Generally, when an artist disappears for years then releases a new album, it becomes their magnum opus. They spend weeks upon weeks coming back to themselves and tearing down walls and Vanessa Carlton is no exception. Two weeks ago, she released her latest effort “Rabbits on the Run” four years after her last endeavor “Heroes & Thieves.”

Editorial reviews have been mixed. According to metacritic.com, the album’s average score is 72 with its most positive review from “Entertainment Weekly” (83) and its least favorable from the Boston Globe (60). Ethereal and less than forty minutes long with songs that are more personal than poppy, the range is understandable.

Fans, however, stay true. On Amazon.com, “Rabbits on the Run” has 12 5-star reviews, 3 4-star reviews and 3 3-star reviews.

“Her idea to use tape-recording [has] gotta be the best move she has ever made,” Annie Feng says, “especially when it comes to an album with only 10 songs.”

She goes on to describe the music as “simple” and “repetitive” but also “dreamy” and filled with “child-like innocence.”

Here’s the music video for her first single “Carousel.”

Vanessa Carlton – Carousel music video

What do you think? Is Vanessa better than ever?

Here’s a photo of Vanessa from a few years ago wearing a gray dress with black accents.

Cute, right? But what about a handbag? Our suggestion: this black leatherette clutch!

With a bubble print interior, 3 compartments and a snap-hook closure, this handbag holds everything you need while you’re out! Also available in tan, purple, brown and beige, get yours today.

photo credit: lilveggiepatch, Neon Limelight

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Unless you are a Spanish film aficionado, you might not recognize Elsa Pataky for her acting career (“Snakes On A Plane,” “Beyond Re-Animator”) but you may have seen her modeling.

Or with her ex-fiancé Adrien Brody before marrying Chris Hemsworth this past Christmas. However, don’t let the stereotype fool you – Elsa speaks five languages (Spanish, French, English, Italian and Romanian) and has taken Journalism classes at the University of San Pablo.

Her latest project, the fifth installment of the “Fast and Furious” movies, is due for DVD release in October.

Otherwise, it seems as though Elsa’s been lying low lately. Aside from appearing alongside her hubby in town or at events (like the “Captain America” premiere last month), she is only listed on imdb as post-production for an animated film called “Snowflake, the White Gorilla” (directed by Andrés G. Schaer). Set to be released by Filmax International, the synopsis says the film follows Snowflake, “the only white gorilla in the world,” and his adventures with “a Buddhist black panther reincarnated into the body of a red panda” and “a smart little girl” named Paula.

Here is a photo of Elsa shining on the Cannes red carpet in May.

As always, she looks seven sorts of lovely but where’s her handbag? Lucky for her, we have the perfect match: our sequin evening clutch!

Also available in black and silver and gold and white, get yours today!

photo credit: ElsaPataky.com, tweettreats.biz, StyleBistro

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Although Julia Roberts is not someone most people think of as a method actress, IndiaWest.com reports she started practicing Hinduism while shooting Eat, Pray, Love (2010) in Gurgaon and still has affection for the country.

Guess who else loves India: her children!

“My kids were really into the culture of every place we went,” Julia says. “Hazel also wanted to shave her head, so I let her shave the back of her head. They would chant, and they were just interested.”

Hazel also said she wants to live in India when she grows up!

Currently, Julia is filming The Brothers Grimm: Snow White (2012) in Montreal with Indian-born director Tarsem Singh.

Not the same as experiencing India but close enough, right? Julia plays the Evil Queen with “Game of Thrones” star Sean Bean as The King and The Blind Side‘s Lily Collins as Snow White. Julia told IndiaWest.com that she thinks Tarsem’s Snow White will be “so fun.” We’re excited to see Julia play an evil queen too, but what about the sweet, quirky Julia we know and love?

Here she is on the red carpet for Larry Crowne (2011).

While we give her kudos for her suit, pop-of-color necklace, and as always, love the glamour wave, we’d love it more if she had a cute, colorful handbag! Our suggestion: this turquoise clutch.

With a unique polished wood closure, this bag adds an eclectic feel to any look. Not to mention, it channels Julia’s earthy, Indian vibe! Also available in lime green, cream, yellow and coral pink, get yours today!

photo credit: Daily Mail, WhatCulture.com, People.com

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