Spice Up Your Handbag Collection with Zara Terez

Last night I had the privelege of viewing the latest handbag collection by Zara Terez. It was a fanciful array of feathers, sequins, suede, leather, chains, and seriously girly fun.  Zara Zimmerman is a third generation designer based in New York who was on the mission of creating fashionable and luxurious handbags at an attainable price point.  She says, "the fashion industry has taken the consumer to such a different level and so high that its time to bring it back to reality".  With this in mind, she has created a brand that is fun, poppy, and different while being affordable for the everyday fashionista.  Zara also is doing her part in helping this fledgling economy by producing all of her bags in New York, sourcing leathers from local and Italian tanneries.  What I find so interesting about the collection is what she calls her three categories: Clubbing, Strolling, and Schlepping.  For a night out on the town, the last thing we want is a bulky bag dragging us down.  It is because of this that she has come up with the most ingenious and crafty way of keeping your hands free and your valuables close. In comes your perfect "clubbing" option, the 14th Precinct Holster, a compact purse that has just enough room for your neccessities while staying snug on your body.  It comes in colored suede and leather and at $125 its sure to be on everyone's holiday wish list!  For the everyday, a great "strolling" bag would be the Prince and Elizabeth.  Roomy enough for your day to day items, versatile with a long strap, and a bit of whimsy and flare with the fringe to stand out from the sea of identical "it" bags. For "schlepping" around town, try the Nolita Grande, a larger version of its clubbing counterpart the Nolita clutch.  It has plenty of room for a laptop, scarf, and any other "just in case" items and features an adjustable strap.  Gorgeous and practical!  Another great feature of Zara's bags are the linings, ranging from her Studio 54 disco sequins to comic book art to rock n' roll skulls and roses.  Considering the part of the bag we look at most often is the inside, why not make it something worth looking at!  I asked Zara who the ideal Zara Terez girl is and shes says, "She is someone who is confident, artsy and sophisticated.  She believes in herself and what she does, and doesn't take no for an answer."  What a perfect way to put it, and definitely empowers any girl who wears a Zara Terez bag.  To view more of her fabulous collection check out the gallery and head over to ZaraTerez.com!

Twitch Vintage Brings Gorgeous Frocks

I am a lover of vintage clothing and jewelry, mostly because when buying a vintage piece you feel like you are owning something with a story.  Not to mention the uniqueness that comes along with having an item that you know will not be in every boutique around town.  With a good dry clean and occasionally a few alterations, you can turn a dated dress or blazer into a current article with a historical air.  I've recently discovered Twitch Vintage which is based in Florida but sets up shop on eBay.  Their findings are truly covetable and retro without looking costumey.  She just added 50 new items to the shop so check it out for some fab finds!  Here is a sampling of what is offered:

Get a Conscience with Julia Stiles Styles

Actress Julia Stiles has come up with a very creative and funny way of getting attention for her charity The Lunch Box Fund.  Her "designs" include shants and a 10 Shirts I Love About You shirt.  Check out the videos to see what she has to say!

Head over to Julia Stiles Styles for more info.

Adorable Knick-Knacks For Your Home

I absolutely love Fred Flare!  There are some days when I just want smoething cute and random to brighten my day and FF truly does both.  I've been totally enamored with all of these great little items that can be used throughout your house to add some quirky fun to the decor.  Let's start off with the Eiffel tower cheese grater.  Super fun and makes cooking a little more chic.  Then there's the shark attack pizza cutter, great for kids or boyfriends ;-)  The half pint glass creamer is a great way of dressing up breakfast without having the standard run-of-the-mill carton.  Next, we have the typography soap.  With its fresh crushed ice scent and fun look, your guests will definitely be entertained.  I also adore these glass water bottles, especially considering we don't normally have them lying around the house anymore (not eco friendly) the glass variety are quirky and cute.  The four eyes USB flash drive is a really fun accessory for your work time.  Who says homework has to be so serious?  Or are you running out of space for all your gadgets: iPod, printer, scanner, what have you?  Use the USB tulip hub, ultra girly and serves as functional decor!  Lastly, we have the pac man oven mitt.  Makes cooking just a little more fun and adds color to your kitchen.  These are just a few things that stood out to me but see for yourself, there's no shortage of cute and random goodies at Fred Flare!

Farmer's Market Week

Starting this Sunday August 2nd through August 8th is National Farmer's Market Week so grab your canvas bag, throw on some sunblock, and head over to your nearest farmer's market for some fresh and organic goodies.  What's great about the FM is that you will be supporting your local agriculture industries as well as doing your body some needed good.  The produce available is fresher and more natural than what you'd find at most grocery stores which basically results in a win-win situation.  I found that when I first began going to my local farmer's market I was overwhelmed with the variety of fruits and veggies available and had no clue what to do with them.  In time though, you learn what you like and what you don't like and the salespeople are so incredibly helpful in terms of what can be done and how to prepare certain foods.  Most markets also have great bread and cheese vendors, not to mention the fun giftables.  Grab some lunch, some groceries, and a necklace or earrings all the while enjoying a beautiful day out.  Trust me, it'll soon become your weekly outing to look forward to!