Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone! Obviously we've been on a bit of hiatus due to the holiday season, but we will be up and fully running after New Year's; we promise! But enjoy all your presents and great food. Plus this is the only time of year we will let you slide by on wearing questionable, holiday sweaters!

♥ Chloé & Celeste

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I know many of you are on your winter break and planning (or already have planned) some fun trips. I myself won't be going anywhere farther than an hour away (especially after taking that horrible five hour car drive home), but a few of my friends are already leaving for a trip tomorrow. So in case you haven't left yet, here are some of my chic traveling trips to ensure that you look as fabulous as you are comfortable!

Now when you're traveling comfort is essential. You don't want to be fussing with your clothing when you're lugging your packed bags into the airport (or trunk). One of the most important things to remember are layers. You don't want to be stuck either too cold or too hot, so make sure to wear two or three lightweight layers of clothing so they can be easily taken off. This is a good tip to remember especially on airplanes because of the fluctuating temperatures.

• Short Sleeve Deep V-Neck, $22.00
• Printed Lace V-Neck Tunic, $48.00
• Hooded Scarf Cardigan, $25.00
  

And now for the bottoms. I'm all for comfort, but still no pajamas or ugly sweats please. But if you don't want to wear jeans, try these cashmere pants from VS. They're more put-together, especially if you keep the top half of your outfit neat (no baggie hoodies!). I prefer to just wear some of my broken in jeans. They're just as comfortable, and you don't look like a mess.

• Cashmere pants, $148.00
• Lapis Skinny Boot Cut Jeans, $38.99
• American Rag Skinny Jeans, $49.00
  

When choosing what shoes to wear, opt for a pair that can be worn with socks. This is also an important thing to remember if you're traveling by plane. Thanks to the tight security shoes must be taken off. You don't want to be walking on the ground with bare feet. Sneakers are always a good option if you're looking for comfort. But don't overlook other options such as the cute boots featured above! They are just as cozy and snug, but a bit more fashionable.

• Sam Edelman Ursula Boots, $78.90
• Converse Jack Purcell Shoes, $49.99
• Steve Madden Bonanza Boots, $78.95
  

You might think just because all your clothing is comfortable, it can't be chic. Don't be fooled! I'm a big fan of basics since you can wear them so many ways. But you can always up their fashion-y factor by adding some chic accessories! To look put together in the cold wrap a scarf around your neck. Beanies and berets are another way to stay warm and look good. Big messenger bags are perfect for all your carry-ons, and travel tags in a girly pink make it easy to find your luggage!

• Foldover Tackle Bag, $39.99
• Traveling Girl Luggage Tags, $4.80
• Circle Applique Scarf, $29.99
• Calyptic Beret, $28.00

Stay warm and safe during your holiday trips! And of course, fashionable.

♥ Celeste

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I know many of you are scurrying around buying your Christmas gifts for your family and friends. Just like last year, my group of seven friends and I decided to do Secret Santa. It's fun and also budget friendly (meaning you only have to get one gift instead of one for each). Since that doesn't mean we don't have to buy gifts for friends outside the group, we concluded that everyone's gift should be around $30-$40. So I've been working on my wishlist all day, and decided to share some of these chic, but cheap finds I would love to receive from my Secret Santa.

1) Studded Hem Dress, $24.80
This is a simple black dress which is always a great item to have in your closet. The best part about it, of course, are the gold studs that adorne the bottom. It gives this dress a unique spin, without making it too trendy or flashy.
2) Feather & Filigree Teardrop Earrings, $5.80
How perfect are these feather earrings? They're a great way to spice up a basic outfit. Plus the tourqoise teardrops give these earrings a great touch.
3) Kimchi Blue Printed Plaid Tunic, $29.99
This cute, plaid shirt definitely caught my eye, especially after I saw that it had been priced down from $48 to a reasonable $30. A perfect addition to my $40 and under wishlist!
4) Twist Lock Clutch, $19.80
Clutches are perfect for all the holiday parties. And I prefer this kind to the flashy, sequined clutches some people carry around. It's more subtle, and can be paired with a million outfits.
5) Leaf & Bead Necklace, $6.80
I need a new, long necklace and this caught my eye. It's fairly simple, with cute details, and is perfect for slipping it on to get that effortlessly chic looking.
6) Abstract Woven Scarf, $7.80
I can never get enough! And scarfs are perfect for adding to a wishlist that has a budget. They're fairly cheap and I like practically every design!
7) Fab Button Tab Fleece Coat, $22.50
For some reason, it feels extremely cold this winter in California. So I thought it would be practical to add this classic, navy coat to my wardrobe. Plus by itself it doesn't even add up to the minimum price limit meaning I could probably get an accessory with it too!
8) Clarissa Crochet Cardigan, $22.80
Although this probably isn't reasonable for super cold days, it's great for layering! And it will definitely make you look cozy.

♥ Celeste

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I'm usually not a fan of fair isle patterns, or anything like it but I saw this chunky cardigan on Vanessa Hudgens and fell in love with it. I think I like it because it's not too flashy. It consists of neutral colors, such as black, grey, and white. And she keeps the rest of her outfit basic so her sweater gets all the attention. Plus, for some reason, I think these are perfect sweaters for the holidays. Maybe I'm thinking of those classic sweaters with holiday images on them, but hey, these are a lot more fashionable. And you can wear them whenever it's cold out, and not just around this season.

Vanessa's sweater is from Victoria's Secret! I know I said it was from Urban Outfitters, but my sources were wrong. Sorry about that, and thank you for the correction!

• Shawl Collar Cardigan, $58.00
  

EDIT: Some other more similar versions (since apparently Vanessa's is belted)

• 291 Long Cardigan, $165.90
• 291 Alpaca Cardigan, $278.00
  

This is another shawl cardigan alternative. If you want something lighter this will be perfect. True, this isn't a fair isle pattern, but if you'd still like some details but in a more subtle tone, this is the way to go. The pops of white and red keep the grey sweater from being just another sweater. Plus it comes with a self-tie belt so you can cinch it for a different look.

• Play by C. Ronson Intarsia Cardigan, $128.00
  

Can you tell I'm fond of grey cardigans? This sweater has patterns that are more holiday directed than the others. But it still maintains that versatile look so you don't have to be afraid of wearing it once the holidays are over. It features polar bears on the front and on the sleeves. Although this picture shows them in black, if you order online you might get it in white instead since the sweaters are assorted.

• MINKPINK Polar Express Cardigan, $92.00
  

To break the pattern here is a chic tunic sweater. This features a fair isle pattern along the neckline providing an interesting detail on this otherwise monotone tunic. What's even better is that it includes pockets which are also adorned with the same color scheme pattern. It's perfect for a casual holiday gathering!

• Tikirani Fairisle Tunic Sweater, $78.00
  

If you weren't able to tell, all the above were from Urban Outfitters. Sorry for the lack of variety, but they seemed to have the best choices of patterned knits! But don't worry, I did find these two lovely versions for cheaper. The one on the right is a similar version to the one Vanessa is wearing on her coffee run. It also features a shawl collar and more neutral patterns. The second is a cute pullover in a flattering indigo shade. It is also a different way of wearing the fair isle pattern (it's definitely a lot more subtle since it features only white and blue).

• Printed Shawl Collar Cardigan, $35.00
• Brandi Fair Isle Sweater, $44.50

And in a more administrative note, I'd like to apologize for the lack of posts. Some people have been commenting and emailing about the depletion of updates. It's finals week right now (I have two tomorrow!) and I've been sick since Friday. I hope the rest of you are having a less hectic week than I am! I promise there will be more updating once I'm on break.

♥ Celeste

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I want to share a shoe purchase I made recently. It was a total impulse buy, which I normally don't do with things such as shoes. I was actually shopping around for some rainboots, but ended up with these seude, gray booties.

I stumbled upon them at Payless and I loved them! First off, I've been wanting a pair of boots in grey and the suede makes it easy to dress it up or down. And second they were surprisingly comfortable! I'm not a huge fan of heels since I'm terrible at walking in them, but these were a piece of a cake. But the best part about them was the price. They were only $19.99! (Though on their website they're knocked down even more to $17.99; the original cost is at $42.00).

Here's how they look like on the website. Cute no?

And here they are sitting on my desk. You can see they're a bit darker than what's portrayed on the website.

I'm wearing them in this one. I'm pairing it with dark, grey tights and black, knee-high socks I scrunched down. (Sorry about the picture quality. I had to brighten it up a thousand times on my computer).

They have these in black too. If you'd like to snag up a pair you'd better hurry! The stores had limited sizes, but they're available online.

♥ Celeste

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I am a huge fan of graphic tees. It just sort of happened starting this year. It's a great way to be comfortable and stylish just by pulling on an article of clothing. You don't even need to spice it up with a ton of accessories! (Plus, they're usually very inexpensive).

Personally I'm not fond of shirts with "witty" sayings on them, but words are okay if they're minimal and don't really refer to anything in particular (such as "peace" or "love"). Overall though, I like uncommon patterns, subdued animal prints, and one solitary image. I'm currently coveting this "LOVE" graphic tee that I saw on the Forever 21 website, but could not for the life of me find it in the actual store over Thanksgiving break! I was very disappointed. But here are some other great ones I found!

1) Animal Print Tee, $10.00
2) Paint Splatter Tee, $12.80
3) Plaid Peace Sign Tee, $28.00
4) Oui Paris Curved Hem, $28.00
5) Flower Tee, $22.50
6) Hello Kitty Holiday Tee, $18.90

For my next post I'll show you guys this pair of suede booties I bought! And sorry for the lack of longer worded posts; finals are a pain in the butt. I'm sure many of you are dealing with the same. But don't worry, a long winter break is already up ahead!

♥ Celeste

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I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving! I had a great Thanksgiving and birthday. I definitely got the cake I'd been craving all month long. My Black Friday shopping was a bit disappointing though! I didn't get many items on my "list", but I did manage to snag a plaid jacket I'd been lusting for plus a bundle of accessories. There's still the Holiday sales though right?

Anyways, I'm in desperate need of a pair of fashionable rainboots after dreading the puddles and mud last week. (Although of course it's bright and sunny now). The weather here is so unpredictable that I'm sure I can't rely on the skies being clear for long. So I thought I'd share some of my rainboot finds!

1) Leopard Rain Boots, $24.80
2) Chooka Signature Printed Rain Boots, $59.95
3) Zetta Tall Rain Boots, $24.99
4) Puddle Rain Boots, $24.80
5) Sperry Top-Sider Pelican Rain Boots, $59.95
6) Hunter Original Rain Boots, $115.00

I especially like the Sperry Top-Sider ones. The color is so clean and simple, and so is the design. Although I'm not sure how practical white rainboots would be. They're fabulous nonetheless!

♥ Celeste

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Happy Birthday Celeste!!!!!
(Yes, her birthday is on Thanksgiving this year)




But to the rest of you,
Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your Turkeys and traditions!

★ Chloé

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The upcoming break and the available time I'm going to have to go shopping is making me day dream about all the goodies I want to add to my closet during Thanksgiving weekend. It actually rained for the first time here since I've been at school. Not that I'm a huge fan of rain when I have to walk around dripping to all my classes, but it definitely signals the start of the cold, but cheerful holiday season. Even though it technically isn't even Thanksgiving yet, I'm already picturing my Christmas party outfits, presents under the decorated tree, and sharing delicious meals with family and friends.

Since the upcoming holidays are putting me in a cheerful mood, I thought to put together a wishlist of designer items I'm coveting. I'm already imagining what I'll pair up each piece with!

1) Kenneth Jay Lane Flower Cuff, $143.00
2) Juicy Couture Patent Driver Gloves, $125.00
3) Dolce Vita Leather Bomber Jacket, $495.00
4) Monrow Tuxedo Jacket, $295.00
5) Corso Como Metallic Floral Punched Flats, $140.00
6) Sergio Rossi Dody Knotted Platform Sandals, $650.00

1) Milly Flower Cap, $150.00
2) Kenneth Jay Lane Oval Ring, $77.00
3) Love Quotes Hand Knotted Fringe Scarf, $88.00
4) Juicy Couture Beaded Charm Stretch Bracelets, $68.00
5) LeSportsac Large Weekender, $98.00
6) Kenneth Jay Lane Leaf Cuff, $88.00

PS, I think I'm mentioning Thanksgiving in every single post I updated this week. I'm sorry! Can you tell I'm excited? I'm leaving for a long drive home tomorrow, but I will get the second part of the "Dress Like..." post up as soon as I get back. Stay warm!

♥ Celeste

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I know many of you love and envy Blair Waldorf's wardrobe on the hit tv show Gossip Girl. (If only I could afford that Dior handbag of hers...). This is a sneak peek of one of Blair's fabulous outfit from an unaired episode.

I really love that coat of hers. Of course Blair would wear it in her signature color -- red. And she makes sure it's known by wearing red shoes and carrying a red purse.

If you can afford this Milly Diamond Wool/Rayon Viscose Coat, then feel free to splurge since I will leave you with the link. I will also be extremely jealous if you can afford the $684.00 price tag.

Her Dior Large Quilted Patent Lady Bag is probably a lot more expensive than that. Unfortunately I couldn't find it available in any stores. I'm sure if you look hard enough though you can find some great knock-offs.

PS, I hope everyone's Monday is going well. I just came back from taking a crazy hard midterm and can't wait to go home for Thanksgiving.

♥ Celeste

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This is part 1 on the set of posts I am going to do on Lauren Conrad's style. This post will focus on her dressy outfits, while the next one will focus on her casual ones.

The "Dress Like..." posts are a series I'm going to do featuring a certain celebrity that is known for her fashion choices. It won't be on specific outfits, but more on how their overall style is like, and how you can incorporate that into your wardrobe. I know most of you usually have one celebrity/model or even a girl you saw on Myspace as your fashion muse. But some of you, like me, may have a main one yet also others on the side. And Lauren is one of them for me. I connect with her style because I'm a student and I can see myself wearing many of the outfits she chooses when she's at events or just going out for lunch. She does this effortlessly chic style very well. Her style is usually very basic, trendy and comfortable. That's what I want to go for when I'm just going off to my classes or getting spruced up for special occasions.

Her dressy outfits give off that same vibe. She stays with very classic cut dresses, but always has some kind of special detail that gives her look something different. It can be something subtle like the hem on her dress or something more eye-catching like bright patterns.

The Dress
Lauren opts for sweetheart cuts for her dressier days. They look great on practically every body type and they come in a variety of styles and prints. She switches up their look though by always finding a unique piece. If it's a solid color she adds a fun belt, goes for crazy and colorful prints, or chooses an elegant fabric.

But that doesn't mean she doesn't try out other dress styles. She goes for t-shirt dresses with amazing beaded details and mini dresses in classic colors.

(On the left): Flower Embroidered Satin Dress $27.80 (On the right): Extend Pleat Dress $24.80.














(On the left): Sequin Stripped Shift $68.99 (On the left): Floral Sequin Chiffon Dress $36.99.














(On the left): AB Studio Jeweled Sheath Dress $69.00 (On the right): Fold Down Neck Puffball Dress $57.00.

The Shoes
Lauren wears shoes that don't compete with the rest of her outfit. They are usually black peep toes or, her current favorite, YSL T-straps. It isn't hard to find a similar pair since Lauren's picks are timeless. Plus this is the perfect chance to add some classic heels to your wardrobe if you don't have them already. They'll never go out of style.















(On the left): Skinny Heel Patent Platforms $37.50 (On the right): Kurt Geiger Glitter Heels $150.00.














(On the left): Charles David Minis Sandals $124.95 (On the right): Linea Paolo Branson Pumps $69.90.

Accessories
Lauren keeps her accessories to a bare minimum. If she's wearing a strapless dress she will sometimes stick to a barely-there, thin necklace, but most of the time she keeps everything clean by having no accessories at all. Her hair is usually curled and kept down so accessories would just make her outfit more cluttered. She does love her bracelets though. Lauren wears gold or silver thin bangles to add some sophistication.

Remember, having a style muse is great for creating new looks, but don't ever copy someone else's style from head to toe. That isn't being creative; you've got to make the look your own. That's why the items I picked are never exactly like the pieces that Lauren is wearing in any of her pictures. But, they are all something you can imagine her in since it's very her. You always want to put your own touch into your outfits too!

I hope you enjoyed this new and different post! Give me your thoughts and look out for part two!

♥ Celeste

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Apparently Mischa Barton has launched her own website, MischaBarton.com. Although she has been getting some digs for her past fashion mistakes, she has been a lot of people's favorite style icon for quite some time. So it's not a big surprise she has some of her own fashion lines.

Mischa has a section on her site labeled "fashion" featuring accessories from her new handbag and headband lines.


source: MischaBarton.com

Her handbag line is going to be available at Asos.com, and she has a few pictures of her ads for them up on her site. And for her headbands, she's working with designer Stacey Lapidu, and more pictures are also included.

So far I have to admit they're quite catching! Mischa currently only has those two posts up, but keep checking back since I'm sure she'll be updating frequently.

♥ Celeste

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Sephora.com has some amazing gift sets and many of them are under $25! They're perfect beauty presents for your girlfriends. I know usually makeup isn't a gift you would go for, since handing your friend an eyeliner stick or mascara can seem measly. But these gift sets won't make you feel like that; trust me.

Plus if you're a Beauty Insider member you can collect points for every dollar you spend! By being a Beauty Insider you can shop for limited edition items on the website, and redeem points to get exclusive samples.

Under $25

Shu Uemura 24k Gold Eyelash Curler, $24
Urban Decay Trifecta: Combination Sets, $22

• The Shu Uemura eyelash curler is one of the best eyelash curlers out there. Compared to other brands this works a thousand times better. But honestly, giving someone an eyelash curler for their Christmas present might seem a bit unusual. But this limited edition comes in 24K gold in a luxurious red package. (You might even want to pick up one yourself!)
• Urban Decay's eye products are a favorite among many. This great set doesn't make you choose just one. It comes with mini version of their best products so you can try them all. It includes eyeshadow primer potion, glide-on eye pencil, and Big Fatty mascara.

Cargo Holiday Nights Collection, $25
Korres Sugar & Spice Set, $12

• This little set contains everything you need to create the perfect holiday look. It comes in a exquisite cloth box which includes a mirror. Inside are four complimentary eyeshadow colors, blush, silver eye pencil, and face and body sparkle. It's easy to just slip into your clutch and touch-up on the go.
• This set of trio sweet and spicy showergels are perfect for getting you into the festive mood. Not only do they smell good enough to eat, they each contain vitamins and proteins to give you healthy, glowing skin.

Under $50

Sephora Brand Ultimate Blockbuster, $48
Nars Safer Multiple Orgasm Set, $37

• This amazing makeup palette is perfect for your beauty savy friend. It can be used all over the face -- eyes, lips, cheeks, etc. It contains eyeshadow, lipgloss, and powder all on stackable, easy-to-carry, trays. But that's not all, it also comes with makeup tools! It contains four brushes, three sponge-tipped applicators, a lip liner, and an eyeliner. No matter where you are, perfect makeup can be applied with everything in this slick, black makeup case.
• Nars is famous for their blushes, but this gift set also comes with two discreetly packaged condoms! This is a great, unique gift for your girlfriend who's bound to end up in giggles once she unwraps your present. Don't worry, a blush cream stick is also included.
  

Sephora Brand Scent Sampler Trendsetters For Her, $50
Oscar Blandi Collezione di Jasmine Hair Smoothing Essentials, $48

• This is a set of nine designer fragrances. It's perfect for your friend who can never set her mind on anything. This collection allows for the wearer to test out all the different sets ranging from Burberry Brit Sheer, Nina Ricci Nina, and Prada Infusion D'Iris. Since you might not know what your friend likes, why not let her try a little bit of each? After she's found her favorite she can fill it in an enclosed voucher, bring it to her local Sephora store, and get the full bottle of the fragrance she's chosen!
  
• This is a fabulous hair-shining kit from the famous Oscar Blandi collection. It comes with a simple regimen you follow, including a conditioning and cleansing treatment, that will fortify, protect, and smooth your hair. Not only that it comes with two of Blandi's best-selling styling aids.

And that's not even half of what's in stock! Check out Sephora's website and look around for the perfect Christmas gift for your girlfriends (and even moms and aunts!). You will not be displeased, and neither will they. Who doesn't like looking beautiful and getting spruced up for the holidays? Start gift shopping early!

★ Chloé

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I see plaid everywhere these days, and not just on shirts and jackets. I see them on handbags, scarfs, headbands, and even tights (who would have thunk?). And this trend comes in a multitude of color combinations, ranging from classic to trendy.

My plaid must-have is a shirt in a black and white or blue. I'm also looking into some scarfs in more unique colors such as this blue and pink one from Forever 21. If you really want to stand out, you can try some plaid tights like the ones Taylor Swift is wearing above. With her patterened scarf you'd think it would be too much, but it oddly works.

If you're like me and want to add an article of plaid clothing, shop around for some cute tops, jackets, and skirts that appeal to you. Plaid comes in so many colors and different patterns that it won't be hard to find one that you like. I like the sweater above since it's in neutral colors that balances out the heavy lines. Plus the shape of the top itself is very feminine. The same goes for the skirt. You don't want to buy bottoms in anything too colorful unless you're planning on only wearing it once or twice. Coats are another easy find. Many stores carry a variety of plaid jackets in different shapes and colors. So take your pick!

• Plaid Sweater, $18.99
• Silence & Noise Full Plaid Skirt, $58.00
• Wakefield Hooded Plaid Coat, $46.90
  

Plaid doesn't just appear on clothing anymore. You can find them on handbags, tights, and shoes. Finding the perfect kind may be a bit harder if you're looking for long wear. Go for simple colors if you want to continue using your item for a longer amount of time, like the tote bag above. And while plaid tights may not be for everyone, they usually don't go for more than $7 so don't be afraid to try them out if you feel you can work it. And for a touch of preppiness, go for plaid flats with a metal buckle.

• Tignanello Plaid Plus Tote, $59.25
• Plaid Tights, $5.80
• Plaid Buckle Flats, $10.00
  

Want something a little smaller than that? Don't worry you can get just that little pinch of plaid into your outfit with accessories such as head clips, headbands, and scarfs. Pick whatever you like. If you'd still like to keep it classic go for something like the Burberry inspired scarf. Or go bold and get a headband in a bright orange, which will stand out against your hair. Plus this is an easy to way to try out a trend without splurging.

• Plaid headband, $8.50
• Plaid Flower Hair Clip, $4.00
• Mossimo Plaid Woven Scarf, $12.99

I'm already staking my claim on a couple coats I found online. I can already imagine them in my closet...

♥ Celeste

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I'm in need of a new handbag. As much as I love the one I'm using (a cream tote that I got for such a deal), I want something new! Not just because my old one is getting a little ragged on the bottom, but also because I want to try out one of the new handbag trends. Sure, totes will always safe, but you're only young once right?

My three favorite trends right now are the slouchy, framed, and messenger bags. To go with the number theme, I picked three for each category priced from steal-worthy to splurge-worthy. Even if they're just "trends" and might not last long, splurge if you know you'll love it and if you're getting it in a classic color.

Slouchy

• Bow Detail Hobo Bag, $34.65
• Angie & Lola Perforated Hobo Bag, $39.99
• Beckon Patch Pocket Drawstring Hobo, $117.90

I've had my eye on a slouchy bag for my next "it" bag, but there's honestly so many to choose from. If you told me to choose just one from the above, I probably couldn't do it! C'mon, how girly is that bow detailed hobo bag? It's like mixing bohemian with Victorian. And the second bag comes in such an amazing color; it would stand out perfectly against my dark clothes. Plus the Beckon bag comes in patent! I'll love anything that comes in patent.

Framed

• Melaine Canvas Tote, $14.99
• Rosetti Arlington Tote, $41.30
• Pleated Doctor Bag, $68.00

Framed bags are great if you need something more structured, especially for carrying around notebooks or folders. This definitely scores points for when you need to set it down on the floor and instead of crumbling up like most bags do, this will just stand up all by itself.

Messenger

• Fringe Messenger Bag, $29.99
• Giddy Up Bag, $39.50
• Fossil Castille Traveler Bag, $88.50

I would have never considered a messenger bag ever, but after seeing them on certain people I've come to like them quite a lot. I always thought of messenger bags as being those boring, practically-laptop-case-looking things, but I was very wrong. I would never do fringe boots, but the fringe messenger bag is a different story. It's just a small touch of it that makes it just right. And the other two come in such great colors, and don't come in those boxy shapes I always imagined.

I'll probably go bag shopping over for Black Friday! What fashionista doesn't love great sales?

♥ Celeste

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