Fashion Blog

One of the fun little perks of being a woman (mysteriously left out of the great Rogers and Hammerstein classic, “I Enjoy being a Girl”) is the handbag.  The bag can be practical, cute, chic, elegant and endlessly useful.  They don’t call it arm candy for nothing.   So, what’s up with this no-calorie sweet treat for summer?  Let’s talk about totes you can take to the beach and the fresh city bag, the day clutch.

Take me with you:

Why is it that a little trip to the sand and sea requires so much stuff?  Towel, book, iPod, hair clip, water and if you forget the sunscreen, boy will you be sorry.  So, how to pack it without looking like you need one of those little rolling bags people use to run over your foot in the airport?  The tote.

I really love a metallic for the beach — there is something so flashy/trashy about sliver, gold or bronze against the sand.  Look for a canvas or plastic bag with metallic highlights or even an embossed leather to help withstand the wear and tear of a beach trip.  Leave the delicate calfskin or scarf silk at home unless you don’t mind the weathered look.  I love the St. Tropez glitz of the Carlos Falchi Snake Enbossed ‘Jill’ tote ($140) found on the ever popular Bluefly.com.

May I also suggest a practical canvas tote, here in a strong pop of summer color, by Tory Burch.

Tory Burch ‘Tory’ Canvas Tote: $235

In the Clutch:

Starting up last fall, the day clutch is still a clear trend this spring/summer season.  As always with warm weather, straw makes an appearance and a summery straw clutch with a ocean theme or bright color detail makes even your work suit feel summery and fresh.

For a more seasonless look, I am still distracted by the “tough” leather clutch for day.  The contrast of a slightly rough bag with a floaty summer dress or on trend flowing pant is about as good as it gets.  And, done in forever chic black or a strong burst of color, the clutch can stay with you well into fall.  Take a look at this chain detail cheap and chic bag from Urbanoutfitters.com….

Deux Lux Chain Flap Clutch: $42

….or the luxe to a fault poppy colored Lanvin on sale at Barneys.com.

Lavin Pop Chevre Clutch: $649 (was: $1,075)

These day clutches can really give you something to hold on to.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more clutch handbags and tote bags.
Discounts on Tory Burch totes and Carlos Falchi totes.

Alloy.com:  Free shipping on orders over $25 - AKFAFF (Exp: 06/11/09)

BlueFly.com:  $30 off $150 CMOUNTAIN30 (Exp: 05/31/09)

Find at Bluefly.com - Kooba Lave Pleated Leather ‘Olivia’ Convertible Clutch: $195

eDressMe.com:  10% off your purchase - couponmountain9 (Exp: 06/06/09)

Karmaloop: Instant $20 off orders over $100 - JUMBO (Exp 05/31/09)

Find at Karamaloop.com - The Back to Black Pull on Knit Legging Jean: $68 $54.95 on sale!

PinkMascera.com:  Take 10% off regular priced items SPRING10 (Exp: 05/31/09)

Piperlime: Take 15% off 3 or more pairs of wedding shoes - WEDDINGS (Exp: 05/31/09)

Find at Piperlime.com - Caparros Elriva: $89

Shoes.com: Save $10 off orders of $50 or greater - SPRING10 (Exp: 05/31/09)

UrbanOutfitters.com:  Save 15% on orders over $100 - SUNNY15 (Exp: 05/12/09)

Find more coupons and deals for top clothing and accessories stores here.

Good morning, this is Lisa Remi reporting live from the Smarter Fashion News Desk. I have just received breaking news on the latest fashion deals and amazing January discounts.

I can confirm that the fashion site - 6pm.com has astounding bargains available right now!

These stunning ‘Oh Deer- Garbo’ shoes are now available for $46.00 reduced from $79.00 an amazing 42% reduction!

An update has just come in…there are black patent clutch bags to match with spectacular discounts!

This beautiful Adele Clutch Bag from Elliott Luca has a hefty 52% reduction dropping from $162.00 to $78.20!

This ‘Rafe New York Conduit Flap’ Clutch bag is now $101.20 reduced from $199.00, a whopping discount of 49%!

This is unbelievable! Christin Micheals Apple Jeans are now $107.20 plummeting from$199.00! An enormous 46% reduction.

Extraordinary news coming in - you can purchase your summer dresses early and make substantial savings all at the same time!

This beautiful black Kat Dress from Matix Clothing Company is now $27.60 reduced from $50.00. A knockout  44% discount

Keep tuning in for more January sales and hot news.

This is Lisa Remi signing off, wishing you happy bargain hunting!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more Elliot Luca handbags.
Discounts on Christin Micheals jeans.
Buy Rafe New York handbags.

Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve!  Time to say ‘good-bye’ to a bittersweet 2008.  Time to bring new essential fashion pieces into your wardrobe for 2009.  You can start with this simple black clutch.  It’s super light and can be worn with casual or dressy attire.

Babee D Simply Black Clutch Handbag: $79.99 (Was: $165)

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop fore more Babee D handbags.
Discounts on black clutch handbags.

If you aren’t the type to get super festive with your wardrobe around the winter holidays, I think this red wallet (that can double as a clutch) is a perfect way to subtlety say, “Yes, I do enjoy the holidays, thank you.”  If you would rather die than wear a red sweater covered in evergreens, angels, or snow flakes, any nice red accessory will help you show a little holiday spirit.  Another reason I love this cluch/wallet is because it comes in many other colors like black and emerald.

Hobo International Milla: $49.99 (Was: $67.95)

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more red handbags.
Discounts on women’s red fashion accessories.

It’s the winter and all the brightness of homemade lemonade sunny days have faded away. We are sniffling with winter chills and shuffling through slushy streets. We dress the part, gone are the carnival colors of the summer, replaced with somber grays and muted  non-distinct colors. We dress how we feel, a little dreary, a little dull. Not me baby! I dropped out of the school of ‘dressing for the winter blues’ years ago. I can’t stand it. It’s depressing! Who died all ready?

Yes, I know it’ s  practical, yes i know it’s sensible, but it is also very very boring. One of my favorite winter coats is scarlet red. I’m not saying you have dress like a clown every time you leave the house (unless you want to), but there is a place for color even when it’s cold. You look better and you feel better too.

I am launching a winter color campaign and challenging every reader to try a bit of color this winter. As long as your outfit is put together well and you don’t over do it with the color you’ll be fine. For example,the other day I purchased a pair of red opaque tights. My friend looked at me like I just got hit in the head with a heavy object. Oh, but when I put them on with my black woolen dress, black dolly coat and very cute black patent dolly shoes, they realized my brain was in full working order. I received compliments all day long - just the way I like it.

I’m loving these Harlequin Shoe Boot from Red or Dead: $115.42

These will work with so many outfits, try a them with a nice pair of black, straight cut, woolen slacks. Add a black fitted polo neck. Hair pulled back in one (if your style permits) and medium hooped earrings. You will achieve a clean, smart look.

These elegant  Double Buckle court shoes from New Look will great with a chic pencil skirt. They are now half price reduced from $30.20 to $15.10

I have included these luxurious Patent Leather Coral Wedges from Miu Miu, $439 (yikes!) Again, wear them with a sleek black outfit or a pretty party dress. Find them on Net- a- Porter.

This Seat Belt Bag from Harveys offers you color, glamour and something different. $116.28 down from $182.00

This Tutty Frutty Clutch from Sheena May is a delicious treat packed with color and happiness.   Find it on The Style Mansion for $90.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more clutch handbags.
                                        Discounts on women’s shoes.

Here is a treat for everyone this lovely Friday morning:  eBags is offering an extra 20% off coupon for Smarter.com users.  Just click here and your coupon will be applied automatically.  You will see the “After 20% off” price on all applicable items.

Here are some items for under $150 I personally like that this coupon can be applied to:

       Elaine Turner Paige Bronze Satchel: $135.99 after coupon    

          Perlina Leather Business Brief: $124 after coupon

       Kenneth Cole Motorway Clutch: $126.40 after coupon

Now go get some holiday shopping out of the way!

Wear this black clutch style wallet with a solid deep purple or red dress and you’ll be turning heads for sure.  Prints will only take away from the pretty shimmer detail in the middle.  It also comes in “moss” which is a great metallic color for fall.

Calvin Klein - Shimmer Zip Continental:  $73.80 (Was: $82.00)

*Don’t forget!  Zappos offers free shipping both ways.

So, these two girls walk in to a rest stop along the Pennsylvania Turnpike.  How do people know that they are from the city? 

A) They make a beeline for the Starbucks coffee stand, order a double shot nonfat cappuccino and grande mocha java chip;
B) Cappuccino is wearing high-waisted shorts, while Java Chip is donning matching gold accessories, down to the buckle of her shoes;
C) wafts of Chanel No. 5 replace the usual roadkill-leather stained odor;
D) All of the above.

Quite an easy answer…don’t you wish you could be this glamorous? In the city it’s all about making a 2 second fashion statement before another gal comes strutting down the street in something bigger and better than your threads. But, the country is a whole new frontier of fashion. Here’s some easy tips on how to look fabulous while traveling to the country, and not get kicked out of Amish country:

1. Accessorize. Nothing says “class” or “well-kept” like matching accessories. Go for the gold on this one, like model Lindsy Ray while traipsing through a field of cornstalks. Even down to the buckle on her purse, it’s all about thought-out additions to an already glamorous you.

2. Anticipate your surroundings. Traveling through the countryside makes for some bumpy roads and uneven footing. Get ready: pointy heels and ballet flats are not the best choice if you want to avoid the dust, muck, and field mice. Try some thick boots like Lindsy does…proper footing makes you more likely to look up and enjoy your surroundings, instead of staring down at your ruined heels.

3. Enjoy the greenery. In all of your efforts to maintain your city fashionista aesthetic, take a little time to wind down and enjoy all the green that surrounds you. Wear some fun and flirty fabrics and designs that wouldn’t fly on the subway. Bust out the shortie overalls and take the tractor for a spin. Enjoy some fresh cow’s milk and corn hand-picked from the stalk, and for (two seconds) don’t think about the calories. Sometimes, the understated fashion is the best of all.

To get Ms. Lindsy Ray’s looks, try the pink strapless dress from Forever 21,

A pearl chain necklace from Charlotte Russe…

…and a golden yellow clutch from Guess.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more strapless dresses.
                                        Shop for more gold necklaces.
                                        Shop for more clutch handbags.

Images by Colleen Brogan (Check out more work from Lindsy Ray here).

This clutch isn’t said to be vintage inspired, but it reminds me of a bag that Audrey Hepburn would have worn with one of her pretty dresses in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.  The bold gold hardware would have really made her subtle blonde highlights pop.  It’s on sale for under $200….love it!

Jill Stuart Sophia Patent Clutch: $146.25 (Was: $195.00)

Shop for more clutches.
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