Recently a friend and blog reader asked me to do a blog post about choosing handbags. I hadn’t really thought about it much before, but truly there are some important things to consider when you’re buying a handbag, so you don’t end up with a bag that you just can’t stand. I’ll start off by saying that I’m not a real “purse girl,” I’m much more of a “shoe gal,” meaning that of course I carry a handbag, but I don’t have a ton of bags waiting to be used. I have a tough time committing to a new purse. I don’t like the ones that look cheap and preferring leather, the ones I really love just seem out of my price range/comfort zone, although I’m beginning to work through this. Here are some points to consider when you’re handbag shopping. 1. What size do you need or prefer? What all do you carry? Are the items big or small? You’ve got to accommodate your largest item and of course all of your other daily essentials. I was looking at bags the other day and found something cute, but it was too thin to hold my huge sunglass case. The salesperson suggested carrying (Read more...)

Whimsical, quirky, fun, one-of-a-kind, fashion forward, and flamboyant…all words to describe Carrie Bradshaw’s style. I mean who else would wear a teal feather sticking straight up out of her bridal veil?  Oh, and I should add that she’s all of the above tied up with a bow. Carrie always has a soft feminine quality to her style. (If you’re a Sex and the City fan, you’ll recognize Carrie and the gang's style. If not, click here and you'll be easily caught up.) Carrie Bradshaw, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, exudes personal style that is enviable but also a little over the top for most of us in the real world. Perhaps her head-to-toe looks won’t work for you, but don’t let that stop Carrie from inspiring you! For example, for a special occasion, you might pair the (pictured) vintage inspired, bustier dress with a heavy, studded, leather belt. It might be tempting to pair the dress with demure black pumps, but Carrie would yawn at that combo. Instead try black studded stilettos or at the least a chunkier, sky-high style. Either shoe style would fit the feel of the ensemble with the heavy black belt without being too matchy-matchy. Perhaps (Read more...)

This rain is unbelievable! My husband and I went out to dinner last night, sat on the patio and froze! We actually moved inside for coffee and dessert, only  minutes before the rain fell. Now that the Fall 09 Trend Report is out, * I have something to add. If you live in one of these abnormally rainy states this fall and you can only afford to invest in one new accessory for, I suggest A MINI UMBRELLA! I know I sound flip, but this isn't just any umbrella. First it's animal print-very cool, a top trend for fall. And it is tiny, about 8" and light, about 6.5 oz. I bought this umbrella for my trip to Europe in the spring of '08 and  absolutely love it. Needless to say, the cost per wear has been reduced to pennies! The best thing about this umbrella, which is available at Saks Fifth Avenue**, is that unless you carry a really small handbag, you can keep it with you at all times. It's so light you won't even notice it. Oh, and it comes with a little cover, so that you can keep it reigned in and compact. Best of all, you won't (Read more...)

In just a few mere days, all of the Fall Fashion Preview issues of the fashion magazines will be hitting the newsstands! Admittedly, it's a pretty exciting time of year for me. Although the magazines have been giving small glimpses of fall for most of the summer, September is when the big, thick, "bibles" hit. You may be wondering why I'm talking about this. It's simple, one word, okay well two: Wardrobe Planning! By seeing the new trends and designer offerings, you can begin to get a good feel for what you need to update and complete your wardrobe. (Read more...)