A Tale of Star-Crossed Lovers

When I first saw paparazzi photos of Katie Holmes and Sienna Miller carrying the same gorgeous, coffee-coloured ostrich leather bag, I became not quite myself. The nubby texture was somehow just so amazing, and I was drawn to that purse in a disturbingly magnetic way. I never thought to scout one out for myself, though - and I was also a bit put off by the idea of ostriches being turned into arm candy. (Call me weird, but I think ostriches are kind of cute.)

Fast-forward to a few months later, when I was introduced to AccessoryBug.com, a fantastic resource for inexpensive, designer-inspired handbags that's now a fixture in my Favorites. While perusing their wares for the first time, I came across their collection of faux ostrich leather bags, and my heart nearly stopped. One quick shipment later, I was the proud owner of my very own, in a lovely warm "bone" color. It's become my summer staple, earning me compliments everywhere I go.

Want one for yourself? They come in mustard, navy, and black, too! Visit AccessoryBug.com to start shopping.

Very "wrong" nails that feel so right

Browsing through some old bookmarks today, I came across the Creative Nail Designs website. I'd never really looked at it in-depth before, so I decided to start clicking around. Turns out they have a highly entertaining Nail Style Gallery, brimming with some very interesting "nail art" ideas.

While most of them are downright hideous, I kind of want to try a select few. (Yes, I admit I've always had a secret fascination with this stuff). Here are some of the questionable designs that I am inexplicably drawn to. Someone stop me before I actually head down to the manicurist with a homemade nail stencil or something.



Pattern Pizzazz





Moonlit Blonde





Queen's Jewel






French Kiss

Let's Get Trashy

There comes a time in the life of every article of clothing and pair of shoes when the owner must have the discipline to say goodbye. No matter how many fantastic memories are linked to that sweater or tank, it's not going to last forever. Don't force it, right?

But when is the correct time to dispose of a well-worn treasure? The answer is probably "the moment you have the first doubt about its wearability." Sadly, I have the tendency to form disturbing attachments to the items I buy, and for me, the answer is more like "the moment the strap snaps off/stain is commented on by five too many people/several-times-repaired seam rips when you're doing the Twist at a particularly rambunctious party". (I was just kidding about that last part - I hate the Twist).

In all seriousness, however, I keep and wear things for far too long. I simply do not know when it's time to load up the garbage bags and head over to the Salvation Army. The most embarrassing example of my inability to part with cherished fashions is my favorite pair of flats. They have a big pink heart outline on each shoe, which is what originally made me fall in love with them. At one point, these shoes had a tiny heel (no longer - I wore it down to nothing) and perfectly pointy toes (they're now blunted into a strange shape). There are also cracks along the sides thanks to the countless nights I wore them dancing. And let's not forget that my feet inevitably end up soaked when I wear them in the rain, thanks to various fissures on the soles.

When sandal season came to an end this year, I promised myself that I would chuck them. I knew that if I tried them on, it would all be over, I would fall under their mysterious man-made spell, and I would wear them for another fall and winter. Well, guess what - that's exactly what's happened. Look for me wading through snowbanks in my heart flats in the very near future.

Vintage Aquarius Ring

This is a Lady Licorice Style Pick.



The opulent jewelry trend is pretty big for fall, and aquamarine and gold always look so regal together. This pretty ring is part of Angel Court's "dead stock", which is not as off-putting as it sounds. It just means it was made in the 1970s and never worn - somehow making it seem 10 times cooler than a present-day piece of jewelry.

Get it at Angel Court.

Fitted Vest by Chulo Pony

This is a Lady Licorice Style Pick.



When you're tempted to try a potentially obnoxious trend, the best way to do it is to go as next-level as possible. Chulo Pony's mostly-wool garment at left is the most unique, fetching vest of the season, and it has a sort of cozy "let's go for a walk in the moors" feel to it.

Get it at Paper Doll.

Dolce Vita Wedges

This is a Lady Licorice Style Pick.



These shoes are like a layer cake that hits you with three different flavor injections. First there's the fact that they're velvety. Then there's the adorable, demure ankle strap. And the cherry on the top is the modern pointed toe, landing this mary jane squarely into Fall 2006.

Get them at Girlshop.

Dollface Dress

This is a Lady Licorice Style Pick.



We figured that we'd feature something particularly summery in tribute to the last few days of August. Meet an adorable dress by Dollface Clothing. Available in black with pink or white with pink, the model is wearing it in the park, but we'd break it out for a night with our favorite DJ.

Get it at Mudshark Clothing.