We all took part in the competition “the bigger the better” with our handbags last summer. But now, fashion has turned a tiny cheek and opted for the mini bag as this season’s must-have accessory.
For a while, over-sized clutches were the bag of the moment. Girls everywhere sported the larger-than-life clutch, never mind how difficult they were to carry while also attempting to balance a drink in the other hand. With a giant purse you ultimately end up having to stuff your bag with items that you are never likely to use, but you still have to haul them around because without the contents the bag just doesn’t look the same.
For example, when getting ready to go out for a drink with your favourite girls, if you were planning on taking out your over-sized box clutch you chuck in all of the necessities: your phone, money, ID, make-up, deodorant. But that is never enough to fill out the bag so you eventually have to stuff in perfume, socks, a scarf, tissues, and a magazine among other things that happen to be dotted around you. Because without these fillers the monster bag will just look like a saggy heap under your arm, and nobody wants that.
Thankfully, we need not to worry any longer. Because this season the tinier the better – and we are able to balance two drinks in each hand if completely necessary. The “baby bag” encompasses everything one needs in a handbag; you can comfortably carry all of your must-have items without looking like your going on a month long hike in the Himalayas
On the runways:
Designers such as Chanel, Marc Jacobs and Mulberry were sporting the baby bag in their spring/summer 2011 catwalk shows in all four of the capitals across the globe. Chanel adapted the mini bag by using silk or tweed in an array of summery shades including pale yellows and shimmering golds that sparkled past the front row. Of course they added their own signature style to the bag by using subtle but chic details such as quilting and chain handles – all of which are oh-so-Chanel in every single way. In this show they obviously felt the smaller the bag the better and it appeared that the accessory shrunk more and more as the show went on.
Marc Jacobs’ S/S 11 fashion show was a seventies extravaganza; large floppy hats and stunning prints took centre stage but the bags were the highlight. In beautiful rich colours including mahogany, burnt orange and brown, the handbags were a picture of suede perfection. Details such as leather snakes crawling along the rim of the envelope clutches and Art Deco style clasps adorning the shoulder bags gave the accessory an exotic effect.
Mulberry are known for their effortlessly fashionable handbags, there is no denying they are the first label women think of when they decide what they want for Christmas. The Mulberry Bayswater bag which has been their best seller for years took the back seat in their spring/summer collection as a new breed of bags became the favourite. There’s no denying the allure of those Mulberry bags, including the newish trompe l’oeil-detailed Tillie, that even came to include teeny-tiny versions hitched onto the models hips
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So here’s the latest accessory trend which everyone will love, they’re so cute you will undoubtedly fail to resist. So don’t bother! And because they’re so diddy, they are not going to break your bank when you buy them either… unless you buy ten.
Enjoy shopping In Pink
STAFFORD: If In Pink owner Irene Soxsmith had a dollar for every time a new customer said “this is my new favourite shop” she would be a very wealthy lady.
The fashion and accessories store has been in business for two years and boasts an eclectic, wide range of shabby chic items.
“We sell everything a lady desires. From linen, umbrellas, shoes, handbags and fashion to teddies and home wares,” said Mrs Soxsmith.
She said she had always had a love of fashion and all things “pretty”, which has motivated her to open her business.
“Right from when I was a teen I have been into fashion. Particularly shoes - I started in shoes, and I will end in shoes.”
The atmosphere of the store is relaxed and comfortable, complete with a bed and the smell of beautiful perfumes.
Mrs Soxsmith said In Pink caters for 16 to 99-year-olds on a variety of budgets.
“If you are in this age group, it’s guaranteed you will find something you love. We have the Spicy Sugar range for teens, Boo Radley and Lollita clothing and evening and cocktail gowns,” she said.
Mrs Soxsmith enjoys trading in Stafford City.
“Customers appreciate the unique nature of our store. We sell one run items, so it’s different to other stores,” she said.
* In Pink is at Shop 40, Stafford City, with a second store at Aspley Hypermarket. Phone 3863 0223.
By Saumu Mwalimu
Stripe’ is one of the most popular fashion trends this season. Be it tops, trousers, shoes, hats or handbags, stripes can be found on anything. The trend is very much ‘in’ today because it is apt for women of every age.
Famous Italian brand Prada, brings very interesting collection of handbags for women who love stripes as well as shimmer. For all fashion-conscious women, Prada designs the sequined and striped paillettes bag collection, which includes some hottest pieces in alluring styles.
Prada sequined and striped paillettes bag collection features sassy women’s clutches, which will make your outfits more shining and dazzling. This collection has very stylish sequin and striped handbags that symbolize sophistication and luxury.
Hot party dresses
These glitzy and striped pieces are great to warm up your hot party dresses. The brilliant combination of stripes and glitters is what gives these pieces an eye-popping appearance.
They are the bags that will definitely make your shabby outfits shiny and elegant because these are fresh and alluring. So, add a dash of sparkle and style to your evening with a sparkling sequin clutch or handbag.They are the hottest trend that makes a perfect accessory. Carry them with a stunning party dress and make your look stand out from the rest.
A 47-year-old Alberta man has been charged with a number of gun-related charges after a handgun was discovered in his luggage at the Ottawa International Airport on Monday, April 11.
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) found the .22 caliber handgun when the man’s checked baggage went through security screening processes early Monday evening while he was waiting to board an evening WestJet flight to Calgary.
Ottawa police were called around 7 p.m. and the man was charged with careless transportation of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm knowing no authority, possessing a restricted firearm with ammunition, and two counts of attempting to commit an indictable offence.
CATSA spokesperson Mathieu Larocque noted that firearms can be taken in checked luggage as long as they are registered with the airline beforehand, but he said this incident was highly unusual.
“We may see incidents of hunters forgetting to register their firearms, but I’m trying to remember the last time we’ve seen this kind of incident at the Ottawa airport and I can’t, even across the country I can’t remember the last time. It’s not a common incident,” Larocque said.
The man was travelling alone and remains in custody in Ottawa, according to Sergeant Ken Bryden from the Ottawa Police guns and gangs unit. The arrest did not delay any flights or close any parts of the airport, Larocque said.
Well this has come out of the blue… Just when you thought the Zeta-Jones-Douglas clan were piecing things back together following Michael's throat cancer diagnosis last year, the actress has revealed that she's suffering from mental health issues.
Yesterday her publicist, Cece Yorke, confirmed that she recently underwent inpatient treatment for bipolar II disorder - a form of manic depression - at a US mental health facility, but added that she is now "feeling great" and planning to start work on two films this week.
In the statement, he also explained:
"After dealing with the stress of the past year, Catherine made the decision to check into a mental health facility for a brief stay to treat her bipolar II disorder."
Meanwhile, oracle of truth the National Enquirer reports some more details, claiming the 41 year old admitted herself into the Silver Hill Hospital in Connecticut just over a week ago and underwent a five-day treatment plan before leaving the centre on Monday.
Hope you're feeling better, Catherine! Don't work too hard.
Remember that new reality TV show we told you about a few months ago? The one casting families in the Franklin Lakes area who were planning a party for a new HGTV series? Well, the producers have finally announced the host of the show will be no other than Franklin Lakes' own Dina Manzo.
Fans of Real Housewives of New Jersey should remember the fabulous events Dina puts on (such attention to detail!), so when we first heard about the HGTV show back in December we were hoping she would be named the host. And this weekend, we received confirmation that our hunch was right.
According to the producers, the show will be called Dina's Party and each episode will feature a party thrown in someone's home, such as a graduation, surprise, wedding, bon voyage, sweet sixteen, tailgate parties, etc.
"Dina and the staff of her event company Design Affairs will create magnificent events in their clients' homes," according to the official press release "Whether it's a posh baby shower, an over-the-top fantasy wedding or a grand graduation party, Dina will transform any space into something breathtakingly beautiful and unique. With her extraordinary talents, Dina will make every occasion a perfect celebration for the important moments in a family's life."
"Dina is an accomplished interior designer and also runs a thriving event planning business — her Real Housewives fans will be very surprised to see this side of her," said Kathleen Finch, general manager, HGTV. (Patch says: What? Fans will be surprised? Did Finch not watch Season 1?) "Dina brings a unique set of skills to HGTV and I'm thrilled to have her join our growing team of expert talent."
"Each week she will throw one fun and fabulous party in homes across New Jersey and New York City areas," Avelino Pombo, director of development of JOHLT productions, told Patch.
The show is still casting local families. To be considered for the show, email apombo@JOHLT.com with a photo of the party throwers, a photo of your home, information about the party including theme and key players, and your contact information. (And if you get cast, be sure to let us know!)
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Dina isn't the only Manzo sister in the news this week. According to WWD, Caroline has plans to make a handbag collection in collaboration with Kristino handbags. She is also planning to release two lines of dog accessories, one of which is "cruelty-free with a percentage of the proceeds going to the Best Friends Animal Society," WWD reports.
In her weekly glo.msn.com column this week, she talks about her infamous "Iron Hand" technique for raising children.
"My children were never allowed to talk back, raise their voice or even look at us crooked. If they did, there were consequences, and when there was punishment we didn't waiver: We stuck to it and made them 'serve their time.'" Caroline writes in response to a single mother of three, who is struggling with discipline. "Giving out a punishment and not seeing it through only shows them that they can do the crime but not the time. Bad, bad, bad. Also, when giving out punishment explain to your children why you're angry and why they're getting punished. Follow with an 'I love you, but you're still in trouble!'"
For more of Caroline's sage advice, read her weekly column Caroline's Rules.