Sure we all want handbags that are functional and versatile to take us from the office to the weekend. But sometimes, one wants a handbag (or two) that is just pretty and feminine. Cue in Lanvin!
Lanvin handbags are a fun and functional mix of chains, ribbons and leather. While with some handbags with that combination can end up looking tacky (some Juicy Couture bags come to mind…), Lanvin knows how to keep things balanced.
The gorgeous and lady like Lanvin Happy Shoulder Bag ($1695) reminds me of the Chanel flap bags but with a twist. The twist is the black velvet …read more

For this week’s best of Sass, Style & Substance beauty & fashion news!

Eat Smart Age Smart
6 Steps to feel sexy in your body!
Beauty Match
Change your mind, change your body, change your life!

eye4style
Cutting Edge or Questionable? You decide. eye4style tells all about a new plastic surgery iPhone application.
A Touch of Blusher
A Touch of Blusher counts down the best fall 2009 makeup collections.
STYLEnosh
My readers find the best fashion WHAT WENT WRONG pics!
Splendicity Accessories
Lace accessories are showing up all over the place – although Lady Gaga shows us how to not wear it…

Have …read more

The 2009 MTV Europe Music Awards took place in Berlin yesterday evening.
Like almost any award show, there was a mix of high fashion, trends and some… interesting choices by some of the stars.
Singer Joss Stone sported a serious pair of colorful earrings:
I love the color contrast between her hair and the shades of blue and turquoise that the pave hoop earrings are made with.
If you’d like to try out a pair of colorful hoop earrings, but aren’t sure if you want to go quite that big, I’ve got a few fun and stylish picks to choose from.
The tile hoop earrings …read more

If you haven’t checked out the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale event, you going to miss out on a lot of fabulous handbags at incredible prices! They have loads of styles available for any taste and preference and I picked out a few handbags under $200 that you may just want to snap up.
MICHAEL Michael Kors Large Leather Hobo ($149.90) in Cognac or Black. This is your classic, all around versatile bag that will take you from work to weekends. The style is simple but stylish and functional.
Elliott Lucca Woven Side Panel Double Handle Hobo ($198.90) – If you want to infuse …read more

I posted about some of the great deals you could find on shoes during Nordstrom’s half-yearly sale a little earlier…
But now it’s time to have some fun with the sparkly stuff!
First of all, if you’re a Juicy Couture fan – you’re definitely going to want to check the sale out.  They have tons of Juicy charms, necklaces, rings and bracelets on sale.  That includes:

Juicy Couture’s “Blooming” bracelet, featuring enamel flowers and butterflies on a multi-strand gold-tone bracelet.
How about something in sterling silver?

These delicate hoop earrings by Judith Jack feature fresh-water pearl drops, on marcasite and sterling silver hoops.
Or you could …read more

It’s time for Nordstrom’s half-yearly sale and they’ve got some great deals on right now!
You can find everything from trendy boots, athletic shoes and timeless classics on sale.  Of course, like any sale – things are sure to sell out fast, so don’t wait…

If you’d like to try out the over-the-knee boot trend, why not do it with this great pair from Enzo Angiolini?  The “Zakari” is made from gray suede and adjusts with a drawstring around the cuff.

The “Polite” metallic gold leather  evening sandal by Jimmy Choo will make a timeless addition to your shoe wardrobe.  And when it’s …read more

Since coming back from our cruise on Sunday, I’m still a bit on “cruise mode” (I miss hanging out at the Lido deck! ).  This of course, has not affected my love for handbags because I thought it would be fun to check out what Gucci had in store for their Cruise Collection.
Similar to a resort collection, a cruise collection features clothing and accessories target for holiday travel to warmer climates.  These small collections are a wonderful way to pick up a fun new accessory, to use now and in Spring and Summer, even if you’re not traveling.
Whilst …read more

Jeremy Scott is known for creating avant garde collections that have incorporated whimsical cultural pieces like Mickey Mouse ears, 60’s diner waitress outfits, and fabrics patterned with cartoon images of fast food menu items.  He is creative and takes risks with his designs.
Linda Farrow recently said: “It’s easy to see that his satin, silk, and taffeta collections are narcissistic without apology, theatrical beyond repair, and designed for women who love to dress up and play the part of the ultimate diva.”  Okay that’s a pretty good description…now I definitely get the picture.  Linda Farrow teamed up with Jeremy Scott to …read more

Lace has an interesting reputation in the fashion world.  It can be demure and feminine, or it can be sexy and very naughty.  It all depends on how it’s used.
And then there are ways that lace should never be used…

image: Zuma Press

I will admit to being entirely sure what Lady Gaga is wearing over her face.  Widow’s veil gone wrong?  Was she attacked by a rogue fascinator?
In any case, lace (when properly used, please and thank you) can make a lovely addition to your accessories wardrobe.
After all, it makes gorgeous shawls:
Cashmere plisse & lace shawl by Valentino.
And it can be …read more

If you’d like to rock some seriously sparkly crystals on your wrist this fall, but want to try something other than the normal clear – why not check out some black stones?
Faceted black stones or crystal jewelry adds an interesting twist to the chunky crystal jewelry that’s popular right now.
This faceted onyx bracelet by Bounkit is an elegant addition to your holiday jewelry wardrobe:

image: Saks 5th Avenue
It’s made from faceted black onyx ovals, set into a 24kt gold-plated brass cuff bracelet.  The cuff is hinged for ease of wearing.
At $615.00 US it’s also pretty tough on the budget…
If you …read more