Stylish with Substance

Yikes! Versace's Chain Snap Out of It Bag. I think Ms. Versace needed someone to snap her out of her druggy daze that induced her to just. not. stop meddling. The bag was finished at the zipper. Or perhaps the sea shell charm. Certainly before the chain straps! And then she went on... to add 7 more charms and a DOUBLOON!

I'm sorry, I'm sure a pirate sea maiden would love it.

(thanks Gemma!)

Bust a tunic! Sorry, it's a catchy jingle. Tunics are really hot this spring, as we can observe by the Old Navy item ad seen in every must-see television program. It's also really plain to see why tunics are in, they're the best looking tops of the season; flattering for all figures. The longer length covers bellies, and many styles have rouching over the stomach, which slims pooches! It's a more grown up look than the teeny (as in tiny and as in "for teens") tank tops, but there are many cute options, so you can look appropriate for whatever age you are.

Tunics are truly an item "for all the ladies out there." But the store that "busted it" for many, Old Navy, sells a collection that is, well, busted. Old Navy's tunics are either plain, just plain ugly, in atrocious colors, or look like ethnic pajama tops.

There are definitely options for really attractive tunics. They don't always come with the label tunic, but it's a good thing, for the styles vary. They all carry the attractive long waist. My two favorite stores for tunics are Express and Delia's (two distinct stores for different ages and price groups!)

Express's website is a little tough to use (although has a fun "changing room") and doesn't have a wide selection of tops, but the store (at a good mall) is a goldmine of absolutely beautiful shirts and tanks in many styles, colors, and embellishments. My favorite from the website is the Embellished Blouson Camisole, which even comes in one of this season's hottest shades: a turquoise, plus it is embellished with gold beads.

Delia's has a diverse selection of many pretty tops that fit this category. Shop both Tunics and all Tops. I like the flattering Mailee Tunic, the fancy Bianca Top, and the rouched Lissa Top.

I call this double-printed tote "Throw Caution to the Wind."

(Careful first, this Square Tote is $365 at eLuxury.)

Bergdorf Goodman has a preview of Marc Jacob's Fall 2005 line. On the website are 7 bags in a display that ranges from classic to pure outrageous. The preview lasts through May 13th, and you can also put in reservations for orders.

I don't understand Marc Jacobs. Strictly speaking of his handbags; some are so stately and classic, some are modern and a bit ugly, and then there's a furry handbag. I don't care if it is mink, in fact, that makes me dislike it more. Prices range up to nearly $3,000.

You're not married to a size. Sometimes its hard when going from store to store and fitting in "larger" sizes than you think you "are." Sizes even vary within one store. Sizes especially vary with different types of clothing.

Don't let your feelings get hurt if the jeans don't fit in a size 8. And if there is tightness in question, do not hesitate to just try a larger size in that tank top.

And note, this is important, a larger size can make YOU look smaller.

In a routine check of my site stats, I noticed a referral hit to our handbag blog, Pursed Lips, from a My Yahoo page. I found this intriguing and to be quite a compliment, so I investigated. I had to sign up for myself to really figure this out. It's tough, but if one adds content and clicks on "Editor's Picks," one can search for any type of site in any interest. Kiss Me, Stace; Shoe Blog was number 5 on that list!

Manolo's Shoe Blog was number 1, of course, but he was also # 2. The second Manolo is his old address. # 3, "Shoes Blog" from trendlist, appears to be a professional site offering discount deals in apparel, but not a blog at all. #4 is a non-updated Golf Shoes blog ... but wait! read that. It's nonsensical and content-less ... also importantly, though not for golf shoes, picture-less. The list goes on to mostly repeat itself.

I am fairly confident that I can rise to number 2 in just a small matter of time. But this doesn't seem to be any big deal. It does feel good to be in the top five of something, though.

One big downer is that it doesn't recognize content I post for about 10 days. I figure this is due to my spam preventing methods, so I'll have to let the issue go. I post nearly every day! And only that infrequently because of school, which is ending soon. ;-)

The only other actual fashion community blog on there is Pink Mirage. Poor us lonely folks. Poor clueless Yahoo! and its readers. Pursed Lips? Not on there, there are only two "handbag blogs," period. One is another junk-ad "blog" and one is a store.

Browsing through The Gap today, I noticed that they have a lot of nice, or at least interesting, looking handbags.

This one - the Mini Chain Handle Bag (also in a larger hobo with a front zippered pocket) - caught my attention by its namesake - the handle. The strap is made of wood chain woven into the bag's durable cotton canvas, and metal rings attach it to the body. I give this handbag a Smooch* Award for Best Strap!

The bag comes in eye-catching white, black (which looks nice with the wood charm attached), and multi-floral brown (the same lining as is in the solid colored bags). (The large hobo also comes in "Spring Breeze;" a teal shade.)

Bergdorf Goodman presents, Marc Jacobs Fall 2005. Preview the Ready-to-Wear, Handbag and Shoe collections, now through May 13th. Even reserve selections via e-mail or call 212-872-8994.

Also available in store, Thursday and Friday, May 12 & 13.

Shown: Plantino metallic fabric flat trimmed in python
w/ green ostrich rose detail $685
Also available in green w/ ivory rose and yellow w/ red rose

Shop now at Liz Claiborne for a Mother's Day sale!

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 8. Make it her day with a gift of style. Shop now and take $30 dollars off any purchase of $100 or more. (So you could spend $70, that's mom-worthy money, at least!) (Offer excludes For the Home.)

Buy a brooch, get one 50$ off! Try these oh-so-in styles that mothers - and daughters - of all ages will love. (My grandmother wants a coral brooch.)

Silky Flower Pin With Butterfly

Natural beauty. Silky flower pin is two pins in one. A gorgeous removable goldtone butterfly pin with filigree and enamel detailing highlights the fancy purple flower. Together or alone, a precious accent to any outfit.

Read more for the hot coral jewelry gift for Mom.

Flower Pin with Stem
Dewy petals in soft coral are accented by pearly beads. With goldtone stem and delicate leaf detail in green.