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.

Are you one of those fortunate people who have extremely fashionable mothers, aunts, or grandmothers?  Maybe they have carefully maintained the styles of their childhoods, with 50’s updos and Jackie O fitted, quilted dresses.  Or maybe you have a mother or aunt who’s closet is better than a vintage store because their fringed vests and maxi dresses are perfectly your size.  In exchange, you offer knee-high boots and the occasional foxy fur trench coat.  But let’s think outside the box for a second, shall we:  what fashions of today can both mothers and daughters invest in, and enjoy, in their own separate styles, ages and daily lives?  Here are some picks and tips for how you and your mom can style a piece to fit your personal needs, and think of every price as halfsies!

Steven Madden Women’s Clubbin Studded Ankle Boot: $159.95

Available in full and half sizes from 5.5-10, these beautiful sexy studded ankle boots are uber fashionable and classic with a slight rocker-punk edge.  You will love pairing these with some skinny jeans and a sparkly top for a night on the town, and your mom will love the fresh facelift these boots will bring to her afternoon at the theater or pencil skirt for the office.

Development Brown faux fur button detail vest at Bluefly.com: $216.99

Perfect investment for fall, this chic faux fur vest is toasty and sleekly fitted.  Pair it with some black leggings, knee high boots, and white long sleeve shirt and you have a perfect fashion staple for fall; your mom will be delighted for the fashionable step-up from the quilted or skipants-material vest she usually invests in. Warm clothing doesn’t just have to be functional, it can be fashionable too!

Hype Ivory Leather “Eugenie” medium tote at Bluefly.com: $210.00

A really fashionable and functional back that can transition from the workplace to the night.  Big enough pockets for your mom to fit her work stuff, yet sleek enough for an evening out.  Pair it with a chic little black dress or funky skirt, it’s totally versatile!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s totes & women’s vests.
Discounts on women’s ankle boots.

These boots are pretty hot. I should have known right off the bat that they are good old Steve Maddens.  Which means that these boots must be a) affordable and b) pretty comfortable for being so stylish. I really love the grey color, but unfortunately it’s not on sale.  However, I think even paying regular price for a pair isn’t bad at all.  It is still a steal for under $75.

Madden Girl Women’s Singerr Mid Shaft Boot:  $55.21 (Was: $64.95)

Find at Smarter.com: Women’s Steve Madden boots.
Discounts on mid shaft women’s boots.

These suede boots look so comfortable.  And, they are a comfortable $83 on sale.  They aren’t completely flat, but have a very short heel.  These will last you a while, as long as you take care of them.  They come in a variety of colors:  chestnut, purple, sand, green and brown (pictured).

Steve Madden Touring Brown Suede Boots: $83 (Was: $99)

*A none shoe related reminder:  Zappos is offering FREE OVERNIGHT SHOPPING on clothing until December 1st!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more Steve Madden boots.
                                        Discounts on suede boots.
                                        Buy flat boots.

It’s time to start shopping around for holiday gifts.  The ladies in your life might appreciate a new clutch handbag to add to their winter wardrobe.  Or, if you need a new bag to go with your new holiday dress, but don’t want to spend more on yourself than you plan on for your loved ones, check out the following selection of handbags that are under $100: 

     Lodis Flash Noureau Purse: $98

        Matt & Nat Chi - Japanese: $95

      B. Makowsky Seville Clutch: $83.30

     Steven Hollywood Wristlet Handbag: $76

     Hobo International Dana Wallet: $71.90

    La Regale Satin Frame Clutch: $44.80

    Sophia Visconti Wrist Clutch Handbag: $47.20

Shop through all clutch handbags on Smarter.com.

Steve Madden Zestie Platform Stretch Boot: $99.95 on sale

First off, these boots are on sale for under $100.  The real deal is the fact when you purchase two or more pairs of boots at Endless.com you will get 20% off each pair.  The savings will be reflected automatically at check out when you add a pair of “qualifying” boots to your shopping cart.

Here are some “qualifying” boots:

STEVEN by Steve Madden Ellisha Hi Heel Ankle Boot:
$229.95 Now: $193.90 $155.12 with 20% discount

Chinese Laundry Adore Boots:
$179.95 $177.90  $142.32 with 20% discount

So, that means that my first pair of boots will also be 20% off - $79.96!

If I wanted to stock up on fall/winter boots and purchase all three of these pairs, the total (before tax) would be $377.40.  Not bad for three pairs of quality boots!  That’s a total savings of $94.35.

Shop through all boots from Endless.com.

Shop for more Steve Madden boots.
Find more Chinese Laundry boots.

Comfy and cozy.  That’s what I like my shoes to be when it’s cold and windy outside and I have a lot of running around to do, but still want to be in fashion.  It’s not like that where I am right now, but…here is a great deal on some black Steve Madden boots. They are under $100 and come in black or brown. 

Steve Madden Women’s Tianna Slouch Boot - Black: $81.90 (Was: 89.95)

*Remember that Endless.com offers free overnight shipping and free returns!

Shop through all women’s boots.
Shop for more Steve Madden boots.

These sandals are great if you want to sassy it up a bit with heels, but you don’t want to deal with the pain.  They have only about a two inch wedge heel & come in gold, black or cognac.  I love the dual straps at the ankle.  They make these sandals a bit more stylish than typical wedge sandals.

STEVEN by Steve Madden Women’s Jacquie Low Wedge Thong Sandal: $96.90 (Was: $96.90)

*Endless.com offers free overnight shipping & free return shipping.

Girlawhirl thinks fun, chunky necklaces are spring 08’s star accessory.

Top Button tags neon makeup trends red hot for spring.

The Beauty Brains sniff out the truth about Mineral Crystal Deodorants.

SheFinds offers a happy hour quick fix with 5 office drawer essentials that will keep you from looking like a total disaster at the end of the day.

StyleBakery.com’s ultimate spring shoe guide features something for every shoe lover - at every price.

This week on Smarter Fashion we covered:

The 2008 Academy Awards:  My “Favorites” on the Red Carpet.

Two bold & sassy deals:

                     Sutton Studio Jersey Knotfront Dress

                     Sigrid Olsen Nora Patent Leather Hobo

Steve Madden’s new spring collection & other classic styles on sale!

Steve Madden shoes are great price wise & are pretty comfortable.  They always have a nice collection of shoes on clearance for great prices on SteveMadden.com.  Here are some of my favorite flats from their clearance section:

Poseyy Black Leather Flats: $59.95 Now: $39.99.  Also comes in Gold Metal.

Averyy Pewter Leather Flats: $99.95 Now: $41.99.  Also comes in Black Patent.

Bonti Black Patent Flats: $69.95 Now: $39.99

Rosia Tan Leather Flats: $69.95 Now: $27.99. Also comes in black, brown & grey.

And…here are some cute flats from their new spring collection:

Mohave Gold Leather Flats: $59.95. Also comes in Black Suede & Silver Leather.

Carlla Purple Leather Flats: $69.95.  They look more PINK to me.  Also comes in Yellow Leather, Orange Leather & Black Leather.

Orina Gold Leather Flats: $69.95.  Also comes in Black Leather.

Bees Red Leather Flats: $99.95.  Also comes in…pretty much all the colors of the rainbow.

Click here for more women’s shoes.