Recently in Accessories Category

Q. It’s the beginning of the rainy season where I live and I need help finding a cute and fashionable umbrella to take around. I’m really into the clear ones with designs on them and can’t seem to find any. Can you help??
-Stay Dry Stylishly 

A. We girls at StyleBakery.com are big fans of the Burberry bubble style clear umbrella that comes in several color combos.  We wax nostalgic about having worn yellow rain slickers to elementary school and splashing in puddles. Of course, I still splash in puddles with my toile rain boots on!  With a clear umbrella you can stay dry and still see what’s ahead of you.  I’ve found a few “clear” choices for you along with a pattern that just jumped out at me.

Burberry Clear-Panel Umbrella, $115 at neimanmarcus.com

see also the Kate Spade clear stick umbrella for $95 at neimanmarcus.com

We found a few cute clear umbrellas
at umbrellasusa.com, like this clear bubble stick
version for $17.90

Echo Print Umbrella
$45 at nordstrom.com
(also in a great striped print that I love!)

Q. I saw something in a magazine about a designer handbag club. You pay a yearly fee and then you basically swap the “it” bag of the season for a period of time without having to buy the bag. Are you familiar with the club and any info on the web?
-Lookin’ to be It 

A. Yes, it’s called bagborroworsteal.com. You can choose from Trendsetter, Princess, Diva or Couture status.  Membership starts at $9.95 a month and you can borrow the bag for a month, six months or even a year.  Plus, you can borrow more than one bag at the same time, it all just depends how much you want to spend and how badly you want that “it” bag hanging off your shoulder.  This is a simple and more affordable way to dress like the rich and famous.

Q. I have a hat question:  I’ve seen some very cute berets and I’d like to get one, I just want to be sure about the right way to wear it fashionably!  Should it be tilted to one side (left or right?), or just worn centered?
-Hat Sassy

A. Don’t get hung up looking for rules, especially when there aren’t any. There is no right way to wear a beret, it’s just about which way you prefer and how it looks best on you.  I’ve seen it centered, slightly right and slightly left.  Have fun!  And if someone questions your new purchase just say, “C’est la vie.”

Above: Lola wool felt beret, $75 at saks.com

Q. I’m a mom of an 18 month old and 4-year-old boys. I want to graduate from a diaper bag to an everyday tote. I’m trying to find a basic black leather tote (with inside pockets that holds my cell phone and sunglasses) that isn’t over-embellished with decorative items. Have any suggestions on where to look?
-Bag It All

A. Now that you don’t plan to carry a dozen diapers, baby bottles and toys, you need a sophisticated, classic tote that will last for several years and not go out of style.  I’ve picked out several stylish totes that can carry your essentials as well as a bit of the baby gear. For a variety of totes that won’t put a dent in your budget and aren’t over embellished check out these sites: jcrew.com, efashionhouse.com, eluxury.com, landsend.com, llbean.com and nordstrom.com.

Leather tote
$198 at jcrew.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors
Double Zipper Tote
$298 at nordstrom.com



DKNY Urban Fusian Shopper
$185 at eluxury.com

If you still feel as if you need more pockets and compartments for all your essentials, try adding a Purseket organizer. It comes in several sizes with many different fabric options and can be moved from bag to bag when needed.

$16 to $22 at purseket.com

Q. I like wardrobes, what kind of jewelry (closets) are best for easy display and daily access/organization of earrings, necklaces, bracelets and hair clips?
-Easy Access

A. I’m a big fan of keeping my jewelry organized and easy to find. I own a leather jewelry armoire from Hold Everything and I can’t imagine what my drawers would look like if I didn’t. I also keep additional necklaces organized in soft cinched bags and small boxes in the top drawer of my dresser.


leather jewelry armoire
$345 at holdeverything.com


Athena mahogany jewelry chest
$189.95 at ross-simons.com


Alexandra jewelry box
$149.25 (sale) at bombaycompany.com