March 12, 2008

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.

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(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.




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(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.




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(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? ;)




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(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.




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(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

March 06, 2008

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:

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(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.


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(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?


Prodimagems
(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.


Prodimagems_2

(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!

February 25, 2008

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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39322401363_lg 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

39150189539_lg 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

153869_tea_w 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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3932341510_lg 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

4409466101 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

4032721601 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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39093127545_lg 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

39086037100_lg 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

154185_yel_w 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


February 14, 2008

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:

Pintucked Maison Bag

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.

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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

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!
Giraffe Prints Weekender

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.
Irina Shoulder Bag

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!

February 07, 2008

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.)

Louis Vuitton Speedy purse

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!

January 25, 2008

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.

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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.


Prada Signature Tote
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.

Mint Jodi Tank
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.


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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.

June 04, 2007

Watches to Watch

Just when you thought the fashion industry couldn't throw another accessory at you, they go and do it again. This time around it's the wristwatch you need to keep track of, but (of course) it must have a fashionable twist to be in vogue this spring and summer.

The wristwatch has been a stable in people's wardrobes for so many years, because it has the benefit of being one of the few fashion accessories that is actually functional in a very practical sense. The wristwatch, however, has gone through many stages and progressions just like its fellow accessories from shoes and handbags to other various jewelry items.

So what's hot this season? Well…it turns out there's a little something for everyone.

-The Bold
I've said it before, but the word of the day for the fashion industry is "bold." Everything from bags to bracelets to sunglasses seem to require a super-sizing before they adequately pass the fashion test. And the wristwatch is no exception.
So, if you want your watch to adequately reflect your fashion savvy, go for bigger-bigger bands, bigger faces, bigger everything.
Try an extra wide leather cuff with an oversized face for a slightly edgy look. Keep in mind, leather bands are a tried and true favorite.
Or, if you want to go for the glam meets rock style, try a wide metal mesh band in gold or silver. (Keep the cost down by going with cheaper metals like nickel.)

-The Beautiful
Gone are the days of believing watches are merely a device you throw on your wrist and glance at periodically for the time. In fact, in the world of fashion, watches must always serve two basic functions. And telling time is the least important of the two…
There has been a noticeable trend in the past few years for watches to become increasingly decorative, ornate, and generally beautiful. If your watch face doesn't bear numbers, it's no longer an issue that warrants a curious eyebrow raise. Heck, it's perfectly acceptable for your watch face to not even have hands!
The watch is so much more about the look now. It's basically a bracelet dressed up in a functional disguise. So just as you have an array of bracelets, feel free to experiment with multiple watches. Whether you like them covered in jewels, without a clasp (some can be worn like a bangle or cuff), or adorned with charms and baubles, watches are the newest place to play with your accessories.

Some trends to keep your eye on…(that you'll want to jump on before they go out of style):
-Overtly metallic look: it's everywhere on our shoes and our handbags, and watches are the next place the metallic look is taking over.

-Bright colors: No matter what kind of band or face you prefer, pastel colors are all the rage. Muted greens, pinks, yellows, and blues are very popular and perfect for spring. And, of course, white is the quintessential color for versatility and style.

Good luck, and happy shopping!

by Liz Herrin

March 26, 2007

Hot Accessories for Spring 2007

You hear it over and over again: accessories make the outfit. But it’s easier than ever to appreciate this fashion truism when accessories are a prominent player in the fashion world.

Spring 2007 is just such a time. It’s been a long while since handbags, hair bands, jewelry, and shoes played such an integral part in every fashion-forward person’s wardrobe. But whatever the reason for this shift, accessories are here, and you should indulge before the fad fades.

Jewelry
On the jewelry front, it’s hard to go wrong this spring if you stick to prominent necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings. Just make it noticeable, make it flashy, and you’ve made it stylish. Layer up your necklaces, keep them long, and place them over a solid toned plunging neckline. (Think the new Chanel necklace with black pearl beads and crystal double C logo.)
Try spicing up your going out outfit with an oversized rhinestone ring. Or you can always stick to the tried and true enameled bangle bracelets. Double ‘em up, triple ‘em up or even wear ‘em single.

Head Bands
Head bands are no longer just for the 80s. In fact, head bands are quintessentially modern this spring, but the key is keeping the fabric fresh. Try patent leather in cherry red or jet black. Or if you want to stay truly cutting edge, try on the newest pattern craze for size: python. Pair them with a pair of python pumps, and you’re officially dangerous. (That’s a good thing in the fashion world…)

Sunglasses
Sunglasses are still big this season. Really big. Not only are the superstar large frames still popular, spring 2007 is taking it one step further. So if you think your glasses from last season were large, kick it up a few more inches to stay in vogue.
Also, pick up some tortoise shell rimmed frames rather than solid black and really stand out in a crowd…while still managing to stay anonymous!
Or try the ultra-modern sleek, streamlined look of silver metal frames for a fresh look.

Metal…Everything
Strange as it may seem, metal is the new way to be soft and feminine this spring. Silver and gold tones are cropping up everywhere from pumps to slingbacks to clutches to eyewear.
Solid gold, silver, and bronze are modern and clean, sophisticated and trendy. The color is bold but simple so get all the individual style from interesting designs—straps on sandals and charms on bags.
And, of course, don’t forget to go metallic with the makeup, especially around the eyes.

Good luck, and happy shopping!

by Meieli Sawyer Detoni

March 23, 2007

Hats: Let's Bring 'Em Back (Please?)

It's probably just me, but spring gets me thinking about hats. After heavy knit ones—even the cutest mohair ones get to be a pain come mid-winter—I just want to accessorize with the hottest hats around. Silk ones, close-fitting ones, super-beachy straw hats. . . there are so many options for a good spring hat. And if you never wear one? Well, this is the time to try it!

Ladies hats used to be essential accessories, and then they just disappeared. But just like a stunning pair of shoes, hats can really set off a pretty basic outfit and step them up to a polished level. They're like the knee-high boots of spring, and every self-respecting fashionista needs to get herself one.

Turbans
Cool hats I've found include the turban. Yes, the turban! I swear that these cool hats can be worked into your wardrobe for spring, and I'll show you how. Turbans used to represent power and beauty, and were worn by Hollywood greats like Elizabeth Taylor.

Get daring and try a turban. You don't even have to buy it, but a turban could really suit you and it doesn't hurt to try one on. We saw turbans at Prada's Spring/Summer show, in Madonna's “M” collection and even on celeb Ashley (as in Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen) this spring. For a reasonable turban effect without the full commitment, you can also try a turban-effect headband or full scarf wrap around the head.

Bucket hats
If you can't stomach the turban look but you do crave a hat that stays close to the head, I would suggest the ever-popular bucket. Dolce and Gabbana had a great version in floral on the runways for spring, and as long as you like wearing your hear down, a bucket hat will most definitely suit you.

One word of caution about bucket hats: do not drive wearing one, or ride a bike, either! You may think that I am crazy, but bucket hats really do impede peripheral vision. It's like putting on your newest pair of super dark sunglasses and trying to navigate through a part of town you've never been to. You have no idea why you can't see the signs well until you take off your sunglasses. Just a warning!

Straw hats
If you've never had the pleasure of wearing a straw hat to the beach, then this is an essential. Straw hats can be found in any shape and size to suit you, so if you've got thick hair or a larger hat size, straw hats give you a lot more options to choose from. I love the floppy styles for a little '70s glam.

Where to find your hat for spring? I have had luck finding bucket hats on Yoox.com, while you can also get straw hats from places like Victorias Secret and Delias. Good luck finding one!

by Meieli Sawyer Detoni

February 15, 2007

Face it

Come on, let's face it…your favorite pair of earrings that you died to purchase from the department store without waiting for the sale looks a whole lot better in the display case than they do on your face. This is a common problem for most people as we all have very different face shapes and body types, and well, everything just doesn't look great on everybody. To understand what type of accessories flatter you, you must first determine what facial shape you possess as well as your specific stature.

Take a look in a mirror…is your face oval? An oval face is characterized by being a little longer than it is wide possessing prominent cheekbones that are soft and curved. If it is, praise God and your parents. An oval face is the most typical and ideal face. If you possess this trait, congratulations because every hair cut and every earring looks great on you. However, if you are not an oval, read on to find the best items to work with your facial shape.

Heart-shaped faces are those characterized by a forehead that is wider with strong, prominent cheekbones that lack the smoothness of curves and a narrow chin. Individuals who have this shape are looking for balance. Try adding equilibrium to your features by choosing teardrop and grand hoop earrings that will reverse the shape of your face. Make sure the oval is large enough to droop in a long slender drop to help narrow your forehead. Make sure the earring is actually an oval, and not a rounded. They must be teardrops to add depth.

One very common shape for many people is the round face. This is characterized by having a full face that is in equal in width and length; however, the cheeks are of course the fullest feature. The many individuals with this facial trait need to look for earrings and accessories that are narrow and slimming. Long slender drops are great. Make sure that the pieces are falling in a long and learn pattern so that it slims your cheeks and creates a more softer and delicate look.

Most women love studs, but women who possess a rectangular shaped face give these classic earrings the best over all look. To soften the width around the middle of a rectangular face opt for round, balls, and studs. It is quite all right for the earrings to drop off the ear a little, but the main focal point is the shape of the earring which is simply round! A rectangular face is characterized by having the same width at the jaw line and forehead, but yet a longer face.

Now if your brow bone, cheekbone, forehead, and jaw line are all the same width you know that is a square. Four sides, all the same size makes a square in math, geometry and in faces. Now in making the most of the squareness of your face opt for large round or hoop earrings that add curves to your one dimensional face. The rounded edges of hoop earrings are the perfect balance for a square face. Try several different types of hoops and even earrings with double loops. The outcome will be stunning on your facial type.

by Tiffany J. Prewitt

January 31, 2007

It’s All About the Details

One of the things every aspiring fashionista learns very quickly is that fashion is never only about the clothes.
Of course, clothes are important. But to really stand out in a crowd, you need more than just a nice outfit.

Fashion is a way of life. It’s a persona. And most important to understanding this—it’s all about the details.

To help illustrate this point, the following is a short list of all those little finishing details you’ll need to successfully complete “the look”:

-Accessories, Accessories, Accessories
What’s an outfit without accessories? It’s not really much of anything. If you want to stand out, try large, colorful, and bold jewelry. You’d be surprised what one well-picked necklace can do for a dress.
If you want to remain sophisticated yet sexy, couple your clothes with a classic handbag. You’ll notice most fashion devotees swear they feel naked without their purse. That should tell you something. Don’t leave home without it!

-Shoes
Ah, shoes. If you’ve ever heard the phrase “the shoes make the outfit,” you have an idea how important they can be. Unfortunately, even the best of shoes can’t save a really atrocious outfit. But bad shoes can certainly destroy a carefully chosen one. The main thing is to make sure the color(s) in the shoes don’t clash with anything in the clothes. And never forget, heels go with just about anything.

-You!
The most important finishing detail for every outfit is you. If you don’t feel comfortable in your clothes, it will show. The first step to looking fantastic is believing you look fantastic. And sure enough, everyone else will start to believe it too.
So always pick cuts that suit your body type. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your outfits, but stay true to your sense of style. And take a few risks, even if it means going for that new haircut you’ve been too scared to get.

Happy shopping!

by Liz Herrin

December 15, 2006

Favorite Esprit Accessories for Winter

No one can resist a good sale, and we're all out to find some bargains. If Esprit doesn't come first to mind when someone mentions a good bargains, then you'll be as pleasantly surprised as I was to check out their current sale.

Pick up some winter accessories if you're somewhere snowy, or send some to a person who is!

Our list:

•Cute beanie: Cable knit or not? Esprit's got some very good choices in solid colors with the signature label for a tiny accent. Beanies are cute hats for weekend wear and also for “non-hat-wearers” like myself—they're the least conspicuous. I couldn't resist the prices. (They start at 9.99!) Enjoy.

•Pashmina Shawl: If you don't have one, let these jump-start your collection. Pashminas are perfect for winter wardrobe boredom; you can dress up all your jackets with a new dash or color or make your overcoat a tad more chic for night. Buy one in powder pink and one in black at Esprit's very happy prices.

•Esprit shopper: This classic Esprit shopper is available in a dark red or a black. If yours is getting grungy, try this one on for size!

•Slippers: Okay, you won't be wearing them outside, but they're still a winter staple. Furry ones are right at home by the fire. My personal favorite are the Kitty ones, but there are regular styles available like the Homeslipper. For our friends closer to the equator, slip on the Ghitti Slippers to keep your feet looking hot, but not too warm. These slippers are in a satin ballerina style with beaded accents—get them now! A steal at $24.99.

Follow my lead and head to www.espritshop.com for some great bargains.

by Meieli Sawyer Detoni

December 07, 2006

Accessorize With Your Heart

Sure, we've all heard that accessories make the woman, or man for that matter. We've heard that accessories are the way to complete any outfit and create a look. Knowing what to accessorize an outfit with can be a challenge to some and a simple task for others. However, you do not have to despair that you will go through your life as one of the accessory-challenged. There really is hope for anyone!

There is just one simple thing to know about accessorizing. Some people use their innate sense of style, others use a personal shopper and still others copy celebrities or icons of fashion.
This may be someone's sense of style, but it doesn't mean it is yours. Accessories are actually all about expressing your personality in your own unique way.

You should always choose accessories that make you feel good about yourself, and seem to speak to others about who you are. This is true even if you are the type of person that likes to pair vintage jewelry with an Old Navy sweatshirt that belonged to your last boyfriend. Or you are the kind of person who thinks that head to toe yellow gives a hint to your inner sunshine!

Life is what you make of it, and it is too short to worry about whether or not you have chosen the right handbag for the right purse. Even if someone thinks your choice of flamboyant copper metallic handbag does not really go with your black pinstripe suit, who cares? It is you, and that is all that matters.
Accessorizing is not about following the rules. It is about following your heart and indulging your desire for things that make you feel good about yourself.

So throw caution to the winds and accessorize to your heart's content! Finish off those outfits in any way you want. Walk proud and show off your ability to accessorize with your heart instead of your latest copy of Cosmo. You know you have it in you!

by Christena Palmer