The pools are opening and we’re all counting down the days ’til our feet hit the sand (or boat dock). I am so excited for summer, I can’t stand it. When evaluating my beach wardrobe this year, I decided that I have plenty of bathing suits, cover-ups, flip flops and large beach towels; but one thing I am missing is a gorgeous woven beach tote. Any of these designer beach bags put the typical, boring straw bag to shame and would be perfect accessory to any fashionable sun-bathing outfit.

Whether you’re headed to the Bahamas, Seaside or Lake Ray Hubbard, grab one of these totes, fill it with sunscreen, your e-reader, sunglasses and a deck of playing cards – you’re ready to go!

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Ten // Eleven // Twelve // Thirteen // Fourteen // Fifteen // Sixteen //
Seventeen // Eighteen // Nineteen // Twenty // Twenty-One

I recently discovered Minnetonka Moccasin Co., the footwear brand known for their soft leather moccasins and iconic fringe boots. I was thrilled when they asked me to style several pairs of their shoes. Although wearable all year round, these shoes feel synonymous with spring. We all know I am crazy about the fringe trend and I’ve been having a blast creating outfits to wear with these fun boots and sandals. I also am slightly obsessed with the infant fringe bootie – they make the perfect baby shower gift!

Outfit One :: Classic Fringe Boot: c/o Minnetonka. Aztec Print Blouse: Pure Sugar via Marshalls. Denim: JBrand 811. Necklace: c/o Town & Reese. Ring: Moorea Seal. Bracelets: H&M, J.Crew and Etsy. Sunglasses: Ray-Ban.

Outfit Two :: Belize Sandal in Marigold: c/o Minnetonka. Floral Dress: c/o Old Navy. Sweater: Kohl’s. Necklace: Anthropologie. Bracelet: c/o Julie Vos. Sunglasses: Ray-Ban.

Outfit Three :: ’5 Layer Fringe’ Boot: c/o Minnetonka. Jacket: Forever 21. Sweater: Roxy. Shorts: Joe Fresh via JCPenney. Sunglasses: Ray-Ban.

// Photography by Dave Anderson

I feel really good about my Purchase History this past month. I was intentional about my spending and chose to invest in a pair of white jeans in my favorite style (J Brand 811 Mid-Rise Skinny). Honestly, I don’t know if I can ever buy another style of skinny jeans ever again. This is my second pair and they fit me perfectly. I highly recommend finding a pair of jeans that fit you like a glove and go all in. I live in these things. Other than that, I picked up a pair of striped shorts and a floral baseball cap. They’re definitely on the trendy side, but will be fun to wear this season.

What I bought in April :: Striped Shorts from Zara // J Brand 811 Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans // Floral Baseball Cap from Madewell // Wire Table from Threshold Collection at Target*

*Technically this is a business expense, which I don’t include, but I love this table and wanted to share.

What I was gifted in April :: Drop-Shoulder Striped Top, Striped Pocket Tee, American Flag Espadrilles, T-Strap Sandals, Beach Towel, and Color-Blocked Handbag from Old Navy // House of Harlow Earrings (in white) from Piperlime

Things I bought and returned in April :: ‘K’ Tray from Nordstrom

*This includes all clothing, accessories, home decór, craft supplies, make-up etc. This list does not include food, toiletries, household cleaning supplies, gifts, items for Husband, bills, fees for personal services, travel expenses or business expenses.

Click Here to read all of Modern Eve’s Purchase History columns // Tweet at me using the hashtag #PurchaseHistory

There are a lot of trends that catch my attention. I notice a lot of patterns in the design and fashion world, but very few have jumped out at me like shagreen, a decorative material, known for its natural rough surface of pointed scales, commonly made from the skins of sharks or stingrays. Note: since sharks are now an endangered species, most of the items here are faux. I’ve been lusting after this material after noticing several of my favorite designers crafting beautiful accessories with it. House of Harlow, Aerin, Rebecca Taylor, Milly NY and Made Goods are all using these gorgeous textured skins to cover jewelry, heels, clutches and home accessories. Martha Stewart even designed a line of desktop accessories with the stuff! Today, I’ve rounded up my favorite pieces (there are a lot). I’d try to narrow it down for you, but I can’t – I simply love it all.

Links :: One // Two // Three // Four // Five // Six // Seven // Eight // Nine // Ten //
Eleven // Twelve // Thirteen // Fourteen // Fifteen // Sixteen // Seventeen // Eighteen // Nineteen //
Twenty // Twenty-One // Twenty-Two // Twenty-Three // Twenty-Four // Twenty-Five // Twenty-Six

ONE // This floral beaded clutch is everything I need for summer nights out. Very, very high on my wish list. Early birthday present, please?

TWO // You’ve heard of BB Cream, and maybe the new CC Cream, but next up… DD Créme (we’re so creative). I may be sucker, but I kinda wanna pre-order some.

THREE // Lulu Frost, I love you. Everything you do, especially when you create exclusive collections for J.Crew. I just need your price point to cut in half.

FOUR // These woven peep-toes are so “me”.

FIVE // I can think of so many uses for this pretty tub – office trash can, shoe storage, party drink tub… the list goes on and on.

SIX // There’s just something about Jane Kim’s pencil urchin print on Art.com

SEVEN // A simple striped tech case is exactly the makeover my iPhone needs right now.

EIGHT // Expect a flamingos trend post very soon. This Beautiful Bottoms’s seafoam robe will be the star.

NINE // I am dying to check out the floral beauty and how-tos in this book by Studio Choo.

TEN // I don’t know if I’ll ever get tired of lucite. Until then, I’ll be wishing this end table would miraculously appear beside my couch.