SHOES/ACCESSORIES

Big bags are very “in” right now, and I, for one, am enormously glad. I love being able to carry around a bag full of lots of things, more than just the basics of a lip gloss and a cellphone. If I wanted to carry a book before, it wouldn’t always fit. And what about a water bottle? We all know that being hydrated is important, but they don’t fit into purses that easily. So, bags are a great option. And there have always been bags, but never before have there been so many stylish choices to pick from.

For spring and summer, ones of the best colors to have for a bag is white. White is versatile and will match with everything. Which means that it can be a great investment. I’ve gone and found some of my favorite white bags that are available to buy right now. I just don’t know which one I want to get, yet. Maybe you can help?

To start with, we have The Sak “Peace Bag” Shopper for $229.00 from Macys.com.

This bag is beautiful and may have you carrying it around like Jessica Simpson did for her Louis Vuitton bag that she treated like a pet. This bag is named especially for the peace symbols at the side, and the dove and peace symbol gunmetal hardware that are on the front. The handles are braided and drop down a very generous 10″. Inside there are three pockets, one zippered and two open. The lining inside is polyester satin. The bag is 12 1/2″ high and 16 1/2″ wide.

Also try the MICHAEL Michael Kors “Astor” tote for $328.00 from Macys.com. It’s a high-quality modern bag available in the color of vanilla.

Next, we have The Oslo bag for $429.00 at Jcrew.com.

This bag is casual, but can easily be translated to compliment more sophisticated outfits. Borge Gaveri tumbled leather for this bag. The double handles are also leather and they drop down 8 1/2″ so this is a great shoulder bag for traveling, or even local errands. I love that this bag has a turn-lock closure because it’s cute and assures you that your purse is closed. The hardware accents for this bag are antiqued brass. This bag is really big, at 12″ high, and 17″ wide at the base.

Also try the Uptown tote for $230.00 from Jcrew.com. It’s available in the color of white sand.

Next, we have the Greenwich oversize shoulder bag for $278.00 from Bananarepublic.com. It’s available in the color of chalk.

This is the one. This is my favorite. It can lend you the right vibe for any outfit. I’m already mentally categorizing how many great spring/summer outfits I could pair this with. The shorter handles have a drop of 7″ and the longer strap option has a drop of 14 1/2. The bag is 16 1/2 x 13 1/2. With brass hardware and 100% leather, this is an amazing deal. This bag is also available in a red, black, and brown. I suggest picking up this bag in a couple different colors. When something is this good, how can you pass it up?

Ciao for now,

Jessica

Natalie Portman is a fashion-minded vegan. And as such, it can be difficult to find something like – shoes, that are animal-friendly. Alongside Té Casan, Portman has helped create shoes that are free of any animal products, and are highly stylish at the same time. Each shoe is a limited edition of 100 pairs per size.

You can view the collection: here. You can call and order by phone: 1-877-TECASAN

They are expensive, though. The red satin Paloma sandal is $275. But you can still find shoes that are animal-friendly without handing over that much money. The point is that Natalie thinks that having animal-free material shoes are important. And getting them in general is what’s important. This is a new trend, especially because it’s so helpful, and we’re all about going ‘green’!

So, how can you get shoes like this, for less?

Try going to Alternativeoutfitters.com. I am now officially obsessed with the shoes they offer (not to mention the bags). They’re impeccably stylish and chic all while being nice to the animals we love so much. I recommend the Tricia Brown Pleather Flats in brown by CL Laundry for $40.99 (shown below). You can pair them with skinny jeans for a trendy look, or pants of any width where they’ll peak out nicely. I love the pleated detail on the tops which are accented by a cute circular golden buckle.

They even have great faux suede boots for under $60.00. Where’s the bad? No where. You’re gonna love whatever you buy at this site.

You can also look at Mooshoes.com. It’s a vegan-friendly site, owned by people committed to helping animals. (That’s the kind of people I like!) The company helps no-kill animal shelters by aiding in animals getting adopted. If you’re in NYC then you can visit the store at 78 Orchard Street, which is on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. It’d be a great place to find some New York bargains.

I love The Frida (and not just because it’s the name of my sister’s kitten!) which has a very subtle heel, looks ultra comfy, and has cute straps and hardware details. Angel Beige looks sturdy to walk in with its wedge heel, but has very delicate detailing that reminds me of a sweet angel stepping around. Don’t you want to be that socially conscious and stylish angel? I know I do.

The company makes shoes, as well as bags, purses, some apparel, and beauty products.

Also check out: Veganshoes.com for sporty and comfortable shoes. I really like:

Pirouette2 Solestream Black – $99.95
Earth Tranquil in Bronze Microfiber – $79.95

They’re both great for summer. The first is a black ballet flat, the second is a really gorgeous thong sandal.

Ciao for now,

Jessica

Yellow is one of the key colors for spring and summer of 2008. Whether you wear it muted or bold, you should definitely try something yellow. Gucci’s 2008 Ready-to-Wear Spring show featured lots of yellow.

But if you can’t afford Gucci (I know I can’t!), that’s no reason to not wear yellow. There are many other options in more affordable price markets.

J-Crew has tons of yellow splashed in their collection right now. The Enamel dome ring for $35.00 is nice if you want to try yellow but only in a small amount. I’m very fond of the Camilla Sweater Jacket, $128.00 (#1). This sweater can be worn unbuttoned, buttoned up all the way, or by just buttoning the top. The 3/4 sleeves means that it will take you nicely from spring into any cool summer nights you spend on a lake.

The Gap has some very cute Suede Knotted Ballet Flats in pale gold, $39.50 (#2). Or you can consider the Pleated Print Ballet Flats in yellow stripe.

Target has a zippered ruched tote bag for $19.99 (#3). It will add a pop to your outfit, and you won’t have to break the bank in the least.

Maxstudio.com has the 8 Way Tube Top (#4). It’s very cool. You can style this tube top into different types of tops and in a few different skirt variations. It’s $138.00, and almost entirely silk. With this top, people will wonder how you ever got to be so ingenious as to transform a simple tube top into so many different ways.

And if you’re looking for a great dress, try the textured shift dress in yellow by Bebe. It’s $129.99.

Ciao for now,

Jessica

(The Gucci photos are from Style.com)

Going ‘Green’ is a very big trend these days. And not without good reason. Helping the environment doesn’t have to cost you anything. Sometime it just requires you to make some small changes. Take for instance, your shopping bags.

How many bags do you think you accumulate in a month? What about a year? I’m not just talking about shopping bags, grocery bags count, too. The number of those bags add up, and they pile up in landfills, becoming toxic. So, what can you do? You’re just one person, right?
Well, the answer is –  reusable bags. This are becoming rapidly more popular, which means you can find them at more and more places. Baggu.com has my vote on the best bag for a girl on the go. You can see them: here. Now, don’t be turned away by the drab looking page. Those bags come in different colors – from red to peacock or saffron. On the page, they may look flimsy, but they’re actually very strong nylon.

You can buy one bag, three bags, or six. If you’re buying more than one, you can get different colored bags – they don’t all have to be the same price. The shipping is a flat rate of $3.50. One bag and a pouch (to store the bag in) is $8.00. Three bags and a pouch is $22.00. And six bags and six pouches are $38.00.

The site says, “Using one Baggu for one year replaces 300 to 700 disposable bags.” And one Baggu bag can hold the contents of three normal plastic bags.

I like these so much because these can fold up easily and be put into the pouches, and carried around in your purse. That way, if you ever randomly stop to shop somewhere, you’ll have your bag.

Jpmonkey.com makes decorative reusable shopping bags for $25.00 each. You can find them: here. They’re strong, but they don’t compact. These are a nice addition if you like to put bags on display on a kitchen counter.

Papernorplastic.com has very cute reusable bags, as well. They fold up like a paper bag does. One bag is $9.99. And if you buy three, you get one free. You can find them: here.

There is another bag that is like the Baggu, it’s the Workhouse Style 1500 Acme bag, available: here. It’s available in three colors, and it is compact and able to be folded up. Curious about the 1500 number? That’s how many plastic bags would be used in the place of one of these bags. These bags are available in a special set where you get one free, for $23.85.

If you want to see more varieties you can also check out: Reusablebags.com

Ciao for now!

Jessica