There’s nothing easier or more fun right now than changing your look with a statement bag.
One part portfolio, another part briefcase, Celine’s tri-color envelope bag has serious It potential. The subtle color blocking and shoulder strap make it feel very now, but also classic.
In addition to the obvious Phoebe Philo cool factor, it has another thing going for it — it’s just big enough for an iPad.
Meet your new go-to bag. The classic Bottega Veneta Veneta bag is big enough to be an everyday bag, but also chic and easily carried on your shoulder to go out to dinner.
Thanks to the leather-weaving technique, intrecciato, Bottega Venetta bags are instantly recognizable, yet also discreetly logo-free.
Founded in 1966, the Italian luxury goods house is best known for its leather goods — and for a reason. The masterful bags like this one are made from soft, luxurious leather and the woven designs give them just enough structure.
The Veneta strikes that perfect balance between being polished and looking like you’re not trying too hard. The definition of easy-going glamour.
The countdown to Mother’s Day is on! We’re giving classics, brights, pearls and seriously over-the-top presents. And, you can never go wrong with Chanel.
To celebrate moms, we want to know: What’s the best style advice your mom ever gave you? Share on our Facebook page and you might win a $25 gift card for you and another one for your mom. (You have until midnight EST on Friday, May 11 to enter.)
To get you started: A dear friend’s mom believes in good foundation undergarments. Another swears by a smart strand of pearls to dress up any outfit. A favorite nonogenarian loves capes because they hide a multitude of sins.
Some other stylish mom advice we love:
“You almost always regret prints, but you’ll never regret wearing solids.” — Cate Edwards, on advice that her mom, Elizabeth Edwards, gave her.
“Get rid of all the things that are too ‘Mumsy.’ I got rid of all my over-baggy, nasty, jim-jam things that are frumpy, so when you put things together, everything is working.” — Heidi Klum to Styelist
“Everyone wants to be pretty. But to be amazing and special is about a lot more than your looks. It takes style, substance, kindness, and confidence. Remember to celebrate the qualities that make you unique. They are what inspire me as a makeup artist, and they should inspire you too. With or without makeup, you are pretty powerful.” — Makeup guru Bobbi Brown to Redbook
“I teach my daughters never to be afraid of looking foolish if they really believe in something. I love being innovative, and my goal is to inspire my girls to believe in themselves and not worry about what other people think. By teaching them to embrace personal style, they’re stretching their strengths and abilities and ultimately gaining confidence.” — Fashion designer Rachel Roy to Redbook
Can’t wait to hear the style secrets of your mom (or grandmother or aunt)!
Naming a watch after the slowest animal in the world? Cartier was not afraid.
In 1912, the watchmaker introduced the Tortue. Translation: Tortoise. This 18k gold Tortue really seems to play off of the creature’s sleek shell. It’s rounded elegance has really endured in the century since it debuted. (Insert your favorite “stands the test of time” cliche here.)
Initially created for women, it would make for a great Mother’s Day present for a mom who keeps everyone on time — stylishly.
Happy anniversary, William and Kate! It’s hard to believe that it has been a whole year since that epic wedding. We’re still recovering from staying up all night.
Just a year into the Duchess of Cambridge’s reign, she’s already a style icon and the world waits to see what she’ll wear next. She represents British designers well, including Burberry, Reiss, McQueen and Matthew Williamson.
Many of her handbags are British as well — just this week, Kate paired an Anya Hindmarch clutch with her Rebecca Taylor skirt suit. As you can see in this comprehensive look book, she seems to favor smallish clutches for events.
Her best day bag so far is probably this navy Mulberry (click on thumbnail photo to see the look). Such a stunning classic design and practical — even for a princess.
We have a suggestion for her after the jump.
It’s hard to deny — minibags are soooo cute. When you go with Chanel such as this little postcard-size bag, you’re clearly carrying a classic.
It has plenty of room for your essentials — lipstick, cell phone and keys. You can pop it in into a larger bag for day and then pull it out for an instant-evening look.
It’s a great way to pop a little bit of color, which in this bordeaux is practically a neutral, especially this season when anything goes with color. So you can wear it with bright coral or white or turquoise.
Clearly, size is all relative. Afterall, if something doesn’t fit in the 4.5 x 6-inch compartment, you probably don’t really need it.
We’re having a diamond studs moment. You can wear these classic gems every day — and make them part of your personal style without putting any thought into it.
With diamond earrings in every shape, size, color and price point ($330 and up), we’re putting on our unscientific style-psychic hats to read into what these shapes might say about you. So look into our crystal diamond ball.
Shape: Also known as round, this is the most popular shape.
What it says about you: You’re traditional, honest, faithful and a smidge conservative. Style-wise, that is.
Shape: They’re designed to maximize the carat weight, giving the appearance that they are larger than they actually are.
What it says about you: You Marie Antoinette, you. You’re not afraid of a little extravagance, opulence and glitter. Sparkle, on!
Shape: Traditionally a square shape, this diamond always has corners. The symmetry is very pleasing to the eye.
What it says about you: You’re a risk taker and a self-assured leader who stands out in a crowd.
Shape: Exactly what it sounds like it is.
What it says about you: You’re a true romantic! You wear your heart on your sleeve… or your ears.
Shape: The square or rectangle stands out for its trimmed corners.
What it says about you: You’re a flirt, who isn’t afraid of attracting attention. We say, if you’ve got it, flaunt it!
Shape: A elongated version of the brilliant cut.
What it says about you: You’re not afraid to be unconventional and creative. You let your individuality shine through.
With the weather warming, it’s time to deviate from trusty black into a more spring-ready palette.
This spring 2012 Chloe “Ethel” tote makes an ideal swap. In a warm shade of plum, the lambskin and goatskin bag can be carried by hand or slung over the shoulder an optional cross-body strap.
It will really pop against trenchcoats, summery whites and, if you insist, basic black.
When you think charm bracelets you might think junior high school, but the new versions are conspicuously grown-up and lend any outfit a decidedly of-the-moment twist.
We love this fresh way to wear charms courtesy of Erica Courtney. Her dainty charms such as this horseshoe hang solo on narrow bangles and can be layered with similar styles with any other bracelets or watches.
If you’ve been collecting charms your whole life, you’re in luck with the recent resurgence of the jingling styles. It’s easy to hang a new trinket on your bracelet such as this vintage carnelian urn or tree of life. Or try on this amazing Hermes shooting star — it looks great on the Kelly bracelet or on your own chain.
If you’re new to the trend and want a jump start, go for it with this sterling silver Chanel bracelet or a vintage hearts and stars jingler.
Best of all, you’ll have an instant conversation-starter on your wrist.
Shop more charms here.
Flowers! They’re pretty much always a spring trend, but this year, it’s really in full bloom.
This Chanel Flower Ring features a pale yellow band and stunning purple camellia, all in Lucite.
In Japan, the camellia is thought of as a sign of spring and longevity. It’s also considered a symbol of desire, passion and refinement. Coco herself had the flower integrated into the décor of her Paris apartment.
