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Some of My Fall/Winter Top Picks

Accessories for fall are so hot! Have you gotten a chance to really look around? While I know (inside your head) you are screeching "Noooo! I can't spend any more money," think about it like this: you'll refresh basic black dresses and trousers that are headed into any season of wear.

(Gustto Berlina Clutch)

1. Clutches, clutches, everywhere. I love leather clutches for fall, in rich colors like this interesting Gustto one. By investing in a bag that's shaped in a quality fabric. Look for anything with heavy-duty zips and findings!

2. Match a single pair of flats. If you're going to invest in the above purse, you'll want to get a great pair of leather shoes in a somewhat matching style. Think leather-trimmed fabric flats or pumps, or high boots with tassel in a coordinating color.

3. Cashmere wraps tie the look together. Bluefly is one of my favorite place to grab styles in rich fabrics like silk and pashmina cashmere/wool blends. Gorgeous wraps can cover up simple tees when you need to look more dressed up, and with a couple of bangles, you can go from work to dinner.

(Tolani Floral Scarf- Pre-Order)

4. Scarves are always a great choice. Floral, modern, or otherwise artistic, scarves are awesome for fall to cover up a variety of body problems and little outfit sins. Let's say your top is just a tiny bit too cleavage-baring for your next trip, but you don't have time to go home and change? Wind a scarf around your neck to cover things up and get on with it!

5. Suede Pumps Are Perfect. Suede is a good option for women who crave texture, but can't go for color due to work. Scoop up black, navy, and brown choices for a great pairing with suits, pencil skirts, and jeans.

(Target Xhilaration Tree Hugger Planet Lover Bag)

6. The Extras. An earth-friendly shopper is a fantastic buy for any woman who's on the go. This bag is an awesome selection, and a great one to match with jeans and the like. They're flattering and an easy buy to justify.

Why I Love Hanes

"Love" is a particularly strong word, but Hanes deserves it. I don't even like their wedgie ads with Sarah Chalke-- that I'm pretty sure you know which ones I mean! Despite my misgivings, I really enjoyed having a look around Hanes. In between the soft skirts and the totally affordable (and interesting) tops, I wasn't quite sure what to scoop up first!

(Hanes Ruffle Cami)

This Hanes.com exclusive is a simple but eye-catching piece, and it's available in vibrant colors to gel with the summer vibe. Whether you're a sunny girl or the "go green" type, there's a top for you here. And yes. . . there's even basic black!

The Fit: This top fitted through the bust, skimming along loosely from the waist to the hips, and that makes it perfect for women with a more generous lower half.

(Hanes Stretch Cotton Skirt)

This was, by far, my favorite pieces on the Hanes.com website. It's simple and somehow very sexy, and the kind of skirt that I can truly imagine wearing nonstop all season long. Although I wish it was available in fun colors, I wouldn't mind picking it up in that wonderfully rich cocoa brown or perhaps even white to wear to the beach.

The Fit: This gorgeous skirt has a wide, fashionable waistband that looks as good as it is comfortable.

(Tagless Ultimate Stretch Shirt)

I love, love, love how this shirt is styled in this photo, and that's why I chose it as one of my top Hanes picks! It just shows you how creative you can be with a basic tee and make it look sophisticated. . . after all, this top is priced at $18.00, and I would assume that it cost upwards of $35 just from the way it is presented here.

The Fit: Tagless Ultimate Stretch from Hanes sounds like it will hug your curves gorgeously.

(Hanes Featherweight Peasant Tee)

Featherweight tops are another way to make yourself look great without splashing out too much in the cash department. This is why Hanes is so awesome, too: you'll find the coolest tops for cheap on their website, but they won't look or feel like it. Now that's a change!

The Fit: As pictured, this top looks awesome when layered.

(Classic BoyChic Shorts)

I love these undies, despite the fact that I'm more the lacy type. If you love your boyshorts and you'd like a new twist, this is definitely one of the best ways to get it! Simply slip into a pair of boy-cut shorts for an easy way to spice things up.

The Fit: Cute, comfortable, and far more fun than a thong!

(Hanes Women's Featherweight)

I wasn't surprised to reach that this is one of Hanes' bestselling tanks, especially when I saw that it is priced at a very reasonable $16. But there's more! Some colors are actually on sale for $12. . . get over there immediately to scoop up tops that show off your tan.

The Fit: Sexy in the back. . . business in the front!

Couture Candy: Not So Easy to Navigate, But Very Cool

Couture Candy can be a little confusing for me to browse-- do you know those sites that just don't mesh with your usual internet searching and/or shopping techniques? While the website is on an easy-to-view white ground, search results can come back a little confusing, and you might run into the things you want by accident instead! But that's truly a small price to pay for all the interesting items thrown into this site-- although looking like a basic site with middle-of-the-road designers, you'll find some amazing gems.

Without further ado, here are my Top Five Buys for Couture Candy customers:

1. Interesting Tied Items

(Gathered Bow Top in Blue Nights)

I was loving all of these tops with bow details offered in Couture Candy-- and strangely enough, they were all from one designer, Qi! This navy top is by far my favorite, but I found lots of other items in similar styles: cropped sweaters with string ties, floppy-bowed tops, and almost secretary-ish pieces. There's lots to choose from.

2. Tunics Galore

(Qi Pleated Tunic)

ONe of my favorite pieces in general is the tunic. My love for it developed after wearing low-rise jeans for so long with shorter tops. I hate tugging my jeans up, my tops down, and wriggling to keep everything in balance, and tunics are great options. This one has a futuristic edge and a "clean" vibe that's just dreamy.

3. Slouchy Pants

(Terry Track Pants)

Softly casual pants (especially in terry) are your ticket to relaxation. Slip into a pair of pants with a straight or bootcut leg (cut generously, of course) and feel how very comfortable you really are. It's hard (for me, at least) to justify buying things I only wear at home, but in this case, I'm willing to make an exception. And it's available in plenty of colors, too.

4. Braid Detail Bags

(Braided Handle Bag)

Okay: this Braided Handle bag by Carla Mancini does not come cheap, but you could be carrying it for 20+ years! This purse, in a vibrant green, cashes in at $502, but I can imagine it with jeans, lots of skirts, going out pieces, and just about everything in between. Calculating that cost-per-wear makes this 100% Italian leather purse look a lot more attractive this time around.

5. Amazing Rings (Braille? Really?)

(Blind Faith Ring)

This ring has braille on it. How cool is that? In a heavy 14K gold plate look, it's a stunning accessory that's going to take your breath away for real. Enjoy it and its message on this holiday weekend!

ASOS Accessories and More: Put a Smile On Your Face

I just love ASOS-- almost every single piece is covetable in my opinion! The belts, wide and small, look like they'd work great with just about every top in my closet, the bags are soft, beautiful, and affordable, and what about those scarves?! Sigh.

Prices range widely at ASOS, so I recommend you page through much of the website before making up your mind and purchasing a specific item. I found items on sale for just $20-- very reasonable for a U.K. site and dealing with an exchange rate to consider-- and prices bounce all over the place from there. Have a look a see what you can find.

(Nica Aurora Large Shoulder Bag)

The Nica Large Shoulder Bag is an enchanting piece. It has a strange, almost cowboy appeal, but at the same time, it's not available in a tan or brown leather like we would expect. It's actually manmade (making it affordable and easy to clean) and has embroidery detail with golden studs. For moms and busy students out there, you can clean your purse with a damp sponge!

(ASOS Circle Stud Bag)

This is soooo super-affordable, and yes-- I did buy it! The ASOS Circle Ring Bag is a cool clubbing or going out purse that features a long chain that can be slung over your shoulder to crisscross over your chest. A fun tassel zip tab makes it easy for you to grab while you're in a dark club or bar.

(ASOS Chain and Leather Look Belt)

I'm loving the chain details on all of ASOS's pieces, and this is no exception. I'm pretty used to having chain and leather accessories like bracelets and other similar items, but I've never seen a belt quite like this one. The large bow tie fastening is captivating-- imagine it with a slinky black tank top or a sweet blouse in a ditsy blouse.

(Paul's Peacock Bag)

I want this as my overnight bag! This Paul's Boutique piece features an all-over jazzy print that's just begging to be paired with amazing '80s sneakers or super-skinny bright slim jeans. Usually I shy away from pairing brights with brights, but I feel like that's what Paul's Boutique was planning-- 'cause I want to do it right now.

(Flirt for ASOS Heart Scarf)

Simple, cheap, and cute, this Heart Scarf is a beautiful option for anyone looking for an easy accessorization option. It's so young and fresh that I can definitely imagine it given to any junior (for a birthday or just a sweet girl), but it's also a great way to jazz up anything casual.

(Royal New Tribal Belt)

This is another unusual piece from ASOS, which I'm quite happy about. They have so many interesting designs in one place, and this is a great example: bamboo effect bits race across your waist with abandon, while the thickness of the belt itself draws your attention and provides a great midsection-cinching method.

Sunglass Obsession: Top Picks

Sunglasses might never really go out of style, but on the same note, you can make your style look so much more current with right-on-trend shades that were spied on the runway. Better yet, there are so many looks to choose from that your personal style will not be sacrificed in any way. Gradient looks, heavy metal frames, and round plastic styles-- I'm there.

(Ombre Oversized Sunglasses, $18.00)
Thick Frames: You can find great thick plastic and metal frames over at Urban Outfitters, and they're of the funkiest variety, too. Besides the oversized sunglasses shapes, you can find electrifying yellow, bright red, and white over there as well. Outrageous, shapely, and just right for me. . . I always feel like a secret celebrity when I put on a pair.





(SW Oversized Celebrity Style, $14.95)
Oversized Shapes: Yet another trend for Spring 2008 that carried over from past seasons, this doesn't mean that you have to wear your glasses from last year. You can save money when you pick out a new pair-- I found these ones over at Sunglass Warehouse for a serious steal. There's an entire Celebrity Styles section for you to choose from, too.





(Square Midsize Shield, $70)
Gradient Lenses: Gradient lenses are essential for driving, motoring, or even zipping around on that Vespa. They're essential for quick changes in light, shadowing areas, and more, and besides being so practical, they are very, very stylish. Did I mention that that they are my favorite kind? ;)





(Mod Aviator Sunglasses, $65)
Aviators: Aviators have hit a high again this season with their timeless style and ultimately satisfying look on any face. If you are the type who hates to take a chance on sunglasses online because you don't know how they will look, this is the best choice for you! Aviators flatter just about anyone, and you can choose between mirrored looks, smoky styles, and gradient lenses to combine trends.





(Scales Flat Top Sunglasses, $18.00)
Tortoiseshell Frames: Embrace your bookish side with tortoiseshell this spring. While I did see a lot of round ones similar to John Lennon's look of choice, you can find looks that are a little more stylish and much easier to pull off! One of my top picks is a pair with an overall oversized shape, and while mine are from Nicole Miller, I found a similar pair at Urban Outfitters for you.

Meieli Sawyer Detoni

Getting Wise About Spring Accessories

Do you like to match your purse to your spring look? I do! The newest spring looks are really tricky, though, so I thought I'd go over what we're looking at for trends, and what affordable bags there are out there to match. My best advice is to avoid matching, go for subtle coordination, and work your current wardrobe to its maximum benefit.

Here's How:

(Small White Taylor Crystal Tote, baghaus)
1. Working the White Look: One spring trend that popped up just about everywhere was the cool white look, found on runways like Diane von Furstenberg's and Adam+Eve. Simple suits have a "will travel" feel, and your bag can match in two ways. Either choose a slim clutch for a jetsetter look, or go large and find a dramatic bag in white leather.

(Minaudiere Tube Clutch, baghaus)

2. One-Strap Dresses: Shop for special bags for all your new asymmetrical dresses. A heavy shoulder strap won't just look awkward with this style dress, but you might make your shoulder red or raw from rubbing. Who wants shoulder lines when you're wearing a new spring dress?



(Felix Rey Clutch, Bluefly.com)

3. Nude Gowns: Look for dresses that match fleshtone gowns in chiffons. Your best bet for this style would be a soft, delicate leather drawstring clutch or holdall that has feminine elements like chiffon, lace, or gold beads.

(Chloe Red "Calf" Medium Tote, Bluefly)

4. Tricky Tie-Dyes: Tie dyes are another spring pattern that's tough to match with your accessories. Instead of getting overwhelmed with multiple-color patterns, aim for your favorite color or for the trendiest of the bunch to highlight. If you don't want to spend too much time thinking that through, there's always black and white tie-dye patterns!

Top Teen Shopping Picks for the Week

I have a passion for teen clothes. Even though I'm past the point of bright short-shorts and spaghetti-strapped tank tops, I do love to buy them for others. And point everyone in the direction of great pieces! If you need a few ideas when shopping with a teen or if you are heading out for spring break vacation, you should take a look at some basic tops I hunted out at Wet Seal, with both "Dressing Up" and "Dressing Up" options for each!

My favorite tops this season are bright and fun. I love the extra patterns like checks, plaids, and even a little extra embroidery. With a simple skirt, your designs pop, and with something more refined, these bargain-rate pieces look a lot more costly. Take a look at what I've found for you.

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Surplus Plaid Babydoll Top, $15.50

The Plaid Babydoll Top from Wetseal is as stylish as it is affordable. It has a cool country flair but somehow manages to be at home with both denim and linen. Simple lines best complement this busy piece, so dig up some short shorts or a mini.

Dress It Up

Linen High Waist Shorts

These high-waisted shorts give your top a very blousy effect, which looks very cute with strappy sandals and an anklet! If you're the bikini type, this top works well with string types as well as your basic halters in plain coordinating colors.

Dress It Down

Perry Solid Short

Simple, fun shorts get you an "A+" every single time! Don't be afraid to push the envelope with some awesomely cool (and tiny) shorts that beg to be slipped on for pool lounging and couch lounging, too.

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Striped Bra Cup Cami, $15.50 How I adore this striped piece! If you're looking for something to maximize that bust or something to show off a little pre- spring break bronzing, I recommend this find from Wet Seal. It even has lightly padded bra cups for that extra boost!


Dress It Up

Satin Trim Trousers

There's no reason why something colorful shouldn't be paired with something very chic. You'll highlight the rainbow of colors in your top, while making it look like a little more refined. Perfect for hot nights out on spring break or layered underneath a wrap cardigan for work, with just the hem showing for a splash of color.

Dress It Down

Julie Skinny Jean

These jeans are basic and easy. Pull them on with flip flops on a day after the fun when you need to wing down. They're shapely but with a touch of stretch for ease.

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Embroidered Two-Pocket Tank Top, $22.50

Why not choose a top that's a little on the crunchy side this spring? This blue tank top comes encrusted with decorative designs and spells "F.U.N." It's definitely layering-worthy as well.


Dress It Up

High Waist Mini Thought that this top had a hippie vibe? Not anymore! You've joined the international jet-set crowd when you combine a bright white, trendy skirt with this soft pastel piece. Consider wearing it with a silk scarf, too.


Dress It Down

Brooklyn Bright Mini Rainbow bright, indeed! This skirt provides a welcome juxtaposition to your usual softer pastel wardrobe for springs. Take this top in another direction and see how things go.

Meieli Sawyer Detoni

Shopping at BagHaus.com

I'm not a sucker for full-on outfits copied from celebs, but it's always useful to get a few celebrity-inspired pieces each season. Your look stays current, you appear younger and more "with it," and your inspired purse costs less on top of it all, too.

I love my purses, and I make it a point to learn about one new resource a week-- just so I don't miss out on anything important. This week I headed off to Baghaus.com, where I got into the style of Jessica Simpson, Halle Berry, Reese Witherspoon, and more.

What Makes BagHaus a Worthy Stop:

The Pintucked Maison Bag, $47.00, is styled after the likes of Katherine Heigl and Victoria Beckham!


Their hefty selection of celeb photos. Click on an inspired bag, and you'll get lots of celebrity paparazzi photos along with them. Besides the "cool factor," you get a cheat sheet on how to wear your selected piece.

Barbara Bui-Inspired Metallic Purse
I love the "Compare to Designer Feature." It's such a great option! If you head over to their "Shop By" choices, you'll find a lengthy list including Chloe, Coach, Dolce and Gabbana, Miu Miu, Prada, and more. Take your pick-- I'm partial to the Barbara Bui inspired items, which appear to be constructed quite solidly indeed.


Mirror Evening Clutch, $45.00
Their clutches and evening bags are totally affordable. If you need a bag for a fancy event, ones from Baghaus range from $18 to $55.00. You get the style of a designer bag with the price of an easy piece, and what's even better is that (if you're interested, of course) you can "fool" more people into mistaking your purse for a designer one. A quick glimpse is the trick!


Extra Roomy Giraffe Prints Weekender, $50.00
Baughaus doesn't just feature classic pieces. You can get ahold of wild animal prints in styles similar to Dooney & Burke, and since the prices are so reasonable, you can get one bag for night and another for day in just one stop.


This Irina Shoulder Bag, $28.00, has been marked down from $50.00.
Prices seems to be slashed across the board. If you are a bargain hunter, this website could send you into shock! You'll save significantly when you purchase a bag from Baghaus right now.


Have a great time browsing at Baghaus.com!

Stuck on the Perfect Accessory for a Meeting? Not Anymore.

there are so many jobs out there that require you to dress the part: I work in fashion, which requires major upkeep, but my attorney, PR, and television friends all agree that constantly splashing out on new purses and accessories isn't exactly the best way to treat your budget nicely-- even if you have plenty of cash to spare.

Instead of settling for less or buying a similar purse from a low-end designer, you can rent a purse just for a special occasion and make an impression. When I first ran into Bag Borrow or Steal, I was a little skeptical: are they real designer purses? (Yes) Are there very high-level designers on the site? (Yes) Is normal wear-and-tear okay when I return the bag? (Yes!)

After I scheduled a string of Fashion Week meetings for myself, I invested in their Basic Plan, which starts at $5 if you pay for a year in advance. And then the browsing begins! There are features over at Bag Borrow or Steal that I find quite tempting, and you probably will, too, if you need a fast fix for a meeting.

#1. Collections Divided By Section: You can browse through purses separated by occasion or vacation, such as Resortwear or Weddings. This really helps-- sometimes I get stuck on whether a bag would be appropriate for an event. Now I don't have to.

#2. Comparison Pricing: If you decide not to buy a membership and instead want to shop like a guest, you can do that as well. When you click on a specific purse you like, from Kate Spade to Gucci, you can see the weekly and monthly payment plans for members and non-members. (I think a membership is worth it, as the differences in price can be significant.)

This Louis Vuitton Speedy purse can be borrowed for $85 per week at member pricing, or $123 for guests.

#3. New Items: Bag Borrow or Steal brings in new pieces from designer collections as they are released. You can be totally current without paying inflated prices-- and you can discover the ins-and-outs of certain purses before paying $2,000 and beyond.

#4. Certified Originals: I'm always stressing about fakes. You can really reduce your worry level when someone else has done the grunt work and verified authenticity for you.

#5. Last but not Least... Selection: I think that everyone can find a purse that works for any event and occasion-- the selection is vast.

Happy Shopping!

Jazz Up Your Work Gear with Ease

Do you have a new job? Are you looking for a way to dress up your current wardrobe and make it just right for spring? Thankfully, even in the most understated and professional work environments, you’ll find that there are ways to jazz up your look with simple accessories and smart styling elements.

1. Choose unusually colored pearls. Pearls may be a common accessory at your place of work, but you can get pearls that are natural and irregularly-shaped, or tiny, clustered seed pearls instead. I personally like this unusual Louis Vuitton Two-Pearl Monogram Charm in Yellow Gold, which you'll have for years and years to come.


2. Splurge on statement heels. If there’s one place where you can find an opportunity for expression, it’s your heels. Even if you wear suits, be sure to find pumps and stilettos with interesting design details, even if they must be all black.



3. Toss on a tote. Do you have to carry a lot on our way into the office? Take this opportunity to grab a tote with some style, or at least decorate a basic black one with a tied-on scarf and a few brooches. The Prada Signature Tote has a soft shape, but in basic black, it blends in with anything you have in that closet.

4. Get good post-work shoes. If you must wear heels during the day, your arches can hurt terribly. If you like to slip on comfortable shoes when you left work, get a pair that looks great so you won’t need to change back when you do errands.

5. Find white blouses with delicate details. There’s no reason why you can’t wear a blouse with fun, feminine details, especially if you cover it up with a blazer or a suit jacket all day. Find ruffled or lacy blouses that you actually enjoy wearing, and relish the opportunity to try something a little sexy under your work clothes. Mint Jodi Tanks from Shopbop are just one example of what you can wear underneath a blazer for work: they're simple, but add interest to an otherwise "blah" look.


6. Bank on the best lingerie. If you’re a lawyer or have a similarly restrictive job, wardrobe-wide, shop for lacey camisoles and garters to give you more confidence and add some bounce to your step. Stockings are the same—don’t wear pantyhose when you can wear something that’s three times as sexy and more comfortable.



7. Hair tricks and tips. If your hair is longer, you probably tie it back into a bun or a French twist for work. Instead of using the same old tired hair combs, get ones that are slightly more ornate but still offered in “safe” work colors. This Jeweled hair Clip from Forever 21, shown, is a great compromise that's well within any budget.