Moment of Lust: Hermes Kelly Bag

There is really no substitute for a classic handbag.  You can carry it for a lifetime.  Hermes is the pinnacle of luxury and classic style. The Kelly bag is large enough to fit your daily essentials but also lady like enough to carry any time. Grace Kelly made this bag famous because she used it to hide her pregnant belly from the press and public. Believe it or not there was a time when it was thought to be in poor taste to show off your pregnancy.  The bag was originally called the Petite Sac Haut a Courroies (Haut a Courroies means "high belt").  When the princess began carrying the bag regularly and it appeared in the press, the name was changed to the Kelly.

Hermes doesn't have prices for classic and wait list bags like the Kelly and the Birkin on their website. In a search, I found used bags for a little over $5,000 and new bags ranging from $7,500 to over $14,000, depending on the type of leather used to make the bag.

I personally love this similar bag by Aldo (style: CYPHERT), for only $45!  It comes in five colors, rust, bone, beige, red and black. They also sell a smaller style (TELLIS) for $40.

Photo credits: Life Magazine and Time Magazine

The Unsung Hero

It's long been my belief that the scarf is the unsung hero of the accessory world. You all know I love items that can be worn multiple ways. Well my friends, I'm here to tell you that a scarf is the pinnacle of multi-duty items. When I say scarf I'm referring to the silk or satin type, not the knitted, winter type. Although I dearly love my warm winter scarves and cozy Pashminas, they definitely don't have the year round versatility of a beautiful silk or satin scarf.

Givenchy Scarf - thrifted $3

Scarves are easily one of the biggest bangs for your buck when thrifting. Most people don't give the scarf rack or bin a second glance. I'm sure for many people it calls to mind stuffy ladies at country clubs and grandmas wearing bad polyester dresses. The most I've ever paid for a scarf at a thrift store is $4. On discount days I've paid less than a dollar. When picking out scarves at a thrift store I look for several things:

• What material is used in this scarf?
• Are there any stains?
• How can i wear it?

Material
Many times tags and labels have been removed from scarves by the time they arrive in the thrift store. Educate yourself a bit by checking out silk scarves and blouses at another store. You'll be able to spot the real silk scarves in no time. Satin scarves are usually made out of polyester but they can be just as pretty and versatile.

Stains
Beware of stains.  Many times they are set in and you won't be able to remove them.  It's best to either dry clean or hand wash silk. You can't use harsh detergents to remove stains. If you love the scarf and can either hide the stain or are willing to take the chance on cleaning it, go for it.

Wear
I have scarves in all shapes and sizes. I tend to wear the long rectangular scarves and the large square scarves most often. I've passed on some small square or kerchief type scarves that I found for a bargain because I wouldn't wear them very often. It's not a bargain if you won't wear it. When I look at a scarf I see endless possibilities. There are so many ways to tie them.

The beauty of a Hermes scarf is out of my price range. I hope to one day find a Hermes scarf in a thrift bin. I know it's delusional but a girl can dream. Leave it to this illustrious fashion house to publish the best ideas for scarf tying ever!  You can purchase the cards or you can download them FREE here.  Free is always better.

Inspiration - Tough Girl Chic

My love for tough touches to pretty outfits is no secret. In fact, next week I'll be posting an outfit photo showing you exactly what I mean.  I can't be accused of being a tease, because I will deliver. Teases, just dangle the bait and leave you hanging. I, my friends, am no tease but you'll have to wait a few days.

I found these great pictures the other day and they just further fueled my desire for more studs and hardware.

In this one you can also see her awesome Minx nails in silver.  Minx nails are only done at a salon and are very pricey (about $40) but there are several companies that have made them easy to do at home. Sally Hansen, Incoco, and Sephora all make versions you can purchase at stores in your area. They range in price from $7.99 to $15.00 and last about a week. I've tried the Incoco and Sephora versions and found them easy to use. It's like putting a sticker on your nail. They come off easily with polish remover.

HAPPY FRIDAY!

I hope that gave you some weekend dressing inspiration.

photo credits: STREETFSN