Oh my. Give me a moment while I swoon a bit…

Gaspard Ulliel (what a hottie!) and Kate Moss are teaming up for the new Longchamp print ads. I don’t know what’s going on with my fascination with ads these days, but let’s just say that I’m a big fan of this one. I absolutely love the fact that despite the two very attractive models for the ad, my eye is still drawn to the designer bag. The models definitely don’t take away from the bag.

It’s like I’m swooning for two: for Gaspard Ulliel, one of the loves of my life, and for the fantastic oversized handbags these ads feature. I have to say, bravo Longchamp, for bringing together two of my favorite things about life, hot men and designer handbags.

1.       Visible Bra Straps

I know it’s a pain to wear tank tops and tube tops with visible bra straps, especially since those strapless bras can be so uncomfortable, but ladies I don’t think the world wants to see our undergarments unless it’s a bikini on the beach. If you really can’t stand wear strapless bras, I would opt to wear bras that are similar to the color of your tank top/tube top, this way it will look like part of the shirt rather than your bra strap.

2.       Visible Panty Lines

What the world doesn’t want to see more than your bra straps are your panty lines. The easiest way to fix this problem is to invest in some thongs.  However,  I understand they are not for everyone and can get uncomfortable. Your next best option is to either wear jeans where panty lines tend to not be visible, or if you opt to wear something tighter in the leggings/spandex department to wear longer knit shirts that will slightly go past your bottom to cover any panty lines.

3.       Socks with Sandals

Camel feet is a no no for summer. Sandals are best wore on bare feet. If your feet are cold opt for closed toed shoes. If you’re going to the beach….why would you want to take the beach home with you in your sock?

4.       Chipped Nail Polish

I know, who has time to take care of your nails when you’re busy running around in the day holding down a career and taking care of the kids? But ladies it’s not aesthetically pleasing! An easy way to avoid this is if you wear clear nail polish. Even when it starts to chip it is not visibly noticeable. If you’re a type of gal that likes color- if you have a slight chip you can easily touch it up. The best way for long lasting nail polish is to apply your base and top coats and invest in a quality polish.

5.       Your Everyday Handbag is BIGGER than you!

Big bags have been the in thing lately, however if you’re petite like me, it’s hard to make it work. I’ve gotten remarks before like that bag looks like it’s going to eat you. When shopping for big bags, make sure it’s not too overwhelming. Rule of thumb is, if the body covers more than half of your body, then it should go back on the shelf.

I think these handbags are fun and cute and by buying one, you’re helping to save the environment and the world! Ecoist.com has a line of handbags and accessories made mostly out of repurposed and sustainable materials and they are produced in fair trade, sweatshop-free environments.

I really adore the candy wrapper handbags, but they also have handbags made out of pull tabs, movie billboards, jute (a vegetable fiber), and rice bags.  There are totes, clutches, cosmetic bags, and some of these are one of a kind. The jewelry is pretty awesome too. They have jewelry made out of recycled vinyl records that I just can’t wait to buy.

And here’s another bonus: For every handbag you buy, the Ecoist plants a tree.

I think the cause and the goods are well worth the visit to the site, so before or after you have an amazing Fourth of July, check out www.ecoist.com!

This Independence Day, show your holiday spirit with a new Flag Bag. And unlike a lot of the bags I recommend you won’t break the bank doing it either. A handbag like this you can get at your local grocery store, your local pharmacy, or even your local convience store. And right around now they should be on sale at $1-$5 depending where you go. But this bag isn’t just a fashion statement. When you buy one of these to reuse instead of a using plastic bag, you are doing your part to reduce the waste that ends up in landfills. These bags are usually made with natural products like a cotton based fabric and are very durable. So when you get it stained or dirty from heavy use, you can throw it into the washing machine! How many of your other handbags can do that? Economy, Versatilty, and Fashionabilty (ok, I made that one up), but what else can you ask for?

When I saw this handbag as I was browsing through eLuxury, this purse caught my eye for some odd reason. I was actually in the midst of pushing the Next > button on my browser, but then this mustard looking ruffled bag caught my attention. So I decided to investigate further…

First off, it saddens me that the price tag on this precious baby is $1,750.00. It looks so different and unique which I guess seems to strongly affect its pricing to consumers like us.  But anyways, let’s not waste too much time talking nonsense and rather continue on talking about this lovely bag.

Dior calls this designer handbag, “Gipsy Ruffled Medium Hobo;” which I feel is a name that is with perfect unison with this masterpiece. It’s said to be made out of gently washed calf skin which is just a nicer way of saying leather that came from a showered cow. Nevertheless, I bet it feels very elegant to the touch. On the other hand, how could one forget Dior’s signature dangling letter hardware on the handle? That little dangling thing makes women go fanatic for Dior designer purses; like myself. To be honest, this handbag is just as plain as any ordinary hobo with an exception to its stylish ruffles. Overall, I do recommend this bag to the hobo loving gals. If I see somebody with this bag, I will definitely stop them and give my compliments.

Happy 4^th of July, readers…

Celebrities really love to create their own fashion and accessories lines, don’t they? It seems like I’m always hearing about yet another singer or actress that’s coming out with a new line. Gwen Stephani, Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Lopez, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Beyonce and even Fergie have come out with their own stuff. Sometimes, I’m not sure if this is a good or bad celebrity trend, but it’s definitely happening. I mean, I’ve always liked Gwen Stephani’s L.A.M.B. line and it makes sense that if you want to look like your favorite celebrity, buying clothes and accessories from their line would be the easiest way, but usually, it seems like quality is sacrificed and there are just some celebrities that definitely should not be trying to influencing the fashion world.

Now, I’m mentioning this because today, Mischa Barton’s handbag line hit U.K. stores today. I’m still debating whether or not I like these bags. She has said that her handbags are inspired by vintage styles that she has seen while traveling the world. To be honest, I’ve never really cared much for Mischa Barton, but since she isn’t doing too great as an actress, maybe she’ll have better luck as a designer.

Bulk Shopping can be really addicting. I always seem to get carried away. The warehouses just always seem to have what I need. And while most people are there for the bulk savings on groceries and edibles, I find myself more attracted to the other things Costco has to offer. For example, I bought a really nice Cartier watch for my dad on Father’s day; and on Mother’s day we got her the wood flooring she always wanted for the kitchen. But Costco has never really been known to be a good place to get your fashion accessories. However that may start to change, Costco is now offering handbags to relieve you of the cash in your wallet. Lately, I have been seeing brands like Perlina and Liz Claiborne in store and brands like Fendi and Burberry online. Of course we all know Costco itself loves to get in on the action as well so they also have created their own line, the Kirkland Signature handbags which is actually pretty good quality. I am not sure how they do it but every time I go into the warehouse, I don’t come out empty handed.

Sometimes it’s a lot easier to want a certain designer bag, than actually finding one. Now and days we have to worry about if it’s a fake or not and where we can get the best price for that designer bag. Surprisingly, not all well known department stores carry all designers. Certain stores like to carry certain brands and certain stores will even give you a discount on it.

If you just LOVE…..

COACH, Dooney and Bourke, Michael Kors and Cole Haan…

Macy’s is the best place to shop for these brands. You can even get them on sale with additional savings if you have a Macy’s card.

If you just LOVE….

All the above AND Betsey Johnson, Botkier, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, and Juicy Couture…

Nordstrom is the place for you. While Nordstrom rarely have sales, when they do, you can get lucky and find these handbags a discounted prices!

If you just LOVE…

Botkier, Juicy Couture, Prada, and Gucci…

Then Saks Fifth Avenue is your haven, but if you just want Botkier and Juicy Couture-Check out Bloomingdales too.

If you just LOVE…

Your Louis Vuitton, FENDI, Dolce Gabbana, Christian Dior, Versace, and Roberto Cavalli…

Then you should be shopping at Eluxury.com. They periodically have sales on these designer bags.

Don’t forget you can always visit their respective designer name website. Even Louis Vuitton has one of his own now. The only down fall is each respective website rarely offer sales on their bags, but they always have the latest one out. Let me know if you find any great places for these designer bags.

 I do not like. I do not like. I do not like.

Maybe it’s just me but I do not find these handbags attractive at all. Normally, I think Louis Vuitton is great but it seems like someone out there wants to prove me wrong. The wrinkled patent leather makes it look like someone took a Louis Vuitton handbag and covered it with clear plastic wrap. And the fur trim all over the bag definitely doesn’t help. It reminds me of Ugg boots and that just doesn’t belong on any designer handbag. I’m not even too crazy about the black straps and detail.

It all just looks so wrong and so awkward!

Is it just me who thinks this bag needs to become a long forgotten mistake in Louis Vuitton’s history books? If so, then please tell me what’s good about these handbags.

Today’s post is more of an informative post on how to setup a new Vendor’s account with Chateau Anne – RIONI.

To be honest, it is not too hard to set up an account with Rioni. You will need the following documents:

- Business Lincense (including Federal Tax ID Number)

- Business Card (including contact phone number and physical location)

After that, all you need is to place a minimum order of $1000 worth of RIONI handbags, purses, luggage, wallets, and or accessories.

With your first initial order, Chateau Anne – RIONI will send you a catalog along with a wholesale price list.

That’s it… not too bad right?

This post was brought to you by Chateau Anne – RIONI (sole international distribution center for Rioni Italian designer handbags, travel goods and accessories).