At Target you really can expect more, and pay less. In the tradition of Anna Sui, Isaac Mizrahi, and Jean Paul Gautier (his hush-hush line will debut this month), the latest high-end designer to hock his wares at Target is Carlos Falchi.  The Brazilian designer’s luxury handbags retail for about $3000 at upscale department stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks.
So ladies get ready, set, and go stock up on holiday gifts, because Falchi’s authentic-looking, faux snakeskin bags are available at Target ($19.99 to $49.99) through December 27.
Thanks to the generous folks at Target, I already have my large, patchwork satchel in …read more

It’s official, today is the first day of fall.  Even though the weather isn’t the least bit frosty, it’s still a good time to invest in a quality pair of gloves. 
During Fashion Week, I went to a cocktail presentation for Gaspar Gloves. Designed by third generation glover maker Dorothy Gaspar, the gloves were featured in designer Erin Fetherston’s feminine Spring 2010 runway show.
 
 
 
The gloves are also highly regarded in Hollywood and have been worn by leading ladies including Angelina Jolie (”The Changeling” ) and Michelle Pfieffer (as a fierce Cat Woman).
 
 
Gaspar gloves are like buttah, and I can’t wait to wear my black …read more

If I don’t say so myself, Hot Mama Daily has sponsored some great contests this summer.  The latest was the Sunglass Warehouse giveaway, and two randomly selected winners will each be awarded a $25 gift certificate for the shades of their choice.  And since all of the website’s designer-inspired sunglasses are less than $20, the winners can scoop up more than one pair. 
 
 
As part of the contest, I asked for your favorite beach getaway.  Here are the answers from the two lucky winners:
Jennifer King, 36,  of Bullard, Texas says, “Bahamas baby!”
Rosanne Morrison, 54, of Rockford, Illinois says, “I like Maui or …read more

It’s that time again.  After some thoughtful web surfing, I’m obsessing over several fashion items that will give my wardrobe the wow factor it’s been missing lately. 
Here are my latest picks:
 
If I made one costume jewelry splurge it would be on this vintage resin and floral detail necklace by Wendy Mink.  The “Dusky Pink Bib” necklace is one of a kind too, so I better grab it before it’s gone.
 
It’s time to start thinking about Fall fashion, and these ’80s new-wave-reminiscent boots are exactly what I need to kick my autumn wardrobe up a notch.  The synthetic “Skipper” boots are …read more

Whether you’re going on a weekend getaway or taking a stroll in the summer sun, you need a cool pair of shades.  So Hot Mama Daily will give two lucky readers each a $25 gift certificate for Sunglass Warehouse, the discount website the carries more than 1000 designer-inspired colors and styles of sunglasses, all starting at just $7.99!
 
 
 
Here’s how to win:

Respond to this post and tell me your favorite beach getaway.
Include your full name, email address, age, and hometown.

Hurry and enter.  Two winners will be selected at random, and the contest ends Monday, July 20 at 11:59 pm!
Image credit: Sunglass Warehouse

Why pay for an expensive up-do for your wedding or prom when you can use a HairZing?  Thanks to TV infomercials you’ve probably heard of EZCombs, but the HairZing is actually the original double comb hair accessory.
 
 
Since the combs are handcrafted by women artisans around the world, no two HairZings are exactly alike. They’re available in three sizes, and were created for women and girls with varying hair types and lengths.
 
 
My Goody bands are so 1994, and I need an alternative accessory to sweep up my double-strand twists.  So I can’t wait to get my HairZing from the brand’s African …read more

The Third Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards were announced earlier this week in New York City.  I couldn’t attend, but I’d like to congratulate the winners and spotlight Brazilian designer Alice Tapajos for Zibba, winner for “Best Handbag in Overall Style and Design.”  Her bags are like buttah, and I love her classic, chic design style.

 
The 55-year-old designer has worked in fashion since 1974 and her bags are sold in her native Rio de Janiero (one of my favorite cities in by the way).  
“I believe that fashion is an instrument that socializes and indicates the options of groups of …read more

This week I’m in a city sophisticate, “Hot Fun in the Summertime” mood — perhaps I’m thinking of how to dress to impress during my upcoming trip to Toronto. 
So here’s my weekly Hot Mama Daily roundup of “5 Things I Want Right Now”:

 
 
From top to bottom:

Banana Republic Pleated Sleeve V-Neck Dress in Red Coral
Forever 21’s Colorful Macrame Top
Target Merona “Eleora” Tortoise flat sandals
Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag
Rosena Sammi Indian Monsoon bangles (set of six)

 
Image credit: Forever 21, Banana Republic, Target, ShopBop, Rosena Sammi

Memorial Day Weekend means two things: cookouts (I wish someone would invite me to one) and sales (no invite required).  Oh, and if you reside near the water or were smart enough to plan a tropical getaway, the holiday weekend also means spending time on the beach.  
Wherever you’re headed this holiday weekend, be sure to stop by Old Navy on Saturday (May 23) for the $1 flip-flop sale.  That’s right, this Saturday you can score Old Navy flip-flops for only one buck!  But don’t be greedy — there’s a limit of five pair per customer.
 
 
 
Image credit: Old Navy

Peggy Li is a San Francisco-based designer whose work has been featured on TV’s “Private Practice,” “Buffy, the Vampire Slayer” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” as well as in the pages of teenVogue, Lucky and Oprah magazines.  
“I’ve had the good fortune to work with great people in the TV biz,” she says.  ”They know they can get pieces that are wearable or even tailored to their character from me. My work isn’t too trendy, but it’s always fashionable.”
The Taiwanese-American’s work is unique, easy to wear, and affordable.
She adds:  ”I make what I love — delicate, fun, feminine designs. I’m often inspired by fashion …read more