Tracey Ellis Ross, I'd love to raid her closet!

Hey Everyone!

While browsing the net looking for inspiring ensembles to spice up my wardrobe, I looked up Tracey Ellis Ross. I was first introduced to Tracey's undeniable style by watching her every week as the beloved Joan Clayton from the "Girlfriends" series. Oh how I miss that show, but anyway, I digress. Her style on and off the camera is AMAZING, I watched every episode to see what she was wearing and would go to my closet to see if I had anything like that or needed to buy ASAP! Anyway, I found this article on http://www.essence.com/ that basically summed up all I had to say on Ms. Tracey and her Fabulous style:

"She blew us away with an elegant array of well-cut suits, high-waisted pants with wide hems, draped leather jackets, towering heels and, of course, her signature pencil skirts that fit her amazing figure like a glove. Joan may have been a fictional character but her on-screen taste seemed to crossover into Ross's personal wardrobe, or was it vice versa? From her affinity for bright hued lips--years before it was deemed trendy and safe--to her daring mix of colors and prints, and her eye for wearable fashion-forward silhouettes, Ross has made it onto Hollywood's best dressed list without the aid of a stylist."

Read more: http://www.essence.com/fashion_beauty/independent_spirit/closet_envy_tracee_ellis_ross.php#ixzz1CepWHzpk

Candy Coated LYF Tee!!!!

HAVE YOU GOT YOUR CANDY COATED T-SHIRT YET??? BE CANDY COATED!!

Putting the Pieces Together

I found this spread while browsing on Shopstyle.com courtesy of member Muhsear, who has by the the way a great eye for style!

Skinny Denim by IRO
Boots by Chloé

Hot or Not?

I use to think that wearing opened toe shoes and sandals with tights or pantyhose was a fashion no-no. In some instances, I still think it's a bit tacky but this outfit, with the touch of red is calling my name!

What do you think? Hot or Not?

What's Your Personal Style

Style comes in so many descriptions and it all depends on the individuals personality and personal preferences. Most styles that are created fall under these four categories: Classic, Sensual, Edgy and Feminine. What's does your style fall under? Or are you a mixture? Here's few ideas to help spruce up your style, it'll be you but only better!

Jennifer Aniston

Classic: Remove the boring from your Classic style of crisp lines and crisp tailoring by adding a hint of naughty to make sophisticated pieces less "stiff." Find a few pieces that skim your curves and defines your body. Throw in a shot of red or perhaps an animal print to accent your neutrals.

Jennifer Lopez

Sensual: There is a difference between being sexy and just plain risque! Know how to flaunt what you have without being tart by never showing more than one asset at a time. Keep your cleavage in check and watch your mini's. There is a way to be sexy without showing all that you were born with.

Rachel Bilson

Edgy: Downtown street meets uptown chic makes this style not so over the edge. Try pairing a leather jacket in an off color like gray with a bright colored scarf or bold print skirt with classic lines. In other words, mix your edgy pieces with some of your classics to re-define this style.

Feminine: When you here this word, you think of flowers, flowing skirts, ruffles and silk. Yes, but add a few sleek touches. Pair a slip dress with a boyfriend blazer.

And there you have it 4 styles with a few tips to transform your look. Enjoy!!

I'd Wear This!

More Betsey Johnson...

BellaDonna Handbags

I’m so thrilled to feature Sonique O’neal, owner and designer of BellaDonna Handbags. I was introduced to this talented diva (@damierhippie) on twitter through my twitter pal Judith Farmer aka @LADICHIC. I was instantly drawn to the unique designs of the handbags on her site. I was elated when she agreed to be featured on “What’s In Your Handbag?”

BellaDonna has a motto simply stating “It’s ALL in the bag.” This slogan means a BellaDonna bag has everything someone will need for the perfect outfit. No need for makeup, heels, or even a good hair day; when you place a BellaDonna bag with your outfit it takes care of it all.... it’s ALL in the bag.

Read more about Sonique O’Neal and BellaDonna Handbags and check out some of my favorite designs:

How did you get started designing handbags?

Although I just got started designing handbags, I have always been inspired by fashion and art. For the past year I had been looking online, in stores and boutiques trying to find a uniquely made clutch with both bright and natural colors. Needless to say I never found that bag, so I made one myself. I found a big black clutch in Forever 21 and I decorated with sequins, gold beads, and pearls. Being that I am from California I also decided to throw a large California patch on it as well. It was now my dream bag! Everywhere I went both women and men stopped me asking, “Where did I purchase my clutch?” Once people found out I made it, they wanted it even more. After so many compliments on my bag, I knew I had a gold mine on my hands. And BellaDonna is history in the making.

What inspires your designs?

I love color and my creativity is spilled on every bag I create. I imagine what I would want to buy as a young lady, and then my imagination just runs wild. That is probably the best way I can explain my inspirations.

Where do you get your handbags to create your masterpieces?

I look high and low for my bags. Some of my bags are purchased from thrift shops, boutiques, and online as well. Some of my favorite bags to purchase are the old and torn bags. I feel like older bags have lost there spunk and I help bring them back to life.

Where can people buy your handbags?

People can check out my blog www.damierhippie.blogspot.com and to make a purchase you can email me at soniqueoneal@gmail.com. I check my email almost 24/7. And make sure you follow her on twitter as well @damierhippie and @BellaDonnaHB for the latest updates!

Spotlight: New Fashion Photo

Guess who's in the spotlight today? This cutie loves to model her fashion outfits and loves the Crossbody Messenger style bags. Here's a photo of her with her favorite black Crossbody:

Who's next? Want to be in the spotlight showing off your favorite handbag? Send your photo to candycoatedbags@gmail.com!!

A Perfect Combination

When I got these shoes from ShoeDazzle, I had no idea they would go so well with my Candy Coated clutch! If you recall, this clutch was once featured as handbag of the week.

 Colorful, huh?

  

I think I’ll be stepping out in this duo this weekend to add some Candy Coated Sweetness to the scene. Stay tuned for a fashion photo of the live version of the handbag and shoes paired with a hot outfit.

*Add a bit of colorful sweetness to your wardrobe!

www.candycoatedbags.com

Guest Blogger: Styles By Char!

Hey Everyone!

Today I am so excited to introduce my guest blogger for today! Her blog Styles by Char is a fashion forward maven for dare to be you fashion diva's.

Charlotte Betts is her name and styling is the game! "Born in the motherland, raised in Canada and currently a resident of the windy city. Born to a seamstress, so my love for fashion was foreshadowed by my mother."

She is the host of SBC TV on Youtube, author of styles by char blog, wardrobe stylist , personal shopper, fun haver! Her personality is extended outward in her style, fun, bubbly and personable. Check her out, if you haven't already, she'll leave you wanting her to re-style your swag! www.stylesbychar.blogspot.com

Photo Spotlight on Raijean

Hello Everyone! 

Welcome to our first Fashion Photo Spotlight! We all have a favorite handbag thats been with us through it all. And no matter how many more handbags we acquire, there is that one, that we just can't live without. I actually have a few, but I digress. Today we are going to turn the spotlight on Raijean, who's Fashion & Lifestyle Blog "Swa-Rai " will definitely keep you in the loop on what's hot in the fashion world!

Take a look at Raijean as she shows off her favorite handbag, which I might say is HAUTE:

"This is my favorite handbag

It's the Limited Edition Sequin Spotlight by Coach..I love it because it's bold and anyone who knows me knows I love things that sparkle!"

Thanks Raijean for your photo submission! 

Who's next? It could be you, show off your savvy handbag style on "What's In Your Handbag?"

*Add a bit of colorful sweetness to your wardrobe!