I’m used to giving more advice on living spaces than accessories, but I recently got an email from a reader, Hannah, who writes, “I’m graduating in May with a degree in economics and will most likely go into banking so I need something pretty conservative but not dowdy. Do you have any suggestions for VERY simple, preferably leather, briefcases/laptop bags that will not make me look like someone who wears pre-matched suit ensembles with pantyhose scrunched around my ankles?”

Well, I’m gonna say it right now. I was NOT the girl to ask about this because my first instinct was to say – why don’t you get a nice little Louis Vuitton and call it a day? My second instinct was to browse through ridiculously priced handbags like this little beauty..

because, I really really really cannot find a decent ‘briefcase’ bag out there. SO, dear readers… do you have any suggestions for poor Hannah? Mine are below – probably not the best, but not the worst. Almost all leather, and somewhat conservative…

The Fashionista Bag:

Buckles and Studs on a workbag? Love it. This is my style for sure, but I’m also in a much more creative industry than Banking, so while I know I can get away with this, I’m not sure if it’s a bit too fashionista for Hannah. This one is available at careerbags.com which carries a lot of other decent styles, including this one, which I would have to see in person to determine whether or not it’s actually cool…

For a similar ‘handbag’ style that’s a bit more simple, I also liked this one from Gina B. that also comes in a nice olive tone.

The Sexy Bag:

For me, adding something a little sexy to a work ensemble gives me an extra boost of confidence. This bag from Lodis (always a classic!) is sleek and sexy without screaming “look at me!”. While the shape is pretty straightforward, it’s the shiny high-quality leather that makes the bag.

The Brit Bag

No, I’m talking about that crazy Britney. This Brit is much more put together, and mimics that classic Burberry look that, let’s face it, never really gets old. Available at Wrapables.

The Simple Bag

Ok, so it’s grey and yellow which makes it an automatic for being in my favorites. Other great little details? The inside of the bag reads, “Crafted to love you back.” How cute is that? The handles adjust to a shoulder strap, and you can be pretty sure that nobody else is going to have this bag at work… it’s from Schambra in the UK.

I was ready for a seasonal change when the clock struck midnight on New Years… no really. I was literally redecorating my living room on New Year’s Eve. (I know, I’m such a loser, and I shouldn’t really be sharing that with the rest of the world.)

So, what would inspire a girl like me to stay home on a night like that? Besides the fact that I can’t really stand they hype of counting down ’til midnight, I fell in love with a blanket from (where else?) Anthropologie.

The colors in the fringe pulled me in, and I couldn’t resist! But what’s funny is when I got home I realized why. Colors seem to come full circle for me. I don’t always realize why I’m drawn to them, or where inspiration comes from, but one look at the accessories I already had in my home, and I knew why this cozy little throw was meant for me…

It all started with this book I picked up at a bookstore that was going out of business a few years ago. The faded beachy colors inspired pretty much my whole living room decor at my last apartment in Seattle. When you’re living in rainy, grey weather, you need the pickup! And, now that I’m in LA, the beach theme seems that much more applicable.

I already had this pile of pillows…

Planted some succulents in a cute thrift store pot (little vase by Ikea!)

Framed some prints out of the Euro magazine Gatsby, whose tagline might be the best I’ve ever read: “The supercilious assumption that on Sunday afternoon you have nothing better to do.”

And (totally coincidentally) I also purchased this gorgeous vintage ice bucket on ebay in a peachy/terra cotta leather with brass…

… can’t you just see it with a bottle of Veuve in it?

So, I’m pretty much set for Spring… I’m just working on my new couch, and my living room will be complete!

I found the blog Petunia Face because Susannah left a comment on my blog a while back, and … well, this may sound totally stalker-crazy, but … i’m completely in love. Her writing is amazing – very honest with a little sass – just my style. But what I really love is her perspective on things. It’s nice to have a little reality check from Hermes blankets and Madeline Weinrib pillows to appreciate the simple moments of real life – especially the trials and tribulations of motherhood. This was the post that first got me… start with that and then read the rest. All of them.

All I can say is, Susannah… THANK YOU.

Happy weekend everyone!