Pro Tip: Milan Blocks

This weekend I'm bringing you two of my latest and greatest deals-n'-steals. We'll start with Milan Blocks: a company that creates customizable acrylic clutches of all shapes, sizes and designs - all for less than or around $100. Truth be told I found them while on one of my Insta blackhole deep dives (a nightly ritual) and didn't know whether to believe it or not. But believe it I did and believe it you shall - I present you with the play by play below. 

Toucan Clutch// Star Clutch// Confetti Clutch// Cactus Clutch// Heart Clutch// Personalized Clutch// Mondrian Clutch// Pineapple Clutch

My husband gifted me with this Edie Parker clutch for my birthday in 2015 in anticipation of our upcoming nuptials (I know - serious brownie points for Mr. Steen). But with that price point, its obvious this bad boy is a once-in-a-closet opportunity. So when I saw the special edition Lone Star clutch at the Webster, I found myself in quite the conundrum to say the least. 

Photo by KT Merry

Photo by KT Merry

Enter Milan Blocks: I reached out to their email contact explaining my concept: Texas flag on one side, Cuban flag on the other (aka the Natalie clutch - they of course didn't name or showcase this brilliant idea of mine, so I'm taking the liberty of oh-so-humbly doing that leg work). These are the to-know deets: $110, 4 weeks, ships from China. To say I was very impressed that the clutch was exactly what I envisioned (or that it even arrived) would be an understatement. 

Of course, there are discernible differences between my two acrylic clutches: gold hardware, weight of material, and emotional attachment would probably be top 3. But for a price tag that is pretty much 94% discounted, you get what you pay for and what you get is GOOD. Consider y'allselves informed. 

Beach Basket in Paradise: Mariella Vilar

(Yes, sung to the tune of Jimmy Buffet) While we're on the topic of tropical sabbaticals, now is as good a time as any to introduce you to one of my very favorite accessories brand: Mariella Vilar. Different bag styles (clutches, baskets, and purses of all sizes), different materials (straw, canvas, jute) and different colors (like so many it'll be hard to choose) - but all made to order, personalized, and painted with some TLC by the brand's namesake.  

Mariella Vilar bags came into my rotation around this time last year when I was on the hunt for a special way to thank the special ladies who hosted my bridal shower. They were a hit (and won't break yo' bank!). So when Mariella suggested I also treat myself to one with my new initials, who was I to not indulge? My navy and white striped straw basket accompanied me on all my honeymoon adventures and made for the perfect carry on bag. They make any freak look c'est chic - see evidence below.

 

If you need proof that one of these bags is exactly what you and your Insta have desperately been missing, see the way we (as in my basket and me together, forever) made ourselves at home at the Ka'ana Resort in Belize.

Return of the (Fanny) Pack: Pop & Suki

The moment we've been waiting decades for has finally arrived: the fanny pack has made a comeback - and it has arrived in style. I recently discovered Pop & Suki, a brand started by Poppy Jamie and Suki Waterhouse (yes, that Suki Waterhouse), that makes supa-cute accessories. The camera bag is its staple item, which can be worn as a cross body or fanny style, with the added option of personalizing the bottom in different colors and font styles.

My favorite part of the brand, though, is how its premised on friendship. Apparently Poppy and Suki are BFF and in their own words, wanted to "celebrate everything that makes us total opposites, but keeps us together at the same time." They even offer "bundles," with accessories for you and your bestie or the entire squad. Not to be totally T. Swift about it, but I'm picking up the female rat pack lovefest vibes they're throwing down. 

Promiscuous Pajamas: Dawson+Hellmann

I adhere to the motto that a sound mind alone does not bring sound sleep - one also needs pretty pajamas. Enter Dawson+Hellmann, a bold sleepwear line that creates PJs and sheets in three promiscuous prints: Pot Toile, Pills Wallpaper, and Kama Sutra. 

These jammies are comfortable (made of light, easy breathing cotton), pair well with a fluffy duvet, and are expertly engineered to generate that feeling of floating on your mattress cloud. But the best part about them is their claim to fame: a really good sense of humor. The designs are almost like a photomosaic print - from a distance, you only see a beautiful damask design or botanical and french toile patterns. Only a discerning eye can pick up on the details that push the envelope, which (let's get real) depict elements that probably play a role in most of our getting-ready-for-good-sleep routines. 

Over the holidays I had the pleasure of meeting one of the masterminds behind the brand, Sonya Dawson, and became a proud owner of a pair shortly thereafter (I'll leave which print I chose up to your wild and crazy imaginations). So this write-up is the real deal, y'all. The PJs deserve an honorable mention. 'Getcha some!

And don't even get me started on their embroidered sheet sets (I'm obsessed with the Get Lucky ones below) - also subtle, beautiful, and right up your alley (if you're as fun and cool as I think you are). 

Paravel: Not Your Abuela's Canvas Bag

While traversing down the rabbit hole that is Instagram, I came across Paravel, a company that claims to have reinvented cotton canvas. The folks behind the travel brand are all about mixing luxury with practicality and fine tuning craftsmanship for the sake of adventure - and to that I say: say no more. Except I will, because the material is also apparently waterproof - so fears of spilled vino on the LIR or having the beer bumped out of your hand at that super rad music festival begone! Or if you do neither of aforementioned things but are exceptionally clumsy because you speak with exaggerated hand motions (like yours truly), even better. 

Crossbody Purse - The Capsule//Handheld Suitcase - The Stowaway// Small Box The Boxer//
Laptop Folio - The Courier//Duffel - The Grand Tour// Passport Case - The Passkeeper// Cosmetic Case - The Wash Kit//
Packing Cubes - The Packing Cube Trio

For an idea of sizing, check out homegirl Nicky (Hilton) Rothschild rocking the crossbody capsule (my fav) below. This little nugget of a purse seems perfectly sized for the essentials (wallet, keys, phone, sunnies), and thereby, as a function of the associative property (maybe?), is also itself essential.