Hermes Birkin Bag

Ferragamo Satchel

Oh my goodness, I am so in love with the latest handbag trend: top handle bags!  Ladylike anything and everything is hot across the board in fashion right now (call it the Mad Men effect), and top handle bags are the best accessory to complete a classic and polished look.

The Hermes Birkin Bag is probably the best example of a feminine top handle bag, and it’s one accessory that will never, ever be unfashionable.  Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous—but also expensive!

Marc Jacobs Satchel

MICHAEL

Sliding down the price scale a bit, some of my favorite top handles come from Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, and Salvatore Ferragamo.  The Marc Jacobs Quilting Westside Leather Satchel is absolutely adorable, especially with that fabulous clasp closing and precious little padlock charm.  The MICHAEL Michael Kors Leather Satchel comes in a beautiful shade of camel (definitely the hot color for fall), and I love the buckle detailing.  Finally, the Salvatore Ferragamo Candida Ganciomania Satchel just screams elegance and luxury.

BSweet

BCharmed

For more affordable—but still fabulous—top handles, look to Steve Madden.  The BSweet and BCharmed handbags are beautiful, and they won’t break the bank.

By the way, don’t think top handle bags are just another trend.  Even though they’re really having a big moment in their own fashion spotlight right now, they’re truly timelessly chic, and definitely a worthy investment!

Aerie Elephant Boyfriend Boxer

Aerie Polka Dot Girly Boxer

I don’t own real pajamas. Typically, I just sleep in a t-shirt (which makes the logistics of venturing out of the bedroom a little difficult if I’m staying as an overnight guest in someone else’s home).  I think it may be time to invest in actual sleepwear, so I’ve started doing some research.

A good, gradual step forward into full-on sleepwear would be Aerie by American Eagle Boyfriend Boxers or Girly Boxers.  They’d do the job of getting me clothed on bottom for bedtime, but they don’t have matching tops, so I’d have to hold on to my t-shirts.  I wish Aerie had pajama sets, because they’ve come up with some really irresistible patterns, especially on the Elephant Boyfriend Boxer and the Polka Dot Girly Boxer.

VS Fireside Long Jane Pajama

VS Tee-jama

I’m going to skip the lace-trimmed slips and teddies at Victoria’s Secret because (a) I’m not interested in turning up my sex appeal for when I just want to pass out and go to bed; and (b) they have some great casual pajamas built for comfort.  I really like the Fireside Long Jane Pajama (available in ten different patterns), but thermal long john jammies aren’t necessarily a look I can see myself pulling off.  The Tee-jama (also available in ten different patterns) looks comfortable, but I think I want something a little more fun and pajamaish, like The Dreamer Flannel Pajama (available in twenty-four different patterns!).

I was hoping I’d be able to find a really cute pajama set at Urban Outfitters, but they

VS Dreamer Flannel Pajama

UO Sparkle & Fade Knit Ruffle Short

don’t have a huge selection of sleepwear right now, and no sets at all.  The one item I found that I’m really loving, though, is the Sparkle and Fade Knit Ruffle Short.  I can easily see myself pairing it with a camisole or t-shirt and looking super cute for sleepy time.

If I ever feel the need to splurge on some designer pajamas, I’ll head over to Neiman Marcus for the Oscar de la Renta Heirloom PJs.  These look so crisp and luxurious, I’ll probably need to make a major bedding threadcount upgrade to give them the sleep environment they truly deserve.

Oscar de la Renta Heirloom PJs

Usually, I’d rather buy more actual clothing than spend money on fancy PJs—but now that I’ve seen how stylishly sweet my dreams could be, I’m changing my mind!

Alice in Wonderland (1951, 2010)

Whether you’re into the cartoon version or Burton version, the flick’s inspired multiple designers’ creations recently. Take a look at these recs for Alice’s signature blue dress. Trust us, this is a rabbit hole you want to fall down.

Go with embroidery or a more modern edge.

The Seven Year Itch (1955)

Just as Marilyn Monroe crosses a subway grate, her crisp white halter-neck breezes on up. But the beauty handles it all as classily as can be in the well-known scene, and why wouldn’t she? With a frock as perfect as that, you could get away with just about anything.

Of course Victoria’s Secret would recreate a similar pleated halter playdress; a girlier embroidered dress; or BCBG also has an even lighter silk dress.

Breakfast At Tiffany’s (1961)

Holly Golightly’s iconic Givenchy dress in this film favorite not only set in stone Audrey Hepburn’s status as a style queen (after all, who else could make a bed sheet look so artfully elegant at a cocktail party? Not to mention that picture-perfect white dress and big bonnet combo she wore at the races in My Fair Lady), but it also made the little black dress a fashion staple in women’s closets everywhere. This classic frock made its first appearance nearly half a century ago, and its ability to transcend time and remain ever-popular shows just why the outfit is considered the greatest female screen outfit of all time. Recreating the famous scene is easy enough: emerge elegantly from a cab and look through a Tiffany’s window with coffee and croissant daintily in hand. Here’s how you can recreate the versatile look too:

These two simple and elegant knee-length LBDs with Audrey’s preferred boatneck neckline are easy grab-off-the-rack items for multiple outfit ideas. Grab those Wayfarers and some pearls, pile your hair up high into a French Twist, and you’re good to go!

Grease (1978)

Olivia Newton-John made a style statement with her leather and leggings in this classic. And it’s simple to update the look and give it your own edge. But maybe skip the ’70s hairstyle.

Grab some leather leggings, an off-the-shoulder top and smokin’ peep toe pumps.

Pretty Woman (1990)

Sure her character was a prostitute, but Julia Roberts sure classed it up in this floor-length cherry red opera dazzler.

Pick a style: with shoulder bands, ruffled, satin and chiffon, or halter.

The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

Ah, the film filled with both beautiful people and beautiful clothes. What’s not to love about Gwyneth Paltrow’s ’50s-inspired A-line skirts and gingham bikinis?

Tie up an American Apparel button-up and match it with a Monsoon skirt, canvas Keds, and a cute straw tote from endless or J. Crew. Slip on a bikini underneath for a summer day at the beach!

Miss Congeniality (2000)

Gracie Hart made beauty pageants relatable to any woman who wasn’t born with the grace or manners of a princess. And she totally rocked that figure-hugging lilac mini.

Head into the fitting room with ASOS Textured Bandeau Dress or Tailored Linen Bandeau Pencil Dress, Jarlo Bandeau Dress with Zip Detail, or try American Apparel’s take on an adjustable and versatile cotton spandex bandeau dress.

Moulin Rouge! (2001)

We’re not entirely sure sporting a corset to work is the greatest idea, but Nicole Kidman’s portrayal of the most tragically beautiful woman in Paris is certainly something to be admired, as is the kaleidoscope of colors and vibrant wardrobe in this shiny razzle dazzle Baz Luhrmann masterpiece. Don’t be afraid to shop around at local vintage and costume stores to mix and match elements from different pieces for a little DIY sewing project!

Factory Girl (2006)

Marilyn Monroe, Gala Dali, Yoko Ono, all prominent muses in the works of legendary artists, but no pairing was so uniquely or boldly chic as the one between Edie Sedgewick and Andy Warhol. The Warhol Superstar certainly made a one-of-a-kind mark with her original getups in the 1960s New York Mod scene. Check out her style choices, oversized bling, big sunnies and all.

Visit Oasis for fringe earrings and other oversized accessories like the large cocktail rings Edie often sported. Pair them with a tiered fringe dress with multiple layers, tights, boots and maybe even a large fur coat for a mod vibe.

Casino Royale (2006)

Sure, we love James Bond’s perfectly tailored outfits, but this Bond girl’s sophisticated, vampy evening gown nearly struck the world-class spy speechless.

Try this halter evening gown from Sung Boutique or for more embellishment, this floor length V-neck.

Atonement (2007)

Another lovely evening gown: Keira Knightley’s slinky 1930s floor-length emerald-hued stunner dazzled us all. But we can’t all have Jacqueline Durran design a gown for us. Settle for suggested substitutes:

The Faviana replica retails at $238, but for less, settle for this one or vintage.

Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009)

Becky Bloomwood’s frilled frock is a Lanvin original, but we true shopaholics can definitely find the same look with a budget in mind.

A good sub is this eco-friendly ruffle dress from ecoSkin.

Endorsed by Who What Wear’s Katherine Power and Hillary Kerr, this nifty web app lets you collect, organize and track online purchases in a fun, much simpler, and more visual way than ever before. Trendsetters, trust us. It’ll make your lives much easier. Rightcliq plays a role in every step of the online shopping process, from the moment you first start browsing to the package’s arrival at your doorstep. Simply download the Rightcliq plug-in, and while you browse merchant sites, add any items of interest to your “Wishspace,” where you can store all potential buys and visually compare them, as well as see relevant offers and what else is out there from other merchant sites in the big World Wide Web. Maximize your “social shopping” experience by sharing your wish list with other fashionable friends via email and Facebook.

Then, when you’re ready to buy (and thanks to the Wishspace, you’ll be more confident about your more informed choice to invest in the item at this point), Rightcliq features a digital wallet that securely stores multiple credit, debit and prepaid cards in one safe place. It’ll also automatically fill in all the checkout info needed to save you the time and inconvenience of manually entering in the data yourself.

Finally, literally watch all your purchases make their way to you on a map as the site tracks all your packages. By addressing all the problems and concerns people have about online shopping, Rightcliq helps you make smart buying decisions, putting you in control over every aspect of hunting online. “Power to the shopper” indeed!

Sex and the City

From the show’s start in ’98 to its most recent movie sequel, SJP and her alter ego have become bona fide fashion icons. And while we all wish we could afford her paparazzi-ready outfits for nights out with our own BFFs, take a look at a few similar looks that will treat your wallet much kinder.

Browse B. Darlin for Charlotte’s white Prada V-neck dress, Wet Seal for Carrie’s Ralph Lauren racer vest and Charlotte Russe for her crisp ivory pants, JS Collections or Spiegel for Miranda’s Alberta Ferretti champagne dress, and Fred Flare or Alloy for Samantha’s red Thierry Mugler jacket. And be sure to check out ASOS’s affordable set of lookalike outfits like Carrie’s ’70s-style Halston Heritage white jersey dress and mirrored Mykita & BW shades.

Gossip Girl

The show’s style influence, from its characters’ perfectly coiffed hair to all the Upper East Side glam, is unmistakable, hence the many style guides showing aspiring gossip girls how to dress just like its couture-covered gals. And while its leading ladies couldn’t be any more different, here’s our faves from Serena’s and Queen B’s outfit archives and, of course, how to get their looks for less.

Her mother demanded she change into something more “enchanting,” and enchanting Blair sure is. This Marc Jacobs Dita lace dress and Trina Turk capelet ensemble with crochet tights was a season 1 fan favorite. Finish with B’s trademark headband and patterned tights.

Pictured: ASOS Cropped Sleeve Lace Tunic Dress. Shop other lookalikes at TFNC, Jin-Ja, Fred Flare, Adrianna Papell, Yumi or Lara’s Closet. And Tahki and etsy have cute capelets galore. Bonus: Another cute dress we loved from B was her White Party dress, another Marc Jacobs hit. A similar one here.

We love Serena’s usual socialite sophistication with a Kate Moss-esque boho chic twist, but she absolutely dazzled in this Tory Burch gold sequin dress way back in episode 1.

Add tights and you’re good to go! Try the Eight Sixty Snake Foil Sequin Dress in Gold or change it up with cap sleeves with the TFNC Scatter Sequin Open Back Dress.

Glee

Rachel Berry’s quirky, buttoned-down look might clash with Quinn Fabray’s (post-Cheerio uniform-and-ponytail-ditching) simple, pastel-shaded style, but it just goes to show how endearing it can be to stick to your own aesthetic. And while Rachel’s all about argyle and pleated plaid numbers while Quinn prefers delicate empire dresses and youthful cardigans, they both still light up the stage.

Plaid it up like Rachel with a pleated check skirt or choose a softer style like Quinn’s with this dress and cardigan.

We also totally dug the girls’ sweet mash-up of “Walking on Sunshine” and “Halo.” Light up your summer with a cute yellow dress.

90210

Whether you grew up on the original or otherwise, the zip code is synonymous with glitz and glam. Play up your inner SoCal style!

Opt for brightly colored Wayfarers, short shorts and a bandeau swimsuit, strapless or halter.

Friends

Jennifer Aniston helped define ’90s style. Don’t pretend you didn’t run to the salon with the other flocks of women for the “Rachel.” And even if you don’t work in fashion like Ms. Green did, you can still create an outfit just as influential as hers were.

Keep it casual and neutral with simple dresses and ruched turtlenecks.

Mad Men

Not only do they prove you don’t have to be a size zero to be sassy and sexy, but the Mad Men women—cue Betty Draper’s impeccable, ladylike wardrobe and Joan Holloway’s femme fatale fashion—also have killer outfits.

Stick with A-line lace or cotton dresses like trophy wife Betty, show off that hourglass figure with simple crepe dresses and ruby red lipstick and nail lacquer like seductive Joan, or retro prints and three-quarter sleeves like good girl Peggy.

The Mary Tyler Moore Show

Mary and Rhoda know best. From the women who taught us ladies it’s ok to be single with careers, we should also learn not to be afraid of wearing bright colors.

Try the Mary Tyler Moore dress at Etsy.

Dynasty

Who doesn’t envy Alexis Carrington Colby’s outrageously glamorous garb from this late-night soap? Think sequins and shoulder pads and perhaps you’ll give rise to an haute couture label too.

Shop for a couture hat like this at Ellen Christine.

True Blood

Twihards beware. Your beloved blood-suckers may have some competition in the wardrobe department with these vogue vamps.

Southern gal Jessica keeps it summery with a floral dress like this one.

Stay tuned for part deux when we step it up a notch to tips on recreating looks from the big screen.

Rachel Roy Classic Skort

This woven tweed skort would look cute dressed up for a night out with the girls or down with a plain white tank top. Plus, the pockets add to its multi-functionality.

Vanessabruno Skort in Noir

For a different skort than we’re used to seeing, try out this loose-fitting asymmetrical skort, made even more comfortable with a waist tie. Complete the look with cute suede ankle boots and a loose-fitting silk blouse!

Kenny “Ginger” Skort

In natural or lace, this linen skort is really just loose-fitting shorts up-close, but who can really tell the difference?

Free People Yellow Tuscon Sun Skort

With pretty embroidery around the waist, this lightweight cotton skort will keep you bright and cool in the sizzling summer heat.

A/Wear Printed Skort

Floral prints are everywhere in skirts and shorts, but this find proves the pattern works just as well with skorts.

No need to choose between skirt or shorts this summer; skort it up and head on out in both!

There’s no denying it…ready or not, this summer of vacations and weddings and hot hot summer sun is about to come to an end. It feels like it’s just begun, I know! But with the month of back-to-school August knocking at our calendar’s door, it really is time to prepare for the cooler months ahead.

Well, don’t fret quite yet, this only means fun fall shopping for you and yours! There are heaps of sales at all local department stores, online stores and even little local boutiques—and among those sale items you’re bound to find out that booties are the fall shoe-hit of the season. There are a few booties for fall 2010 in particular that you’d be doing yourself a favor if you purchased right now—be ahead of the style game!

Peep-toe boots have arrived. Keep that pedi appointment even in the fall because the peep-toe trend is here! This may not be an ideal boot for our cold-weathered East Coast friends (or maybe it is with some good textured tights!), but it sure is sexy.

My pick: Grey Suede Bootie from ThreadSence.com

Ankle boots are the answer! Don’t worry about those sky-high, full-length boots of last season (although you will see a few again this fall)—it’s all about the short-cut ankle booties! Pick classic ankle boots, or go daring with a trendier ‘boyfriend’ look—just as long as you pick something that still has a little flair to make you stand out in a crowd.

My pick: Anthropologie’s Athenaeum Wedge boots

Details, details, details. Pick some booties with a little studliness, a little zipper-action, or even some that are all buckled up! It’s all in the details this season—with tons of ankle boots adorned in funky-fresh hardware.

My pick: Chinese Laundry ‘Wicked’ booties

Do continue to soak up those summer rays and travel travel travel while the weather still permits—but when the skies get cloudier, and the mercury sinks a little lower, you know what to throw on those feet!

xoxo,

holly in heels

Holly in Heels

smitten with shoes, addicted to style

You can follow Holly’s chic shoe blog at www.hollyinheels.com

Flickr User: Keira-anne

For better support (yup I’m talking about the twins) you’ll want to choose something that isn’t so skimpy. This will make your shoulders look less broad and provide the support for your bust that you need. Mind you, this means that choosing a teeny string bikini won’t work in this case.  The ideal swimwear tops for this are halters, built in underwire bra tops, or molded bra top. Any straps that don’t tie around your neck are also a good choice, so you aren’t putting any strain on your spine or neck.   One of the tops I love for this summer season that’s perfect for support is Betsey Johnson’s Hello Cupcake Underwire Top. It’s sexy, chic and will have the men drooling on the beach.

For someone that needs a little something extra in the top to enhance the bust there are many options available. Lucky for you, you can choose something with less fabric, because you don’t have weights pulling you down. Adding a top with a little padding can do wonders. If you really want to add some glam, spice up that top with embellishments. Beach Bunny’s Class Act from their Goddess collection is perfect for anyone wanting to accent the bust. I’m completely obsessed with the razorback bikinis that are uber hot right now. Bandeau tops are also a great and can be adorably sexy and are very much in style. Patterned triangle tops are also a great choice. My favorite right now is Luli Fama’s Bars Teeny Bikini in lime green.  On a smaller bust, this bikini will catch attention and flatter the figure. (Bar Rafeali wore it in Sports Illustrated this year)

To hide the tummy, on the contrary to many beliefs there’s a ton of gorgeous swim suits to flatter your figure. A one piece swim suit happens to be one of my favorite types to wear and they are magical. If you’re self conscious about showing off the tummy, a tankini or one piece is great and helps to keep it held in.  With rouching and ruffles, there’s something flattering for any size. Magic suit is known to get you looking like you’re 4 sizes smaller in their swim suits and is definitely well worth the price and are super cute. This one piece plunge by Magic Suit (left) is sexy and comfortable for any day at the pool. A one piece swim suit is stylish, a great fit and fabulous. Flattening the tummy can be as easy as a tankini and who says you can’t look great in them either? Tommy Bahama’s 2010 summer line is also a great choice for the season.  If you’re going for a sexier one piece, check out Kenneth Cole’s plunge monokini for a sexed up style.

There are hundreds of ways to go with a swim suit. Think about what colors look great with your skin tone and color, what kind of support you need and the most important part; don’t get down on yourself when you’re shopping. Bring a friend with a positive attitude to ensure that you aren’t shopping with any Debbie downers. Let the sales person help you. They’re experienced with matching suits to body types so take advantage. You’re going to look fab in your new swim suit top; all you need is a little extra support.