In fact – I loved it so much that I wanted to share some of my favorite red clutch purse picks, for almost any budget!

Let’s start with the high-end splurge:

Image: Neiman Marcus

That is a Christian Louboutin “Petal” satin evening bag.  Yes, it costs almost $1500, but it’s a Louboutin – you’re paying for quality here ladies!

My mid-range pick rings in at a more moderate $225:

Image: Neiman Marcus

That’s the “Caroline” clutch purse by designer Lauren Merkin, also in red satin.

My next pick isn’t made out of red satin, but at only $58, I can work with red faux croc:

Image: Rimistyle

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Red clutch purses for almost any budget

Did you love her look, but don’t have her budget?

Here are a few of my favorite picks for sparkly red-carpet bling without taking a new mortgage out on your house!

This pair of bangle bracelets from Chamak by Priya Kakkar will only set you back $31:

image: Bluefly

Want a wider bracelet?  The “Ice” bracelet from Rimistyle is 2″ wide and stretches to fit most wrists – and it’s only $28:

image: Rimistyle

You can get a matching set of three crystal pave bangle bracelets by Lee Angel for $78:

image: Bluefly

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Get Heidi Klum’s Oscar jewelry look for less

Freida Pinto wore this bright John Galliano gown from his Spring 2009 collection to the Oscars. The original was risque and edgy. The changes made to the gown were very much her style; classic and fun. I could have done without that extra detailing on that one sleeve though. Otherwise it was awesome.

Marion Cotillard, an Oscar winner from last year, wore a gown from Dior’s Haute Couture Collection of 2008.  If there were no alternations done from the runway look she most likely would have been a fashion don’t, but the alterations were absolutely spot on for the evening.

Tilda Swinton is always very prim and proper. The Oscars were no exception. She was wearing an off the Runway look from Lanvin Pre-Fall 2009 collection.

Miley Cyrus has struggled throughout this Awards Season to find an age appropriate look. She has looked way too old at each other the other too events, in my opinion. This Zahaur Murad Spring 2009 dress, however, fit perfectly and the glitz & glam was just enough to not go overboard.

Amanda Seyfried, from Mama Mia and Mean Girls wore the color of the evening, red and did it well in this Valentino Haute Couture dress from his Spring 2009 collection. She oozed confidence, but even if she wasn’t feel confident she could probably hide behind that giant bow on the dress.

Photos from: PR Photos

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Runway Looks from the 81st Annual Oscars

Actress Taraji P. Henson (”Queenie” in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) added a little red carpet to her style when she carried an elegant pleated red satin clutch purse.

There were a lot of classic metallic and crystal clutches on the red carpet last night, but I love the little added spice that the red added to her outfit.  It’s small enough that the color doesn’t overwhelm her outfit – but just sets it off nicely.

Tomorrow – my favorite picks for red clutch purses… all the way from “rent for a month” to bargain chic!

Image: Newscom

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Pretty red accents in a sea of white at the Oscars

Heidi Klum went for all-out glamour at last night’s Academy Awards… red satin ball gown, sparkling rings, earrings and bracelets.

But was it too much?

Let’s face it – we’re talking about Heidi Klum, one of the most attractive women on the face of the planet!  If her jewelry is overwhelming, what’s it going to look like on us mere mortals?

Don’t get me wrong, I love something sparkly as much as the next girl, but perhaps just one or two of those bracelets might have worked better?  How about just one big cocktail ring instead of a handful?

Still love the bling?  I’ll find some “real world”  picks to help you put together your own version of Heidi’s red carpet style in my next post.

Image: Newscom

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Heidi Klum and all those bracelets…

Celebrity hair stylist Robert Vetica (author of  Good to Great Hair), created this sort of new-take on the old-fave French Twist.

Vetica says he did this by first blow-drying Marion’s hair with a round brush using Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream to prevent frizz, and created a low side part. He then teased the hair all and shaped it into a full, lavish French Twist, rolled and pinned it in place, then used a rat tail comb to lift the crown and emphasize the volume from the back.

Can we do this at home? Trying to steal Oscar looks is half the fun of watching!

Image: Newscom

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Are You Coveting Marion Cotillard’s Twist?

1. Give the One Shoulder

One shoulder dresses throughout this Award Season have been all the rage. Try something like this Halston Long Wrap Dress if you loved the look that Sheryl Crowe sported during this year’s Grammy Awards.

2. Go Strapless

Strapless dresses are always a classic choice, from Jennifer Lopez to Mylie Cyrus most celebrities and luxury wearing fashionistas wear a strapless dresses now and then. Try this Gold Embroidered Marchesa dress if you want to go strapless.

3. Wear fabulous shoes.

Most commentators, like those on E! and NBC will ask “who are you wearing?” but do celebs usually tell them about their shoes? Rarely, unless you are watching E! and they put their shoe on their shoe cam, you’re rarely going to get a picture of their shoes, but, in the real world, shoes make the outfit. So, wear the heck out of those stunning shoes!

4. Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize!

Wear great earrings, necklaces, and rings. Of course, don’t go overboard. It all depends on the type of dress you are wearing. If you are wearing something strapless with a bit of detail, you may want to try some dangling bling. If you have some very subtle colors, black, white, or lavender, try some rings or necklaces.  Look at these Anita Ko Diamond Encrusted Panther Earrings. They’re interesting and could make your evening look pop.

5. Embrace the Greek

Angelina Jolie wears Greek inspired clothing well. Of course, not all of us can look like Angie everyday, but we can try! Check out this Roksanda Illincic number.

6. Wear Great Colors

Colors are all  over the place this Spring season, so why not do it in the evening as well? Pinks, Limes, Blues, Purples, you choose! Getting dressed up for a luxurious event means making bold decisions, so pick a bold color! Try this lime Alexander McQueen Silk Twist Front Dress.

7. Carry a clutch

No need to carry around your whole life in the evening, a cell phone, some lip gloss and a a little cash should be enough for the evening. Carrying a small handbag should be enough for you. Try this Celestina Abalone box clutch if you want to add a little bit of sparkle to your ensemble.

8. Cuffs

Cuffs are one of the top jewelry accessories for an evening out. Gold, Silver, expensive, inexpensive, they’ll make your friends talk like crazy. Look at this Tory Binns Blue Crystal Cuff for color and the cuff style.

9. Go Full Length

No need to always go above the knee for these types of events. Of course, dress for the event. For the Oscars, a long dress would probably be the best (unless your Abigail Bresslin) . However, for New Year’s Eve out and about from club to club, a short dress is not out of the question.  I love this Erdem Annecy Silk Gown (it’s floor length).

10. Wear Black

Trends come and go, so no matter what color may be in now, a black will always be right. So, if you can’t find the right color, always pick up a few black dresses and try those on before making a decision. I love this D&G Fitted Bustier Dress.

Now that we’ve come to an end,  just take note, see if all the celebrities did all of these things and keep a tally of the best and worst dressed of the Oscar Night!

Thanks again to Net-A-Porter.com for that great e-mail! Good luck Slumdog Millionaire I’m pulling for you!

Photos from: PR Photos & Bauer Griffin

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Ten Ways to Liven Up Your Oscar Wardrobe

I personally think they’re cute – not everyone could pull them off, but with the right attitude – those shoes are a fantastic punch of color!

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

lions, tigers & orange espadrilles, oh my