Canvas tote sale surprise!

I've had my eye out for a canvas tote for soooo long. I keep seeing the Longchamp totes, which are just gorgeous, but I can't bring myself to make the purchase. At $125 for a small shoulder bag, I can't justify it.
So this week I was reading People Style Watch (my favorite new guilty pleasure) and one of the articles suggested Old Navy as a trade-out for more expensive bags. Old Navy?! Last time I checked Old Navy was the go-to for... Well, nothing. Maybe shirts to wear while painting. But, trusting in the powers that be (aka Style Watch) a good friend and I found ourselves headed there this weekend.
You won't believe what we found. Boots, dresses, and jewelry that we would actually (gasp) wear. And then I found this little ditty:

This is the Woman's Zip-Top Pocket Canvas Tote. It's lightweight, carries everything, and is the perfect neutral for work or errands.

On the walk home I picked up some beers for Football Sunday and a bottle of wine for the ladies, and there was still room left over. The long handles made the mile walk home a breeze. And the single outside pocket was big enough to keep my keys and phone accessible without digging.
Granted, I'm not quite confident enough to wear it as a statement. I have, however, walked to work with a pair of heels and a Trader Joe's salad in it, and received a compliment when I took it out to happy hour. As a go-about-your-business canvas tote, this is a steal!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Dos and Don'ts

It's that time again!  Nordstrom is having their Anniversary Sale.  Here are some tips for your handbag shopping spree:

Do: 

Have a budget
The sales are fantastic, it's true.  But even though the fabulous Marc by Marc Jacobs Leather Flap Hobo is more than 30% off, I still can't afford it (if you can you should go for it, at $292 this bag is a steal).  Bring only cash to keep yourself on track.

Know what you want
It's easy to get distracted.  But if you go in for a clutch, try not to end up in the jewelry section.  That's a quick way to blow your budget.

Bring a friend
Sometimes you find a really, really amazing sale on a questionable item.  For those moments, bring a friend whose style you trust.  They might help remind you that, while the Cole Haan Crosby Colorblock Shopper in Winery/Orchid is lovely, how often would you really use a bag in multiple shades of pink?

Don't:

Be persuaded by the sale price

My sister, the most fashionable person I know, once told me "When I'm tempted, I try to imagine if I'd like it without the label."  Use similar discretion at the Anniversary Sale.  Sure, the Poverty Flats Faux Leather Crossbody Bag is a heck of a deal, but would I buy it if the sale tag wasn't so flashy?  Probably not.

Above all:

If you find something you love, go for it.  You probably aren't going to get a better deal.