Fashion Blog

Okay, your reaction was probably something like…”What?! How about under $50?” kind of close, or something like it? Well, I know $200 is steep these days, but if you’re planning on investing money into a handbag, a nice one at that, you will unfortunately have to pay the price. Yes, yes, we’ve gone over this a million times before. I won’t try to convince you anymore of this. Instead, I will show you some great bags for under $200…just as I promised.  I guess everyone loves a deal because the first handbag I eyed on Nordstrom.com, a Steve Madden Crossbody Drawstring bag was already out of stock! It must have been it’s reasonable price of $180, a steal for colorblocked butter leather…oh well, we shall say farewell to this and move on, there’s plenty more where that came from.

All right, some “rockstar” ruffles never hurt I guess, and plus I haven’t picked any Betsey Johnson goods in a while. I do love the color of this satchel…I’m always a sucker for olive green. The ruffles are fun, I just wish it were a different shape is all. I prefer over the shoulder bags always. I have a secret fear of leaving behind a bag I have to carry on my arm or with my hand. Shoulder is best, but this one’s still pretty cute.

The ruffles are snake embossed on this bag. This one should turn some heads!

Betsey Johnson ‘Rockstar Ruffle’ Satchel $179.90

Now this next bag is one I REALLY like. It’s not only a better price, but the design is obscure yet drawing.

I love this Marc by Marc tote bag. A multicolored backdrop with little white clouds here and there makes this tote funky yet almost a little classic looking. Not sure if I’d use this in the fall or winter…probably not, but it would be perfect to start using again come February and keep using through the end of September. $117.60 is a high price for cotton canvas, but just by taking one look at this bag you know you are paying a higher sale price for the design and label. How can you resist?

Marc by Marc Jacobs Women’s Locket Pocket Big Tote, $117.60

So, this last one doesn’t qualify as a “handbag” officially, seeing as how it’s a mini pouch! But, I couldn’t resist this one.

How cute is this little zipper pouch! It’s meant to strap onto a larger See by Chloe satchel bag, which is not under $200 so is not included in this post, BUT it is the best shade of mustard yellow I’ve ever seen and of course I fell in love with it because it says “Dance or Die.” PERFECT! This is my new theme in life. It even has a little record player at the very bottom that seems to be playing out the words. The small graphic design is brilliant, and I would splurge on this and use it as a going out, bar hopping ID and lipstick bag. It seems to be just the right size for this, and strapping around my wrist as I dance the night away…

See by Chloe Dance or Die Small Pouch $66.50

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more handbags.

The ruffle collar on this little number makes it so hot!  The puff sleeves make it so lady-like.  If you check out the multiple views you can see the pretty detail on the top.  Cute strappy heels or bold colored pump would perfect this outfit.

Betsey Johnson Solid Charmeuse Dress: $190.71 (Was: $355.00)

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more Betsey Johnson dresses.
Discounts on charmeuse dresses,

Okay, I will admit it.  I am so done with winter.  I cannot wait for the spring/summer.  I am sick of heavy coats and sweaters, etc.  I want to be free.  Just the thought of wearing something light and flowy makes me smile.  So, as I was gathering up some info for this post, I happen to come across this fabulous little frock by Betsey Johnson.  This is the answer to my prayers.  I can see myself wearing this little number just about anywhere and most importantly, it looks so comfortable.

Isn’t it just the cutest thing?

Betsey Johnson 70′S Butterfly Print Slip Dress: $163.80 on sale (Thats 47% off MSRP of $310.00.  Can anyone say bargain!!)

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more Betsey Johnson dresses.
Discounts on slip dresses.

I’m a huge fan of “The Look for Less” articles that take outrageous runway fashions (and prices) and make them reachable for the common shopper or mall crawler. I always wished, though, that writers would do it with something other than just the runway, like movie stills or posters, television shows, actors and actresses on their days off, etc. There’s so many more looks to aspire to than the levels of excess at the runway! What better place to start than the mother of all stiletto and sequins addictions, Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City?

Carrie’s fashion, throughout the television series, at times offended me by the excess of sequins, tweed, knits, bows and ribbons (it was a bit too runway for me) but the poster to the Sex and the City: The Movie was positively tantalizing. Sharp, sultry, sassy…there’s no better look to go for.

Standout blue dress, never to be outdone by it’s competitors. Perfect for a night at a trendy restaurant: Betsey Johnson, $325.00 (Also, comes in black here)

A faceted oval gem necklace will add a little glitz to your look, but not take away from the dress: Express, $19.50

Grab a pair of fishnet stockings to add a hard edge to your girlie chic dress: Galapagos Boutique, $14.00

Don’t forget your favorite blue eyeshadow, and you’re good to go!  Carrie would be proud to see you strut your stuff.                            

Sex in the City: The Movie Image Source: FirstShowing.net

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop through all women’s dresses.
                                        Shop for more necklaces.                                       
                                        Shop for more fishnet stockings.
                                        

Once again, Betsey Johnson is awesome.  Check out this wonderfully unique studded leather bag.   I love the pleating on the front & back.  The lip charm that comes with it on the side gives it that Betsey personality.  It also comes in white with gold studding & a gold lip chain.   Super cute.

Betsey Johnson On The Nail Shopper: $300 (Was: $375)

When it comes to Betsey Johnson, she is definitely at the top of my list of favorite designers, hands down. When it comes to frills, floral, and funk, no other designer holds a candle to good old BJ. Her novelty line, Betseyville, eponymous with her villa in Mexico, has really taken flight the last few years and it’s not hard to see why. It’s the same Betsey, with a more affordable price tag attached.

My personal pick this week is the Betseyville by Betsey Johnson ‘Victoria’ Wedge. The floral print reminds me of BJ’s early designs, and the wedges come in bright yellow (my fave), teal, and white. With summertime officially five weeks away, these wedges would be perfect with a little sundress. If you’re feeling a little leggy, pair them with some shorts, just like the pin-up girls did in the good ol’ days.

These are 40% off right now at Nordstrom.com!

Betseyville by Betsey Johnson ‘Victoria’ Wedges: $46.90 (was $79.95)

I love Betsey Johnson & her not-so-typical fashion sense.  Take these fuchsia “Watson” Petent Peeptoe Pumps.  You may not think you will wear these often enough to spend over 100 bucks on them, but they are on sale for about $85 bucks…so why not!  If this color is a little much for you, they come in black patent as well.

Betsey Johnson Watson Patent Peeptoe Pumps: $84.99 (Was $170.00)

Here’s the latest from Fashion Week Fall 08:

Betsey Johnson was her classic self, with an over-the-top, but still pretty wearable collection. I loved everything about it, from the beatnik theme to the sampling of every decade since Kerouac and the beat ruled the underground. Check it out!

At Marc by Marc Jacobs, punky plaid, zipper details and voluminous collars were on display. Bows, sequins and….are those pantaloons I see?