Guest post {live simply}

I'm off on holiday and will be back in early November. Until then, I leave you in the company of some fabulous ladies...I hope you enjoy the posts they have put together!  See you soon! xx

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Hi there little bits! Today I have the pleasure of filling in for Ms. Lovely, herself, who's currently playing jet setter in Europe. And what else would you have someone as fabulous as her do- sit home and crochet? No, no, Rachel is just where she belongs. 

Speaking of: clutches, and where they belong. Beyond their practical function of holding your womanly secret weapons, clutches are also visually tantamount to a fabulous outfits. Like statement jewellery, a clutch may serve as the exclamation point to any wardrobe composition. And then there comes that issue: when not hoisted up in your under arm or pinched between dexterous fingers while you're out on the town, what in the hell do you do with them?

 

 Option 1. File your clutches away a la the magazine route. Magazine files are rather perfect for flattened handbags as they keep them in place and provide you with ample access. 

 

 The photo below is a real winner because of the strategic placement of the mag files; clutches go in files, files serve as dividers for the smaller handbags in between. Genius.

   

  Option 2. Give your clutches a leg up with shelf dividers. You can position these wherever you'd like on the shelf, and situate just the right amount of clutches between each.

   '

Option 2.5 If you like the idea of shelf dividers but require a bit more personal style, you might as well pretend your clutches are really short novels and throw some actual bookends on either side of your collection. 

    

Option 3. Very possibly the most frugal choice (not to mention brilliant)-- skip on over to your local office supplies store and pick yourself up a mail organizer. 

Each clutch gets its own slot. Boom!

Option 4.

Boxes can also serve as excellent storage. Stand clutches up inside your box so that half of your handbag is peeking out and you'll ensure they stay organized and easy to reach.

Keep the lid off permanently so that your clutches are always visible, or opt to lid your box as a way to protect the contents from dust and cookie crumbs. What?

Lidded boxes should be labeled, however, with a description or picture of the treasure that lies within.

 

I hope these 4 options for clutch storage will prove useful for you. If you have a creative storage solution for clutches I'm sure we'd all be keen to hear, so share away. And If I've piqued your organizational interest, please do stop by my site, www.livesimplybyannie.com, for further insights. 

Thank you, Mademoiselle Rachel, for having me!

Image credits: Living in a Nutshell, Recently, Glamour, Closet Factory, Instyle Magazine via Resourceful Girl, My Thrifty Chic, The Container Store,

Guest post {natalie merrillyn}

I'm off on holiday and will be back in early November. Until then, I leave you in the company of some fabulous ladies...I hope you enjoy the posts they have put together!  See you soon! xx

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Hello! I am Natalie, blogger over at Natalie Merrillyn and I'm thrilled to be posting for Rachel while she is away.

I wanted to share my take on a favorite outfit spotted during NYFW on the beautiful Peony Lim. Her outfit is the perfect definition of transitional dressing, and since we are transitioning to fall here in the US {and spring down in Australia!} I thought this would be an appropriate topic. 

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I love the short-sleeved trench, but I would just use the classic trench I already have and roll up the sleeves to accomplish the same look! I love the idea of having simple jewelry and letting the shoes and the bag be the statement piece.

ONE Burberry London Mid-Length Gabardine Trench Coat TWO Michael Kors Ribbed Cashmere Sweater THREE Diane von Furstenburg Naples Leather Shorts  FOUR Prada Large Double-Handle Tote FIVE Christian Louboutin Lipsinka 120 Pin-Heeled Python Pumps

A huge thank you to Rachel for having me!

xo

Guest post :: a {little} dash of ash

I'm off on holiday and will be back in early November. Until then, I leave you in the company of some fabulous ladies...I hope you enjoy the posts they have put together!  See you soon! xx

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Hi Friends of Little Bits of Lovely! I'm Ashley from the blog a {little} dash of ash! So excited to be filling in for Rachel while she is on holiday! But... even more excited to see photos from her trip (especially Paris)!! Hope you are having a great vacation, Rach!! :)

As I get older... (less than 5 months until I am 30, yikes!) - I have been trading out fashion statement pieces for more classic pieces that I know can hang in my closet for more than a season or two.  It's a hard transition, especially since I am around amazing fashion at work, as well as blogs, pinterest, etc.  but I think it's worth it in the long run! Don't get me wrong, there will always be the occasional splurge on things like {this} or {this}! But, overall, I am going to start buying more forever classic items! Below are some items on my current wishlist:

belt // handbag // dress // jacket // tank // peplum // jeans // flats 

What is your most classic piece in your wardrobe? 

Hop on over to my blog to see more inspiration!

xxoo.

Guest post {pretty fluffy}

I'm off on holiday and will be back in early November. Until then, I leave you in the company of some fabulous ladies...I hope you enjoy the posts they have put together!  See you soon! xx

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Hello everyone! I'm so glad to be here today guest posting while Rachel is off on her fabulous overseas adventure. But I'm here today to talk about another Rachel. Rachel Bilson to be specific. As my blog, Pretty Fluffy, suggests, I'm obsessed with all thing canine and all things stylish, so when they go hand in hand, I'm in heaven. 

In my opinion, Rachel Bilson knocks it out of the park every time she takes her adorable pup Thurman Murman for a walk (yes - that is totally his name!) Whether dressed up in heels, or going casual in her fav printed tee, she always looks fabulous. Let's steal their style... 

{Clockwise From Top Right: J Crew Bow Blouse, AGNET Timeless Tailored Trouser by Ted Baker, Ray-Ban Wayfarer Style Sunglasses, J Crew Polka Dot Scarf, Shoemint Leather Boots, Rachel Bilson Shoemint Heels, J Brand Ripped Jeans}

Thanks for having me today Rachel!

Serena xo

Image Credits: (Clockwise from Top right) 1 - 2 - 3 - 4

Guest post {heart of a blonde}

I'm off on holiday and will be back in early November. Until then, I leave you in the company of some fabulous ladies...I hope you enjoy the posts they have put together!  See you soon! xx

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Hello Little Bits of Lovely darlings! I had the biggest smile on my face when Rachel asked me to fill in for her while she's on holiday in Europe {I recently returned from a month long Europe trip myself!}. I blog over at heart of a blonde, and am a daily reader of Rachel's seriously addicting blog. 

Today I want to share with you a few items I have on my radar. Since we're in autumn here in mid America, I'm drawn to the simplicity of neutrals that seem to reflect the increasingly colder weather. I love both the simplicity and personality of each item below.

simple tee | monogrammed ring | striped office storage | polka dot loafers 

 dotted blouse | peter pan tee | structured black bag | cool print

Have a wonderful day!

x

Molly

Guest post {the peak of tres chic}

I'm off on holiday and will be back in early November. Until then, I leave you in the company of some fabulous ladies...I hope you enjoy the posts they have put together!  See you soon! xx

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Hi there, lovelies!  My name is Sam and I blog over at The Peak of Tres Chic.  I am so excited to be here for Rachel today.  Little Bits of Lovely was one of the first blogs I started following, and it's still a favorite to this day.  

With the changing of seasons upon us, I wanted to talk about a great way to spice up any ensemble- no matter the weather- statement jewelry.  Whether it be in cooler weather....

{via}

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 or warmer weather...

{via}

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a statement necklace can always work well and leave an impression.

My eye has been drawn to some fab statement necklaces recently...

Row 1: Hive & Honey Sunburst Statement Necklace $28/Kenneth Cole NY Faceted Fringe Necklace $158/Turquoise Gold Leaf Necklace $148

Row 2: Stella & Dot Limited Edition Zabala Necklace $248/Anthropologie Cold Wave Scarf Necklace $428/Furbish Studio Quinn Turquoise Necklace $40

Bottom Row: Stella & Dot Pegasus Necklace $198/Adia Kibur Silver Bib Necklace $75

Which one is your favorite?

Thanks for having me, Rachel!  I hope you will all stop by The Peak of Tres Chic and say "Hi!"

Guest post {the vault files}

I'm off on holiday and will be back in early November. Until then, I leave you in the company of some fabulous ladies...I hope you enjoy the posts they have put together!  See you soon! xx

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Hi Little Bits of Lovely readers! Is Gaby from The Vault Files here filling in for Rachel while she's on vacation. Not only is a pleasure, but a huge honor to be here again sharing some fashion inspiration with all of you.

Since Rachel is going to Paris on the second half of her trip, I couldn't resist to put together an outfit inspired by the city where women are so effortlessly chic and stylish. And judging by Rachel's style and what' she's packing, I'm pretty sure she's going to blend in seamlessly, don't you agree? ;)

GET THE LOOK: Crewneck Sweater: Junya Watanabe Striped fine-knit cashmere sweater / Blazer: J.Crew Tall hacking jacket in herringbone / Skirt: J.Crew Factory merino pleated midi skirt / Handbag: Celine Luggage Mini Black Leather Tote Bag / Flats: Zara Basic Velvet Slipper / Scarf: Etro Printed modal and wool-blend scarf / Earrings: River Island Black Enamel Bow Stud Earrings

Thanks so much Rachel for having me here today, I hope you're enjoying every minute of your time off. Can't wait to hear everything about it!

Guest post {not just a pretty dress}

I'm off on holiday and will be back in early November. Until then, I leave you in the company of some fabulous ladies...I hope you enjoy the posts they have put together!  See you soon! xx

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Hello I'm Caterina from Not Just A Pretty Dress and I'm delighted to be here while Rachel is enjoying her amazing holiday. When she told me about her trip to Europe, I was impressed by her itinerary as she is basically going to visit some of my favorite European cities. Alas Brussels - where I'm currently living - was not on her list; therefore, I thought about sharing some fashionable bits of the Belgian capital.

Our virtual tour should start from the birthplace of one of the most beloved fashion icons of all times. Audrey Hepburn was born in Brussels and her home is conveniently located next to Les Brassins, a brasserie where it is possible to taste delicious, traditional meals.

Belgium has a great fashion tradition and living here made me discover many niche local labels such as Rue Blanche and Just In Case, where I go especially for their beautiful skirts and dresses, and Les Precieuses for the best costume jewelry in town. My favourite shopping area of the city is around the Rue Antoine Dansaert and you can find additional suggestions here.

Wearing: Just in Case dress & Les Precieuses necklace

Thanks to the blog I have the chance to meet many interesting people and I would like to share the links to the blogs of some fashionable Belgian & expat friends: Jess In Belgium for musings on lifestyle and travels, Al from The Red Dot for her beautiful illustrations and style, and Elke's Binocular Imprints for her inspiring photography & her The Shophopper for great advice on Belgian boutiques.

Rachel, thank you so much for having me today and see you soon in Paris!

Guest post {in spaces between}

I'm off on holiday and will be back in early November. Until then, I leave you in the company of some fabulous ladies...I hope you enjoy the posts they have put together!  See you soon! xx

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Hi lovelies! It's another Rachel here and I'm a writer, inspiration junkie and all-round excitable soul from the blog In Spaces Between. I'm thrilled to be here guest posting on Little Bits of Lovely. 

If you’re anything like me, you love a sneaky peek into other people’s make-up bags to see what they’re using and loving, so today I’m sharing some of the products that are on high rotation for me. Enjoy! 

What’s in my beauty bag?

1 // Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+:  I seriously cannot live without this product! I’ve been a huge fan of Trilogy’s rosehip oil for years and apply it as a serum every night – often just on its own, without a night cream. I also dab a tiny amount around my eyes in the morning and I find it’s perfect for hydrating and minimising fine lines. Major winner.

2 // Wotnot sunscreen: I switch between Nivea Age Defense Moisturising Natural sunscreen 30+ (I usually wear this under make up during the week) and this lovely natural sunscreen, which is best for the weekends as it’s on the thick and heavy side. If you don’t mind the “dewy” look and are looking for an organic alternative, give Wotnot a whirl.

3 // Sodashi Brightening Marine Mineral Mask: All-time favourite face mask. Hands down. No questions asked. This beauty plumps my skin when I need a big ol’ hit of moisture and leaves it super glowy. I can’t speak highly enough about Sodashi, their products are simply DI-VINE.

4 // SpiruLines Intensive Wrinkle Smoothing Cream:  I’ve just started using this gorgeous, silky moisturiser and I’m loving it already. Jam-packed with proteins, vitamins, minerals and nutrients, it’s great under makeup and I can testify that it smoothes and hydrates wonderfully.

5 // SpiruLines Intensive Wrinkle Correcting Serum: This one is for refining the skin and improving firmness, and like its buddy the smoothing cream, I’m finding that it does exactly what it claims to do. Think I’ll have to keep these two in my arsenal.

6 // M.A.C Studio Sculpt SPF 15: After using Studio Fix for years as my “girl’s night out” foundation, I switched to Studio Sculpt late last year and have never looked back. Awesome coverage, a beautiful consistency and great for mixing with a tinted illuminator (Laura Mercier do an extraordinary one) It’s love.

7 // Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill: I love a good mascara that adds volume and a bit of curl and have seriously made it my mission to find The One that does it all. I have reasonably long-ish lashes but always want more thickness and volume and Armani’s Eyes to Kill really seems to fill the gaps. A big thumbs up from me.

8 // NARS Blush in Orgasm: One of the most hyped cheek products on the globe, but let me tell you, the hype is totally justified. The gorgeous peach colour works for so many different skin types and the pigmentation is great, filled with lovely little gold flecks to give you a beautiful healthy glow without being over-the-top glittery. As close to the perfect blush as you can get.

Guest post {the alternative wife}

I'm off on holiday and will be back in early November. Until then, I leave you in the company of some fabulous ladies...I hope you enjoy the posts they have put together!  See you soon! xx

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Hello lovelies! This is Dawn from The Alternative Wife and I'm so thrilled to be filling in here for Rachel while she's off enjoying her wonderful adventure.

Speaking of adventures, I'm always up for one. And these days I've been dreaming nonstop of a little Parisian escape. It's been a few years since my last trip to that magical city but lately it seems as if everyone I know has just gotten back from or is about to set off to La Ville-Lumière.

So since I'm not able to hop on a plane right this moment I thought I'd take us all on a little virtual vacance.

I hope you all enjoyed this little Parisian daydream. 

Have a wonderful day and thank you so much Rachel for having me here today. Can't wait to hear all about your fabulous trip!

xoxo

Dawn

  Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Guest post {the short + sweet of It}

I'm off on holiday and will be back in early November. Until then, I leave you in the company of some fabulous ladies...I hope you enjoy the posts they have put together!  See you soon! xx

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Hello Little Bits of Lovely readers! It's Alexa from The Short and the Sweet of It, and I was thrilled when Rachel asked me to step in for her while she is away gallivanting in Spain, Morocco, Portugal, Paris and London...I know, I'm swooning with jealousy too. I was trying to think of what to post about as I was sitting in my living room (which I love, but always have these wacky interior design dreams where I throw everything out and buy life-sized wooden giraffes from Kenya and plush, sparkly poufs). So I decided, maybe I can share what my current vision is for a new living space design. I say current because it changes frequently, but right now I love touches of gold, geometric prints and safari inspired rugs and pillows.

What is catching your eye lately?

Sofa / Mirror / Rug / Geometric Pillow / Zebra Pillow / Chair / Table / Lamp

Guest post {classiq}

I'm off on holiday and will be back in early November. Until then, I leave you in the company of some fabulous ladies...I hope you enjoy the posts they have put together!  See you soon! xx

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Hello everyone! I am Ada of Classiq and I am happy to be guest blogging on Rachel's beautiful blog while she's away on her European vacation. 

I love a good fashion read and I have the feeling you do too. I like to go deeper into the history of a fashion house to discover its values, into the lives of my favourite designers to understand a little better what drove their creative force. But buying a fashion title online can be a difficult and tricky task, so that's why I thought I would share some of my favourite fashion books I own and highly recommend, hoping you will find this little guide helpful.

 My designer preferences may vary from season to season, but there are some who will always remain my favourites and the first three of those who have a special place in my heart are undoubtedly Coco Chanel, Cristóbal Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent. Coco Chanel was the first designer to impose style over fashion. She was committed to modernity, she had a visionary mind, her designs were of a striking innovation, never ceasing to shape the future. The book Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life by Justine Picardie, lavishly illustrated with photographs of iconic outfits and personal portraits from Chanel’s private albums, is a thorough insight into the life of the woman and of the couturier Coco Chanel.

 

 One of the most valuable books in my collection is Balenciaga and Spain by Hamish Bowles. It's impossible to put into words my fascination for Balenciaga. His passion for fashion, for designing, cutting and sewing the fabric into perfect tailoring, for experimenting with structure and form ... I can not think of haute couture without thinking of Balenciaga. This is more than a fashion book, it's an art book, a journey through the masterful work of the greatest couturier, and through the history and culture of Spain, which never ceased to inspire him. Balenciaga by Pierre Arizzoli-Clemental and Miren Arzalluz and Cristóbal Balenciaga: The Shaping of a Master by Miren Arzalluz are also high on my wish list.

 

 I believe there are two designers who forever changed the face of fashion: Coco Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent. An interesting thing is that the only designers that Yves Saint Laurent acknowledged to have left their marks on their times and profession were Chanel and Balenciaga. He was the third one. I think Pierre Bergé's words describe best Saint Laurent's invaluable heritage he left: "He believed only in style." The book Yves St Laurent by Farid Chenoune, beautifully presented, is a wonderful retrospective on the designer's work, including a full and richly illustrated chronology, the essential YSL pieces he invented, the birth of the 'Rive Gauche' style, iconic photos taken by renowned photographers of the designer.

 

 Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Jackie O, these are among the first names that spring into our mind when we think of the heights of style. But I would add one more name here: Cary Grant. Cary Grant: A Celebration of Style is another book I deeply cherish. Richard Torregrossa's work is part biography, part style guide, and what I loved the most about it is that, first, by revealing Cary's complex character, it has helped me understand just how he was able to always look impeccable and, second, it inspires you to develop your own style. I think we can all learn something from Cary's sartorial philosophy and from this book: let's not forget that style comes more naturally for men.

 

  

The Sartorialist Closer is the latest addition to my fashion library, joining the first book The Sartorialist. Scott Schuman remains my favourite street style photographer, not because I love all the looks he shoots, I don't, but because he is a fine observer of our times, because of his unique vision in capturing self-expression, the individual style of people around the world. I think the street remains fashion's greatest source of inspiration. Of course there is always his blog to enjoy, but it's so much nicer to have his selective work on paper. 

I hope you've enjoyed my recommendations and that they will be of use to you at some point. And thank you, Rachel, for having me over. 

 images: 1,2-LatteLisa / 2-(Balenciaga and Spain collage, photos by Classiq) / 3-(Yves Saint Laurent collage: 1-Helmut Newton; 2) / 4-(Cary Grant collage: 1; 2) / 5 / 6

Guest post {lanalou style}

 I'm off on holiday and will be back in early November. Until then, I leave you in the company of some fabulous ladies...I hope you enjoy the posts they have put together!  See you soon! xx

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Hi there, I'm Lana from Lanalou Style and I'm so happy to be here on Little Bits of Lovely. Thanks for having me over me, Rachel, I already can't wait to hear all about your trip! ...

 Image credits: 1) Toast tableware, 2 - 4) Hannah Simmons 

Today I thought I'd share some pretty ice cream coloured hues that have been making me smile lately. This colour palette first caught my eye when I saw Toast's gorgeous ceramic tableware in their new catalogue and since then it's been popping up everywhere. I really love this combination of minty turquoise together with a soft pink. It definitely lends towards a feminine feel yet has a slight quirky edge. 

Perfect for the kitchen, bedroom or even your wardrobe. Are you a fan of this colour combo too? I'd love to know!

 

 Image credits: 1) My little Fabric

Image credits: 1) Hannah Simmons, 2) Studio Ditte



 Image credits: 1) Pinecone Camp, 2) We Heart This, 3) Call me cupcake

Guest post {peep my style}

I'm off on holiday and will be back in early November. Until then, I leave you in the company of some fabulous ladies...I hope you enjoy the posts they have put together!  See you soon! xx

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Hi, my name is Claudia from Peep My Style blog. I was so pleased to be asked by Rachel to guest post while she is away on an adventure and I had a lot of fun coming up with something LBOL worthy, I hope you enjoy!

pic: dorryce designs

I have been a big fan of Dorryce Rock Designs for a while now and I find myself continually being drawn back to her incredible perspex paintings. So, for my post I have decided to create a mood board for interior and fashion based on one of her pieces...

clockwise from top left: chrome lamps 1st dibs, juju hat Table Tonic, amethyst clusters 1st dibs, leopard stools Ivy & Vine, brass knot Kelly Wearstler, coco republic entertainment unit, ibix coffee table 1st dibs and yellow vase Made in Design.

clockwise from left: stretch suede leggings Haider Ackermann, tee Balenciaga, sunglasses Karen Walker, scarf Christopher Kane, python neon yellow box bag Celine, gold ID bracelet ASOS, purple leather notebook Smythson and gold kicks Isabel Marant.

Gosh this has made me seriously consider investing in some art...

For more of my style come and visit me over at Peep My Style

xxx c