“a sub-genre of fantasy and speculative fiction that came into prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s. The term denotes works set in an era or world where steam power is still widely used—usually the 19th century, and often Victorian era England—but with prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy, such as fictional technological inventions like those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne, or real technological developments like the computer occurring at an earlier date.”

So Steampunk fashion and accessories are a clever mix of Edwardian/Victorian but with a harder more industrial edge and some Gypsy and Goth styles added into the mix. Very unique, and very distinctive. Let’s see some of the stuff:

Steampunk Buckle Dress $99.95

Fashion with (bad!) attitude. Buckles, straps and grommets are the hardware on our Steampunk dress-snap-buttoned in back, with buckled straps in front, and a front-center panel of black velveteen. Buckle-adjustable shoulder straps. 100% cotton twill.

Steampunk Scissors Necklace $63

This whimsical Steampunk necklace is given some extra magic with an enameled scissors charm. A garden of enamel flowers in crimson, plum, and copper blooms above the scissors and radiates with vintage watch gears. Vintage watch plates from Hamilton and Elgin peer from the flowers with Steampunk curiosity. A shooting star shines from within the flower garden. The assemblage grows upon a vintage stamping which I have enameled in a brilliant shade of red with purple and blue accents. The necklace is completed with gold tone vintage chain.

Lip Service Black Steampunk Military Jacket $54.00

Be a dapper dandy in this Victorian-era steampunk military jacket that features tails along with accent buttons.

Check out this Laundry by Shelli Segel Strapless Mini Dress on sale for 66% off!

$295 For members: $99

Another example of what you might find:

Gold Hawk Silk Georgiette Tunic: $325 For members: $130

Go here to sign up and take advantage of special online sales and events!

Bottega Veneta Structured Woven Tote: $2,300

Luxe, woven leather design with two compartments and a tie closure across the opening.

So, since that bag will never be owned by me, I have found some alternatives at more reasonable prices and you know….they’re just as handsome!

SR SQUARED by Sondra Roberts Woven Tote $120.00

There’s no place you wouldn’t be proud to sport this classic-chic tote from SR Squared by Sondra Roberts. Its sleek lines, tasteful details, and woven body show just the right combination of sophistication and fashionable impact.

ECHO Woven Shopper $29.95

Headed for the beach or pool–or even out for a fun day of shopping? Make sure this tote from ECHO tags along. Thick, woven straw gives it breezy, casual style and the size is just right to carry all your good-time gear.

Find more affordable handbags at Smarter.com.

From Kohls.com, here’s a little black dress you can dress up or down depending on which fabulous holiday party you are attending.

LC Lauren Conrad Strapless Dress: $50 On sale for $34.99

Pick a few more items (which won’t be too difficult) and make sure your total is over $75 and you will get free shipping! Offer expires November 18th, 2009 so hurry!

Check out other deals and find Khol’s coupons at CouponMountain.com.

Some of the top Dolce & Gabbana styles to check out this season:

Dolce & Gabbana Wallet Handbag: $469.00

Awe the crowd with this dandy little purse, sleek and elegant to pair with night or day looks!

Dolce & Gabbana Monokini: $207.00

Sweep the beach with this sassy style, brought to you in the best quality and cut from Dolce & Gabbana’s classic look.

Shop for more Dolce & Gabbana women’s clothing at Smarter.com.

Ponte Wrap Skirt: $29.90

Knit Drape Skirt: $28.90

Delphine Strapless Dress: $24.80

Leiko Bow Skirt: $39.90

Photo Credit: Instyle Magazine/September

Shop for more draped dresses at Smarter.com.

Here are the top 4 winter coats of the season, all under $50! Take a look at these fantastic finds:

Boston Harbour Women’s Faux Fur Sterling Jacket: $35.99

Macintosh Women’s Down Jacket with Pillow Collar from Overstock.com: $46.99

Shield Button Coat from Forever21.com: $42.80

Plain Fur Bubble Jacket from Rue21.com: $24.99

Shop through a variety of women’s jackets and coats at Smarter.com.

To get ready for your own movie premiere, here are some clothes to wear to the theatre in honor of the glitz and glamour that will glitter this screen:

Robert Rodriguez Glitter Strapless Dress: $594.00

Pleaser USA Thigh High Boots: $69.00

Shop for affordable women’s boots and women’s dresses.

Rise and shine!!! Metallics and mini dresses are back with a vengeance. The trend this season is sexy shine. As pictured Kim Kardashian and Elisa Dushku are showing us great examples of this trend done right. Forever 21 and American Apparel have some great alternatives we can all afford.

When choosing metallics there are a few things to consider:

1. The type of material of the garment:  Fabrics with shine if not chosen wisely can come across as low quality (cheap). To prevent this, try the item on first. Is there a stretch to the fabric or do you just look like roll of aluminum foil?

2. No Shine Overload:  I am all for glitz but sometimes there can be too much. If you are going to incorporate shine into your ensemble, please use discretion. Do not ever wear this fabric as a top and bottom. The fashion police will be called immediately. Choose one garment and stick to it.

3. Have Fun:  Metallics are all about fun and making statement. So OWN IT AND BE FIERCE.

Metallic Dusted Dress-Forever 21: $19.80

Foil Print Nylon Spandex-American Apparel: $48

Photo Credit: People.com

Bramble & Brown Cheltenham Ladies Laptop Case: $179.00

McKlein USA Limited Edition Glenview Leather Ladies’ Laptop Case: $128.00

Shop for affordable laptop bags at Smarter.com.