On occasion I will find something fabulous at a consignment shop – something I could not possibly afford even when marked down. My last purchase was at the swanky Turnaboutshoppe in Wellesley, Massachusetts, where I scored an amazing black Chanel jacket for a mere $400. I will wear that baby for the next 10 years, easily. My latest deluxe acquisition, however, happened unexpectedly this weekend at the DC Big Flea Market, a large antiques and collectibles event held three or four times a year in Chantilly, Virginia. I went looking for a lamp and came away with a gorgeous alligator bag for $100. I’ve been dreaming about buying an exotic skin handbag for a while, but at over $4,000, I knew even Santa wasn’t going to make that happen.
One antiques dealer had a sign prominently displayed at her booth: Antiques are Green – Invest in the Future, Recycle the Past. So, dear readers, before you plunk down that credit card for your next luxury-must-have at a boutique or department store, consider auctions, consignment shops, and yes, even an antiques show instead. You’ll save gobs of money while reusing what’s already here.

From left: Madison Avenue Alligator Handbag, Charles Underwood, $4495; Alligator Frame Bag, Brooks Brothers, $5500; Gretchen’s latest, DC Flea, $100

With several months of winter ahead of us, nothing beats the warmth and comfortable style of a sweater dress. Add some color with a layering piece and add a couple of accessories to give it some flair.

Starburst Sweater Dress in oatmeal heather. I have seen this soft merino wool dress with dolman sleeves on and it is very chic. Hourglass and Inverted Triangle body types  would look best in this style.   It is also on sale!  Add an ivory color or a pair of fun colored DKNY Control Top Opaque Tights.

Gap Ultrafine turtleneck – this super soft layering piece can be worn layered underneath the dress. The new navy color adds a burst of color.

Nine West Truella – these are my favorite suede boots and I wear them frequently. These rock and the adjustable tie in the back will draw attention. Believe me – your friends will want the same pair.

For accessories try the Gorjana Bedford Messenger Bag. This leather bag would look stylish worn across your body. Try a Bop Basics Cashmere Fitted Cap in ivory – it adds a modish touch to complete the look.

Here are some stylish gift ideas for under $100 to assist with your online shopping.

• Nine West Gabby Clutch in Drama Azure – the rosette adornment shows off your feminine side and you will get lots of compliments. It also comes in silver.
• Spring Street Design Group Handbag Hanger – this Crystal Pearl Flower handbag hanger is a fashion necessity when you are dining. This eye-catching hanger keeps your purse off the floor and I always have one with me.
• Dogeared ‘100 Good Wishes’ Boxed Necklace – Dogeared is a trendy label and their jewelry is consistently seen in fashion magazines. Each bead on the necklace represents a wish and you can wear it long or wrapped around your neck.
• Wardrobe 911 Recipe Box – Any fashion conscious gal would love this gift and it could even be for you! You can find out your body type or your friend’s body type by taking the body quiz.  Receive a holiday discount of  20% off all Wardrobe 911 Recipe Boxes (Hourglass, Rectangle, Triangle and Inverted Triangle). Just use coupon code GIFTW911 at checkout. Promotion is valid until 12/20/09.
• Laura Mercier Mini Lip Glacé Set – I love these colors and the size of these limited edition glosses!
• Juicy Couture Sequin Skinny Scarf – this stylish merino wool scarf is accented with sequins. It can be worn day or evening.
• Bop Basics Cashmere Long Fingerless Gloves – these are so soft and add a fashion statement. I even wear my fingerless gloves when I work at home.
• Sarah Princess Asian Flower Belt Buckle – Sarah Princess designs these artistic belt buckles. They can be worn with your jeans or low slung over a top.

Style Consultation

If you feel like splurging, then purchase a gift certificate for a style and color consultation for someone. Or perhaps you would like to add it to your wish list. A style consultation is a great way to start the new year! You can review the services our stylists offer and contact one for a gift certificate through the Find-A-Stylist directory.

Happy Shopping!

Although the larger laptops are great, they’re not so great when you’re looking for something stylish to carry them in.  I was looking for something reasonably priced, that could be used as a handbag, was lightweight, and it couldn’t have any logos on it.  Coach had some that worked but with their logo all over, I decided to keep searching.

I soon found one at Nordstroms that met all the requirements and fit my laptop perfectly: B. Makowsky’s Monaco tote.  It looks small but don’t let that fool you.  With beautiful, soft leather, a tiny bit of  hardware detail, side expansion zippers, and cute leopard print lining, this is one stylish bag. There are two pockets in front for keys and transportation tickets and an iPod pocket on the back.  It’s perfect for traveling!

B. Makowsky also has another large tote in a croc print that just came out — also worth investigating.  What do you carry your laptop in?

The latest, biggest, best-selling Diane von Furstenberg handbag has more hardware than found in a classroom full of teenagers with braces.

It’s also big enough to lose just about anything in it.  I’ve been mulling it over and although I love the style and cross-body hipness, there are two things that would keep me from purchasing it or recommending it to someone:

1. It’s going to hurt your shoulders after constant wear in about 3 to 6 months.  The old Marc Jacobs bags were like this and so heavy that everyone almost quit buying them here in SF -  just to take a stand for their back health.
2. It’s just too big. We already know that we will lose all kinds of things in this BUT if you’re under 5′5″ or petite, the bag will take over your body.  Think “body snatchers” for handbags. If you are tall and have the right proportions to wear something of this scale, go for it.

Maria loves purple and I love teal. Actually, I probably love them both equally as well because they look so good on most everyone.  But teal now has even more significance for me since it’s the color of the ribbon for Ovarian Cancer awareness.  And September is the month to remind you beautiful women to get checked.  I honestly never knew it could happen to anyone (no family history required!) and if you haven’t read Diana Jewel’s article about it over at goinggraylookinggreat.com, then do yourself a favor and get over there.  Very enlightening!!

Here’s a weekend outfit and an outfit for a wedding or special event that combines some of the beautiful teal that we’re now seeing in stores.

• Stretch Satin Dress – super flattering for an hourglass or triangle, this dress is great on the wallet and eyes.  Perfect for a celebratory event.
• Platform patent leather heel in teal – for those who love height, these look great with the dress or with a skinny jean.

• Mid-Rise cord trousers in a teal green is perfect as a neutral.  Thanks Old Navy!
• Create a complementary color harmony by wearing a brown swing cardigan.  Brown and teal look super rich together.
• Adding a brown flat (it also comes in teal!) and a teal tote by Marc by Marc Jacobs finishes the look.

For other color combos, try teal with rust or deep pumpkin or with violet or navy.  It looks sophisticated with gray and sleek with black.  If you typically wear a lot of black, invest in a teal scarf to add a bit of color.

For the last article of our $1500 Challenge series, I thought it best to cover something we all tend to shop for as an afterthought: accessories.  Accessories keep an outfit interesting and can convey your personal style much more easily than a Splendid tee.

Try and find the best quality you can afford when it comes to your accessories since they last a lifetime (or should!) in your wardrobe.  Here’s some recommendations to get you started:

• Diane von Furstenberg Deidre python chain belt, $175. This thin double belt is super elegant and can dress up a long knit top or your little black dress.
• Gold Concave Ring, $84 — this is the perfect subdued statement ring.
• Marc by Marc Jacobs croc handbag, $278. This ultra soft croc-embossed patent leather bag perfect for Spring and Summer.
• Tissue-weight cashmere wrap, $90. You can tie it around your neck as a scarf or use it as a wrap for a night out.
• Rachel Leigh Jewelry Gumball Ring, $72. Okay, so it’s resin but the real one would throw us out of our entire budget.
• Echo oblong print scarf, $58. An oblong scarf is much easier to tie and looks great around the neck or used as a headband.
• Michael Kors Gansevoort tote, $330. If you have a black or brown handbag, add some fun to your wardrobe with something colorful. Green or blue are great colors for handbags since they tend to go with most everything.
• Tuleste Market chain link necklace/belt, $148. I love multi-functional items and this necklace/belt combo is perfect for any gal’s demanding clothing moods. It looks great as a necklace and even more sublime as a belt.
• Lauren lizard embossed clutch, $250. An animal print bag or shoe is perfect for day and night — this one is the ideal addition to a wardrobe.

The total accessories wardrobe comes to $1485 –  there’s certainly enough to buy yourself some fun bangles (from Target, uh-em.)

This week, we’ve decided to challenge our stylists with the ultimate question:

If you were given a $1500 clothing budget, what items would you get?

What a fun thought:  How would I spend $1,500?

I would invest in what Nina Garcia [Elle, Project Runway] calls “the bones” of a wardrobe – classic building blocks that are always chic.  I love affordable “fun” clothes and jewelry, but with a chunk of change, I’d buy a few more expensive items that are well made and last forever.

• The trench coat will always be in style, whether over jeans and a t-shirt or a dress.  The Moschino Trench Coat is a modern version of this classic look, with ties at the cuffs and an unexpected pleated back.

• I loooove denim.  I spend most of my days wearing it.  I love that the concept of cost per wear exists, because without it I may not be able to justify spending $200 on a pair of jeans.  To take me into fall on the East Coast, these Hudson jeans are perfect.  The dark wash is so slimming, and the back flap pockets add a little oomph to my backside.

• These peep-toe Theory pumps are both beautiful and leg-lengthening.  Wearing a shoe that closely matches your skin tone makes your legs appear longer.  A hot look with a little black dress….

• Speaking of LBD’s, this one with it’s asymmetrical neckline is gorgeous and  another basic that will get lots of use.

• Finally, this Linea Pelle Dylan croco handbag in a luscious caramel color can be worn with almost anything.

What would you buy with $1,500?

Everywhere I look, ’statement pieces’ are being touted as the new Spring trend and fabulous look-at-me pieces are finding their ways in retailers troves.   But here is where I need to caution you.

Statement pieces are not a new trend — they are the items that create your personal style — they have a personal story that communicates either a memory or a special meaning for you.  So if you purchase a ’statement necklace’ from a store like JCrew, how many other women are you sharing your statement with??

In our quest to develop our own personal style and show our individuality, accessories are typically the best way to do it.  Think of Karl Lagerfield’s half gloves (he has over 300 pairs!) or Carrie Donovan’s glasses.  Even our hairstyle can make a statement – think of Anna Wintour’s bob.

So, where do you develop and find your statement?  Look for unique and interesting pieces that  reflect your tastes and that has meaning. For example, I always wear a big ring on my right hand that is from my grandmother’s collection – it not only is eye-catching, it has sentimental value.

Have something made for you. Look for a jewelry designer that inspires you – that is not in every store — that is unique and special (I met Corinthia Peoples last night at an FGI event that we were both panelists on and not only is she beautiful person but her pieces are extraordinary.) Try handbags or jewelry that are different, that show workmanship and tell a story of a favorite place (in my case, Paris) you’ve traveled. Whatever the case, make your statement piece unique for you.

So, dear readers, what statement piece do you own that you wear?

While you’re busy shopping or making gifts this year, I got to thinking about what a girl might like to treat herself to this holiday season.  So I made a list.

I’m almost thinking this is a good Top Five list for any gal who loves to mix style, technology and a bit of pampering. Screw the holidaze — who needs a reason?

• Yves Saint Laurent ‘Downtown’ tote- in a beautiful chocolate brown.  You’ll never want another bag again…well, at least for a few years.
• A Flip Video Mino - they now run for 60 minutes!  Think of all the exciting podcasts you can create!
• Bose® SoundDock® Portable music system – Despite the price, I hate tinny-sounding music and this provides the best sound.  Plus, you can tote it from room to room. Love that.
• Slippers! Every year I need a new pair and since my feet get super cold, sheepskin is a must. These slip-ons by Type Z should do the trick as they cover the heel nicely.
• Some Bliss.  Just an hour of relaxation can do wonders for peeling away the stress of the year.  Word is the Oxygen Facial is amazing.

I’ll never forget the first time I came upon the Jamin Puech boutique in Paris.  It was January, bone-chilling cold, and I was out with friends looking for not only some place to warm up in, but a store that would hold my interest as I thawed out.

Imagine my delight when I found myself in a store full of intricate handbags in various sizes, colors and shapes. Jamin Puech fits the bill and you will find yourself wanting to collect all their bags.

Designed by Benoit Jamin and Isabelle Puech, the handbags are sought-after for their fine hand-craftsmanship and maverick spirit.  Various fabrics such as silk, leather and beading are arranged into a wide range of funky, individual designs.  Not only are they known for they hand-beaded evening bags such as the one pictured (available at Yoox), they have great leather handbags that are perfect for updating your Fall wardrobe.

Just when I thought I’d seen it all, Delight.com finds something quirky enough that not only holds your wallet while you shop, but keeps you stress-free as you finagle the sales rack.

It’s a cute (and organic to boot!) tote that is made from aromatic grass.  Yup, it smells good too.  Take your Claritin before using!

Carrying your laptop to work in an ugly Dell laptop bag doesn’t have to be the case anymore.  Right now in the market there are tons of stylish totes that you can use to carry not only your laptop and working papers, but your personal items as well.

Below I’ve listed three totes that fit the bill, look good, and will last you a long time. I do recommend that you don’t go for the fabric-styled totes if you lug your computer around a lot; they will blow-out in less than six months and you’ll be very disappointed.

For the Design-ophile:

Chloe’s Gladys Tote in gray leather provides enough room for your computer plus it’s huge on style. It’s perfect for carrying your portfolio and other necessities for that important client meeting.

With metal feet at its base (a must for me!), it measures approximately 13½” wide x 16” tall x 5” deep

$1604 at Bluefly (reg $2005)

For the Quintessential Classic:

Nothing says understated class more than Tod’s.  This dark brown leather ‘Press Shopper’ tote is perfect for your files, laptop, and other personal items.

Perfect for the boardroom or that PTA meeting, it measures approximately 16″ x 11″ tall and is 6″ deep.

$1192 at Bluefly (reg $1490)

For Lovers of Stealth Wealth:

If you have no desire to announce to the world you’re carrying a Louis Vuitton bag but you want the quality associated with one, look no further.

This brand-new addition called “Passy” is the perfect partner to your incognito ways.  A middle-zipper pocket separates the tote into three compartments.  Room for cell phone and spy camera?  check.

In black (of course) and made out of textured Epi leather.

At Louis Vuitton stores or eLuxury for $1450

Concerned about cost?
These are worth every penny!  Check out my Cost-per-Wear calculation on the right-nav.

There is something going on in this world where women are standing up to crime and taking matters into their own hands…handbags, that is.

Perhaps you heard about the three women in London who tried to help police “bag” a fugitive.  They got a video of one of the ladies doing her best to block and tackle the guy. (she looks fierce!) Or perhaps you heard about the trio of women in NYC who did the same thing a few months back.

It puts a HUGE smile on my face because I love to hear about women who are not afraid to stand up for themselves and others, but smart enough to know that there is power in numbers…and purses.  It’s becoming a trend that I am all for.

So, I figure my duty as a stylist is to provide you some recommendations for a powerful purse so that if the need arises, you are ready to wield it, all in jest I might add.

This green hobo bag by BCBGirls is a fun “neutral” to carry and because it’s large, you can load it up with your entire life if you wish.  In case you need to use this power purse for other purposes, it’s easy to swing and really knock someone over….if it’s loaded to the gills, that is.

This east/west satchel by Stuart Weitzman is loaded with hardware.  Just whack a thief with this and let the police know to be on the lookout for a guy with huge oval marks on his left cheek.

This season, the handbag trend is BIG. It’s like the designers are asking us to forget the little known rule “the bag width should be smaller than your butt.”

I do have a couple of problems with the large bag trend though. One is that I don’t like to look like my bag is going to swallow me whole, the second is more practical: I honestly can never find anything when I have a bigger bag.  Sure, you can fit more things but the “find-what-you’re-looking-for ratio” goes up exponentially.

Here are my picks for this Fall’s must-have handbags.

I lean to the more practical — what every gal is always looking for but can never find.  Gold hardware is making a comeback so if you get a black leather bag with gold hardware, you are in.  And if it’s big — you are very in (the bag).

Where to Get:

• E.D.E. Zipper Clutch, $264
• Piquadro Medium Leather Bag in Dark Green, $218 at Pink Mascara:
• Francesco Biasia Easy Living Bag, $335
• Kooba Carla Bag, $650
• Bulga Large Studded Tote, $475
• Aaneta Shoulder Bag, $352

This is my friend and neighbor, Susanne.  She’s a former industrial designer from Apple who found herself as a new mom with no options for a cool baby tote…let alone something that her husband Scott would be found carrying.

So, she put her design talents to task and developed the Cosmo tote (named after her adorable son.)  The tote is for moms and dads who don’t want to sport around those big pink quilted diaper bags that most folks are loathe to carry.

Not only does the Cosmo look good with your Seven jeans, there is no way people would know it’s a BABY tote so you can use it well past the diaper phase.  Heck, I don’t have kids and I want one for my computer!

They’re a great gift for the expectant parents and come in 6 cool color combos at $175.  Get yours at http://www.susannemaddux.com/shop.html.

PS Susanne is delivering her second little guy tomorrow so a big congrats to the Maddux’s!!