This fabulous leather tote by Rebecca Minkoff features distinctive stud-detailing along the strap, top and bottom. It retails for $695 at Saks Fifth Avenue.


Get the look for less with this Studded Buckle Hobo, just $22.99 at Charlotte Russe.

Well, I did it. I finally went to check out the Carlos Falchi for Target handbag collection yesterday afternoon and I came home with the Flap Hobo in Gray Collage ($39.99). This bag was one of my favorites from the lookbook, and it stole my heart when I saw in person. I was kinda smitten by the entire collection. I don't know why, I've never been particularly fond of faux reptile skins (and I'd never carry the real deal…even though I wear leather…topic for another post), but the Falchi bags just did it for me. Snakeskin patchwork should read ostentatious, and yet the collection's dark colors, modern shapes and simple hardware combined to create a tasteful, vintage-rock aesthetic with subdued glamour. I love love love my bag, hope it holds up although I plan on using it lightly to start (going out to dinner and stuff).

Who else is loving this line? Which bag(s) did you buy?

I loved this green satchel, too, but couldn't justify buying two bags in one trip. Sniff, sniff

My new bag (in the store)

At the start of the season, youlookfab.com posted 10 foolproof outfit formulas for girls on the go, and I've been recreating each style recipe using budget-friendly items to help you get these looks for yourself. With formulas #1, #2, and #3 behind us, it's on to #4. Oh, and there's a spin! Each look consists entirely of items from the ever-affordable Target.com.

Jeans + tunic sweater + leather or pleather jacket + ankle boots

Foolproof Fall Outfit 4a by The Budget Babe featuring Converse shoes

Foolproof Fall Outfit 4b by The Budget Babe on Polyvore.com

Foolproof Fall Outfit 4a by The Budget Babe on Polyvore.com

As you can see, you can modify the formula by using longer shirts or blouses and swapping fashion sneaks or other comfy shoes for the ankle boots. The possibilities are endless. For more inspiration, check out Angie's ideas here.

Shady Stroll Collection eyeshadow quad, $10 at everydayminerals.com

Mineral makeup is here to stay, and I definitely think that Everyday Minerals is here to stay too. I recently received a complimentary product from their line to review, namely, the Shady Stroll Collection ($10 at everydayminerals.com). This eyeshadow quad includes four colors with hints of shimmer: grey, navy blue, purple and cream. These colors are versatile since they can take you from day to night, depending on how you apply them. Plus, you get loads of pigment (a little goes a long way, the mark of a good eyeshadow) and the brush that's included actually works really well in terms of applying and blending. With this particular collection, I loved the way I could create a subtle, smokey eye that accentuated my blue/green irises.

Since makeup is such a visual, artistic endeavor, I wanted to mention how cool the Everyday Minerals website looks, too. Combined with the poetic names they give their colors, the whimsical illustrations adorning the site make you want to be a part of their world. The colors and textures make you feel more like you're playing with an artist's palette than with makeup. With names like "Anna Karenina" and "Bubble Tea," how can you resist?

Delicious marketing aside, when I get a freebie, the question I ask myself is, would I buy this product again if I had to drop my own money down for it? And the answer in this case is a resounding yes. I think $10 is a very reasonable price to pay for a high quality eye-shadow quad (it's comparable to what you'd pay for Sonia Kashuk at Target, less than what you're pay for MAC at a department store). In the future, I hope to try products from the rest of their line too.

P.S. You can try a bunch of Everyday Minerals samples for just $5 each (or get one FREE with any purchase).

Kiki Bella
xoxo

I'm a 16-year-old girl going on an 8-day vacation with my family over November break to the Bahamas—and I have no idea what to pack whatsoever. Any way you could help me out?! —Anon

I've never been to the Bahamas, so hopefully my readers can jump in and offer some tips! My advice would be to consider the types of activities you'll be doing while vacationing and then plan outfits accordingly. The weather should be sunny most of the time and pleasantly warm, however you should always be prepared for rain, chilly air conditioned spaces and unexpected temperature changes. You'll need your bathing suit, of course, comfy jeans and shoes for daytime activities, plus some cute tops and relaxed dresses for any evening activities, like going to a nice restaurant or catching a show.

This floral-print dress has a definite Bahamas-feel. Literal? Yes. Lovely? No doubt:



Here's another dress that looks inspired by the islands:



On a practical note, don't forget a jean jacket and cardigan for covering up, sandals, flats and sunglasses. While you're there, consider picking up some inexpensive jewelry, a hat or a scarf as a fashionable reminder of your trip. Send us a postcard!