Every Handbag Tells A Story

— Valerie and Camilla of A Butterfly by Day 

Visions of rock stars and fashion icons of the past streamed through our heads when we first saw the tan fringe cross-shoulder bag by Cut N Paste. The warm caramel color of the leather and the soft, distressed look gave the illusion that the bag already had a rich history. Inspired by the Rolling Stones girlfriend Anita Pallenberg and Beatles gal Patti Boyd, we immediately decided to style the new bag with textures and pieces that evoked the rocker chick’s vibe. 

To achieve the “Almost Famous” look we paired a knit Free People dress with a chunky wrap sweater from Anthropologie and wrapped a burgundy vintage faux fur scarf around the neck. Then we accessorized the outfit with textured brown tights by HUE, a beaded necklace we thrifted and, of course, the tan fringe bag by Cut N Paste. On Camilla’s lips we used Nars lipstick in Heat Wave and on her nails is Deborah Lippmann’s Stop and Stare. With thoughts of decades gone by and our leather fringe bag across the shoulder, off we went to shop and explore the city. 

“You can always have fun and if you ever get lonely, you just go to the record store and visit all your friends.” 

Penny Lane, 

Almost Famous 

Merchandise It: Texture Frenzy

The Lori's Insider Report

—Ashley Lacey, Lori's staff and author of Stiletto-Chic

Anyone who knows me knows that I love to "merchandise it up" in the words of my fashion icon, the über-fab Carrie Bradshaw. (I am well aware that she is fictional but to me, she lives.)

I love to create a multi-dimensional look centered around one core item. It is paramount to have a statement piece, whether it be a pair of platforms, a necklace, a bracelet or a bag. Pick an item to be the center of attention and make it the star of the show!

When picking your pieces be sure to incorporate texture. Add items that don't seem to match. This trend is epic right now. Match a dressier item, such a sequin top or a light weight chiffon skirt, with a blazer or edgier boot as seen below on Gwyneth Paltrow. Her amped-up boots are obviously the main attraction! Get her sexy combat boot look with our Vancouver boot by Sam Edelman.

No need to match your belt with your pumps. No need to wear only complementary colors. Take a look at my fave "mix-n-match" runway Fall 2010 looks [courtesy of Harper's Bazaar]. These looks illustrate color remixing, the pairing of items of various textures, layering and the dominance of a muted color palette.

How does one style a "statement piece"?  How much is too much? You decide! Exercise your own judgment. I believe that fashion has no rules. Adorn yourself with fur (faux fur if you prefer), ethnic or Geo prints and texturized tights. Wear what your fashionable heart desires!

Hue tights, Boutique 9 wedge booties, earrings, and Cut N' Paste bag all available at Lori's

The Big Buddha handbag that could be yours!

Big Buddha - Jacqueline clutch bag giveaway with Geisha Pearl. Not sold in stores or online.

See it. Love it. Win it.

Big Buddha has sent us three special edition, style-it-the-way-you-want-it Jacqueline clutch bags. And we just happen to be giving them away with one of our fashionable guest bloggers: Kitty from Geisha Pearl. They are not sold online, so if you miss your chance, you've missed it. 

The bone and mushroom are for the taking. Kitty has styled the black clutch as she does best, with chic vintage glamour and grace. Here's how to ensure your name is tagged for one of these rocker-chic bags:

• Go to Geisha Pearl Vintage Facebook page, follow the instructions and you are on your way to fabulosity (in our Kimora Lee-Simmons voice). 
• The winners will be featured on our blog, along with Big Buddha's Style Star project blog.
• Entries accepted until Tuesday, November 2nd.

Good luck!

From Lori's Shoes, Big Buddha and Geisha Pearl

Looking Fantastic this Fall: Check.

Photo courtesy of Fab Sugar

Autumn has finally come 'round the bend and we are elated. So much so that we have created a special Lori's checklist. We want you nothing less than the epitome of fabulosity this fall. Stop the presses, cause a traffic pile up or simply work it on your own personal runway with these simple must-haves.

Charles by Charles David - Model

Over-the-knee Boots
Admittedly this is not a new trend. OTK boots have been back in swing since Anne Hathaway strolled into the Vogue offices on The Devil Wears Prada in 2006. From that moment the previously cliché trashy turned classy in an instant. Over the years we have seen it grow into the most popular style of the season.

Shown in Grey. More colors available.

Fur
Faux has never been hotter. Whatever you buy this year, buy fur—really. You will be one of the square kids eating alone in the cafeteria if you don't. Fur is on EVERYTHING from hats to scarves to boot covers to bracelets. Not big on fur? No problem; any small accessory will keep you in the "in" crowd. And if you have a pact with PETA, faux fur is the new vegan leather. We wouldn't recommend you wearing it to a rally, but feel guilt free when you are making the purchase.

We love this rabbit fur headband by Martine et Bonal

Steve Madden - Cameronn

Lace-ups
Our guest blogger Anjelica put it best as she rocked this fabulous look in one of her posts, "the trend is timeless—a classic, really. Lace-ups can be casual, dressy or just plain chic." Enough said, thanks Anjelica; we think the same. 

 Wear short or tall; with flowy dresses or nothing at all.

Photo courtesy of Asos

Capes/Ponchos
Traditionally classy women never left this look. This über-comfortable and stylish outerwear has a little something for all this fall. Wear it with jeans, pant suit or as a simple one-piece garment accessorized to a T.

We're loving this exquisite Tweed Pocket cape from See by Chloe. It has a modern twist yet is very versatile.

Calvin Klein - Sallie

Peep Toe Booties
The re-emergence of legwear has made this one-time spring/summer shoe available for fall. The look is not for everyone (especially if you have sensitive toes), but worn with a pair of designer tights or girlie knee-high socks, this edgy, city-girl style will make the masses swoon.

Photo courtesy of Paige Denim

Denim Jackets
Revive this classic! If you have one hiding in your closet, dust it off, remove the band buttons and wear with pride. We suggest a dark, fitted denim as a classic long-lasting investment piece. This one by Paige Denim can be transformed from sporty to business-casual with a simple change of accessories. For the more forward, pair with jeans for a now-acceptable Canadian tuxedo!

High Fashion 5792

Classic Frame Bags
The obsession with Mad Men has inspired a generation of '50s-era conservative flair. The structured handbag must to be the bag of the year. Work it with casual, professional or evening looks.

Miz Mooz - Histeric

Loafers/Oxfords
Comfortable, stylish and just plain cute, the oxford look melts us. Our guest blogger, Kitty, (or should we say Nancy Drew) predicted this trend in August. And, well, she was right. You can't wear the plushest knitwear, curvaceous pencil skirt and classic bag without a pair of these, now could you?

On Trend: Stepping Out in Grey Style

– Carrie Michael of barestyle

Photos from thefashionpot.com, fashiontoast.com, r-bilson.net

Grey has been around the block. It’s not a fashion breakthrough or anything, but it has shifted from a shade for tops and sweaters to a standard for shoes, handbags and other accessories. (I’m typing this with fingernails sporting a color accurately named “Wet Cement”.) I’m anxiously awaiting the availability of the Jeffery Campbell “Lita” at Lori’s, and I can honestly say I’m contemplating grey instead of black. It just feels more fresh, neutral and wearable than black this season. And trust me, I’m a huge fan of black.

Mixing black and brown is a current trend, but mixing grey with black or brown is an effortless combination, making it an ideal choice for handbags and shoes. Think about it: a grey handbag will look amazing with any outfit, no matter what other hues are involved. My personal favorite look for fall is the grey platform boot. Love, love, love it. The softer grey hue breaks up the traditional rocker look and adds a more feminine vibe. And of course, grey continues to make its mark on scarves and socks. Here are my favorites from Lori’s:

1) Ruffled Gauze Scarf
2) Bloom Boom Boom NOA
3) Christopher Kon 505
4) Sabina 4588
5) Jeffrey Campbell Mary Roks
6) Remi & Reid Loyola
7) Rocket Dog Memories - Grey Dazzle

Shoe Addicts Report: Versatile handbags

Cross shoulder by day, chain strap by night.

By Carrie from Barestyle 

Color isn't typically what I gravitate toward. I may wear mint green nail polish, but when I commit to something like a bag or shoes, basic black and neutrals are my preferred shades. The Sabina 4524 bag was an obvious choice. It arrived from Lori’s last week and I was immediately drawn to its buttery soft feel and unique look. I pulled it out of the box, transferred my items over and threw it across my shoulder. I was meeting some girlfriends for a pedicure and dinner but had just enough time to snap a few shots before I left.

Why I love it? This bag is ideal for any season and style. Black is no longer a winter shade; there’s no Labor Day rule or seasonal colors as far as I’m concerned. And as for mixing brown and black? Yes, please. This piece will transition seamlessly into fall and winter and pairs nicely with casual and dressy pieces.
 
How would I style it? I paired it with casual summer pieces – vintage denim shorts, a long sleeveless cardigan from Seventh Door, classic aviators and my Jeffrey Campbell “Snick” clog wedges. This is one bag that will literally work with ANYTHING. It’s not too big, not too small, and can convert to whatever look you’re rocking. For an evening out, I’d wear a mini-dress or a tunic with leggings and carry it like a clutch. I’m never one to shy away from dispensing styling advice, but this is a piece that needs no direction.

 



















And a little bonus... I have to admit that I’m not exactly gifted in the organization department.  More than twice I’ve slammed on my breaks, narrowly missing the car in front, all because I was desperately digging in an over-sized bottomless bag for my phone (or lip gloss, or sunglasses). Pockets are now a requirement and the Sabina meets my needs with flying colors. Just name an item and I’ll have it out in less than two seconds with my eyes closed.

For more variety and budget-friendly options, take a look at these:


  












Sabina 4588

 

 Big Buddha - Daisy

 

 



Melie Bianco W9-373

Excotic Green Woman Handbag From Lacoste

Excotic Green Woman Handbag From Lacoste

"Gold Glamour handbag From Gucci 05"

"Gold Glamour handbag From Gucci 05"