I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you, but it’s officially spring! Slowly but surely the weather is changing, and here and there it’s even starting to feel a little like summer! You’re putting your big clunky boots and heavy coats away until winter, and at last it’s time for pretty dresses and floral Chanel and Gucci purses again! In particular, it’s maxi dress season – last year’s fashion sensation shows no signs of losing steam in 2012, and it’s a good thing, because I just can’t get enough of them! Like great Prada purses, I don’t think they’ll ever go out of style.

Maxi-mize Your Summer!

It’s really no wonder the maxi dress is so popular – it’s simply a fabulous fashion formula! Take a light, flowing fabric, tailor it into a long, flowing summer dress, add a dash of color and presto! You have that most elusive fashion combination – a dress that is both sexy and comfortable! Their simple design also makes them an easy match for your favorite Prada and Chanel purses. Of course there’s a little bit more to these dresses – variations on this look can include an empire seem below the bust, a surplice neckline, spaghetti straps and smocked tiers.

Accessible Accessories

Of course a great summer look takes more than just a dress! Here are a few suggestions for matching with your Maxi.

For jewelry you’ll want to go minimal, ideally something shiny that dangles and catches the eye. I really like these gold medallion Gucci earrings – aren’t they pretty?

For shoes we’re going to continue our theme of keeping it light with these barely-there flip flops from Chanel. The beautiful flower accents are just begging to be paired with a nice flower print dress.

Leather braids and tassels have an earthy vibe and are a great way to compliment a maxi dress. The Gucci Handmade Shoulder Bag has them in abundance, making it a perfect pick.

For something a little more modern, this Prada purse has been popping up in my dreams lately! It hangs snug to the body which is perfect with a maxi dress, since bulky bags just mess up your lovely silhouette.

Lastly, keep an eye out for the right pair of sunglasses! I can’t really make recommendations, since what will suit you really depends on the shape of your face more than anything. Just trust your instincts!

Remember, there’s a maxi dress out there for every woman, no matter what her style, so get out there and find your dream dresses and Gucci purses – summer will be here soon!

Louis Vuitton handbags are simply breath-taking. This Idylle Encre Odyssee with silver monogram is a bold and ingenious look that mixes the past and present.

As a modern woman, I need a modern bag which is why I’m just smitten with these Idylle Encre Odyssee Louis Vuitton handbags! The classic monogram in silver and white is a bold step forward, combining old and new for a look that is totally unique and sure to get a lot of attention.

I would say these Louis Vuitton handbags work best as travel bags, because they’re huge! And the nice thing is they actually look even better when they’re full, unlike a lot of bags that just look bulky. There’s a long broad shoulder strap that’s detachable and two rounded leather top-handles. A cute little zip pocket on the outside of the bag means you won’t have to dig through all your stuff to get to your keys or your makeup.

Now I know what you’re thinking: “Ashley, this bag costs a fortune! How could I ever afford it?” It’s easier than you think! I spotted these replica handbags recently and I think they look really sharp – check it out here. Until I win the lottery, I need replica handbags like these to keep me in style!

Today we’re going to pay tribute to one of my all-time favorite color combinations by featuring five fabulous bags in black and gold! I love how a little gold brings out the beauty of a black bag, and it’s a look that works with anything and can go anywhere. Here we go, in no particular order…

Fabuleux? S’il Vous Plait!

The use of straight edges and golden studs gives the Fabuleux a modern, almost futuristic look that I just love. I also love the flip-over flap clasp and the smooth, rounded top handles. Oh, did I mention it uses gorgeous Suhali leather? This bag is definitely what you’d call a conversation starter! More pictures here.

Petal to the Metal Marc Jacobs Handbags

The arching zipper is really what gives this bag its shape, and shows off the lovely golden brass accent on the flap which is the bag’s centerpiece. The pebbled black leather is so soft and supple; you’ll never want to put it down! A nice long strap means it hangs right at your hip, but there’s one more surprise hidden inside – the bright and playful lining is just to die for! This replica purse also makes the list of my top five Marc Jacobs handbags.

The Classic Chanel Flap Bag

No introductions needed here! Chanel flap bags are some of the most notorious purses in the world, and I think they look best in black and gold. The CC clasp, quilted leather and the entwined gold chain and leather strap are all iconic in their own right, and the combination of the three is just remarkable. This bag has been spotted on everyone from Lauren Conrad to Katy Perry.

Prada Weekend Bag with Ruffle Sides

If you’re going to have a getaway this weekend, there’s no better bag to bring along! This bag uses an ingenious contrast of smooth canvas and ruffled black leather to create a look that is totally unique. The gold brass hardware completes the look, featuring not only buckles and clasps, but also a dangling gold Prada charm. This bag is so chic!

Babouska Gucci Purses

If you’re looking for some old-world European charm, look no further than the Babouska! These bold and beautiful Gucci purses spare no expense, and feature a plethora of brass studs and rings, but the lovely gold emblem in the center might be my favorite touch. This bag is larger than the others we’ve looked at and can be great for traveling or even at the gym – just bring a plastic bag to keep your stinky clothes of the beautiful leather!

I know there’s a million bags out there using black and gold, and if your favorite didn’t make the list, write me and let me know! As for the bags we looked at, you can pick them up here.

I so often rave about how gorgeous Louis Vuitton’s monogram is, that I sometimes neglect Gucci’s own lovely canvas print – but today we’re going to look at a bag that showcases this beautiful design. The Sukey is one of my favorite Gucci handbags this year – I love the design, the endless room inside, and that beautiful Gucci print!

This bag uses stunning black leather for its top handles and to reinforce the opening, and it creates an amazing contrast against the canvas.

This bag is bigger on the inside than it appears on the outside, thanks to some very clever pleating – some small pleats on the front and back give the bag its shape and two large ones at either end let the bag expand when you open it. These Gucci handbags also feature a unique GG tag hanging from a brass ring, and a hidden interior clasp that keeps it shut. You can find more pictures here.

I have a huge collection of Gucci shoes – I think one of these replica handbags would be a great match, especially for Gucci shoes in black leather. I think these replica handbags are great at the office or at a casual party, but they’re probably a little too bulky for the club. Wherever you wear one, that lovely canvas is sure to get noticed!

“Dear Isa,

I just ordered some fabulous velvet shoes from Club Couture, red YSL peep toe pumps with ankle straps. Now that they’re on their way I realize I have no idea how to wear them! I need some advice on what wear with this color, but I’d also love some general tips on how to match with suede. What can you tell me?
Thanks so much!

Cynthia”

Dear C,

Fabulous is right! There are tons of ways to wear suede – with the right Chanel and Prada purses I don’t think you’ll have any problem putting together some outfits to match these lovely pumps.

One of my favorite looks to wear with suede is an elegant blouse and skirt combination. Ideally you want them in contrasting colors, and you probably don’t want to match the color of your shoes exactly (it will only draw attention away from them). Consider a white blouse with some frills, maybe long sleeves, and a deep blue skirt – denim could work. This look can work at formal occasions too, just pick out some big gold earrings and one of your favorite Prada purses.

Another great option is to go with your favorite evening dress, something feminine in a complimentary color. White or black will do, but if you choose a colored dress be sure that it has a deep, rich tone just like the red of your velvet pumps (bright primary colors will clash). If you feel like you want to add a little brightness, think along the lines of these lovely Chanel purses in pink with gold trim. A dress with a higher hemline will let the shoes stand out even more, but you don’t want to overdo it.

If you don’t want such a feminine look you can use your new shoes to balance out an outfit with masculine overtones. Go for a punky look with a leather jacket and jeans but keep things interesting with your velvet pumps! I love when women subtly contrast masculine and feminine aesthetics. I think it’s a bold look that really works.

Lastly, when matching handbags, think texture! Chanel purses with caviar leather mimic the unique texture of suede – just take a look at this flap bag in blue. It’s the kind of thing people don’t notice specifically; they’ll all wonder how you look so great!

In keeping with today’s theme, I would love to hear more from my readers about fabulous footwear! Bold fabrics, designs and colors – now’s the time to boast about your favorite shoes! If you like either of those flap bags or Cynthia’s famous velvet pumps, you can find them here.

Xo,
Isa

I can’t imagine anything better for summer than these lovely Neverfull Rayures replica handbags! I discovered them while shopping for replica watches and got totally distracted!

You know me – I can never get my fill of Neverfulls! So I was just elated when I discovered these Neverfull Rayures Louis Vuitton handbags – they feature vertical beige stripes alternating with the traditional monogram to create a look that’s totally new. It’s bold and very beautiful!

Everything you love about Neverfull Louis Vuitton handbags are still here, so don’t worry! Their famous top handles look as great as ever in beige leather, and so do the adjustable drawstrings on either end of the bag. These are great shopping bags, but now that spring is here and summer is soon to follow, they’re really at their best at the beach!

If you love the Louis Vuitton Neverfull (who doesn’t?) but want to try a new spin on an old favorite, these replica handbags are definitely for you. I stumbled onto them while I was browsing PV for some new replica watches, and it totally distracted me from my shopping goals! Anyways, replica watches can wait, because for now I’m obsessed with these gorgeous replica handbags! If you like it as much as I do, you can buy it here.

“Dear Isa,

My husband is always referring to me as a ‘fashion victim’ – not because I dress badly, but because I have an unfortunate habit of spending too much on clothes. Even my accountant has been telling me to tone it down! But I just can’t imagine not shopping… Isa I’m addicted! What can I do? I need some advice on how to save some cash, but I need to keep looking great. And no thrift stores! Can you help?

Alex”

Dear A,

I wouldn’t dream of sending you to a thrift store! There are plenty of less drastic ways to cut down on spending, and plenty of ways to get more out of the clothes you already own.

One of the most important things you can do is invest in some accessories. Accessories are like wardrobe multipliers – you can use them to make tons of outfits out of just a few dresses. That way you can buy fewer clothes, because by making them more versatile it’s like you’re expanding your wardrobe.

Of course accessories can be expensive too! But that brings us to my biggest cost-saving strategy – replica designer purses! You can literally spend a fortune on one or two real Chanel purses, or you can buy numerous replicas at a much lower price. Once you have a healthy collection of replica designer purses you can do so much more with the clothes you have, and you won’t have to spend so much on new looks.

First and foremost, you want a bag that can go with everything. Take for example the black Louis Vuitton Locket. Black and white are neutral colors so they go with nearly everything. The Locket has beautiful gold stitching to offset the Suhali leather and it’s nice and big, with room for everything.

Another all purpose black bag is the Chanel Pyramid tote. Its unique checkered pattern alternates between traditional and embroidered lambskin leather, and its drawstring opening is what creates the ‘pyramid’ aesthetic.

You’ll probably also want to set a bag aside for more formal occasions. The brown Louis Vuitton Lepanoui isn’t as versatile as other bags, but it’s pretty much guaranteed to match with formal outfits, if bright and bold colors aren’t your thing.

One of my favorite works-with-everything Chanel purses is this unique City bag. The unique trim you see around the edges it’s a technique called selvage, and I think it works well with both a casual look and formalwear. It also features the classic leather and chain entwined straps you see on a lot of classic Chanel purses, especially flap bags.

Of course these are just examples – I want to give you an ideal of how the right replica bags can work with lots of outfits. The more looks you can get from your bags, the less you need to spend on clothes, it’s that simple! These bags came from Club Couture, you can check out their site and prices here, you’ll get an idea of how much you save compared to the real thing (hint: it’s a lot). And if my readers want to share some thrifty tips of their own, I would love to hear them, and I’m sure Alex would to, so write me!

Xo,
Isa

Some handbags are so wildly expensive, it almost seems silly to buy the real thing! The Constance Hermes purse is a perfect example. With a price tag up around $10,000 even the super-rich will be hesitant to shell out for it, as lovely as it is.

For high-end bags like the Constance you need high-end replica handbags to be believable, and I think I’ve found just the thing!

This is the Constance replica at Club Couture, and it’s easily the best copy I’ve seen. The unique pebbled leather is the bag’s most notable feature, and I just love the tuck-in ‘H’ closure. It’s a small bag with a shoulder strap, about 8 x 9 inches, so it’s perfect when you’re on the go, doing your shopping or out on the town. I love it in orange, but it also comes in black, red, purple, gray, tan and pink.

If you’re like me, and the majority of the human race, you’re probably not interested in spending a small fortune on a Hermes purse! But that doesn’t mean you can’t look like a million bucks with a little help from some great replica handbags. If you love this purse as much as I do, you can find it here.

There’s a great new deal going on at Club Couture this month and it’s introduced me to an ingenious style trick I’d never even thought of! When you buy replica LV designer purses from them during May, you’ll receive, for free, a brown Louis Vuitton replica shopping bag, just like they give you at the store. But you won’t have to spend a bundle to get it, and you’ll be able go out looking like you’re on a high-class shopping spree.

Now mind you, these aren’t just any paper bags! They’re Louis Vuitton, so it’s no surprise that they are gorgeous, made with high-quality reinforced paper with the LV name printed in black across both sides. They also features those thick string handles, just like the real thing.

This is an offer for Club Couture members (that’s the official club of PV) and if you haven’t joined yet, now’s your chance! Sign up here -is free and easy. You’ll have to add the bag to your cart, and when you do you’ll get the promotional code sent to your email. These bags are included when you buy Louis Vuitton replica designer purses, but not scarves and shoes and things like that.
Mine is on its way, I can’t wait!

Xo,
Isa

As a dog lover and the proud owner of a beautiful terrier, I am absolutely smitten with these dog carrier replica handbags! At first glance, you don’t even realize it’s for a pet – this stylish bag looks just as good as many regular Louis Vuitton handbags. It’s even slightly reminiscent of the Speedy, but bigger.

Obviously this bag goes anywhere you want to bring man’s best friend, but where it might not be appropriate to have your dog off its leash. Use it at shops and restaurants, on the subway and especially for traveling. That’s why it includes the lovely beige tag where you can put your address and contact information, in case you and your pet are ever parted.

The bag itself uses the classic combination of the traditional monogram and beige cowhide leather that you see in so many of your favorite Louis Vuitton handbags. In fact there are only a few small details that give away the fact that these replica handbags are for your pet – the screen at one end where the canvas rolls up and the unique top zip opening, designed to make it easy to get your pet inside (even if your pet doesn’t make it easy for you!). If you like this bag, you can find it here.

I would just love a bag like this for my dog Charlie. What about you? I would love to hear from my dog owning readers about this one!