Stylish with Substance

Based on the style-preference delusion that fashionistas don't detest big fringe, and seemingly out of the 70's, has arrived new bag design house MUXO. Designed and crafted solely by Camila Alves and her own dear mother, Muxo's bags are painstakingly labored over by their own hands, tools and a rarer cowhide from Brazil - no not even sewing machines are used by this team. That's not to say this indie business isn't big biz backed or have gone/are going it alone en route to already-instant fame, for the designer is a fashion-and-Hollywood-insider as a former model and current baby-momma to Matthew McConaughey's newborn son Levi.

So there's no need for Camila to pray to label namesake, an African goddess of water, for help - which is lucky because what does water have to do with land-animal-skinned accessories? No, with unique "ironing" details and bags that go beyond leather-jacket fringe and long straps, such as a frame satchel and several nice clutches - I even predict mother-daughter team will encounter a bit too much success than four hands and not much more electricity than lighting can handle. Perhaps little Levi will help in the future? The 1 month old was recently quoted, "Dad, mom, I wanna go support mom’s purses". Aww! I hope this couple is as open-minded as they'd seem. ;-)

If you're interested in these unique bags, they range from $450 to $1,400, are available through their official website, or you can check them out in person at L.A.'s Kitson.

Sorry for not posting really last week; I've been depressed because of Virginia Tech. I'm trying to get back to normal, but I also am in a very busy period with other work right now.

Thanks Saks.com! They've shown us how Jimmy Choo's Foldover Clutch is convertible - and I gotta say I now really love it and .. I think I need it! Check it out below:

Jimmy Choo Foldover Clutches being sold RIGHT NOW:

That second look is oh-so fetching .. and just unique enough! With a removable wrist-strap, this stylish bag can be toted upright & tall or with the top folded to the front and secured by a magnet.

The metallic-toned Foldover, at 11" x 7", is a bit smaller than the regular (a whopping 15" x 8" x 3"), but it also goes for a better price: $825 compared to $1,250. Overall, it might be a bit less day but it's so much cuter than plain black. Would I miss the size? Is that great cost reduction worth it (especially when I'll probably still bargain hunt)?

If you're wondering, too, well - we can check it out in live action carried by Hilary Duff (5'1 / average-slim):

She's about my height, and it's not bad at all. (Here's a full-body photo.) It would even look slightly larger on moi. Now compare that to the regular on 5'3 (*disputed) / skin & bones Victoria Beckham here and this 5′11 skinny mannequin here. Super-huge, and would be even larger against my frame. Now note, this does matter in this case, because clutches are assumed to be smaller---ergo oversized clutches can dwarf a petite girl.

Close-up:

I really like it! I also like to carry a lot of *important* stuff with me, and want to use this more than just on dates/for evening. (For a designer IT bag at that price, I want to use it!) So what should I do?

You can order for yourself the Metallic clutch from Saks and the Marin Oversized Clutch from Net-a-Porter.

The cost of the package is $1600 (eek) too steep for me even though I'd love to own this, but instead I can pick up a little piece of the "fragrance" line separately. My choice is the unique "Brush case" which can be used as a beauty case or even a clutch! Love it. If you can't get the package, which is in limited quantities, perhaps look on eBay for that exclusive bronzer, as I will. (No low price guarantee, though.)

If you have the cash/budgeting and love for Coach or just plain cute accessories, go for it, it's sold online at coach.com or in select boutiques, but you can always have it shipped free by calling your favorite store location/favorite SA.

Below are photos of what's included in the Limited Edition Fragrance Straw Gift Basket:

And here are photos of separate items from Coach's Fragrance-Print collection:

And here are photos of separate items from Coach's Fragrance-Print collection:

I was on the hunt for a camera case for ... oh probably years. Especially with my camera turning on and wasting battery if I take it anywhere with the batt left in. Ugh. Just recently, I also decided I needed a new digital camera, a small one with a "macro" setting. Now not only does my new camera do away with my cam problems, is on beat with modern technology & fun other settings in addition to macro, and it comes in pink(!) but it doesn't even turn on randomly due to its optical lens features.

Still, when I found the cam, things just *clicked* into place and I found the perfect little case! It's pink as well, is small enough to secure the camera, but with extra room to fit small accessories, in genuine leather and its darn cute to bag! Clearly meant for a camera, with padded sides to protect your gadget and a multi-colored dangling fob including a camera charm, it could even be a small clutch with its fashionable look and wristlet strap. The buckle + charms combo remind me of COACH meets Luella. Love it!

The price is darn right a dream, too: $24.99 and your order might come with free standard shipping. Oh yeah, here are the cameras, as well. Aren't we just the picture of stylish perfection?

Following our Holiday Gift Week series, I still have at least one gift to write about.

One source of an assortment of fashionable gifts for women is Dooney & Bourke, and their various accessories. Dooney & Bourke wristlets are cute for girls, especially the more colorful ones. For adults, they have nice - more sophisticated - accessories and bags, too. Like Coach, Dooney is a more affordable luxury brand.

Their Flap Wristlets, like this Doodle Wristlet shown, cost $45. That's a great price considering some other pricetags these days. And teenagers often only need a wristlet as an entire bag, so depending on what you pick for whom, a D&B gift is a great one.

Express got a recent shipment of items for Spring, among them were some interesting bags. The brand doesn't have an online store, so when I find great items, I like to snap some camera photos and inform you all!

So summer-ready are the lukewarm-toned wooden beaded wristlets and beaded sack hobos. While showin' some toesies and baring arms, it's also fun to celebrate the sultry and carefree time with special accessories just for the momentous period; like espadrilles in shoes and for bags: raffia, straw, wood, bamboo and ... and ... the hot new trend: tortoise shell.

But Summer is also fleeting, so it's great to participate in its trends for bags at stores like Express, with lower prices. Except with no online shop and an early stock primed to sell out, are we in the mood enough to brave these winter winds and snow flurries, in time to buy?

The holiday season brings up family parties and evening events. A small, flashy bag is called for, and metallics are perfectly festive. Also perfect? The prices of - even designer - wristlets. You may be a queen of the night, but if not, you will need your occasion bags to not outcost their wearability.

COACH carries wristlets for all upcoming festivities: Family gatherings, New Years Eve Galas, evening the Thanksgiving Weekend Reunion!

Check out these styles:

Clockwise: Metallic Pleated Wristlet ($118), Optic Signature Lurex Pleated Wristlet ($98), Signature Beaded Wristlet ($88), Hamptons Signature Python Stripe Wristlet ($148).

These are so lovely, you'll be torn between carrying yours and hanging it on your holiday tree!

A wristlet is versatile and extremely tote-able. A girl can use one as a wallet, as a low-key night-out bag, or when she simply doesn't want to be weighed down. But with designer styles comes high prices. Let's turn to eBay!

Fun color, print & extra style:
- Coach Signature Scarf Wristlet & Butterfly Keyfob (Sept. 11)

Stately Dooney & Bourke, in preppy tan & roomy size:
- Dooney & Bourke Anniversary Mini Signature Flap Wristlet (Sept. 7)

For a night out or a hot date:
- Liz Claiborne Beaded Coral Paisley Framed Clutch (Sept. 11)

Sweet & Girly:
- Maggi B Charming Bow Wristlet (Sept. 9)

For ultimate glam down to a friday-casual lunch:
- Coach Occasion Optic Signature Sparkling Framed Wristlet (Sept. 6)