How to keep at least one of your New Year’s resolutions!

Every year we do the same thing: we decide on all of the changes we’re going to make and then watch as day by day they slide away. Well, if getting in shape is one of your resolutions this year, we have a suggestion – look hot while you’re working out and you might just look forward to working out.

Anyone can pick up a navy blue duffel, but really, how exciting is that? Think of how great you’ll feel walking into the gym with one of the hot bags shown below. All are from Zappo’s (that means free shipping and returns!) and all will get you noticed for your style while you’re working on your shape.

If you like Betsey Johnson you’re going to love the Betseyville Wild Skulls Weekender. Pop in a cool pair of running shoes, a comfortable workout outfit and your iPod – what more could you need? Okay, there’s room for a bottle of water too. Right now this bag is on sale for $124.99.

The Athalon 21” Xtra-Lite Carry-on Duffel is a great all-around bag that you can use for a weekend getaway as well as a day at the gym. Carry this colorful duffel by hand or use the telescopic handle and let it roll with ease. Other color combinations are available, but Graffiti had just enough of an edge to keep it interesting. For $89.99 it can be yours.

If you love your duffel bags then check out this Large Duffel by Vera Bradley. Pretty in paisley (it’s actually called Rhythm & Blues), this bag packs a punch with room for towels, shoes, a change of clothes, and more. It’s available in five patterns, so if you love the shape but aren’t a big paisley fan, check out the others. Each is available for $84.

posted: January 6th, 2012
category: Weekend Picks
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Special gifts for special people

I am never disappointed when I check out UncommonGoods. In fact, I have a hard time leaving that site because there are so many cool items, from an OCD cutting board to bullet cufflinks.

Below are a few great items, many homemade, that are interesting and are geared to specific people – from little kids to busy moms. Happy shopping!

If you’re a pedal-pusher or know one or two, check out the Bike Handlebar Wristlets. These sharp-looking purses hold enough essentials to get you on-the-go and make it easy for you to stay on-the-go. The straps on the front easily attach to the handlebars of a bike, stroller or shopping cart. For $55, you can help keep one more mom sane, at least for an hour or two.

Everyone knows a woman who loves to read, so why not treat her to a Newspaper Cosmetic Clutch.  Made out of real newspapers, these are laminated to keep them water- and stain-resistant. Each bag is different, so you won’t know what you’ll get, but the papers are from style, home, and arts sections. For $30 this bag would be great for the avid recycler as well.

Okay, the holidays are for kids, so of course we’re going to have something for the little ones. Purse Pals are perfect for kids from five to seven years old (and maybe beyond!). There are purses out there for little girls, but many look like mommy handbags – only smaller. These cute little purses were created by a dad who was looking to fill this void. Made from upcycled sweaters, they sell for just $24 each.

posted: December 16th, 2011
category: Weekend Picks
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Great Escape Bags for Spring Break

It’s that time of the year again: birds chirping, sun shining and students descending upon the beaches to party - Spring Break! It used to be easy to pack up and hop on a plane to head south, but tightened security and luggage limits have created new challenges. Here are a few bags that may help you get on your merry little way a little sooner with far fewer headaches.

The High Sierra Elevate Carry-on Tote is a durable piece that actually has a lifetime warranty to back it up. This bag has plenty of compartments, and you can either carry it by the handles or use the recessed telescopic handles and inline skate style wheels to roll it around. When not travelling, you can use it as a laptop bag or take it to the beach. Pick up this high quality tote at eBags for $99.99.

The Mellow World Carry-on comes in a beautiful tapestry pattern in fuchsia or blue and brown. It’s a great overhead bag that has enough room to carry you if you’re going away for a long weekend. The sides even expand if you decide to add just a few more things. The removable handles lock in two positions and, when not in use, can be stored in a zippered compartment. An over-all pretty bag, you’ll use the Mellow World in your travels for years to come. Order yours from eBags for $134.40.

Have you ever had to pay extra at the airport because your luggage weighed too much? Before you try to put your suitcase on a diet, check out the International Traveller IT Packing Case. Billed as the world’s lightest luggage, it weighs in at just 6.2 pounds – less than a gallon of milk. But don’t underestimate this lightweight piece: it’s made from fiberglass and aircraft materials. It does come in a few different colors, but this particular pattern is on sale at eBags for just $63.99. Get packing!

posted: March 18th, 2011
category: Weekend Picks
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Fashionable Fundraiser

Bloomingdale’s is hosting their Fashionable Fundraiser over this weekend and it’s really a win-win situation. The department store is offering 20% – 40% off on select merchandise and, based on their sales, they are going to donate a maximum of $75,000 to mentoring program Help USA. For the past twenty years Bloomie’s has supported children and offered ways for their patrons to be involved as well.  You can get information at www.bloomingdales.com on how you can help in your area. Or you can take part by making a purchase over the weekend. Here are a few deals that will help you help out.

Cute as a button and on sale to boot, the Matt & Nat Crossbody is one versatile little bag. The denim darling is embellished with beveled studs and would look just as good with a pair of jeans as it would with a pretty little dress. Regularly $180, you can get one this weekend for $126.

Ready to put a little glamour back in your life? The Halston Heritage Carla Studded Leather Crossbody Bag is ready when you are.  Take black matte leather, add panels of black sparkling sequins, and touch it off with plenty of gold studs and a couple of gold chains and you have one jazzy bag. It’s such a cool purse you don’t have to wait for a wedding or a dinner date to use it. Pair it with your favorite outfit and take it shopping – you’ll look and feel like a million bucks. The good news is you don’t have to spend a million; this little beauty is on sale for just $276.

Here’s a great deal on a cover for your new e-reader. Available in grape, fire engine red, or black, Rebecca Minkoff offers a simple but fashionable Book Worm Studded Leather E-Reader Cover. The simple zip closure will keep your e-reader safe from bumps and the occasion drop. This cover originally sold for $125 and was on sale for $87.50, but you can get one right now for $70!

You won’t say no, no, to this Nanette Lepore Leather Hobo. Just enough animal print to get it out of your system for the season, this lovely leather hobo looks great with the giraffe-print front foldover panel. The chain and leather shoulder strap and hanging tassels make it just a fun all around bag. Originally $475 and then on sale for $332.50, you can get yours for more than half off – $232.75!

posted: February 25th, 2011
category: Other designer Handbags, Rebecca Minkoff Handbags, Sales Events, Weekend Picks
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Emilio Pucci Printed Nylon Tote $220 PRE ORDER

If you are already growing bored, this Fall, carrying around your Le Pilage Longchamp nylon tote, then pre-order Pucci’s printed nylon tote for Spring.  This bag is available at saksfifthavenue.com for $220.  After winters hibernation, you will be in need of a shock to the hauling system.  Tired of black and brown and drab, dense materials, you need something light and playful to wake up your inner sun worshiping self.  This pretty printed tote will help you along.  The bag has room for everything you could need for another summer in the Hamptons!

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp

posted: October 4th, 2008
category: Other designer Handbags, Weekend Picks
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This Sunday is Father’s Day, which means you might want to put your Saturday night bar-hopping plans on ice until next weekend. If you think your typical hangover is bad, try enduring the Day-After Death while defending your choices of career, boyfriend, and apartment with mom and pop in some brightly lit booth at Red Lobster.

Unless your pops is, say, Ozzie Osborne or Joe Simpson, you might also want to play it safe style-wise too. Avoiding low cuts and lots of skin can help you steer clear of any Angela-Chase-in-the-hallway moments. This ASOS Frill Sleeve Belted Tier Hem Dress is perfect; it’s trendy and fun, but ‘conservative’ and girly enough to coast through a church service and brunch with the ‘rents.

Bag-wise, you need something cute, but unassuming – how do you expect Daddy to fork over some play money if Mom’s tipped him off that you’re clearly solvent enough to be toting a Fendi? This sweet little Marc by Marc Jacobs Lovely Clutch (on sale for $175 at Eluxury!) should do the trick with its simple but stylish white topstitched leather. Bonus: Your annual gift of a tie will fit juuuuuust right.

Dress: http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-Frill-Sleeve-Belted-Tiered-Hem-Dress/

Bag: http://eluxury.com/estore/browse/product_detail.jsp?id=11601290

posted: June 12th, 2008
category: Style Picks, Weekend Picks
comments: No Comments