Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog

Tory Burch North/South Nylon Tory Tote

$250.00$175.00 by Tory Burch at Bloomingdale's

Tory Burch North/South nylon Tory tote with patent PVC trim and double shoulder straps. Interior zip pockets. Fully lined.

• 14"W X 15"H X 6"D; 7.25" drop from shoulder

A friend and I went shopping yesterday in cyberspace. Wrapped in my pink fluffy robe and beagle slippers, while she was wrapped in her white robe and barefoot, we chatted on the phone as we dashed in and out of cyber stores until our fingers were exhausted.

When Mon Ami calls with a deal du jour, I sit like a good dog, because she has an innate ability to recognize what colors and styles work for my personality and wardrobe. When she called and said, "I found the perfect handbag for you," my ears perked up like a dog who heard the words "Do you wanna treat?"

While I was purchasing the handbag suggestion, my friend said, "Check out Steve Madden's perforated patent tote. He copied Tory Burch's design. How do you think that makes her feel?" ( Victoria Secrets for $58.)

So as if Tory was one of my best friends, I arrogantly dashed over to Nordstrom to defend Tory's honor and found the Tory Burch "T" Contrast Patent Tote for $325. We both covet Tory Burch's designs and would buy the TB bag over Steve's, but the price differential has to stop and make you think twice. Just think what you could do with an extra $267 in your pocket. That's thinking once. Now we are thinking twice: That Tory Burch handbag sure is cute. What's a woman to do? We report; you decide.

You can usually find unrealistic haute couture or over-the-top fashions on the catwalk, but Fashion Week designers provided many options for the classic but trendy woman.

Isaac Mizrahi:

Tory Burch:



It's a lot like eating your favorite comfort food, like mac and cheese, but Lacoste always makes me feel like I am right at home. Whether it is the iconic alligator or the preppiness of the Lacoste label, it takes me right back to my comfort level. Many of the Lacoste designs on Saturday's runway were accessorized with a tie instead of a necklace. Smart look.



Rag & Bone:

Monique Lhuiller:

Michael Kors:

Diane von Furstenberg:

Carolina Herrera:

Bill Blass:

Badgley Mischka:

Many women are under the impression that haute couture cannot traverse from the catwalk to the sidewalk. But as the pictures above prove, smart and classic styles were alive and well in New York this week.

(Images: Coutorture)

Welcome to the first installment of 12 Beauty and Fashion Essentials for 2008. In this ongoing series, you will discover your own personal style for 2008 and bling in the new year with confidence and a twist of sass.

Starting with a clean slate like the quintessential Diane vonFurstenberg wrap dress that any body type can wear, let's add a bit of panache to this lovely but mundane dress with color. Bright teals, blues, hot pinks, emerald greens, oranges, and purples have been fashion forward in 2007 and will continue their journey in 2008. The Michael Kors tote would add the needed personality to this look. Accenting any part of your basic wardrobe with a vivid color will put you on the cutting edge of fashion.

Although discovering your personal color vocabulary is one avenue to explore, all colors will morph you into a fashionista. When I discovered what colors complemented my hair and eyes the best, I got stuck in a color rut. I deafened my friends for longer than I want to admit with a stuttering symphony of vibrant pinks and blues. The naked truth is that any lively color will add that little extra jenesaisquoi. If your hair is your best asset, wear a colorful sweater or scarf. If your svelte waist is your best asset, wear a vivid belt. Just remember that color draws attention to you, so put it near your best feature.

While you are shopping the after-Christmas sales look for colorful accessories that add something exciting to your existing wardrobe. By adding a pop of color in your choice to this Diane vonFurstenberg black dress defines your style personality. It is what I call classic with a twist. (As an aside, I love Diane's designs. They work for skinny minnies like me and weight-challenged women, too.),

Choosing either shoes like the BCB Girls pink sandal , the Imooi punch necklace from 2Modern, or the Bergdorf Goodman Carlos Falchi fuchsia matte croc clutch adds the needed punch of color to this wardrobe staple.

 

This delightful Tory Burch tangerine ballerina flat is all the color that is required to jazz up the otherwise routine everyday straight leg jeans.

 

 

Rings, earrings, hats, and glasses in bright colors are also a perfect accent to an otherwise clean black slate, BUT don't go color crazy and make others hyperventilate when you walk into the room. One or two small pieces or one large piece in a bright color is all you need. Once you've incorporated color in small amounts, you can try adding accent pieces like jackets and sweaters.

Have a little fun with color in 2008 and define your own style and spirit. It may be all you need to fend off the winter blues.