Affordable Accessories

It's not difficult to look gorgeous when you're built like Charlize Theron, but humor me: I think she's nailed a look here that we can all learn a little something from. The former supermodel and Oscar-winning actress has a style that's glamorous, sexy and yet - that adjective that seems to epitomize great style in this modern era of ours - effortless. Here, she mixes a number of trends with such finesse that you hardly notice the clothing, but you certainly can't help but notice the woman wearing them. What caught our eye: The soft, flowing chiffon dress juxtaposed with a fitted, tailored blazer. Gold accessories that glow without being gaudy. And on a practical note, that chic blazer is the perfect layer for transitioning from warm days to chilly nights. Plus, add tights and booties to this look and you'll be ready for fall.

Are you inspired by Charlize's style?

[1] Clutch, NYandCompany.com, $16.95
[2] Tiered Ruffle Dress, Expressfashion.com, $49
[3] Sunglasses, Forever21.com, $5.80
[4] Necklace, BananaRepublic.com, $39
[5] Blazer, NYandCompany.com, $41.96
[6] Stone Hinged Bracelet, BananaRepublic.com, $39
[7] Gold Sandals, Ninewest.com, $59.99

Dear For Love 21,
Your weekly must-haves are truly seductive. Might you consider offering free shipping on "The One Item I Need to Get This Week"? The Caron Faux Leather Handbag would make the perfect purse for transitioning from summer to fall, and it is sitting patiently in my shopping cart. Yet it's hard to justify paying shipping charges on top of the $29.80 price tag for one, simple bag (as lovely as it may be). Just say the word - that you'll ship it free - and I'll hit "buy."

Yours truly,
BB

>> Caron Faux Leather Handbag, $29.80 (plus shipping)

Katie Holmes has been taking a lot of heat lately for wearing her rolled-leg boyfriend jeans just about everywhere (or did she raid Tom's closet?). Personally, I love the look, and the more people judge and criticize her, the more appealing she becomes. How's that for odd fashion inspiration. Katie's got a good head on her shoulders and if she prefers to dress in a classic, modest manner rather than flashing her goodies around town for the whole world to see, that's her business. So, back to the jeans: This look has always been popular in places like Europe (hmmm...I see you're still grimacing), and it's a refreshing alternative to skinnies, which have reigned supreme for so long - although recently I've started rolling my skinnies, and I love that, too. Katie keeps the rest of her look simple and chooses neutral hues for a laid-back look that still manages to be sophisticated and chic.

So let's hear it, ladies: Do you love Katie's style or does it make you wince?

[1] Fedora, Bananarepublic.com, $59
[2] Sunglasses, Target, $12.99
[3] Black crewneck tee, Nyandcompany.com, Was $14.95 Now $10.46
[4] Studded Belt, $19.80
[5] Boyfriend jeans, Urbanoutfitters.com, $58
[6] Primo Limited Costa Bag, baghaus.com, $50
[7] Jessica Simpson flats, 6pm.com, Was $63 Now $36.45

BFFs Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore have both been spotted carrying the Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Tote in black quilted patent leather with a wickedly stylish crocodile pattern. No doubt each star probably has her own, but it got me thinking...what if you and a trusted gal-pal were to go halfsies on a bag you both desired? You split the cost, and split the time each of you gets to bag-sit. Trouble may arise if you both need the bag on the same evening, or if you go absolutely everywhere together, but those are details that could be worked out. Anyways, I'd never suggest you co-own the original YSL bag, which costs a whopping $1,395.00, meaning you'd each pay $697.50 if my math is correct. Instead, get a similar-looking faux-leather croc tote from Accessory Bug (above center). At $51.99, you can each afford to get your own.

>> Black Tribute Faux Patent Croc Leather Tote at Accessorybug.com, $51.99. For a limited time, use coupon code skool08 for an additional 10% off any purchase. Offer ends October 31st.

HAPPY COINCIDENCE The week before my cruise to Bermuda, I bought a ton of fun "cruise-wear" from Forever21.com. Last minute shopping can cause some serious damage to your budget, but that's a topic for another post. Anyways, I needed to find a big, beachy tote that I could carry around the ship during the day, something with ample room for a towel, sunscreen and other necessities, so I decided to get this sequin weave tote bag. The $40 pricetag kinda made me cringe because it's Forever 21, after all, but like I said, it was getting down to the wire and I had to make a decision, stat.

When my tote arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by the unique design, even though it turned out to be bronze and not beige as I assumed from the online pics (yeah, I didn't read the fine print very carefully). Basically, it's like a fully-lined silver sequin bag nestled inside a woven leather-like bronze bag. The overall effect is much less shiny and much more tasteful than it sounds; in fact, the bag is a subtle metallic that glimmers gently in the sunlight. And it was perfect for my vacation.

The happy coincidence was that the night before my cruise, I couldn't resist darting off to Target for more last-minute essentials like those adorable, travel-size toiletries and...new shoes! So necessary. I lucked out and scored an adorable pair of bronze Isaac Mizrahi for Target t-strap sandals for just $7.48 on clearance. I can't tell you how amazing these shoes are. They have leather uppers, comfy 3" inch heel, and look equally fab with jeans or a dress. I had planned on wearing 4" stilettos for all the evening activities on the cruise, but after a little turbulence our first night, I was so glad I had packed my new chunky heels. Besides, you end up doing a lot of walking on those ships, and a lot of stair climbing, and a lot of dancing, so these shoes proved to be a dream. (What, oh what will we do when Isaac leaves us for Liz?)

One thing to note: The t-straps are still $29.99 at Target.com (also come in silver), so you may want to check your local brick-n-mortar for the best deal if you're interested. Above, I put together a simple outfit so you could see how everything looks in real life. What makes me most happy is the bag and shoes aren't too matchy, but when combined, they add a nice touch to just about any casual to semi-dressy look.

>> Sequin Weave Tote Bag at Forever21.com, $39.80
>> Isaac Mizrahi for Target Pat T-Strap Sandals at Target.com, $29.99

My dependable albeit uncool Coach wallet.
So I may lose some friends today and make some serious enemies, but I'm going to go out on a limb here and speak my truth: Coach handbags are not cool. They've gone overboard with the "C"s, they've gone overboard with the rebranding, and in their efforts to become coveted by a younger generation, they have become (insult of insults): Common. I'm sorry, but when everyone and their mother and their grandmother and their kid sister is carrying one of these unimaginative quasi-status symbols, it's time to throw in the towel and say, "Enough."

Now for an ironic twist: I happen to own both a Coach handbag and a Coach wallet. They were gifted to me a couple years back (I think it's been nearly 5 years now), and at the time I thought it was an undeniably generous and thoughtful gift. And guess what? I still use the wallet because the quality is superb and it serves its function well. Some critics have charged that Coach's quality and craftsmanship has gone down (while prices remain high) ever since the American company quietly moved most of their production to China. I'm not sure where my wallet was made, but I abuse that thing daily and it's held up really well. Just look at the above photo, it still looks practically new!

So even though I don't think the wallet is "cool" per se, I'm going to continue to use it until it falls apart. Does that make me a hypocrite? I don't think so. Not everything I own is cool, nor should it be. My point is this: Coach is a "nay" in terms of being fashionable, a "nay" for being an overpriced affordable luxury (unless you shop the outlets), but a definite "yay" if you just want a well-made purse or wallet that will last for years.

Coach: Yea or Nay?

I think every girl is enchanted by the iridescent beauty of the proud peacock. Capture some of that exoticism and enhance your own good looks with a pair of peacock feather earrings. With simple makeup and free-flowing tresses, I'm thinking this could be a great boho-chic look for day or night. Here are three affordable pairs to choose from...

Peacock Earrings at CharlotteRusse.com, $4.00


Peacock Feather Earring at Forever21.com, $4.80


Peacock Lure Earrings at UrbanOutfitters.com, $24