Fashion Blog

When I lived in a small town outside of Boston I used to go to an small Greek grocer where I would buy thick green bars of olive oil soap., The smell of the soap, richly herbal, made showering a treat. The French Soaps website offers a chance to buy not just olive oil soaps from Greece but from Turkey, Spain, Lebanon and France. A set of six soaps sells for $52.65. As the name of the website suggests, they also specialize in French soaps, candles and …

The Sardegna Adjustable Bag is from Bottega Veneta’s spring line and, with its bright near-fuchsia coloring, few would mistake it for a winter purse. The body of the tote is canvas, a practical choice for a purse that could end up down by the beach, but the thick, double-braided handles are made of soft, smooth leather. The top of the tote has no closure, but there are magnetic snaps at either end of the bag to allow it to expand, if necessary. It measures 12″H x 19″L x 6″W. Price: $720.

This small Michael by Michael Kors Vintage Rose Saddle Flap Bag has an updated western look to it. The chocolate brown leather and brass studs are very western, as is the saddle bag-style flap, but the cutout flower design has a modern feel and gives the bag a youthful, casual appeal. It would look great with jeans. The bag measures only 11″W x 7″H x 2 1/2″D and has a 9″ drop from the strap, which is not adjustable. It is also available in black. Price: $248.

If your holiday travels bring you through the San Francisco International Airport you have one last luxury shopping opportunity. A new Gucci store, the first one in a U.S. airport, has opened at the International Terminal at SFO. According to an article on Inside the Bay Area, this airport was chosen as a Gucci location because of its sleek design. The international terminal at SFO is not a bad place to be waylaid if snow in other areas delays your flight, there is also a salon, spa and plenty of decent dining options and your Gucci purchases will be duty free.

Today is the shortest day of the year and, for anyone living somewhere cold, it is also the perfect time to fantasize about summer. Emilio Pucci’s Leite Print Medium Canvas Tote is as bright and summery a bag as you can get. The tote is on the small side (12.5″ x 9.75″ x 5″) and is made of canvas with white leather trim and contrasting pink studs. There is a snap closure at the top and a logo textile lining. What makes this even more summery is that there is a cute, matching bikini. Is it too …

The deep bottle green color is what attracted me to Cole Haan’s Large Paige Convertible Tote because it is fairly uncommon, with most designers favoring neutrals, blacks and other standards for their large bags. The bag is made of soft, supple leather and has shoulder strap that converts this from a day bag to one that is a little more convenient for traveling or just for carrying a laptop around. It has a magnetic snap closure at the top opening, just above the cinching belt, and two small …

Rachael Zoe, stylist to stars like Lindsay Lohan, Mischa Barton and, up until recently, Nicole Ritchie, teamed up with Judith Leiber to create the Medusa Bag. Leiber is better known for her jeweled clutches and evening bags, but this particular handag is meant for day use. Made in the US from silky smooth kidskin, the bag is elegant and useful. It has pockets both inside and out and is secured on the top by both a zipper and a magnetic flap, which is adorned with a golden snake symbol that …

Bowler bags have a very functional look about them, especially when they are large. The smaller they get, the cuter they look and the Agnes & Hoss Starlings Bowlers are certainly helped along by their bright colors and delicate designs on the front panels. The bags are trimmed in leather, with leather handles and a reinforced leather base, but have silk fabric front and back faces. The lining is suede. Available in two colors, the designs are monochromatic and match the leather, though the silk …

Shield your eyes. Jimmy Choo’s Keeya Metallic Tote is blinding when set in direct sunlight, but its reflective finish is a good accessory for casual-elegant evening wear, adding a whole new glow to a night time look. Although it has a silvery cast, the bag is actually made with pale gold leather. The tote features wide, soft handles, a central zip pocket and two slim pockets at each end of the tote. $1,395.

Pretty in plum pink, the Marc Jacobs Quilted Leather Irina Handbag has a fun, young feel to it. This is due to its use of contrasting textures, using both quilted and grained leathers, and a well-placed diagonal zipper on the front of the bag. It also has “Marc Jacobs” in large, gold lettering that matches the golden brass hardware and gives the bag a little bit of bling. If pink is a little too bold, the Irina is also is available in a caramel-colored brown. It measures 19″ x 11″ x 8″. Price: …