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How much would you pay for something that lacks creativity. Shame on you Fendi! For years, Fendi has been on top of their game by creating must have handbags season after season. But this time around not so much. Fendi has been pimping this logo tote for awhile now. Not only I'm tired of seeing this overpriced handbag, they are willing to put the brand's integrity on the line by adding a print like the Palazzo and call it something else and hack the price up again! Sorry, but this totally got on my nerves. It's uninspired work like this is the reason why Fendi is one of the most imitated brand of handbags in the world. Just go down Canal St. and you'll see what I mean.

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High-end vs. Cheaper: Nordstrom Tissue-Weight Cashmere Wrap $79.90. Burberry Skinny Muffler $275.00 Cashmere has always been synonymous to luxury. Who would say no to the soft and gentle feel of wearing a cashmere sweater? It's comfort at it's finest. But is it practical? Cashmere apparel can cost up to $950.00 for a scarf and $3,000 for a coat. There is of course, affordable cashmere clothing available today but the difference is not just on the price, the quality is not all there. So, it begs the question: Is cashmere worth the cash? In my opinion, yes and no. Here are a couple of scenarios to better illustrate my answer: Cold weather accessories like gloves, scarves and hats serves one purpose, to keep us warm. So, it's not necessary to spend hundreds of dollars on any of these. A $30.00 wool blend scarf can keep you just as warm as a $300.00 Burberry scarf. Be a 'smart' shopper. Keep an eye on store sales and specials. And if that cashmere coat you absolutely love doesn't go on sale until February 2009, there's always next winter! Cashmere will never go out in style. And always remember to buy things that makes you feel and look good. An ugly designer sweater is nothing more than an ugly designer sweater.

Statement worthy earrings, bracelets, and necklaces are in the spotlight for spring.Large scale, precious stones and tribal inspired jewelry parade down the runways of top designers. 

Marc Jacobs tribal inspired bangles and necklaces gave the collection a fabulous synergy. Louis Vuitton opted for tribal-chic jewelry as well, the jewelry were larger in scale with innovative designs.

John Galliano had big hair, big headdresses and big necklaces. I guess big things come in 3s. Gucci's 'Spring Exotica' collection complimented with amorphous precious stones.

Ruffles are commonly used as trimmings on skirts and dresses. Bridal gowns and ball gowns come to mind when I hear ruffles. Honestly, I never favored ruffles. I didn't like the unnecessary volume they add on clothing. And when one of my friends told me earlier this year that Prada is coming out with ruffled shoes and handbags, I wasn't a bit excited.

All my presumptions of tacky, hideous shoes and handbags, I had to take back when I saw the chic, modern and innovative applications of ruffles. I was guilty of not giving ruffles the benefit of the doubt and underestimating a designer's capabilities. So, I stand corrected. Nowadays, I'm a ruffle lover! I particularly love apparel that has asymmetrical tier ruffle design.Thread Social has a collection of ruffle dresses that are so chic! The silhouette, feminine and sexy yet elegant.

Word of advice, there are still pretty offensive usage of ruffles out there. Use your 'fashion commonsense'  when shopping. If you think a ruffle top is ugly at first sight, trust your instinct and move on to the next. Here are a few items you can use as reference when shopping. Have fun!

Thread Social Dress $595.00 ShopJake	Prada Tessuto S Tote $995.00 Saks Prada Ruffle Ankle Boot $534.00 SALE Saks
Alice + Olivia Ruffle Skirt $440.00 Shopbop	Vince Asymmetrical Tiered Ruffle Top $195.00 Nordstrom

Most of you may have heard or perhaps, members of invitation-only shopping sites and communities. To be quite honest, I was disappointed with the sites that I was once a member of. Most of them were fluffed! The site features, like top designer brands, deep discounts, daily sales, giveaways, etc. that enticed me to become a member of their 'fabulous' and 'exclusive' community, were nowhere to be found. So, I've been apprehensive and mostly ignoring invitations to join such sites.



Ideeli is having it's Extravagant 4 Day Shopping Event! Starting today and ends on Sunday the 9th. Discounts of up to 90% off. Designers include Botkier, Christian Lacroix, Dolce & Gabbana, Missoni, Nina Ricci, Prada and Sonia Rykiel to name a few.

Nordstrom.com launched Jimmy Choo's Resort 2009 Shoes and Handbags Collection. As expected from Jimmy Choo, chic and fashionable designs that are definitely must-haves for Spring and Resort 2009. Brightly colored strappy sandals shoes and totes are stand outs amongst the usual black, browns and grays colors. I personally love the 'Poppy' Strappy Sandal. The fluorescent colored patent straps and translucent heel makes 'Poppy' one trendy and sexy sandal. Unfortunately, most items from Jimmy Choo Resort 2009 Collection are only available to pre-order at this time and will ship as soon as possible. Also, limited quantities are to be made available. So, if you want to get a hold these fabulous shoes and handbags have your name on a pair or two pre-order now! Have fun.

Leather-like eco-friendly handbags are perhaps the most limited items in the market today. This is due to limited raw and recyclable materials and possibly manufacturers are aware that faux leather handbags are and can be a hard sell. Since most handbags that are supposed to replicate leather or suede are not as fashionable as we want them to be.

It doesn't matter if you prefer Starbucks over Coffee Bean or neither. Coffee drinker or not you have to admit this Coffee Collection by Zoppini are sleek and elegant. Stainless steel coffee beans in Gold, Brown and Silver gives this collection a whimsical charm. I personally love the Lariat necklace, subtlety chic. Perfect gifts for tweens or one of your Starbucks or Coffee Bean loving BFF's!

YOOX is at it again with their fabulous semi annual Sample Sale! You can find apparel, shoes and accessories from top designers like Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Prada and more with discounts up to 90% OFF! 

Cashmere Fingerless Gloves $68.00 Nordstrom

It's been close to three years since I moved to California from Michigan. And the cold season here feels like summer compared to the Great Lakes' bitter-cold winters. Hats, scarves and gloves function more as protective gears from the harsh elements rather than part of your fall/winter look. Comfort over style. North Face Gloves $65.00 Nordstrom And since here in L.A., it's more likely to have an earthquake than snowfall or below zero temperatures and the most likely or perhaps the only place you'll get frostbite is your freezer, cold weather accessories tend to be more trendy and chic.