Look at little J giving off a blank stare as if she’s in deep thought…or deep judgment of her subjects.  Well, at least the girl’s got style–that’s for dang sure.  Naturally what really caught my eye  was the adorable clutch Jen’s…er…clutching.  I might just snatch it from her since she’s not looking.

Kidding.

Keeping with the law, there is a great little clutch with which I might theoretically snatch her style.  Meet the Janet Frame Clutch–a polished silver trimmed beauty made from textured  croc-embossed leatherette.  That’s not all though.  The Janet Frame Clutch opens to reveal magnetic snap closure, along with a surprisingly organized inner system of pouches, and a  wristlet strap for easy carrying.  All this for only $24.95. You know what to do.

xoxo,

Handbag Heaven

Today we are lucky enough to feature an adorable fashion blogger with a flair for retro style and vintage clothing. Say hello to Gemma, the editor of Retro Chick, who entertains her readers daily with fashion tips, coverage of events like London’s Fashion Week, and even video tutorials on how to achieve fabulous retro looks (make sure you check out this video on how to create vintage style hair rolls…so cute!) Here she gives us a glimpse of her own personal style and offers some advice for the fashion-timid. Make sure you also drop by our sister blog next week to read her post about scarves as a travel necessity.

Q: Tell us a little about current handbag trends.

A: Handbags for spring and summer will mirror the trend on the catwalks towards a girlier style, so there will be lots of feminine bags, candy colours, nudes and embroidery.

Q: What is your personal purse style?

A: For day I like big practical bags with a shoulder strap, bags that I can chuck everything into. At the moment I’m permanently attached to my Lulu Guinness City Tote (Editor’s note: for a similar American version, try our Quilted Tote). For evening I like sleek and chic clutch bags; my current favourite is a black patent leather vintage clutch.

Q: What’s in your purse, always?

A: I can’t live without my phone to check my emails on the go – plus, it also doubles as my camera. Obviously I need my purse, but I also carry my passport (you never know!), sunglasses, gloves, lip balm, hand cream, a pink multi tool and a mini maglight (be prepared!) Also in the bottom of my bag is a compacted layer of old receipts, bottle caps, hair bands and tube tickets.

Q: What advice would you give someone struggling with which handbag to choose?

A: Think about what’s practical for your life and your style. There’s no point choosing a tiny, embroidered, feminine clutch if you spend your days dressed in sportwear and need to carry a lot of stuff with you!

You carry it with you everyday, kick it around the floor, fill it to the brim with heavy things and still expect it to look good, so I would say it’s important to buy the best handbag you can afford as your main “everyday” bag to make sure it doesn’t fall apart and drop your entire life all over the floor.

Q: Tell us about your blog. What do you hope to accomplish with it?

A: I started Retro Chick because I was selling vintage and pre-owned clothing and wanted somewhere to write about new finds, but it’s evolved into so much more than that. I was so sick of reading endless catwalk reports and rehashes of vogue fashion shoots on other blogs. I love vintage style, but I’m also interested in interpreting fashion trends my own way and taking a more ethical and sustainable stance on fashion. I want Retro Chick to be a place for the girl who’s a bit quirky but keeps one eye on fashion without slavishly subscribing to the trends.

Q: Is there anything else you’re dying to share?

A: Never be scared to wear exactly what you want. Even something as simple as a bright handbag or some lipstick can give you confidence and a spring in your walk that’ll make you feel happier and more positive. Too many women feel constrained by what everyone else is wearing because they don’t want to stand out. Just because they’re boring and dowdy doesn’t mean you have to be!

As my soul-less co-editor (she’s a Ginger, you see) and I hopped into her car preceding a recent night out, Terryl commented on the fact that neither of us had made the switch from our large, kitchen sink-toting handbags to evening out-worthy mini-bags. It wasn’t until later that I realized: my making this transition from big to little is a rarity.

This seems nonsensical, as I think, talk and write about handbags literally daily, and thus should jump at the chance for some variety in the accessory. Yet, I simply do not.

With some thinking, I can point to four reasons why this transit just doesn’ t happen.

Seems impractical.

1. Laziness/time constraint - Though in hindsight, transferring a few necessities from one bag to another seems easy and quick enough, in the moment, it’s just not. Not sure how to explain this phenomena, but I assume my inherent lateness (thanks, Mom) has something to do with it.

2. I really like my day bag – Your favorite bag’s your favorite bag, regardless of size or situation-appropriateness. It is my favorite bag and I just like to have it around. Period.

3. I need all seven tubes of lip gloss - Maybe it’s not lip gloss, but a larger-than-life wallet or an umbrella or a nonperishable. (Terryl had a can of tomato soup in her bag that night, I kid you not.) Some things ya feel ya jus’ need, whether you technically could survive the evening without them or not.

4. I don’t have an evening bag with which I’m obsessed – It’s not that I don’t have evening bags I like, as I own at least two of which I’m quite fond. Why then do they sit bored in my closet? Because I wouldn’t take a bullet for them; they don’t complete me. This sentiment may change though with this impending purchase.

What about you? Do always change your bag for a night out? Or are you plagued by one (or all) of the points above, like me?

Photo credit: Trend911.com

Just one for you this week!

1. Head on over to Kirstierae’s VIDEO BLOG and win your choice of either $50 gift card to Handbag Heaven or a purse of your choice. Ends 4/1.

Ever stare aimlessly into a closet literally full of clothes and still remain unable to find anything to wear?  Believe you me–I know the feeling.  It’s a tiring process  constantly trying to remain relevant trend-wise.  Not to mention investing money in those clothes, handbags, and shoes that you will probably wear a handful of times.

Depressing.

Luckily, I may have found a solution for us both.  I give you the Mary Kate Studded Messenger–an edgy tote that is currently very much in style, but also has staying power in the trend department.  This stylish matte leatherette is available in basic black or cream, while the interior is lined with  a silky green, orange, and purple paisley fabric. Wild.

The Mary Kate has compartments located inside the bag to help keep you organized while on the go. However, my favorite part of this beautifully constructed carrier is the heavily studded front flap, bringing a rock and roll vibe to this otherwise, conservative shape. A long adjustable strap allows you to have the option of turning the Mary Kate into a shoulder purse, or simply draping it diagonally across the chest as a hands-free messenger.

Handbags with longer straps that drape across the body have been taking runways and  celebrities stylists by storm, and the the Mary Kate Studded Messenger is a safe way to test out this new look.  No more plain Jane handbags for you, Missy!

Now, if there was only a way to achieve this look affordably.  Oh wait… the Mary Kate will only set you back $49.95. Can I get a Hallaluyah? So grab this pretty and save yourself from getting into a fist fight with your wardrobe–always good to avoid. Trust me…

The sun is finally shining ’round here and my spirits are lifted. Even though this same sun still can’t manage to clear the frost from my window shield pre-work commute. And I do not appreciate using my scraper. It makes my fingers all red and indented. Then it creates that bothersome pool of melted-scraped-frost juice  on the floor of my passenger seat, which is pretty gross when you consider what could have embedded into the frost. You know, bugs or bird droppings or road kill.

What was I talking about?

I See London. I, for one, am rather obcessed with with 1960’s style – my affinity for the mini know no bounds. Accordingly, if asked that annoying inquiry regarding with whom I’d most like to have dinner, dead or alive, my answer would undoubtedly include Mary Quant. I studied Miss Mary in a History of Fashion class in college and since, can’t get can’t learn enough about her. Karen at Bobbins and Bombshells gives us some insight on this hot pants-purveyor.

Let Them Eat Cake. It’s a certain staffer’s birthday today, which is what initially drew me to Amy’s post at Confessions of Fashion Editor. (Cake on the mind, I suppose.) However, upon doing some scrolling, it became clear that her topic relates more so to aesthetic style, not style of culinary persuasion. Read her review of a lovely little cake shop, where the treats are obviously too pretty to eat.

No Feet. Confession: I really like the idea of a maxi dress. Yes, I meant to include the words “idea of.” You see, I’m a fairly short specimen and have always categorized the style into my only-for-amazons grouping, which also includes ankle pants and calf-length skirts. However I’m seeing more and more evidence that disproves my theory. Exhibit A: Olsens. Exhibit B: this post on Ventures of Jenn, in which the stylish Jennifer displays some sartorial know-how, with maxis (Is the plural max-I, like fungi?) as her tool.

Batman. Like Gaga, though to a lesser degree, Rihanna’s fashion choices (or should I say Rihanna’s stylist’s fashion choices) are often love or hate. This kind of black and white sentiment is often a product of any fashion risk taker. This week, True Queen highlighted a look of Rihanna’s that lies in the Aves classification. And…I like it. There, I said it. *wraps hands over head, protectively*

Have a rockin’ weekend.

Photo: Wire Image

Spring is in the air…Well, almost.  And Eva Mendez’s fabulous flower infused handbag — that most likely cost her an arm and a leg — celebrates the new season.  Want to keep all of your limbs but still steal the style?  Meet the Roselyn Flower Satchel — a perfectly designed leatherette handbag that gives off just the right amount of vintage crinkle, at an unbelievable price ($77.95).

In three stunning shades of purple, black, and creamy ivory, the Roselyn Flower Satchel can provide you with a fun-edged classic vibe, which will be welcomed into the warmer months.  The satchel’s handles are long enough to be thrown over your shoulder, and an additional strap is included with your purchase.  Tons of zippered pockets reside inside the bag’s classic tan lining will easily hold all of your essentials. It’s a bloomin’ good deal. Photo Credit: Popbee.com

Greetings!

1. Drop by and see Kirstierae at her Video Blog and win your choice of either a $50 gift card to Handbag Heaven, or a purse of your choice! Ends 4/1.
2. Make sure you also check out Celine’s review of the Sami on Intheircloset.com!

.work.beat.fierce.sounds.

Every so often, a person comes across something that completely changes her perspective, something that makes acceptable–desirable, even–what was previously ruled-out.

I don’t do animal print bags.  Never have, never will was going to.  I think they’re tired.

Enter: The Leopard Print Pleated Bag.

Holy animal print.  I am IN LOVE.  This bag does animal print the right way.  With the color fading from creme to brown and back, the all-over print cleverly avoids being too much.  The pleating along the opening of the bag helps tone down the print, as well as gather attention.

(Get it?  Gather?  Because they’re pleats.  Pleats are gathered fabric.  Alright.)

::: grrrowuhll :::

What I find interesting about the bag is the way the leopard print should be the point that draws your attention, yet I feel it’s the detailing that does that, instead.  The print is noticeable, yes, but the pleating, hard plastic handles, pegs on top of the bag, and the vintage bubble shape hold much more of the overall appeal of the bag.

And I haven’t even talked about how gloriously gigantic this thing is.  Your apartment is going to start getting jealous of your new bag with all the stuff you’ll be taking with you every day.

I am not sure I would use the shoulder strap, as the handles hang a little awkwardly, but I guess you could rock it with that “eh, who cares?” vibe, you wild hipster chick.

Peering in, I am delighted by the polka dot interior (cute lining is SO important, and you know it’s true), and I think you may even be able to use the Leopard Print Pleated Bag as a laptop bag.  You might have to slide it in sideways, but I just got my 13-inch MacBook in there.

It’s about determination.

Anyway, I think you should pick up a Leopard Print Pleated Bag and let me know how you love it.  I was thiiiiis close to getting it, but I decided against it, so I would love to hear what I’m missing out on, if anyone decides to get one!

And if you don’t get one, what do you think of it?  Too much leopard, or did I convince you that the details balance it out?  Let’s hear those thoughts!

Size. Matters.

Not fashion. These stop signs might actually make me come to a complete stop, as opposed to just rollin’ riiight on through those intersections.  No cop, no stop!

Not fashion either. Can you imagine shaking hands with a fake metal hand every time you opened your door?  That’d be awesome.

Great. Sometimes, models are really just used as a mode of transportation for a costume down the runway.  And that’s okay.  I just can’t imagine being too excited about living my life bound to an eating disorder to wear this.

Size zero seems unnecessary at that point.  It’s a shame bulimia doesn’t cause multiple heads instead of rotting teeth.  That would have been so. perfect. for that girl’s show.

Long, black veil. Finding sunnies tired lately?  Try on a veil for size.  You know, in case you want to look completely crazy.

Megalophobia. I am a megalophobe, which means I am afraid of things I feel are larger than they should be.  But I have yet to find a bag that is too big.  Even this wonderful work of art in Australia, is delightfully gigantic to me, not scarily so.

It reminds me of those race car beds they make for little kids.  How rad would it be if that opened up to a couch?  Gotta think big.

Fallen Princesses. I leave you with a completely gorgeous series of photos, depicting heroines of our childhood brought to real life.  It’s a little sad, but really interesting, I think.  Enjoy =)