Crystals have been something that has been a huge part of my life for the last few years. One of the places I feel like I need the most healing is the bedroom to assist with anxiety, and insomnia. Needless to say, I’ve started to collect crystals that have resided by my bedside.
I wanted to take the time to share those crystals with you. Again, I am not an expert in any way, shape, or form. These are crystals that work for me personally for what I need them to do.
That said, here are the crystals by my bedside:
1. Unakite Tower: This was the first crystal that I added to my collection. Unakite is used for healing pain and for hormone balance. I have had my ups and downs with my hormones and cycles over the last year, so this has been an essential for me.
2. Amethyst Heart: I deal with anxiety — a lot (ever have those nights where you just lay there and think about all you did wrong in life?) Since amethyst is a calming stone, it is definitely needed at my bedside.
3. Black Obsidian Point:Since Black Obsidian helps bring negative energy to the surface, this has been helpful when dealing with some of the nightmares that I’ve been having lately, and bring positive energy into my space.
4. Selenite Heart: Selenite is a great stone for bringing purification and positive energy. That is why many people use it to help cleanse their crystals. I personally think it’s a great stone to have in your bedroom to bring peace into your life.
5. Dalmatian Jasper Elephant: This is a new addition to my collection. Dalmatian Jasper is helpful when it comes to dealing with nightmares, which is something that I deal with on a daily basis thanks to my medication. I love elephants, so this is something that brings me so much joy whenever I look at it.
My crystal and gemstone jewelry collection has grown over the last few years. I am a jewelry lover through and through, but there is something that is so powerful about having crystal gemstones in my arsenal to aid me in a specific type of situation.
That said, I have found that crystals have helped me deal with anxiety and stress for the last few years. The crystals that I am about to share with you are ones that have honestly helped calm me, whether it may be from a panic attack or just an overall stressful day at work.
Before I begin, I just want to say that these are the crystals that work well for myself. I am in no ways an expert on crystals, but I have found that these are the ones that have worked well for me and my experiences.
So, here are the crystals that I use that help me with anxiety:
Amethyst: Amethyst has been my go to since I’ve begun my journey. I have so many different types of amethyst pieces that I have accumulated over the years. Amethyst has many different healing properties, but in this instance, amethyst relieves stress, and helps with mediation and balance.
Sodalite: Sodalite is another great gemstone as well for those who are stressed and those with anxiety. Of its many healing properties, sodalite helps with emotional well-being and enhances self-esteem. This is crucial for those who suffer with anxiety if you ask me.
Howlite: Howlite is loving known as calm the f**k down stone. I deal with a lot of anxiety when it comes to driving, so I keep one clipped to the air vent of my car. The Howlite is a great calming stone for stress relief, eliminating pain and stress, and of course, just creating balance.
Rose Quartz: Last but certainly not least, rose quartz is my go-to in times of anxiety and stress. Rose quartz is such a powerful gemstone, but during times of anxiety, I find it hard to show myself some love. Therefore, rose quartz — the gemstone of love — helps increase the elements of love within for myself.
Audrey from Hairvana in Bristol wears many hats, but one of them is being my former hairstylist. What made the hour drive long worth it for me was Audrey’s warm and welcome personality, the fact that she was easy to talk to, and the fact that I had left with whatever I wanted. She is also the hairstylist of one of my closest friends and continues to be a friend of mine long after I stopped being a client.
Photo Credit: Audrey Manghini-Provenzano
If you look at her instagram or Facebook you’d be — I know I am — blown away by her talent. Audrey first cut my hair short, but it’s vivids and alt hair that’s her specialty. And trust me, her music taste matches. Need some pop punk while getting your hair done? Audrey is your girl. She continues to inspire me to be creative in my hair endeavors, and she continues to rock what she has on herself.
I asked Audrey some questions about her inspiration and what makes her love what she does.
Can you share your professional background?
I graduated IIC of Plainville in 2017. It’s about a year program (1500 hours) You take your state boards and if you pass become licensed. I started at a summit salon training under a master stylist for a little under a year before I started taking all of my own clients. I ended up staying there for 7 years. We had educational classes regularly and I was constantly learning. In that time I was keratin complex certified and Redken specialist certified. I’m also trained in facial waxing, brow tinting and tape in extensions.
What made you want to become a hairdresser?
Oddly enough being a hair stylist was not on my radar. I always messed around with my own hair whether it was styling, cutting and coloring. I would occasionally do friends hair. I got really interested in cosmetics and experimenting with make up. It was actually my therapist at the time that suggested cosmetology school – she even set up the tour for me! I was at a crossroads in life where I didn’t want to continue to work retail and wanted to do something more creative. I thought why not give it a try? Once I started school I knew this is what I wanted to do!
Photo Credit: Audrey Manghini-Provenzano
Can you please share what services you offer?
All color services (highlights, balayage, gray blending, grey coverage, vivids, color blocking, root retouches, all over color & corrective color. I include protein treatments in all color services and deep conditioners in all haircuts. I offer styling (iron work & braids) facial waxing, eyebrow tinting. And Keratin Complex smoothing treatments.
Vivids are kind of your jam. What made you want to do vivid hair color?
I love any sort of drastic transformation, whether it’s cutting or coloring. To me vivids make the loudest statement of them all. I’ve always loved the look of vibrant colors and had them myself. Self expression has always been important to me love along with creativity and art in general. This may sound silly but I grew up in the MySpace era and having vibrant alternative hair was a calling card – a lot of us were into the same music, style, shows & shenanigans. I love the type of clientele vivids attract; fearless, unbothered by opinions of their appearance and accepting of everyone. It’s come full circle for me because much like back in the day these clients and I bond over common interests.
Audrey did my pink hair!
What colors have you had yourself? I have had every color you could think of! Some I did myself, some by other very talented artists.
What are the different types of hair color one can do?
There are so many different names for different techniques these days. Traditionally you can do an all over color, grey blending with highlights or permanent color, a glaze to add shine, neutralize unwanted tones or add darker tones, highlights/lowlights and of course vivids!
When someone is doing vivid hair color, what are some things that you like to tell them to help make their decision? I would let them know vivids fade the fastest and in order to maintain them becomes your job at home with aftercare! The less washing the better – make dry shampoo your best friend! Cold water and color safe shampoo when washing helps prevent fading as well. There are also times when the way vivids fade can be unpredictable – the don’t always completely lift out of the hair as easily as they fade so understanding that it will be a process switch colors or go back to a more natural one as well.
Why would someone be hesitant about doing so?
A couple things that come to mind: Their lifestyle – are they needing to wash their hair everyday? For example, nurses or someone who works out every day. It can be a lengthy process – some clients don’t like to sit that long so I always let them know ahead of time. Clients who highlights their hair blonde and wants a few pops of color that could potentially bleed into the rest of the hair in which case tape in extensions would be more suitable.
What are some frequently asked questions about vivid hair color? How long do they last? what certain colors will end up fading like? What does maintenance look like? Is it damaging or hard to switch it up?
What are your tips for those who have vivid hair for maintaining it?
The first and most loathed tip is washing in cold water. Dry shampoo, washing a maximum of twice a week, a color safe shampoo conditioner and heat protectant from a certified salon retailer. If you use heat on your hair without a protectant you can literally burn your brand new beautiful color out of your hair! Protein treatments are also great – protein molecules attract color molecules so the more protein the better your hair absorbs and retains color!
If someone wants you to do their hair, what would be the best way to get in touch with you?
My number is the best way! It is 1 (860) 259-4580.
I can’t believe that July is over. A part of me is really sad, because July is my favorite month of the year. However, I am looking forward to getting closer to summerween, which is only one month away. Pumpkin spice season. The chilly air. The cozy reads.
Okay. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, here. Before we get there, let’s take a moment to savor the sweetest bits of summer and these July favorites.
Love You More by Emily Giffin: Emily Giffin has been one of my autobuy authors ever since I read Something Borrowed back in my senior year of high school. A few of her books have been disappointments, but this one was definitely not the case. I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down. It’s about Billie who just gets engaged. She then gets a call that could change her life and throw it upside down.
I honestly cried at the end of this one and I am so so happy I picked it up.
Archies Flip Flops: I read an article about how an orthopedist recommended these and I never ran so fast to purchase something. With my back and ankle, flip flops are no longer an option. These? These were perfect. They have the idea amount of support and were so comfortable to wear all day long. I know have them in both black and taupe and I’m so happy I was able to find something that works for my body now.
Crocs Getaway Sandals: Thank you, TikTok shop. This has been my go to for the last month. I bought them online and they have been worn nonstop. They are so comfortable and they have the best amount of support — other than my birks, that is. Furthermore, I also love the material on them. It is so easy to clean and they don’t get damaged in the rain.
Never thought I’d say I’m a Crocs girly, but here we are.
Bara Boheme Bracelets: I have been wearing the small hamsa and the Italian horn for all month long. They go with every other stack that I have been wearing. They are also waterproof and so I know they withstand my workout on a daily basis.
MZ Wallace Small Sutton: Last but not least we have the Sutton bag. I’m now a fan. It’s so lightweight and easy. There’s a pocket for everything. The quality of the quilting is great. I can see this becoming a go to piece for me, because it’s so practical. Oh, and I’m able to stuff it to the brim and still have room for more. That’s always a good thing, too.
Note: Almost all the links in this post are affiliate links. If you choose to click on them and make a purchase, it is at no cost to you, but I make a small commission off of it, which continues to help the Nutmeg Millennial.
The Connecticut Pizza and Brew Festival all began from a Father’s Day gift. Pizza lover Kevin Begley’s wife, Shannon, had gifted him a pizza making class with Frank Zabski, the creator of the New Haven Pizza School as a gift four years ago. After that class, he kept in touch with Zabski, and the duo developed a friendship. From that friendship, Begley and Zabski created Charred: A New Haven Pizza Show and also the Connecticut Pizza and Brew Fest.
“There was never a full-fledged pizza festival,” Begley said. “Pizza is like our sport, and all the pizzerias are like the sports teams.”
Kevin Begley’s passion for pizza began when he moved to Connecticut from Massachusetts 14 years ago. He said that he not only loves the pies, but the people who are behind the tradition of making them.
“I always knew New Haven, and Wooster Street are world known, but I didn’t realize the culture of it,” he said. “Besides the pizza being delicious, it’s the people who run them that make it special.”
Photo Credit: Steve Soyland
This is the fourth year of the CT Pizza and Brew Festival. The festival is held at the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater in Bridgeport on Sunday, August 2nd, 2026. The festival itself runs from 1 to 4; however, the VIP sampling is between 11:30 and 1. Begley says that there are 11 vendors attending, including some famous names such as Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria, Colony Grill, and Zuppardi’s.
This festival is perfect for someone who is passionate about Abetz — I mean, pizza. For those who have purchased the VIP pass (which is $50), there’s unlimited sampling from the 11 trucks from 11:30 – 1. For those who purchased the general admission tickets ($10), they get $3 cheese pizza slices — a true bargain, if you ask me. For those who purchased those tickets, you get to try as much pizza as you would like with “no crowds” and are able to “beat the lines.” Both tickets, however, allow you to get unlimited beer samples.
Photo Credit: Steve Soyland
“If you wanted to, is definitely enough time to hit all of them,” Begley said. “We laid them out in a way in that makes it pretty easy to go from truck to truck.”
That being said, there needs to be something to drink if you’re eating all of that pizza. That’s where the brew part comes in. There will be several local breweries including BADSONS, Pizza Wine, and Ripe Juice Bar — just to name a few.
“It’s a good mix for people,” Begley said.
However, do not be fooled by the name. People who are dairy and gluten free have options, as well as people who are not into beer. Begley said that there’s a “little bit of everything” including seltzers and lemonade. However, he said it “varies from truck-to-truck.”
“More than half of the trucks have gluten free and a lot of them have dairy free,” Begley said.
While Begley’s passion for pizza began when he moved here, his Charred co-host and co-manager of the event, Frank Zabski (also known as the Pizza Gavone), grew up with it. Growing up in West Haven, he said that pizza was a “huge part” of his childhood.
“It’s been in my blood for as early as I can remember,” Zabski said. “Some of my best personal memories with family and friend revolve around pizza.”
Zabski has been making pizza since he was 12 years old but has been running the New Haven Pizza School since 2022. The pizza school, he said, was his way to share his passion for the pie with people.
Photo Credit: Steve Soyland
“When I retired in 2022, I got bored quickly and needed to take this somewhat regressed passion for making pizza at do something with it. I wanted to share my passion and experience making it with people,”” he said. “I wanted to see people laugh and enjoy themselves. I wanted to see kids, parents, grandparents, etc. making pizza together. My pizza school always this all to happen. I also love telling stories and making people laugh.”
For those who attend the event, there will be two opportunities to be around Zabski’s passion for pizza. The first is during a live recording of Charred, which is the podcast that he hosts with Begley. The second is that there will be two pizza demos scheduled with Zabski, offering eventgoers a chance to get a “condensed version” of what is taught at the New Haven Pizza School.
When asked what he loves most about the event, Zabski said that’s seeing people enjoy the event and “celebrating” Connecticut pizza.
“I enjoy seeing people with similar passion enjoying themselves and celebrating pizza in Connecticut,” he said. “It’s also a rush of adrenaline to see that many people all in one place knowing I was a part of the whole process. That is powerful.”
And while it is enjoyable to be attending the event, it is enjoyable to be a vendor as well. As mentioned earlier, there are 11 trucks of pizza as well as two dessert vendors as well — Michele’s Pies and Malone Cookie Co. Liana Page of Big Green Pizza Truck, which has been a part of the event for the last four years, said she “enjoys” being a part of this event, because it “showcases” so many Connecticut businesses.
“Every year, we leave with new friendships, new customers, and a renewed appreciation for the incredible food and craft beverage community we have here in Connecticut,” Page said.
Photo Credit: Steve Soyland
Page said that Big Green Pizza Truck is woman-owned and Connecticut’s first catering truck. However, they do offer many of the flavors that classify it as being New Haven style pizza, especially as all pies are woodfired.
At the event, she said that she attendees can expect a “delicious” line-up of New Haven style pizzas such as pepperoni, veggie, cheese, and mashed potato. However, she encourages attendees to try a few standout pieces such as pepperoni with hot honey.
“Be sure to try our Pepperoni with Hot Honey, the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, or our fan-favorite Mashed Potato, Bacon & Caramelized Onion pizza, a unique combination that surprises first-time guests and keeps them coming back for more,” she said.
Note: Tickets are available for purchase here. While tickets are available for purchase at the door, it is strongly encouraged to purchase them beforehand, especially if you’re looking to get VIP.
I think I found the perfect sandals for beach days and coastal New England summers. That is the Cushionaire Era Rope Thong Sandal. Cushionaire sent me these shoes, and it’s safe to say I am obsessed with them. Yes, rope sandals are trending this year, but I think this might be a wardrobe staple for me.
These shoes are oh so comfortable. I will be honest. At first, the rope in the middle was uncomfortable. That being said, overtime it began to soften and felt more comfortable. I got it in my true size, 9.5, and it’s been really easy to style with my other clothes. I’m able to walk in them comfortably fall day and not have any issues. They also have amazing support, which is something that I’ve been struggling with finding.
Since getting this casual shoe, I’ve been reaching for it when l am off work, because the shoe is too casual for my office. I have been pairing it with shorts and dresses; however, I can see this being a great sandal to pair with jeans. I also think that this is a great shoe to bring with you on vacation. It’s comfortable and easy to pair with anything in a suitcase.
These shoes are adventurous and up for anything. Therefore, I can’t recommend them enough.
In addition to the black, it also comes in a cognac color or a yellow as well. I can see myself adding the cognac ones at some point as well for added versatility because I am obsessed with these shoes.
Note: These shoes were sent to me in exchange for my honest opinion. All links are affiliate links, which if used at no cost to you, I make a small commission.
I don’t know about you, but there are times that life gets in the way of other plans, especially the creative ones. Luckily, Milford Makes is coming to the rescue with their upcoming Cultivate and Create Retreat, a retreat designed to give attendees free reign to just sit, relax, and create with whatever medium gives them the most joy.
Cultivate and Create: A Restorative Retreat for Makers will take place on Saturday, October 10th, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sticks and Stones Retreat Center in Newton, Connecticut. The venue is geared towards peace and serenity — something that is perfect when it comes time to tapping into creative energy. According to a press release sent out by Milford Makes, the event is “designed to give makers, artists, crafters, and creative hobbyists the opportunity to step away from everyday demands and reconnect with the joy of making.” These makers, the press release goes onto say include “knitting, crochet, quilting, sewing”, scrapbooking, journaling, painting, mixed media art, writing, and other creative pursuits.”
“This isn’t a retreat where you’re expected to finish a project or keep up with a schedule. It’s designed to be flexible. If you want to spend an hour quietly knitting, you can. If you’d rather join a nature walk, participate in the creative workshop, or simply enjoy conversations with other makers, that’s wonderful too,” says Jen Conlon, president of Milford Makes.
That being said, the event does have a few different activities should they perk interest. They include, according to Conlon, gentle chair yoga for makers led by Kelly Warters of Breathe, Calm Yoga; Meditative Creativity Workshop led by Tammy Theis Satterlee; and a herbal tea ritual led by Liz Garypie. In addition to that, there will also be chair massages offered as well. Despite these activities, there will be a plenty of opportunities for open creative time, just like the premise of the event promises. All activities, I believe foster the main goal of sparking and growing that creative side to all.
“Throughout the day, attendees will have generous blocks of Open Studio Time to work on their own creative projects while enjoying the company of fellow makers,” Conlon said. “They’ll also have opportunities to participate in guided nature walks, contribute to a collaborative community art project, or simply relax.”
In addition to the activities that planned throughout the day, there will be nourishing and delicious meals provided throughout the day by Chef Melissa of Kitchen Melissa, including breakfast and lunch.
However, Conlon wants to remind attendees that there is no set expectations for anyone attending.
“This isn’t a retreat where you’re expected to finish a project or keep up with a schedule. It’s designed to be flexible. If you want to spend an hour quietly knitting, you can. If you’d rather join a nature walk, participate in the creative workshop, or simply enjoy conversations with other makers, that’s wonderful too,” Conlon said.
This is the first retreat that Milford Makes is creating, and Conlon said the reception has been great so far.
“We’ve heard from people who have been looking for exactly this kind of experience, a creative retreat that’s less about learning a specific craft and more about taking time to recharge and create in community,” Conlon said.
There are 25 spots in the event, and space is limited. Conlon said that they are intentionally keeping the retreat small so it can “feel relaxed, welcoming, and personal.” The cost of the event is $250, and includes meals, snacks, and a goodie bag for participants to bring home.
One thing that Conlon really wanted to focus on however was the fact that without their sponsors, this event would not have been possible.
“We’re incredibly grateful to The Milford Bank, our Presenting Sponsor, whose support has helped make Cultivate & Create a reality. We’ve intentionally priced the retreat to cover the cost of the experience itself (including meals, materials, the retreat space, and our presenters) so the fundraising aspect of the event comes through the generous sponsorships and raffle donations provided by local businesses and organizations,” she said.
Furthermore, she added that without that community support, Milford Makes itself would not be possible.
“It’s been inspiring to see so many members of our community step forward to support this vision. Their generosity not only helps make this inaugural retreat special for our attendees, but also helps move Milford Makes closer to our long-term goal of creating a Creative Reuse Center and Makerspace where creativity, learning, and community can thrive year-round,” she said.
You can find more information or sign up for the event here.
2026 is halfway over. Gasp. It feels like this year is flying by and I’m so stunned that we’re about to hit July. I am excited for the month of July — my birthday, summer weather, my anniversary, my time off. I am ready to relax in the pool with my Kindle.
That being said, I want to share my favorites for the past month as we kicked off the summer season. So here are my favorites:
Maxi Dress: I currently have three colors of this dress, and I am sure that I will be adding more by the time summer is through. I have the green, black, and blue ones, and I love all three. The material is comfortable, it has pockets, and the slit on the sides makes this dress hit you on the right spot. This is great for work, but also it’s great for vacations and summer dinners as well — just to name a few.
Budhagirl Bangles: I have been wearing these bracelets all of the time and I am obsessed. I wore these to a dinner at a fancy restaurant, and I got so many compliments on them. I love the brushed gold versus the regular gold because it goes with so many different metals. I also love that these are waterproof, TSA proof, and office proof. If you’re thinking of getting them, they are in fact worth the price.
Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It by Brooke Averick: I devoured this guy in a few days. It tells the story of Phoebe, a 29 year old who suffers from intimacy anxiety. This rom-com is relatable, and so much fun to read. I loved and related to Phoebe so much, and I loved all of the side characters. I think this will be an amazing read for the summer, but one of the best books I’ve read this year.
Mini Bentley Earrings: These are quickly becoming my favorite purchase from Electric Picks. If you have double piercings, these are perfect to put in your second piercing while the first one can be the regular. However, I think it will be a great earring to wear in your first piercing as well. I really love this design, and these earrings are so comfortable to wear as well.
What are your favorites this month? Let me know in the comments below.
Note: there are affiliate links in this blog via ShopMy and Amazon Influencer program in which I make a small commission from each purchase.
Prime Day is almost over and this year, the deals were actually amazing. I know that there is a ton of content rolling around out there about deals, and I know it can be overwhelming. Today, I just wanted to pop on and share some of the items that I’ve personally bought with my own money. Some of the deals that I took advantage of were in fact gifts so I will not be sharing those. However, these finds for me are actually amazing.
Further, I am an Amazon affilate so I do make a small percentage of any items purchased through these links.
Clothes: This dress is my favorite find of the summer! It’s long enough where I don’t trip on it and has pockets! Oh, and the material is amazing. I have it in blue, green, and black.
I also got these sets with shorts and a skirt set, but I have yet to actually wear them as of this date.
Jewelry: Oh, we know I love a good jewelry find. Ana Luisa had amazing prices on Prime Day — 20 percent off and I stocked up!
I also have purchased this Pavoi ring and bangle and this adorable charm necklace as well!
Random: I took advantage of the Oura ring deal, and finally upgraded my old one! Mine no longer holds a charge, so this will be super helpful.
I also got this phone holder and the Raycon earbuds as well! Both of which will be great for walks especially since I have a habit of leaving my AirPods everywhere.
Good morning and happy Prime Day for all of those who are shopping and partaking. So many of my favorite things are on deal today so I took a moment to wrap up some of my favorites which are on a good price.
Before we get started, I must preface by saying that I am an Amazon Influencer, so anything you click on and purchase I make a small percentage of. I appreciate any and all purchases made!
So here are my faves on sale as of today, June 23, 2026:
From tech to tech accessories, all of these are great!
Amazon jewelry is honestly amazing quality. I have found so many of my favorites on sale today for prices I’ve never seen before! My personal and new favorite is the Pavoi bracelet.
There are so many fashion goodies to share — this photo doesn’t even scratch the surface of it. I have many of these items and they are well worn in my wardrobe.
As the deals go on in the next few days, I’ll be sharing more updates. Be sure to check out my list here.
Prime Day is almost here but Amazon is wasting no time marking down amazing items. This past week, I’ve been overwhelmed with the amount of items that have been on sale, because it feels like everything from clothes to tech to just basics are on sale! I’ve curated some of my favorite items that I either have bought or just really love. All of them are linked by Amazon Affilate links, which means that I get a percentage of each purchase made.
Pajamas: I bought these pajamas in a few different colors and I absolutely love them. My husband actually complimented them, which is rare for PJs. They are soft but yet so comfortable. I’ll be wearing them all summer.
Flip flops: I bought a more expensive version of these a few years ago, and got them messed up. Enter these guys. I got the brown, and I can’t wait to wear these all summer long.
Bagsmart: There are a ton of Bagsmart pieces on sale, but my favorites are this crossbody and backpack. I love Bagsmart because they are made for gals on the go. Everything has its own place, and it’s super comfortable to wear.
Kindle: Now is your time to get a kindle if you’re looking for one. I own the colorsoft, but also the basic and the paperwhite are on sale. Furthermore, my wireless charger is also on sale, and I definitely recommend!
Wireless Portable Speaker: I can’t stop using this. I brought this to a Bach and it was the best way to listen to music as we did our activities. I have also used this when I am in the pool and beach and it’s just the best thing for listening to music anywhere.
Charger: Having a charger for my AirPods, phone, and watch has been a game changer. I love this charger. I have it for work and home. I took it with me on vacation a few times and it made it so easy to make sure I didn’t forget any chargers, and it folds up — this makes it so much easier to travel and fit in your bag.
What are you looking to purchase during Prime Day? Let me know in comments below!
This summer I can’t seem to get enough of woven handbags, and it seems to be that they are all over the place on my for you page and feed. Brands such as Dragon Diffusion, Madewell, Quince, and Clare V. have been popping off this past year or so with the bags that they offer. Then of course, there’s Bottega Veneta, who is known for their woven bags, but also their hefty price points. But for some odd reason, I was drawn to them as we head into the warm summer months.
I recently got the Madewell Signature Woven Bucket bag, which I absolutely love. I have the smaller version as well, but this larger version holds all of my daily essentials, which just a little more room that I need. The coffee color is absolutely delicious. It goes with absolutely everything, and is just a great basic.
What drew me to a woven leather bag was the fact that it reminded me of a woven wicker basket and the effortless nature of throwing all of my stuff into one place without really thinking about it. However, don’t let this post fool you. A woven bag, whether it’s worn as a shoulder bag or a crossbody, just gives a little extra oomph of elegance. The craftsmanship, in my opinion is amazing as well, especially since many of the pricier options tend to be handmade.
Yes, raffia bags are a big thing for summer; however, I think that the woven bags are a better option because not only they are much more sturdy, but they are bags that you can wear all year around. I know I’ll be rocking my small collection of woven bags.
That being said, there are a ton of different options — and price points — for woven leather bags. Here are some of my top picks, which are all under $500:
Madewell Handwoven Shoulder Bag in the Regular and Large Size
*Note: All links in this post are affiliate links from Amazon Influencer and ShopMy, meaning that by clicking on them and buying something from them, I gain a small percentage from the sale. I appreciate you using them, as the commission helps me immensely.
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