10 HANDBAG ESSENTIALS

There are loads of things that a girl can accomodate in her handbag and the items would vary from person to person. Someone who likes reading would always carry a book, who loves music will have an i-Pod or MP3 player, someone who loves taking pictures might want to carry her camera, girls with dry skin would keep their lotion or moisturiser handy, almost every girl would want makeup items (lipstick, mascara, compact, blusher). But despite everyone's individuals needs, the following are the 10 must-have items, the essentials, that every girl should carry in her handbag:

1. Wallet
Best Buy: Nine West (1&2), Matt and Nat (3) and Stella McCartney Wallets
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2. Lip Gloss or Lip Balm and/or lipstick
Best Buy: Lancome Juicy Tube (lip gloss and colour)
. . Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream (lip balm)

Lancome's Juicy Tubes smell good, makes your lips soft and supple and keep them hydrated and make them look delectable. For more information on Juicy Tubes click here.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream is the best lip balm ever. it as an ultra-intensive lip balm and gloss. It's very soothing indeed and needs only occasional re-application when compared with similar products. It works well even on the most dry and cracked lips and makes your lip soft and supple. Read more on The Encyclopedia of Lip Balms.
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3. Hairbrush or Comb
Best Buy: Denman Comb

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4. Pen
Best Buys: Mont Blanc, Parker, Cross
Pens are one of the most importnt handbag essentials which many girls neglect. They come in useful at the most unusual times. Mont Blanc, Cartier, Parker or Cross, whichever suits your budget, style and need, you must have one.

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5. Small Tissue Pack
Best Buy: Paseo Small Tissue Pack
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6. Miniature Perfume
Best Buy: Estee Lauder Miniature Perfume Gift Set, Harajuku Lovers miniature perfume bottles

The delicate look of the miniature perfume is beguiling and its portability and obvious convenience makes it a handbag essential. You can instantly smell delicious in your fav perfume's miniature version just about anywhere. I have loads of them (miniature bottles). In case you don't want to spend on them then perfume samples are a great option. Ask the person at the store to give you some perfume samples whenever you buy a bottle, and stash them in your bag. Its free and handy.

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1. Estee Lauder Miniature Perfume Gift Set for £24 (US click here $67)
2. Harajuku Lovers Miniature Perfume Bottles for £12 each
3. Miniature Perfume Vivabox by The Perfume Shop for £29.35 and £49

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7. Mirror
Best Buy: Chanel's Mirror Duo
Chanel's Double Facette Duo Mirror, normal and magnifying, is the indispensable handbag mirror for precise makeup application and re-touching throughout the day. The normal side for discreet retouching and the magnifying fo precision application. And it looks great too with its black case having Chanel logo on the front and ultra slim shape. Totally worth it at $40 (USA), 20 GBP (UK) and Rs 1,650 (India).

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8. Sanitary Napkin
Goes without saying. This must be there in your bag at all times. Best Buy? Well depends which suits you and your needs but I think P&G's sanitary napkins are best, their brands include Whisper and Always.


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9. Hair Ties or Hair Pins
You never know when it comes handy. And they are life savers that moment.


10. SOS items - nail filer, bandaid, painkiller, safety pins


With these Ten Handbag Essentials you are ready for every situation. Girls, what are the must-have items in your handbag? Leave your comments.

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Reebok EasyTone Shoes

Take your gym with you this season. Reebok's EasyTone is the latest innovation in the sports footwear range. These new line of sneakers tone your legs as you walk around in them.

EasyTone is a cushioning concept designed to help you burn more calories and tone core leg muscles. They have “balance pods” built in under the heel and forefoot of the shoes, which are designed to create natural instability with every step. This instability forces your leg and glute muscles to work harder, increasing muscle tone and giving you a workout when you’re just walking around the house or doing everyday activities.

Now by just running for your daily errands, shopping, picking your groceries you can keep yourself fit. At Reebok they say 'you're always toning with EasyTone - even when you're standing still'. At $109, these shoes are worth a try, and they do look good. They come in five colours black, blue, green, golden and purple.


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Update: Trend Watch - Electric Blue

Update of February Trend Watch - Electric Blue

In February's Trend Watch I said that ELECTRIC BLUE is the colour you mut have in your Spring/Summer 2009 wardrobe.

Its the perfect shade for the moment, it's bright enough to make an impact but not as summery that you don't want to wear but just enjoy watching. I also added that 'Another bonus is that this shade suits virtually all skintones, so whether you are pale like Dita Von Teese or a dark beauty like Rihanna you'll look gorgeous in electric blue'.

All said, BLUE is the coolest hue and is the favourite colour for this Spring/Summer 2009.

For tips on how to wear Blue and some best picks of February including more celeb pics in Blue see the post Trend Watch - Electric Blue.

This season the best way to wear blue is by colour blocking - electric blue with canary yellow, orange, red or royal purple. But make sure -
- when working with colour, mix from the same family of tones i.e. pastels with pastels and brights with brights.
- keep accessories simple and polish the look with plain and neutral-toned acessories to keep it clean and at its best.
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Check out some more celebs spotted in the colour and some PICKS in BLUE.


Jennier Lopez in Blue Dress outside ABC Studios

Jennifer Lopez

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Jennifer Lopez wore a Blue draped minidress before her appearance at Good Morning America. She clashed blue with black, by accessorising her blue dress with a pair of black YSL platform shoes, tiered Thomas Wylde necklace in black, studded Valentino black bag, black belt and matching bracelet.
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Isla Fisher in the blue look at LA
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Isla Fisher

Isla Fisher, the Australian Actress who recently starred in Confessions of a Shopaholic, wearing the blue look with blue cardigan and scarf and blue plastic sunglasses. You like?

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Want to work on Smoky Blue Eyes?

Start by tracing your upper and lower lash lines with a navy liner, then use a small brush to smudge. "Give the liner a good buff to create a base for the shadow to stick to," Dubroff says. Next, layer matte blue shadow (Revlon matte eye shadow in Venetian Blue, $5; at drugstores) on top of the liner, focusing on the center of lids. "Don’t go up past the crease—it will look too theatrical. You want to carry the blue, not let the blue carry you," says Dubroff, who finished with a pale pink lipstick. (Source Instyle.com)



Have Fun with Blue!!!!!

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Beyonce's Fab Look - Shopping at Soho

Beyonce was spotted strolling and shopping in Soho, New York, with husband Jay Z in a short deep green checked dress. I love her dress, the fit looks very comfortable and the golden thread work on the green check print looks great. Its a simple yet outstanding dress, goes for a complete thumbs up!!!!

And look at those shoes, they really go well with the dress and I completely love them. Beyonce is wearing Louis Vuitton Spice Sandals in Burgundy from their Spring/Summer 2009 Collection.

She looks fab in this green dress and multi-coloured high-heeled shoes (minus the beanie hat she is wearing).

Scroll down for more pictures
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Image Source
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In spot: Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga is one of the most talked about celebs these days. Few know that this 22 years old American singer's real name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta. With her outrageous style and unusual on-stage looks she has become really popular and caught everyone's attention. Not to mention, she's really already popular with the fashion critics world around. Not only has this girl made Hollywood gaga over her style (Nicole Richie, Britney Spears and Paris Hilton have been seen copying the Lady or maybe inspired by her) but even she has been even criticised for copying her style from some of the famous ladies in the industry from Madonna to Kylie.
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Well, look at some of her pictures and then give some thought to her style and fashion sense.
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Update: Feb 17th 2010
Lady Gaga makes an impression at Brit Awards 2010
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Lady Gaga sported a white lace bodysuit encrusted with pearls, lacy ankle boots and a flamboyant blonde wig and face mask to accept awards for International Female Solo Artist, International Breakthrough Act and International Album.

She never gets unnoticed and at Brit Awards too, Lady Gaga sure had heads turned. Her love affair with body suits continues, but this time with a more feminine touch.
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Lady Gaga at Brit Awards 2010

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At amfAR New York Gala she sported an encrusted bikini, which she topped off with the same coloured jacket. But the most interesting part of her getup was her face, she actually had pearls stuck to her face. She was snow white, and the only dash of colour was Gaga's bright pink lipstick - a special edition MAC creation named after the singer to raise funds for Aids research.

Lady Gaga at Brit Awards (left) and at amfAR New York Gala (right)

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Quite an entry at Heathrow

Lady Gaga made quite an entrance at the Heathrow Airport in her sequined shorts and matching jacket and the pinkish-purpulish tinted locks. Girls, please don't be inspired by her.
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Source

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Pencil Skirt and LBD

I am sure Paris would have been terrified with this latex bra top and pencil skirt enemble of Ms Gaga (left). YES she does redefine LBD with her pink pumps and leather gloves, but it's a total no-no for me.

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Source

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During the Doll Domination Tour
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I do somehow like her left look and love the peep-top black shoes she's wearing (except of course the funny thing on her head).
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But in the right image she's a total knock-off (not in the right sense)!!!!

That bow on her head must have been some work for the hairstylist. Though, I do like the shoes Ms Gaga is wearing, simple and classy (so not Lady Gaga).

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Source

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Structured Dress
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Fashion world has taken a lot of inspiration from Ms Gaga, and her structured dress style is one of them.

Though this dress is a no-no in its original avatar (its really funny), but a twisted version in the stores have made quite an impression.
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Source

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Shall we call her Ms Pants Adverse Gaga
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This crazy outfit is still alright onstage, but wearing it on the red carpet. Ghastly!!!!!
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Source

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I can't resist myself from quoting this statement I came across, 'Lady Gaga lives up to her name in a getup so offensive to the basic chicness of little black pieces that Coco Chanel will surely rise from the dead and whack the singer with a quilted handbag'. Although my reaction to Lady Gaga's style is not as extreme, but I will not refute what Alison said.

Her style sense is horrendeous and not practical or pleasing at all. Though it does make for a good laugh.

But I must may, the fashion world is really influenced by her style and big names in fashion including the likes of Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada had pieces in their runway collections that were influenced from Ms Gaga.

Leave your views in the comment box........

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Tie Dye Jeans - Hit or Miss?

Tie and Dye Jeans is the latest celebrity favourite trend. It has not only become celebrities' hot favourite but also of all the premium jeans brands who have launched their own versions of Tie Dye (also referred as distressed bleached) pairs. From Sass and Bide to J Brand to Ksubi and even Balmain have a tie dye style in their latest collections.

Do you like this trend? Check out pictures of some celebs pulling it off and decide who wears it best?
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Gwen Stefani and Victoria Beckham in tie dye jeans

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Fergie and Nicole Richie

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I think Fergie pulls off the tie dye trend the best. She normalises the loud tie dyed jeans by pairing it with white shirt and the orange belt draws some attention from the jeans, which is really a smart way to balance such a loud look.

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Tie dye jeans - well, my verdict is its something that you enjoy watching on others, but don't really wear it yourself. Honestly, what does fashion make people wear at times. In the style files I said that I wouldn't care for this trend, and even after looking at so many celebs wearing it, I won't change my stance. But yes, its good for the daring ones with a funky side inside, EXPERIMENT.
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I think the block colours are the best pick in denim (certainly a little fading here and there is alright).

Do you think you'll wear this trend? Is it something that would work practically or just another celebrity fashion fad? Leave a comment and discuss...........

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Style Files

Dresses have become the new Jeans, from short to knee-length to long gowns; all lengths and styles are in. Colourful, whites, reinvented LBDs, polka dotted you have a whole lot to choose from. Its the summer wardrobe staple, owning one is the need of the hour.
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In February's trend watch we discussed that polka dots would be a big trend this summer, and so they are. Polka Dots, geometrical patterns and floral prints are in vogue for summer of 2009.

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Get Dotty - Dots are Hot this Season

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Simple structured bags in vibrant colours are everywhere. The focus is more on colour and quality. Celebs are flaunting their Hermes bags in all hues from bright orange to sky blue.

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ANOTHER NEW TREND that is catching popularity is TIE DYE Jeans

You like? In fact tie dye jeans are now huge again in 2012.

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Balmain Tie-dye jeans

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Trend Watch - White Jeans

Summer is almost here and that means its time to update your wardrobes with a pair of smart white denim pants. White denim looks luxurious and is flattering at any time of the day. It always looks amazing and is quite easy for you to dress up as well as down.

Crisp, clean, chic, simple yet sophisticated, white jeans really looks stylish and takes your everyday look to the next level. (Image on left: Source)
However, many of us are afraid to wear white jeans and won't even consider it as an option, afraid that it will make us look fat. True, white jeans are tricky as we usually wear them tighter. But, if you choose the right pair it can be really flattering.

In fact, I feel white denim is a wardrobe staple that transcends all trends and seasons and something every woman must have.

Lets look at some of the celebrities sporting the trend before talking about how to choose the Right White Jeans.

Heidi Spencer in White dVb Flared Jeans
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Claudia Schiffer in Sharkah Chakra White Jeans and Cameran Diaz in White Hudson Jeans


Hilary Duff in White Skinny Jeans

Heidi Montag and Gisele Bundchen

Kim Kardashian in torn white jeans

(Update 7th May 2009)

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Choosing your White Denim

There are lots of styles to choose from, wide-leg to bootcut to slim fits to capris. Make you choice with the following advice:

- Wearing White Jeans can be tricky as it quite accentuates your bums. So make sure you avoid ones with any rear decor like embellishments, embroidery, sequins, flap pockets. The back of your white jeans should be simple and clean with angled pockets to shape and lift.

- Take a size bigger in white pants. If you'll choose something tight, it would only end up highlighting your butt and making them appear bigger. You can only go away with a body-hugging pair if you're very skinny (like Gisele Bundchen, image above).

- Pick skinny white pairs only if you're skinny, else it can make you look bigger and highlight your problem areas.

- Wear bootcuts (like dVb pair Heidi is wearing) or straight fit with high heels (your jeans should cover the heels). They'll make your legs look taller creating slimming effect.

- Pick thicker and heavier denim that is soft but stretchable to sculpt your flab.

- Cropped styles look really smart and allow you to flaunt your really sexy shoes; but wear them only if you're tall. Wear the cropped white pants with pretty printed tops for an instantly chic weekend look. If you're not tall, stay clear from cropped white pants as it will make your leg look shorter.


Wearing White Jeans

You can pair your versatile white jeans with lightweight sweaters and jackets when it's chilly, and switch to comfortable tees, vests, halters or blouses when the sun comes out.

- Like black, white matches with everything. So choosing the right colour with white is really not a problem.

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- You can look great in an all white ensemble, your white jeans paired with a white tee or shirt, by adding some colour through accessories. Check out Lauren Conrad here looking great in an all white ensemble by adding splash of colour through her orange bag and matching shoes (perfect summer look).

- Skinny: Get a pair of white skinny jeans and pair them with a nice top. Avoid tight top if you are going with the tight jeans. Instead, think about a flowy top paired with high heels. This is an easier look to pull off. You can wear a nice cardi and cami top with your white skinnies or a nice jacket.

- Accessories: Accessorising is vital wth your white denims, it can really add to your look provided you team the right accessories.

- Watch your VPL: Wear nude coloured or your skin toned knickers under your white jeans and make sure they are no VPLs, otherwise your lines would show and any other colour (including white) would reflect under your pants.


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Choosing your Lipstick

Lipstick can light up your face and is a staple beuty item of every female. Its the basic necessity, which almost every woman has.

A lipstick accentuates the best feature of a woman's face and can brighten it up instantly with minimum efffort. However, a wrong lipstick can be a disaster; a wrong choice can make you look way older than your age or damage your lips.

And with a myriad of choices, choosing the right lipstick can be really daunting. Well, not to worry, just read through this, and your choice will be easier.

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Lipstick Formula

There are many lipstick formulas in the market, and with increasing research the choices and types would only increase. Your choice of lipstick type would depend on your lip shape and desired look:

1. Matte - Matte lasts the longest but it also makes the lips dryer and chapped. It provides highly pigmented true colour without much shine. Matte usually look best on large lips because of their minimising effect.

2. Cream - Gives a slightly matte finish but without the heavy matte feel. This is the most popular texture and is much more moisturising than matte as it contains more oils and conditioners. They are also called moisturising or hydrating lipstick. Definitely one of the best picks and suitable for all lip types.

3. Long Lasting - This is one of the recent and widely advertised lipstick formulations but is the most damaging. Although these lipstick certainly stay longer, but with the cost of aging the lips. This formulation is very drying, hence causing the lips to age faster.

4. Liquid - Liquid Lipsticks retain the moisture of the lips giving them glossy effect or sheen. The downside of this formulation is that it doesn't last long, but is best if you are looking for a gloss with or without shimmer. They work best for thin lips, as a high gloss lipstick gives plumping effect to the lips.

5. Shimmer and/or Frost - This formulation contains tiny flecks of pigment that reflect light to give your lips a shimmery look. In the case they look heavily metallic, pearly or opalescent, but on lips the coverage is soft and subtle. A shimmery is more pearly while frost has a metallic finish to it. These usually work best for all women and especially look good on thin lips because of the plumping effect. Is best choice if you want pouty lips. This is a great formula to get fuller, younger looking lips.

In short, if your lips are supple and plump, matte shades may be great for you. They are non-lustrous and offer more color and last longer without requiring reapplication but have fewer moisturizing ingredients. Best for plumperlips because of their minimising effect. Glossy, shimmering and radiant lip colors may actually help your lips retain moisture and hence are best choice during the hottest and coldest months of the year. Best suited for thin lips for their plumper effect.

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Time of day

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Choose lighter colours for daytime and darker for night. Matte and cream finishes offer a subtler daytime look, while a high-gloss finish adds glamour for evening. A sheer, natural-looking colour with a little shine also works well for day.

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Age

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The darker the lipstick shade the older the wearer will look. So if the desire is to look older, then pick a matte, darker lipstick. To look younger, use a light shade of lipstick. This will not only help the lips look younger but will also give the appearance of a fuller lip. The fuller the lip the younger the appearance.

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Spring/Summer 2009 Buys

Summer is about Whites and Bright Colours. And especially this season to beat the recession the fashionistas and style experts world over are focusing on colours. So add a cheery pop of color thi summer to your wardrobe.

Check out these Spring/Summer buys to update your wardrobes. If you like something, folllow the links to view and make a purchase.
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1. Karen Millen Lace Shoes for £59.95, click here to buy
2. Karen Millen Clutch for £100, click here to buy
3. Charles and Keith Wedges for $50, click here to buy
4. ASOS Quilted Bag for £28, click here to buy
5. French Connection Raffia Clutch for £40, click here to buy
6. Nine West Wedges for £54, click here to buy


Sunshine Colours

Summer Trend - CANDY COLOURS AND NEONS. Think of soothing peach, lemon sorbet, sky' blue, baby pink, pistachio green to keep cool and stay stylish as the sun shines to its full heat.

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These mood lifting hues were shining on the runways all over and are great for the season. Team bright shades such as Red and Pink, Blue and Yellow, Green and Orange. Colour clash looks great and is very in.

Does your wardrobe spell Blacks, Blues and Greys? You're not really the colour type?
Well, if you’re stuck in a rut, start small with a bold-hued camisole under a cardigan or a bright belt with a neutral dress. I am sure you'll enjoy the colour as much as you enjoy your blacks. And its good for a change.

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Beautify's Best Summer Pick - Straw Tote
Update 7th May 2009
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Mad Imports - Fetch Straw Tote for $60 (was $120), click here to buy
Straw Bags are just perfect for summer . They just scream summer and lazy days at the beach. And this season, more and more of the straw handbags are looking refined and down right stylish.

This Crocheted raffia tote, by Mad Imports, with coconut button detail at front is just the perfect choice. Another reason to buy is that it is Handmade. It comes in three perfect summer hues - ocean, bright pink and natural straw. At 50% discount, its a great pick.


UPDATE 4th May 2009:

This Summer colour meets fashion as OPI's bright new shades team up with Paige Premium Denim to create the Bright Pair Collection. This is one of a type venture where fashion and beauty has been mixed in a way that has never been done before.

BrightPair by OPI includes six new bright nail polish shades by OPI Lacquers, made to perfectly match the bright new hues of Paige's Skyline Ankle Peg and Mariposa Short. Click here for more details and pictures.

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Nice Floral Dress for the night, in the style of Scarlett Johansson
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Scarlett Johansson

geT D looK

Dress from Charlotte Russe; Earrings from Lussori; Shoes from Valentino; Bag from Nordstrom


Beautify's Best Highstreet Picks
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1. Full Circle Mini Dress for £85, on left, click here to buy
This Strapless Promm ress is perfect for a night-out or even during the day. Its sttructured bust and full pleated skirt gives it a retro look. Its a perfect 50s dress with modern twist.

2. Coast Satin Bandeau Dress for £62, right, click here to buy
Sweetheart neckline, red and white floral print, sexy style, contrast waist sash with bow to back, this satin dress is perfect for a dinner date or a party. It is sexy yet subtle.
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3. Kay Unger Floral Dress for $450, click here to buy
V neckline, capped sleeve, floral print with pleated skirt with a black belt at waistline - this Floral Dress is very feminine and sophisticated and perfect for the summer parties.


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