Jan 25

Bag Of The Week: B. Makowksy Tie-Dye Leather Shopper

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imageI knew the second I opened the latest Nordstrom catalog that I was in some serious trouble. It was like a colorful page-after-page party dedicated to the premature welcome back to spring. Bright teal-framed sunglasses, lightweight scarves in every saturated shade of the rainbow… and a tie-dyed leather bag?! Since I already bought the first two on that list (my wallet is crying), I had to give a shout-out to this B. Makowsky Leather Ball Shopper that I just can’t allow myself to buy. There’s something about it that’s just so reminiscent of the perfect weather day (or maybe I’m just nostalgic of my own tie-dying experience in summer camp), plus the cool-toned pastel pattern looks nowhere like the sloppy creations we used to make in buckets on our backyard lawn. And I can personally vouch that the leather really is “butter soft” — I won’t deny that I’ve loitered in the handbag department just to cradle it lovingly. Someone buy it so I can enjoy it vicariously!

What: the B. Makowsky Slouchy Leather Ball Shopper in Mist Multi
Price: $228
Where to Buy: Nordstrom
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add the B. Makowsky Slouchy Leather Ball Shopper to the Hive.

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Jan 18

Bag Of The Week: The Mulberry “Alexa” Bag

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imageIf you don’t know Alexa Chung by now… well, which fashion-less rock were you hiding under? Alexa started her career as a TV host on various shows in the UK and went on to host “It’s On With Alexa Chung” on MTV in the US. She quickly ascended to “it” girl status with her quirky style, often characterized by pairing girly dresses with penny loafers. She even beat out Kate Moss as British Vogue’s Best Dressed of 2009! In the past few months, she’s been seen carrying a Mulberry bag named after her and after months of teasing, it’s finally available in stores! The Alexa Bag is a spin on their iconic Bayswater and men’s briefcase transformed into a messenger-style bag. Roomy enough for all your everyday essentials, the “Alexa” is a chic option for any outfit. Best of all, it comes in two sizes and nine colors! Oh, decisions…

What: the Mulberry “Alexa” Bag
Price: $1150
Where to Buy: La Garconne
Who Found It: facadeindreams was the first to add the Mulberry Alexa Bag to the Hive.

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Jan 11

Bag Of The Week: The J.J. Winters Envelope Chain Bag

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imageWhile the bag itself is worthy of a double-take, I have to admit that it was actually the name that initially caught my attention: the J.J. Winters Envelope Chain Bag in Silver Baby Turtle. Alright, it’s J.J. Winters, so you can likely surmise that it’s celeb-approved yet still somewhat affordable… while the terms “envelope” and “chain” are a little more obvious, seeing that it clearly boasts a fold-over flap and a chain shoulder strap. But Silver Baby Turtle? Okay, so it looks more like a disco mosaic than a sea creature if you ask me, but I guess I can see the inspiration. Either way, it’s totally shiny-chic in a way that’s not too flashy for daytime, and the metallic leather is a fun alternative to tired embellishments like studs and rhinestones. In any case, call it whatever you want — I’m diggin’ it!

What: the J.J. Winters Envelope Chain Bag
Price: $85
Where to Buy: Revolve Clothing
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add the J.J. Winters Envelope Chain Bag to the Hive.

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Jan 07

MJ Puts The Petal To The Metal With A New Messenger Bag

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imageThis has got to be one of the sweetest handbags I’ve seen recently from Marc by Marc Jacobs. The Petal to the Metal leather satchel ($200 at Net-a-Porter) comes in a shade of tobacco called newsprint, yet its style shouts indulgent cupcake from Magnolia Bakery. Overall this is a charming bag because of its compact size. Clearly it is an example of the affordable whimsy and wit so clearly defined and redefined again each season at Marc by Marc Jacobs. The Petal to the Metal leather satchel is a pint-sized messenger bag adorned with a small bird on its front flap. The front flap is accentuated with a zipper detailing around the edge; although not functional, it adds an interesting texture and outlines the shape of the bag. Inside is a pouch compartment lined in an eighties-inspired geometric twill print. The closure is secured by a magnet on the outside and a small non-functional strap loops under the gold-toned dove. I am not sure why the purely aesthetic strap does not cross over the entire bag; it does dilute the look of the design a bit. The dove is embossed with a tiny circle so small you’ll need a magnifying glass to read the Marc by Marc Jacobs logo. The long strap and makes this messenger bag perfect for carrying only your most basic essentials. Overall I do like the look of this bag and it would make a perfect bag for a post-holiday trip abroad or a charming gift for aspiring fashionista teen. This whimsical bag is also the ideal accessory for adding a bit of eclectic fun to your casual weekend look. Pair with an oversized tee and/or blazer, skinny black leggings and some oxford flats.

Brought to you by our friends at TheFind.

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Jan 05

Vintage Fashionistas Carry Their Cash In Style

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imageSmart fashionistas know they should always calculate Cost-per-Wear (CPW) when deciding if a potential purchase is a good value. For instance, a top quality winter coat might cost more initially, but it should wear much better and last for far more years than its inferior quality cousin. So what at first glance seems like the bargain choice could actually cost you more to wear over the long run. Get it? CPW is an especially important consideration for those pieces you use frequently. And one of those frequently used pieces that is often given too little attention is your wallet. It never ceases to amaze me when I see a totally chic gal decked out perfectly from head-to-toe pulling out a ratty old wallet from a designer handbag. So why not grab one of these fab vintage wallets with price tags that will leave quite a few extra bills to tuck in the billfold and lower your CPW to a few pennies a day? Just click the slideshow to see the selection.

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Jan 04

Bag Of The Week: Bloomingdale’s Iconic Storefront Canvas Tote

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imageIf you’ve never been to New York City, I can give you tons of recommendations on stores to check out. On the top 3 are: Macy’s in Herald Square, the Prada store in SoHo and Bloomingdale’s at 59th Street. The first time I stopped in my tracks was in front of Bloomingdale’s as I stood in awe. The fabulous brands and styles to be found inside were no match for my wallet, but this tote is well within my budget! This tote will always remind me of the wonderful atmosphere of Bloomingdale’s and New York City. Plus, it’s big enough to fit my laptop, magazines, and even a change of shoes. So who needs another expensive “it” bag when you can have all of Bloomingdale’s in the crook of your arm?

What: the Bloomingdale’s Iconic Storefront Canvas Tote
Price: $30
Where to Buy: Bloomindale’s
Who Found It: facadeindreams was the first to add the Bloomingdale’s Iconic Storefront Canvas Tote to the Hive.

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Dec 30

10, 9, 8…Check Out My Top Ten Clutches For New Years Eve!

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imageNow that gifts have been given (and returned) and the last gumdrop has been eaten off the gingerbread house, it’s time to focus on your upcoming New Year’s Eve plans! Whether you’re going to a huge NYE party and rubbing elbows with the party circuit elite, or making an appearance at a friend’s festive gathering to sip on some bubbly, this is the night to really sparkle. If New Year’s Eve isn’t the time to shine and dazzle, then when is? You’ve probably already decided on a few fashionable options to wow the crowd, so now all you need now is to find a few perfect accessories to really make that New Years ensemble a show stopper! A pretty, practical and sparkly clutch is the best way to do so, so check out the slideshow and help me count down my favorite clutches and mini handbags for New Year’s Eve!

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Dec 30

Hot Beauty Buy: Chanel Makeup Case

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imageI just got a new set of makeup brushes and a Chanel Makeup Case ($120 at Neiman Marcus) from my husband for Christmas. The case was inspired by the case the Chanel makeup artists carry and I love that inside there are lots of compartments and removable zipper bags. I can only explain it as a sort of makeup binder and storage tray. You can remove the makeup bags and brush holder as well as remove some of the dividers in the storage tray of the case. The first thing I noticed and adored is the lipstick divider. (You can see inside the case in this eBay post.) This is perfect for me because I have things in about 3 separate bags in different sizes. The case is a perfect size too — not huge like a train case or too small like my little zipper bag. Plus nothing is ever organized when I travel so I love that this will keep everything together including my cleanser and lotion. I was planning on exchanging the couple of brushes I already had but then I realized that the brushes I do have are about SIX or SEVEN years old. OMG! How did time fly? I do clean them with the MAC brush cleaner but not as often as I should. Honestly, I’ve cleaned them probably about 3 or 4 times. Gross, I know. I decided to Google and find out how often you should be cleaning your brushes and found this post by makeup artist extraordinaire, Bobbi Brown on the Allure magazine site where she explains how to clean your makeup brushes. Just set a reminder in my calendar to do this every month! How often do you clean your makeup brushes or refresh them with new ones?

Brought to you by our friends at Coquette!

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Dec 28

Bag Of The Week: Kate Spade ‘Watch Hill’ Striped Shopper

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imageKate Spade is usually quite the minimalist queen (okay, maybe not when it comes to her shoes), so while I love her practical shapes, it’s rare that I’ll get super excited over any particular design, save for the occasional sparkly hobo or bright pink Stevie satchel. And now, I can add the “Watch Hill” Striped Shopper to my rather modest “wow” list! While the patent leather and basic tote shape are nothing new, there’s something about the bag that’s totally cute in a nautical-gone-preppy sort of way. I love the chain-detailed straps and for some reason, the ribbon bow seems to make the handbag like ten times more adorable! Winter may have just begun, but the bag has me already looking forward to a sunny spring day out on my personal yacht… or something like that.

What: the Kate Spade ‘Watch Hill’ Striped Shopper
Price: $395
Where to Buy: Nordstrom
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add the Kate Spade ‘Watch Hill’ Striped Shopper to the Hive.

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Dec 21

Bag Of The Week: Marc Jacobs Sparkling Clutch

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imageIf I’m being honest, I’m not much of a clutch girl. After all, if I’m at a holiday party, I’d rather be stuck on the dance floor hugging my oversize hobo under my arm than give up a perfectly good drink-holding hand. But if anything has the ability to lure me into the unfamiliar when it comes to fashion, it’s sparkle! For example, this Marc Jacobs Sparkling Clutch may be tiny, but its shimmery diamond pattern is so elegantly twinkly, you can’t help but be drawn to it… like a dazzling disco argyle print. It’s perfect for holiday parties or a New Year’s Eve night out. Unfortunately, at almost $800, I think I’m destined to have a strictly “look but don’t touch” sort of relationship with this Marc Jacobs beauty… unless Santa’s feeling extra generous this year!

What: the Marc Jacobs Sparkling Clutch
Price: $790.25 (ouch)
Where to Buy: MyTheresa
Who: xgalexy was the first to add the Marc Jacobs Sparkling Clutch to the Hive.

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