lifestyle Archives - Twenty Something Plus

April 6, 2023

The 5 Best Belt Bags and Fanny Packs of 2023

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Like any other fashion trend handbag trends will for sure come and go. I often reach for bags that are more functional and practical, over the latest most popular ones. That said, belt bags (or fanny packs) are now back in a big way!

1. Louis Vuitton Monogram Bumbag

There’s a reason you see this bag on everyone from celebrities to street style fashionistas, and why it sells out so quickly after it’s back in stock. If you’re looking for a designer everyday handbag, I can’t recommend the Louis Vuitton Monogram Bumbag enough! Shop it secondhand via Fashionphile.

2. Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

I almost hate how much everyone everywhere loves this bag. But I cant, because I absolutely get it. The Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag is the perfect on the go bag for when all you really need are the basic essentials.

Grass Metro Sling Bag — image via MZ Wallace

3. MZ Wallace Metro Sling Bag

I don’t personally own this one (yet), but I do love my MZ Wallace tote and how much it holds so when I saw it on Ashley of Everyday Pursuits’ Instagram, I immediately added it to my wishlist, same color and all. Whether you’re a mom or not, if you have a lot of stuff, the MZ Wallace Metro Sling Bag is for you.

CALPAK Luka everyday Belt Bag with puffy exterior in pink — image via Calpak

4. Calpak Luka Belt Bag

This is another belt bag on my radar thanks to Instagram. I use the Calpak packing cubes when I travel and their Luka Belt Bag looks perfect to add to my travel essentials.

5. Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack

The Dagne Dover Ace Fanny is my favorite of these belt bags picks for the minimalist. It comes in 6 different core colors, and has enough pockets to stay organized.

Are you here for the return of the fanny pack trend? Which belt bag best suits you? Let me know in the comments!

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January 5, 2023

The Best Spring Outerwear

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Dressing for unseasonal or transition weather can be tricky. There are several jackets and vests that I own that make spring outerwear a breeze.

Here are the five that I find to be the best, I’m not exactly sure what to wear—

Puffer Vest

Puffer vests are my favorite for the hard to dress for seasons. This is in part due to the fact that as warm as they don’t have sleeves, making them the perfect for layering. Alternatively, if it’s cooler, puffer jackets work as well.

Trench Coat

Trench coats aren’t exactly my go-to, however, they do make the perfect spring outerwear piece. This is especially so, if you’re in an office or professional setting at all. And I’d be lying to myself if I said they weren’t the epitome of chic.

Shacket

It doesn’t matter what you call them, shirt jackets will never not be practical. I grab my favorite one for running errands and going to the movies, over everything. If you’re going for casual or cool, this is the spring jacket you want.

Coatigan

I love my coatigan, it’s a cardigan that’s thick enough to wear when a coat would be otherwise too heavy. This is something that I’ve had for years, and when my dog ruined the first one I owned, I immediately replaced it, because that’s how good it is to have. Honestly even though it’s recommended for fall, I love it year round.

Aviator Jacket

The newest addition to my cold weather outerwear collection is a cropped aviator jacket. I wanted something stylish and trendy that was also a classic piece that could withstand the test of time and this foot the bill in the best possible way! You can fully expect to see it on my throughout the winter and well into the spring.

January 4, 2023

Free People Favorites

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Sharing my Free People favorites because no matter what fashion trends come and go, my personal style will always be just a little bit boho. And seeing as how Free People was my best selling brand of 2022, I’d say you probably have some of their pieces that you love as well!

Long Ruby

My Long Ruby shirt jacket is one of the things I reach for most, especially during those tricky transitional months. It’s hard to come by now, but I did find it here and there’s a shorter version as well.

Skyline Midi Skirt

I’m guilty of buying the same thing in multiple colors. The Skyline Midi Skirt is probably the one thing I own in not two, not three, but four different colors! And to be completely honest, I might even get one or two more.

Tapered Baggy Boyfriend

Jeans are my jam, so naturally, I had to include one pair of We the Free jeans and finding this pair on sale and under $100 is just too good not to share!

Ottoman Slouchy Tunic

My favorite piece by far, is the Ottoman Slouchy Tunic. It’s so versatile! I’ve worn it with jeans, leggings, skirts, you name it. It can even be worn as a dress with over-the-knee boots!

Lennox Jumpsuit

Who doesn’t love a compliment? I have yet to wear the Lennox Jumpsuit and not receive several polite comments or requests for where I got it.

Don’t be at all surprised if there’s a part two to this post! What are some of your favorites from Free People?

In addition to my Free People favorites, I recently added some new pieces to my closet that I’m looking forward to styling and sharing with you over the next few weeks or so. I’ve also included a few that are on my running wishlist, you can shop them and this post here—

November 23, 2022

Homebody Gift Guide

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Gifts for the ones in your life that would much rather just stay in and be cozy!

The cold weather always makes me want to get cozy on the couch. Are you a homebody? Which of these gift ideas would you get for yourself?

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October 13, 2022

Things To Do in Boston: King Richard’s Faire Plus a GIVEAWAY

Fall is far from my favorite season, however, there is so much to do in Boston this fall that I’ve been looking forward to!

Sure there’s apple picking and pumpkin patches, and trips to Salem. But one of my favorite things to do in the fall is to visit King Richard’s Faire.

If you’ve never been, here are some things to look forward to, in addition to their themed days–

Costumes

As the fashion lover that I am, one thing I love most about going to King Richard’s Faire is seeing all of the outfits and costumes that people wear. Don’t do cosplay or have anything to wear? You can rent a costume for the day from Seams Like a Dream located right by the entrance!

Food

The chicken tenders, fries and ice cream are always a hit with my niece and nephew, but if you really want to get into the Renaissance Faire spirit, I can’t recommend the turkey leg enough.

Shows

Are you a theater kid at heart? I know I am, so I make sure to catch at least one musical performance on the King’s Stage. You’re sure to recognize a melody or two…

Jousting

Perhaps the most memorable experience is the jousting, a joust to the death and so much blood! But all in good fun, of course.

Rides

A medieval amusement park, if you will! The swings were a favorite and worth waiting in line to ride several times.

Shopping

My personal favorite part is the shopping. We walked around with the queen of the faire herself, and learned about all things fashion and costuming. I will for sure have my own dress from Moresca Clothing & Costume, boots from Son of Sandlar and chainmaile or jewelry from Mardigan’s Maile to wear next year! And if you’re ever not sure of what to get for a gift for someone you know who happens to be into LARPing or role playing games, you’ll absolutely want to check out Dragonfly’s Realm and Dragon’s Den Candles.

Have you ever been to a Renaissance Faire? Sad you missed out on going to King Richard’s Faire with me this year? Well there’s still time! AND EVEN BETTER, I’m partnering with King Richard’s Faire to give one of you the chance to win four (4) tickets to their Fantasy Finale Weekend! To enter, leave a comment on this blog post sharing what you’re most looking forward to at King Richard’s Faire, along with your email address (so that I can contact you if you win). One (1) lucky winner will be selected and notified Monday, October 17, 2022.

And make sure to check out my Instagram for even more photos from the faire!

November 8, 2021

Lightweight Fall Pieces I Love A Lot, Perfect for Transitional Dressing

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and features gifted product from Dick’s Sporting Goods.

The weather in New England can be pretty unpredictable, especially in the fall. The key to being prepared for the changing of seasons is lightweight fall staple pieces that you can layer differently throughout the day.

The number one lightweight fall piece that I love for transitional dressing is a fleece. Dick’s Sporting Goods has so many great options in this category, including my personal favorite, which is The North Face Denali Fleece.

Not only do fleeces make the perfect jacket for this time of year, they look great with everything from a tank top to a turtleneck. And if you have a thin enough jacket or vest, you can layer one under your fleece as well.

Shop fleeces—

In addition to lightweight layering pieces, another way that I like to adjust to the dropping temperatures is to switch up my footwear.

Shop footwear—

Just add crew socks and a beanie, and you’re good to go!

Plus with the holidays just around the corner, it’s worth noting that these cold weather accessories also make great gifts! Dick’s Sporting Goods has blankets, tumblers, and whatever else you might need for your next adventure.

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December 15, 2020

Nordstrom X UGG

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Nordstrom and ShopStyle, and contains affiliate links.

Ugg boots are iconic. And this holiday season you can catch me inside, in head to toe Ugg. That’s right, UGG has so much more than the boots we all know and love them for!

In addition to their boots, I love their slippers, but did you know that they also have loungewear and the coziest sweaters? It’s the leggings for me. This pair is double knit, so they really keep you warm when you have to step outside.

These two looks are perfect for staying in, and most likely what you’d find me in, on my couch or on a quick coffee run. I styled the UGG Fuzzy Logo Sweatshirt here with jeans, but they would go just as great with leggings, lounge pants, or joggers. And UGG has you covered for outerwear as well, with jackets and coats that you can bundle up in.

Staying in all day? I love my Phoebe Wrap Cardigan, which can also be worn as a robe over one of the UGG pajama sets.
The best part? UGG is available right at Nordstrom, so if you’re signed up for The Nordy Club, you can take advantage of all your free perks, and earn points towards Nordstrom Notes when you shop, which you can use to buy even more UGG goodies later!

November 10, 2020

Getting into the Holiday Spirit

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Nordstrom and ShopStyle, and contains affiliate links.

If ever there was a year that we could all use a little more cheer, this is that year. I typically am not one to jump into the holiday season the day after Halloween, but decided to make an exception. My holiday candles are out and lit. I even swamped out my usual throw blanket, for a more festive one. And if you think I’m not playing Christmas music, then well, I just don’t know what to tell you.

Thankfully, Nordstrom has everything you need to get into the holiday spirit!

Hot cocoa (or in my case, hot strawberry milk) and marshmallows are always better in a holiday themed mug. I’m not sure why, they just are.

Cozy throws in shades of reds, greens, and creams, scream Christmas, and as the snow falls, there’s no place I’d rather be than snuggled under one on my couch, while wearing my favorite sweater and coziest slippers.

Listening to my favorite holiday tunes feels far more nostalgic when coming from a record player. So set the needle and let it spin, while you let it take you to the North Pole.

And I know you know that Nordstrom has free shipping and returns as well as curbside pickup. And with The Nordy Club, you earn points for every dollar you spend and get exclusive access to specific brands. But did you also know that Nordstrom has pretty much everything you need to deck out your halls and help you get into the holiday spirit?

Are you team make your spirits bright or team not until after the turkey?

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March 5, 2018

7 Places to Find Band Tees

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

I got really excited about the Shopbop sale, and absolutely had to share my picks with you all. The one thing I had to have (even though I got a few things…) was the Madeworn Kiss tee. It was a bit on the pricier side, so I wanted to share a few options of places you can find band tees that won’t break the bank. Everything linked here is under $200, but I made sure to try and keep most of them under $50.

Forever 21 – I try to avoid fast fashion when I can. However, I also recognize that most people don’t want to spend more than $50 on a t-shirt. Forever 21 has a pretty vast selection. For a slightly more ethical option, check out Primark, if there’s one near you.
Target – You’re there anyways, and $15-$20 on a band tee isn’t as bad as what you know you’re going to spend on the other stuff in your cart.
Wal-Mart – People sleep on Wal-Mart, but I kid you not it has everything. Including affordable band t-shirts.
H&M – Another under $20 source. Make sure to check the men’s section, though! I’ve found some great tees on sale here, for as little as $7 online!
Revolve – Even though the brand has left a funny taste in my mouth, they are known to be where most bloggers get their band tees. But don’t expect to find much under $50.
Free People – Aside from J.Crew and Madewell, Free People is where I spend most of my money. Again, you’ll spend a little bit more here.
Shopbop – Much like Revolve and Free People their options are up there, but they have a pretty good range price-wise. If you, like me, find a more expensive one that you like, do yourself a favor and old out for a sale!

In addition to the seven, and my little Primark shoutout, you can also check out thrift store and flea markets. Both of which I highly recommend.

March 1, 2018

My Shopbop Sale Picks | Under $200

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

I was going to try really really hard not to shop this month, but then the Shopbop sale happened.

There is just so much that I want, you guys!

Since majority of you voted on my Instagram Stories poll that you wanted me to share my Shopbop picks, I wanted to share a few of the things I currently have my eye on. Most of which, are under $100, but everything is under $200!

There’s not really all that much rhyme or reason behind the things I want. For the most part, I like them, so I want them. I will say that the striped top is by Anine Bing, who spoke at Create & Cultivate, but I recently had to part ways with my well worn, black and white striped shirt and this one is the best potential replacement I’ve found by far!
In the summer I typically alternate between Soludos and sneakers. The fact the there are Soludos sneakers is kind of a no brainer.
I may be a little late with the whole ruffle sweater trend, but this one is cute and not too over the top. And it’s under $50.
Skirts aren’t something I wear very often, but this one is fashionable and fun. I dig it.
The LAST thing I need is another pair of jeans. And yet, here we are…
I have a few pairs of red heels, but none like this. Coming in at just slightly over $100, these are H-O-T. I WANT!
So, $150 is a bit much for a band tee, but this one speaks to me. Plus, it’s not your standard black or white (or dark gray, or off-white) band t-shirt, so there’s also that.
Sundry is a new to me brand, that I discovered at a boutique in LA. I love the hoodie I picked up and the fact that Shopbop carries the matching leggings means that they just might have to happen.

Let me know if you’re interested in finding out what I end up getting from the sale!