Whether you love to wear pearls and heels to the supermarket, or sail around the harbor in your boat shoes and polo shirt, style doesn’t matter when it comes to wardrobe staples. Forget about your favorite pink sneakers or your favorite studded jacket — there are some wardrobe essentials that belong in every gal’s closet.

♥1. A classic over-the-shoulder messenger bag. When it comes to toting life’s necessities around, sometimes you need a bag that will carry, well, everything from your favorite afternoon snack to your daughter’s stuffed elephant… in style.

♥2. A striped scarf with a pop of color. Nothing pulls together a look better than a scarf. Seriously.

♥3. A classic animal print scarf. Because you can never have too many scarves.

♥4. The essential French striped shirt. Patterns, prints, solids — you can mix a striped shirt with whatever your fashionable heart desires.

♥5. A classic and timeless LBD. A bit cliche? Maybe. It’s cliché for a reason — it rocks.

♥6. Red high heels. Every wardrobe needs a bit of sass mixed with sophistication.

♥7. Fabulous evening clutch. For all of those hot dates and weekend soirees.

♥8. Classic pencil skirt. The pencil skirt is not only for the office — dress it down with a slouchy sweater or wear it under a tunic.

♥9. Classic riding boots. They go with everything. I mean everything.

♥10. A statement necklace. When you need that pop of color for your ensemble, add a bit of glamour to your look.

Happy almost-weekend from the Super Bowl city! Our little Midwest home has been turned upside down by all the Super festivities — and we’ve loved every minute of it. A group of us trekked to downtown Indianapolis last week for lunch and to check out the giant Roman numerals. See the post and pictures here.

In honor of the big game — and our fabulous city — check out this week’s Pinterest round up. It’s chock-full of Super treats so you’ll be the hostess with the mostess for Sunday’s big game.

Meatball recipes and tips from New York’s famed Meatball Shop. And yes, there’s a store solely dedicated to meatballs. Road trip anyone?

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Game day potato skins—a definite crowd pleaser.

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“The Ultimate Super Bowl Dip” — the name says it all. Yum.

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If these taste half as good as they look, you’ll need to hide a few away from the hungry crowds.

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What happens when you combine cupcakes and your favorite adult beverage? Dessert deliciousness.

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Have a great football-filled weekend and enjoy these yummy recipes!

Want to see how to make these handbags? Click on the image above!

1. DIY Neon Stripe Bag: Add a neon stripe to give a fresh look to an old bag! (Find the Ashton Satchel.)

2. DIY Tassel Embellishment Add a leather tassel to any purse.

3. Transparent Clutch: How to make your own transparent clutch for your next formal event.

4. DIY Rug Clutch: Who knew a rug could look so cute?

5. DIY Yellow Leather Clutch: An easy DIY for a gal with sewing skills.

6. Kate Spade-Inspired Piano Clutch: With some sharpies, paint, and a steady hand, you can make a Kate Spade lookalike.

7. DIY Glitter Wallet: With a bit of glitter and some Mod Podge, you can transform an old wallet into something shiny.

8. Neon Envelope Clutch: A chic DIY with a pop of color.

9. Kate Spade-Inspired Owl Purse: How to make Kate Spade’s owl purse with this satchel.

10. Red Glitter Coin Purse: Add some sass to an old coin purse.

11. DIY Vinyl Record Purse: Use ordinary objects to make a unique handbag.

12. Glitter Accent Purse: For when glittering the whole bag is just too much.

13.DIY Mod Podge Purse: Add some life to an old purse with fabric and Mod Podge.

14. Macaroon Coin Purse: How to make the cutest little macaroon coin purse.

♥Do you have a handbag project and want to be featured on the Handbag Heaven blog? Drop us a line with a link to your post and we’ll be sure to check it out! Email SEllis (at) Handbagheaven.com

How adorable and hilarious is this clip from The Ellen DeGeneres Show with Kristen Bell?

We giggled, for sure!

Have you met Alana?

I may need to get some of that go-go juice!

And what about this shopping prank? Teeth yellowing strips. Duh, gotta know where those are!

Got any favorites from around the web?

Did you know that we have a Style Guide? It features some of our favorite fashion bloggers doing what they do best, stylin’ up fabulous and inspiring outfits. They have all been so gracious to style their looks with our many handbags! It was such an honor to work with all of these sweet bloggers and keep up with all of their many adventures. Some of the famed bloggers include Court and Hudson, Style and Pepper, Moorea Seal, The Weekend File and so many more that were just a thrill to work with.

Head on over and check out all of their looks! And if you haven’t taken it yet, the Style Quiz is a fun way to figure out what your style personality is. Are you feminine, classic, rocker, glam, or boho? Take the quiz and find out!

Happy Friday all! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Did you know that we have a sister store that sells scarves? We do indeed! And they’ve got some exciting things going on over there that we’re thrilled to share. They’ve recently moved to a new home at Scarves Dot Net! Check out the adorable video they made to celebrate the launch. {Psst…you may recognize some of the regulars from Handbag Heaven in the video!}

We’re also very excited about our Gal’s Guide to Valentine’s Day! With advice on what to wear {even if your plans involve a night of dancin’ like a fool with your girlfriends}, what to get the dude in your life, and a chance to win a bag from us!

Hope you’re having a great week!

It’s couture fashion week in Paris! That means fabulous and fanciful gowns by fashion’s most elite designers. Here are my personal favorites from some shows so far…

Christian Dior {STUNNING red!}

Christian Dior {so Betty Draper of Mad Men!}

Versace  {tangerine is this year’s “it” color}

Versace {taking bets — who will wear this on the red carpet?}

Chanel {so 1930s!}

Chanel {Lagerfeld knows classic/modern}

Which are your favorites? I’m ogling the Dior red gown! I can see it now — me in that red dress, gliding down the staircase of some glamorous event, clutching this little evening bag, and being so fabulous. Ahhh…

Photo Creds: Style.com

If you want to feel beautiful, romantic, and girly this Valentine’s Day, then simply think pink! Whether you’re headed to the movies with your sweetheart, out to dinner with your bestie, or going dancing, there’s a place for pink in your Valentine’s Day ensemble. Read on for tips on how to pull off a perfectly pink ensemble.

• Take your pick of pink. From demure and feminine blush shades, to bold and bright hot pink, there’s a shade for everyone. Consider the neutral Melodie Shoulder Bag for understated class, or the exotic hot pink envelope clutch for a bold statement.
• Don’t let yourself look like a flamingo! We’re all for the color, but we advise against head-to-toe pink. Instead, color block your look with white, citrus hues, or even red.
• If you don’t have much pink in your wardrobe, sport the shade through your accessories. Pink handbags will stand out during February when most are carrying black. Some pink gloves might be just what your dark coat needs, and how sweet would your braid look with a pink bow holding it tight?
• And when it comes to makeup, there’s a shade of pink for every skin tone. Add some flush to your cheeks with pink blush, or paint your nails your favorite  hue.

Take Me Back to the Gal’s Guide to Valentine’s Day

Want to make a bold statement this Valentine’s Day? Look no further than the most classic Valentine color: RED! No matter if you’ve got a red-hot date or you plan to paint the town red with girlfriends,you’ll look nothing short of sassy donning some fire engine shades on Valentine’s Day. Read on for some tips and tricks to pull of the boldest of colors.

• Red is the color of love. It physically stimulates the heart and causes faster breathing. That’s why red roses, red lips, and rosy cheeks are signs of romance. Ooooo lala!
• When wearing red, choose a bold statement piece and offset it with muted shades. Pair that sassy red dress with some opaque black tights. Or, pair a bold red sweater with a sweet neutral skirt.
  
• If red clothes aren’t your cup a tea, why not break out some red accessories? Red pumps with a little black dress shake things up, as does a red turban hat with your demure black pea coat.
  
• Make a real statement with a cherry-hued handbag. Our red quilted handbag is simply posh, while the Broad Ripple Satchel with its gold hardware is only for the glamorous. You could also tuck a bright red wallet into a basic black handbag for an unexpected pop of color.
• Round out your Valentine’s Day ensemble with bright red nail polish — splash some glitter polish over your ring fingers for some glitz. And make your lips look kissable with red lipstick, if you dare!

Take Me Back to the Gal’s Guide to Valentine’s Day