Thursday, June 30, 2005

The Clash Connection

By Raquel Franco

This past Sunday as I sat down with my morning coffee and my fashion literature (aka In Style, Vogue, etc.), and I noticed something peculiar. Flipping through the glossy pages and celebrity faces I noticed that many of our favorite stars were looking oh so cute but one thing was out of place. None of their couture pieces really matched. Why do things that clash, mesh? Is it like relationships when opposites attract or is it that they have the perfect body and anything looks good?

One of my fellow fashionista’s, Chantel, mentioned that, “…clothes that clash look good because it looks thrown together and effortless, as opposed to matching everything which looks calculated and trying too hard.” This can be true. When an outfit matches too much you can appear stiff and up tight and you definitely will come off as someone who is trying to please everyone. A mismatched look like Ashley Olsen’s is sexy and gives off the vibe that you don’t care what anyone thinks.

While talking to another fashionsta I learned that sometimes what looks like clashing is really matching. A cool clashing outfit may deceive you by adding a small accessory that pulls the opposite styles together.

But the most common response I received when asking women why clashing works was because of confidence. Sarah Jessica Parker is a perfect example. While starring in Sex and the City as Carrie Bradshaw she constantly wore funky pieces that no one in their right mind would put together but she always pulled it off. I believe it was because she had confidence and she was just having fun with her wardrobe and that’s what made her look fabulous.

So if you are thinking about clashing this weekend just grab an accessory to match and let your confidence shine on the outside and you are ready to go!

Wednesday, June 29, 2005

Lyrical Beauty

by Raquel Franco

This online boutique will be sweet music to your ears or fashion to your body. The collection of up and coming designer items display a unique talent that tells you these are not only designers but artists. Many of the intricate jewelry are handmade to order. Some of my favorite pieces that you should definitely check out are:

Designer Luka: Out to Sea Necklace
$46.00
This delicate design with soft blue stones and Swarovski crystals is great for summer. The dove charm creates a very feminine look that would go perfect with a white sundress. And at this low price it’s too good to turn down.




Designer Luka: Maggie Earrings
$18.00
Acessorries made out if shells are perfect for summer at the beach. You will fit right in with these fantastic light blue earrings. Tip: Long earrings like these elongate the neck.




Heavens Best Creations: Pearl and Bali Necklace
$52.00
Want to create the sexy chic Bohemian look that Mary Kate and Ashley have been sporting? Well this long pearl necklace will do just that. Matching it with a lace vintage dress will create the boho look in a snap.











Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Accessory Indulgence

By Raquel Franco

leFashionista has found one of the Internet’s best-kept secrets. Peggyli.com is filled with chic little treasures to add to your summer accessories. The romantic bohemian style pieces will play a fantastic supporting role to any ensemble you have hanging in your closet. Some of my favorites are:

Greenshell Earrings
$39.00

Dangling earrings like these can elongate the neck and make it seem slim. They will create a shimmer effect in the sun and really pop hanging underneath auburn hair. These earrings are my favorite because of their grace and they make me think of
summer romance.




African Trade Glass Earrings
$44.00

These sweet pea teardrop earrings are great if you want to draw attention to your face. The bright emerald green hue accents all shades of hair. What I love about these watermelon style duds is the texture that makes them seem vintage




Sparkling Sage Necklace
$49.00

Mary Kate and Ashley have been seen wearing jewelry like these, long, gold and bohemian necklaces. This tree stoned necklace is so simple but elegant. I see myself wearing this with everything from a t-shirt and jeans to an ivory summer dress. I am smitten with this gold treasure even though I am a not Golds biggest fan.




So if you are looking for romance this summer head on over to our new affiliate Peggyli.com and be swept off you feet for less than $100 bucks.




Hand-made jewelry as seen on TV's "Buffy, the Vampire Slayer", in the pages of "O Magazine" and more.

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Handbag Convenience

By Raquel Franco

Every girl faces the same dilemma when taken out to dinner. Where in the heck am I going to put my handbag? If you value your precious couture at all you won’t dare put it on the floor but if you put in the table it causes you to duck and weave to make eye contact with your date. As big as handbags are getting today you’ll never be able to create chemistry with your Big Buddha bag trying to steal all the attention. So what’s the solution? Hold it or get yourself a purse pal. As ridiculous as this sounds the new handbag hanger is quite clever and will solve all your dinning problems. This small and affordable device comes in 6 designs and will definitely keep your Anna Tote bag from getting in the way of a romantic evening.

Last week I received my very first PursePal in the mail. When I pulled out the gold plated Pink Ribbon hanger I have to say I began to doubt whether it would hold my oversized bag and all its contents. The pal was so adorable and I felt nervous as I placed it on my desk. I was rooting for it to work. I hooked my handbag on the hook and ta da! It worked. I just thought it was the coolest thing ever. Now I always carry my purse-pal with me and it has been my savior at 2 dinners already.

If you would like a pal of your own please visit http://www.purse-pal.com to get one of your own. The Pink Ribbon PursePal benefits Breast Cancer. Five dollars of every purchase goes towards research.

Friday, June 17, 2005

Handbags Gone Fugly

By Raquel Franco

Here are the top five most fugliest bags right now.

1. JAMIN PUECH CHEYENE WOODEN BEADED BAG
This multicolored beaded mess is too ugly even for grandma.

2. MARC BY MARC JACOBS CRAM SILVER CANVAS TOTE
This bag is actually sold out at Net-a-porter.com! This silver tote should read FUGLY instead of CRAM because the only thing crammed in here is a fashion mistake.

3. LOUIS VUITTON CHERRY
Louis got it so wrong with this bag. The only cherries I want to see are on my cheesecake not on my couture.

4. UGG AUSTRALIA SAND BAG
I am not an Eskimo and even if I were, I know I could keep warm and look cuter than this.

5. MARC JACOBS BEACHY HOLD-EVERYTHING
This floral multi-patterned looks like a quilt my grandmother would make. I don’t care if it held a thousand bucks I don’t think I could be seen wearing this outdated bag.

Jamin Puech


Fuglybag01_JAMIN PUECH, originally uploaded by leFashionista.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Louis Vuitton


Fuglybag02_LOUISVUITTON, originally uploaded by leFashionista.

Ugg Australia


Fuglybag02_UGG AUSTRALIA, originally uploaded by leFashionista.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Thursday, June 16, 2005

Fashion Flattery

By Raquel Franco

I recently bought a ring unlike any I had ever seen before. It’s big, chunky and mixed with stone and CZ. I love it but was unsure if anyone else would. Secretly when I buy a new outfit or accessory I hope that someone will tell me that they love it. Well with this ring is a compliment magnet, as is my favorite BCBG handbag. Every time I wear this ring it receives a plethora of praise. I gush as they demand me to tell them where I got it. And my bag, well I keep its retailer a secret. My bag is unique and precious and I really don’t want anyone else to have one. When I hear a voice say, “Ooh I love your bag.” I say, “Thanks,” and run while hiding my huge grin. Compliments bring a satisfaction that guarantees you that you are a fashionista. It lets you know that you are making the right choices and that the day you spent an hour deciding if it was right for you was worth it. It also makes you feel like spending last months rent was worth it, at least for a moment anyway. Women love to shop because it feels good to think you look good and it feels even better when someone takes notice. So if we all share this love of fashion and flattery shouldn’t we be complimenting one another more often?

Wednesday, June 15, 2005

Jessica Simpson - Dog Accessories

K-9 Handbag Accessory

By Raquel Franco

Man’s best friend is taking on a whole new meaning in fashion. Furry and friendly puppies are now the new arm candy in Hollywood. Every hot star from Jessica Simpson to Paris Hilton has been seen carrying their precious miniature pups instead of their usual designer duds. In the recent June issue of In Style Nicole Richie, who has three dogs, stated that this summer she will be armed with her new puppy, “A chocolate Labrador – that’s the ultimate accessory.”

Paris Hilton was the first to start wearing her dog on her sleeve. The infamous Chihuahua, Tinkerbell, is the most popular of celebrities K-9 heirs. Bit Bit, Britney Spears’ white bundle of fuzz, was the next to be seen squinting at all the paparazzi lights. These cute little pets have since started a wave of new accessories among celebrities. Pets are becoming the new Louis.

Tuesday, June 14, 2005

It’s all in the Blog

I may be becoming a Blogaholic because I find myself viewing more than 10 a day. But in fulfilling m fashion needs I found a cute little fashion blog about bags titled, In My Bag. The New York city Bag Chick is great at keeping it real and updating you on all the latest celerity handbag trends. I especially impressed by a recent update she made about a new bracelet from On Cue (http://www.on-cue.org). The chic studded bracelets also double as a wallet to hold all your cash, change and keys while you are in dancing in the club and don’t want to be inconvenienced by your handbag. I appreciate the fact that Bag Chick is very loyal to hear readers by answering every fashion emergency they may have. She is quick to research and rescue any fashion enigma. A way that she keeps it real is by being honest about pricing. She is very aware of a girl’s fashion needs and posts bags that are great for a fashionista on a budget. What I also discovered were bags that I had never seen before that were creative and chic. I applaud In My Bag for its informative and truthful fashion news.

Visit In My Bag at http://inmybag.blogspot.com

Monday, June 13, 2005

Pucker Up

By Raquel Franco

Handbag lover Ella has all your shopping needs wrapped up into one tiny little blog. Pursed Lips is fresh, humorous and filled with all the links your handbag heart desires. The new blog writer is aware of the season and will have you prepared for every occasion. You’ll even be ahead of schedule with the new hot review of Marc Jacobs’s fall line. As Father’s Day rapidly approaches Ella suggests giving a wallet for the perfect gift. Her humorous approach convinces me to head on over to the closest department store to rectify my own fathers “old and ratty” wallet. She brings up an excellent point that, “Our male peers tease us for carrying handbags, while they walk around with a lump in their pants - in the wrong spot.”
And for all you gals that love Coach and prints, this blog is definitely for you. Ella favors them over most other designers and styles. But even if it is not your favorite, Lips will surely keep you updated on the other latest handbag and wallet trends. She also accommodates every fashionista from with a fat wallet to those with loose change. So keep your lips pursed and kiss your fashion woes goodbye because this blog will satisfy your every need.

Sunday, June 12, 2005

Get Tooned In


Get Tooned In, originally uploaded by leFashionista.

Saturday, June 11, 2005

White Hot Summer

By Raquel Franco

Memorial Day has come and gone and the heat is finally hear which only means one thing. White can now be added to your wardrobe. Not that anyone follows those rules anymore but… I do. Wearing white has been the one fashion rule I am always afraid to break. Think Never Been Kissed, when Drew Barrymoore spills her chocolate milk all over her white jeans. I would be mortified.

The easiest way to avoid unwanted stain mishaps is to carry a white handbag instead of white threads. My favorite white bag right now is the Balenciaga. I know it’s all I talk about but every time I see it I say, “That’s hot.” leFashionista has the perfect little Balenciaga Motorcycle inspired bag for only 70 bucks.

Other white hot handbags to match those chic boho skirts are the Luella Gisele bag and the Coach Soho Hobo. These handbags are very sexy and will have you ready for summer.

Friday, June 10, 2005

Get Tooned In

This summer having a cartoon character all over your couture is the hottest new trend. Celebrities are reliving their childhoods by wearing t-shirts and handbags with characters like Mickey Mouse, Tweety Bird, Hello Kitty and more. Tweety Bird recently had his own premiere party at Kitson, one of the hottest boutiques in LA, to celebrate the release of the Tweety Couture line. Nicole Richie and Nicky Hilton were there to support the cat fearing bird. Intuition, another hot boutique in LA where Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan have been spotted, also supports the new cartoon couture. The boutique carries Hello Kitty handbags, Rainbow Bright tees and many other vintage cartoon favorites. Celebrities are even designing these adorable tees. Quincy Jones daughter, Kidada is coming out with a Disney couture line for the fall. But don’t wait till the fall you can achieve this popular trend now. It is sprouting up every where and is the perfect way to look casual and cute this summer.

Thursday, June 09, 2005

When shopping, is it better to follow your heart or your head?

By Raquel Franco

There are two kinds of shopping trips, practical and impulsive. Sometimes these two can merge into an empty bank account. There have been some times when I am actually in a store to find something that I really need. On those times I am feeling good about myself because my money is not going to be wasted on something I have convinced myself that I have to have. Usually that feeling does not last long. Something fabulous like a new oversized red leather bag that I saw Jessica Simpson wearing in US Weekly will catch my eye and it’s over. I will fall in love and stare at it for over a half an hour torn over what to do next. My heart tells me I have to have this bag. I tell myself it’s beautiful and I will be beautiful carrying it. My mind (the dirty rotten scoundrel) tells me I am here to get shoes and I only have enough in my bank account for shoes. I try to reason.

See if I go with my heart, I know I will wear the crap out of that bag and love my purchase. If I do what my mind says, I’ll have money to pay my credit card bill that seems to never decrease and think about that bag until I purchase it later. So, I decide to get the bag and a week later I am mad at myself cause I can’t pay one of my bills. So maybe my heart wasn’t right but it sure felt good at the time. And isn’t that what love is all about? We blindly follow our hearts for a good feeling and then most of the time we get hurt. But should we listen to our minds and protect ourselves from the inevitable pain? What’s better, living and hurting or waiting and wanting?

Follow your heart and grab the best replica

Tuesday, June 07, 2005

Pack your Handbag with these great Summer Reads

By Raquel Franco

Every summer you have to intellectually stimulate yourself in some way, right? Or at least indulge in a shameless piece of chick lit. Here are some of the best summer novels that will have you curled up laughing and/or crying.

Summer Sisters by Judy Blume:
Two best friends cope with first loves, sexual experiences, family problems and all that becoming an adult can bring.

White Oleander by Janet Fitch
Astrid Magnussen is left to survive on her own at thirteen after her strikingly beautiful and neurotic mother poisons her ex lover.

The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
Noah Calhoun and Allie Nelson have the perfect summer romance until fate rips them apart. Allie returns to Noah after several years and even though she is engaged she begins to have those same feelings she once had for Noah and now she must choose.

The Nanny Diaries by Nicola Kraus and Emma McLaughlin
Nanny has just landed a dream job sitting for sweet little Grayer. Nanny may have celebrated too soon when she finds herself being the mommy in his life and cleaning up the pieces of a broken marriage.

While I Was Gone by Sue Miller
The past has just walked back into Jo Becker’s life and turned it upside down. Jo now, after all these years, has to confront it.

The Autobiography of Vivian by Sherrie Krantz
Left battered and bruised Vivian Livingston is now picking herself up of the ground and moving to the big apple to start her life over again.
 

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