Your Cart:
0 Items
Order Total: $0.00
0 Product
$0.00




Home Blog

Smartly Use Your Handbags In Winter

February 3rd, 2010 by ellen

Have you ever noticed how much lighter you travel in summer than in winter?  And I’m not just talking about packing for a vacation where the difference is suitcases stuffed with tiny bikinis versus suitcases crammed with big bulky sweaters.  I’m actually referring to handbags and all the extra stuff we seem to require during the winter months; the kinds of things we carry with us every day, everywhere we go.

As soon as we head into fall, it’s time to start reevaluating your handbags and possibly changing them out for a new winter version. Clothing colors typically change seasonally about that time, so you will want to change your handbags accordingly.  Likewise, the styles generally change about this time.

Chances are white and light pink handbags aren’t going to look very appropriate with the darker colors of autumn and winter.  You’ll want to opt for fashionable new colors or classics like shades of taupe, brown, or black to go with both fashion and season changes.  You will probably also want to go at least one size up with your new handbags for the upcoming winter months.

During the winter, there are many accessories we are more apt to carry along-just in case-than in the summer months.  You can to keep those accessories handy and easily accessible-and what better way than to toss them into your handbags and bring them along?  And since big, bulky bags are all the rage these days, there’s no reason you can’t carry everything you might need with you.

Consider adding these items to your handbags during the winter months: tissues (for you and the people you usually shuffle to and from soccer practice, etc.), hand lotion, hand sanitizer, lip balm, sunglasses (for bright snowy days), a scarf, a pair of gloves, a hat (you never know when you might need to walk for a distance in the cold), mittens for your children (in case they lose one of theirs), facial cream, cold tablets or medicines, cough drops or throat lozenges. This is just a starter list, and chances are you’ll soon find other things that are beneficial to include in your handbags, as well.

Obviously, big roomy handbags can be incredibly practical in the winter.  They’re also a great fashion choice.  Women everywhere are carrying handbags that accessorize the outfit they’re wearing.

Many women also ensure that their handbag coordinates with their coat and gloves.  That’s why winter handbags are notably more numerous in neutral color selections like black and tan.  Winter coats are typically in these colors, as well.

If you do have a more trendy winter coat color, however-like plum, red, or an animal print-you can select from handbags that will offset the look really nicely.  Black handbags are a classic and make a striking visual contrast with more vivid colored coats.  Black also complements animal prints perfectly from leopard to tiger.

That doesn’t mean you can’t find handbags for winter in other exciting colors and prints, however! Big, roomy handbags in canvas styles come in lots of different patterns and colors this season—from bright turquoise swirls to polka dot bags that pack a punch and are definitely showcasing pizzazz. Whatever your style, you can find a handbag that will be both practical and stylish for every outfit you own!

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Handbags | No Comments »

How To Use Shawls and Wraps In the Winter

February 3rd, 2010 by ellen

Shawls are a smart fashion accessory for cold weather and elegant attire.  While off-the-shoulder dresses and gowns are just as popular for winter weather as they are in the summer, wearing them in cold temperatures is not nearly so enjoyable!  But topping off sleeveless or strapless attire with silk shawls can add a little extra warmth and make the evening a bit more pleasant.

Ironically, many of the most celebrated holidays of the year are during the coldest parts of the year in many places, as well.  For instance, Christmas and New Year’s Eve are welcomed with frigid temperatures in many areas of the world.  And yet, these are some of the same occasions when we are most likely to get dressed up and go out of the town.

Similarly, many formal dances are held during cold times of the year.  High schools and colleges may have winter formals where girls want to look their best-and don’t necessarily want to throw a ski jacket over their formal dress to stay warm.  At this time in their lives, they usually value appearance a lot more than comfort, but shawls worn with formal dresses can provide both.

Valentine’s Day is another holiday that finds lovers out on the town and women dressed up for the occasion.  And it also falls in one of the coldest months of the year.  A shawl is a romantic accessory that provides both fashion and function during freezing February temperatures.

More and more brides are also opting for winter weddings.  It’s not uncommon to see weddings being held during frigid months and not just by flying off to a tropical climate.  Some brides are embracing the loveliness of a winter wonderland wedding.

In these cases, both the bride and her bridesmaids would be wise to incorporate beautiful silk shawls into their dress selections.  Just as the dresses themselves typically match or coordinate, shawls, too, can be selected to accessorize these dresses.  And they’ll help take the bite out of the cold when the big day arrives.

Shawls come in a variety of styles, colors, lengths, and fabrics.  Silk shawls are a classic choice, but today you can also purchase shawls constructed of different fibers-often the same fabric as a dress so it matches exactly.  Likewise, styles and lengths vary, some will have short or long fringe while others will have none, and some will be warmer than others.

In addition to being very practical, shawls are a lovely accent to formal woman’s attire.  As mentioned, shawls are a beautiful accessory-particularly when worn with off-the-shoulder styles.  Once indoors, the shawl can also be allowed to slip down off the shoulders in a more relaxed fashion and it will set off the shoulders and jewelry worn quite beautifully.

In fact, shawls are currently very fashionable and you will find them in many stores that sell formal dresses and gowns.  Some of these gowns now come with a shawl in a matching or coordinating color as a part of the dress itself.  This makes the dress even more versatile because you can then wear it during the summer months without the shawl!

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Shawls | No Comments »

Be Fashion With Scarves, Even In The Winter

January 20th, 2010 by ellen

When the temperatures drop and the wind starts to blow, any extra layer of protection is appreciated.  Experts say the head and the feet are the two places where your body loses heat the fastest.  Therefore, they should also be the best protected in terms of maintaining your body heat during cold or freezing weather.

While technically it may not be a part of the head, the neck is also a critical area for maintaining warmth and holding in the heat during cold temperatures.  Winter scarves can be the key difference between feeling the frigid temperatures and feeling warm and toasty despite the temperatures.  And scarves are also a must have fashion accessory this season.

Winter scarves are typically knit or crocheted from thick yarn to provide added insulation for your body.  More recently, however, scarves have become fashionable in many different styles, constructed of many different materials.  Today you can find scarves in just about every fabric and fiber under the sun.

Man-made fleece fabrics as well as cotton and polyester blends are popular.  Soft flannel, wool, and even cashmere are appropriate.  100% cotton scarves are soft and comfortable, and unusual fibers like alpaca wool are used for a more exotic look, feel, and texture in other scarves.

Scarves can be long or short or just neck warmers.  Some silk scarves come with fringe and some without.  Some are thick and bulky, while others are thin and sleek or soft and silky.  Still others are gathered or shirred down the middle for stretch and a “scrunch” appearance.  You’ll find scarves in solids, plaids, stripes, polka dots, and more.  And you can buy them in any color.

Scarves were originally created primarily for warmth.  They were a practical means of helping keep out the cold.  And they still serve this purpose well-especially for people with short hair or those who don’t wear a hat or hood.

But today scarves aren’t all about just warmth.  Scarves are showing up this winter paired with plaid shirts and layered looks, worn with jeans and worn with skirts.  And they’re being worn and seen indoors as well as out, tucked beneath a shirt color or lapel, tied or knotted at the neck or mid chest level, or just slung around the shoulders and neck.

In a way, scarves seem to be temporarily replacing necklaces as a fashion accessory.  They provide a leading line directing the eye up toward a person’s face.  And they accessorize the neckline itself, providing color, texture, and interest much like a necklace would do.

Scarves are also being used to belt skirts and dresses these days.  This also provides a leading line and emphasis; however, it is on the waist rather than the neckline.  A thinner scarf tends to narrow the waistline while a thicker, bulkier scarf does not.  Depending on body shape, however, both are very attractive.

In any event, scarves are making a fashion statement this winter.  And they’re also warming the bodies that wear them.  So they’re definitely a smart fashion choice!

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Scarves | No Comments »

Silk Neckties Are Fashion Choice In Winter

January 20th, 2010 by ellen

When the winter months arrive, it is time to make a few adjustments to your daily attire. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t still be stylishly dressed. Traditionally, one might think of winter apparel as dark colors, plain creams & whites, or dull grays. However, with the addition of brightly colored neckties, you can bring any boring outfit to life again. Silk ties are especially nice for adding color and style to any winter attire.

Neckties can also be quite convenient to wear when the weather is cold. They keep the collar closed tight and block out cold winter air from your chest and neck. Neckties can be just as warm and comfortable as scarves and can compliment any suit, sweater, or vest. Silk ties can make even a dull gray suit look vibrant and dressy. These ties can be worn by both men and women alike to give an extra splash of dazzle to any clothing ensemble.

Another great benefit of wearing neckties in the winter time is that you won’t need additional cover for your throat and neck area. You won’t have the hassle of needing to button your coat or jacket all the way up and you can even skip wearing a scarf if you like. Your necktie will be the perfect way to keep cold air from going down into your shirt and giving your chest and neck a chill. In fact, if the weather is not terribly cold, you may even prefer to wear only a suit jacket as your overcoat as long as your necktie keeps your neck area nice and warm.

If you work in a business atmosphere that requires a tie to be worn every day, you may like to try various styles and colors to make your suits look more appealing. It is always fun to be the center of attention in the office and wearing a colorful necktie is the perfect way to do this. You will be very pleased with all the wonderful compliments you will get on your cheerful looking necktie. It may even start a trend at work in which your coworkers may decide to wear their own brightly colored neckties.

Silk ties have also been a very popular piece of clothing for many years. These neckties can be worn with dressy suits or worn alone with a nice dress shirt and slacks. The natural vibrancy of silk makes the color of the tie stand out even more and has a nice bright shiny fabric. Silk ties are so versatile that they look just as appropriate with a casual suit as they do with expensive dress suits.

If you have been trying to decide which stylish article of clothing to wear to help keep cold air away from your neck and chest, you may find it is simpler than you thought. By choosing a brightly colored necktie, you can stay warm and toasty and also add a splash of color to your suits or dress shirts. You will be truly amazed at how much warmer you will be by simply adding a necktie to your winter apparel. A brightly colored necktie can help keep your neck and chest warm and bring new life to a drab winter outfit.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Neckties | No Comments »

Neckties - Always An Option As A Gift Idea

January 20th, 2010 by ellen

It used to be that men hated it when they received neckties, no matter what the occasion was. This has started to change, with the demand for different styles, and materials, and now you can get many different designs, even for silk ties. The price for silk has even come down dramatically, and you can pick up a decent silk tie for just around $20 at most locations.

When gifting neckties, you have many different options. There are some guidelines that you should stick by though, to ensure that your gift will be appreciated, and worn regularly. One is that you should always stay with silk ties, it shows that you appreciate the person you are buying for. Instead of buying a tie that you like, buy one that they like. How do you figure out what they like? Well the first thing to think about is what their interests are, what kinds of music they enjoy, if they have a favorite pet, or what kind of groups they are affiliated with, like the World Wildlife Federation, for example.

The first thing you should really do when looking for silk ties and neckties in general is to go online. Online websites are going to have the widest and best selections, more than any retail store you could go locally. There are an abundance of sites to choose from. You can find just about anything you can think of online when it comes to pick a tie. There are sites that offer a wide assortment of wildlife ties which have tasteful prints of bears, deer, wolves, as well as many others. There are sites that are devoted to pet ties, as well as endangered species. Some of these endangered species sites actually contribute a portion of the proceeds to help saving wild life.

For music lovers, you can find all kinds of different music related neckties. There are many different kinds of Beatles silk ties for example, some that have the fab four silk screened on the material. Others have little submarines from the Yellow Submarine album. You can find Bob Marley, AC/DC, Aerosmith, and Van Halen. If you aren’t sure exactly what kind of music they are into, there are basic ties with notes on them, or piano keys.

For more unique and distinct tastes, there are other neckties to choose from. There are silk ties with paintings from Picasso, Rembrandt, and even Salvador Dali. If the man in your life rides motorcycles, there are many different kinds of Harley Davidson ties to choose from as well. You can purchase HD ties from their official online store, or from other websites. There is even a small assortment of tie dye styles, for the tie dye lover.

If you are wondering what the price range is for silk ties, they have really come down in prices. You can pick up designer neckties for just around $25 to $40, depending on location, even for prints of famous paintings. For an example, the Salvador Dali Museum website has the Disintegration of Memory tie, in 100% silk for just $38. This highly detailed tie, inspired by the painting is truly a one of a kind gift.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Neckties | No Comments »

Do You Have A Plan To Take Scarves As A Gift?

January 19th, 2010 by ellen

Choosing any item of clothing for a gift can often be difficult. There are so many things that need to be taken into consideration. Not the least of which is the receivers own sense of style, fashion and color preferences. While a scarf can be a wonderful and imaginative gift idea, choosing the right one can seem like an overwhelming task. This simple guide may make choosing the perfect gift simpler.

Age of the Recipient
The first thing you need to take into consideration is the age of the recipient. Younger people tend to be drawn towards brighter colors and wild designs. If you are choosing a scarf for someone under 30 then choosing something with a rainbow of bright colors in stripes or a geometrical design will not only be appreciated but will actually allow them to wear this accessory with countless items, especially jeans.

If you are choosing a gift for an older person, then choose from one of many beautiful scarves that come in a neutral color. Monochromatic designs in oatmeal, cream, white, black or even red will go with more outfits in an older individuals wardrobe and can be worn for casual, business or even dress.

Styles of Scarves
Scarves come in different shapes and styles. There are scarves that are long and thin, big squares that can double as shawls and everything that is in between. Here is where knowing an individual sense of style comes in handy. However, if you do know their sense of style you may want to purchase a long and thin scarf as it can be worn in a variety of different ways making it easy for the recipient to use this accessory to create their own style.

Another option would be instead of giving just one, give two or three scarves in different shapes and styles that will allow the receiver to experiment with different ways to wear these creations.

Material
Choosing the right material is as important as choosing the right scarf. Most women will enjoy the look, feel and luxury of a cashmere or silk scarf. These materials will also go well with any kind of outfit lending more versatility to your gift. However, if your budget is limited there are many polyester blends and even cottons that are used in scarves that can give a very exclusive and fashionable look to any outfit.

Scarves for Men
If you are choosing from a selection of scarves for men, then your safest choice is to choose a simple lightweight cashmere one that can be worn with either a sweater or a suit. You can also match a silk one with a matching tie for more formal occasions if the man likes to look dignified when he dresses up.

Choosing the right scarf to give as a gift is relatively simple as long as you remember that simplicity is usually the key in choosing these accessories. Sticking to the basics of color and design and selecting materials that feel and look luxurious is the key to choosing the perfect gift.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Scarves | No Comments »

Handbags - How To Pick Them As A Gift

January 19th, 2010 by ellen

It would be difficult to come across a woman that has no interest in fashion. After all, who does not know the obsession that many women have when it comes to shoes? Other than shoes, something else that plays a key role in accentuating a woman’s fashion persona is the handbag she carries. There is no doubt that ladies will often feel confident, attractive and trendy when they accessorize their overall look with handbags that complement their attire.

Of course the handbag plays a very important functional role since it is used to carry the things that the lady needs to have with them all the time. In other words, handbags are to women what wallets are to men. Therefore, you can hardly go wrong with a decision to select a handbag as a gift for a lady friend. The pertinent question would be making sure that you pick the correct handbag for them and that is tandem with their style and personality.

The phenomenal growth of the fashion industry has meant that even the variety of handbags available in the market has seen similar advancement in terms of the different sizes, colors, design and fabric used. The wide range of choice can easily throw even the most disciplined shopper into a spin. At its core, the ideal handbag is one that will bring out the best from the person carrying it. At times, one’s choice would depend on the profession and social life of the woman it is intended for.

Going for a handbag that is appropriate to the current season is also an important factor to consider. Remember that many ladies are fully aware of what is hot and what is not. Getting her a handbag that is in vogue is sure to elicit pleasant surprise from her. Fashion trends for handbags are often pegged to the weather. For instance during the summer and spring season, women prefer to carry light weight bags that are normally small in size and contain slim straps. The color of the handbags is white, yellow, bright green or a mix of other bright colors. It is meant to support a lively and cheerful mood all round.

During the winter and fall seasons, women prefer to carry bags with broad straps and a large surface area. The large bags in winter have the secondary role of shielding them from the extensive force of the wind and cold. The broad straps help to even out the weight of the bag as well as complement the winter outfit; jackets, shawls and sweaters. The handbags are usually dark in color, mostly black and brown. The more adventurous women however opt to have bright hued handbags as a means to brighten up the depressing weather.

The material used to make the handbags is also a key point of consideration. Modern handbags are made from leather, cotton, velvet, sisal and many other natural and synthetic materials. Sometimes the material is what determines the eventual color of the bag (e.g. leather bags will often be brown or black). Remember too that there are women who may suffer from leather allergy. Leather allergy is usually not from the leather itself but rather from the chromium used to treat the leather during tanning. In such instances, one can still consider the leather handbags as gifts as long as the bags are chromium free.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Handbags | No Comments »

Neckties Might Be Your Perfect Choice On Valentine’s Day

January 14th, 2010 by ellen

With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, it makes sense that you are nervous about finding the perfect gift for your man.  The truth is that shopping for men for romantic occasions can be somewhat difficult.  Unfortunately, there are not the staple gifts like flowers and jewelry for men the way there are for women.  Instead, you have to use a bit more creativity to show your special guy how much he means to you.  However, there is one classic man’s gift that is timeless and always appropriate - and that is neckties.

Neckties are something that has been given through the years to men.  They are a wonderful gift because they are not necessarily something that a man is going to purchase for himself, but they are always appreciated.  Though silk ties are not necessarily cheap they are very affordable.  You can generally find gorgeous neckties for as low as $30.  Of course their price point goes up depending on the fabric, designer and vendor, but there are always neckties that you can find within your gift giving budget.

Silk ties are a wonderful gift because there are always occasions to wear them.  Perhaps your special guy wears ties to work every day, or maybe he only needs one for a special occasion.  The truth is that if he has been given a tie that you have chosen he will feel great wearing it and feeling great is the first step to looking great.

When looking for neckties to give you will want to think about your special guy’s wardrobe.  What colors does he really likes.  What other pieces does he have in his wardrobe?  This information can help you select silk ties for him.  Once you know what colors he tends to like, you can select a tie that is in that color family. Or perhaps knowing what wardrobe pieces he has can serve as a guide for you to choose coordinating neckties.

Neckties can be found in a variety of different patterns.  When shopping for a gift, it is generally a good idea to choose a more classic and traditional pattern. Stripes are very classic in the design of silk ties making them an easy choice.  However, if your guy is a bit more of a fashion risk taker you may want to choose a more avant-garde pattern.  Today, floral patterns are actually becoming very popular choice in neckties for those who are willing to take a fashion risk.

You will also want to take a look at the width of the neckties that you are thinking about giving to your guy.  Through the years different widths have become more and less popular.  The good news is that today much of that choice is purely personal.  Skinny ties have become much more trendy these days and they are the perfect accessory to add to an outfit for a night on the town.  Often when choosing a skinny tie you are going to want to stick with a fairly solid tie.  Thicker ties are also popular today, but they tend to be more appropriate for daytime wear.  If your valentine tends to wear silk ties to work then you might want to find a wider one for him.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Neckties | No Comments »

Handbags For Valentines Day - What Do You Think

January 13th, 2010 by ellen

With Valentines Day just a month a way, it is never too early to begin thinking about buying something special for that favorite woman in your life. Choosing the perfect bag from the wide selection of handbags on the market today is a great way to give that special someone a gift that is both practical and special. Here are a few tips on choosing the perfect purse.

Think Luxury
Women no matter what their age or life style like the feeling of being spoiled and surrounded in luxury. One of the ways you can provide her with the luxury she craves is to choose from one of the many beautiful styles of leather handbags available on the market today. Leather bags, look great, smell great, feel great and are long lasting. They always look both stylish and chic and nothing beats the luxurious feel of supple leather.

What is even better is leather handbags come in all different sizes and colors so you will be able to purchase something that suits her style and taste perfectly.

To add to the feeling of luxury you can choose one of the many handbags made by the biggest names in the business. Imagine the look of surprise on your loved ones face when she finds herself holding a bag made by Gucci, Louis Vuitton or Channel? She will be tickled pink to own one of these big name bags.

Choose a Bag That Has all the Features She Needs
Women like handbags that are big enough and roomy enough to carry everything they need. They like handbags that are functional, comfortable to carry and look classy yet casual. Finding a bag that has all these features is actually quite easy. Finding one that has all these features and is stylish as well could be a bit more difficult. Here a few bags that might just fit the bill.

Hobo Bags
Hobo bags have all the features that a woman could want. They are simple enough to be casual and elegant enough to be stylish. What is even better is that almost every handbag manufacturer makes some kind of hobo bag, so finding one in your price range should be easy.

Tote bags
Tote bags are just what the name implies, bags to tote around just about anything and everything. Tote handbags used to be confined to days at the beach, but now women carry them everywhere because of liking the room and loving the comfortable and style they provide.

The clutch bag
Many women prefer a smaller bag for night time use and choosing from one of the many styles of woman’s clutch bags is the perfect choice for those evenings out. These convenient little bags come in a variety of styles that go equally well with that short little dinner dress or that long evening gown. These bags run from plain and simple looking to intricate beaded or engraved designs.

Sets
When choosing one of the larger style bags, you might also want to choose a matching wallet and makeup bag as well. These matching purse sets will make a great gift and are far more stylish than stuffing that old wallet into that new leather bag.

The right handbag can make a wonderful Valentines gift for any woman on your shopping list.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Handbags | No Comments »

Shawls - Right Time To Use Them

January 13th, 2010 by ellen

While many women love shawls, especially those wonderfully designed silk shawls, they often find themselves only wearing them when the occasion calls for an evening gown. This is a pity as there are so many different ways to wear shawls that a woman can find lots of occasions to wear one. Here are just a few ideas.

Important Business Meeting
While business attire almost requires women to wear a more or less plain suit in order to look professional, they also expect women to look like a woman. One way of accomplishing that is by adding a colorful accessory to your suit. You could choose a nice necklace or even a scarf or you could choose to wear one of beautiful hand painted silk shawls available today. You can create your own stunning business look by placing the center of the shawl over one shoulder and draping the ends over the other shoulder. A simple pin will hold the shawl in place and leave you looking both elegant and business like.

Walk along the beach
We all enjoy walking along the beach on a summer’s day or evening and believe it or not shawls can be the perfect accompaniment to those sundresses you love for casual wear. While you might not want to go as fancy as one of those handmade cashmere or silk shawls, cotton shawls are perfect for this kind of casual wear.

Back yard BBQ
Back yard BBQs often start out when the day or evening is warm and end when the things are cooling off a bit. For those occasions when you need a little something to cover those bare arms but you don’t want to wear a sweater, shawls are the prefect choice. It keeps the goose bumps off your arms without overheating the rest of your body and making it possible to enjoy this get together with friends.

Business Party
Office parties and other business occasions often call for dressing up without going all out. When you want to look your best for these types of occasions your ordinary work or every day coat or jacket, just doesn’t provide the right festive touch. One of the beautiful silk shawls that are manufactured today can provide just the dressy look you want without going overboard.

A wedding
Weddings are wonderful dressy and festive occasions to attend but many times the church especially in winter time is a little too chilly to be comfortable in just that nice dress you have chosen for the occasion. It can be difficult to enjoy the ceremony when your teeth are chattering and you have goose bumps running up and down your arms. A shawl can blend in well with whatever outfit you have chosen and provide you warmth at the same time, so making it possible to focus on the ceremony instead of concentrating on clenching your teeth together.

Romantic Evening for Two
If there was ever an occasion to wear one of the many luxurious silk shawls on the market today, a romantic dinner with the love of your life is the perfect one. Whether you are wearing an exquisitely designed evening gown or a simple little black dress, your shawl can make you look and feel absolutely beautiful.

Shawls can provide warmth and decoration to any outfit, so don’t wait for a special occasion to wear yours.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Shawls | No Comments »

« Older Entries