Fall's Hottest Handbags Revealed

It's recently occurred to me that I haven't done a post on one of my most favorite accessories in quite some time -the handbag! I am definitely a purse gal but somehow this season there haven't been too many bags to catch my eye. However, there a select few that I am just lusting after.

Below find my absolutely favorite pretty purses for the season.

1) Tory Burch Haircalf Mini Bag

We love a good crossbody bag; I mean this style has basically met the top of our lust-have list in the purse category. Why not add one of Fall's hottest trends, a little animal print, to your look with Tory Burch's chic leopord twist on the classic evening crossbody.

2) Rebecca Minkoff Quitled Kiss Bag

I love this pretty lady-like bag from Rebecca Minkoff . The quilting is classic, the studs are updated and the small size makes it a good weekend bag or evening out go-to.

3) Rebecca Minkoff Croc Morning After Mini

I gotta say, I am lovin' Rebecca Minkoff this season. My third pick in this gray luxe croc finish makes it a perfect daytime, work bag. Goes with everything and is so ultra chic!

4) Beirn Jenna Watersnake Tote

Everyone needs a good tote and I love the colorful snakeskin variations from Beirn. This is a great daytime bag and would add a pop of color to your neutral looks - from camel to black to navy and even gray!

Tell us - what new handbag will you be investing in this year?

Fall Trend Report 2010: So Lacey

Our Fall Trend Report continues with a look thats a little racy.... lace! Lace has definitely made a comeback this fall but don't think delicate and soft, think edgy and sexy! Lace is best served up this year in the form of a dress or a skirt. We are just loving this gorgeous dress from Plastic Island - not overally "sexy" but just the right amount of a sass; a great girls night look!

If the rocker girl was so last Fall then this fall is all about the "motorcycle chick" with a twist! Dress the look down with a wedge boot, some funky statement jewelry like a large silver cocktail ring or long necklace and add a pop of color somewhere (in this case with a hot pink cross body bag!!)

So Lacey Breakdown:

• Ben Amun Black Tassel Necklace, Max and Chloe for $445
• Swarovski "Fizz" Amethyst Ring, Swarovski for $270
• Plastic Islance Kiki Lace Dress, ShopBop for $124
• Rebecca Minkoff 3 Zip Rocker Bag in Fuschi, Rebecca Minkoff for $195
• Michael Michael Kors Bassey Convertible Bootie, Bloomingdales for $225

Fall Trends 2010: Into the Wild

This Fall, animal print is back - in a big way! Actually the more "wild" the better. We are seeing animal inspired looks everywhere from leopard prints to fur booties. The fashionistas are showing us that there is no reason to be afraid of wearing this untamed look - even all at once!

We like the idea of pairing a leopord dress with a fabulous black fur vest and booties for a look that's a little boho yet sexy. Add a studded bag or a colorful piece of jewelry to mix it up a bit.

The Into the Wild Breakdown:

• Tinley Road Faux Fur Vest, $69 at Piperlime
• AKA New York Cocoon Dress, $318 at Shopbop
• Vanessa Mooney One of a Kind Mixed Bangles, $220 at Shopbop
• Rebecca Minkoff Quilted MAB Bag, $565 at Rebecca Minkoff
• Nine West Priska Bootie, $149 at Nine West

To Sample Sale, or Not to Sample Sale: Rebecca Minkoff Edition

Spending money in New York is awfully easy. Not only are our rent's high, our groceries more expensive and having a parking spot considered a true luxury but there are all sorts of other other tempting, expensive side effects of being a NYer. One of these is the seasonal sample sale. With nearly every top designer having a sample sale after every season its hard for the fashion-obsessed to save money. Even though you are getting a deal technically, the sample sale makes it hard to resist the shopping itch and such is true with this week's highlight: the Rebecca Minkoff seasonal sale.

We resisted the urge to go to the RM sale all week even though we have been dying to get our hand's on one of her bags (this was hard to do with all the chatter about how awesome the sale was on Twitter). With a busy work week it was nearly impossible to get there anyway, but alas on the last day (today) I finally caved. And let me tell you I wanted everything! Neon cross-body's, studded clutches, and MABs galore. Buying just one was hard enough. I think I ended up making the right choice- I scooped up this lovely Black Darling Bag, picture below.

I needed an x-large black bag for work purposes, which is why I went with the Darling. It's just a little rocker with the gold zipper detailing and fringe. It's not over the top or too trendy, but still super cute. I really wanted to buy this super hot grey mini MAB with neon pink detailing as well - but alas I couldn't justify the purchase and decided to buy what I needed instead of what I just wanted. We got it for about 60% off which we say is pretty good. What do you think of the purchase?

Best Accessorized: By the Sea

The striped tee. It's an essential for your summer wardrobe as dubbed by all the major fashion mags and we have to agree! We always love the nautical look of the navy and white stripe tee, its a classic preppy must-have for anyone summering by the shore or in the city. Understated yet fashionable, relaxed yet put together, it's simply a great look.

One of our fav. striped tees of the season is this Saint James Meridien II tee. The classic brand has teamed up with J. Crew to sell some of their best pieces on J. Crew's websites/catalog and in select stores. We think its the perfect striped tee to wear with a variety of looks for the warmer months and below we breakdown four different ways to wear it no matter where you are headed!

Look 1: Blue and Gold

Pair your navy stripes with chic boyfriend cuffed blue jean shorts and accents of gold for a beachside brunch with your girls or popping around town on the weekends.

• Rachel Leigh Millie Bib Necklace/ $198 at Shopbop.com
• Michael Kors Medina Aviator Sunglasses/ $85 at MichaelKors.com
• Michael Michael Kors Palm Beach Sandal/ $95 at Zappos.com
• Gap Distressed Boyfriend Shorts/ $35 at Gap.com
• Carlos Falchi Metallic Microfiber Tote in Gold/$220 at SaksFifthAvenue.com

Look 2: Studs & Stripes

Give your nautical look a dressed up vibe making it suitable for the city. We like jazzing up the striped shirt with gray boyfriend blazer, white cuffed jeans and studded accessories.

• Rachel Leigh Pyramid Earrings/ $66 at ShopBop.com
• Kenneth Cole New York Boyfriend Blazer/ $99 at Nordstrom.com
• Rebecca Minkoff Stud Rocker Clutch/ $295 at Bloomingdales.com
• Joe's Jeans The Best Friend/ $163 at Joe's Jeans
• Giusseppe Zanotti White Studded Sandals/ $835 at Farfetch.com

Look #3: POPS of Color

Who says you can't mix and match? Look utterly chic in a mix of patterns, prints and primary colors for a weekend at your preppy Hamptons getaway.

• Kate Spade Into the Wild Small Karen Bag/ $265 at Zappos.com
• J. Crew Poplin Wednesday Skirt in Burnt Orange/ $69 at Jcrew.com
• J. Crew Layered Link Necklace/ $85 at J. Crew.com
• Sam Edelman Clive Flat/ $124 at LorisShoes.com

Look 4: Sail Time

Get ready to set sail! Wear your striped tee as a bathing suit cover-up. A chic white fedora and Tory Burch's signature flip flops give the look a finishing touch.

• Victoria's Secret Crystal and Coral Bikini Set (Featuring Swarovski Crystallized Crystals)/$199 at VictoriasSecret.com
• Shopbop Eugenia Kim Max Knot Fedora/ $235 at Shopbop.com
• Tory Burch Wedge Flip Flops/ $55 at ToryBurch.com

Spring Formal Wear Reinvited! Pink and Red Inspiration

Remember that really pretty and unexpected look we loved that Audrey Tautou rocked at the BAFTA's? The gorg pink dress with all red accessories? We never thought we'd love the way red and pink would look together so much until we saw her rock it and were reminded of it again when we were doing some "online window shopping" the other night on ShopBop.com and came across this awesome Rebecca Minkoff Pink Studded Clutch.

We know alot of girls out there are starting to think about Spring weddings, formals, and Prom. Taking a cue from Audrey's BAFTA look and drawing inspiration from the Rebecca Minkoff Clutch we thought - wouldnt this clutch look awesome with a red cocktail dress for these sort of upcoming events? Here are ideas of how you can bring this look to life for Spring social events. How chic!

Here is the breakdown:

• Look #1: Rebecca Taylor Zip Front Dress
• Look #2: Juicy Couture Strapless Dress
• Look #3: Laila Azhar One Shoulder Cascade Dress
• Look #4: Alice and Oliva Andrea Bustier Dress

The dresses and clutch are all available at ShopBop. On a side note, we just had to note that the clutch would also work just as nice with jeans and more dressy top for a night out with friends.

What do you think of these red and pink looks? Would you rock a similar style for your Spring social events?

Fashionably Yours,

H