Multi-dimensional statement handbags for fall 2012

Statement handbags are huge for fall 2012 and the ultimate handbag trend for 2012 is a handbag which offers dimension. Multi-dimensional handbags for fall 2012 include texture, mixed fabrications and embellishments which make handbags for fall 2012 stand out in a crowd.

Handbags for the fall 2012 season are being shown in polar opposite styles. One faction is offering sleek, understated and classic handbag styles for the fall season, while the other faction is creating bold, multi colored, textured handbags which are eye-catching conversation pieces. Designers such as Prada, Fendi and Valentino are showing handbags under both categories for fall 2012; giving consumers a choice according to their personal tastes.

There are several different ways designers have presented the statement or multi-dimensional handbag for fall 2012. Here is a breakdown:

Texture: Handbags for fall are being shown in textured fabrics which add 3-D effects to the overall look of the handbag. There are handbags which combine brocade with leather, pony hair with satin, exotic skin with smooth leather and more. Patches of fabric are carefully constructed to create some of fall’s freshest handbags which are anything but flat.

Embellishments: Handbags for fall 2012 are being shown with bold embellishment such as multi-colored studs (ala Fendi), fringe (Christian Louboutin), crystal encrustation (Prada, Valentino, Christian Louboutin) and metal, rocker-chic studs as seen on handbags by Valentino, Alexander Wang, Christian Louboutin and more.

Top handle totes: Multi-dimensional statement handbags for fall 2012 are being show in every handbag style available; but the majority of them are being shown in the season’s hottest silhouette-the top handle tote. Satchels, totes and any handbag with top handles are hot for the fall 2012 season. This classic handbag style has gone wild for fall 2012 as designers have embellished them, encrusted them and cobbled multiple fabrications together to create them. The classic handbag style has been reborn for fall 2012 and is anything but timeless.

Multi-dimensional handbags were seen on the fall 2012 runways, and have now made their way to store shelves. There have been very few spotted on the street thus far; but fall really has not begun. It should be interesting to see if this trend hits the street, or if Fashionista’s stick to more classic handbag styles for the fall/winter 2012/2013 season. What are your thoughts on this trend? Leave us a comment below and start the discussion!

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Top three facial sunscreens for summer as chosen by expert editors

Summer is here and the sun is beating down on everyone. One of the most important parts of our skincare regime for the summer months includes applying sunscreen. Experts and skincare professionals are constantly telling us that we need to apply sunscreen on our face on a daily basis; whether or not we plan to be in the sun. Apparently the sun can hurt our skin just walking to and from the car! Who knew?!

Applying sunscreen on our bodies is fairly straightforward. We don’t have to worry about acne breakouts, rashes and the like. Our faces are different. Facial skin is sensitive and prone to acne, rashes, dry patches, oily patches and problems we may not even be aware of!

So here at Bay Area Fashionista we have decided to take on the long, cumbersome task of testing several sunscreens for the face; so that you don’t have to. Love that!

Here are our editor’s picks and a special treat: Trish’s pick from Dish By Trish:

Rita’s pick:

For my face I only use Colorscience Pro Sunforgettable Mineral Power Brush SPF 30 in Almost Clear (Tan). I love it! It’s a mineral sunscreen powder and brush in one small compact cylinder tha I carry around in my purse during the summer. It goes on very lightweight since it’s in powder form, so no greasy sunscreen lotions on my face. It’s also tinted so it provides some coverage as well. There’s no need to put on makeup on top of it – and who wants to that when on vacation anyway? The one I use has PSF 30 but I believe it comes in SPF 50 also. It’s also waterproof, but I reapply after I get out of the water anyway J” Colorscience can be found online at Dermstore.com

Trish’s pick:

“I fell in love with Kiehl’s products many years ago because it was one of the few brands that didn’t irritate my sensitive skin. My everyday favorite sunscreen is Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 15. This is a super lightweight formula yet it gives my skin a nice glow while providing protection. But for those really hot summer days, I opt for Kiehl’s UV Defense SPF 50. While this formula is lightweight, it provides maximum protection. I love the convenient travel size bottle (1.7 fl. oz) because it fits perfectly in my purse and can be easily placed in carry-on luggage when traveling.” Kiehl’s can be found online at kiehls.com

Trish is the fabulous brain behind Dish By Trish. Check out her yummy food blog at dishbytrish.com, “like” her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter and Pinterest.

Cathy’s pick:

I have sensitive skin which is also combination skin. To make matters worse, I am prone to acne and have several allergies to cosmetics. In fact, there are several cosmetic companies out there who claim to be hypo-allergenic, yet they irritate my skin and cause rashes. So, finding a sunscreen for my face was a bigger challenge than swimsuit shopping and denim shopping combined.  I was instantly in heaven when I tested out Revive products. The moisturizers contain spf protection, they balanced my skin, ended my acne and I swear my wrinkles have been reduced! Am I dreaming? My pick is definitely Revive Sensitif Cellular Repair Cream with SPF 15. Revive can be found online at Nordstrom.com

Rita is Bay Area Fashionista’s Style Editor, Trish is Editor in Chief of Dish ByTrish and Cathy is Editor in Chief of Bay Area Fashionista.

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Twisted Silver’s new Spirit Earrings add an earthy vibe to current trends

Statement earrings are huge this season; and are showing no sign of slowing down as we head into fall 2012. One of the big trends in earrings is to see one or more chains dangling from the main portion of the earring. Chains add so many dimensions to earrings as they add instant edge and fluid movement. Twisted Silver’s new Spirit Earrings are medium in size and big on style as they offer one, understated chain which dangles from earthy tumbled glass and stones.

 

Personal style always transcends trends; but it is always nice to know when one’s personal style is also hot off the runway and coveted on the street. Twisted Silver’s new Spirit Earrings offer the season’s hottest chain trend while also offering something which is different than the usual earrings styles one normally finds in stores. The Spirit Earrings offer tumbled glass and stones which are earthy, eco-chic and express one’s personal style and likes. Love that!

 

Twisted Silver’s Spirit Earrings can be worn with any type of outfit from jeans and a casual tee-shirt through to a cocktail dress. The tumbled glass and stones can easily blend well with any color palette and when worn with shades of blue, the stones and glass pick up bluish hues; adding a new dimension to the earrings.

 

The Spirit Earrings by Twisted Silver are priced at $50 and debut online today at twisted-silver.com. Use coupon code INSIDERS for 15% off your order. Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 

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Photos courtesy of Twisted Silver

*We received a sample of the Spirit Earrings from Twisted Silver. We were not required to review the product nor did receipt of the sample influence our opinion of the product. Everything contained in this article is the opinion of the writer and should be treated as such. For more information, please read ourdisclaimer.