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February 24th, 2010

Ten Fabulous Handbags for Spring!

Lori from Shortcuts to Fabulous makes it her mission to help her readers live fabulous lives, whether it’s finding the perfect outfit or planning  the ultimate vacation. Here she shares her expertise on handbags that will keep you looking fresh and fabulous this spring.

Even though there is still a chill in the air, spring is right around the corner. A fabulous handbag is the perfect way to pull together a great spring look. Luckily for women everywhere, Handbag Heaven has some amazing options that will take you from drab to fab without breaking the bank!

Here are my picks for ten fabulous bags for spring:april

1. April Patent Flap Clutch- This clutch is perfect to stash in your office drawer and have on hand for after-work mingling. Pair this bag with a little black dress (LBD), some sparkly earrings, and strappy stilettos, and you have a polished look that is sizzling for spring!

Forever 21 at ShopStyle

2. Bryce Studded- This bag says hip, chic, and a little dangerous like no other. Create a celebrity inspired look with some skinny jeans, black heels and oversized sunglasses. bryce

Charlotte Russe at ShopStyle

3. Allison Messenger Tote- This tote screams weekend chic! Any smart girl will make this bag her go-to weekend purse. Perfect for running errands and brunching it with the girls. You could use this bag with everything from jeans and a t-shirt to a fresh, casual summer dress. allison

Calico Juno at ShopStyle

4. Darcie Zipper Hobo- This bag will look perfect with the pastels of spring. Wear this fun hobo in the office with a pencil skirt and a cardigan and then use it for your weekend wardrobe with some khaki cargos and a pastel, jewel-encrusted top for a casual but pulled-together look. darcie

Michael Antonio at ShopStyle

5. Alisha Colorblock Satchel- This fun bag will add some mod punch to your wardrobe. Imagine this bag with a sweet little dress and some Mary Jane heels. alishasatchel

Nine West at ShopStyle

6. New York Pebbled Shopper-Add a punch of color to your spring wardrobe with this fun tote. This bag will take you all around town in style and fully prepared and stocked to meet the needs of your busy lifestyle. Pair it with dark wash jeans, ballet flats, and a chunky sweaters in one of spring’s nude shades that is forecasted to be the “It” color this spring. newyork

Urban Outfitters at ShopStyle

7. Melie Bianco Flat Zipper Tote- This bag is the bag to have when you need to make a good impression. Try a simple dress, nude shoes, and some demure pearls with this tote for a polished look. melie

Urban Outfitters at ShopStyle

8. Jessa Patent Satchel- The ultra-glossy finish of this bag will add just the right amount of sparkle to any outfit. I like it paired with a comfy wrap sweater and leggings to make a comfy outfit look sleek and sophisticated. jessa

New York & Co. at ShopStyle

9. Bermuda Satchel- This fashionable, timeless plaid satchel will add a touch of preppy, ladylike sophistication to any outfit. This bag is perfect to add some interest to an outfit that would normally be a bit plain. Imagine looking pulled together even on the days when you’re feeling “blah.” Well, you can with this bag! bermuda

Forever 21 at ShopStyle

10. Broad Ripple Satchel- Get some extra attention and some extra compliments with this bag! I love the gold stud details and buckles are perfect for the office or out on the town! Make this bag your everyday bag for spring. broadripple

Vera Wang at ShopStyle
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By Haley in Fashion Fun, Function and Fashion, Guest Blogger, Uncategorized | Permalink | No Comments »

February 17th, 2010

How to Wear a Clutch

Milana from the ever-so-useful Fashion Style Advice is back, this time to give us her expert insight on that most feminine of handbags: the clutch. Read on for reasons why you should make this fashion element a staple in your wardrobe.

Handbags are to me what shoes are to Carrie Bradshaw; something you just can’t get enough of! When it comes to wardrobe, handbags are probably a girl’s best friend. They look good, can dress us up and can dress us down, and most importantly, they are the carrier alishaof all of our essentials when we leave the house. They come in many different shapes, sizes, textures, and colors and that’s exactly what makes them fun – they are a feminine item that is both practical and pretty at the same time.

One of my favorite types of bags is a clutch. Why? They are very feminine and very edgy at the same time. They can be worn in many different ways; under your arm, in your hand, around your wrist, or just held with your fingers. You can look very feminine by holding it up in the palm of your hand with your arm stretched out, or very edgy and cool just holding the edge of the clutch in your fingers or under your arm.

The Alisha Distressed Clutch is perfect for both night and day. What I like about this clutch is its functionality – it’s not too small and not too big, either. There’s room for all your must-have beauty items like mascara, lip gloss, and blush, and it also has small pockets for your phone and other things you want to be able to find quickly.

The color of this clutch is very easy to mix with other colors, especially neutral colors like grey, black and white. It can make any neutral outfit look a lot more exciting analishaopend fun and a lot more feminine too.

What’s great about this clutch is that is looks great and is practical at the same, and this is not the case with many clutches. They’re all pretty and can make any outfit just a little more feminine, but usually they’re not practical and you can’t have a lot of things in them.

I would wear this clutch to a lunch, a movie or a night out. It’s not practical for going shopping because you have to hold it in your hand, but it’s perfect for a date! You don’t want to look too bulky going out – you want to look relaxed – and this clutch is great for that!

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By Haley in Fashion Fun, Function and Fashion, Guest Blogger | Permalink | No Comments »

November 12th, 2009

Gunn Laws

I was perusing Marie Claire Tuesday evening when I came upon Tim Gunn’s monthly column, “Gunn Laws” (da domb name, right?), in which he delves into various fashion conundrums with his expansive wisdom and articulate wit. First off, I love this guy. I’m entranced by his SAT vocabulary and his perspective on style is admirably unwavering. (Lagerfeld for Prez and Gunn for Vice, who’s with me!?) I saw him speak at an Ann Taylor store appearance and he and his enunciation were just as glorious in person.

Anyway, this month his column tackles the ever-elusive task of appropriate ‘big night out’ dressing. His first subject of instruction? Handbags, of course. As to be expected, his advice is spot on:

“Why, oh, why do people persist in darggin around luggage-size handbags to evening events?…What are people think? Do they line these behemoths with plastic in order to escape with leftovers? There is an easy prescription for getting this right: The dressier the affair, the smaller the handbag. I want to sing the praises of the clutch style, which comes in dozens of iterations…My advocacy for clutches has casued some women to balk: ‘But what do I do during a cocktail reception?’ You place the clutch under your upper left arm with a cocktail in our left hand. This leaves your right hand free for greetings.”

He’s a genius, no? Insert wedding, birthday affair or night o’ bar hopping for ‘cocktail reception’ and you’ll see how this tactic is completely useful. I know from experience that it’s not so cute to lug around the equivalent of a laundry basket to a more formal affiar, so I for one will take this advice to heart.

What about you?

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By Bridget in Celebrities, Fashion Fun, Function and Fashion | Permalink | No Comments »

November 2nd, 2009

New Merch’ Monday: Dakota Convertable Backpack

I’ve had a love for all things convertible since childhood – age 5 to be exact.

Dakota Convertible Backpack

Dakota Convertible Backpack - Front

I remember it well: It was the day of my little sister’s birth and I was staying with a family friend because my mom and dad were at the hospital. I was a little down because I missed my parents and wasn’t particularly convinced that the little bundle of joy to come would be anything more than a life-ruiner who happened to look like me.  So after a matinee showing of 101 Dalmations (yes, it had just come out for the first time in theaters) we took a trip to the mall, where I received the COOLEST Barbie I’ve seen to this day. Why was it so cool? Because she wore a rockin’ gold puffy jacket (it was the early ’90s) that with a few alterations transformed into a miniskirt. I was hooked.

Dakota Convertible Backpack - Back

Dakota Convertible Backpack - Back

Here I am now having a similar reaction to the very chic Dakota Convertable Backpack. This lovely can be worn as a shoulder bag or backpack without any adjustment of the straps or clasps. Simply pull the strap up at bag’s top to throw over your shoulder, or pull the strap tight at each side to wear on your back. I know…I almost died too. Just take a deep breath, it helps.

The Dakota comes in black and brown leatherette and fastens at the front with a metallic clasp. Also don’t be fooled by these dinky pics, this thing is pretty darn roomy (16″ by 15.5″) – totally big enough to hold anything from books to baby bottles. It’s simple, convertible style is also a plus as it can be dressed up or down. Wear it as a backpack with jeans for class or the grocery store (is there anything better than hands-free shopping?), or throw it over your shoulder for dinner out.

The Dakota Convertible Backpack would also make the perfect gift for that friend (mom, daughter, niece…) who has everything. I’d be willing to bet she won’t have this!

How would you wear it?

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By Bridget in Function and Fashion, New Arrival, News & Updates | Permalink | 7 Comments »

October 20th, 2009

You Complete Me

Last night, I saw a woman walk out of Starbucks without her bag. I know. It was sitting on the ground next to her chair while she chatted with a friend cum real estate advisor (which is what I gather from bits of their conversation), and she just…left it there.

Don’t get me wrong; if my idea of a handbag was a pint-sized imitation Vera Bradley (not even the real abomination; a fake Vera Gag-me!), I’d probably leave it on the ground, too. I might even leave it on the cold cement of the drive-through, in the pouring rain, slightly to one side to make sure it and its contents get obliterated by the next beverage-bearing vehicle.

Because, really, who even cares, at that point?

For that woman, a handbag is just something she thinks she should carry, not a completing element of her outfit, her day, her personality. That woman and I—I would imagine—would not agree on much.

Going far beyond the basic functionality of allowing a girl to carry everything she needs for her WHOLE LIFE, handbags can, and should, make a statement. Statements needn’t always be loud; I’m not saying you need to carry a neon bag if you have an outgoing personality. Your bag should be a fabulous manifestation of exactly what makes you fabulous, not just something in which to throw your wallet and hide under your arm.

Be it a yellow hobo with a bling’d out peace sign on the front, a sleek, black tote for your laptop, or a muted grey hobo with tough hardware, a handbag is the most functional complement to its owner, a completion, if you will.

PS The woman made it halfway to her vehicle before realizing the treasure she left inside. But she’s lucky I didn’t dispose of it, for her own sake, before she returned. (verabradleeey…)

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By Terryl in Function and Fashion, Musings | Permalink | 9 Comments »

October 1st, 2009

Work This Out

Funny story: Last night, I went on a run. (That’s not the funny part; I do that all the time. I’m an athlete.) I get home and Britney’s still bumpin’ on my iPod, so I play the music over my speakers in my living room and start doing some abdominal workouts.

Because I’m tough like that.

I’m doing those elbow-to-opposite-knee things, and whatever else, and I sit up, hold my feet off the ground, and start doing trunk twists. Without a little weight in your hands, that exercise is pretty easy, so I start looking for “something heavy.”

Looking at my books, my piles of clothes scattered everywhere, my omnipresent notebooks and legal pads, I finally spot what I think could work.

Mmhmm.

So I grab my handbag, hug it to my chest, and keep on twistin’ to T-Pain.

Please, just picture this for a second: Terryl in the middle of her outrageously messy living room, sweatband across the forehead, with this deep purple, quilted handbag, replete with a thick, gold chain strap, clutched tight, trying desperately to keep up with the beat of the song AND sing along. Or rap along, depending on the artist.

Can’t nobody hustle harder than me.

It was a scene straight out of a Coen brothers movie, I swear. And yeah, I did feel awesome.

Needless to say, I felt really inventive. Though I won’t say “genius,” I won’t protest if you do. It is what it is. So have you used your handbag in a creative way? Any good stories?

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By Terryl in Fashion Fun, Function and Fashion, Musings | Permalink | 4 Comments »

September 28th, 2009

6 Ways to Pick Your Perfect Handbag

  1. Glance into your closet. Do you see a cornucopia of colors or do you sway toward a more neutral palate? Pick a purse within the color scheme of your current wardrobe. For example, if all you see is tan, go for a brown, cream or beige option, as a patent, neon-green number isn’t likely to get much play.
  2. Think of where you are usually located at 2pm on a Tuesday. What is your profession? If your job requires that you tote around paperwork, files, books or a pacifier, you need a bag that can accommodate. Think large, deep and square or rectangular.
  3. Look down at your shoes. Did you choose to wear them in pursuit of fashion or function? If you regularly wear toe-pinching heels solely because love their look, form will likely rule over function in this battle. Click through runway images for inspiration and shop from stores’ trendier options. If you donned comfy tennis shoes at your wedding, on the other hand, bare-boned practicality is for you. Focus on the bag’s size and build, and less on overall appearance.
  4. Go through your morning routine in your head. How involved is your “getting ready” process? Does it involve a lot of products, makeup and jewelry? If yes, then you’ll need a bigger purse with several compartments to stash and organize all these maintenance-related doodads. If you a Cherry-Chapstick-only kind of lady, a simple zipped pocket in the lining should suffice.
  5. Think of the last time you lost something. If you can’t remember, then you can probably handle a clutch. If it was within the last week or two, you need a shoulder strap, my friend.
  6. What did you do last Saturday night? If you were out on the town, you’ll need a smaller evening purse on hand. If nightlife adventures aren’t your style, your bigger daytime bag is likely all you need.
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By Bridget in Function and Fashion | Permalink | 3 Comments »

August 3rd, 2009

Back-To-School Bags: The Most Important School Supply!

Even though class may be a month away still, we know back-to-school shopping starts now! Here are our top picks for the perfect school bag.

melie-bianco-front-pocket-tote

This is our number one pick for a backpack alternative! Our Melie Bianco Front Pocket Tote offers a fun pop of color via soft, pebbled leatherette, and is big enough to store any and everything you may need for class. Our 2 favorite features of this fabulous bag? First, the removable canvas and leatherette shoulder strap. (Blue and white striped – so collegiate, don’t you think?) You can throw on this strap to instantly transform this tote into a cross-body messenger bag. This way, you can wander campus hands-free and in style. Secondly, we love the extra roomy pouch on the front. Store your cell and student ID in this convenient pocket!

nicole-lee-push-lock-handbag




When it comes to school bags, you can never have enough pockets to stay organized. We love this Nicole Lee Push-Lock Handbag not only because it’s super unique, but also because it offers such savvy storage!  Two individual pockets on the front allow you to grab what you need easily without having to dig through your entire bag. (Think: calculator? Keys and cell phone?) There’s even a zippered pocket on the backside, too, for added organizational options. Perfect!

giraffe-print-laptop-case


If you rely on your laptop to get you through the day, you’ll need our Giraffe Print Laptop Case to keep it safe and secure – and stylish, of course! Pack up your computer in this padded bag, equipped with two Velcro outer pockets for that wireless mouse and Blackberry. You’ll also find two more compartments inside the bag, which happens to be lined with bright red fabric. And don’t worry about hurting your shoulder. Our bag has a wide, leatherette shoulder strap for added comfort and support.

new-york-patent-shopper

Our New York Patent Shopper is perfect for the girl who’s sophisticated yet funky. This glossy leatherette bag offers a punch of bright color and silver hardware, but that’s not the reason we think it’s great for school. When you open up this edgy tote, you’ll see a zippered compartment that divides the bag into 2 sections for easy organization. There are two pockets to store your i-Pod and phone, and ample room to carry a water bottle and assignment notebook to class. There’s even a zipper on the back so you can have easy access to your student ID and room key.

broad-ripple-oversized-satchel


If you need a bag to function as a book bag, our Broad Ripple Oversized Satchel can be your best friend. This satchel can be worn with anything, and sports a professional, classic shape that is sure to always be in style. This bag is meant to carry some weight, so you can easily throw in your computer, books, and binders. It’s perfect for the girl who has little time between classes and must pack for a full day of lectures and notes!


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By admin in Function and Fashion | Permalink | No Comments »

July 20th, 2009

What’s In Your Bag?

First bag? New bag? Bigger bag? Whatever the situation may be, if you’re asking the question “What do I put in my bag?” you’ve come to the right place. We polled our staff and compiled a list of stuff we keep in our purses and we’re here to share it with you! Feel free to tell us what else you carry around if we forgot something!

Wallet -one big enough to hold all your cards so it’s not a bulging mess

Checkbook – make sure to keep track of what you’re spending!

Keys – put them on a cute keychain so they’re easier to find while fishing around in your bag

Phone – store it in an inside pocket for safe keeping

Camera – make sure it’s in a case so the screen doesn’t get scratched

Sunglasses – just like the camera, a case is probably a smart choice

Book or Magazine – in case you’re waiting on something (or someone!) or need something to read at the gym

Water and Snack – to keep your metabolism up and your body hydrated!

Nail File – even if you don’t use it, someone’s sure to ask for one

Tissues – a must!

Advil or Tylenol – for hectic days that bring on headaches

Pen and Paper – to write down phone numbers, addresses, or other important info while on the run

Gum or Mints – always good to have on hand

Chapstick – because chapped lips will drive you crazy!

Powder/Makeup – for afternoon touch-ups

iPod – so you can rock out when you please!

Tampons – just in case…

Hand Sanitizer - You never know what you may encounter!

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By admin in Function and Fashion | Permalink | No Comments »

July 14th, 2009

Wallets, Wallets, Wallets!

Why should purses get all the attention? It’s equally as important to find the perfect wallet, don’t you think? Your wallet is holding all the REALLY important stuff in your purse, anyway – you know, that credit card, wad of cash, and license you want to keep safe! There are so many different types of wallets out there, so obviously consider your own personal needs and fashion sense when picking one out. But don’t forget to consider your current bag, too! Let’s address the “matching purse and wallet” debate, because we see the appeal of both sides. Contrasting wallets and bags can be super cute, as long as the pieces complement each other well. For instance, a neutral animal print bag with a vibrant, colorful wallet can be a fun combo! Just make sure the 2 pieces don’t look gaudy together. But for those of you who don’t like playing match-maker, we think there’s nothing wrong with coordinating your bag and wallet to a T. It’s an easy way to look sophisticated and perfectly put together.  Here are some of our favorite combinations from our site – check them out, or get creative with your own matches and let us know what you come up with so we can share with others!

giraffe-print-canvas-tote

Giraffe Print Canvas Tote

giraffe-print-canvas-wallet

Giaffe Print canvas Wallet

emily-patchwork-bag

Emily Patchwork Bag

emily-patchwork-wallet

Emily Patchwork Wallet

bermjuda-drawstring-tote

Bermuda Dawstring Tote

bermuda-wallet

Bermuda Wallet

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By admin in Function and Fashion | Permalink | No Comments »

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