Animal prints have held steady for the past few
seasons but with this new crop of wild things hitting the market, you can really
express yourself in tribal fashion.
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!
Some trends never make it off the runway — and with good reason. But colorblocking is making a big splash from Prada to Chloe in a variety of fashion categories including apparel, jewelry and handbags.
Colorblocking is a visual technique that posits brilliant blocks of color all over in one stretch of hue or contrasting colors. The result can be bold or subtle. I love this exotic clutch by Julie K.
We’ve grown accustomed to putting some handbags away at the turn of the seasons as styles change from whimsical in summer to more romantic and sophisticated in the fall. But for Fall 2008, pretty much anything goes. While toting a big straw bag is probably not the best way to accessorize for a brisk fall day, a small rattan clutch with serious hardware is still au currant. Of course trends like jeweled clutches are more appropriate as the mercury drops but fun wristlets and slouchy hobo bags and oversized satchels like the Lily Satchel by D&G will transition seamlessly.
I'm always excited to check out the latest seasonal trends to find out what colors, textures, fabrics and shapes are the most popular. While we can always look forward to an of-the-moment trend, each season ushers in many return trends -- and for summer this means oversized canvas totes and wicker bags, fun colors and a more casual look.
Classics like satchel handbags and shoulder bags will always have a place in the lineup. You should always have a tried-and-true handbag in your closet no matter what. With that said, let's take a look at this seasons hottest handbag trends.
Why does it seem like the fashion powers-that-be are always contradicting themselves? If it looks like a duck and walks like a duck ...
So one minute you have to match your handbag to your shoes and the next you absolutely should not perfectly match your accessories. It's a crazy world out there and who can keep all the fashion rules straight? They're always changing any way! Here are some fashion "DON'Ts" that are really fashions DOs! Wear more than one pattern at a time
Obviously, you have to use some discretion here. You don't want to wear a leopard print dress with a zebra scarf. Choose a main pattern and let other patterns compliment it. Scarves, when worn correctly, are a great way to accent a great pattern on a dress or skirt. Actress like Kate Bosworth knows how to mix and match patterns.
Like the clothes you wear, your handbag sends a message. Whatever style handbag you carry, make sure that you take good care of it and keep it well organized. If you take your bag with you to meetings and you’re always riffling around looking for pens through a scuffed up handbag, you won’t send a good message.
In general you can gauge pretty accurately a women's level of "flashiness" by her handbag. If she's carrying a zebra print bag, she wants to get noticed. Chances are she's single and likes to take chances. A woman with a humongous tote that's virtually empty, spare the essentials, enjoys being pampered and knows what she wants. On the other hand, a girl whose handbag is filled to the brim is on the go and doesn't like to be left unprepared. She could have kids, too, so having a mobile drugstore comes in handy.
So you've got your dream bag ... what does it say about you? Keep reading and find out!
What's the most versatile accessory? Nope, it's not a handbag or a pair of shoes. Silk scarves can instantly create multiple looks from the same outfit, tie back your hair, double as a halter top, swimsuit coverup or keep your shoulders warm on a breezy evening. They travel well (you can tuck them into your handbag, carry-on or suitcase) and they never go out of style.
With the exception of clutches and handheld bags (bags with handles too small or short to be worn over the shoulder), most handbags fit into this category. Every woman should have at least one shoulder bag in her wardrobe. They’re practical (but that doesn’t mean that can’t be stylish!) and come in handy on shopping trips, out running errands or for the office. They free up your hands to carry other items.
If you’re like most women, you love to shop. We have so many options, however, making smart buying decisions when it comes to handbags is not as easy as it once was. There is not just one It Bag or style that’s en vogue. And not everyone can afford dozens of bags in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to choose wisely. The good news about having so many options is that there are a variety of styles and price points, so you can find the one that works best for you.
Handbags should match how you dress and your lifestyle
Before buying any handbag, think about your wardrobe and lifestyle. Are you more sophisticated with a polished look? Do you have a corporate job and attend a lot of work events and travel for work? Or, do you have more a casual work environment, like a yoga studio or spa? Your handbag should reflect the way you dress and fit your lifestyle as well. If you hit the clubs on a regular basis you will probably have different needs than a mother of three (then again, maybe not!).
While I admittedly am over the 7 for All Mankind denim pocket design (let’s change it up people!), I am a fan of their new collection of sturdy oversized handbags like the Mixed Media Top Zip Satchel. I like the fun print and eye-catching details.
I also really like the 7 for All Mankind Pleated Straps Tote. For $895, you get a luxurious soft leather bag with pleats on the front and back. It’s a breath of fresh air not to have their company insignia monogrammed all over the bag too.
Spring is finally here and summer is within sight. And warmer weather means more wardrobe options and summer vacations.
A silk scarf is a must-have accessory for spring and summer (especially for the beach to keep fly-aways at bay). Scarves make for a great travel accessory too. They're lightweight and don't take up much room in handbags or luggage, and you can use them to create different looks from the same outfit.
You won't have to worry about not being noticed this spring with all of the bright colors for dresses, tops, shoes and handbags. Patent leather is still going strong, so don't be shy about buying really bold colors like bright yellow, vibrant blue, raging red or vivid green in handbags of all shapes and sizes.
And just a little reminder that the Belisi handbag collection will debut soon, so check Belisi.com often!
I don’t know about you but I am ready for Spring in a big way. And there’s nothing that makes me feel happier than sunshine and bright colors. The it color for Spring ’08 is cobalt blue. You’ll see it on handbags, tops, dresses, skirts and shoes. If it’s blue, it’s hot … or cool?
If you like to plan ahead, stock up all things blue right now. So when the clouds break you’ll be ready to go. Or, be daring and get a head start on Spring. Wear blue to brighten up a cold winter day.
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!).
Caitlin Dowd (actress Bonnie Sommerville) of the hit show Cashmere Mafia proudly sported a growing trend of wearing silk scarves around the wrist. In the episode "Conference Call", Ms. Sommerville sported a silk scarf around her wrist. All of these ladies are trend setters. This fashion forward cast is all about playing up their female assets with sexy skirts and bold accessories like scarfs, gloves, bracelets, necklaces, oversized sunglasses, and statement-making Gucci handbags. What I love about this show is that each character's storyline is interesting, without any character outshining the other (at least not yet anyway). Comparing the wardrobe from the upcoming Sex & the City movie to that of the Cashmere Mafia make the SATC ladies look like they're shopping last season's sample sales. Oh and Women's Murder Club? Forget about it.
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.
Okay, take a deep breath; oversizedhandbags are still in … for now. According to an Omiru poll, 60 percent of readers cast their vote in favor of the big bag trend. A shocking 27 percent said the trend (one of my favorites in a long time by the way) is on its way out. Ouch! I am holding out hope that my oversized investments will hold their show value for a couple more seasons at least. I hightly doubt that with so many women dropping hundreds (and thousands) on big handbags are going to accept the ousting order of this popular trend without a fight.
Resolutions take on many forms; the good news is that they don't all have to include giving up cheesecake and your morning lattes.
Now is the time to set your fashion New Year's Resolutions, and start 2008 with your best (and most stylish) foot forward.
1. Clean out your closet. As the nights get colder, you need something to do right? Why not get a jump start on Spring cleaning? Donate, consign or give away clothes you haven't worn in a year or are too big/small.
Who cares about Black Friday? I certainly don’t regret waking up at 3 a.m. to scratch and claw my way around sales racks. But you can still get great deals on fashion at many of your favorite stores. So whether you’re looking for gifts or want to treat yourself, you better get clicking--these deals won’t last!
Granted there are a lot of cute clutches out there but how often does that adorable evening clutch pull double duty as a day handbag? That’s one of the reasons I love the No Strings Clutch (novel name right?) by Rebecca Minkoff, and apparently so does Hayden Panettiere.
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.
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.
Metallic clutches are just as hot this season as the last. This satin and mesh BCBG clutch is so of the moment it’s perfect for special events or after work cocktails.
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?
Buy priceless art and designer handbags in one place
It comes as no surprise that the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles is featuring the work of famous Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. Does the name ring a bell? It should.
Takashi Murakami is the artist who brought Louis Vuitton fans the first multi-colored collection. The new line of Murakami-designed handbags and small leather goods will be showcased in their very own Louis Vuitton boutique situated in the middle of MOCA's Geffen Contemporary space.
A little behind on the oversized handbag trend? Or maybe you need another one. After all, we all know one can never have too many handbags. The Bender Bag by Anna Corinna is our pick for good and bad girl alike. If you spend the whole night out partying, no problem. With your gorgeous handbag you'll have all your getting ready essentials with you. And good girls, you'll be happy to know your glorious leather handbag is safely in its satin case in your closet. Either way, it's a must have.
Fall is usually the time when we start the winterizing process replete with dragging out the cable knit sweaters, overcoats and sensible boots. The grays, browns and blacks dazzle. Snap out of it! Fall doesn't have to mean drab! Colors are brighter than ever for fall, including vibrant blues, yellows and reds. This week's spotlight is on Michael Kors Brookville Satchel available in happy new colors for fall.
If you were a bit nervous splurging on a silver handbag or a pair of strappy silver Jimmy Choo heels, you can put your pretty little mind to rest. Silver is still going strong and it’s hotter than ever. Expect to see lots of silver accessories (handbags, belts, shoes, and jewelry), blouses, and dresses. Silver outerwear is in for fall and winter but I’m not sure if this trend will stick--there can be too much of a good thing.
Gummy Bears, deodorant, whitening strips. What’s in your handbag? Belisi Fashions and Aly-tude want to know. As we get ready to launch our new handbag collection, we’ve partnered with Aly from SheKnows.com’s blog “Aly-tude” for a handbag giveaway.
We’re giving away the new Alexis bag, which isn’t even available to the public yet! So head to Aly-tude and send in your stories about what you carry in your handbag, and you could be the first lucky lady on earth to possess this gorgeous bag! Made from jacquard fabric with leather trim and will retail for $198 (when available to the public), the Alexis bag comes in Paris Pink and it’s decadently roomy for all your daily work-to-play needs.
As with all Belisi products, the handbag collection will feature extraordinary detailing including real gold hardware, soft treated Italian leather and brushed fabrics, plus many other exclusive features only available through Belisi.com.
