Shutterstock

I spent a good chunk of my undergrad years trying to keep up appearances with my girlfriends. We would take our tiny work study checks and hit the malls for a higher pair of heels, a sexier club outfit, one more lip color to add to our collections. We would go all out for college parties and save our bus fare and head to the city to go clubbing like we had money to burn.

I thought THAT was having fun. And don’t misunderstand, I did enjoy it. But after a few months – those bottle poppin’ nights out started to run together. Monotony now had a tangible definition. The same old thing with the same old people at the same old time in the same old places. I had nothing new to look forward to.

I was keeping myself confined to one kind of experience. My world was enclosed to materialism as its highlight. There was no room for anything bigger than that. I couldn’t see beyond what I believed to be a good time. With every little bit of money I got, I was financing myself into a materialistic rut. With every new bag and every new pair of shoes I kept thinking, “There has GOT to be more than this.”

In October of 2008 I rode a plane for the first time to a student affairs conference in Dallas, Texas. The moment we ascended completely above the clouds was the moment I knew things would never be the same for me. I had tasted flight! I had finally gotten out of the East Coast at 22 years old. I had met others from all over the world. This was the ‘more to life’ that I had been craving and I wanted more of it. I started looking for any and every opportunity to travel, to meet new people, to experience new places and things.

My money wasn’t going toward shoes and lipsticks anymore. I was working to finance my involvement in charity events, trips all over the country, Broadway shows, live music festivals – anything, everything that would give me another perspective, a deeper appreciation, an unforgettable memory.

When we limit our experiences to the same old thing we deny ourselves the joy and wonder of the unknown. I have spent what most would consider an obscene amount of money on the arts, travel, charity work, etc. investing in experiences that will last me a lifetime. There was only so much of a new experience I could have at a party or taking pictures with my girls in our new ‘fits at the club. But helping to build a home for a mother of four? Experiencing The Phantom of The Opera live? Traveling the peaceful mountains and countryside of Pennsylvania by myself? Completing an obstacle course in the air? Running a 5K for cancer research? Singing with a slammin’ jazz band at one of the hottest spots in DC?

Life changed the day I decided to look beyond THINGS and invest in experiences. There is a whole world outside of “Red Bottoms,” iPhones, and Cliquot. How much more of a well-rounded, self-aware and cultured community might we become if we search for opportunities to experience something new? I don’t think we’ll have as many regrets. We won’t look back and wonder “What if?” as much. We’ll have worlds beyond games and iPads to share with our children. Every experience counts. And while shoes and bags are great, long-lasting memories and lessons learned are so much better. You won’t regret it. I know I don’t.

La Truly writing is powered by a lifetime of anecdotal proof that awkward can transform to awesome and fear can cast its crown before courage. La seeks to encourage thought, discussion and change among young women through her writing. Follow her on Twitter: @AshleyLaTruly and AboutMe: www.about.me/latruly

It’s about to be summertime next week, and if you didn’t get the memo, it’s time to put the dark Fall-inspired bags back in the closet, and reach for something more season-appropriate. While in most cases that’s anything bright and bold, or something with a crossbody strap, a big trend is to buy straw bags and purses. They’re fun, funky, and if you pick up a colorful one, you won’t go wrong. After doing some online shopping, I found a few I thought I’d share with you. Enjoy!

Cappelli Straw World Toyo Tote Bag – $28

So you want to try a straw bag, but you want it to have a little kick? This giraffe printed straw tote is exactly what you need, and as you can see, it’s for a very reasonable price. The beaded details around the handle and the straw handles are also very charming, and the size is big enough for trips the the beach (pull out the sandals and towel), or just good for meeting friends for lunch.

Source: Neiman Marcus

Tory Burch Straw Small Tote – $195

Looking to splurge and get some color on your straw bag? Tory Burch has got something that will catch your eye! Peep this small straw tote that comes in a vibrant red or orange and is just screaming for your cutest pair of shorts, diva sunglasses and espadrille heels. The ornate inside straw detailing and contrasting black piping and color is fab as well.

Source: Megan Metallic Straw Mini Crossbody

Bebe’s ‘Megan’ Metallic Straw Mini Crossbody – $69

What about something a little smaller? Crossbody bags are all the rage during the summertime! They’re convenient, cute and chic (the three important Cs…). Try this metallic straw mini crossbody by Bebe with its chain-link strap and boxy body and hit the streets. Just perfect for festival hopping when you need your hands free for scarfing down jerk chicken and mango smoothies.

Source: Topshop

Topshop Straw Basket Bag – $60

Don’t have $200 to spend on a Marc Jacobs straw bag for a few months? How about dropping $60 instead on this identical and adorable straw and neon basket bag from the popular line, Topshop? The plastic handles will keep the bag from falling apart if you’re a little more rough on your purses than others, and the size and stature makes it a durable pick to hold everybody’s keys, flip flops, wallets and more as you kick it with homies or try and direct your big and easily distracted family. Perfect for the mom on the go trying to keep fashionable and fancy.

Source: Anthropologie

Anthropologie ‘Mayumi’ Clutch – $48

For the life of the party, a clutch is always your best bet, but don’t sleep on a straw choice. This Anthropologie ‘Mayumi’ clutch purse is fun and fierce. The added oomph comes from the eclectic colors all over the small bag. The hard flap closure is also a plus when you drop it a little too low and you don’t want to lose your house keys and your last $20 in the process.

More on Madame Noire!

• Cute Kid Alert: Diddy Shows Love to Chance, Christian and Justin for Graduating, Charlize Takes Jackson Out & More
• The Woman Behind The Baller: Amar’e's Fiance Dishes On How They Met, Her Move To NYC, and The Grand Proposal
• Madame On The Street: Who Should You NOT Take Relationship Advice From?
• You Could’ve Kept That: 9 Movie Remakes and Sequels That Shouldn’t Have Seen the Light of Day
• Don’t Be His Fool, or His Doormat: Excuses Women Need to Stop Making For Men
• Jealous? Why You Should Be At Peace With Yourself Before Entering A Relationship
• Like A Fine Glass Of Wine: 8 Hollywood Leading Ladies Who Have Aged Gracefully

Everyone’s loving Dalmatian print! When it comes to fashion, most folks consider themselves ‘cat people’: lovers of all things leopard! Yet and still, celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian and Kelly Rowland (pictured above) have been snapped out and about wearing the print that is less feline inspired and more canine.

Rapper Iggy Azalea and Beyoncé (pictured above) even sport the trend in their videos: My World and Party. Is this the end of leopard print!? Absolutely not. Is this the beginning of a fabulous new option? AB-SO-LUTELY!

If you’re interested in becoming a ‘dog person,’ then you’re barking up the right tree! Like these celebs, you need to act quickly to be considered a trendsetter before this new look trickles down to the masses! We’ve spotted some awesome pieces covered in Dalmatian print that are sure to put you ahead of the fashion curve! Check ‘em out…

Oversized bags are overdone.  If Erykah Badu was referring to you with her classic song, “Bag Lady,” then consider this your intervention.  Pack only what you truly need for day (or night) in one of fall’s hottest handbag trends–the cross-body bag.

If you consider your style to be classic, bohemian, edgy, artsy or glamorous, then click through the slideshow to find a bag and outfit suggestions that fit you perfectly!

Trust us, the weight lifted from your shoulders (literally) will be heaven sent.