Perhaps Bobby Trendy missed the memo for red carpet head wear guidelines?

Or was he trying to out-gaga Lady Gaga?

In any case, his… hat?  Hair accessory?  Head wear?  Is a lesson in how not to do red carpet hats…

image: Zuma Press

There are so many lovely choices out there for formal hats, headbands and fascinators.  Just because one celebrity has gone to the extreme, doesn’t mean you need to be intimidated by the thought of trying out something new for a holiday party.

Let’s just avoid that particular hat though…

image: Feather Brain

This lined peacock feather headband pairs the ease of a headband with the charming 20s feel of a fascinator.

image: Forever 21

Forever 21’s demure veil headband is made with a lady-like dotted mesh cap and accented with sheer ribbon and irridescent feathers.

image: Shop Bop

This sequin and lace accented fedora by Eugenia Kim would make a great accent for a less-formal and more party! kind of evening.

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Regrettable Headwear on the AMA Red Carpet

Shakira sported a pair of very shiny snake earrings during her trip down the red carpet for the American Music Awards last night:

image: Zuma Press

There are quite a few designers using snakes as inspiration for their jewelry these days, but Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen from Elizabeth & James have created some elegant and realistic pieces:

image: Saks 5th Avenue

These drop earrings are made from a combination of rose gold and sterling silver, accented with diamond eyes.

If those are a little too realistic, Kara by Kara Ross has a more stylized option:

image: Bergdorf Goodman

These gold-plated brass earrings suggest snakes rather than reproduce them exactly.

Or you could wear a snake on your hand instead…

image: Net-A-Porter

This snake ring is from Kenneth Jay Lane’s latest collection and features black and silver-tone metal with clear and black crystals.

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Shakira and Her Snakes at the AMAs

image: Zuma Press

Her choice of colors made her a standout in a sea of more traditional red carpet colors like black and metallics.

If you want to try some sexy blue shoes on this holiday season, I’ve got a few red carpet worthy picks for you

Go for the sparkles with Betsey Johnson’s “Kanata“, featuring a peep-toe and matching rosette detail on the vamp.

Prefer a little edgier look?  Then the “Flyn” by Steven may be the blue shoe for you.  It features a wide, studded suede strap and faux-croc heels.

Or are you a girl who likes straps – lots and lots of straps?  Try the blue suede “Shilou” by Steve Madden on for size.  Don’t worry about trying to get all those straps unbuckled though – it actually zips up the back for ease of wearing.

shoe images: Zappos

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Was Alicia Keys Feeling Blue at the AMAs?

Images: Neiman Marcus

Christian Louboutin Sequined Pouch ($995) – What I love most about this little pouch? The playful kiss-lock closure which is in the shape of two signature Louboutin pumps – so clever! Aside from that lovely detail, this sequined pouch is a little show stopper. Don’t care for the red? It also comes in a black/silver combination.

Judith Leiber Marquis Celebration Clutch ($2795) – This stunning clutch will definitely give you something to celebrate! The jet black marquise and multicolor pave Austrian crystals are eye catching in this floral inspired design.

Both of these clutches use the classic combination of black, white and red. There is just enough red in both of these to make them stand out but not look too crazy.  You can purchase either of these through the Neiman Marcus website.

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Dazzling Clutches for Evening

Here are some new Wolford styles that are sexy and unique…and available online at Bare Necessities since we don’t all have the luxury of living near a store.  These new designs are all full tights, but have the appearance of either thigh-high stockings or footless tights…very creative and functional for cold climates!

Image: Wolford

Wolford Hot Dots Tights $65

These faux thigh highs are so adorable!  The opaque vertical strip goes all the way up the side of the outside of the leg and a graphic bow sits at the top of the dotted tights.  Very sexy!

Image: Bare Necessities

Wolford Tabea Tights $58

Here’s another design that simulates thigh-highs…these even have a garter belt in the pattern!  These also appear to be fishnets, but are actually sheer tights with opaque criss-crossing lines on them.  Creative!

Image: Wolford

Wolford Luna Tights $65

I definitely thought that these were footless tights, but they are actually full-length nude stockings with an opaque black design that stops at the ankle.  The unique faux footless design allows for an incredibly lacy and detailed design.  Gorgeous!

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Sexy New Wolford Faux Styles

If you have the same dilemma or if you want to add a stylish new tote to your handbag collective, I found a couple highly splurge worthy candidates we can audition ASAP!

Image: Bergdorf Goodman

Gucci Jolie Large Tote ($780 at Bergdorfs) – The Gucci logo paired with the red and green striping detail makes this tote a total classic.  This tote has been around for years and it continues to be a best seller and can often be on back order on various websites.  I think what’s appealing about the Jolie tote is the simple structure. Although the Gucci logo pattern is everywhere, it’s not too obnoxious or in your face. Plus the charms are fun!

Image: Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton Damier Neverfull MM ($700 at LV) – This versatile tote has been around for a couple years now and it is a highly coveted bag from LV.  Its available in three sizes, but like Goldilocks and the three bears, the medium (MM) size feels just right. This tote is also available in the classic Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas print but if you don’t want logos galore, this would be a better choice. By the way, this tote will soon be available in Damier Azur next year so if you love that lighter colour combination, wait for that!

Ok, maybe you’d rather get a tote that is logo or pattern, free? Take a gander at these beauties, in the ever chic and fashionable black…

Image: Bergdorf Goodman

Dior Soft Large Woven Shopper ($2350 at Bergdorfs) – This is a tote bag that doesn’t mess around. The large size will hold just about anything and everything. The style is classic and the black woven lambskin leather is super lush. Similar to the Gucci Jolie tote above, this one has the familiar Dior charms for a bit of playfulness.

Image: Saks Fifth Avenue

Bottega Veneta Buckle Leather Tote ($1850 at Saks) – If you want something a wee bit smaller than the Dior, this one is perfection.  The leather is exquisitely soft and supple. The buckles add just the right amount of detail to keep it from looking bland and boring. But really when is a Bottega Veneta bag ever boring?

Hmm, I love them all but isn’t that always the case?! My ideal tote is all or mostly leather, soft but structured at the same time. This might be why I haven’t found ‘the one’ yet – I’m ridiculously picky!

Which one of these lovely totes would you choose? Have you found your holy grail tote? If so, tell us about it below!

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Splurge Worthy Tote Bags

Bella’s charm bracelet has become one of the most popular pieces of jewelry to be inspired by the books, and there are certainly lots of variations out there.

Jacob’s gift has been described as a little carved wooden wolf, so the first pick is a charm bracelet from Illuminating Designs by Connie featuring a Swarovski crystal heart and wooden wolf charm on a sterling silver-plated bracelet:

Or you could go for a carved goldstone wolf bead, paired with a Swarovski crystal heart on a charming sterling silver bracelet made from heart-shaped links, by Last Day of Forever Designs:

The last bracelet features a silver wolf, again paired with a crystal heart – this bracelet also has a deep red crystal accent bead between the two charms, made by Dazzled By Grace:

images: Etsy

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Weekend Etsy Picks

I just found the most gorgeous collection of affordable ribbon-tie bib necklaces at Ann Taylor.  These are exactly what I have been looking for and I would happily take home every piece in the holiday collection!  They are affordable and unique with chunky pearls and pave clusters.

Image: Ann Taylor

Smoky Pearl and Ribbon Torsade Necklace $65

I love this piece!  This smoky pearl twisted multi-chain necklace is exactly what I need right now.  I think I would wear it with everything in my closet.

Image: Ann Taylor

Pearl and Pave Cluster Necklace $80

Round pave clusters have such a holiday feel for me and they look great paired with pearls for a monochromatic look.  The pearls in varying sizes can come in Ivory or Oyster (pictured).

Image: Ann Taylor

Jet and Ribbon Two-Strand Necklace $50

If you are wearing a colorful dress for your holiday party, a black faceted bead necklace would be a great choice.  The two strands of beads catch the light slightly and can be worn with all of your colorful cashmere sweaters as well.

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Gorgeous Bib Necklaces at Ann Taylor

There is a one day “Red Sales” happening today, Sunday November 22nd ending tonight at midnight.  You can shop designer apparel beginning with the letters A through D, E through L, and M through Z.  And then there is the designer shoe Red Sale…

Franco Sarto “Trees” boot with pieced accents, normally $159, on sale for $47.

Add a touch of whimsy to your shoe wardrobe with the canvas and leather “Allison” flat by Elaine Turner, on sale for $89, normally $225.

Faux tortoise-shell patent leather?  Yes please!  The “Carma Air Sling” by Cole Haan is constructed using Nike “Air” technology for all-day comfort – and it’s on sale for $99, normally $275.

ideeli is an invitation-only shopping community, but if you’re not already a member, don’t worry!  Just enter the code “gleam” and you’re in

images: ideeli

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Red Sale at ideeli

Image: Bergdorf Goodman

How ridiculously fabulous is this Prada Struzzo Executive Tote ($5850)?!  I’m in love with the blue colour  (Colbato) and simple structure. You don’t see a lot blue handbags so if you want to stand out (in a good way), this is the one to get. Ok, so the price is pretty insane but it is made out of ostrich leather which gives it that cool texture that begs to be touched. This is the kind of tote that will always look amazing no matter what season.

Image: Bergdorf Goodman

Another fabulous resort collection Prada bag is the Vitello Daino Hobo ($1350). While this is an established style from the Prada line, it’s been updated with the use of this lovely dark yellow (Mimosa). If you still want a bright coloured bag, this would be the better one to get as it is all one colour; none of this overly trendy contrasting stripes or details.

While these two handbags aren’t in your average/classic colours of black, grey, brown, red or even white, they’re still stylish and have the longevity one should look for in handbags. Both of these handbags can be purchased or pre-ordered through the Bergdorf Goodman website.

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Stylish Prada Resort Collection Bags