The Military Look

Want to add discipline to your wardrobe? Why not add the newest military styles to your closet to compliment your already fab style. There is a trick to it though, you don't want to come out the house looking like your heading off to basic training or going off to war. Always, always add a bit of femininity to it. Here's a few tips to lead you in the right direction:

• Wear one piece at a time: Pair a structured military jacket with a feminine flowing skirt
• Avoid Cargo styles with lots of pockets: You have a beautiful handbag from Candy Coated Bags so whats the need for all the pockets! Go for simpler features like stand-out buttons and high collars in shades of olive or brown.
• Long and Flowing: Try a long trench coat or a loose but structured skirt that ends right below the knee

Shoes and Bags, Oh My!

You already know I have an obsession with handbags but what's a handbag without a cute shoe? Take a look at my finds from shopstyle.com.

More Modern Vintage...

I need those Taupe Suede Modern Vintage boots and that Isabella Fiore handbag in my life, PRONTO!

Featured Handbag of the Week!

Hey Everyone!

I'm sure you've all had a chance to check out the new handbags at Candy Coated Bags online! If not, go take a peek, you won't regret it :)

This week's featured bag is:

Golden Honey, www.candycoatedbags.com

This hobo style bag is a gorgeous golden tan with just a touch of femininity with the ruffling detail in the front. For more stylish handbags go to www.candycoatedbags.com

*Add a bit of colorful sweetness to your wardrobe!

Putting the Pieces Together

I found this spread while browsing on Shopstyle.com courtesy of member Muhsear, who has by the the way a great eye for style!

Skinny Denim by IRO
Boots by Chloé

Hot or Not?

I use to think that wearing opened toe shoes and sandals with tights or pantyhose was a fashion no-no. In some instances, I still think it's a bit tacky but this outfit, with the touch of red is calling my name!

What do you think? Hot or Not?

What's Your Personal Style

Style comes in so many descriptions and it all depends on the individuals personality and personal preferences. Most styles that are created fall under these four categories: Classic, Sensual, Edgy and Feminine. What's does your style fall under? Or are you a mixture? Here's few ideas to help spruce up your style, it'll be you but only better!

Jennifer Aniston

Classic: Remove the boring from your Classic style of crisp lines and crisp tailoring by adding a hint of naughty to make sophisticated pieces less "stiff." Find a few pieces that skim your curves and defines your body. Throw in a shot of red or perhaps an animal print to accent your neutrals.

Jennifer Lopez

Sensual: There is a difference between being sexy and just plain risque! Know how to flaunt what you have without being tart by never showing more than one asset at a time. Keep your cleavage in check and watch your mini's. There is a way to be sexy without showing all that you were born with.

Rachel Bilson

Edgy: Downtown street meets uptown chic makes this style not so over the edge. Try pairing a leather jacket in an off color like gray with a bright colored scarf or bold print skirt with classic lines. In other words, mix your edgy pieces with some of your classics to re-define this style.

Feminine: When you here this word, you think of flowers, flowing skirts, ruffles and silk. Yes, but add a few sleek touches. Pair a slip dress with a boyfriend blazer.

And there you have it 4 styles with a few tips to transform your look. Enjoy!!

Featured Handbag of the Week!

Hey Everyone!

It's been a while, but I couldn't leave you hanging any longer! Here's the new Featured Handbag of the Week, Zipped! Its a very intense teal colored handbag with ruffled zipper accents.  Zip top closure, two strap handle with additional shoulder strap included. Absolutely gorgeous and eye catching! Of course it can be found at www.candycoatedbags.com

What are you waiting for?? Go and add a bit of colorful sweetness to your wardrobe!

L.o.v.e. Magazine Giveaway!

Candy Coated Bags is delighted to help L.o.v.e.. Magazine out with a giveaway of one of our Fall Handbags!!

In order to win this handbag, you must become a fan of L.o.v.e. Magazine on Facebook! Click "Like" here Love Magazine on Facebook. Winner will be announced on September 30, 2010. Follow L.o.v.e. Magazine on twitter for daily affirmations and other articles to keep you motivated and up to date! Visit L.o.v.e. Magazine here for details on the giveaway!!

Skintone + Hair Color = Best Color to wear???

Hey Everyone!

As I was browsing online at instyle.com, I came across an interesting piece about colors and what's your best color based on your skin tone and hair color. I am not too sure I agree so much as I am of darker complexion, (Toasted Butter Pecan as I like to call my skin complexion) and I absolutely love lavender and kelly green against my skin. And might I add, I get many compliments :). Read the excerpt below from instyle.com:

"Everyone can wear color—it all comes down to finding the right hues for you. The shades that suit you depend on your skin tone as well as the color of your hair and eyes. Some general guidelines are as follows:

• Women with pale skin and dark hair and women with blond hair often do well with saturated brights such as violet, royal blue and emerald green.

• Women with medium-brown to dark-blond hair and warmer, darker skin tones often do better with tempered alternatives such as lavender, coral, turquoise and olive green."


So what do you think, agree or disagree? What's your favorite color to wear against your skin tone?

I'd Wear This!

I absolutely LOVE this dress! Pair it with tights and a nice pair of black stiletto boots and let your inner diva stand out!

Find this dress here by Free People

It's All about YOU!

Hey Everyone!

This Friday is all about YOU! We're embarking on a new season, new schedules and new fashion :). What are your plans for today, this weekend or even in the upcoming months. What are you thinking about? What have you bought to add to your Fall wardrobe?

I want to hear what my readers have to say. I want to know more about YOU! Tell me what do you want to see more of on this blog? Less of? My readers are who make this blog successful and I thank you very much!

New Season...New Candy Coated Handbags!

The wait is over, the Candy Coated Bags online handbag boutique is stocked with Fall 2010's hottest handbag styles.  I've checked out all the latest trends, fall's best colors and styles and brought them all to you to add to your collection. 

Reptile skins and deep rich colors are my top picks.  I’ve also become intrigued with the cross body handbags; delicate embellishment such as flowers and chains make these bags worthy of adding to your wardrobe.  Animal prints are also hot this season.  Deep reds, chocolate browns, rich tans, deep teals and cobalt blue are colors that are standing out this fall.  

Add a bit of colorful sweetness to your wardrobe and head on over to www.candycoatedbags.com for the fall/winter handbags that I'm sure will be candy to your eyes!

Join Me at "Pamper Me Pink"

Candy Coated Bags will be participating in this premier event in Upstate NY. I'll be featuring our new fall/winter handbags and clutches!!

Join us, come shop, participate in workshops and support the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester!! 


Sunday, October 17th, 2010

For more information on this event go to www.pampermepinkrochester.com

Happy Labor Day!!

I hope you have all had a wonderful weekend so far and are enjoying this last holiday of the summer. I often equate celebrating Labor Day with the official end of summer. Usually the summer season is supposed to be a chance to unwind, enjoy the warm weather, enjoy fun times with family and friends, embark on vacations in beautiful places. No need for schedules and deadlines, summer is a time to be footloose and fancy free.

Now it's back to reality; back to schedules, deadlines and the push to meet those end of year goals.

Most of us continued to work hard, grind harder and get our hustle on through the summer as we either established businesses, maintained or continued to grow them. I will admit, I went of course this summer trying to do all things at once (unwind, vacations, fun times with family and friends, work my day job and maintain Candy Coated Bags) without a schedule. WRONG! I ended up getting burnt out trying to accommodate everyone and everything. LESSON LEARNED! 

I am looking forward to my kids being back in school because it helps to keep me on schedule. The month of September brings a since of calmness to my household and well being. 

Have fun today everyone, sit back and enjoy whatever it is you have planned for it's time to get back on the grind. 

Real Women Live a Candy Coated LYF

Hey Everyone!


I am so very happy to announce that Candy Coated Bags has teamed up with LYF Apparel, LLC to bring you a limited edition tee, especially for the Candy Coated Woman! LYF stands for Love Yourself First and after many designs we decided on this one because honestly, real woman do Love themselves first and in doing so live life Candy Coated.

You can purchase this tee by clicking on the photo or the tee in my sidebar or you can go directly to www.lyfapparel.com to purchase and support!

Limited Edition Candy Coated T-shirt

If you don't know about LYF Apparel, then now is the time to get to know them. The company was conceived in 2008 by Mrs. Moses. She merged her yearning to be a mentor to young women and her passion for fashion to create the clothing line 'LYF' Apparel. This women's line seeks to empower young women to look within themselves for affirmation and not to depend on someone else to do the job, hence the acronym LYF - Love Yourself First. If you haven't already take a look at the website www.LYFapparel.com and see the various inspiring tees found there. Follow them on twitter @LYFApparel and Don't forget to purchase your CANDY COATED TEE TODAY!!!

The S.H.E. Agency

Hey Everyone!


I had the pleasure of writing an article on Fall 2010 handbag trends for the S.H.E. Agency for their September 2010 newsletter. When asked, I decided to take a look at the website and see just what the agency was all about. I was pleasantly surprised and honored to be writing for a commendable company that is focused on the community of the River Region in Alabama.

Founded by Traci A. Smith, The S.H.E. Agency (Style.Hot.Energy) is "dedicated to planning and promoting lasting experiences with a unique twist while making an impact in the communities in which we live and serve." They have sponsored several events that help to promote and uplift our younger generation. That of which is what grabbed my attention, because having a teenage daughter myself, I am also concerned and active in promoting our youth in the right direction.

One event that the agency is planning is called ALL TIED UP workshop for young males ages 13-18. Various speakers will be covering topics like Dressing for Success, Responsible Choices, Healthy Relationships, Interviewing for Jobs and Etiquette. I think this event is remarkable and worthy because our male youth is where I feel we need the most help in our community.


To learn more about the ALL TIED UP Workshop and the S.H.E. Agency go to www.sheagency.com

And don't forget to check out my article in the September 2010 Newsletter!!

Perfect Combination #3

The little black dress and the little black clutch. So sweet, yet straight to the point!

Of course the clutch is from Candy Coated Bags!

You can buy the dress or others similar here: