Just last Fall, JCPenney introduced Olsenboye, a new brand for teens from Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, and today (Wednesday, 2/3), marks the launch of the Olsenboye Spring 2010 collection which includes apparel, footwear and handbags.

To celebrate the launch of the collection, JCPenney and Olsenboye have launched a contest inviting all aspiring designers between the ages of 13 and 21 to design an original apparel item. Individuals can enter for a chance to win:

• Grand prize trip to New York City
  


• Meet Mary Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen
  


• $1,000 JCPenney style shopping spree
  


• Nine runners up each receive $500 JCPenney gift cards
  


• A chance to have your design included in a future Olsenboye collection
  

Check out the details and enter the contest here: http://www.olsenboyedesigncontest.com/

More about the collection: "Inspired by teen trends from cities around the world, each travel-themed collection of Olsenboye will highlight different cities. The spring collection celebrates New York City. Olsenboye items retail from $20-$50 and can be mixed together to create an array of unique looks that allow teens to express their personalities and celebrate their journey through life with fashion."

Too bad I'm too old to enter this contest, the prize sounds pretty cool!

And the winner is… #61 Aubrey Page. She wrote "Gotta love the 1970s. Bell bottoms, boho prints… Annie Hall! SO great."

Congrats to our winner and thanks to LAVintage for the awesome prize. I loved reading everyone's entries, so interesting. Check them out if you haven't already!




Please note: This contest is now closed to further entries.

We've teamed up with LA Vintage to offer one lucky reader the chance to win this amazing Sweetwater Satchel, an authentic tan-brown leather purse from the 1970s, perfect for carrying all your essential items in style!

One of the best parts about doing these giveaways is that it gives me the chance to introduce you guys to fabulous new-to-me sites, and LA Vintage is no exception! Vintage is original, eco- and budget-friendly, so definitely check out the amazing inventory at LAVintage.com.

To enter this sweeps, visit LAVintage.com, then tell me what your fave decade for fashion is and why in the comments section below (for example, the 1920s, 50s, 60s, 80s, etc.!).

Fan us on Facebook and/or follow us on Twitter for one additional entry per person (let us know in the comments).

Good luck!!

Entries must be submitted by Tuesday, February 9 at 12 noon ET to be eligible to win. Bookmark this page, where one winner selected at random will be announced later that day.

UPDATE 12/3: This giveaway is open to readers worldwide!!

Sequins reappeared on the runways for Spring 2010 proving yet again that the trend toward sartorial bling is here to stay, recession or not. But in light of the way designers have been rethinking this shiny adornment for day, night and day-to-night, it should come as no surprise: Sequins can still be luxe, as seen on Lanvin's Paris runways, and sequins can still shimmer on cocktail dresses—albeit the quite unconventional party frocks presented on the models at Miu Miu. But sequins can increasingly come to be equated with day, as illustrated by a very wearable 3.1 Phillip Lim collection which included sequin embellished tops, skirts and a standout sequin blazer. So the choice is yours, celebrate spring with some sparkles in quantities big and small, because you are going to see a lot of them in stores!

I need your help finding a backpack or a laptop bag for college! I know this may seem silly, but I'm 5'1" so finding bags that are roomy, fashionable, but don't make me look like a ridiculous comic book supervillain is near-impossible. Messenger bags also tend to look a bit funny on me because I'm a bit busty. Any ideas? —S

Finding a stylish laptop bag is a challenge for any woman, regardless of height or body type, but it's not impossible! Here are some options:

Super Streamlined: One of the problems with most laptop bags is that they are heavy, bulky and cumbersome. Not cute. The solution: A slim, streamlined and lightweight bag that won't weigh you down, like the Rainebrooke Metro Lite Laptop Bag shown here. A padded shoulder strap adds additional carrying comfort while the bright pink design is fun and preppy-chic—perfect for students.

Rainebrooke Metro Lite Laptop Bag, $34.00



The Backpack: Yes, ladies, a fabulous option for carrying your laptop in style is a sleek, grown-up backpack. Backpacks evenly distribute weight, easing stress to your shoulders and back while allowing hands to be completely free. Plus, there's no awkward cross-body strap that may cause unwanted interference with the girls.

Mobile Edge Slimline Paris Backpack, $67.10 at amazon.com (also available in black leather)



Vertically Empowered: If you don't mind carrying a cross-body bag but worry about having a gigantic suitcase-like protrusion jutting from your slight frame, consider a laptop bag that orients your computer vertically, rather than horizontally. This shape will hang closer to your side and keep eyes moving up and down, visually elongating your silhouette.

Mango Tango Messenger Bag with Adjustable Strap, $39.99 at target.com


What advice would YOU share with your fellow readers? Have you found the perfect laptop bag that doesn't overwhelm a petite frame? What type of laptop bags do or do not work for the well-endowed? Share your expertise in the comments!

For the unconventional Valentine, this Dr. Martens 1460 Boot in bright red makes a passionate fashion statement. Available for $114 in red or black patent at endless.com.


If you're looking to score this look for less, try the Mia Dusty High Top Military Boot. Made from synthetic leather, these boots cost $43.97 and are also available in black ($37.70) or black patent ($37), at endless.com.