STYLEnosh

THE QUEST FOR A STYLISH LAPTOP BAG

If you're looking for a laptop bag that isn't boring or basic or black (yuck), see these options below for stylish ideas at various price ranges. And please for all that is sacred, do not wrap your expensive laptop in a pashmina and think it's good to go. It's a little bit crazy to pay all that money for a computer and not protect it. 

How about a laptop bag that doesn't look like a laptop bag? This Jane Marvel Metro Tote  by See Jane Work is only $75 and comes in a variety of fun prints like striped, python, and zebra.

 

This newspaper print bag is an interesting deviation from the typical, black bag.

 

If you're looking for a laptop bag with a subtle print, this Lucky Brand leopard laptop sleeve that's not so ostentatious. The crossbody strap makes it very convenient to carry. It's on sale at zappos.com for $80.10.

 

This sleek Marc by Marc Jacobs pearl grey laptop bag is on sale at zappos.com for $118.80. It's a great option for the stylish man who doesn't want another black bag.

 

 

Related articles

• What laptop bag should I buy? (ask.metafilter.com)
• MacGyver would use this bag (ask.metafilter.com)
• There and Back Again: 5 Stylish and Practical Bike Bags (fitsugar.com)

START THE WEEK IN FABULOUS FLATS!

After wearing this little number yesterday with high heels, my feet are begging for a comfy pair of flats. I'm going with one of my favorite Sigerson Morrison's from a million years ago. (Don't forget to check back at the end of the end of week to see which pair I wore.) Keep reading below for current deliciously chic flats to choose from. Sometimes your feet just need to climb down from those towering high places. Ahhh, my feet feel better already.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These classic flats from Tory Burch are named Reva but they should be called Must Have! They come in numerous colors and prints and are available every season. The $235 price tag is a wardrobe investment that won't let you down. Plan to wear these for years to come.

 

 

 

 

 

The Coach Dwyer flat comes in purple, grey, or black. Select the purple pair for  a little punch of color on your feet. At $118, the price is right.

 

 

 

 

Black and white flats are the perfect neutral for most wardrobes. How so you ask? The basic black and white style can accompany most items in your closet. Think not only black pants and skirts but all of the colorful version as well. Not to mention, the pattern can transform a pair of jeans from average to amazing! These cutie pies from Steve Madden are only $70! Loving that!!!

 

 

Find all of these styles at Bloomingdales.com and search for flats, of course. ;)

CUTE, COMFORTABLE SHOES...EVERY WOMAN'S DREAM

The notion of comfortable, fashionable shoes seems like a mythical creature at this point. The shoes featured in the piece don't look like anything someone under 50 would wear. At least the very end they show some shoes that I can actually see myself wearing. I'm going to definitely check out geox.com for comfy ballet flats. Now if I can only find a pair of sexy heels that don't make the balls of my feet feel like their standing on needles. Sigh. What's a fashionable girl to do?

What do you think? Are your shoe selections based on style or comfort? 

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

 

 

Related articles

• Clever, Comfy & Cute! Folding Flats for Funky Feet (blogher.com)
• The Ballet Pump: Sugar plum fairies (independent.co.uk)

TOO MANY SHOES: A CAUTIONARY TALE?

Is there such a thing as too many shoes? Maybe a better question is how many shoes can you afford? The lady featured in the Today Show clip below has over 1,200 designer pairs of shoes. Jealous? But she can (seemingly) afford them. I counted my shoe collection this morning and I have 55 pairs; including flip-flops, boots, and athletic shoes. Like many women, I adore shoes. But in recent years I've purchased fewer pairs because I'd rather have two or three awesome new shoes per year instead of 10 or 20 pairs of average ones. 

How many shoes do you own right now in every closet, nook, and cranny?

 

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

WEAR AN EYE-POPPING ACCESSORY ON YOUR FACE

When we talk about accessorizing our outfits, we typically focus on shoes and handbags with the occasional scarf or necklace thrown in. But what about the first thing most people see: the glasses sitting right on your face. Do you view your glasses as a necessity or an accessory?

With a plethora of affordable, cute glasses available online, you no longer have to choose between the two. Yes, you can have it all. And for relatively cheap too. While doing a look-through onBluefly.com, I noticed a header for Eyefly offering frames and prescription lenses for $99.  I'm looking for new glasses so I will be checking this site out asap!

ALL FRAMES with Rx LENSES ~ $99

Images: Eyefly.com

OTHER ONLINE EYEGLASS SITES

Eye Buy Direct

I've actually used this online eyeglasses purveyor twice and I've been please with the results. Sign-up for their email updates because they regularly offer discounts including buy 1 get 1 free.

Eye-Bobs

If you're looking for a little assistance with reading the fine print, check out eyebobs.com for stylish reading glasses. I saw a girl at the farmer's market wearing a pair of glasses from this site and they were super funky and rather flattering. Which is what we all want in a pair of spectacles, right? Oh, and the ability to see. 

 

ENOUGH WITH THE BLACK HANDBAGS

I'm seriously in awe that people still carry a black handbag as their daily bag of choice. It seems so 1990s and completely unnecessary. I had black Coach shoulder bag that I never carried. It just felt too bland for everyday use. I gave it to my niece for her 17th birthday last year. She appreciated it way more than I ever would. 

Why are women choosing to cling to their black bags like a baby to his blankie? Is it just easier to stick with what you know?

But you really don't have to lug that black bag around month after month.There are an array of colorful choices available to you, at every price point to meet every budget. Here are a few examples to inspire you to walk away from black bag syndrome. Isn't it time for your handbag to be fun?

 Image: Tory Burch Robinson satchel for $550 at Nordstorm.com.

Image: MARC by Marc Jacobs tote for $178 at Nordstrom.com.

 

Image: MARC by Marc Jacobs hobo for $298 at Nordstrom.com.

 

 

 

TODAY SHOW STYLE BUZZ VIDEO: 3 HANDBAG TRENDS FOR SPRING

I think Bobbie Thomas and I are sharing the same handbag thoughts! Recently I decided that if I buy a bag this spring, it must be a two-tone style. Like this beautiful satchel from Urban Outfitters. It's only $69 and I envision it stylishly holding everything I need for work and play. For details on the bags featured in the video, check out Bobbie's Style Buzz post for links on buying info.

Handbag Tip

White bags are also on the trend list and as Bobbie states, they usually do find their way into summer fashion each year. Personally, I break out the same white hobo bag I bought almost five years ago.  So don't feel like your white bag will have a short shelf life. Buy a good one in a functional shape (hobos, totes, satchels), and you'll carry it for years. And no fretting about marks and scuffs. Grab one of those magic erasers for wall marks and use it on your purse. Dirt be gone. See, it's magical on purses too. 

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

LET'S GO SHOE SHOPPING: WEDGES FOR WORK!

The wedge has firmly established itself in stores and in our closets. At one point last year, I felt like all I purchased was perfectly stacked heels in a variety of colors and prints. Well, the trend is still going strong. But often, doesn't it seem like our wedge styles tend to be reserved for the weekend? What about a fabulous pair that's actually suitable for the office? 

Since all work dress codes are not created equal, here are three distinctly different styles for three distinctly different office cultures. All exhibit style while playing nicely with the company dress code.

 

CORPORATE CONSERVATIVE

If your job as a strict no open-toe shoe policy, this wedge is for you! Get the style without feeling as though you grabbed a pair of your grandmother's shoes.  Pair it with a skirt or pants and be sure to add a blazer on top. You don't want HR thinking you're going rogue.

Image: Sam Edelman Randall wedge in almond $130 at Piperlime.com. Or if your office is a little more lenient, you can snag the leopard print version with for $140. Your foot is still covered but the animal print is a tad bit more expressive without showing any skin.

 

BUSINESS CASUAL

If your office is like most workplaces these days, the dress code calls for business casual. There's a lot of ambiguity around this particular category of office attire. Can I wear capri pants? Is this top too see-through? These wedges are so sleek, there will be no doubt they're work appropriate. The wear-with-everything gray color makes it a spring/summer favorite. And the perforated detail makes even prettier. 

Image: Plenty by Tracy Reese Barbara perforated wedge for $129 at Piperlime.com. 

 

ANYTHING GOES

You know that office that's so super laid back you can practically wear flip-flops to work?  Yeah, I never worked there either. But I've heard about this mystical workplace. The land where anything goes! (IT start-ups, I'm thinking of you.) If this sounds like your job, then I've got the perfect wedge for you. The yellow color paired with the lattice detail is fun, sexy, chic and just plain awesome! Warning: This shoe will cause some heads to turn so be prepared for the extra attention. (You know you love it.)

Image: Betsey Johnson Byrne lattice wedge in yellow on sale for $159.99 at Piperlime.com.                        Note: This shoe also comes in black.

 

Your shoe shopping for wedges is now complete! Find all of these great wedges for spring and many more at Piperlime.com.

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

WARNING: WINTER FEET AND SPRING SANDALS DO NOT MIX!

It's the middle of March and most of us, outside of the usual hot spots (Florida, Southern Cali, Arizona), are not expecting the thermometer to tip close to 80. Well someone forgot to tell Mother Nature because several cities will be 20 degrees warmer than their average temps for this time of year. (If you want the deets on the weather click here.) The warmth is awesome after a long, snowy winter. But this crazy warming trend can cause us to lose all rational thinking and go hog wild with our wardrobe choices. And the number one mistake people make when the weather gets warms is displaying their haggard, winter-worn feet before they're ready.

I'm talking about sandals, open-toe shoes, and slingback pumps. I know you're itching to break out a pair of your super cute sandals or open-toe lovelies this weekend. It's a welcome change from the boots you've been stuck in for months. And it can be just the boost your wardrobe needs to gear up for spring.

However, please don't wear any shoes exposing your feet if your feet still look like the dead of winter.

You know what I'm talking about. Your toe nails haven't been polished and/or clipped since November. Your heels are still sporting that winter protective layer of ash on them. If any of this sounds familiar, no sandals for you! (Which is why I won't be wearing any shoes with my heels showing. They're so not ready.) Now, if you have time to get a pedi or do it yourself, proceed with whatever shoe choice you like. Enjoy!

YOU MAY NEED ASSISTANCE TO WALK IN THESE SHOES

The fashion blogs have been buzzing over the growth of heel heights for the last few years. I made a mental note of the trend and kept buying my beloved kitten heels.

Now you can't shake a stick (what the heck does that phrase mean?) or peruse Sigerson Morrison (the shoe purveyor who defined and sustained my love of those itty bitty heels), without staring squarely at those towering heels.

I managed to resist the look. Yeah, I'm strong and committed to my own personal style. Until I saw these beauties at Neiman Marcus Last Call.

And my personal style just morphed into a taller, hotter version of its former style.

I've seen the research on the dangers of high heels. And yes, I saw that episode on Dr. Oz where he provided a visual on the damage heels wreak to your bone alignment. Good thing my old chiropractor doesn't read my blog because he would most definitely not approve. But when I put these booties on, I feel like "This IS me". I envision wearing them with tights and socks in addition to bare leg. Lovin' it!

Warning  This look commands attention. (I was digging around my storage unit and a lady with two small kids hopping about the place stopped me to say, "I love your shoes.") So don't try this in public if you don't want people staring at you.

Proceed with caution   I don't know your office dress code or corporate culture. But you do. So please don't wear the ultra-high heels if your office is "no pants for women" conservative or if they clearly state these types of shoes are not allowed in the workplace.  Not sure? Review the dress code policy or ask someone you trust on the company's culture and openness to this type of hotness. If you want to do the look but tone it down, wear trouser pants. The more masculine looking pant will balance out the sexiness of the shoe.

The options are bountiful   These sky-high shoes come in pumps and boots and can be found at every price point from the cheap to the whole paycheck variety. Here are plenty of 5-inch plus heels to choose from at Zappos.com. If 5 inches is just too high for you, try the 4-inch ones.

IT'S NOT A MYTH: CUTE, COMFORTABLE SHOES!

I was having a conversation the other day with someone who said that they like cute shoes but they have to be comfortable.  Especially if they're expensive shoes. Hmm...sounds a bit like an oxymoron but it got me thinking. Surely there are some comfortable shoes in the world that fit that criteria. We want cute without toe pinching. Not cushy soles that look eerily similar to the footwear found in your neighborhood nursing home.

Okay, I've been searching for an hour and I've only come up with two options that meet the cute/comfortable criteria. The first is the classic slide from Dr. Scholl's in a zebra print. This wedge sandal comes in many different colors and the orange suede looks particularly cute too. And the $29 price tag is like the extra topping without the calories! 

The second pair is a gold peep toe also by Dr. Scholl's for $49. I see this pair taking you from work to the rest of your life with minimal effort.

Still searching. I was targeting my query on shoes that cost less than $100. Which would rule out the Cole Haan Air collection. (Here's a link if you're interested.) But what is available for the fashionable shopper on a budget?

READER REQUEST: CUTE LUNCH TOTES FOR GROWN-UPS

I added the grown-up part to the request. I'm certain Nicole's not not looking for a  kiddie bag to carry her lunch in for work. (Nicole, please correct me if I'm wrong.) And she definitely wants to stop using those Publix grocery store bags to store her lunch. So what options are available? Hold on to your butts cause the selection is bountiful when it comes to lunch bags. Lunch is no longer relegated to ugly sacks or boring brown paper bags. Read on!

This polka dot bag from paperhop.com is so cute I want one just because it's cute.  It looks a little small but the description says it stretches so maybe it can accommodate various food containers. The price is $20.60. Spend $25 and you'll get free shipping.