Here are some of my favorites:
1. I love this fleece jacket from Frank & Eileen -- it already feels like it will be in my lineup for years. I went with the Belfast Peacoat (a little longer in the back which I appreciate). I just got this jacket to go with a pair of their Million Dollar Pants (also in navy). It's the perfect spring outfit.
2. Chelsea Bag in Navy with Monogram Stripe
Our new Chelsea Bag just arrived and I couldn't wait to add my monogram in Gold Glitter. It's such a great size and love that it has two set of handles -- short and a shoulder option.
3. Zara Double Breasted Coat with Silver Buttons
This is one of the best coats I own. I have the black version but really want it in the navy too. It's sharp, has such great shoulders and adds an instant "chic" look to any outfit.
4. Mother Denim Weekender Fray
These jeans are amazing -- they feel good and they hold things in that need holding. I'd suggest going and trying a bunch on. It really depends on your preference. The fact that they look great both on this model and my frame makes you believe in the Ya Ya Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.
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1. JCREW Leopard Boots
2. Sofia Cashmere Leopard Scarf
3. Quilted Koala Midi East West Bag
The perfect everyday bag -- super roomy and can be worn as a cross-body bag.
Add your design or monogram. You can go bold with pops of color or go with a more neutral palette. Katie Redmond @covet.on.the.go added rose gold double stripes to her Luxe North South Bag.
4. Kitsch Leopard Scrunchie - a very easy way to step into leopard. Just $10.
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Here are some of my favorite ways to bring gold into your wardrobe:
1. Gold Teardrop Earrings
The hot shape in earrings is the teardrop. You can find these across brands.
From the designer Bottega Veneta (below) to more affordable options.
To the more affordable JCREW option
2. Gold Shoes - love these multi-buckle flats from Zara. So many trends in one little pair of shoes - gold, ballet with a side of mary jane. And for $49 - you can easily indulge in this fast trend.
3. Metallic Gold Bags
I'm so excited about the new Gold Metallics in our collection. They're a fun way of bring the gold to your outfit.
4. Gold Metallic Hold Me Clutch
The inside has a beautiful satin interior lining.
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The key ingredients are pieces that feel special, luxe, and timeless.
1. A blazer elevates your look. I love the Veronica Beard Miller Dickey Jacket. Much like our bags I like that you add dickeys to change up the look. An investment -- but I'll have this for years.
2. A Trench Coat. Especially for early fall -- having a good trench in your closet is a must. I've had my Navy Burberry Trench for over a decade. It's truly timeless. I've had this jacket for so long -- the price has tripled since I got mine.
I wanted a new lighter color trench. I found the J.Crew version too heavy and uncomfortable. The detachable hood also felt awkward.
Instead I went with this one on Amazon which was well-made and at a fraction of the price. I mean a very small fraction. I also picked it up in black.
3. Luxe Vegan Suede - I designed our Town Bags in Vegan Suede because I wanted something that felt amazing (they're so soft) and would give me that timeless, chic look.
Here I'm wearing the full size in Navy (there's also a midi version). I've added a bag chain for a little extra pop -- but really the bag is beautiful on it's own.
4. Velvet is always a good idea.
Adding Velvet to your outfit (whether your wearing it or carrying it) also brings that extra luxe feel. Our new Hold Me Clutches in Quilted Velvet are delicious. We also added a satin interior that will make you smile every time you open your bag. The midnight blue is so saturated and luxe (below). Also available in magenta, black and electric green.
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Green hasn't always been my favorite -- but I've been won over by the fun it brings to almost any outfit.
Here are some of our favorites:
1. Quilted Koala Electric Green Velvet Belt Bag - for those that want a little bit of green, our new belt bag will be just right. I love wearing it as a crossbody too. The inside has a deliciously luxe satin lining. Coming soon to Quilted Koala.
I love this mash up of puffer meets lady like jacket. J.Crew calls their green vintage kelly.
3. Jennifer Miller Faux Emerald Green Earrings
4. Quilted Koala Everything Bag in Electric Green
Go big or go home with our oversized Electric Green Velvet Everything Bag. I designed this bag to hold all your things -- whether you're going to work, a soccer game or a weekend away. You can embellish the outside pocket or add your monogram. The bag is so soft -- you'll also want to use it as a pillow on the go. Coming soon to Quilted Koala.
5. Bottega Veneta Minimalist 60MM Navigator Metal Sunglasses
Bottega Veneta -- responsible in large part for the recent green explosion with their signature leather bags -- introduced these great aviator frames this year.
]]>Here are some of our favorites of the season.
1. Zara's Metallic Denim Jacket
2. Quilted Koala Silver Metallic Everything Bag
3. J.CREW Silver Metallic Belt
Of all the platform sandals I tried on for Matthew's wedding, these were everyone's favorite. Because the wedding reception was planned for the outdoors in the grass, I went with something lower. But these are great party shoes.
5. Quilted Koala Silver Metallic Makeup Bag
I love the pop of silver from our new makeup bag that makes it easy to spot in your bag.
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For me, seersucker is the suit every lawyer wore in the summer months (including my dad).
And while seersucker is usually thought of for suits and shorts for men -- I make bags, so I decided to do our own twist on the classic material.
Our Everything Bags in Blue and Pink Seersucker have been a hit. The Blue is about to sell out for the season.
Inside the Everything Bag
Seersucker Makeup Bags
What's fun about our collection is that the bags can be customized with designs or monograms.
Shop the entire Seersucker Collection here.
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Katie Redmond from @covet.on.the.go added a Jumbo Peace Sign to our signature East West Bag. The bag has a coated interior so it's perfect for the beach. You can add your favorite design or monogram to the bag.
I'm in love with our new Everything Bag in Hot Pink. I designed the Everything Bag to be lightweight and roomy enough for LOTS of beach towels! There's also an exterior pocket for easy access.
Hailey is carrying our Boho Mirror Tote in stone. These are all beautifully made for us in India. The mirrors are actually reflective pieces (not mirror) but give that extra sparkle when you're walking with the bag. Comes in stone, olive, navy and black.
Our new seersucker Everything Bags are a great twist on a summer classic! You can add your favorite embellishment or monogram to these must-have bags.
Who doesn't love LOVE? Our natural Everything Bag in natural looks so fun with our new stacked love and aqua tassel. Perfect for summer travel.
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Here are my tips for the Best Shopping in Marrakech Souks:
1. Take it all in. As you walk through the Market (referred to as the Souks), there's so much to see. There are also bikes, motorcycles, donkeys and aggressive stall owners to contend with. I knew we would be there for two days, so I knew that I didn't have to make any decisions on the spot. If your time is limited I still suggest walking around first, have a cold drink and then go back. I couldn't get over the light fixtures -- although in the end we didn't bring one home -- but they're beautiful. Sometimes just taking it in is just as satisfying. Okay -- not exactly the same.
2. Negotiate. Luckily I was with someone who enjoys the art of negotiating. Not my favorite thing especially when it gets heated. For $10 more -- why all the fuss? What we learned is that the price you should go to is usually half what the owners first offer. And then you can go from there. I really didn't love being followed by one owner that really wanted me to buy his pillows.
3. Go to the Petite Boutiques at the Souk Cherifia off Rue Mouassine (conveniently located below my favorite restaurant in the Souk, Terasse des epices. We found that this area is owned predominately by one family and we loved them. You'll pay a little bit more here but it's less pressured than most of the shopping in the souk. I was so happy we found this area. They carry much of the same products as you'll find elsewhere -- it's just calmer.
4. Wear comfortable closed shoes. At the last minute I threw a pair of espadrilles (Sam Edelman) into my bag and I'm so glad I did. They had a little platform which took me off the ground and kept the dirt off. It rained one of the nights we visited the Market and I was especially happy to have them on. David also wore his AllBirds the entire time we were in the market. I tossed my espadrilles before we went home (I needed the extra space for our purchases) and they were really dirty. David, a true AllBirds convert, looked forward to throwing them in the wash when we got home.
5. Bring Money. You'll need to have local currency (Dirham) in most of the souk. In the Petite Boutiques at the Souk Cherifia we were able to use a credit card. They only take Visa or Mastercard, not American Express.
6. Keep your bag in front of you. I never felt unsafe in the Souk but you have to be mindful of where you are and the people around you. It can get really crowded so take care that your money is safely tucked away.
For shopping, we brought our Large Zippered Tote for carrying our purchases. And I wore our Mini East West Bag in Flax - it snaps closed in three spots and I used the zippered pocket for my money and credit card.
Shopping info:
Quilted Koala Large Zippered Tote in Blush Camo $168
Quilted Koala Mini East West Bag in Flax with Peace Sign $84
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Don't listen to WAZE or any navigational app when you're going to a wedding on a summer weekend! Add another 40 minutes as a buffer so that you won't do what we did this weekend.
David and I were the very last guests to arrive to the beautiful Hampshire Country Club. The staff directed us to hurry which we did until we ran into the room where the ENTIRE wedding party was lined up and ready to go.
I stopped in my tracks, but David insisted we had to go. So without looking at my friends (who were ready to walk their beautiful daughter down the aisle) I ran to the door. I didn't know until later that David waved to them as he went by.
The doors opened, many of the guests turned around -- only to see us running to our seats. So embarrassing. Also running in Jimmy Choo sandals -- also not that easy or flattering.
I teared up as soon as I see my friends walking down the aisle with their daughter -- definitely happy tears but still such a surge of emotion. Maybe because I remember the day the bride was born. How could she now be walking down the aisle? I think it's more about time -- the understanding that it's moving.
But then the magic happens. Overlooking the Long Island Sound on a picture perfect evening...
There's that hope and happiness you feel for the young couple about to start on their own unique journey. I'm so grateful that I'm sitting next to the love of my life as we watch them exchange vows. I realize that he's been sitting in a position so that the sun is not on me. He's still that guy.
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I always wanted to be a lawyer. In our small town my Dad was my Atticus Finch. He championed causes. Our dinner table conversations included why accused murderers were entitled to due process to why topless bars were not obscene under state law (that was an interesting dinner).
So I spent most of my first 25 years with tunnel vision. Unlike my Dad I decided to practice in New York City at White & Case -- one of the nation's top law firms. I had the job I dreamed of - all that hard work paid off. I had the fancy office, a ridiculously big salary and a killer wardrobe to go with it.
The problem. I hated it. Big corporate practices move at a glacial pace and the role of a junior associate can be soul sucking. Endless hours on tedious documents. Oh, and did I mention that the clients tend to be massive corporations? Atticus type moments? None.
So I changed gears.
I co-founded the independent consumer organization toyportfolio.com with my mother, noted child development expert & author Joanne Oppenheim. We have been playing with and reviewing toys since my older son was born. Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Awards are the benchmark of excellence with consumers. Most people know us from NBC's TODAY Show where we are Contributors.
As much as I love toys and what we do, I wanted to be more creative.
I started Quilted Koala with my family - notice a trend here? This time, my partner is my husband David (the boy with the koala bear). We've also recruited our sons who are now both in the business with us.
Manufacturing products is a whole new world from being a professional critic. There's the thrill of creating something that people respond to with excitement. And when something doesn't work -- you need to take a deep breath and move on, quickly.
One of the best parts of starting a new business is our team and the number of truly amazing people who have adopted me on this journey. At first being mentored, rather than mentoring others felt a little strange, but I quickly realized the vast amount of things I didn't know. I'm no longer shy about asking.
Our mission is to create bags that are fun, pretty and don't take themselves too seriously. For example, our best-selling East West Bag is both classic and refined in design, but it also gets a little cheeky when we add a word or design in glitter. And who doesn't love glitter?
I also hate heavy bags. So that's always a starting point. I'm especially proud of our new Metallic Backpacks -- I love handing them off to people -- and getting the "ooooh it's so light!" That's when I know we've done it right.
If you were to tell my 8-year-old self, who aspired to be a Supreme Court Justice, that I would be become a bag lady-- I probably wouldn't have believed you. But even then I loved a good bag!
If I'm a cautionary tale, it's to embrace change, creativity and to follow your passion -- and, of course, always carry a terrific bag.
Stephanie
Co-Founder, Quilted Koala, Ltd.
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Here are what we found to be the five secrets to having the perfect wedding.
1. Listen to your bride and groom. The kind of day that the couple wants to have soon emerges after the engagement and the planning really begins. Our lovely Lindsey is from Arizona and it was important to her to celebrate what she loved about Scottsdale and the natural beauty of the area. Their first look pictures were taken along the trails they enjoy together. (Seriously how beautiful is this picture?!!)
2. Keep Organized. I was blown away with the use of Excel for doing seating and invitations (so much easier than moving index cards around the dining room table). Excel was also used to track the schedules for photos the day of the wedding. We also loved using paperless post for invites to bridal events and apps like Photocircleapp for photo sharing at the wedding. Instagram tags are also good, but it was great to have a private site to upload the pics (over 1,000 pics were shared in the first few hours) -- so everyone had the fun of seeing the pics long before the professional pics come in.
3. Work with People that Share Your Vision. We worked with the incredibly talented floral designer, AubreysPetals - she created beautiful floral designs for both the rehearsal dinner and the wedding. The event planner Melissa at the McCormick Ranch was grace under pressure (the threat of rain did not phase her) and she runs a rehearsal like a total pro! And our hats are off to the folks at J&G Steakhouse where we had the rehearsal dinner.
4. Bridal party gifts. You know we had this covered! Each bridesmaid received a monogrammed (with silver glitter) East West Bag. They used them the day of the wedding for all of their things. These are amazing women - they stood outside for pictures and the ceremony (where it was windy and chilly) with smiles on their faces.
Each bridesmaid also carried a Quilted Koala Luxe Metallic Clutch in silver to go with their navy dresses. The bride carried the same bag in blue metallic (as her something blue).
5. Above all, keep your sense of humor. It's meant to be a fun day to celebrate the beginning of a new family. There are so many moving parts, emotions and budgets on the line -- it's easy to lose yourself in the details. At the end of the day, if there are tears, you want to be sure that they're happy ones.
We are so excited to welcome Lindsey to our family!
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We're so thrilled that she's using our new Quilted Koala Metallic Duffel for taking her things to practice for the show. Go Jodie!
]]>Here are five bridesmaid's gift ideas that are the perfect 'thank you' for your wedding party. Whether you are looking for something fun, something practical, or simply something you're sure they'll use again, we have you covered!
1. Carry-All Tote
A popular gift for bridesmaids are carry-all totes. They make the perfect present and are super useful on the day of the wedding. Stuff some sweet treats inside like chocolate, wine, lip gloss, flip flops (aka dancing shoes!), and a thank you note. Personalize the bags with a monogram of their name for a tote they can always treasure!
2. Makeup Bags
Makeup bags are the perfect gift for your bridesmaids on your wedding day. Help them stay organized while they get ready! Great to pair with perfume, makeup, nail polish or any other cute accessories. Personalize them with your bridesmaids' monograms for an extra special gift!
3. Duffel
Whether it's traveling in for your bridal shower, flying off to your bachelorette, or checking in for the big day-- Bridesmaids are on-the-go for their brides! What better gift to thank them with than a stylish, functional duffel. With all of our great patterns and two sizes, a Quilted Koala duffel makes the perfect bridesmaid gift!
4. Jewelry + Jewelry Roll
Another popular gift for bridesmaids is personalized jewelry that they can wear on the wedding day. Pairing it with a jewelry roll is the perfect combination. Both gifts they can use on the day-of and enjoy after as well.
5. Heels in a custom box
With the bridesmaids dresses all picked out, now your girls need the perfect shoes for their wedding day outfit. A thoughtful gift is to treat your bridesmaids to some fabulous heels that will keep your wedding party coordinated and also make your bridesmaids happy! Who doesn't love shoes?! Popping them in a gorgeous fabric box will make the gift all the more special. With a windowpane, you can personalize each box with your bridesmaid's names and they can treasure the boxes as a keepsake after.
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Here's what you'll want to check out:
(1) Boxpark- A clever use of space. A collection of boxcars with little pop-up shops in them. Some have great names like #wanderingminds but many are large companies (e.g. Gap) that want in on this hot shopping area.
(2) Old Spitafields Market - You'll find small boutiques, cafes, pubs in the buildings that surround the stalls of the market. While the market is open throughout the week, the biggest days are on the weekends (be prepared for crowds). The offerings vary - on Saturdays you'll find mainly clothing, jewelry, and crafts.
(3) Wander - There are always new things to see in Shoreditch. For example, how about this tricked out bicycle outside the vintage store Love Street.
(4) Sorry Coffee Co. - Stop for a delicious coffee at this fun coffee bar/clothing store. They're super friendly and they make amazing coffee!
(5) Labour and Wait - retro home accessories/appliances of another era presented in such an appealing way - you'll be hard pressed to leave without something. We brought home one of these dibbers (for planting bulbs!) Plus we like saying the word dibbler.
(6) Luna & Curious
Love, love, love this little boutique that always has a well-curated collection of jewelry, accessories and things for your baby and toddler.
And for us, it wouldn't be a day in Shoreditch without stopping at our favorite Indian restaurant, Dishoom. Seriously - the best!
Happy Shopping! If there's a place you love in Shoreditch, share it with us!
Useful Links:
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What's Your Favorite Fall Activity? Is it...
(1) Game Day - Fall means Football season whether it's pro, college or your local high school. We love the sense of community that games still deliver.
(2) Apple Picking - Nothing better than going apple picking with your friends and family. Something so pleasing about picking your own bag of apples - some to enjoy on the spot and others great for pies or cobblers.
(3) Pumpkin Patch - Now that Halloween is the biggest holiday after Christmas, pumpkins are serious business. I love that Instagram and Pinterest are full of kids picking their first pumpkin to the more curated, designer fare. At the moment, I'm obsessed with small white pumpkins.
(4) Fall Sweaters - okay let's add to that fall boots, fall scarfs. Once you've made the leap to put away your summer favorites- it's fun to get into fall fashion.
Whether you're going to a game, to the orchard or away for the weekend, we want to go with you! Shop our new Blissful Collection.
Tell us your favorite thing to do during the fall?
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Flowers. I'm obsessed with the choices. And don't get me started on their flower boxes.
Tea. They take it very seriously.
Hats. Over-the-top, sometimes ridiculously silly, look-at-me hats...even if you don't want to wear one, you have to admit they're amazing.
Iconic Touchstones. It will be interesting to see how they deal with the iconic red booths in the age of cellphones.
What do we do best? Bags, boxes, and accessories! Shop our products here.
Can't you just see our Blissful Large Tote walking the streets of London?
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(Shoppers out on New Bond Street in London's Mayfair District.)
(1) Shoes are serious business here. Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Tod's, Bally - all have a presence. Prada is one of our favorites to visit. The shop is beautifully designed and the staff is both friendly and knowledgeable without being overly pushy.
(Serious dancing shoes from Prada, 16-18 Old Bond Street.)
Equally friendly and ever so comfortable, Tod's shoes are dreamy. We couldn't get over these adorable offerings for the extremely well-heeled toddlers.
(2) Flowers! I always love stopping and looking at the flower stall at the beginning of New Bond Street - even the flowers here seem more luxe than your average flower stand in New York.
(3) #statementnecklaces galore. A girl can dream. Every major jewelry house is here: Cartier, Harry Winston, Bulgari, Tiffany, De Beers - you get the idea. Window shopping at it's best! Here's a little piece - just to wear out and about.
(The original #statementnecklace from Cartier. We think we'd also need the earrings too!)
(4). UK Originals - Alexander McQueen, Mulberry, Victoria Beckham, Burberry, Smythson of Bond Street - All of these English brands are now international but are fun to visit where they started.
(5) Arcades - There are several shopping arcades in London that are just really pretty to walk. Many filled with cashmere, chocolate, silver, jewelry and other fun to see little shops.
(The Royal Arcade between 28 Bond Street and 12 Albemarle Street) is down the street and around the corner from the larger Burlington Arcade.)
And of course, we brought all of our treasures home in our Quilted Koala Blissful Duffel!
Useful Links:
http://www.bondstreet.co.uk/shop/prada/
http://www.bondstreet.co.uk/shop/tods/
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Yet I wonder - does blissful feel out of reach most of the time? And when you have a blissful moment, is it hard to hold onto? Maybe that's the way it should be. After all, if you're always blissful, how would you know it? To me, it feels like whipped cream. I love it, but it's not something I indulge in everyday.
So, what makes you blissful? Enjoying a sunset, ice cream with hot fudge, binge watching a favorite show in your pjs? We're going to be exploring this idea across our social media platforms this month. We invite you to share your ideas on Instagram using the tag #blissful and pin to our group pinterest board, by following 'What Makes You Blissful?' for your invitation to pin.
While working on this last photo shoot at the beach - I had that moment. Feet in the sand, a beautiful sky, proud of what we had produced as a team, enjoying the people I'm working with-- and hey, I'm on a beach.
The grasses in the dunes are so beautiful - they change with the light.
Our large Blissful Duffel in Navy and medium tote bag (with three inside pockets). All our totes now have snap closures (we heard you!)
Our new Blissful makeup bags are so beautiful - whether you pick the serene grey or lavender - or the more vibrant blue or saffron-inspired yellow!
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Have you been dreaming about a whole new set of travel gear (duffel, tote, makeup bags, jewelry roll) or how about a new fall makeover for your closet or home office with our beautiful boxes and bins? We want to get you really in the swing of the season-- so that's why we're offering a $500 Quilted Koala shopping spree to one lucky winner!
]]>[Our large purple Joyful Duffel looking so good on the beautiful fashion blogger Elma Beganovich of ClubFashionista.com.]
(1) It had to start out light. There's nothing worse than buying a duffel or piece of luggage that starts out super heavy. Our duffel is lofty!
(2) Well-balanced. This seems like a "duh" kind of remark, but it takes some engineering to get the proportions right and the straps just so. When you carry your things in our bags it feels good and the straps are purposefully wide to sit comfortably on your shoulder.
(3) Roomy. You want the duffel to fit just the right amount of clothes for a weekend away--without getting so heavy you can't carry it. We're proud that all of the fashion bloggers rave about the roomiest of our duffels.
(4) Pretty. Whether you pick from our classic Happy Collection or our vibrant Joyful Collection, the duffels should make you smile as you're on your way.
(5) Soft. We achieve the ultimate softness thanks to our finest 100% cotton fabric and "secret sauce". You'll be happy to use them as a pillow as you travel.
SHOP our growing collection of Large Duffels!
And if you're going for something smaller (for an overnight or workout bag), you'll want to look at our new Small Duffels!
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(1) On the move - Graduates are often on the go whether it's to visit friends, going home, or traveling to see the world. Our duffels are just right for such travel. They are made with our finest quilted 100% cotton so they're super light and roomy! Fans of our bags tell us that they're also great for when you want to put your head down and take a nap!
Our Joyful Paisley Duffel ($119) comes with two outside pockets and coordinates with our totes, makeup bags and jewelry rolls. SHOP all the colors and use code GRAD2015 to save 20% on your purchase.
2) Makeup Bags
Nothing feels more like a present (and more grown up) than a pair of new makeup bags. The reactions we get to our makeup bags range from "oooooh" to "I love these!" -- so pick a pair! The large makeup bag is lined with water-resistant fabric - perfect for those take alongs that need extra security. The small makeup bag will become your grad's favorite - it's quilted (unlined) and just right for your lip gloss, ID and phone.
These are our Joyful pink small makeup bag ($17) and large makeup bag ($24).SHOP all the colors and combinations here.
Please use code: GRAD2015 to save 20%.
(3) Jewelry Roll
Now that your graduate will be on the move, giving her a safe place for her jewelry - that's also really pretty!
SHOP all our jewelry rolls ($39) come with two zippered compartments as well as a ring band. Use Code GRAD2015 to save 20%.
4. Storage Boxes - Whether your grad is going on to more school or their first apartment, chances are space will be tight. Our beautiful boxes and bins are a great way to stay organized! You can buy a nest of three fabric covered boxes for $53 (50% off). Discount taken at check out.
If you order a gift from us, we'll send it out with our signature white glove wrapping and a gift card!
Our best wishes to all of the graduating seniors!
]]>If Mom LOVES fashion, she'll love getting a new big bag for Spring. If she's all about jewelry, consider one of our jewelry rolls so she can take her favorite pieces with her. If Mom loves makeup, our large and small makeup bags will be a welcomed gift!
(Shown here: our bold Happy Grey Large Tote, Jewelry Roll, Large Makeup Bag and Small MakeUp bag. Also comes in pink, blue and yellow!)
If your mom is always on the go, she'll LOVE our new line of Duffels. They're super LIGHT, soft and pretty! You'll want to be sure to also order her coordinating makeup bags and a jewelry roll.
(Shown here: Our JOYFUL Collection: Pink Duffels, Large Makeup Bag, Small Makeup Bag and Jewelry Roll).
Is your mom always on her way to a spin or yoga class? Pair one of our duffels with a fitbit, a fresh yoga mat, one of our lined makeup bags, some new earbuds...you get the idea.
(Shown here: Our JOYFUL Collection: Duffel, Large Makeup Bag, and Jewelry Roll.
A big roomy bag is just the way to say thank you for all she does!
(Shown here: Our Joyful Collection: Large Tote, Medium Tote and Small Makeup Bag.)
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My hit parade of favorite spring events:
(1) Cherry Blossoms. I love the wave of cherry blossoms that take over instagram this time of year. It will be weeks before they bloom in NYC and even longer at the beach where this picture was taken.
(2) Tulips, tulips, tulips. Nothing better than NYC in the Spring. Everyone just looks happier. It's been a rough winter in the northeast - we could all use some flowers.
(3) Spring Shopping. I'm desperate to break up with my puffy coat. As much as I loved it in November is how much I hate it now. I feel a little guilty about my rage towards the coat. It's really not the coat's fault that it's been so cold. Still. We need to break up. And have you checked out the cute shoes? I bought these espadrilles at Zara - affirmation that there will be warm days ahead.
(4) Birds. That sound. In the morning when all the birds have things to say. In the meantime, I've been carrying the Quilted Koala Pink Birdsong tote as a call to all the real birds to head back!
Here it is in blue (both the Birdsong Duffel and Tote)
What do you look forward to the most?
]]>Top Five Must-Haves for the Best Wedding Welcome Bag
(1) Drinks. Whether it's water, a favorite soft drink, or tequila - all will be appreciated! Anything to stay out of the expensive mini-bar.
(2) Snacks. I'm always so appreciative when someone leaves me some yummy snacks (nice to do both salty and sweet). If you're in a town known for something special (candy, nuts, fudge) - great to introduce your friends and family to the local variety.
(3) Headache Busters. Celebrations often require some recovery aids!
(4) Local Maps and Guides. Whether you've brought your loved ones to your home town or to a far off destination, giving them some ideas of activities for non-wedding downtime will always be appreciated!
(5) A memento of the weekend. Our Quilted Koala Wedding Welcome Bag can also include our makeup bags that will be enjoyed long after the wedding is over. Our Joyful Pink Large and Small MakeUp Bags (shown here) also make great bridesmaids gifts!
Of course the bag itself is important! Fun to pick a color that works with your wedding or destination. Our Quilted Koala small, medium and large tote bags all work! They're just right for filling up with all your special treats.
Shop our graphic Happy, our French/Indian-inspired Joyful, or our romantic Birdsong Collections and be sure to enjoy a 20% discount when you use the code: KoalasLoveWeddings.
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The best news for bridesmaids these days is that the dresses have gotten so much better! While the movie 27 Dresses was an exaggeration, we've all had some pretty hideous dresses with the promise "You can so wear that again!"
The same is true of Bridesmaids gifts! No one really wants a travel mirror with a picture of you and your beloved (I got one of those). The idea is to pick something that says "thank you" for being there with me on this journey.
Here are the Secrets to Picking the Perfect Bridesmaids Gifts:
1. Pick Something Useful and a Treat. There's something so fun about getting a gift you can use right away. Our Quilted Koala MakeUp bags are just right and come in so many colors - you can go with the color of your wedding party. The ones pictured above are from our Blue Joyful Collection.
If your palette is pink, we have the perfect combination! These vibrant Quilted Koala MakeUp Bags are from our Pink Joyful Collection and is just right for your bridemaids to use on the big day as well as a wonderful way to remember your wedding.
2. Make It Personal. Fill the quilted make up bags with candy you both love, a favorite nail polish of the season - you get the idea!
3. Jewelry is Always A Great Bridesmaids Gift. We love the idea of giving a piece of jewelry as a memory of your time together planning and enjoying your wedding. Our suggestion is pair it with one of our beautiful Quilted Koala Jewelry Rolls - they're just right for keeping your jewels separated and safe when you travel.
This is our Quilted Koala Jewelry Roll from our Joyful Collection in pink. Be sure to shop the entire collection. Here it's shown with some of our favorite pieces from the fab WrennJewelry.
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Take our Green Fashion Test.
(1) Lime Green -This requires a great deal of confidence about your look and desire for people to take notice.
(2) Sea Glass Green - Ever so much more zen than lime. This says you're ready for great adventure but quiet about your journey. We are obsessed with our roomy Sea Glass Green Duffel from our Joyful collection.
3) Kelly Green - Kelly Green says you're upbeat, ready to enjoy life, and you mix well with others. Our Green Jewel boxes on the right mixed with our Wonderland boxes. Each stack is only $53 (50% off) to celebrate Spring!
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Now that Spring seems likely (whoot!) it's time to start thinking about switching your closets over. We can't wait to put our scarves, gloves and long underwear away!
Here are five secrets to the best closet organization ever:
(1) Time Sensitive. If you don't have a closet like Lisa Vanderpump (and the staff to maintain it), our suggestion is that you make your closet for the season you're in. We tried this approach and it was AWESOME. It's like going away on vacation with your favorite things. It also makes getting dressed in the morning so much easier. Be strict about setting this up-- but you'll end up loving it. No more sandals jumbled in with your favorite Bean Boots. Trust us, you'll never go back.
We love this pic from Kelly in the City's makeover of her home office that uses our Quilted Koala Blue Foulard Boxes and Bins which also brings us to (2) Curate Your Closet - LOVE your new Hunter boots, put them in a place of honor. Have a bowl of your favorite sunglasses at the ready.
(3) Sort by Category. Now that you're in the "season", hang all of your dresses, blouses, pants together - you can make a choice within that grouping. Some sort by color (and while this is great for stacks of t-shirts, sweaters) we find that harder to handle and it looks less tidy.
(4) De-Clutter the Little Stuff. Put things away that you don't use on a regular basis. Going out accessories, belts, stockings, special lingerie - put them up and away in a box. This will also make your space feel like your own personalized retreat. For example, our Pink Jewel Boxes and Circle Grey Boxes - give you plenty of room for all your treasures - don't they look great together?(5) Hangers. Treat yourself to some soft padded hangers that will love your special things as much as you do. It's also a great easy way to upgrade the whole feeling of your closet. (We found these on Pinterest - beautiful but sadly no longer available. Maybe we should make some to go with our boxes?)
And of course, we'd recommend using our Quilted Koala Boxes and Bins. Check out all the colors and patterns - we have a wonderful choices to match your mood and color scheme. Right now, to get you started buy a set of three nested boxes at 50% off. So no excuses! Make your closet beautiful.
Our very Spring forward collection of Circle Blue, Wonderland and Green Jewel boxes! Each pattern is available in a matching bin.
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