i listen to the people....

SO one of my most loyal readers, CW, commented that I focused too much on the longchamp brand.
this is true

my bad.

and so, to balance out my previous post, I present to you a delicious bag that will give you a nice hint of spring in this single digit weather.
let me paint you a picture:
light wash citizen jeans,
rainbow or reef flip flops,
long tunic babydoll shirt (can come from anywhere) and
aviators
paired with this beautiful tote!




Its from Armani Exchange and looks NOTHING like Armani exchange products usually do (which is a good thing)
this beauty is a bit pricey at $160, but
is SO perfect for your spring tote.














so check it out and stay warm,

SB

Toting it around (part duex)

The next level above the Herve is the Longchamp tote. This bag has become super popular around college campuses and is excellent quality (i wore the same black one for 3.5 years before one strap broke).

however, this is not a particularly unique bag to buy.
but an interesting color choice (the new bags have a giant stripe of color through the middle) can make this purchase worth your while.
This folding bag will put you back $132




To still have the quality of longchamp without wearing the same
bag as every other girl with access to a credit card,
i recommend the longchamp messenger bag (right)
the messenger is $182.






My personal fave from the longchamp collection
is the hobo (which i rock). its spacious and hasn't
become the next big thing that every college
gal has to buy....yet!
this will set you back a cool $182

(all the longchamp is from www.magnums.net)







Another cute nylon tote is this number from
un apres midi de chien. from flipflop.stores.yahoo.net
this bag is $132 but the company website set the price
at $158 but with more color choices.










I know, I know...these aren't insignificant sums of money. But think of it in terms of investment. You can seriously wear a quality tote for 3+ years, even more if you aren't carrying around heavy textbooks. It's much better to spend this amount instead of 30-40 bucks every 6 months to replace a less quality bag.
And these prices are much better than if you bought full leather totes for class.



When you're in the mood for something more trendy and easy to just throw stuff into for class or the beach in spring, try a canvas tote!
Some fun totes include:

This rolling stones tote from www.target.com is only $15!
And its big enough for a notebook or 2 and pencil.
The danger with band tees/bags are that you often look like
a poser, but I think this bag is acceptable. Target has other
fun totes featuring Blondie, The Beatles and The Doors.

Another unique bag is from fredflare.com which has SUCH adorable
and kitschy accessories (check it out people!!). It's called the pixelated
love duffle and is big enough for a small notebook or book and can be taken to light class days.






Moral of the story: get a new bag. Just get rid of the jansport you've sported since high school and give it to goodwill. it'll make you look AND feel good :)

take it easy folks,

SB

Toting it Around

A college student should always have a sturdy bag to carry around. Remember the days of the L.L. Bean monogrammed backpack? Those were HOT.

Unfortunately, they aren't hot anymore.

Unless you are some variation of the pre-med/science/engineering track and you NEED a backpack to take you from class, library and then to the liquor store (where you buy your fake id bought alcohol to drink away your pain) please throw the jansport/ll bean/whatever brand backpack away!!

You are in college now so smarten up a bit. It won't kill you to carry a tote or messenger bag and it'll make your morning after smeared mascara/sweat pant ensemble look a touch bit classier.

Okay... if you are a boring sellout here is option A. Anything is better than the jansport:



The Herve Chapelier bag has captured the fascination of boring middle school/high school girls who think that by carrying a bag with a little green label and a "frenchy" name they are chic.
i suppose the bag is kind of cute, but only in an interesting color combination like turquoise and light pink.

This is the route for those who are so attached to their backpack that they fear change. This is an easy transition from the backpack and is at least a step in the right direction.
this bag is around $130 from any dept. store







When I return, I will explore other tote options! from other classic brands to some surprise winners.

stay tuned ;)
SB

take it OFF!

Change starts at the Home. And in this spirit I dissect one of my closest friends and readers in her fashion choice. This young lady is usually put together and her style is a mix of prep, chic and the occasional trend or two.

Unfortunately...she was overzealous putting together this ensemble. There are just too many trends!! Its a Sienna Miller moment (who i adore on occasion, am disgusted by at other times).

1. Mixing patterns
the Michael Stars black and white striped tank with JCrew tartan rainboots. definitely a no.
Use your brains people!!!
hint: encourage nemi to mix patterns...this will make her look like a fool and about 10 pounds heavier.
2. Juicy Couture hoodie
Cute but very college girl cliche. Try to be more unique dear.
3. Abercrombie layered skirt
this is my fave piece of the outfit. Recycling spring clothes for fall/early winter is a MUST. This is an easy way to add variety to your wardrobe. Tights make a warm weather skirt cozy.

Please don't take this personally! You know who you are. I only do this because I care! (Well at least I'm pretending I care which is close enough anyways)

Fashionably yours,
SB

for those of us WITHOUT black cards...

For those who long for couture but need to use that money for rent, not Christian Louboutin pumps, I have a simple solution. It's easy to be chic on a college budget. Investment in a few key pieces -- a bag, sunglasses, coat and jeans -- is the trick, but its unecessary to wear C&C tanks and Prada flip-flops. Be smart with your purchases!

People with too much money and too little sense buy the most inane things becuase they are just too damn lazy to look for a better deal.

Well you're lucky I am blessed with excellent taste AND sense...I do it for you baby! :)


EXHIBIT A
2 trends in one: patent leather and the wedge.
added bonus: comfortable! and versatile! you can wear these babies to class or to a club.
con: Marc by Marc jacobs for $315 at www.barneys.com

EXHIBIT B: Just as cute with an even more delicious pricetag - 10.49 from www.payless.com
Now wouldn't you feel stupid paying 30 times more for the same shoe? Once again...you're welcome.









Another beautiful accesory c/o Marc by Marc Jacobs by way of www.eluxury.com

The animal print is SO in (google kate moss leopard jacket and prepare to fall in love)
However, this is a canvas bag for $158 which is fine if you have cash to burn.

For those of us who think a cotton bag for that price is ridic, check out my find below.

This zebra print bag is:
*more versatile because of its black/white motif
*will set you back $12.50 from www.oldnavy.com





















And so my darling Fashionistas, use your head. Just because there is a label emblazoned on your clothes does NOT make you fashionable. It just makes you rich. and Rich does not = Chic by any means.
Don't be snobby about brands because some of my best purchases have been made from random places like Target. Yes, I just said said I shop at Target.


Always keepin it real,
yours truly
SB

Armani Mania

The Armani Prive Spring 2007 couture collection left me gaping for breath. Literally.

The metallic palette and tasteful foray into the "futuristic" trend that is sweeping fashion resulted in a truly inspired collection.

The layers of this dress fold so uniquely creating a flouncy dress that is fun but classic. I would love to see how the material fell as the model pranced up and down the runway. The metallic sheer (and even opaque) tights were a trend seen in the Armani show. However I'm not sure if this look will translate from the runway to real life.


To my fans (preferably male but eh, I'm open minded)
This is my wedding dress. Don't you love the jeweled strap, the sexy slit that pushes open when walking and the layers of material creating this wonder dress. Layers are SO key...
Sigh, so beautiful. about that kidney...any takers?


Check out the rest of the Armani Collection on www.style.com and look at other dresses that could even be on the red carpet for the Oscars!! Tres exciting

one love,
sb

Posh baby...Posh

Hello dahlings,

Of late I have been in a bit of a Posh mood (lots of Posh sans the extra skinniness and severe borderline scary haircut)I'm all about the black, keeping it simple and low fuss. In this same tradition I say that the elaborate heel is OUT!! It is the season of the flat! flats are great with skinny jeans a la any hollywood celeb worth her balenciaga motorcyle bag and are comfortable which is ideal for those of us who aren't being chauffered to class (keep dreaming ladies...keep that hope alive!)

Some options for you:

This is the Steve Madden TIPIE flat. While I am not a huge fan of Steve Madden (poor quality, awful ads, and the 7th grade fan base that love his shoes) I do adore the quilted tip and at $70 from www.stevemadden.com its a steal compared to the $450 chanel quilted flats at Neimans.

This classy black tipped shoe is the French Sole "Passport Flat" and at $195 from www.nordstrom.com is an investment, the quality and longevity of the style and the shoe is well worth the payment. Can't you see your outfit already? Dark wash jeans, black cashmere sweater (TSE if you're lucky, Vince if you're stylish, Jcrew if you're in college), black and gold chanel style necklace topped off with Chanel/Gucci/Prada/Ferragamo sunglasses. If thats not sexy I don't know what is.

And so it begins...a new era in FASHION!!!!!

Welcome my loyal fans, admirers and friends. Since I am not taking any evil pre-med classes this quarter I needed something to do in between my extensive television schedule (the hills are on tonight and I am SO excited) so...I decided to start a fashion blog.

I will tell you what to rock and what to give to give to goodwill and what to give to your nemi so she looks like sh*t.

I will be featuring friends/famous people I pretend I'm friends with and show you what to add to your wardrobe/run far far away from.

Thanks for reading because I would be nobody without you! My lovely adorable reader.

un beso
SB