Lots going on personally and of course working, working, working. I finally got in a few freelance payments and I thought I deserved a little treat. You know, a gift... to my hard working self. I even went as far as to tweet my desire - I've noticed when I tweet things I tend to make them happen.
After dropping off Little M at nursery, stopping by my local Starbucks for my daily iced coffee, I walked over to my neighborhood TJ Maxx.I always start my TJ Maxx "experience" browsing the handbags first and yesterday was no different. I looped around the suitcases, passed the scarves and sun hats, bypassed the lotions and soaps and then... I literally stopped in dead in my tracks.
I had reached my destination, and, it must have been a delivery day because it was POPPING with bags of all shapes, sizes and colors. There in front of me, was a wall adorned with bright and color block/striped bags willing me to try them on.
They were just...just...so gorgeous. They definitely had the OMG factor I was looking for.
However, I was faced with too many options!
I immediately gravitated to the green, white and blue, then I realized the top two were Cynthia Rowley and despite it being a great deal at $80, that was certainly NOT in my budget.
The bottom two however were more the nice price at $40. I reached for the red, white and blue Steve Madden soft leather tote, but I thought it had too much of a Fourth of July look to it.
Much too patriotic for me - sorry! I was looking for summer-time-chic-mama look. So in true social media and style blogger fashion, I instagramed my options and it seemed everyone had an opinion on which one to get.
I walked around the store with three bags in the cart just so that no one snagged one while I was deciding. In the end I had to choose one or leave them all behind (I sound like my mamá!)
So I took a deep breath and went for the one that had been silently calling me the entire time...
TA DA!
The rouge, white and taupe soft leather, comfy and spacious tote was coming home with me.
Ideal for the mom on the go without it being too "mom bag" looking. Perfect for work as it's not too loud and the taupe gives it a classy and sophisticated edge. I especially love the striped bow which enhances the delicateness and femininity of the bag. Yes, I thought about all this. I don't play around when it comes to handbags.
Seriously, TJ Maxx (and TK Maxx) te amo!
Like I said, I really needed a pick me up and this Steve Madden tote for $40 did the trick - I even premiered it that night at an event I went to for the Another Mother Runner Train Like a Mother book reading and signing (Yes, I run!)
What I wore: Pink pumps - Marks and Spencer Animal print jeans - Target White blouse - Gap circa 2008 Tote: Steve Madden at TJ Maxx
Thoughts? Be honest! I know lots of you had varying opinions.
Have you given yourself any gifts lately? Any great TJ Maxx finds?
*Not sponsored. Just a very busy and happy mamá getting herself a much needed gift and sharing the amazing deal that this bag was*
