Go Buy Now: 2010 Handbags to Take You Through Fall, Winter, Spring...

The hottest bags for fall are fit for a lady (Lanvin, left).


Replacing the large, heavily embellished bags of late are vintage-inspired ladylike models topped off with a handle or two.


The style offers a feminine contrast to fall’s menswear-inspired details like strong-shouldered jackets and complement the longer-length ’50s-style skirts being turned out in pinstripes and plaids.

“The new direction for handbags this season is a return to a structured, ladylike handbag,” says Ken Downing, senior vice president and fashion director of Neiman Marcus. “With the sharp tailoring and appreciation for men’s tailored details, the structured bag is the go-to bag.”

Classic silhouette satchels and frame bags had their place on the runway, too (Chloe', left).

The bags are larger than those of the “Mad Men” era and are modernized with cell phone pockets, sleek hardware and mixed materials like faux croc and snakeskin (hell: go for broke and get the real thing). Thankfully, many of the satchels feature the now-ubiquitous crossbody strap - perfect for the gal that likes to party downtown hands free.

There’s also a lighter palette: camel is really the big hit color of the season.  

If you want to really invest in the trends of the season get a leopard print or exotic skin version. However, the exotic skin will be chic indefinitely and the leopard may be out sooner than later (Ferragamo, I die over, right). OR just play it safe and get a bag in a beautiful cognac color like on the Chloe' runway - it will beautifully accentuate your camel palette for Fall and only get more gorgeous with age. 

If you really want to play up this trend and put a modern twist on it make sure that one of those straps is metal links. 

I just love this Rebecca Minkoff purse, left, it blends all the trends and coming out to just under $400 it won't kill you, but will only make you stronger, jk. Happy Friday!

Courtesy of Marian Kihogo

Loving This: Murakami Takes Versailles

[via Flavorwire] Following on the heels of celebrated exhibitions by Jeff Koons and Xavier Veilhan, Japanese Pop artistTakashi Murakami is taking the Château of Versailles by storm with a show of manga-inspired sculptures opening today. Grandiose in scope and scale and seductive in the masterful use of materials, Murakami’s comical cast of characters is perfectly matched with the rooms and gardens of Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette’s ornate palace.

Although not everyone is happy to see the controversial artist’s work displayed in the French national treasure, particularly the country’s conservatives, Murakami seems thrilled with the historical mash-up. “I am The Cheshire Cat who greets Alice in Wonderland with his devilish grin, and chatters on as she wanders around the Château,” says the artist, in reference to one of his works on view. And then, sounding a bit like Walt Disney hyping his amusement park in a 1960s commercial, he adds, “With my playful smile, I invite you all to the Wonderland of Versailles.”

Twenty-two works by Murakami, of which eleven are new, are spread out over 15 rooms of the estate, as well as its glorious grounds. “Contemporary artistic creation allows another perception of this living, ever-changing monument,” states Laurent Le Bon, the director of the Centre Pompidou-Metz and curator of the exhibition, who sees the show as “a new labyrinth of Versailles, that has the purpose of both distracting and entertaining the viewer.”

Murakami-Versailles is on view at the Château of Versailles, outside of Paris, through December 12.

Takashi Murakami, Flower Matango, 2001-2006. Fiberglass, iron, oil paint and acrylic, 315 x 204,7 x 263 cm / 10,33 x 6,7 x 8,63 feet ©2001-2006 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Photo : Cedric Delsaux - The Hall of Mirrors / Château de Versailles

Takashi Murakami - Tongari-Kun 2003 - 2004, Fibre de verre, acier et huile, acrylique et peinture uréthane - 700 x 350 cm © 2003 - 2004 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All right reserved. Photo: Florian Kleinefenn - Salon d'Hercule / Château de Versailles

Takashi Murakami, J, 2010. Aluminium and gold leaf, 104 x 80 x 90 cm / 3,41 x 2,62 x 2,95 feet ©2010 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Photo : Cedric Delsaux - The Queen’s Guards Room / Château de Versailles

Takashi Murakami, The Emperor’s New Clothes, 2005. Fiberglass, resin, iron, wood, fabrics, oil paint, acrylic and lacquer, 189 x 109 x 102 cm / 6,23 x 3,14 x 1,50 feet ©2005 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Photo : Cedric Delsaux - The Coronation Room/ Château de Versailles

Takashi Murakami, Yume Lion (The Dream Lion), 2009 -2010. Aluminum and gold leaf, 191 x 127 x 110 cm / 6,3 feet x 50 ½ inches x 43 ¼ inches ©2009-2010 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Photo : Cedric Delsaux - The Apollo Salon / Château de Versailles

Takashi Murakami, Oval Buddha, 2007-2010. Bronze and gold leaf, 568 x 312 x 319 cm / 18,6 x 10,46 x 10,21 feet ©2007-2010 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Photo : Cedric Delsaux - Water Parterre / Château de Versailles

Don't Fret: My Top 6 Trends for Fall to Guide Your Way

1. Chunky Knits - Go with large cable knits or just big/chunky cardigans, check out what Prada, right, and what Ferragamo did at left for inspiration. It's far too hot to be into this right now. Alas, maybe soon.






















2. Leopard Anything - {See how to buy a good leopard print bag here} If you aren't a bag lady get a silk shirt with a good leopard print or a scarf, check out Dries Van Noten, left, or  iconic Mulberry, right.

3. The New Minimalism - Go with single or neutral tones - think grey, black and white, or camel (as in Stella McCartney) which leads me to...

4. Camel - This looks is classic American (think that's why Tommy Hilfiger- yup, you read that correctly- is currently relevant again), this one is my absolute favorite trends of the season along with leopard (don't forget the denim shirt- still so hot right now). Read more on how obsessed I am about camel here. 

5. Shearling/Anything Fur - Not so practical here in Texas, but elsewhere this look can really work. Ski trip anyone? Its all about the Burberry bomber jacket by Chris Bailey; Michael Kors also made a big, fury splash this season (paired with grey pants which is such a hot color for fall). The good news for those of you who live in the appropriate climate: fake fur is nice and you can't tell the difference. So, if you are humane or broke- just do it.

6. Maxi Skirts - I love this look. The proportions are great and it feels so good to play up the length of the legs. Make sure to belt the waste so you have some accentuation of your curves. Trust me. Check out Ferragamo, left and Michael Kors, right.


So, get out there and support the economy! Happy shopping within your means, ha ha.

I'm Obsessed: New Brandon Flowers - Listen Here!

Happy Birthday Roald Dahl

Best Movie of All Timeeeee



Dahl, who was born on September 13, 1906 in Wales would have been 96 years old if he was still alive today. 

Science Blows: Successful Women Are Doomed to Unhappiness

[via DailyIntel] God, being a woman is a bitch. As if the cramps and the emotions and the goddamn shoes aren't bad enough, just when you're feeling good about something, like, say, making more money, along comes a group of sociologists to kick you right in the vagina. The latest, from a study conducted by Western Washington University, has found that women who are the main breadwinners in their families are nearly 40 percent more likely to get divorced.

Sociologist Jay Teachman explains to the devastating consequences a woman's financial success can have on a marriage to the Post:

"There's some wounded egos, too. The man is going to expect he'll make more money, and the wife is going to expect she's not."

When neither of those things happens, it strains the marriage, he said.

Successful women may resent a husband who doesn't appear to be pulling his weight -- "or suddenly decides to spend all his time making model planes," Teachman said.

So, there you go, ladies. Go ahead and pursue a career, but know that if you do too well, your husband will probably turn into an idiot child who only wants to plays with toys. At least if that happens, you have the cash to go to Bali.

Women's divorce 'cur$e' [NYP]

This Weekend's Theme Song

"Someone Told Me You Guys Were Crazy!" What a Great Crowd.

More Good Music for Your Weekend

Go Buy Now: Leopard Purses

When wearing this trend be hyper weary of the material that the leopard print is on and always, always, always go with calf hair. I know what you are thinking: that it's too expensive. 

Well, it's not. Just look at this $80 TopShop version at left. You can't tell it's non designer because it's high quality. Now, if I could buy anything in the world, like some ppl can, those jerks, I would say buy the Alexander Wang version (seen here with Smiley and Elle, don't even ask the price bc it's sold out everywhere) or the Dolce and Gabana ($1,545) version, right, but that's neither here nor there. This is a legit way to buy something that will liven up your wardrobe in one fell swoop without breaking the bank. 

Happy shopping my loves! Have a great weekend, I'm off to the mountains of New Mexico for some family time.


Xox,
Affy

Hey Look It's Your Boyfriend

Building Your Labor Day Weekend Playlist

Paris' New Mug Shot: Critics Said She Nailed It - Highlarious

Photo: Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department via Getty Images

[theCut] Mug shots are the most unforgiving of photo shoots. The downcast lighting and unforgiving camera angle highlight every sagging eye bag, sallow cheek, and oily pore that look the worst in the wee hours of the morning, when the hangover is just beginning to set in and many of the most unflattering celebrity mug shots are taken. Paris Hilton, however, is a mug-shot unicorn: She always avoids looking like she got dragged there from the floor of a wrecked Maybach, instead looking fresh and lovely, like she walked off the set of a Swiffer commercial. Celebrity makeup artist Mally Roncal told us, "I love how she knows what her angles are," and praised her signature swooped-to-one-side mug shot do. Her latest mug shot, taken Friday night in Vegas, is also mighty impressive from a hair and makeup standpoint, although she could have used an extra half a second to open up her lazy eye. Cops took her in after they followed the smell of pot to her Escalade, and then saw her accidentally produce a bag of cocaine from her purse when she pulled out her lip balm. You can tell she's done this a few times because, though she looks a little stressed out in the eyes, her hair is remarkably flyaway-free.

The West Coast: The Best Coast? Like, Duh.

 By Addison Donnell, LA, CA

There is a reason that there are over 36,457,549 people in the state of California. Simply said, it kicks ass. The beaches, weather, palm trees, wineries, and Hollywood glamor are all great, but there are other reasons people like me choose to starve, pay insane taxes, and sit in traffic for hours, days on end. Having been a “resident”...ah-hem... of the Sunshine State for over six years now, I have the first hand low-down on why there is no contest when it comes to the infamous East Coast vs. West Coast battle. After all, there is a reason best rhymes with west.

1. The people. I don't care if you are a wannabe, musician, hipster, lost soul, retiree, or tranny, California is your place. The mix of people on the West Coast is phenomenal. At any given day, you could look out your office window and see a guy in skinny jeans, fedora, vest, unnecessary black glasses, tie, and leather bracelets chatting with the homeless man in a purple wig with braided pigtails about the American Idol finale last night. Oh, and an Asian tourist taking a picture of them.

2 . Over 5'7”? Great, you never have to wear heels again! They breed 'em small out here, especially in LA, where the average height for a guy is a solid 5'8”. Took me a while to get

used to this, but then I realized stumbling home in flats is even more enjoyable than dating an appropriately sized man.

3. Yes, New York may have gotten a great summer jam from the self-proclaimed “best rapper of all time”, but where do the girls wear daisy dukes and bikinis on top year round? That's what I thought.

4 . In LA, specifically, there is no stress if you are unemployed. If you need extra cash, become an extra for CSI or 90210: no talent required! If you are embarrassed about all your free time, just tell people you are “doing the acting thing”, then go drink Starbucks and hike up to the Hollywood sign to enjoy “nature” and read a “script”. Over here, not having a job has turned into its own full time job.

5 . West Coasters have day drinking down to an art. Credit the insane amount of rooftop pools or the incredible weather, but I can only assume that has a large amount to do with number 4.

Let's see anyone try to argue their way out of this one. The West Coast is the best coast, hands  down, forever and ever...well, until that one big earthquake, but until then...Oh, and one last thing, the Valley isn't really that far from Beverly Hills, so there was no real reason for Cher's dad to get so upset.

Disclaimer: I am a Texas girl born and raised and will forever consider myself that way. However, for the sake of this article, I am not counting the bit of Texas that may or may not be

considered “beachy” and is uncomfortably close to Mexico as a coast...I know you Texans understand).

Soundtrack to My LA Wknd

 

DangerVillageSummerMix2010 by dangervillage1

WTF Trend for Fall: Red Leather

Like to feel like you could work in the red light district? How about wearing something that no one can tell if it cheap or expensive? If you answered yes to these two questions than you either went to a university that rhymes with Slexas Slate or you are seriously misguided in terms of style. (Vivienne Westwood gloves, DSquared dress)

I love a good, wardrobe updating trend as much as the next girl, but come on people, red leather? That's a little too literal, don't you think? If you don't then you should. It just looks cheap to me. I will, make one exception: a red leather skinny belt. I make this exception because it is understated enough that it won't overpower your outfit or make you look like a hooker. But, regardless of this exception you still won't find me wearing one, so wear one at your own risk. (Versace boots)

Check out some of Fall's misguided attempts at establishing a new trend that sadly straddles the line between what's hot and what's not. The pants, the jacket, the S&M feel of it all! Just say no! (Versace pants, Givenchy boots)

Notice I haven't said no red leather purses: while I am not going to be carrying one I would say that this is the safest zone for the trend. Carry at your own risk - just don't match it with your belt...

Is my hipster showing?

http://cuteboyswithcats.tumblr.com/

Is this what's wrong with us? NYTimes writer attempts to figure us out.

What Is It About 20-Somethings?

By ROBIN MARANTZ HENIG

[NYTimes] This question pops up everywhere, underlying concerns about “failure to launch” and “boomerang kids.” Two new sitcoms feature grown children moving back in with their parents — “$#*! My Dad Says,” starring William Shatner as a divorced curmudgeon whose 20-something son can’t make it on his own as a blogger, and “Big Lake,” in which a financial whiz kid loses his Wall Street job and moves back home to rural Pennsylvania. A cover of The New Yorker last spring picked up on the zeitgeist: a young man hangs up his new Ph.D. in his boyhood bedroom, the cardboard box at his feet signaling his plans to move back home now that he’s officially overqualified for a job. In the doorway stand his parents, their expressions a mix of resignation, worry, annoyance and perplexity: how exactly did this happen?

It’s happening all over, in all sorts of families, not just young people moving back home but also young people taking longer to reach adulthood overall. It’s a development that predates the current economic doldrums, and no one knows yet what the impact will be — on the prospects of the young men and women; on the parents on whom so many of them depend; on society, built on the expectation of an orderly progression in which kids finish school, grow up, start careers, make a family and eventually retire to live on pensions supported by the next crop of kids who finish school, grow up, start careers, make a family and on and on. The traditional cycle seems to have gone off course, as young people remain un­tethered to romantic partners or to permanent homes, going back to school for lack of better options, traveling, avoiding commitments, competing ferociously for unpaid internships or temporary (and often grueling) Teach for America jobs, forestalling the beginning of adult life.

The 20s are a black box, and there is a lot of churning in there. One-third of people in their 20s move to a new residence every year. Forty percent move back home with their parents at least once. They go through an average of seven jobs in their 20s, more job changes than in any other stretch. Two-thirds spend at least some time living with a romantic partner without being married. And marriage occurs later than ever. The median age at first marriage in the early 1970s, when the baby boomers were young, was 21 for women and 23 for men; by 2009 it had climbed to 26 for women and 28 for men, five years in a little more than a generation. 

Read the rest of this article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/22/magazine/22Adulthood-t.html?_r=2&ref=magazine&pagewanted=all

Thanks Austin RiffRaff: I love this song.

Marcel the Shell

MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON from Dean Fleischer-Camp on Vimeo.

Seinfeld's Elaine as a Fashion Icon? Hmpf.

[NyMag] A certain sect of the city's most fashion-conscious women, those who try the hardest to look the trendiest with either spectacular success or laughable failure, look like Elaine from Seinfeld, according to the Times. You know the girls, who wear floral prairie dresses with Peter Pan collars under denim vests with white ankle socks and lace-up shoes. Or maybe they do blazers with pillowy shoulders and flowing, below-the-knee skirts. Essentially, these are the chicks who try to copy Chloë Sevigny. Anne Slowey from Elle explains:

“You see someone like Chloë Sevigny wearing it, and you’re like, ‘Oh wait, I want to do that, too.’ The Chloë Sevigny version is shorter and cuter. It’s a flirtier, cleaned-up version, but it is derivative. Who would ever think Elaine from ‘Seinfeld’ would be a style

icon?"

The irony of this latest piece from the Cut it that I've been seeing this in Austin for some time now and I just couldn't put my finger on it. This article does a pretty legit job. It's that I'm-not-trying-too-hard to be sexy that only my favorite hipsters can pull off. The fact that so few are being successful at embodying Chloe's style and are therefore looking like Elaine is gold.

Chanel's Latest Business for Your Nails

[viaStyle]Peter Philips has created a limited-edition set of khaki-colored nail lacquers that will debut in New York at Chanel stores on Fashion’s Night Out. Khaki Brun is an earthy gray-brown; Khaki Rose is a muted, dusty terra-cotta; and our personal favorite, Khaki Vert, is a mossy green that just may be this fall’s answer to October ’09’s smash hit Jade.