If you have been following me for a while, you know I am passionate about finding unique, one-of-a-kind designers and brands that bring true innovation and newness to the fashion marketplace. Jeannie Cidel of JCidel is a designer and world traveler who creates exquisite handbags meant to be seen as “walking pieces of art” - brilliant! Check out how I styled this collection of head-turning bags.

Elegance Meets Art

I love this black strapless dress by BCBG for springtime; it feels chic alongside the brighter colors and gives a rive gauche vibe. The corseted bodice is very figure-flattering, especially for a formal event where you want to step your look up. I love the sheer details showing just a little skin and the tulle skirt for some drama and volume. I finished this elegant look with the Rome/Amor clutch by JCidel. This bag is a great size and oversized for a clutch, but I love the extra space. This piece highlights the rich colors of Rome, Italy. The artwork was captured from the walls of a street in the Eternal City, created and curated by visual artist Roberto Alborghetti. The word “Rome” becomes “amoR,” meaning love. You can purchase the Rome clutch bag at a 10% discount using the code TARA for a limited time!

Fashion Forward

A little more casual yet very on-trend is my denim maxi skirt by GRLFRND with a shrunken cardigan by All Saints - see my last post on Springtime Sweaters for more inspo. A sweet, cropped, or body-hugging knit top with a floor-length denim maxi is a great way to balance all the denim fabric and show off your silhouette. I chose the Inotrare shoulder bag to elevate this ensemble. Inotrare, which means “Forward” in Italian, was inspired by another masterpiece of Roberto Alborghetti’s. The artwork was photographed from warm and cold colors and layered on torn paper on a nearby billboard near Piccadilly Circus in London. The colors signify a city that changes and moves - “Always forward, towards the future.”

Elevated Style

I wanted a more refined and tailored feel for this look, so I wore white flared denim, a buttoned-up vest by Helmet Lang, and my newest spring platforms by Gucci. These open-toe pumps are elegant with the iconic horse-bit hardware and rich, creamy leather, and they will surely take you to new heights in the exaggerated platform. Here is another gorgeous take on the fashion-forward Inotrare shoulder bag. The bold and bright colors pop off the bag and perfectly complement the white and gray backdrop for Spring.