Reese Witherspoon has a knack for taking something super simple and looking like a million bucks. Her style is understated for sure, but because she’s a movie star, she rocks simple looks with a little more panache than most. Here she wears a white summer frock accompanied by a tiny gold clutch…any takers on who designed the little gem?

Photo: celebutopia.net

posted: June 23rd, 2008 comments: 1 Comment

Lauren Conrad, Lo Bosworth, and Whitney Port from The Hills showed up at A Time for Heroes, a benefit that helped raise money for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. All dressed in their California casual best, I have to say I think Lo stands out the most from the bunch. She always wears things that flatter her body type, and takes chances as well. Can anyone ID her adorable bag? I’m thinking it might be vintage.

Photo: celebutopia.net

posted: June 11th, 2008 comments: No Comments

Paisley is a part of the luxe boho trend, and wearing it can be a bummer. The easiest way to go about it is to wear a dress, tights, and slouchy boots. In this June heat, that just is not possible, so take a tip from Mischa Barton and try a flowy paisley blouse balanced out by short shorts. Yes, you should have the legs for the shorts, but realize with flats, the look is incredibly chic and definitely doesn’t wreak of a look that’s just trying to beat the heat.

posted: June 9th, 2008 comments: No Comments

I made the trip to the theaters this past weekend to catch Sex and the City and while I never thought of myself as a SATC junkie, I couldn’t help but fall in love with the movie and its characters. So it’s only fitting that this week’s Luxe for Less pays homage to the handbag fashion of our favorite fictional New Yorker, Carrie Bradshaw.Even to the uninitiated, Carrie Bradshaw and Fendi baguettes go hand in hand. In fact, it’s not far fetched to say that Sarah Jessica Parker helped launch a Fendi baguette frenzy after her character famously retorted to her mugger, “It’s not a bag; it’s a baguette!” And I’ll admit, along with countless other women, I hoarded baguettes by the dozen. Fendi cashed in, creating this simple handbag in all colors of the rainbow, in incarnations big and small, baubles and sequins and all. Getting your hands on a limited edition or embellished retro baguette circa Carrie’s Robbery is harder now, but it’s still possible. Many pop up on eBay in all sorts of conditions. To indulge your inner Carrie, I suggest:

This Fendi Gold Zucca Woven Leather Baguette:
Its basic shape lends it room for the gregarious gold shade, with the tone-on-tone interlocking F’s. It’s fun that’s ever so slightly on this side of the crazy line, in typical Carrie fashion. This baguette would look fabulous paired with breezy summer white. It’s available at BlueFly for 20% off retail, at $600.And I’m sure you’ve heard by now that in the movie, Carrie totes the most coveted Hermès Birkin. Not just any ‘ole Birkin — a vert anis 25cm lizard one. This bag’s cameo was so brief, if you blinked, you might have missed it (it’s the closet scene with Big). Contemplating another run to the theaters, just to catch this beautiful bag? I suggest you save your pennies, if you ever want to own a similar one. While a lizard Birkin isn’t exactly chopped liver, here’s your chance to one-up Ms. Bradshaw. I suggest:

This Hermès 30cm Vert Anis Porosus Croc Birkin with Palladium Hardware:
Need smelling salts? Grab some extras because you’ll need it when I reveal the price. Often thought of as the pinnacle of handbag luxury, Hermès‘ handbags are exclusive, with the price tag to prove it. While many people who start on the road to Hermès never turn back (myself included), the chance to own a crocodile Birkin is presented to only a fraction of the clientèle. Forget what you’ve heard about Birkin wait lists because the way to a Birkin is as complicated as Hillary Clinton’s version of delegate math — it’s all over the place and befuddling, at best. Suffice it to say that this particular Birkin, in this color, size and skin is about as hard to get as any. And that’s a good thing, because at just over $46,000, you couldn’t take two if you wanted! Available through Luxury-Shops, a reseller of authentic luxury goods, for $46,392.As always, let me know if I can help you find something in particular. Check back next week for more Luxe for Less! Happy shopping!

posted: June 3rd, 2008 comments: No Comments

We all want Lilo to come back from fashion hell, but it doesn’t seem to be an easy road. Constantly stuffing herself into black tights and too-snug jeans, the starlet seems like a lost cause. Remember the days when Rachel Zoe just waved her magical anorexic arm and turned Lilo into queen of the red carpet? Here, Lohan is wearing a white t-shirt and vest, which is OK, but not so flattering. Her long hair needs a good wash (or at least a shot of glossing serum), and we’d also love to see her best accessory: that sexy smile!

Photo: justjared.com

posted: June 1st, 2008 comments: No Comments

OK, usually I’m a huge Rachel Bilson fan. I am. She had me at “Wow!” on The OC a few years ago, and I’ve been a fan every since. I know we don’t get to see as much of Rachel as we used to (her movies are less than stellar….), but when we do, she seems to have fallen off the fashion wagon (in the event she was ever on). Here, at the Met Costume Gala, Bilson wore a ridiciously tight dress with huge bangs. I know the bangs were working on her for a short while, but Rachel…it’s time for a trim! I can appreciate a change, but some trends just don’t flatter us all.

Photo: justjared.com

posted: May 29th, 2008 comments: 3 Comments

OK, stripes are…not for the faint-at-heart. Putting stripes over your pear-shaped hips is a definite no-no, and Mischa Barton seems to be all smiles about it. Over black leggings and a black tank, this Herve Leger-esque skirt is a major disaster, but since Barton is looking so healthy these days, we’ll let her slide.

Photo: celeb-city.com

posted: May 19th, 2008 comments: 2 Comments

I can’t see Ash’s bag in this picture, so we aren’t even going to bother commenting on it. What I will comment on is the crazy little get-up this gal is wearing out of the house. What is that?! A robe? I must say that Ashley’s perfectly highlighted locks and killer Tom Ford sunglasses are enough to make this look glam, but I’m not sure who else could get away with wearing this navy robe as a…top?

Photo: celebutopia.net

posted: May 19th, 2008 comments: No Comments

Lauren Conrad has the wardrobe of the moment it seems. It’s packed with everything a girl could want, especially those countless sundresses. The one she’s wearing here is from Elizabeth and James, the licensed brand of the Olsen twins. Styled with her black lambskin Chanel jumbo and her Louboutin peep-toes, Conrad knows how to create a little sex appeal without going over the top.

Watch full episodes of The Hills on MTV.com

Photo: justjared.com

posted: May 15th, 2008 comments: 3 Comments

I forget what the technical name of this bag is right this moment, but I know I’ve fondled it at Barneys Co-op in recent weeks. It was LC’s bag of choice as she celebrated the end of season 3 of The Hills. Worn with a LBD and a pair of black Louboutins, the look was good, but not special…sounds like a certain reality show.

posted: May 15th, 2008 comments: No Comments