Handbags from Sex & the City

The Sex & the City movie is what everyone is talking about. Every woman has a character she most identifies with—is it Carrie and her fashion dare devilism? Or Charlotte and her Upper East side sophistication? The fabulous SATC foursome has fondness for handbag designers like Chloe, Chanel, Prada and Robert Cavalli. In the Sex & the City movie, Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda are toting some of their favs, with some new additions like Nancy Gonzalez and a $2,750 Swarovski crystal-encrusted Eiffel Tower purse.

Each leading lady has her own defined style, and now you can shop according to the one you like best. Just go to BagBorroworSteal.com and choose your poison. Want to make a big splash like Carrie Bradshaw? Go for the Kara Ross 'Claro' Python Evening Handbag.

 

Or go for a classic a la Charlotte with the Lambertson Truex 'Ansley' Tote

Is Miranda’s no nonsense sophistication more your speed? You’ll love the Felix Rey 'Katherine' Tote

And the best part, ladies, is that you don’t have to spend your rent money on one bag—you can simple borrow them. Don’t worry about a fashion faux pas, the Sex & the City ladies know all about do whatever it takes to look glamorous. BagBorroworSteal.com is featured in the movie!

::A.Covington for Divas Dreams

Before you venture into the fashion biz, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with industry terms and fashion seasons.

Here are some fashion terms you may find useful in planning your fashion career:|

Haute Couture: This fashion term is French for "high sewing" or "high dressmaking" and refers to the creation of exclusive custom-fitted fashions. While the term is very loosely used, it’s actually a "protected name" in France, so it can only be officially used by designers that meet certain well-defined standards.

Lookbook: A lookbook is used by designers and retailers to show the range of a collection. You can use these to send to buyers, editors, journalists or on your website for the viewing public.

Off-the-rack: This refers to apparel made in standard sizes and available from in-stock merchandise. Also referred to as “ready-made” and “ready-to-wear”.

Becoming a fashion designer

It seems like everyone is jumping on the designer bandwagon these days. And why not? The fashion industry is sexy — fashion shows, parties, celebrities, recognition, and even fame go along with a career in fashion.

Now herein lies the question: do you go to design school or go straight to starting a business? Not all fashion designers go the traditional route to design school, instead drawing on an entrepreneurial spirit, some “designers” turn their head for business into a thriving fashion enterprise.

Ralph Lauren is an example of a fashion designer who bypassed the sewing machine and headed straight for the marketplace. Which path you take depends on your personal motivation. If you love sewing and pattern making, the traditional route is going to bring the most satisfaction. If you love the fashion world but don’t have the patience for needle and thread, a career in the fast-paced and exciting fashion biz is still possible … read on.

When in Rome, prepare to spend!

If you’re an American heading to Rome for vacation and you plan to shop, prepare  to spend. You won’t find many deals in this ancient city. The major fashion houses aren’t based here (like they are in Milan and Paris), and Rome is more of a draw for tourists, so you can expect the prices to match those found in high-end stores in the States. And with the weak dollar, you’ll end up spending nearly double that amount. When I visited Rome in March, the exchange rate was $1.58 to the almighty euro. Ouch.

Kate Hudson always looks great; her style is effortless and approachable. And fortunately accessible to the rest of us. Get the 3.1 Phillip Lim dress Kate Hudson wore on a recent trip to Miami.

Photo: FabSugar.com

3.1 Phillip Lim Paisley Dress worn by Kate Hudson

   

Photo: StardardStyle.com

::A. Covington for The Divas Dreams

Photo: InStyle

Charlize Theron shines in this sexy Derek Lam dress. And unlike when I was growing up, you can replicate the celebrity style with the click of a mouse. Shop for red carpet worth Derek Lam dresses on eLuxury.com, shopbop.com, and yoox.com.

Get ready for Spring with this Bow Halter Dress, and pair with these precious peep toe pumps (also by Derek Lam) .

 

There are some things you just don't think will ever come back into style--like overalls and neon colored clothes. But then some fresh-faced designer decides to reinvent, and hopefully improve, a style from days gone by. Is tie dye one of these styles that will make its way back into the mainstream? Can a trend so obnoxious to begin with ever earn critical acclaim?

I bought my first LeSportsac six years ago and it’s is still my favorite lightweight tote (my DVF being my favorite heavyduty travel bag). It’s classic, practical and stylish. It gives hope that we can live without leather … okay, maybe not. It comes as no surprise that environmentally responsible designer Stella McCartney has designed a collection of bags for LeSportsac, which will debut on LeSportsac.com in February (right around the corner ladies!).

So the Golden Globes was an hour long "press conference" ...  we can still critique what celebrities wear right? Of course! Here is my list of the best-dressed actresses:

Katie Holmes

Nicole Kidman

Reese Witherspoon

Lucy Liu

Jessica Alba

Rachel Bilson

A fashion design contest you could actually win! No TV reality show drama required!

Have you always dreamed of becoming a fashion designer? I know I have, although after watching a few seasons of Project Runway, I don't think I'm cracked up to handle the drama of the sewing room! Plus, I can't sew a hem to save my life. I'll leave that to Mr. Pucci and Mr. Armani, thank you. But if you think you have what it takes, enter your fabulous dress design to the Glam.com Be Discovered: Design a Dress contest.  But hurry, designs must be received by 6 p.m. PT on February 5, 2008. Then the voting goes to the people. Glam.com and MSN viewers will vote on the best designs. The winner will be flown to New York City to receive a $500 gift certificate to Lord & Taylor, and will have the opportunity to apprentice with ADAM Adam Lippes design studio. Get to drawing!

::A. Covington for Belisi Fashions

Designer sales delivered to your inbox

Go ahead, shop it to me. No seriously. Shop It To Me is a new service that sends you emails when your favorite brands go on sale in your size. It’s like a free online personal shopper. While there are only certain designers to choose from, they have some really good ones like Prada, Ella Moss, Tahari, and Gucci from retailers like Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, Banana Republic, Zappos and Bluefly.  You’ll get an email either daily or weekly (depending on what you choose) when designer jeans, dresses, skirts, tops, shoes, handbags and jewelry go on sale in your size.

::A.Covington for Belisi Fashions

My favorite sexy tops and blouses ... for now

A splash of color, a stunning print or a little lace. The mercury may be dropping but that doesn’t mean you can’t look feminine and sexy. Unfortunately when you hit the mall all you see are bulky sweaters. Well, ladies, get those fingers clicking, I’ve rounded up some of the prettiest tops you can find on the Internet. And yes, I’m aware that it’s the holidays and we “shouldn’t” buy things for ourselves but what better way to ensure you get what you really want--and in the right size? I say, go for it!

What to wear to a holiday party

It’s that time of year again: holiday parties. Love ‘em or loath them, you still want to be the center of attention. With the holidays right around the corner, now’s the time to snag the dress of the season.

Here’s a list of my favorites. From the little black dress to glittering gold and demure earth tones, there’s a dress here for every taste and budget.

Functionally chic women’s laptop bags are hard to come by. One of my biggest complaints, and I’ve heard this from my friends too, is finding a women’s laptop bag that’s both feminine and functional. Most business women don’t want to carry around a pink briefcase with flowers on it, or lug around a bag meant for a 6ft tall man. And why does it seem that most women’s laptop cases don’t have shoulder support? Men have so many cool options; they can go, techy or sophisticated, casual or urban. All they have to do is walk into a store and find a plethora of laptop bags to choose from.

I have gone on a search and found some pretty good options. My favorite is the bag by Hayden Harnett. It’s not stiff like a lot of the laptop bags for women that I’ve seen, and it has a long adjustable shoulder strap.

Madison Los Angeles

What it is: Madison in Los Angeles offers designer clothing including shoes, handbags, & jeans, and is the coveted secret of celebrity stylists who rely on Madison’s generous inventory of the most renowned designers--and rising stars in the fashion world.

They have a bricks-and-mortar store on Melrose Avenue, Robertson Blvd, in Brentwood on San Vicente, and in Malibu. But they also have a fashion website, www.MadisonLosAngeles.com, for those of us who don’t have a Southern California zip code.

CoutureZappos.com

What it is: The sister website of Zappos.com that specializes in couture handbags, shoes and apparel. 

Why we love it: As much as we love the fashion steals at Zappos.com, I really love snagging a deal on an Isabella Fiore handbag or a Jean Paul Gaultier dress. CoutureZappos.com carries designers like Kate Spade, Furla, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Goldenbleu, and Roberto Cavalli. What’s not to love?

:: A. Covington for Belisi Fashions

What do Rebecca Taylor, Chloe, Balenciaga, and Marc by Marc Jacobs have in common? Other than being among my favorite designers, they're also appearing at Lucky Magazine's "Lucky Shops" on October 26-27 in New York City for two days of fabulous SATC style shopping (cocktail in hand of course!). Shop elite designer collections marked up to 70% off!  Don't you just hate it when you find the perfect pair of jeans and have to wait for them to get hemmed? Well this event is all about instant gratification. Find a sweet pair of denim and get them hemmed on the spot!

1. Shecky’s

What it is: Shecky’s is a multi-platform media company that keeps us gals city-savvy and in-the-know with daily brewed online content on neighborhood-centric nightlife, fashion, beauty, and entertainment venues. They’re also the ingenious folks who thought up the Shecky’s Girls Night Out concept.

This week's B List includes a fashion website that features hot new designers you won't find anywhere else, a stellar fashion blog, a killer clutch and a collection of comfy and stylish tops. Tune in next week to find out who makes the B List!

1. Ravinstyle.com

What it is: The leading online shop for emerging fashion designers. Founder Jill Licata shares her New York fashion savvy with women who want to stay ahead of the fashion trends.

What to keep and what to toss, donate, or relegate to the back of your closet

Leggings

There are a lot of trends floating around, and some of their staying power is surprising. Like leggings. They look good on virtually no one and yet the trend has persevered despite much backlash and skepticism. How can a style that so blatantly accentuates the calf and calls attention to ankles and the true height of the average American woman have endured for this long? Finally, the end is near my friends.

Before you get the idea that this is a roundup of second-rate items, let me clarify. The “B” List stands for Belisi, so everything that makes the cut is above grade and in some way fabulous. Each week we’ll share some of our new-found (or time-tested) favorite fashion websites, designers, trends, books, blogs, you name it! As long as it’s in the name of fashion.

Remember that canary yellow baby doll dress? Yes, the one that looked great in the window at the little boutique on the corner. The one that still looked great neatly folded in the shopping bag and then displayed on your bed next to your new Christian Louboutin stilettos. Yes, that one that made you look like you made a dress out of the fluorescent lighting at the DMV.

You know you've been thinking about it for the past six months. You knew swimsuit season was right around the corner. So why does it feel like it just crept up and caught you off-guard? It's okay. We're right there with you. Swimsuit styles are varied and flattering this season, with tons of 60s inspired bikinis and one pieces (Yes! One pieces are sexy and cool again!).

Here's a quick-hit list of some of my favorite suits with all the essential beach/pool gear for a red hot summer.

The return of the one-piece swimsuit

You can forget that image of the frumpy one-piece suits with the ruffles. Show off more than a little skin but leave some to the imagination in this Yellow Floral One Piece Swimsuit by Alice + Olivia and this adorable cut-out one piece in pink, aqua or black.

The classic yellow  polka dot bikini

Okay you hate the song but don't take it out on this unsuspecting and sexy bikini.

Can't go wrong with black

Slimming, sleek and sexy, this black bikini by Brette Sandler shows just the right amount of skin with a flattering halter top with double straps for extra support no wardrobe malfunctions here.

Throwback to the 70s

You either love the 70s or you hate them. Personally I love the swimsuit styles of the 70s, with the fun greens, yellows and tube top styles. This green number by Shoshanna is inspired by the 70s but not overshadowed by it. Browns was big in the 70s and Ella Moss brings it back with this striped 70s-style bikini.

Looking for a little more coverage but still like the flexibility of a two-piece? The DKNY Bandeau Tankini & tie side bottom combines the sexy hip-hugging style of the 60-70s with a flirty bandeau top for a youthful, yet sophisticated, poolside look.

Set sail for stripes

This summer, it's all about nautical themes. This nautical stripes bikini from Target is spot on for this summer's nautical trend-but with a smaller price tag than designer suits.

Calling all children of the 80s

Whether you were born in the 80s or rocked out to Flock of Seagulls at your senior prom, you'll love this geometric pattern bikini by Trina Turk.

Bohemian Rhapsody

The Bohemian look is still hot, summer after summer. This indie-print bikini from Victoria's Secret pulls double duty with a Miracle BraR wireless push-up top (but it will be your little secret.

Must-have summer accessories

Cover up with these cute cherry shorts by Juicy Couture or a stylish caftan by Diane von Furstenberg. Target is giving top designers a run for the money with its trendy collection of beachwear, like this Merona Swim Tunic.

Go from beach to street in style with these black canvas espadrilles from Anthropologie.

Where the wild things live

Show your playful side with these animal print flip-flops.

Made in the shade

Protect your eyes from harmful rays (and look good at the same time) with these oversized sunglasses.

Accessorize at the beach? But of course!

So maybe it's a little indulgent. That's okay. As long as you're happy. This Batik painted bangle bracelet looks great with all swimsuits styles.

Just because you want to prevent premature aging doesn't mean you want a ticket from the Fashion Police. This Juicy Couture Malibu Hat will get you a get-out-of-jail free card-from the Fashion Don't monitors and the sun.

If you're a celebrity looking to keep the paparazzi at bay, this Kokin Oversized Metallic Hat will keep your identity under wraps (yet give off enough mysetery to attract the right kind of attention). Keep flyaways in check with a pretty silk scarf like the Hibiscus silk scarf from Belisi.

Throw in the towel

You've thought of everything else, you can't forget a luxury beach towel. Our pick is this DVF eyelit lace beach towel.

Hot summer reads

Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver

The author of the Poisonwood Bible gets in touch with the southern Appalachia landscape in this earthy account.

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Afraid of the mail? Can't say no to a new credit card offer? Actually believe that buying something you didn't  plan to buy on sale is making you money? Then this book is for you!

A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles"

by Marianne Williamson

If you don't have hope what do you have? This Oprah Book Club title explores the not-much-talked about phenomena in life : miracles. Do you believe in miracles? There's nothing like a lazy summer afternoon to get in touch with your spiritual side and to let your mind wander-and wonder.

Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Don't let the title fool you, this book, and its author, are anything but ordinary.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer

From the author of Everything Is Illuminated comes the tale of a nine-year-old amateur inventor, jewelry designer, astrophysicist, tambourine player and pacifist. Foer's latest work will make you laugh, revel and question.

Bag it

Carry that juicy romance novel, beach towel, mad money and sunscreen in this cute yellow mesh tote from Target, or if you want to go all out I love this Gingham Marc Atlan Bonjour Tote and the Santorini Beach Tote by Michael Kors.

~A. Covington for Belisi Fashions

On April 17 the Gap introduced a new limited edition collection for women, designed exclusively for the Gap by Doo-Ri, Rodarte and Thakoon-three emerging design labels. The collection, simply called Gap Design Editions, is part of Gap's recently announced partnership with the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund (CVFF), an initiative established to support and encourage new American design talent.

Each designer created three unique interpretations of the classic white shirt -- an iconic item that helped to position Gap as the place to shop for stylish variations of the basics 35 years ago. The collection is available in flagship and top Gap adult stores in the US, Canada, UK and Japan and online in the US at www.Gap.com. Items range in price from $68 to $88.

Designer Doo-Ri Chung, winner of the 2006 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund competition, attended Parsons School of Design. Before her days in the spotlight, Chung spent her days working out of the basement of her parents' New Jersey dry-cleaning store. Today, her celebrity following includes Eva Longoria and Chloe Sevigny. Doo-Ri's collection for Gap reflects her smart, clean design aesthetic, and includes a feminine shirt with a scarf drape at the neck ($68); a tailored camp shirt ($68); and a flowing, belted shirtdress ($88).

Sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy are the creative team behind Rodarte. After deciding to pursue fashion while attending the University of California, Berkeley, they produced their first collection for fall 2005. Raised in Northern California, surrounded by redwood trees, the relationship they witnessed between trees and shadows has greatly influenced their work today. They've won an Ecco Domani award and were recognized as a runner-up in the 2006 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund competition. Fashion icons like Cate Blanchett and Zooey Deschanel call themselves fans.

Reflecting Rodarte's trademark whimsy and self-proclaimed obsession with bows, their collection for Gap features a sleeveless blouse adorned with bows around the neckline ($78); a trapeze sleeveless top ($68); and a trapeze mini-dress with front pockets and bow detail ($88).

Born in Thailand and raised in Omaha, Neb., Thakoon Panichgul's playful designs are charmed with sweet, offbeat details while embodying elements of classic American sportswear. He received his formal fashion education from Parsons School of Design, produced his first collection for fall 2004, and was runner-up in the 2006 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund competition. Thakoon's pretty and witty design aesthetic has helped him develop a loyal celebrity fan base of fashion trendsetters including Rachel Bilson, Amanda Peet and Demi Moore.

Featuring a tie-neck blouse with puffed sleeves ($88), a belted shirtdress with puffed sleeves ($88), and a shirtdress with ruffle detail at the waist ($88),Thakoon's collection for Gap will help bring his style and sensibility to everyday consumers.

Okay, so the clothes are nice. But is that the point? I'm on the fence here. I've maintained that the Gap really needs to get back to what made them successful in the first place. They really need to start giving customers what they want and stop trying to reinvent themselves over and over again, emulating fast-fashion retailers like H&M and Target (just stop already!). On the other hand, why shouldn't they use what's left of their corporate clout to help gain exposure for emerging designers? I sort of like that they had the designers create variations of the basic white shirt instead of creating mock couture numbers that don't appeal to a mass audience. I mean, the Gap earned its stripes by providing the building blocks for classic and timeless wardrobes. So maybe they hit the jackpot with this move. It's about time, they've been playing different hands for far too long.

Believe it or not, swimsuits have been around since the days of Ancient Rome, when public bathing was all the rage (hence the term bathing suit). What's interesting is that the suits women wore a millennia ago were shockingly similar to the suits women wear today. When the trend crossed the pond to America, conservative minds grabbed hold of the idea, turning functional lightweight swimsuits into bulky dresses made out of wool.

In 1946 the modern day bikini was born, at a time when women were beginning to flirt with new-found freedoms and civil rights. During the 60s, designers tapped into the wide-spread feelings of rebellion and discontent with social constraints.

Now that the free-love days are over and we're all burned out on overexposed models and actresses-nothing surprises us anymore. Girls are learning the value of leaving more to the imagination rather than letting it hang all out for the world to see. Okay, we know why. But you get the idea!

There are a lot of great ways to accessorize with one-piece suits. Along with the beach/pool essentials, silk scarves are a great way to keep the wind from tangling hair and fading hair color, and they happen to be this season's "it" accessory.

Hollywood role models have had a counter-effect in some circles of young people.

What's more, I think we're simply bored. We have decades of fashion trends to reflect on and re-invent in fun and creative ways. One-piece swimsuits are more flattering to some body types-they can elongate the torso and camouflage problem areas and scars from C-sections. If the Baywatch babes can look sexy in a one-piece, why can't the rest of us?

~A. Covington for Belisi Fashions

Even if you aren’t Irish, at least you can act like it (by wearing green silly). Fortunately, green is one of those colors that looks great on everyone regardless of hair color or skin tone but it isn’t worn enough. This just isn’t right. You always notice someone wearing green. Think about the last time you wore green. You probably felt different. Maybe a little more energetic? Green, the color of money, nature and of course envy demands to be noticed. Color psychologists—yes, there are such people—suggest that job seekers wear this powerful color to job interviews. And so what better color to wear for a night out with the girls? Meeting boys is sort of like a job interview (well, for them anyway). Here are some great choices for wearing green, whether you want to swaddle yourself in it or wear it as a Spring appurtenance.

The Green Evening Dress When you wear a green dress to a party, restaurant or local bar all eyes will be on you. The Rouched Green Dress ($245)  and Marilyn Dress ($140) from Sugar in Los Angeles are good enough for the stars, so you know you’ll shine wherever the evening takes you. Go for the super short look with this pleated cami dress by Ghita ($285). The pleated V-check bodice gives this sassy piece a little swing.

The Green Day Dress Green gets you noticed during the day too, plus it’s very appropriate for Sring. This playful Adelaide Dress by Diane von Furstenberg ($325) is perfect for a poolside party, afternoon lunch or shopping spree. The 60s and 70s are back in full force, and green was a favorite color in both eras. The Sleeveless Turtleneck Mini Dress by Lauren Moffatt ($326) is 60s inspired with enough of a modern flair for a happy medium.

Green Separates Add a burst of color to a white or khaki skirt, or work pants. Pair this Rosette Silk Crepe Top ($198) with denim for a daytime or evening look. Coordinate with a white pencil skirt under a cropped jacket for an outfit that’s appropriate for work and transitions into evening. The Spritzer v-neck from Anthropologie ($78) pairs with anything white, khaki or denim. For all those bohemians out there, the trend is still alive and well. Get your green fix with this adorable Cigarro skirt ($138)  from Anthropologie.

Green Accessories Just a touch of green is all you need. A headhand, handbag, necklace or shoe is all it takes to put that extra (green) spring in your step. Here’s a roundup of our favorites:

Susan Daniels: Green and Yellow Silk Headband ($38)

Goldenbleu Luella Snap Front Patent Leather Tote

Green Rhea Heel  at Kitson L.A. ($195)

Swallowtail slingbacks  at Anthropologie ($198)

Arboretum flats at Anthropologie ($138)