What I Want Now: Handbags Galore!

Some people prefer brand named clothing, others shoes, but me--I have always had a love affair with handbags. I have told my mom, grandma, and aunt (who, combined, have so many handbags, they can open up a boutique) to save all their bags so that one day, I can inherit them and build a closet and line them up alphabetically by brand. I know it may sound a bit neurotic, but I really enjoy beautiful things, and to have a collection is a personal fashion dream of mine. Below, I have comprised a list of the top 5 bags that I have been eyeing for quite some time. Some are new this season, while others are old styles or classics. Perhaps one day, I will be able to afford them! A girl can only dream.

Valentino "Rossier" Medium Tote
$1,950


Marc Jacobs "Stam" Swarovski Shoulder Bag
$2,350


Chloe "Paddington" Satchel
$1,720


Balenciaga "Giant City" Bag
$1,695


Chanel "Large Flap" Bag
$2,095

The Look for Less: Taylor Momsen

On Monday night's episode of Gossip Girl, Jenny Humphrey turned 16! She received this beautiful shimmery Missoni dress, but in true Jenny fashion, she styled it with a black motorcycle jacket and her woven black and gold chain bracelet to add her own rocker-inspired vibe. I decided to do some shopping to create the look for less. Although I do not know the price of her outfit, I can guess that it costs more than $800 given that she is wearing a Missoni dress. Here is what I found:

-Motorcycle Jacket: Black side-zip jacket for $39.99
-Black Tights: ASSETS by Sara Blakely for $12.00
-Metallic clutch: Basket-weave style for $29.00
-Bracelet: Woven leather and gold chain for $12.99.
-Earrings: Woven coin earrings for $4.00
-Shoes: Pink iridescent patent leather pumps for $143.00
-Dress: I have 3 options available (from left to right)
#1: Tight Sequin beaded dress for $98.
#2: Metallic halter dress for $198.
#3: Gold shift dress for $175

Total look (not including the dress) is $241.00. Nevertheless, the maximum amount spent is still less than $500. Click on images below to see where you can purchase them!

Jump(suit) into Spring!

I have a confession to make: I used to hate jumpsuits! But just like how I used to loathe gladiators, I have eventually warmed up to this rather risky trend. Jumpsuits come in so many various styles, prints and colors that a girl is bound to find the perfect one for her body type. I must admit I am not a fan of the wide-leg jumpsuit (first two images below). There is something about it that is off-putting to me. Perhaps that it is too 70s/retro? Or even that jersey knit material? I opt for the more modern approach of the jumpsuit instead. Mary Kate Olsen and Kim Kardashian's short jumpsuits below exhibit a twist to the classic jumpsuit. What I like the most is that they don't show too much skin. I am a firm believer in showing off one thing at a time: if you are exposing your legs, then cover up the arms! Mary Kate does it right by accessorizing her jumpsuit with a hot pink belt (see "How to Wear Neon" post) to add some color. I am also crazy about the Helmut Lang and Stella McCartney black jumpsuits (see 3rd row below, respectively). They both have the cropped leg look, which happens to be a current trend, and I especially love the Stella McCartney design because it screams YSL and looks so sophisticated!