinking about using it as a clutch for an upcoming vacation with Cory. But it would also be great for traveling.

Definitely check out Gennhaio to treat yourself to some goodies.

The key fob is so cute and I actually really needed one. I love how unique the designs

New Blog Updates+Stats

I really hate how important stats are and how you actually have to pay attention to them. That’s what I’ve been doing lately to figure out how I can help you all enjoy my blog better.

I’ve noticed that you all seem to engage more with beauty/style posts so I’ll be doing more of those. I’ve also noticed that you like knowing what books I’m currently reading but you don’t really enjoy reading my reviews. Which is complete fine. So I will still be reading a new book every month but I just won’t review it on here. I’m hoping this makes things more enjoyable for you all. There will be a new post tomorrow. Happy Sunday!

I’m Having Surgery+Life Update

This photo is old but I promise to take some new ones

If there was an award for best blogger I wouldn’t even be nominated. But I’m trying to get back into the swing of things. I’m pretty impressed with the interest you all showed in my last post.

You all definitely deserve a life update. As most of you already know, I suffer from bladder leakage and it’s not getting better. I’ve tried so many different ways to control it. But now I have to have a small operation early in May. It’s actually really cool because Botox will be injected into the wall of my bladder. Right now my bladder is constantly moving and can’t hold any liquid. So the Botox will make it chill out.

It’s normally a 30 minute procedure done in the doctors office but since I have to have my urethra stretched to get the scope and catheter to fit I have to be sedated.

As much as I’m excited (because this basically life changing) I’m also nervous. As a baby I’ve had lots of surgeries but I don’t remember them. So in a way this is all new to me. I’m nervous about a lot of things. The anesthesia, the procedure, the recovery. I’m so excited but my nerves are getting the best of me.

What tips do you all have? I’ll definitely keep you all updated!

Black Hairspray+Information

This is a sponsored post, all opinions are mine.

I’m super excited to share with something! I’m currently going through the process of getting my natural curls back. I’ve had relaxed hair for awhile but now I am ready to have my natural curls back. Lately I’ve been wearing a lot of protective hairstyles. My favorite so far are crochet braids.

That’s why I’m super excited to tell you all about Black Hairspray. Particularly their crochet braids hair. Black Hairspray is an online beauty store that sells thousands of hair products and even wigs! What I love most about this website is that you don’t have to be a professional to know what you’re getting.

Photo belongs to Black Hairspray

I’m in love with the crochet style because it protects my hair and honestly it just looks cute! I love the curly styles but you can get anything because so much is offered.

I would definitely check out Black Hairspray if you are looking for affordable hair products. With going natural it’s really important to be gentle to your new growth. Wearing protective hairstyles is a key to this if you don’t plan on doing the “big chop”. I definitely want to share this journey with you all. So if you are interested please let me know and I will start documenting it. I’m obviously no expert on natural hair so I have tons of questions. It would be great for us to be able to support each other.

I hope you all check out this amazing website. I’ll be posting again soon!

March Book Review+ Women Race and Class

I decided to read Angela Y. Davis’ Women Race and Class because I wanted to celebrate her as an inspirational black woman. Do believe this is her first book. Surprisingly, I’ve never read it. I need some knowledge and inspiration this month. I guess you could call it a quarter life crisis or just my depression creeping back up but either way I’m trying to pull myself out of a hole of self-loathing.

I think the tough thing for me is remembering that everyone has a different life path. Last year I went through something really traumatic. I was abused everyday and had to live in a domestic violence shelter. I had a conversation with my therapist about how I feel left behind because my friends are growing in their careers. It’s silly because I’m doing awesome things as well. I won a fellowship for a writer’s residency. My therapist made the point that is having a degree a big deal? I’m doing great things already without one. But my mind always goes back to black excellence. Doesn’t having a degree equal black excellence in the black community? Am I really doing my community any good? Am I setting a good example?

I’m still trying to figure things out and maybe things will just fall into place. All I know is that I love being a writer and right now that’s the only thing I can hold onto right now.