Purses You Can Carry At The Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial

If you have ever browsed this blog, you know I'm all about gameday style and helping you navigate the wonky world of sporting events.  The purse policy police aren't making it any easier.

Diane von Furstenberg Micro Mini Metallic Crossbody 

The PGA Tour has a new purse policy.  It's limiting.  Here is what you need to know.  Here are some handbag suggestions I offered for the HP Byron Nelson Championship.  Each of those bags will work for this week's Crowne Plaze Invitational at Colonial, although some of them you might have to squeeze to fit within the 6"x6" size restrictions.

Here are additional bags that are perfect for a PGA tournament:

For help with "What to wear to the game" or golf tournament, check out my "What to Wear to the Game" board on Pinterest. 

Why Gucci's Swing Leather Tote Is An Instant Classic

Press play to watch my unboxing video.

Can we talk about Gucci's Swing Leather Tote? I love it. Gucci has created the perfect bag for working women, students or über-moms who need to haul diapers, snacks, wipes and sippy cups yet still want to look stylish.

This instant classic rivals the Louis Vuitton Neverfull as the new carryall du jour because it is chic, elegant and functional. Watch my original unboxing video as well as my "How's It Holding Up?" updated version to find out why I love it so much.

The Swing Leather collection has been popular for Gucci. The Italian house has updated the bag and added a small name tag to the original design of it. The Swing Leather collection also features wallets, wristlets, crossbody/WOC bags and children's totes.

The tote comes in two sizes: medium and small.

Gucci Medium Swing Leather Tote 

Gucci Medium Swing Leather Tote in taupe leather with soft pink interior

The medium version (the one I have) comes in a variety color options and measures 13.4"W x 12"H x 7"D with an 8.6" strap drop, similar in size to the Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM (or medium size).  It features two interior pockets which can hold a cell phone, pens, notebook, etc.  It also has an interior zipper pocket which Gucci says can "fit an iPad." It does. Sold.

Gucci Small Swing Leather Tote

Gucci Small Swing Leather Tote in rose beige leather with light blue interior

The small version also features a variety of color options while measuring 10.6"W x 9.5"H x 6.3"D with an 8" strap drop, similar in size to the smaller Louis Vuitton Neverfull. This roomy bag can also hold a lot.

UPDATE: As of 5/8/15, Fashionphile has two Gucci Swing Leather Totes on sale red and pink. If you want one, hurry! These go quickly.

The Takeaway 
At $1000 for the small and $1350 for the medium, these bags are investment pieces. I believe they are a better value than the Louis Vuitton Neverfull for two reasons: the generous interior pockets and the beautiful, supple leather construction. (Tweet this). The Neverfull is simply monogrammed canvas and starts at $1180 for the smallest version.

If you do invest in one of these, I feel it's a wise one.  They are timeless classics you can carry for years.  If you do tire of them, you can always consign or resell them and get a portion of your money back.  My Louis Vuitton Neverfull practically paid for itself.

Shop The Gucci Swing Leather Collection

Diet And Fitness News You Need To Know

"Fountain of Youth" photoprint by Charles Gilhousen 

Exercise is the fountain of youth.  There's science to back it up.

Image via Instagram.com/MarioTestino

The Met Gala may have come and gone but Vogue offers timeless advice for getting in shape for a formal gala.  Seriously.

More proof why the Mediterranean Diet is rock star.  

5 things to cut out of your diet today: artificial sweetener, instant rice, canned meat refined, white flour foods and dangerous vitamin supplements.  I gave up fake sweetener about four years ago and haven't looked back.  Game changer.

How about the Korean Diet?  Soy Bean Paste, anyone?

And finally, this might frustrate you: when natural foods aren't....natural.  Really?  Really.

Things College Grads Must Invest In To Get Hired In 2014

A good resumé isn't enough anymore.  To get noticed and hired in this competitive job market you need to take an aggressive and creative approach to marketing yourself.  Yes, that's basically what you're doing: marketing yourself to potential employers.

Image via Tulane Public Relations

I tell aspiring broadcast journalists this all the time: have a paper resumé, a digital portfolio, a strong social media network and a YouTube channel with examples of your work.  You wouldn't believe how many interns I have met who want to go into TV and yet their college professors don't tell them they need a demo reel.  I digress.

There is a great article on Forbes that explains 8 Things Today's College Students Must Invest In To Get Hired and the advice is outstanding.

Here's a quick summary: 
A Professional Headshot - you need this for your LinkedIn profile.  Delete all the drunk photos of you at the game.  Take it a step further and take the photo on the day you got your hair done.

A Stellar LinkedIn Profile - It shows up in Google results and recruiters are scanning this network to see how you tell your professional narrative.

A 3D Brand Bio - something that tells the story of your work, your life and your world.

Professional Clothing - so important.  Professional accessories are great gifts for college grads.  These don't have to be expensive, they just need to be quality pieces that makes a phenomenal first impression.

Recommendations - these go a long way in proving you're a strong candidate.

Good Stationery - you need these for thank you notes.  This was another gift suggestion I had for the recent grad.

A Video Bio - if you can produce a compelling video that engages a recruiter, think about the impression you'll make.  Again, it's no longer solely about the resumé.  You need to take it a step further.

A Career Coach - these are helpful.  There is no one formula for success but it's good to talk to someone who can offer objective advice on all aspects of your career from your presentation and appearance to your resumé and actual body of work.

Check out my internship survival guide for detailed information that you can apply not only to your internship but also to marketing yourself for that first job, as well.

Details on the 2014 Taste of the NFL: The Ultimate Tailgate Pary

Gourmet food, football and raising money for a good cause are three of my favorite things.  So why don't you join me at the 10th annual Taste of the NFL: The Ultimate Tailgate Party THIS Sunday night at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine.

Tracy Kornet, former Cowboy Preston Pearson and me at the 2012 party

The event has raised more than $1.34 million dollars to help hungry North Texas children during its run.

As always, there is a tempting array of delicious food and signature cocktails designed by DFW's best chefs and bartenders.  There will also be some phenomenal silent and live auction items you can bid on to help support NTFB.

There will be a great mix of former Cowboys players, as well as a few current faces you'll recognize.  Abacus executive chef and proprietor Kent Rathbun is the culinary all-star who helps make this event a touchdown year after year.  I'll be emceeing along with JACK-FM's JT.

For more information on Sunday's party and ticket information, click here.

Teeing Up the Conversation with Executive Women's Day at the HP Byron Nelson Championship

Irving Mayor: Women can be assertive wo being aggressive. You either know ur stuff or u don't. U have a backbone or u don't. #pgatourwoman

— Lynda Oliver (@ltwoliver) May 13, 2014

I consistently lament the fact there aren't enough women's networking groups in DFW.  From tackling topics ranging from women hating other women in the workplace (that's a book I could write) to working motherhood, there are certain issues that career-focused women face.

The PGA Tour offers an outstanding initiative that gives like-minded working women a chance to connect with its Executive Women's Day.  This two-year old program includes a panel discussion, a behind the scenes tour of the inner workings of a golf tournament and an inspirational keynote address as well as an entire day of networking.

OVERHEARD: Either you stand up for what you believe or you don't. @astellas @PGATOURWoman @thatsportsgirl pic.twitter.com/MruzUpUxy0

— Momentous Institute (@momentous) May 13, 2014

With the HP Byron Nelson Championship teeing off Thursday morning, I moderated an impressive panel on Tuesday at the Four Seasons featuring Irving Mayor Beth Van Duyne, Morgan Stanley Vice President Sallie Behnke, Corgan Interiors Principal Lindsay Wilson and Lockheed Martin Quality and Mission Success Director Robbin Murley.  They shared insight on mistakes they've made in their careers (learn from them and move on), offered advice for returning to the workplace after a hiatus (stay connected via networking) and more.

@PGATOURWoman #pgatourwoman Carla Harris - successful people use everything in their toolbox: intellectual background, experience, network.

— Debbie K Womack (@DKWomack) May 13, 2014

Morgan Stanley Managing Director and National Women's Business Council chairperson Carla Harris offered outstanding career and life lessons in her keynote address.

RT @hpbnc: What an amazing day here at the @hpbnc ... standing ovation for @carlaannharris #inspired #pgatourwoman pic.twitter.com/MxficivboM

— Mallory Beck (@beckisakeeper) May 13, 2014

The PGA Tour offers Executive Women's Days at various tournaments and will do so at The Crowne Plaze Invitational at Colonial next Tuesday.  I'm excited to moderate the executive panel there for the 2nd straight year.

This initiative will expand to 35 tournaments in 2015.  You can participate in the conversation throughout the golf season by following their account on Twitter and also follow #PGATourWoman.

What is this program's success a testament to?  The need for more opportunities like this for working women.

Shoes to Wear to a PGA Golf Tournament

Are you staring at your closet wondering what to wear to the Nelson this weekend or the Colonial next week? You're not alone.  When the PGA Tour visits north Texas, I am flooded with questions about what to wear to the tournaments, particularly when it comes to shoes.

1 Keds Cork shoe | 2 Stuart Weitzman Rockon Espadrille | 3 Tory Burch Nude Jackie Wedge | 4 Tommy Hilfilger Polo Dress | 5 Cole Haan Hart Wedge Platform | 6 Tory Burch Black Jackie Wedge | 7 TOMS Classic Open Toe Wedge | 8 Tory Burch Dunn Patent Scroll Platform Slide

Tennies are Fine, Leave the Hoochie Shoes at Home
If you don't want to wear tennis shoes, which are fine but something some women want to avoid, you still have options. One thing ISN'T one, though: heels.

Leave the hoochie shoes at home

I see golf tournament newbies teetering in heels after drinking too many margaritas.  Their heels sink into the grass and their shoes get ruined.

Again: avoid heels.

Work a Wedge or a Cute Flat
If tennis shoes aren't your game and you still want a bit of a lift, go with a comfortable wedge shoe or a flat with a tiny bit of a platform.

I buy these at the Tory Burch outlet when they go on sale.

A well-made wedge is comfortable yet stylish.  I have a closet full of Tory Burch wedge slides I stockpile and wear to Rangers games, golf tournaments, Cowboys training camp, college football games and more.

Browse the selection below of cute flats and wedges for inspiration.

Fair Warning: I don't do cheap footwear.  It's bad for your feet and costs you more in the long run.

For more "What to Wear to the Game {or golf tournament}" inspiration, please check out my "What to Wear the Game" board on Pinterest.

Shoes That Work for PGA Golf Tournaments