Bags 'n The City

HELP!!!!!!!!!

2007-03-07T15:09:00.000-05:00

I need some help, help, help! Prom season is approaching and I want to get a stunningly glamorous dress....sounds easy right? Well...it has been everything but that! I've been on a mission for one these past 4 days non-stop, but haven't found anything. Either they don't fit well or I just don't like them.

I did try on one at the Jessica Mc Clintock boutique, that, suprisingly, fit me very well, forming an appearing slim figure even though I really don't have one...lol It was red, I loved the color...and now with my new chocolate brown hair, I think it would look hot....BUT....since there is always a but....I felt it was too simple for me and that it wasn't what I was imagining (something with a beaded top, etc ...)

I originally had looked at this one from Jovani, but it's way out of my price range...I was hoping to get something cute for about 200 dollars -- I'm only going to wear the dress once!

I'm looking at turquoises, reds, pinks, etc....HOT colors, you get the idea!

Can anyone help me? PLEASEEEEEEEE

Newssssssss!

2007-02-18T19:52:00.000-05:00

Hello everyoneeeeeeee!

I'm so sorry I haven't been posting, but the fan in my laptop broke so I couldn't turn it on or else it would over heat and explode. But...now I'm back! And I have so much to share.

Firstly, I got accepted into the college of my choice -- FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology). Yay!!!!!!!!

Secondly, on the same day, I received my first Louis Vuitton bag -- Damier Canvas Speedy 30. Check out the pics. Fabulous, non? :)

Thirdly, I received my senior pics. Not a big fan of them, but the film as a whole was terrible so these were the only ones that were "ok".

I'm so excited that I finally have a direction in my life. I know where I'm going. I know what I need to do. And thank God, everything has been going the way I planned. New York...............here I come!

Love always,
BNtC

P.S. I apologize for the horrible resolution of the pics. Hopefully I'll be getting a new digital camera soon (as well as a new laptop)....I really need it!

BRRRRRRR!

2007-02-06T11:41:00.000-05:00

Winter has arrived....with temperatures like these, I'm sure no one is in doubt! Nothing better than some help to keep warm - fashionably, of course!

I'm totally feeling these jackets with an oversized collar.....Not only are they super fashionable, they fit well, create curves along your hips (or define existing ones) and the oversized collar protects your neck from the cold...I should have thought about that on Sunday.......maybe I wouldn't be home sick today! :)

You can find this one on www.mangoshop.com, on sale for $116.99 (original $235)

Here are some ebay auctions from a person in Portugal that has an ebay store called "It's how you wear it" and sells ZARA, one of my ultimate favorites!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ZARA-DARK-GREY-HERRINGBONE-WOOL-BELTED-COAT-SZ-S-8-10_W0QQitemZ170077536645QQihZ007QQcategoryZ53368QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ZARA-GREEN-WOOL-BELTED-COAT-SZ-M-UK-10_W0QQitemZ170077356711QQihZ007QQcategoryZ53368QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ZARA-60S-RETRO-HOUNDSTOOTH-COAT-SZ-M-UK-10_W0QQitemZ170077418398QQihZ007QQcategoryZ53368QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Enjoy!!

Love always,

BNtC

P.S. What has been keeping you warm in this extremely cold weather?

Wearing Today!

2007-01-30T15:28:00.000-05:00

Mid-termssssssssss.

1. Brown Velvet Jacket - Zara Woman

2. Off-white empire waist top - Mossimo

3. Burgundy Kimono sleeve V-neck top - Mossimo

1. Jeans - Seven For All Mankind

2. Totozinha =) haha

3. Leather Platform Boots - Guess

4. Leather pleated bag - Sisley

Family Shot + Totozinha:

What did you wear today?

SAG Awards - Hairstyles

2007-01-30T14:58:00.000-05:00

You need a stunning gown to look beautiful and elegant, but you need great hair to make or break a look.

These were my two favorites...

Loose Curls

A lot of celebs sported this look. It's elegant and timeless. Not to mention it's easy to do. At home, I use my straightener, turn it 180 degrees and slowly slide it down a lock of hair, releasing the hair at the end. You get silky, shiny and bouncy loose curls. Add a tad of hairspray to hold them.

Messy Bun

Throw your hair in the air like you just don't care. Don't forget to style your side bangs though. Use a large round brush and blow dry them out. Swift them to the side and spray them with some hairspray so they stay out of your eyes during the day.

SAG Awards

2007-01-30T14:21:00.000-05:00

So yes, yesterday another award show took place. To be honest with you, I didn't watch it, but I made sure to search the best dressed list.

These are a few of celebs who I thought were "best dressed". Enjoy!

Eva Longoria

Although the style of the dress accentuates the fact that Eva is short, the Desperate Housewife looked absolutely stunning in this gorgeous and elegant Vera Wang dress.

Jennifer Hudson

Michael Kors knew exactly what he was doing when he put this piece together. It's fitting, it shows off all of the right curves and the beading is breathtaking. Not to mention it creates an illusion of slimness.

Katherine Heigl

I have to say, this is my favorite dress of the evening. Everything is perfect - the color, the style and the fit.

Sandra Oh

Sandra Oh pulled off this Armani dress very well. The color falls on her skin tone very well, and lightly, giving her a i'm-not-even-trying-but-yet-i-look-so-elegant look. The black dot in the center of the dress gives the whole ensemble a nice touch.

Cate Blanchett

And here we have another Armani dress. Very elegant and oh such a beautiful color! I don't get the hemming though. IMO the dress would have looked so much better if it was slightly touching the floor.

Demi Moore

The color is gorgeous and contrasting so well with her hair color AND the style of the dress is simply stunning. Need I say moore?

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

For much to my surprise, Julia looked wonderful at the SAG's. The color looks great on her and she is so fit! The dress is perfect for her. I love how it is straight and drapes slightly on the ground.

What about you? Who tickled your fancy?

Shape

2007-01-11T18:30:00.000-05:00

Hello fabulous readers,

Every morning we all wake up, and after taking care of our personal hygene, we travel to our closet and wonder..... What am I going to wear today? And then we proceed to pick out whatever combination looks best after double checking in the mirror. But, before we reach wardrobe harmony, there are certain things we should keep in mind so that we pick the most adequate shapes, lines and colors for our body, face and features.
For the next few days I will be focusing on these important elements of design.
Today we are going to focus on shape: types of faces and best necklines for that type of face.
You should always pick the opposite effect of your face shape.

Don't know what your face shape is? Refer to the tips on this website!
http://www.beautysensation.com/REPSfaceshapes.htm

For round faces, v-necks are the best neckline of choice. If you choose round necklines it will only accent your round face. You can also use diagonal and horizontal lines.

For square faces, go for rounded necklines to soften the square effect. Personally, I wouldn't mind to accentuate this face shape if I had it because I think it is amazingly BEAUTIFUL!

For pointed chin (heart+diamond) or long face shapes, avoid any v-necks or diagonal necklines! It will only make your face look longer. Round and square necklines are recommended for these face shapes.

And, as we know, the oval face shape is the most "ideal". You can pull off any neckline so take advantage of it!

If you would like additional tips, just tell me! I'm always here to help! :)

Hasta la vista fellow fashionistas!

BnTC

Spring Trends 2007

2007-01-10T23:27:00.000-05:00

Hello to all !!!!
It has been quite a while, but now I'm back!! And I must add that I am extremely excited to be coming back in style, with the latest Spring Trends of '07, according to ELLE :) (www.elle.com)

Number 1: "I love the 80's"

This style consists of graphic and assymetrical garments, normally with bold colors and metallics.

- Diesel

P.S. I don't think the leggings are going anywhere either, they turned into a functional and basic piece in everyone's closet. You can throw them under a dress, a sweater, a simple shirt, with flats, with pumps, and so on.

Number 2: "Japonisme"

Characterized by its structured oriental-inspired garments.

- Vera Wang

For a more everyday look you can use Kimono-style tops and dresses. The jersey material is very comfortable and the garments are very "flowy" with a lot of room for those who don't like tight clothes. Target's GO International had a nice one by Paul and Joe I believe? I had a feeling it would get stiff after one wash though.

Number 3: "Couture Construction"

Dramatic couture creations! How could you not love and give amazing credit to couture designers? Each piece is such a work of art! And oh, the time it takes to make each piece!

- Zac Posen

Number 4: "Showgirl Style"

Keyword: GLAMOURRRRRRR :) I LOVE GLAMOUR and I think that all of us women are fabulous, let's just take advantage of these beautiful pieces that are at our fingertips so we can enhance our glamourous ways!

This Michael Kors dress is so simple, but yet so elegant and feminine. Don't you just love the way the belt defines the waist and the rest of the dress just falls straight?

Number 5: "Going to extremes"

Just like the title of this trend suggests. Either it's tight and mini, volumous and long, it's gonna be an extreme!

- Oscar de la Renta

Number 6: "Space Exploration"

Keyword: Futuristic
Very structured garments, lots of metallics!

- Malo

And I could never forget the beloved Louis Vuitton Miroir Collection!

Number 7: "Ethereal Elegance"

Just because.........I LOVE Behnaz Sarafpour

Now..................... Can you or do you plan to pull any of these off this spring? I hope I gave you an incentive (with the help of my fashion bible that I adore -Elle)! I would love to hear how you paired everything, any additional suggestions, whatever you feel like!

Until next time...and love always,
BnTC

2006-12-16T01:23:00.000-05:00

What happens when you want something so bad and you can't have it?

Magz

2006-12-13T17:47:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone!

I just came across a deal on tPF and I had to share it!
5 full-year magazine subscriptions for $29.95
Here's the link:

http://www.bigmags.com/?id=32152

I just ordered Elle, Vogue, W, Vanity Fair and Psychology Today for my parents. AMAZING!! And I'm so excited to start getting them :) Isn't this just fabulous? Just in time for the holidays too.... Have fun!

Love always,
BnTC

Be

2006-12-03T21:52:00.000-05:00

JESSICA SIMPSON LYRICS

"Be"

Way it's gonna
Way it's gonna
Lately I find I'm caught up in these thoughts
How will you come to me
How will we connect these hearts
Are you somewhere near
Hidden like a four-leaf clover
Are you miles away
Are we getting any closer
Are we getting any closer
I already see us moving mountains
I already see us walk in water
I already see the clouds we're flying
Over and under
I can really see us having babies
Walking through the park and being lazy
I already see myself falling in love eternally
And I think that's just the way it's gonna be
And I think that's just the way it's gonna be
I already see us moving mountains
And I think that's just the way it's gonna be
I already see us walk in water
And I think that's just the way it's gonna be
Being with you
Is a like a scene from a dream in heaven
I feel you running through
All my senses
Will you taste like rain
Can I breathe you like air
Will I lose myself in your arms somewhere
I already see us moving mountains
I already see us walk in water
I already see the clouds we're flying
Over and under
I can really see us having babies
Walking through the park and being lazy
I already see myself falling in love eternally
And I think that's just the way it's gonna be
I think that's just the way it's gonna be
And I know and I know and I know
Love can move a mountain
And I know and I know
It's gonna be even better than I imagined
Putting all my trust in you
Putting all my trust in you
We'll make this dream come true
I can really see us having babies
Walking through the park and being lazy
I already see myself falling in love eternally
And I think that's just the way it's gonna be
And I think that's just the way it's gonna be
I already see us moving mountains
The way it's gonna be
I already see us walk in water
The way it's gonna be
I can really see us having babies
The way it's gonna be
I already see myself falling in love
Meant to be
I already see us moving mountains
The way it's gonna be
I already see us walk in water
To me
The way it's gonna be
I can really see us having babies
The way it's gonna be

Are we really getting any closer?

Coach iPOD case

2006-12-03T20:52:00.000-05:00

Hi Fellow Fashion Addicts,

Well, I started my Christmas shopping and while I was at the Short Hills mall, my eyes stumbled upon this Coach iPOD case, which I think is STUNNING! I never liked Coach, never owned a bad and still don't fancy it much, but I couldn't pass on something so simple, but yet so cute like this. Finally, my poor iPOD gets some lovin.... :)
Enjoy!

Love,
BnTC

Awakening

2006-12-03T20:46:00.000-05:00

I really needed something like this today and, surprisingly, I came across it! I came across it on someone's blog and we do not know the original author. Enjoy!

Awakening

A time comes in your life when you finally get it . . . When in the midst of all your fears and insanity you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere, the voice inside your head cries out - ENOUGH! Enough fighting and crying, or struggling to hold on. And, like a child quieting down after a blind tantrum, your sobs begin to subside, you shudder once or twice, you blink back your tears and through a mantle of wet lashes, you begin to look at the world through new eyes. This is your awakening... You realize that it's time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change, or for happiness, safety and security to come galloping over the next horizon. You come to terms with the fact that he is not Prince Charming and you are not Cinderella and that in the real world, there aren't always fairy tale endings (or beginnings for that matter) and that any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you and in the process, a sense of serenity is born of acceptance. You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are . . . and that's OK. (They are entitled to their own views and opinions.) And you learn the importance of loving and championing yourself and in the process, a sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval. You stop bitching and blaming other people for the things they did to you (or didn't do for you) and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected. You learn that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say and that not everyone will always be there for you and that it's not always about you. So, you learn to stand on your own and to take care of yourself and in the process, a sense of safety & security is born of self-reliance. You stop judging and pointing fingers and you begin to accept people as they are and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties and in the process, a sense of peace & contentment is born of forgiveness. You realize that much of the way you view yourself and the world around you, is as a result of all the messages and opinions that have been ingrained into your psyche. You begin to sift through all the crap you've been fed about how you should behave, how you should look and how much you should weigh, what you should wear and where you should shop and what you should drive, how and where you should live and what you should do for a living, who you should marry and what you should expect of a marriage, the importance of having and raising children or what you owe your parents. You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. You begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for. You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you've outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with and in the process, you learn to go with your instincts.You learn that it is truly in giving that we receive and that there is power and glory in creating and contributing and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a "consumer" looking for your next fix. You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a by gone era, but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life. You learn that you don't know everything; it's not your job to save the world and that you can't teach a pig to sing. You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO. You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that martyrs get burned at the stake. Then you learn about love. Romantic love and familial love. How to love, how much to give in love, when to stop giving and when to walk away. You learn not to project your needs or your feelings onto a relationship. You learn that you will not be more beautiful, more intelligent, more lovable or important because of the man on your arm or the child that bears your name. You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be. You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. You learn that just as people grow and change, so it is with love; and you learn that you don't have the right to demand love on your terms, just to make you happy. You learn that alone does not mean lonely. You look in the mirror and come to terms with the fact that you will never be a size 5 or a perfect 10 and you stop trying to compete with the image inside your head and agonizing over how you "stack up." You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs. You learn that feelings of entitlement are perfectly OK and that it is your right, to want things and to ask for the things that you want and that sometimes it is necessary to make demands. You come to the realization that you deserve to be treated with love, kindness, sensitivity and respect and you won't settle for less. You allow only the hands of a lover who cherishes you, to glorify you with his touch and in the process, you internalize the meaning of self-respect. And you learn that your body really is your temple. And you begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin eating a balanced diet, drinking more water and taking more time to exercise. You learn that fatigue diminishes the spirit and can create doubt and fear. So you take more time to rest. Just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul; so you take more time to laugh and to play. You learn that for the most part in life, you get what you believe you deserve and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy. You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen, is different from working toward making it happen. More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance. You also learn that no one can do it all alone and that it's OK to risk asking for help. You learn that the only thing you must truly fear is the great robber baron of all time; FEAR itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears, because you know that whatever happens you can handle it and to give in to fear, is to give away the right to live life on your terms. You learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom. You learn that life isn't always fair, you don't always get what you think you deserve and that sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people. On these occasions, you learn not to personalize things. You learn that God isn't punishing you or failing to answer your prayers; it's just life happening. You learn to deal with evil in its most primal state; the ego. You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison the universe that surrounds you. You learn to admit when you are wrong and to build bridges instead of walls. You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted; things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about; a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower. Slowly, you begin to take responsibility for yourself, by yourself and you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never ever settle for less than your heart's desire. You hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind, and you make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting and to stay open to every wonderful possibility. Finally, with courage in your heart and with faith by your side you take a stand, you take a deep breath and you begin to design the life you want to live as best as you can.

Today, I want to be respected and loved. I want to be happy and make the right decisions, even if they aren't what people want or expect of me because at the end of the day, nobody cares, just me, myself and I. I want to feel free and free of confusion, just be at peace, even if it's not at peace with others, let it be at peace with myself.
Just a little vent... :)
Love,
BnTC

A Fendi Surpriseeeeeeeeeee! Part II

2006-10-04T21:38:00.000-04:00

Hahaha...did you really think I was going to show you at the first shot?
:)

A Fendi Surpriseeeeeeeeeee!

2006-10-04T21:23:00.000-04:00

Lately, I have been obssessed with Fendi......... I can't wait for the day that I actually purchase a beautiful baguette....
On one of my shopping trips with my mother, something shouted out to me and yes, it was enough to satisfy the urge!!! :) Hope you like it as much as I did!
Love always,
BNtC

DENIM!!!!! :))))

2006-09-18T19:51:00.000-04:00

DENIMMMMMM! One of my favorites (of course it comes right after my fav accessory that gave life to this blog -- hence the name)...... :)

Now, back on topic...
Before I came, I gave all of my jeans away so I started buying them from scratch.
I bought a pair of comfortable Sevens for $29.99 at T.J. Maxx, isn't that just fabulous?!?
Then, I decided to stray from my regular designer jeans and I tryed on a pair of Vigoss Jeans... Since then I've bought two more. They have cute styles, they are super affordable ($16.99 - at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls) and they fit comfortably.. I have a huge problem finding jeans because if they fit my thighs, they are big on my waist and if they fit my waist, they don't pass my thighs.... So, I leave you here with a suggestion for those with the same problem, try Sevens and Vigoss Jeans.. I normally buy jeans that have just a tad bit of spandex in them, like 5% or so, but now, I've been prefering the regular hard demin feel, which is a little bit tighter, but it makes my legs look skinnier.

See you next time.

With lots of L.O.V.E,
BnTc :)

Make-up

2006-08-10T16:16:00.000-04:00

Heyyyyyyy!

When I moved to Europe, I stopped wearing so much make-up like I did here in the U.S. My face was completely covered in acne and I thought it definately needed some fresh air. I went to a dermatologist and I was able to clear up my skin. I recently stopped with the treatment and I notice that I've been breaking out a little bit. I'm convinced this is also the way I've been eating lately -- which hasn't been the healthiest! I'm disappointed because I don't feel my skin has an even tone, so I was thinking of getting a good foundation to solve that problem, but I hate the feeling of foundation on my face......is there a good one that turns into powder when you apply it? I just don't like that paste-y feeling. Oh, and it has to be OIL FREE...my face is naturally oily.
Can't wait to hear some of your suggestions!

Love always,
BntC

2006-08-01T22:31:00.000-04:00

Ok, I need some suggestions......
School is starting in about a month and I want to snatch up a nice big black leather bag that I can throw all of my stuff into without worries, that means it has to have two straps, a big opening and it has to be soft leather in order to slouch a little bit.
I've looked at the LV Epi Line but nothing suits my needs..at the Nordstroms Anniversary Sale I saw a Juicy Couture bag exactly how I wanted, but to be honest with all of you, I couldn't justify paying $370 even though it was marked down from $550. I would rather get a Louis.
I looked through the Marc by Marc Jacobs collection online, but didn't see much.
So please, if anyone has a suggestion, don't hesistate to post a comment on here or e-mail me!!! :) Something along the lines of these two bags I posted would be cute (Kooba Marcelle and Marc Jacobs Tote)...these aren't in my price range right now. They're on sale on eluxury for $445 and $765, respectively.

Thanks!

2006-08-01T22:06:00.000-04:00

My deepest apologies for not having posted anything since the brief intro, but I've been fairly busy reading. A couple months ago I purchased the first book from the Gossip Girls collection and I fell in love. With Sex and the City being my favorite TV Show, I was sure this would be my favorite collection to read. As the critics say, it's Sex and the City's second generation. I'm reading the second volume: You know you love me.
Here's a Barnes and Noble review for those who are interested.

The Barnes & Noble Review
Cecily von Ziegesar's fabulous second volume starring the Jeffrey-shopping, Blahnik-wearing Upper East Side pack finally has its coming-out, and Blair, Serena, and the crew are creating enough juicy news to make Gossip Girl's typing fingers simply exhausted.
Unfortunately, Blair Waldorf has a new family member to contend with -- Cyrus Rose, her mom's new fiancé. Complete with a rotund figure, ruddy hue, and dreadlocked son, Cyrus isn't Blair's choice for a stepfather. No matter, she's got direction: Lose it to Nate and ace her Yale interview. Too bad Nate's developing a relationship with freshman-goer Jenny, and her interview was rather embarrassing, to say the least (maybe her gay dad's donation will help). Serena, on the other hand, is hardly thinking about her stalkeresque romantic interest, Dan, and did she actually see Blair shoplifting? It all comes to a head at the wedding of the season, where the Vogue cameras will flash, new relationships will form, and old friendships will be tested.
You Know You Love Me includes all the scandal and sexiness of von Ziegesar's first installment, and readers won't be disappointed. The characters are as stylish and sassy as ever, but this time, their humanity peeks through, making these well-bred vixens even more likable. Purely for fun and just as hot a Barneys Warehouse Sale, this necessary item reminds us that aside from her Manolo Blahniks, a girl can depend only on one thing -- herself. Shana Taylor

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&isbn=0316911488&itm=5

Au revoir!

2006-07-28T00:30:00.000-04:00

My obsession for a beautiful hangbag, breathtaking shoes and the strive to be a successful independent woman fashionista lead me to board on this journey.
I'm a 17 year old girl who sees a big part of her intelectual in Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City, her dream body and outside beauty in Kate Moss and the love of her life in a handsome, sexy and rich 19 year old boy who barely recogzines her presence.
In 10 years I see myself permanently living in New York City after being raised in New Jersey and having lived in Europe, Portugal, to be precise.
Nothing makes me feel more happy and complete than singing. For as long as I can remember, it's been a great passion of mine.
I have also realized that no one is perfect, not even myself. I have accepted all of my flaws, inside or outside, and everytime I look in the mirror, I can't help but say I just look STUNNING. After one has gone through this process, life seems much more faboluous.
So, welcome to the place where money is NO object and dreams are a permanent visitor. ENJOY!