The Clutch - Grab The Season's Hottest Bag

(Via Elle)

Totes are terrific, but if you really want to be on trend and up your bag swag, you'll want to grab a bag that is oversized, bold, and without handles. Sorry Mollie.  Having always been a fan of the clutch, I'm ecstatic. But many of the bags carried down the runways were so large, they have to be hard to carry.  So my edit will feature clutches of all sizes. Most importantly, one must remember that a small bag can make a BIG impact! Warning - there is nothing basic about these bags. Besides, don't you already own an everyday bag?

DELVAUX
Madame Pochette
Sleek and chic. Loving the shagreen front flap.
Barney's New York

Jil Sander
 Lullabby Tassel Clutch
Love the dark turquoise color of this super chic bag!  It will pair well with all of the season's shades of grey!  This sophisticated and modern bag just looks fresh.
Forzieri

Save $50 and get FREE Shipping on orders over $250 Use Code: FW2014 (does not apply on discounted items or Michael Kors)

M2MALLETIER
Fabricca Clutch
Handmade and just heavenly. This is my personal pick of the entire edit. One can carry it by the little top handle or slip your hand under the handle and grasp the leather bag with your hand.
Net-a-Porter

Tokyo Kaleidoscope Safari Clutch
Lizzie Fortunato's leather clutch fits the bill on two trends - global chic and oversized clutch.  I love the understated touch of metallic.
Shop Les Nouvelles

 Urstadt Swan Pillow Clutch
Talk about making a statement!  This bag does double duty as a hand warmer and a bag.  Cowhide and shearling make this one luxe addition to your wardrobe!
AHALife

Charlotte Olympia
Perspex Pandora Box Clutch
Ahhh, be still my heart! And how cute is that crystal  and gold spider?
SSENSE

Coach Patchwork Clutch
Colorblocking, haircalf and metallics - a chic combination!
Macy's

Michael Kors Collection 
Miranda Clutch
I'm crazy about exposed zippers. They give anything an instant edge!
Zappos

Kenzo Kalifornia Check Snake
 Embossed Clutch
Leave it to Kenzo to create a classic clutch and then add something playful.
Nordstrom's

House of Harlow 1960
The Jude Clutch has been fabulously fashioned with fringe. You won't need another accessory when carrying this haute handbag.
The Hip Chick

Charlotte Olympia

Neon Girls Clutch

For girls who just want to have some fun! A must have for GNO!

Nordstrom's

R.J. Graziano 

Get status style for so much less  at HSN

Alexander Wang
Prisma Spotted Calf Hair Clutch
Part wallet, part clutch equals everything good! Though this bag is not big, it is just spotted with style and makes a statement when paired with other patterns and different textures.
Neiman Marcus

ASOS PREMIUM 
Oversized Leather Foldover 
Now this is a striped statement! All leather and really well priced for the look.  Take a peek...
ASOS

Loeffler Randall Lock Clutch
This go with most things bag, holds the key to stylish statements.  Not badly priced.
Zappos Couture


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Teen Scene: What's Cool For School

(Via Teen Vogue)

I'm back! I didn't mean to leave without saying goodbye.  Little did I know the country not only offered peace and quiet, but a mandatory state of being "unplugged." U-Verse and my blogger platform did not play well together.  And you know what? Us bloggers need a vacation, too. Mine has come to an end, and soon so will that of all students.  This was a fun post.  I love the way teens express themselves with their style.  If I had to give one piece of advice, it would be, do not be afraid to dress up. You feel better when you look good!

Fall Back Scarf
Mad for plaid? Cozy up in this oversized piece that is a little bit country AND preppy with plaid.
Nasty Gal

ASOS Mohair Rib Skirt And Sweater
The ASOS collection features very stylish, surprisingly well made, and very affordable clothing and accessories. Stand out in the crowd with this midi length outfit.
ASOS

Topman Double Breasted Mac 
Check Shirt And Jogger Pants
Guys, start a new trend from Britain.  The look is classically chic and casual cool at the same time.
Nordstrom's

Holly Go Lightly Skirt
So cute and perfect for transitioning at 60% cotton.  Also available in three other colors.
Free People

Ten Sixty Sherman 
Flower Print Sweatshirt And 
Frenchi Skater Skirt
These flowers are a pretty pick for September. The Sweatshirt will remind you of those Summer lov'n days, while keeping you cuddle up cozy on a cool Fall morning.  The skater skirt is a trend that really rocks for Fall.  Find them both at
Nordstrom's

Forever 21 Men
Shopping at Forever 21 for men is super easy with the "Shop By Outfit" guide. I thought this Denim Hoodie, Basic Tee and Classic Canvas Shorts to be right on trend for the first month of Back To School.
Forever 21

 Windowpane Shift 

I ask you, where can you get anything this cute and on trend for less than $20? It's fun to switch things around and get dressed up once in a while.

Forever 21

River Island Hooded Cardigan
What a great piece for looking dressed without being dressy. So much better than just a white tee! 
ASOS

DKNY Logo Backpack
DKNY

J Crew Now List
Prep School never goes out of style. This year J. Crew's "Now List" features Cardigans, Gingham, and worn in Jeans. And by the way, guys, girls love you in collared shirts!  Try them this season.
J. Crew

ASOS Cropped Sweatshirt 
Letter in your own style with this fun coed chic crop. Perfect with denim, too.
ASOS

 Accessory Lookbook
Accessories make the look for guys and girls. East Dane makes it easy for upping a guys game. Find Jack Spade leather goods, Band of outsiders fingerless gloves, studded cuffs and more!
East Dane

BB Dakota Tiziana Capelet
Back to school means layering up for Fall.  This chic cape plays well with denim or a skirt. It will become your "go to" piece. Not all that expensive, either. Love it!

Shop Bop

Double or Nothing Convertible 
Trench Coat
Every girl needs a trench in her wardrobe. This coat made my edit because it is two coats in one! When you aren't in the mood for all of the length, unbutton it at the waist for a chic crop jacket.
Nasty Gal

Alex And Ani Collegiate Collection
You've gotten your dorm assignment and your things are packed, now it's time to show off your school pride.  Perfectly priced for gifting.
Alex and Ani

Herschel Supply Co. Survey
For guys, after a certain age, backpacks get tricky. They have to be functional but simple. No more Sponge Bob! Enter this brand. They offer a clean aesthetic that melds form and fashion. See a big collection at
Zappos

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Foodie Friday: Blue Ribbon Recipes That Take You To The Fair And Beyond

Can you believe it is August 1st already? The bad news is that the weather normally really heats up this month.  The good news is it's State Fair and neighborhood festival time all over the world. I spent many years of my life visiting the Illinois State Fair for horse racing. And though I didn't like the crowds, the heat or the dirt. The food was always a little perk for girl that considers carbs her "friendenemy."  In case a festival or fair is not in your Summer schedule, I have saved you the trip and gathered the best fair food I could find. Now you can indulge in the privacy of your own home. You're Welcome!

Here: 22 Recipes 
That Will Go Straight To Your Hips And Please Your Lips!

State Fair Cream Puffs

Adapted from the Wisconsin Baker's Association. These pretty puffs would make me happy any time of the year.
Food52

Baked Blooming Onion

Ahhhhh, the State Fair in Springfield! I had to have it. It was greasy, crispy and delish! This recipe looks better and has been given a lighter touch by baking it and using Panko breadcrumbs. A fun appetizer for any party!

Gimme Some Oven

Bourbon Cherry-Cola 
Ice Cream Floats
You can find all kinds of ice cream treats at a fair. A float like this one has got to be the most refreshing.
Completely Delicious

Lobster Corn Dogs
An elevated take on an old fair standard. This one has my name on it.
The Food Network

Texas State Fair Pecan Pie
Winner at the 1996 State Fair of Texas State pie competition, which Dean Fearing helped judge. I've made it. It is sweet and rich, just like it should be. Yummy!
Food and Wine

The Santa Fe: Bobby Flay's 
Award-Winning Burger
Bobby finally won this annual Burger Bash contest at The South Beach Food and Wine Festival 2013.  His secret ingredients? Blue Corn Chips, queso sauce, and roasted poblano peppers.
Yum Sugar

Funnel Cakes
Perhaps the most famous of all fair food. Kids love this fried confection.
Saveur

Mexican Street Fair Corn
This recipe begins with the best corn you can get your hands on. Then add mayonnaise, cheese, cilantro and more. Why eat corn plain when you can have this?
Food52

Buttermilk Pancake Batter Onion Rings with Wasabi-Garlic Mayo
Could an onion look more perfect?
Noble Pig

 DIY Cotton Candy

Since the St. Louis World's Fair of 1904, cotton candy has been an American indulgence especially fascinating to children (and me!).
Huffington Post

Texan Pulled Pork
I have to admit, at the fairs I have attended, I always landed at the barbecue pits. Tangy and messy barbecue won over any food on a stick, hands down. This recipe is unusual for Texas, as their barbecue is almost always made with brisket. Very interesting!
Home Sick Texan



Homemade Salt Water Taffy
I can see the white truck now. As a child, I loved watching the colored sugar in the massive mixing machine. Creating this tasty treat can be a sticky situation. It needs to be a dry day. Humidity is not your friend for this recipe.  Best yet, if stored in an airtight container, this candy will last 2 months.
Love and Olive Oil

Andouille Corn Dogs Recipe
I had to bring this recipe back from a June post. It is the best looking and most unique corn dog recipe anywhere.
Food Republic

Deep Fried Oreos
Easy to make (probably not to digest) and made with pancake batter! The word is they are delish!
Created By Diane

Fried Pickle Chips
Served with Sriracha Mayonnaise and a Mustard sauce, how could these not be yummy?
A Cozy Kitchen

Chocolate Churros With 
Mexican Dipping Sauce
The first time I ever had this donut-like confection was at the Illinois State Fair. It certainly wasn't as fancy as this. But why not elevate festival food? A great party make ahead dessert.
Ghirardelli

Chicken Waffle Cone
This is a fun dish for both big and little kids! And it certainly takes chicken and waffles to another level.
She Knows

Cherry Snow Cone
Who hasn't had a snow cone at a street or state fair?  Crunchy and slushy and ever so sweet, they are pretty good on a hot day. But oh the sugar! Here's an adult snow cone that is freshened with mint, sweetened with raw sugar, spiked with Pernod, then topped with cream.
Food52

Lobster Roll
I still have not had a lobster roll in my long life! I just read the Minnesota State Fair will be serving these East Coast concoctions. I may have to go! This recipe is so easy and has to be good.
Toronto Life

Deep Fried Candy Bars
Deep fried candy is a bit like adding insult to injury, isn't it? I swear, if you put a stick thru anything everyone will want it.
Kitchen Daily

Mini Empanadas
Mini meat pies have become all the rage, and I am sure the fairs have caught on, too. Certainly the Spanish festivals serve it. A fun recipe for a party.
Spoonful

Lemon Meringue Milkshake
A take off of the ever popular (and I don't know why) Lemon Shake Up served at every state fair in the country.  This recipe is much better looking than anything you'd get at the fair, too. It is said to be a really delicious and sunny lemon meringue pie.
MasonJars.com

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