fantastic

Friday, March 26, 2010

EWP Handbag Guide: Clutches and Evening

I love clutches. I am seriously a clutch-aholic. When we went out for my bachelorette many moons ago, five of my friends grabbed one of my clutches for the event. There's something in the clutch collection for everyone. I really think a well-placed clutch can really make an outfit - add a print or a pop of color with just adding a little bag. I love 'em.

To recap:
Evening bags, including my all time favorite go to dress up bag - the clutch (which has no strap and you hold -- or "clutch" -- in your hand) and wristlets (which have a strap just long enough to hang over your wrist), are the handbags you'll want for a special night out.

With lovely details like beads, fringe and sequins and fine fabrics like metallics and satins, evening bags will complement your evening wear perfectly. You can choose between soft, leather evening bags or handbags with structured metal frames, depending on how formal your eveningwear is (I'm definitely going through a structured box clutch phase. I can't get enough of them!) If your evening bag has a handle, you can tuck it inside to transform it into a clutch bag. You can also use a clutch bag as a wallet inside your larger handbag during the day, and then pull it out for evening. Nothing says glamour and romance more than accessorizing with a beaded or rhinestone evening bag.

Where you'll be taking your evening bag:
To a holiday party when you're there to impress
To a fine restaurant when you're there with your special someone
To a wedding (with a few tissues inside, obvi)
To a cocktail party, where a statement ring-clad hand holding a clutch bag will be the perfect elegant look

Do: get dressed to the nines and take advantage of the style of evening bags.
Do: let a fun evening bag, clutch bag or wristlet take center stage when you're wearing a little black dress.
Don't: try to cram too much into your evening bag. Only bring along the essentials: cell phone, mints, a credit card, lipstick and cab fare.

Here are some clutch/evening options. I will admit to totally being lazy and only shopping at one site for all of these. Other places to check for cute clutches (but always hit or miss): Banana Republic, Forever 21, Aldo, and Target.

Sondra Roberts, $88 @ *

Sondra Roberts, $98 @

Nordstrom, $88 @ *

MICHAEL Michael Kors, $198

Jessica McClintock, $52 @

Nordstrom, $68 @

Jessica McClintock, $48 @ *

Jessica McClintock, $58 @

Nordstrom, $58

Nordstrom, $88 @ *

[Just be sure to tuck that strap inside the clutch]

@ Available in more colors

* EWP fave

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Rinna Shows Movement

As I was happily doing my initial picture walk (I admit it, I am so celebrity obsessed that I have to do one quick cover-to-cover peruse before reading a single word) through US Weekly last week my giddiness quickly turned to fear as this startling picture of Lisa Rinna jumped out at me. I'm not 100% certain but I may have even let out a little scream. I relied on the headline for identification of the person in the picture since Lisa is unrecognizable in this photo that most closely resembles the appearance of a person being viewed through a peephole.

Upon further reading I learned that this was Lisa's announcement to the world that she does not have too much Botox. Apparently she is fed up with being the poster child for plastic surgery and is starting a movement (literally) to advocate for imperfections. Now I hate to blow her cover but for those of you who don't know, Botox lasts an average of 3-4 months. Once it wears off one's appearance goes back to what it was before showing line, wrinkles, and increased movement. I can't help but wonder if she went straight to her injector's office after this photo was taken. Point proven to the world, now make me look young again!!

In the past I've always respected Lisa for being open about her nips and tucks, but recently there was the 'pot calling the kettle black' remarks about Heidi Montag, followed by this attempt at Botox denial which is a 180 from her 'botoxed and proud' statements of the past.

The irony here for me is that the first thing I thought when I saw that picture in US Weekly is that she needed Botox. I have a funny feeling that her forehead has seen a needle or two since that picture was taken...

Breast Implants Drop a NEW Bomb

I very rarely get TOO serious with my posts here on the blog, but this was so interesting I couldn't pass it up.....

Agents for Britain's MI5 intelligence service have released information that suggests some Muslim doctors who have trained in Britain's top hospitals are now returning to their home countries and fitting women with breast implants that contain explosives. The lethal explosives � usually PETN (pentaerythritol Tetrabitrate) are inserted in the patient in a similar fashion as traditional breast implants would be, then the breast is sewn up.

According to some reports this is and will be the "new" form of suicide bombing. The London based intelligence agency was tipped off to this new development after London-educated Nigerian Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab unsuccessfully tried to blow up an airliner on Christmas day. Immediately following that incident, lots of "chatter" regarding the exploding breast implants was intercepted by GCHQ � Britain's worldwide eavesdropping "spy in the sky" agency. A hand picked team was put together immediately by, Jonathan Evans, the head of MI5 to investigate and research the plausibility of these new "exploding" devices. What was uncovered is staggering.

In a report to Evans, one said:

"Properly inserted the implant would be virtually impossible to detect by the usual airport scanning machines. You would need to subject a suspect to a sophisticated X-ray. Given that the explosive would be inserted in a sealed plastic sachet, and would be a small amount, would make it all the more impossible to spot it with the usual body scanner."

This report is so sad and extremely unsettling. All in all most government agencies believe we will have to amp up security and update the type of scanning and x-ray technologies used in airports to combat this new threat.

Don't Give Me Those Sad Puppy Dog Eyes!

Whoever said pain is beauty never met Roland, an orphaned shar pei from Australia who�s wrinkled skin results in the painful condition Entropion.

Entropion causes the breed�s wrinkles to invert their eyelashes and rub against the eyeballs, can potentially cause blindness if the condition goes untreated.

The cosmetic surgery was $897.00 and specifically Roland received a full face lift and a double eye lift. During the procedure, skin from across the dog�s forehead and between his eyes is removed, and the remaining skin is pulled together and sutured.

Wide eyed and bushy tailed, this adorable puppy is still in search of a new owner, but I am sure someone will rescue this little cute canine real soon!

Three things I love Thursday: March 25, 2010

1. Virginia Johnson animal shawls:
peacock:

ants:

my favorite, camels:

2. Rifle Paper Co. cards:

very simple yet very pretty
3. This moustache dog toy:

when it chews on the ball it looks like he's got a moustache! adorable!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Random images I like today

EWP Handbag Guide: Satchels

Satchels are true handbags because the handles are short enough that you hold it in your hand.

I must admit I'm not a huge satchel person, but no handbag guide would be complete without the satchel.

You'll want to use these luggage-inspired purses because:
With their wide, flat interiors and double handles, satchels have a classic look that never looks inappropriate.
Available in a variety of sizes, satchels can be filled with most women's day-to-day necessities.
You can achieve the perfect laid-back look with jeans and a leather satchel.
When you need a hand, your satchel easily rests in the crook of your arm, or if you pull the straps over your shoulder, your satchel tucks into your underarm.

Where you'll be taking your satchel:
On a date when you want a handbag with a ladylike look and plenty of storage
To a bar or club on girls' night out

Do: look for satchels with fun details like leather trim or fancy buckles on exterior pockets.
Do: choose brightly colored satchels in the spring and summer.
Don't: leave the detachable shoulder strap attached -- if your satchel comes with one -- across-the-shoulder straps are evil and must never be worn.

And now some satchel options just for you: