A Dream Come True | Re-Invent-It with Gigi New York My Purse Design!

As many of you know, while we were in New York two months ago Matt and I stopped by The Gigi New York factory.  I mentioned I was working on a fun project with them, and it has finally come to fruition!  Gigi selected 5 bloggers to redesign a purse of our choice, and they picked me to be the first one!  I have been a huge Gigi New York fan for years, so I was thrilled when they proposed the idea to me.  It truly was a dream come true to be involved in the whole design process and see how their purses are made. 

They asked me to select my favorite handbag from their line.  I was torn between the Tori and the Teddie, because they are both favorites of mine.  I really like a bigger tote style bag to have room for all my stuff and the kid's stuff too.   After I selected the bag they asked me for fabric ideas to narrow it down.  I had envisioned a textured leather, almost like crocodile or ostrich leather.  They then mailed me a package of leather samples to feel and see what I liked.  Remember their leather wall?  They have so many different leathers that have never been used before.

I received the samples in the mail and 3 favorites immediately stood out.

When I visited the factory in August, Gigi had made sample purses out of the three leathers for me to feel and actually see in person. We loved two of the leathers so much we decided to offer the both the Teddie and Tori Re-Invent-It instead of just the one. This made me ecstatic because it was next to impossible to choose a favorite out of the two.

After I made my final leather decision we then talked about details of the purses. We had several conference calls and emailed back and forth during this process.  I like an open purse with no dividers.  As a busy mom I can fit more things in this way.  My sister said she also preferred this open style to fit in her laptop.  So both bags have an open center, but they also have side zippered pockets, which I love to store my phone in.

We settled on our final two designs the beginning of September: the Tori in Embossed black Crocodile and the Teddie in Tejus Leather.

Tori in Black Crocodile | Teddie in brown Tejus

I love both purses equally.  It was hard for me to choose a favorite.  If you have seen me around town I have been carrying the black crocodile Tori.

Both leathers are incredibly soft.  They just feel and look luxurious   I like that they are timeless and classic but still have a slight edge.

Black Tori Tote | Embossed Nappa Crocodile Leather

Teddie Tote | Brown Tejus Leather

I love the color of this purse.  It is the perfect everyday color for year round.

Here is close up of the detail which is hard to see on the web page.

This tote is slightly more structured with a stiffer bottom and wider straps.

Both bags are limited edition and limited quanity so once they sell out that is it!   I am thrilled to offer you guys a free iPhone 6 or 6 plus case with your purchase.

Keep the iPhone case for you or they make great Christmas gifts as well.

Use code NATALIEIC6- for iPhone 6 case

and NATALIEI6P - For IPhone 6 Plus case 

With holidays around the corner you can now get free shipping my Re-Invent-It purses and a discounted personalization rate.

It is hard for me to put into words what a dream it was to work with Gigi and re-design these purses.  

I feel so grateful for this amazing opportunity!

Outfit and Purse Details:

Photo Credit | Rick Dean Photography

Thoughts For Friday

TGIF Friends!  Hard to believe next weekend is Halloween!

We have no real plans tonight but we have a date night planned for tomorrow night and my parents are keeping the kids overnight- it will be such a treat to sleep in. 

Papa ZuZu's has quite possibly the best Greek Salad in town.  I used to pick this up all the time when I was pregnant because it was close to my doctor's office but I had not had it since.  I picked it up this week and devoured it. 

This JCrew turtleneck has been on repeat lately.  I love the loose boxy fit.

The kids talked me into buying this eyeball balloon at the grocery store.  I have to say it was excellent purchase, it has kept them entertained for days.  They love to bring it everywhere with us.

I met a few girlfriends at Edmunds Oast for drinks and apps Wednesday night.  The first time I ate here I was disappointed in my meal this time it was much better.  The cheese and meat plate was delish.

 Found a new favorite blouse at Loft this week.

I bought it in two colors. Runs on the large side size down.

Collarless Blouse | Necklace is Julie Vos

I snapped this picture of Frances sleeping.  I love that she is sleeping with her legs crossed and cuddling her baby.  She always tosses her blanket off. It melted my heart.

I am hooked on these new coconut oil face wipes from RMS Beauty.  I usually use coconut oil to remove my makeup but these are so much easier.  A little trick is I cut mine in half to make them last longer.   They are great for travel or just being on the go.

Gap Kids has the cutest stuff right now.  A few things I snagged for Frances Moon. 

I think I am going to put her in the plaid dress for Christmas pictures. Loving the penguin print too.

Use code WARM for 40% off all purchases.

Plaid dress | Penguin Dress | Geo Sweater Dress | Penguin Blouse

I decided to download and read Andy Cohen's book for a lighter change of pace.  It is written in a diary style and I am enjoying his stories and honesty. It's pretty darn funny.

The Tory Burch Private Sale started yesterday.

These cardigans are my favorite.  I just this white version.  I love the long loose fit.

Simone Cardigan

a few other favorites.  Such good deals many items are 70% off.

I have a hair appointment in a two weeks and I am still considering a long bob.  I found this picture of Molly Sims and it is exactly what I want.  Not too long or too short.

Happy Friday!

Loving Lately

Jeffery Campbell Ballet Flats

I still love the lace up ballet flat trend.  The navy and wine colors are perfect for Fall.  Plus they are not crazy expensive.

Parker Off Shoulder Top

I am convinced I need this for the holidays.  Love the gold lace.  It is so festive and fun.

Space Dye Sweater Dress

I love simple easy dresses like this one.  The price is great, under $50.

One Kings Lane Leopard Pillows

I just love these pillows, they are leopard but still a neutral.  They are very similar to what we have on our couch in the den.

 

Free People Sweater

This sweater looks so soft. It looks like it would be long enough to wear with leggings and skinny jeans.  It also comes in a beautiful ivory color.

Madewell Grid Scarf

This scarf is so pretty.  The gray and white would go with everything.

Free People Mini Dress

I wore this dress/tunic in blue over the weekend.  It is now out in a black version that I equally love.  It is light weight and I really like the pattern.  Runs pretty TTS.  I am in XS.

 

 

Banana Republic Shirt Dress

I have had some great luck at Banana Republic lately.  This dress reminds me so much of Rebecca Taylor.  It is my favorite shade of blue.  Perfect for work or play.

Polka Dot Blouse

Loft is having 50% off the entire site today.  I ordered a few things including this blouse.  So classic.

Use code HALFTIME

 

Kashmir Glass Set

Shopbop has started adding some great new gifts on their site for the upcoming holidays.  I love these gold glasses.  They would be perfect for water or wine.  I have actually started really enjoying serving wine in different glass types.

Colorblock Wool Jacket

This is such an adorable casual jacket.  I love the colorblock detail.  Also comes in a black and red version.

 

Splendid Booties

I have been looking for a shorter heeled bootie and really like these.  They come in gray in too.

 

Wool Poncho

The neutral colors of this poncho are perfect to toss on over any outfit.

Madewell Tribal Print Dress

I love love love the print of this dress.

Chopped Fall Harvest Salad With Maple Dijon Vinaigrette

I told you guys I would be back with a recipe involving some meat:)  This salad is the bomb diggity.  Super filling and full of so many killer flavors.  I of course have a slight kale obsession so I used that for my lettuce base but you could totally used mixed greens if you prefer.  I like the lettuce shredded because it is easier to mix it all up and bite size.  Radicchio is a slightly bitter lettuce which I really like.  If you don't like it leave it out or sub red cabbage.  I love the color of the purple in the salad.

There is this salad at Cypress, a local restaurant here in Charleston,  that has Brie in it and is good.  It inspired me to add it to my salad.  I normally would have done a blue cheese or goat cheese but brie takes it to another level. The creamy brie is a winner, especially paired with the apples.  The chicken helps the salad to be more filling and bacon is always a good idea. 

A little tip for the butternut squash buy it already diced.  It saves you so much time and arm pain.  Butternut squash is so hard to peel and dice up.  Most grocery stores now carry it already peeled and diced.  Makes things so much easier.  

Two other quick tips : I buy a rotisserie chicken and just shred the meat off that.  Saves so much time and I don't have to dirty up extra dishes cooking the chicken- plus I hate dealing with raw meat.   I also buy microwave bacon (boars head is the best) and I just slightly reheat between paper towels to crisp it up about 30 secs.

I always arrange my salads on a platter like this because well it just looks pretty and it saves well.  I normally prepare dinner during nap time and then just pull it out at dinner.  This way each person can scoop and serve what they like to eat.  My kids won't eat the lettuce but I can serve them the other ingredients. For my vegetarian friends this salad is still delicious without the meat so leave it off if you want.

Enjoy!

|| C H O P P E D  F A L L  H A R V E S T  S A L A D ||

-1 Bunch green or red kale shredded (I used a combo of both)

- 1/2 head radicchio shredded

- 1/2 avocado chopped

- shredded chicken (I used a rotisserie chicken)

- roasted butternut squash

- 1/2 apple sliced (I used a Pink Lady)

- 6-8 pieces cooked bacon crumbled

- roasted and salted sunflower seeds

- chopped Brie

Toss the chopped butternut squash with olive oil and salt and pepper.  Place on a baking sheet and roast at 350 degrees about 20-25 minutes until fork tender. Don't overcook because it will get too mushy.

Assemble all other chopped ingredients on a platter.

|| M A P L E  D I J O N  V I N A I G R E T T E ||

- 1/3 cup olive oil

- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

- 1 tablespoon maple syrup

- 2 teaspoons chopped shallot

- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

- salt and pepper

whisk all together.

Assemble Salad and serve with dressing.

Sweater Weather

Sweater Weather is my favorite kind of weather.  Not too cold but just the right amount of chill in the air.  Each season I like to add a few new sweaters to my closet.

I have two new sweaters to share today that are perfect for this crisp air.

SWEATER ONE | Nic and Zoe Fringe Cardigan

I am a sucker fringe and I'll be honest that is what sold me on this sweater.  Plus I loved the colors.  Great neutrals that you could wear with so many different outfits. 

Sizing wise this is pretty true to size, I am in a size XS.

Nic + Zoe Sweater | White Tee | Kendra Scott Necklace | Jeans (ON SALE) | 

 Newbury Booties

Similar booties less expensive

A close up of the detail.  It is so soft and not itchy at all.  I really like the Nic and Zoe line carried at Nordstrom.  It is not crazy expensive and the quality is excellent.  I have a few pieces I bought last year that have held up great.  This cardigan is no exception.  It really reminds me of some more expensive ones I have seen from Vince and Joie but half the price.

The Kendra Scott Rayne necklace is a favorite of mine.  I own two colors and wear them often. 

Shop the Look

SWEATER TWO | Halogen Stripe Cardigan

This sweater is a little cheaper price point, under $90.  It comes in 4 different color options.  I loved the black/blush combo but I also really liked the purple stripes too.

I am wearing a size XS.

Stripe Sweater | Turtleneck Dress | Booties

The dress is such a great Basic Fall staple and is only $58.  It comes in 5 different colors but I loved the black.  It runs TTS I am wearing a size small.  I figure once it gets cold I can pair it with tights and a cute blazer + scarf for another look.

The sweater is so soft, it almost feels like cashmere.

Shop the Look

A few other sweaters I am loving from Nordstrom.  They have a killer selection of sweaters right now.  They always offer free shipping and returns which makes online shopping so much easier.  I ordered 2 sizes in one of the sweaters since I was unsure about sizing, so it made it super easy to return.

Thanks to Nordstrom for partnering on this post.