~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #191 ~Subscribe to The Simple Sophisticate: iTunes | Stitcher | iHeartRadio | YouTube Quality Leather Totes Hi Shannon - I was going through your capsule wardrobe pieces and I saw the mark and graham brooklyn tote and the cuyana tote listed.  I have been looking for a cognac purse and have seen both of these before (in addition to madewell and everlane).  Do you have any experience with either brand and/or tote? Thanks so much! —Jennifer ~The Vintage Tote Bag, by WP + Standards, $195 (monogram available), ships for free in the U.S. if order is over $75 ~Leather Passport Wallet, by WP + Standards, $95 (monogram available) ~Able, Mamuye Leather Tote (more colors available), learn more about the company founded on the mission of being "a lifestyle brand focused on ending generational poverty by working with women who have often overcome extraordinary circumstances. We manufacture directly in the communities we wish to impact, both locally and globally, creating jobs and ending the cycle of charity dependency" here. $178 ~Mark & Graham's East/West Leather Tote (red, black and navy available as well) $199 ~Mark & Graham Brooklyn Tote, new colors, $225 ~Madewell's Transport Tote (on sale) $168 ~Everlane Day Market Tote, (four colors available), $165 SHOP THE OPTIONS: [show_shopthepost_widget id="2988960"] How to Know Which Quality Clothing Items to Invest In I am currently binge listening to the podcasts for the umpteenth time and you speak to quality over quantity frequently, with which I completely agree. However, how is one to determine what brands/items are quality without having to spend a fortune playing trial and error... Thanks so much in advance! Keep up the awesome work, I look forward to every post and podcast! —Jennifer Follow these tips: Check the label While not in every scenario is paying more money equivalent to a quality item, often it is. However, do your due diligence, and following the below four steps as well to ease your mind if you are new to a particular designer. Try it on, feel the fabric, check seams, and see how it has been made. Natural fabrics such as cotton, silk, linen and wool will last longer than synthetic fabrics; however, even natural products can be diluted - check the fiber quality and density - feel it. The more fiber, the longer it will last. Look at the buttons and buttonholes: is the stitching tight? This is a good thing. If there are loose threads, this is a bad sign. Clothing with lining is normally a very good sign, just make sure to check the seams. Interfacing in collars and cuffs is a good sign as well as it creates the intended structure, but also takes more time and money to construct. Look to experts in the field you trust - stylists, designers, bloggers, fashion columnists, critics Have patience. You may have to try on more than a few different brands to find one that not only is top quality but works well on your body type and is to your taste. Don't be afraid to return the item if it just doesn't feel right for you. ~How to Find Your Signature Style ~The Perfect Trench is Personal Simple Seasonal Eating for a Busy Schedule Hi Shannon!   I have to be at work by 7:30 am every day and don't get home until 5:30 pm or later.  So there's not much energy left to get up early to cook breakfast or spend a couple of hours in the kitchen cooking dinner.  I don't mind spending maybe an hour cooking dinner and cooking enough so I could eat it for lunch or supper another time during the week.   I love the idea of eating with the seasons like you've mentioned.  Can you recommend any books, cookbooks, etc. that might have sample menus and simple recipes so you can eat whatever is in season at the moment but use easily found ingredients and the recipes don't require you to be a trained chef spending most of the day in the kitchen?   I've tried to come up with my own menus but haven't had much success and found it exhausting.  Any recommendations yo