Monthly Archives: November 2015

As a designer and of course a Cincinnista,  I have many different looks and needs for bags.  Obviously, one needs a great basic handbag: stylish, yet practical for my wallet, make-up, checkbook, and yes,  all the loose “crap”  that should ultimately be thrown away!

But for most of us, being either working women or those that need to stay organized with our planner, work, or kiddo files?  I personally need help with all of the above including a metal tape measure and often a paint deck, just to mention a few of the things I lug around.  For me,  a lightweight, somewhat durable square shaped, tote bag is key.  Right now,  I carry a Tory Burch tote bag I’ve had for almost 5 years and it is falling apart!  I’m looking to upgrade while still maintaining a good ROI….you know us Cincinnistas do know some financial terms?!

 

So here are my four main criteria when choosing a “not your old briefcase”  type of work bag:

Stylish:  Gotta  have something hip that with me that I carry around 24/7. Color wise? Can’t go wrong with black or brown, but what’s wrong with something more colorful if you love it and it’s in your comfortable color palette?

Large Size:  At least 15″ wide x 11″ high x 5″ deep.  When you think about a standard paper/paper size…..that’s about how much you need when you pad it and pack it all in.

Lightweight:  If you are going all leather,  nothing thick nor with lots of metal!  this will weight you down even more!  I recommend a combination of fabric/nylon and leather.  This will be easier to tote around while enduring the elements like being sat on the floor at work or a job-site.

Handles:  Are the length and thickness large and comfortable enough for you to carry around all day?

So here are a couple of ones to check out. Both fun and practical but not cheap.  Although, if I’m going to drag it around for five years?  Thoughts?

 

 

 

 

OK,  I’m back!  Like most of us, this Cincinnista got caught up in the pre-Thanksgiving craze…and got off the blogging train!  But I’m back even more to share!

With Thanksgiving over,  and us Cincinnistas in full shopping mode,  I must talk about another Cincinnati based fashion source,  “Bling!”, owned by my friend Rachel Hamilton.   After years in the fashion industry, Rachel founded Bling in 2005 inspired by her love of outfitting women with easy “no brainer” clothing and accessories at an affordable price.  Her clothing is fashion forward, yet classy.  Her accessories and costume style jewelry add a creative “bling”  to any wardrobe.  Not to mention, her faux furs are the nicest I’ve ever experienced at a fraction of the real thing!

Bling will be one of our featured Vendor’s at our Ladies Night Out at Amy Youngblood Interiors on Wednesday, December 9th!  You can also view Rachael’s products on her web-site.http://getblingonline.com/

Ok, I realize it’s not the middle(quite!) of January yet…but it’s a forecast of mid 40’s tomorrow!  Ugh…really?!  I’ve talked a lot about neutrals and the trend of gray this season,  but let’s face it…we all need a pop of color with the cooler, graying weather.

Here’s my thought on how to add some color to an otherwise dark winter wardrobe:

Add a sold colorful sweater to mix with a large scale neutral print.  Check out this tangerine-orange sweater I mixed with a black and cream damask knit skirt (from Bling!).  The great classic pattern of the skirt mixes perfectly with the simplicity of the bold, bright sweater. Add a coordinating, artistic looking necklace to compliment the outfit.

Yes,  I wore this on Friday myself. I had two new client meetings where I wanted to look stylish, yet approachable and comfortable. Sorry, was too lazy and didn’t feel “Cincinnista” enough to take a selfie!  I paired it with classic black riding boots and gold hoop earrings to finish it off.  Chic yet comfy!

 

 

Well I already thought Alex Quintaba was a Cincinnista genius with her amazing children’s clothing store, The Spotted Goose, she was part of in Oakley.  Then I saw her new luxury handbag and belt line!   Married to  a native Italian,  Alex grew to love and appreciate the craftsman ship of the Marche region in Italy when traveling with her husband back to his homeland.  Over a year ago, she collaborated with Italian craftsmen to bring a high quality, functional, yet beautiful line of handbags and belts to the U.S. market.  Every handbag and belt is exclusively made in Italy, of only Italian materials.  All hardware, buckles, leather and exotic skins come from small Italian companies.  The belts and handbags are a limited edition, so each client knows she is one of a few women who will have that exact bag or belt.

 

I have personally seen and felt CQ Luxe’s products in person and they are amazing.  You can check out the line at CQLuxe.com.  How amazing to have this product line based in Cincinnati. Watch out Prada and Gucci!

http://CQLuxe.com

Whether it be a chiffon style top or dress,  the fit of flowing, lightweight fabrics are perfect for both summer and winter.  While I feel I’ve focused my winter wardrobe on chill warding sweaters,  it’s good to vary things up.  I mean, who wants to go out on that big “date night”  wearing a thick, wool turtleneck?  Not that it’s not practical for the day…just spice it up for nighttime.  Not to mention, once you get out at a warm restaurant or bar,  the atmosphere is always warmer! Still worried about being cold?   Layer your top or dress with a cashmere wrap or cropped fur/faux fur jacket.  The other upside to a flowing outfit?  Us Cincinnista’s can mask those perhaps “not so forgiving” areas that I tight knit outfit may not!

Nestled in the heart of quaint downtown Mariemont,  Sara Benjamin’s has always been a staple of sophisticated, yet hip fashion that appeals to both the young…and yes, us Cincinnista’s!

Well it gets even better…Sara Benjamin’s has a new owner,  Emily Jackson,  whom I fortuitously met my last visit in to one of my favorite Cincinnati stores.  Emily recently took ownership of the premiere women’s boutique about 1 month ago.  With both a strong business background and love for fashion, Emily plans to maintain the strong brands (such as their amazing jeans selection!) while integrating some new lines in a range of styles and prices.

A native of the the midwest and recent Chicago resident  (I can totally relate!),  Emily has always been the go-to-girl for fashion expertise with friends and family, coordinating outfits for various events and weddings, or even just dinner out on the town.

Well,  I’m certainly grateful that this Cincinnista has another source for great fashion and style!   Sara Benamin’s is located at 6810 Wooster Pike in Mariemont.  Hours:  M-F 10-6,  Saturday 10-5 and now in December Noon-5!

http://www.sarabenjamins.com