I popped into Payless yesterday to exchange some shoes I had purchased online only to discover dozens more pairs I want for spring. It happens! As I browsed the racks, I found myself imagining different shoes on different fashion bloggers...Sydne loves yellow so I could see her rocking these 'Gianna' D'Orsay flats (or these yellow strappy heels), while Grace from The Stripe would make these block heels look like a million bucks. And I could see Alyson staying stylish on the go in these ikat print espadrilles. Am I the only one who does this...? I am? Alrighty then...

Today I've rounded up not one but three lookalikes for summer's most popular bags by Mar y Sol. These straw bags with pom pom details embody the sand, surf and sun lifestyle, and conjure up images of exotic locals like Caracas and Ibiza (which believe it or not I've actually been to back in my college days). You may recognize some of these 'look for less' bags from recent trips to Target or Kohl's, and ladies, they are SO good in real life! Whether you're planning your next getaway or just want a fresh new tote for the farmer's market, you'll love these finds. The only problem will be choosing just one...I'm thinking I should return a few of my Marimekko for Target purchases so I can make room for one of these in my closet!


The Look: Mar y Sol 'Caracas' Tote at nordstrom.com
The Look for Less: Sonoma Goods for Life Tote at kohls.com



The Look: Mar y Sol 'Ibiza' Tote at nordstrom.com
The Look for Less: Merona Straw Tote Handbag (also in black) at target.com



The Look: Mar y Sol 'Portland' Tote at nordstrom.com
The Look for Less: Merona Straw Tote Handbag (comes in five colors, like navy, pink/natural striped and natural/light blue colorblock) at target.com


Shop more of my favorite straw bags under $50 below...

Travel season is upon us and if you're looking for the perfect bag for your next getaway, the Sole Society 'Lacie' weekender is everything. I can't tell you how many times I've had this bag in my shopping cart. I've seen so many fashion bloggers rocking it and it always looks on point. It's classic yet modern. I can't see it going out of style any time soon. And it gets fantastic reviews. For a bag you'll use a lot, $84.95 isn't a bad price at all. But I stumbled upon the DV weekender at Target.com that gives you the same look for half the price. Both share similar roomy dimensions, and both are available in either tan or black. Seeing them side by side, however, reveals some reasons why one bag costs more...the color is a bit richer, and it's longer rather than taller, so it has that classic duffel bag shape that's so appealing. It also has metal feet on the bottom to keep it clean. Either way you will be traveling in undeniable style. Which would you choose?

Splurge: Sole Society 'Lacie' weekender, $84.95 at solesociety.com (also comes in a smaller size called the 'Cassidy')

Save: dv weekender, $39.99 at target.com

I'm dreaming about crisp whites, tan accessories and a touch of turquoise during the Saks Fifth Avenue Friends & Family sale, going on now in stores and online. You can save up to 30% off on everything you've been eying but haven't pulled the trigger on just yet. The sale ends 4/25 so don't wait to scoop up these spring styles! Here are a few of my favorite finds under $100 to inspire you...

After months of anticipation, the Marimekko for Target collection finally launched on Sunday and in some ways already feels like old news (funny how that work in the fashion world)...but here's my review. I was able to get to my Target store late Sunday afternoon and found almost everything was still in stock in many sizes. I was the only one perusing the items. I personally love Marimekko and have for some time, so I was excited by this collab but still thought there was room for improvement. The fabrics were really cheap even by fast fashion standards. Think scratchy terrycloth and barely-there rayon.