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Monday, August 25, 2014

Manic Monday: The conspiracy bag


Last Manic Monday, I shared with you all how awesome my birthday weekend was. It was great - date night Saturday, dinner with the in laws Sunday, a cake baked for me by a coworker, and a low key dinner on my official birthday last Monday. I was exhausted and more than satisfied with the celebrations. The husband had gotten us all-inclusive tickets to see the Cardinals at the end of the month - I've been wanting them ever since I became a super fan, so I was extra happy. He gave them to me at dinner Saturday night before my birthday.

Well, as we are pulling into the driveway after work on Monday, my actual birthday, there is a box in front of the garage (which is really strange that it wasn't on the front porch.) I knew (for once) that I wasn't expecting anything, and the husband said he wasn't either. The box had his name on it, so I handed it to him. He gave it right back to me and said it was actually for me. Hmm. Weird. I mean, I'll admit that I've drunk shopped before and forgotten about it…

I open the box and see this bag. SAY WHAT??

Let's rewind to a few weeks ago. Gina and I are texting and I tell her how much I hate myself for liking this Tory Burch bag. I'm honestly not a Tory Burch fanatic, but I was just drawn to this leopard print. Especially when Rachelle and Danielle are constantly flaunting it at me!


Well, apparently, Gina filed that tidbit of knowledge into her Carylee archives, so when the husband solicited her help for birthday gift ideas, she suggested this bag. I had no idea he even reached out to her! It's sold out everywhere, just so you know, and from what I understand, Rachelle was actually able to locate it. He had intended to put the tickets *in* the bag, but since it didn't arrive as soon as he had hoped, and since I'm an impatient Nancy when it comes to gifts, he caved and gave me the tickets before the bag got here. So, all day last Saturday as I'm giving Gina the sob story about how my birthday makes me sad and how the husband didn't plan anything for me; she knew all along that this bag was on its way to me. Yes, yes, I was wrong, and I clearly don't have enough faith in my loved ones. I was so happy and flattered and grateful to have these two ladies involved with this conspiracy bag!

Earrings: Express | Bag: Tory Burch | Top: Express (option) | Bracelet: Stella and Dot (1,2), Kate Spade, Forever 21 | Shorts: Express (option, option)  | Shoes: Sam Edelman

It's just been sooo ridiculously hot here. As in heat index of 105+. It's so thick and humid out that your glasses fog up stepping from inside to out (and the camera lens did, too.) We had a date night with his cousin and her husband on Saturday, and usually when it's hot like this, I reach for a knit dress of some sort. None of my dresses were really grabbing me though, so I decided to just dress up these camo shorts instead. I had about 4 different pairs of shoes I was debating for this outfit, but ultimately, I just couldn't say no to these heels again, and Gina validated my decision - so much so that she recreated this look herself here!

Left: See outfit details here

I almost didn't post this outfit today because I just wore this cami a couple of Manic Mondays ago (here). But I thought it was good to just do it anyway since this really is such a different look than the other. Same great top, two different ways.


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Linking up for Mix it Monday and Rachelle and Cha Cha for #HowISummer.


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87 comments :

  1. Hi Carylee
    I love your new Birthday bag!! How good is your hubby!!!
    I totally agree re the Tory Burch thing but I too caved and bought the same print as your bag in the wallet.
    www.lovelaurenxx.com
    Love Lauren xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's such a great print! I would have been happy with the wallet, too! So thrilled he found the bag!

      Delete
  2. Aww what a sweet hubby to track down the bag for you! It's really nice, a lovely birthday gift! :)

    Thank you for the link up!

    Away From The Blue

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh my I LOVE that bag! So sooo cute! Your top is really cute too! I love the different ways you styled it too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much! The bag and this top are two of my fave things right now for sure!!!

      Delete
  4. What a great b-day bag! I love the animal print. Such a cute outfit too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's the best and goes with everything. If you ever come across it, don't think twice- just get it!! :)
      Thank you for reading!

      Delete
  5. Such a nice husband you have!! Gina and Rachelle were so sweet to help him! I just love the bag and I'm not a Tory Burch fan either but this bag really is adorable!

    Have a great Monday!

    xo, Erica
    Casually Styled

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you agree - the print is just fabulous!

      Delete
  6. Don't you just love when the husbands pay attention! Fantastic bag and Happy Belated birthday!

    Brooke
    convenientstyle.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, yes I do! He did a great job sleuthing with the friends!

      Delete
  7. OMG you are such a lucky lady having a great & resourceful hubby.....that is such a stylish Tory & the outfits you wore with it are too fantastic for words!

    Rebecca
    www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow that was so sweet of your husband and way to Gina for remembering and giving that tad bit of info! Happy Birthday Carylee!
    xo, Lee

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep- they are great and I am spoiled!
      Thanks!! :)

      Delete
  9. I was so excited for you lol, sooo happy you love that bag just like you I am not crazy about Tory but as soon as I saw that bag I knew it was a MUST!!! Now I need camo shorts so that I can copy your outfit.

    xo
    PinkSole

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes- this leopard print is the best and it's very unique too! Thanks for enabling me to love it and for helping track it down! Now we gotta get you camo shorts! :)

      Delete
  10. Love the camo shorts and they look great on you! Thanks for hosting!
    x Nina
    GIVEAWAY- Win a $200 Gift Card

    ReplyDelete
  11. Love this little trip down memory lane. :) And I'm glad you shared your secret Tory desires so I could pass them along! And ou know I love this outfit all too much. Hee hee.
    Love, your #1 Copycat Fan,
    Gina - On the Daily Express

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Little did I know my confession would come to fruition! You are the best! I love that you copied the look- it really makes me feel like you like me! Haha

      Delete
  12. That bag really is too cute - and what a nice husband!! I'm jealous of your hot weather; we've been in the 60s lately and I am not ready for fall to start!! Plus, that top really is versatile, which is even more impressive because it is rather distinctive (ie. not a simple basic!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh I don't know if this heat is anything to be jealous about! I sweat the instant I walk out the door! Somewhere between 60 and 105 would be a nice compromise! :)
      Thanks for the note!

      Delete
  13. Aww, your husband is so sweet! I wish my husband was that resourceful and consulted my friends for bday gift ideas. That bag IS amazing and so is that top. Have a great week, Carylee! ~Cynthia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's pretty smart - he went straight to the right phone-a-friend!
      Thanks so much for the note!!

      Delete
  14. Happy Birthday to another Aug baby!!!!!!
    That bag is fabulous - let me know when you
    are tired of it!!!!
    Thank you for the blog hop - all the best to you.
    Mimi
    http://inmyprimetime.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay for August birthdays!!
      You're so welcome - thanks for participating!

      Delete
  15. Hahahaa, love the title of this post, first of all. That bag is the new IT Bag. I have seen it on both bloggers and in real life and it is stunning. You edged it up with your camo shorts and stiletto booties. Looking fierce, girl! Great BDay Gift!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I just find that it is even more versatile than your standard leopard print because of its ivory background. I just love it so much!

      Delete
  16. I love this bag and totally agree that Rachelle and Danielle have been flaunting theirs. ;) Such a fun story. Your hubby sounds amazing. Gina is the greatest! So glad they conspired to surprise you. I love how you have styled the bag in this post.

    xo, Amy Ann
    http://www.thearnoldsblogalot.com/2014/08/bling-bling.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I honestly have not put it down all week. It goes with everything! Grateful that he conspired with my blogger friends! :)

      Delete
  17. Your husband is so sweet! Such an amazing bag! Love this look with the camo shorts and booties!

    Jill
    dousedinpink.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much! He's pretty generous.
      And camo and leopard is such a great combo!

      Delete
  18. I love the bag and this edgier look you are doing today with it. Gorgeous!

    http://www.kathrineeldridge1.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I was so in love with the pattern mix!!

      Delete
  19. Cute bag and the detail match perfectly with your outfit.

    Kreyola Jounerys

    ReplyDelete
  20. Love such adorable conspiracies!! And Gina and Rachelle are uber awesome!! So happy you had such a fabulous birthday Carylee!! Enjoy the goodies!!
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! Definitely a great birthday and a great year!

      Delete
  21. This is seriously so sweet! How awesome that he knew to reach out to your blogger BFFs!
    www.amemoryofus.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I guess that means I talk about them A LOT!! But it worked in my favor! :)
      Thank you for reading!

      Delete
  22. I'm not even a Tory Burch lover but I can't get enough of this bag, seeing it everywhere in the blogosphere does not help the cravings for it. Glad you had a fab birthday! xxx

    Jasmin
    www.jasmindaily.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly. It was definitely the constant coverage of this bag and the stylish ways I saw it used that pushed me over the edge!
      Thank you!!

      Delete
  23. That is a really cute bag. What a great gift from you husband. It's awesome when they get the gift right! - J

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes - I agree! He did great - he usually does!

      Delete
  24. Love how you styled that cami with both your pieces. I'm partial to the girly top with the girly bottom, but maybe one day I'll be fashion brave and mix a delicate piece with some camo! ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am such a fan of mixing opposites with each other- edgy with girly, casual and dressy. I get that it takes getting used to tho!
      Thanks for the note!!

      Delete
  25. What a sweet husband! That bag is really amazing and will go with everything!
    xo Adri
    www.adrilately.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. love the top!!! great pairing!!

    xoxo,
    Tara Belle
    www.northernlights-southernbelles.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. You crack me up! I would've been the same way. Glad you had a wonderful birthday.

    Lea
    http://highheeledstyle.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. Sounds like you had an awesome birthday! Super cute bag:)

    Robyn
    http://feelgreatfashion.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was definitely one I will remember for a very long time! The bag was just a cherry on top!

      Delete
  29. Oh no Cary Lee I just fall in love with this bag. I want a leopard bag so badly but didnt like the ones I have so far but THIS print and design is still so classic and elegant and now you tell me its sold out? ;-(
    What a wonderful hubby you have, that was just so sweat of him. What is the bag exactly called you know? Maybe I can get my hands on it somehow? :-)
    ani
    www.fleurani.blogspot.de

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The bag name is: Tory Burch Kerrington Cross Body Bag - Ocelot (Leopard)
      I really hope you find it one day!!

      Delete
  30. Hey CaryLee! What a fun purse.... Woot-woot! :And awesome hubby.....
    xox, Crystelle
    CrystelleBoutique

    ReplyDelete
  31. What a nice hubby! Love the bag and you look great wearing it.
    Nora
    www.jacketsociety.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Nora! I think he is happy because it's been getting so much wear just in this first week!

      Delete
  32. How sweet of him!! Too cute!

    www.madeintheshadeblog.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Happy belated birthday! You look wonderful and I love that bag.

    -Vogue&Heels
    www.vogueandheels.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Aww ... what a sweet husband and friend you have:) Love the bag!

    ReplyDelete
  35. What a great husband! And, I do love that bag. I almost got it myself a few months ago and am now regretting that I didn't :-( And your camo shorts outfit is perfect for a steamy summer night.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww - well, I hope you cross paths with it again!!

      Delete
  36. Aww how sweet of your Hubby (and girlfriend)! Love the bag!! What an awesome surprise on your birthday!!

    Jessi
    http://www.haircutandgeneralattitude.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know right! It was a good gift for sure. I'm a happy camper!

      Delete
  37. Love leo and camo together! Glad you had such a great birthday!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Look at those 3 little musketeers all sneaky, the husband really did good, even I have to admit that I have always loved that bag on Rachelle.

    Natalia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Seriously! I actually am not only NOT a TB fan, I have an actual aversion. So it killed me to love this so much. In the end the label is consequential. It's the print that's amazing!

      Delete
  39. What a great hubby (and friend!)! I love that bag and it looks great with this outfit!

    Nicole
    Nicole to the Nines

    ReplyDelete
  40. That was really lovely of him! :) And congratulations on your new beautiful bag.

    Alex - Funky Jungle

    ReplyDelete
  41. Aww you're too cute! Sounds like you had a great birthday after all. I agree that bag is lovely. I contemplate stealing it from Rachelle whenever I see her with it

    ReplyDelete
  42. What wonderful husband and blogger friends you have! :) I love to see bloggers remixing because it's what REAL people do! :)

    www.misshotcouture.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. Ok...when hubby gets you a birthday bag - he's a rockstar!!! And great job Gina for suggesting this perfect gift!

    ReplyDelete
  44. A wonderful gift for a stylish lady! gorgeous bag
    The cami is so cute & can be themed up with so many outfits. Love it!
    Angele
    www.theeuropeanmalteser.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Angele! I am sure this won't be the last time you see the cami!

      Delete
  45. Such a cute bag, and I LOVE your shoes!

    ~Whitney
    www.whitneynicjames.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! These are definitely two of my faves right now!

      Delete