Who said Hermès only sells Birkin bags

Good news for the 99.5% of the population who love Hermès,  but cannot afford to spend $8,000 on Birkin bag now or ever; the Hermès Enamel Bangle with the signature "H" makes for a fabulous alternative. The bangle is available in silver or gold with palladium plating, and the enamel comes in a variety of bold colors. It is the perfect compliment for every personality. 

I recently received the wide set bangle for Christmas in turquoise and gold and I love it! If I had to do it all again, I would go for the white and gold, it is equally as beautiful, and looks even better with a tan. Whether it is your first bangle, or you're adding to a collection, this piece is not to be missed. The price is $510 for the thin "H" and $540 for the wide "H"and they are available at Hermès.com. 

Team Lindsay

Lindsay Lohan's eHarmony Profile from Lindsay Lohan

Recently, Lindsay Lohan allegedly split from her high profile relationship with on-again, off- again girlfriend, DJ Samantha Ronson. For months the couple had been scrutinized in the tabloids, pictured in the news, and posted on every major celebrity blog to date. According to Lindsay's new E Harmony stunt posted by funnyordie.com, LL is single and ready to mingle! 

As you can probably assume, I am a Lindsay fan. Despite her much publicized relationship ups and downs, her Anorexia stint with Nicole Richie, countless run- in's with hotel security guards, cat fights with Paris Hilton, several DUIs, and a 30- day stay at Cirque Lodge; I am still a fan. It would be one thing if Lindsay didn't know she is ridiculous, but clearly after watching this, she does. Congrats Lindsay, role well done, you did it again. 

Taking the plunge...

I took my first trip to Italy with my family 10 years ago, I was 12. It was our first big summer trip in a long time and we were going to be away for 2 weeks.  I don't know if it was because I was so young or just a brat, but I do remember being less than thrilled about the news. Seeming as if I was unable to spend another summer at the Jersey Shore, I was certain that this vacation was just going to be another way for my parents to torture me. Fast-forward the 9-hour plane ride, sweltering heat, millions of tourists, lack of air conditioning, and pause. There I was walking the cobble streets of Florence, Italy, delightfully unaware that I was just about to surrender myself to it all. And surrender I did, right in the midst of Prada.

Not only did I fall in love with the concept that art and imagination could be expressed though fashion; I fell in love with all of Italy. Everything about it fascinated me: the culture, the people, the architecture, the arts, the language, and the food. I saw beauty in everything. I left that trip knowing I was leaving a part of myself behind, but I brought back with me more then I had ever expected. 

The beauty in surrender is that once you commit there is no looking back. It becomes a pledge, a promise, a vow, a job, a dedication, a commitment, and a lifestyle. It’s about choosing style over comfort. It's the decision to look your best no matter what life throws at you. It is easy to say, "I was too depressed to get dressed today."  Well, now wonder you are depressed, if I looked like that, I would be depressed too.  If you are going to commit to be stylish, then just do it, and if you're not then don't. Don't make the mistake to commit to it and then try to pull a fast one when you think no one is watching. People are always watching. 

Given my experience as a college student living in San Francisco, their have been a number of things I will never understand, and wearing pajamas to class is definitely one of them. I do not know when this unfortunate phenomenon became acceptable attire to wear out in public, but it is not. I get that you were late or you had a rough night, but please throw on a pair of jeans for everyone else's sake. If the whole class wanted to see you in your pajamas, they would arrange a sleepover. 

It is so important to understand that once you take the plunge, you can't just take a day or two off, or else you will loose your credibility.  Do you know what happens to a person with no integrity? Your dreams of transforming into a fashionista will be long gone for starters. Once a person goes back on their word,  their word will no longer mean anything. You are no longer credible, accountable, or reliable for anything. Credibility in fashion is being about being reliable 365 days a year to yourself, whether you are in jeans and a tee, or Marc Jacobs and Louboutin's.  

Fashion Forecast

With the start of every new season, I find myself getting lost in my favorite fashion magazines like Harper's Bazaar, In Style, Vogue, and Elle; anxiously anticipating the colors, cuts, patterns, and fabrics for the up and coming season. Instantly I am enamored by the art of creation, and I begin to picture myself in each aspiring piece.  By the end the magazine I am blissfully aware of my newfound knowledge, and my thrilling search for the season begins. 

When it comes to following trends in fashion, there are four different types of followers. People who follow, people who try to follow, people who claim not to follow, but they do, and people who care less to follow, but they should. The art of rocking a trend can be easily attained by knowledge, direction, and confidence. The knowledge part is simple because fashion is everywhere, but creating a direction is where most people get lost.  I see fashionable people everyday, but style not so much.

Becoming "trendy" does not mean, to go out and buy everything you see on the "Top 10 Must- Have" list per season. To avoid the common mistake of overdoing it, direct yourself according to your body type and lifestyle. I can guarantee 9 times out of 10 if it looks unflattering or impractical on the runway model, you can probably guess it is not going to look any better, or be any easier to pull off on you. I am not one to follow every single trend, but I am confident knowing I can pull off almost anything if I wanted to. You would be surprised how far a little self- confidence could get you, and how much better you will look. For those who have never heard the phrase, "Fake it, until you make it." I know it sounds corny, but it goes a long way.  If you don't feel it, fake it, and eventually you will. Trust me.

Things to remember about trends: Less is always more; too much of anything is never a good thing. Find styles that work with your body type. Just because something looks amazing on someone else does not mean it is going to look like that on you. Also, shop for your size. Buying something a size down might be motivating at the time, but eventually reality will set in, and when it does you will realize not only are you out the money, but your out an outfit too. Be practical.  I know how hard this one can be, especially if you are in denial like me. The best way for me is to ask myself, where am I going in this? If there is nothing that comes to mind, I let it go.  If I didn’t, I know it would just be sitting in my closet waiting to be worn. Then before you know it the style has changed, and the outfit is yesterday’s news. This has happened to me one too many times, but I finally smartened up.

Remember that trends change within a blink of an eye. If budget is an issue, stock up on all your favorite trends at budget friendly stores like H&M or Target. Online sites such as Topshop.com and ASOS.com offer trendy alternatives for a fraction of the cost. Never splurge on a so- called "trend" item. Growing up, my Dad would always reprimand my mom and I for spending too much money on clothes. I can't even tell you how many times I have heard him explain all the reasons why designer clothes are a poor investment. While I would have to agree to disagree with him now, I cannot emphasize enough that splurging on a trendy item (you will realistically wear twice) is a waste of money, unless of course you could afford it. Then again, even those who can afford it; in light of this economy, be smart. If you are going to splurge, then invest in classic pieces you will have for years.