Are you amongst the lucky few that are traveling to warm destinations this holiday season? If snow and cold simply don’t spark romanticism within your heart, perhaps sunshine is the way to go. Of course, if you are about to embark upon a warm holiday journey, you will need this season’s perfect resort wear in order to look fabulous while wandering about.

There are a few basics that no travel bag can go without (sunglasses, sandals, sunblock), and then there are some things that will only work during this holiday travel season. Everyone in the know will be donning a striped dress this holiday vacation, and these striped beauties can be found virtually anywhere. Make sure that your striped sun dress is sleeveless, form fitting, and bold. Another great fashion accessory for your holiday trip is a striped bikini in either grey or black stripes. Then again, you won’t want to forget that floppy sun hat, which will candidly hide your shy smile.

Other things to remember include a great pair of earrings, some strappy heels, and a few bangles. When it’s beach time, you want to wear as little as possible, but don’t forget to dress it up with shoes and jewels. Oh! I almost forgot – don’t you dare go anywhere without a superb bag to carry it all in. Nothing is worse than showing up at a posh hotel with a tattered bag in tow. If you have been to Europe too many times, ditch that old luggage for some new Louis Vuitton (Burberry has some great new bags too). Have fun on your holiday beach vacation, and remember to smile for the camera each time you think of your freezing friends at home!

To everyone who absolutely hated the low-ride jean trend that has been with us for the past several years, there's good news: High waisted jeans are coming back in style!

Of course, not everyone is happy about this. Many women have complained that the high-waisted jeans will make you look like a soccer mom. There have also been claims that this style is uncomfortable and makes most women look fat. Horrible! But it's ironic when you consider that many people complained about the same exact thing when it comes to low-ride jeans. The phrase "muffin top" comes to mind.

So who's right? Are low-riders more sexy? Will high-waisted jeans flatter (and flatten) your figure? That all depends on you and your body type. Here are a few tips:

If you're tall and have a lean body, high-waisted jeans will probably look great on you. They'll accentuate your hips and rear. If your figure is boyish and you want to look more curvy, try to look for flared high-waisted jeans.

Believe it or not, if you have a bit of a tummy, you may want to avoid the high-waisted jeans. They actually draw attention to this feature. Instead, opt for medium-rise jeans. At the same time, don't go for the super low-rise jeans!

If you have a short torso, you may want to stick with jeans that have a lower waist. The high-waisted jeans could make you look short.

Unless you've got the body for it, don't wear jeans that are so tight that they look like they were painted on. This goes for both low-ride and high-waisted jeans! Go for a relaxed fit.

Not so very long ago, the mere sight of a bra strap was enough to raise eyebrows and elicit giggles. Now, of course, it's not only common but in some cases fashionable for women to show off their under-things. Lingerie: It's not just for bedrooms any more!

This may actually help account for the popularity of low-rise jeans; it's only inevitable that a bit of underwear will peek out over the top. When Victoria's Secret started noticing this trend back in the late 90s, the company responded by creating an array of fashionable underwear that looked just as good in the back as well as the front. They focused on designs that young women would want to go out of their way to show off. Thongs are in!

Another way women are showing off their undergarments is by wearing see-through clothes, such as a chiffon shirt or dress. It's making bralets very popular, which are a combination of bras and camisoles.

Apart from that, it's actually not uncommon to see lingerie being worn by itself as casually as outwear clothing. Which means that not just any old set of bras and underwear will do... there has to be lace, sequins, crystals, or even furs or feathers embellishing the lingerie.

This trend has made camisoles and corsets extremely popular. Camisoles are worn as if they were lacy blouses, and slips can practically serve as slinky evening wear dresses.

If you're bold, have a great body, and want to dress to be seen, you just might want to jump on the lingerie-as-outerwear bandwagon.

Gap, Inc., with offices around the world, offers iconic American style to customers of all ages and genders. With goals like creating an easy store experience and having a wide selection of styles and fits, it's easy to see why Gap, Inc. has not only survived the past 35 years, but also has exceeded the potential entrepreneurial growth foreseen by its founders Doris and Don Fisher. Opening their first store in 1969 in San Francisco, the Fisher's marked the fashion world with wardrobe styles and clothing trends that continue to accent a person's individuality.

Since accessories can make or break an outfit, it is logical to seek a vast collection of hats, scarves, belts, handbags, etc. in order to create a great look each and every day. Gap stores have any and all accessories one could ever need to enhance an outfit in their closet. Gap carries socks, tights, shoes, belts, purses, hats, scarves, and a wide assortment of other essential items.

Gap, Inc. has expanded it's immediate family to include GapBody, BabyGap, GapKids, and GapMaternity. Extended family includes Banana Republic, Old Navy, and the online-only store, Piperlime. With continuing success all over the world, Gap Inc. franchises now inhabit Southeast Asia, Japan, the Middle East, Canada, and Alaska. So as long as you seek your own personal style, Gap will have simple, yet modern designs to suit you.

A recent campaign promoting "Classics" featured a range of Artists who are highlighted by the classic Gap items they wear while being photographed. With advertisements in several popular national magazines, Gap Classics are sure to become essentials in almost everyone's closet.

Current MP3 players are just missing something, but what is it? Music? No. Space? Nah. Lots of gadgets? Never. Style? Yes! That’s it! What woman wants to carry around a bulky looking MP3 player that does absolutely nothing for one’s sense of personal style. Wrapping a black arm band around your bicep certainly won’t add anything to that running outfit, and women love accessories, right? Well, that’s what designer Vivienne Tam is banking on anyway.

Tam’s new (not yet on the market!) TAM MP3 Walkman is a sheer bundle of everything that women love about great accessories. It’s sleek, it’s red, it’s curvy, and it is entirely sinful – in short, it is this season’s must have item for any serious fashion diva. You might be thinking, what does a top designer know about constructing an MP3 player? Well, nothing really, which is why Tam teamed up with industrial designer Kitman Keung who put all the pieces together – Tam simply created the stunning design.

As for all the technical stuff – who cares? This MP3 player will have every person you pass looking at you with envy as you bop your head to the most sophisticated MP3 out there. Currently, the TAM MP3 Walkman is still in the production stages, but for you lucky ladies living in NYC, the MP3 player will be visible inside of Tam’s New York store in the very near future. How hot is this newest designer accessory? Well, let’s put it this way – the new TAM MP3 player is so stylish, most people don’t even know about it yet (you can thank me later for letting you in on this fashion secret). So, if you live in NYC, get out there and find that little red slice of MP3 heaven – if not, you’ll have to wait just a little while longer.

We are definitely seeing a trend of clean, simple designs for clothing. Suits and dresses for 2008 are going to be more streamlined, which means accessorizing is going to be even more important. Let's talk about some of the 2008 jewelry trends.

Black is in. Black pearls and black diamonds are going to be a hot commodity. If you don't much care for black diamonds, go for your classy white diamonds and combine them with shining black onyx instead. If black really isn't really your color, you might be pleased to know that blue stones will still be big in winter and early 2008.

Organic designs inspired by Mother Nature are going to be prevalent as well. In particular, sea life is a becoming big trend. You should start seeing everything from shell, octopi, and dolphin shapes. All this attention on sea life naturally leads to the growing popularity of pearls, the gems of the sea.

When it comes to jewelry, "quality over quantity" matters now. Or at any rate, bigger is better. Instead of wearing many pieces of jewelry, the trend leans toward wearing a few dramatic pieces. Big, bold designs with flashing jewels are ideal.

And finally, charms are in -- which is good news, because few jewelry pieces have more potential for fun, whimsy, and personality.

So that's what appears to be going on with the latest in jewelry trends. Wear a few bold pieces as opposed to lots of little bangles. Go for classy black pearls and designs inspired by sea life.

There is nothing more adorable than a woman wearing a pair of mittens, but have you ever tried to open up a purse, pull out bus tickets, or button your jacket wearing a mittens? This season, there is a fashion accessory to please both the child inside of you, and the adult scrounging for some coffee money – they are called “convertible gloves,” and every girl should have at least one pair.

The concept of convertible gloves is not a new one, since these gloves have been around for quite a few years now, but this season’s convertibles are better and brighter than ever. Essentially, convertible gloves are gloves with a mitten top, or cap, that can be bent backwards or forwards according to your needs. You can find convertible gloves at nearly every major retailer right now, and the retail chain Urban Outfitters has a great selection of convertible gloves, and they are going to be the biggest hit this season.

Head to the Urban Outfitters (www.urbanoutfitters.com) website and search under “accessories” for your pair of convertible gloves. There are plenty of color combinations on this site, and you can easily find a pair of mittens to match any outfit. Convertible gloves gain the “season’s best accessory” award due to their style, warmth, and ease. If you have been struggling between mittens and gloves, you needn’t wonder which one is better any longer. Convertible gloves are where it’s at this winter season, so don’t get caught in the cold with a pair of your own.

Were you amongst the hundreds of women that ran to the stores last year in order to snatch up a pair of Uggs? Well, a new winter season is here and many women are wondering whether or not their Uggs will still be a popular item. Most women love their Uggs for the slipper like quality that the comfy shoes provide, but are Uggs in or out this winter season?

The jury on the popularity of Uggs is mixed – some say that Uggs have had their day, while others refuse to let go of their beloved wintry friends. Let’s face it, Uggs are, well, ugly, but that doesn’t stop the droves of women from buying them. From a fashion standpoint, Uggs are out – but, don’t start pouting yet. Although the bulky Uggs may be a think of the past, Ugg has branched out this year to include some boots that are cute, comfy, and stylish. So, if you love the feel of your Uggs, check out these new Uggs boots.

· Crocheted Uggs: crochet is all the rage this winter season, so why not a pair of crocheted Uggs?

· Stella: these Uggs are comfortable, they have a heel, and they are stylish. If you want to Ugg it up, but you don’t want to compromise comfort, buy a pair of “Stella” Uggs.

· Felicity: these boots have it all – a cute fur trim, a nice wedge heel, and all the Ugg comfort that any woman could want. For an all around, stylish, winter boot choose the “Felicity.”

Also, if you are just not a fan of the Ugg revolution (and you are glad that Uggs are out), there is a new brand taking Hollywood by storm called “Snowjoggers.” These boots seem to be practical, but they are – sigh – just as ugly as Uggs ever were. And for those ladies actually living in snow covered lands – why are you taking winter fashion advice from women that live in sunny California anyway? But, if you must, Snowjoggers come in a variety of colors, and they are reasonably priced, so shop away (www.snowjoggers.com). Otherwise, choose a pair of winter boots that are warm and stylish, but for the most part (sorry ladies) Uggs are out.

Sleigh bells are starting to ring, are you all dressed up in your winter best? The one accessory that every snow bunny must have this winter season is a perfectly pretty knit hat. Although the snow is cold and the ice is treacherous, girls just have a way of looking even more adorable with a large floppy hat on their heads. So, in order to equip yourself for playing in the snow, you will want to look for a knit hat to cover those girlish locks.

Knits are huge this season and they can be seen everywhere. From large knit cable sweaters, to long knit coats, knit is in. If you are part of the Stitch N’ Bitch nation, go ahead and whip up your own variation of winter’s best accessory. If not, nearly every large fashion retailer is going back to simpler times with knit variations of designer hats.

Search companies like Diesel, Roxy, J. Crew, and Gucci for some fabulous knits, and make sure that you try them all on – just to be sure. The trick to a great knit hat is to look somewhat foolish, and completely luscious underneath the brim of a slightly oversized cap. No man can resist a girl that looks as though she is ready for a good old fashioned snowball fight – and who knows, you new knit may inspire you to start packing that snow. If there is one accessory that you must have this winter season, it’s the almighty knit hat, so start shopping before the snow really starts to fly.

Most people that take a look into their closets see a jumble of random articles of clothings--a blouse you loved but never had anything to wear it with, old jeans that will never see the light of day again, sweaters that were gifts that you will never wear, period. The thing about such a cluttered wardrobe is that it is hard to start to build a more sophisticated and trendy look when what you have to build off of is so jumbled and without focus. Fret no more! There is an easy way to have a better wardrobe without having to rip your hair out in frustration.

First, bite the bullet and pull everything out of your closet and start to categorize. Don't cling to things that you think you might wear possibly some day. If you haven't worn it yet, haven't thought about wearing it at all, you probably won't find an excuse to wear it. This process is about minimizing the clutter and separating out the clothes that you truly do like and wear frequently so that you have a better core wardrobe to build off of. Once the separation process is complete (and the better articles of clothing that you are getting rid of donated to Good Will or some other such organization), it is time to make lists!

Now list making in and of itself isn't that exciting. But this is your opportunity to look at what you have and start forming an idea of what it is that you would need, and what would be practical to buy. Say you need a jacket. So in looking at your newly dwindled down wardrobe what would go with several of the things that you own making a new outfit with each combination. This allows you to think about how new pieces will fit in your wardrobe and give you more versatility. Now the best part: shopping.

While shopping, don't forget the things that you have marked on your list. And whatever you do, do not settle for bargain clothing or knock off brands. It may be a bit more expensive and you may only be able to purchase a few of your essential items at a time, but the quality of the clothing is of huge importance. Not only will the fit be better and you will look better for it, but it is like any sort of investment. The higher the quality the longer it lasts. So the money that you are putting into it now will definitely pay off.

Just remember that through this entire process it is about flow and versatility. You want your wardrobe to reflect who you are, but not sacrifice the elements of class and sophistication we all wish to achieve. Plus once you have the essentials, if you have focussed on keeping a flow there will be so many ways to mix and match you will have twice as many outfits you thought you had. So happy shopping!

One key factor in complementing a woman's wardrobe is accessorizing. Handbag purses make excellent accessories and if selected well not only can complement her outfit but also her body type and appearance. Women normally tend to coordinate their handbag purses and other accessories with the color of their clothing without paying attention to their physical being.

Highlighting the physical assets she is proud of and defocussing attention from the lesser attributes are some tricks to consider when accessorizing. Whatever the shape or size of the woman, there's a handbag purse to enhance her outfit and body type. Tall women look good wearing most handbag purses except smallish ones, as these tend to make taller women appear bigger. Handbag purses featuring large patterns and bright colors are excellent for larger women as these styles complement their size. Small and petite women, however, should stick to small handbag purses, as larger ones will make these women appear tinier.

Women can even conceal physical attributes using handbag purses. For example, hanging a bright-colored, wide handbag purse with a wide strap over the shoulder of a woman with larger breasts would focus attention away from her breasts. The bag would sling in such a way that the strap runs diagonally across her upper body allowing the bag to fall somewhere around her hip area. This way onlookers would be more inclined to focus on her handbag purse instead of her bosom.

Crocs shoes were born when three Coloradans worked to develop a slip-resistant, non-marking sole to be worn outdoors and while boating. The name Crocs was chosen because crocodiles are tough and strong and are equally good on land and in water.

They are made of Croslite which is Closed Cell Resin (PCCR) which isn't plastic or rubber, but is made using ethylene vinyl acetate. Since the foam resin is closed cell in nature, it is antimicrobial and odor resistant. Croslite also inhibits bacterial and fungal growth and is non-toxic.

The simple and versatile material Croslite can be worn in contact with skin and is cleaned with only soap and water. Rinse your Crocs with cold water but don't put in a dishwasher or a washing machine. Avoid exposing your Crocs to intense sunlight or extreme heat for long periods of time since the high temperatures cause the material to warp.

Crocs shoes are soft, comfortable and mold to your feet. They weigh only 6 ounces, are vented and are easy to maintain. Crocs footwear can be sterilized using water and bleach and have an orthopedic molded foot bed.

The closed-toe design, a Crocs at Work style, is ideal when working in health care, restaurants, and many other industries. They offer ergonomically certified arch support and circulation nubs that stimulate feet. Crocs and Croslite improve health and safety and contribute to the overall well-being of the work place.

Crocs shoes are also known for their excellent grip, but after repeated and heavy use, the grip becomes worn and less effective signaling you to get a new pair. There are many styles and designs of Crocs already available, but new models are added to the diverse collection all the time.

Several months ago I met my first Coach. My, so far, one and only first Coach purse. Delighted by its durability, function and exceptional beauty, I now join the many who associate Coach with quality. Since Coach has a genuine, reputable background, it is easy to see why so many people eat, drink, and breathe Coach.

Coach began in a Manhattan loft more than a half of a century ago. The founder of Coach used the highest standards and workmanship to further refine glove-tanned leather in order to make it soft and strong. Over the years, new grains and colors, leather finishes, and modern materials have evolved, but the glove-tanned leather has remained a Coach tradition.

Coach chooses among the top ten percent of leathers depending on their tactile quality, character, grain, and strength. Each Coach product is unique because during their method of slow curing allows the natural markings to rise to the surface forming its own grain pattern. Glove-tanned pieces are created from burnished natural leather and features distinctive hardware, bound edges, and double-needle stitching.

In addition to their personal line of leather products including purses and other accessories, Coach also features a Travel collection and a Business Collection. Coach offers a multitude of design and color options including classic and modern styles.

No matter your choice of companion, Coach strives to make sure each customer is pleased with every purchase. If you receive a product and it doesn't meet your expectations, Coach will either send you a refund or exchange once you return the product to them. And, if your Coach ever in its lifetime needs repair, they offer a repair service for many of their items.

A warm winter coat is quite possibly the most vital component of a woman’s winter wardrobe, so with winter weather approaching fast retailers have begun stocking their racks full of the season’s hottest new styles. Here are some tips for bundling up stylishly, regardless of body type.

For women who are bottom heavy, finding an appropriate coat is important because even if the coat is the right size it can still appear to be too small if it’s not well suited for women with a peach shaped frame. Trench coats and double-breasted coats work well to help even out a larger woman’s frame and make the hips look smaller. Styles to avoid include single-breasted button-down coats, or any coat that cut off directly above the hips. It’s equally important for top heavy women to find a proper style, as in improper fit on a coat can make a woman’s stomach appear larger. Women with apple shaped frames should avoid coats with belts like the plague, belted coats are extremely unflattering and very uncomfortable to boot. They should also avoid coats that strain the buttons and stick with swing coats or empire coats.

Women who are well endowed also have difficulty finding that perfect look to compliment their bust without making them look bigger elsewhere. Busty women should choose single-breasted coats or trench coats to keep their chests maintained and not sacrifice any style. Well endowed women should avoid double-breasted coats as this will only increase the appearance of the bust line while distracting from the rest of the figure. Thinner women usually fall into trouble as coats can often smother them. A great way for thin women to add the appearance of curves is to choose a coat with a belt, heavy woolens, or hip pockets.

Let’s not beat around the bush, it takes a bit of courage to wear skinny jeans in public. Sure, your favorite pair of sweats may be clingy, and those leggings that you wear to yoga may be just fine for the gym, but if you have any curves at all, skinny jeans are frightening. Skinny is the new bell bottom, so get used to it cause this style isn’t going anywhere for now. But, what do you do if you want to be stylish, but you aren’t so keen on exposing your lower half for all the world to see?

Well, many fashion experts claim that everyone can wear skinny jeans, but you have to be comfortable with yourself in order to do so. If you think you are brave enough, stick to the darker styles, since a darker jean is always more flattering. Also, if you pair your skinny jeans with a large top, the effect will be much more balanced, which will result in you looking fashionable, not awkward. Another thing to think about is the type of top that you put with your skinny jeans.

If you are considering pairing your skinnies with a tube top, or with a belly shirt – think again. You really want to avoid looking like some eighties fashion reject, so skip the skimp. Instead, go for a longer top, and tuck your skinny jeans into some great knee high boots for a true fashionista look. If you aren’t a boot fan, try out some ballet flats, which will also flatter your figure. In short, only wear skinny jeans if you feel confident in them, otherwise keep wearing those boot cuts – the rest of the world will come back to their senses soon enough.

In the movie “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” which is set in the 1920s, Julie Andrews’ character starts taking notice of the fashionably modern ladies around her-- particularly their necklaces! “Gee,” she thinks, “I wish my fronts weren’t so full. They sure ruin the line of your beads!”

Actually, the width and length of your neck is probably more important the fullness of your “fronts” when it comes to choosing a necklace. If you have an elongated neck, a choker or very short necklace would suit you very well. On the other hand, an extremely long necklace could exaggerate your slender neck in an unflattering way. However, avoid this style if you have a fairly thick neck.

The cut and style of your outfit is important to consider when deciding on the right necklace length. You want the collar of your blouse or dress to be either higher or lower than the length of your necklace. It does not look quite right if your necklace just hits the edge of your collar, especially if it ends up slipping in and out of your blouse.

A very long opera or lariat style necklace can be very beautiful and stunning with the right outfit, but you want either a very high or a very low neckline. Turtlenecks and crew necklines are best for this. If you wear the right bra, a long necklace can really accentuate your chest.

Adjustable necklaces are great, because then you’ll be able to wear them with more outfits. Versatility is a good thing.

When it comes to watches, women are lucky. While a man may own only one or two quality wristwatches, we treat our watches more like bracelets: We can change and switch them out whenever we feel like it. OUR watches are prettier, too. While most of us probably won’t have a problem picking out something that appeals to us, there are a few tips worth keeping in mind.

If style is more important to you than function, you may want to consider a watch that doesn’t really LOOK like a watch at first glance. You may want a simple watch face that only has one stone and two hands. This is the look of elegant simplicity.

Digital faces may be easy to read, but most of them aren’t very fashionable. But it does look sporty, so it might be a great choice for when you go to the gym.

When it comes to metal bands, consider your skin tone. It’s no different from choosing regular jewelry: “Warm” skin tones look better with gold, while “cool” skin tones look far better with silver. However, you may have pinkish undertones that make your skin look great next to both metals. Take this into consideration when choosing a watch with a metal band.

Consider the quality. That watch may look cute, but is it going to last? Are those little rhinestones going to fall off in a few months? Is the band easily scratched or frayed? You may feel like you’re getting a deal when you buy a cheap watch, but if you have to replace it within six months, you end up paying more in the long run.

So, you've just moved to Manhattan and you are not sure about the fashion trends in the city. Furthermore, you have a slight feeling that what you are wearing is fine, but you would like to step it up a bit. After all, you ARE in the the city now and you have to fit in! So, here are some basics:

Shoes - Pointed toe shoes are a classic look and they make you look taller. Square toes are fine as well, but do not go for the dreaded, traditional oval toe shoe. That is a fashion no-no.

Purses and Handbags - When going out at night, bring a small purse that will fit the basic makeup items, your phone, a small camera and your identification/money/credit cards. Large handbags are for the working professional and can only be acceptable during the day. Do not carry around these big handbags when going out at night! Faux pas to the extreme!

Perfumes - Douse it on, girl. You cannot wear enough when you are going out in the city. Spray all over including your clothes. If you are going into the office, a few spritzes in key locations like the nape of your neck, your shoulders and wrists. You don't want to overpower your boss and your fellow co-workers with your scent. Put on enough to be a tease, but that is all.

Belts - When you are going out to paint the town red and if you are wearing a belt, get one with a big buckle. The bigger the buckle, the better. It is a your own personal signature to your outfit.

These are the basics of fashion accessorizing in New York. You don't always have to wear black and colors can and will make you stand out. Happy shopping!

Hats are back, however hats with brims must be scaled just right for your face and body. Make sure your jewelry fits your look also.

When wearing leather jackets or coats, you will look much better with chunky knit caps or tweedy newsboy caps to add contrast. Print caps like a hounds tooth cap paired with graphic black and white clothes are very cute and casual. Stay away from retro hats unless you are an entertainer like Boy George.

When wearing knit berets or chunky knit caps you should not have all you hair stuffed inside. Leave bangs or wisps of hair surrounding your face outside the hat and be sure your cap is pushed far back on your head. Just because you are wearing a hat, such as a Fedora, doesn't mean you should skimp on your makeup or your jewelry. Playing up the contrast with diamonds and red lipstick could actually make you look sexy in a portrait of a feminine woman wearing a masculine hat.

Gems with thin silhouettes are more popular than ever. Round disk shaped stones and precious gems are very modern. Since gray is todays color, deep charcoals, mid-tone gray and sweatshirt grays are being worn from head to toe. Size counts with jewelry, large scale and puffed rounded gold jewelry is light weight and easy to wear. A new naturalism is also emerging this year. Texture and irregularity add richness, even to simple styles.

Hats should complete a look not save it and with the right jewelry you can enjoy simple pleasures without sacrificing luxury.

Accessories are an important touch to any outfit. Casual or dressy, you must always look trendy and put-together.

This years fall shoes are rounded. Blue, light grey and deep greens are stylish colors. Heels are always in and garnishing shoes with buckles, flowers or furs are popular, Because colors aren't so bright this year, your outfits can be. Accessorize your dresses or pants with over sized big knitted carves or belts with cinch waists to show your thin waistline. If wearing suits, one should opt for skirt suits with skirts to the knee. If wearing black, use color stockings to boost your outfit.

Belts have made a huge come back in the fashion industry. There are various shapes, styles and colors. Handbags and clutch bags are also very important to your fashion wardrobe. Clutch handbags give any outfit a smart, neat and elegant look. They can be made of any material or fabric including leather, silk or elegant metal mesh. Designer replicas are a fraction of the cost of the originals. It is amazing the number of online merchants offering replica handbags and knockoff purses. Backpack purses and casual tote bags are great for anywhere and any time, such as, working, shopping, traveling or just going to the beach. Texture is in this year so don't be afraid to mix things up a bit.

It’s that age-old question that has been rehashed many times over: Should your shoes match your purse? Will the gods of fashion smite you if you so much as set foot out the door if you’re carrying a red purse and wearing beige shoes?

There was a time when the rules of fashion were very rigid. At the turn of the 20th century, a woman could be chastised for merely walking about her lawn without wearing a hat! But the rules have relaxed, thankfully, and that includes the rule of matching purses and shoes.

Here’s the deal: If you’re fashion-conscious, you should wear shoes and a carry a purse that coordinate or complement each other. They don’t have to match. Unless you really botch it up and wear a loud neon-green polka dot purse with burgundy striped shoes, nobody is going to notice.

The only time you may want to observe this rule is for a wedding or some other formal event, such as a prom. Bridesmaids are generally expected to carry purses that match their shoes, but then again, they’re not carrying their purses down the aisle, are they?

By the way, if you prefer to follow this old-fashioned rule to be on the safe side, please don’t wear a matching belt as well. Two out of three is fine, but three out of three and you look like you’re trying too hard.

So the next time someone spouts some nonsense about how your purse absolutely must match your shoes, you can smile and nod and go on your merry way. Or tell them to get with the 21st century already.

Choosing the right perfume is a challenge. There's more than just the initial fragrance itself to consider; there's also our own unique body chemistry to take into account. What smells fabulous on one woman may not do much for someone else. And as it turns out, there's a fair amount to know about the chemistry of perfume.

Another thing about perfumes that's useful to know is the 'notes'. No, not musical notes (although that was surely the inspiration), but scent notes. There's the top note, the one that makes a strong first impression, which dissipates soon after application. A second note follows, often called the 'middle' or 'heart' note, which tends to be more mild and subdued; sometimes the middle note isn't pleasant at first, but becomes so over time, so the top note dominates until the middle note has had time to 'establish' itself. The middle note eventually fades to the third note, the true base scent. The third note is like an anchor, prolonging and enhancing the first two notes. It also gives the perfume added depth.

So because there are different phases to a perfume's scent, it's very important try a sample before you buy a bottle. Only by wearing a scent for more than a few hours can you determine if you truly enjoy the scent and experience it in full.

When you're sampling perfumes, don't try too many perfumes at once; not only will your nose get sore from being bombarded by so many different scents, it will be difficult to distinguish one scent from the other. And finally, don't be afraid to ask the salesperson for help. If you let him or her know your tastes, they may be able to guide you to new fragrances that suit your taste and personality.

Fake designer accessories are much more common than any of us would like to believe. Handbags are the most common of knockoffs sold worldwide, with wallets and sunglasses coming in right behind. If you are in the market for a truly designer product, you must know how to protect yourself, and your pocketbook.

A common rule of thumb applies when shopping for accessories: if it sounds too good to be true, chances are, it is. Fake accessories are usually sold at great discount prices compared to the original. If you are offered a $2,000 bag at the price of $100, you can be sure that the bag is not authentic. Be wary of people claiming to have “secret access” to designer deals or those selling a wide variety of so-called “designer” accessories at places like eBay.

The Internet is a haven for selling fake designer accessories. eBay and other auction sites prohibit the sale of counterfeit merchandise, but that doesn’t mean that some won’t try to sneak it in anyway. Sellers can be clever, and some aren’t afraid to disguise an accessory or flat-out lie about it. Many counterfeits come from Asia—specifically China and Korea—so a seller from those locations is a possible sign of bogus merchandise.

The best way to avoid being taken by fake designer accessories is to do your research. Understand what a real bag or wallet is supposed to look like and whether there are authenticity markings or stamps you should look for. Some items may have a production number you should look for or special packaging that should be provided. Look for subtle differences in the material itself; most fake accessories will look fairly real to the un-trained eye, so you will have to educate yourself on how to tell the difference.

When shopping for designer accessories, ask a lot of questions. An honest seller won’t mind telling you where he gets his discounts or who he is associated with. A seller who avoids your questions may have something to hide, so steer clear!