The Tilde Collection

Choices, choices…I have the worst habit of buying clothes and wearing them only a handful of times.  If you want to forego any layering or extra pieces, check out your accessories options.  Ten new outfits right there.

I need to remember to be more creative sometimes.

Click on image for more product information.

Love this look.  Truly a dress to the nines piece.

Courtesy of HanounaQ.

Click on image for more product information.

Rachel Bilson in an extremely accessible outfit.  Get this look:

Photo via dangmuch from blue-monday.

Click on image for more product information.

The best kind of handbag is as pretty as it is practical.  And I love Rafe New York for exactly that reason- designer Rafe Totengco has found the perfect balance between fashion and functionality with his handbag collection.  Each bag has its own distinct personality but all of them remain classic enough to be worn in any season and for many seasons to come.  Rafe Totengco is a pretty big deal in the fashion arena- the designer, who is also known for his shoes and smaller leather goods, has received many accolades since debuting his first collection of Rafe New York handbags at Bergdorf Goodman’s in 1995.  But I think he’s even a bigger deal since he’s a fellow islander, naturally.

Visit Rafe New York for 40% off the entire Fall 2009 collection and receive free shipping through December 16th (enter code: RAFEFREESHIP).

Some I would love to own:

If you’re looking for frocks that no one else has, be sure to check out Bona Drag, which showcases key pieces from hard-to-get and independent designers that you can choose to dress up or down in.  Also features select vintage as well.  According to DailyCandy, all of Bona Drag’s “friendly frocks, wild jumpsuits, and pantless wonders” are 25% off.  The sale section is looking quite robust as well so don’t forget to visit that before you click out.

Photo from DailyCandy.

My work laptop is a monster- it’s like an updated version of the Dell I had my freshman year of college.  And while the IT team insists that the size of my computer has everything to do with the horsepower behind it, I still can’t get around that it looks like a thing of the ’90s.  Unless you have a Mini Netbook, finding a bag for work or school that’s sturdy enough to lug around your laptop in all while looking professional (and not like something you stole from your boyfriend) can be quite challenging.  Sometimes your Longchamp just doesn’t cut it:

L-R top row: Moonsus Signature Deluxe Laptop Satchel – $290 // Botkier Logan N/s Satchel – $695 // Gucci Jolie Large Tote – $780 // middle row: LeSportsac Lexie Tech – $158 // Hobo International Alina Tote – $278 // bottom row: Hobo International Rendita Tote – $248 // Moonsus Elite Laptop Tote – $328 // Kate Spade Park Slope Core Calista Laptop Case – $495 $403.18 // Pink Studio Newport Laptop Bag – $56

Tory Burch makes the wristlet quite glamorous with her’s distressed, metallic, and in leather.  I love all three available colors (black, platinum, navy) and at $155, this look will last you way longer than the holidays.  Like most wristlets, good luck trying to fit both your camera and mobile among other items but if you’re looking for a small, wallet-type bag, this one will definitely work.

Click here for more info: Distressed Metallic Leather Wristlet - $155

Lucky Magazine hosted their Lucky Shops event this weekend at the Metropolitan Pavilion and it was basically heaven.  In addition to featuring over 80 designers and shops selling at up to 75% off retail, there were complimentary cocktails, food, giveaways, DJ’s everywhere— great way to spend a Saturday.  Event was from 11am - 5pm and we got there around 2pm.  Line was longish but moving and caterers came out with complimentary lattes, chips, and Luna bars to make our wait seem that much shorter.  Once we got in, snapped some pics up front, we got at the boutiques that awaited us.  Tracy Reese, See by Chloe, Vena Cava, Foley + Corinna, Rebecca Taylor, Theory, Botkier, Helen Ficalora- everything was there and prices were amazing, continuing to be slashed as the day (and inventory) went on.  Everywhere you looked there were open bars featuring Svedka Vodka, hair & makeup demonstrations by Garnier Fructis and Maybelline, complimentary gelati courtesy of Gelato Giuliana- there was even a hemming station where you could get your jeans tailored for free.

For the sake of my savings, I went in there allowing myself to only get a new handbag of sorts and thankfully followed through.  Left with a new Foley & Corinna Mid City Tote in burgundy.  Good things all around.

Find out more about the Mid City Tote here.

Fully aware that the designated time to give thanks and stuff my face still awaits me, I can’t help looking just past that- eight weeks past to be specific- to the most wonderful time of the year (as per Mr. Crosby).  I’ve long since stopped making Christmas lists as it always seems to be dated by the time the holiday rolls around.  But if there’s something I’m still checking out with a few days to go, it obviously makes the cut.  Like this JPK Paris Pleat Satchel (which was first on my sister’s list but now I want it naturally).  Misleading in size, this bag actually has the same effect as your everyday Longcamp or Herve Chapelier but looks super classy and different.

It’s big enough to fit a laptop and a couple of books and gives you the option to rock the handles or long strap.  And I love how the interior contrasts the rest of the bag, which comes in six different colors.   Dark brown and terra look very business-y so if you’re not going for that, stick to plum, eggplant, military, or pewter.

JPK Paris Pleat Satchel, $198, visit here to purchase or for more info.

A friend of mine just got an M Z Wallace “Clara” Bag (shown here in blue) and now I want one so badly.  Thought it was a bit bulky at first, featuring every bell and whistle pretty much but practicality is never a bad thing.  Plus this bag is stain and water repellent with six exterior pockets and you have the option to rock the long strap or short handles.

Check out all M Z Wallace handbags here.