Erica Lavelanet | Handbag Blog

The velvet trend is hardly new. Velvets have been a classic, timeless staple that can be worn in a number of ways! Everything from a velvet dress or maxi skirt, to finer details (like a fabulous shoe or handbag) shifts an ensemble from being monotonous to being jazzy and fiercely fabulous. The trick with velvet is to know how to incorporate it in both daytime and nighttime attire, and to pair it with complementary fabrics that are lighter and whimsical.

We’ve been getting endless questions lately from our readers, about how to perfectly rock a monochrome ensemble. The idea that wearing all black everything, or navy on top of navy is taboo, is as old-fashioned as saying that there’s no such thing as winter white! The importance of donning a flawlessly put together monochrome ensemble is in knowing how to mix and match lush fabrics with superb jewels and accessories (i.e. a killer handbag in a knock-out color!) And in remembering to always sport a fierce fashionista attitude: Don’t let the clothes wear you!

The time of year is rapidly approaching and all the traveling and frantic planning that comes along with the holidays are just around the corner. The other day in Bloomingdales, I swear I heard an orchestral version of jingle bells. Then, while waiting in line to pay, I overheard a lady say she was ‘getting an early start on her holiday shopping.’ As if that was not enough, I went home to find a catalog in the mail from two different stores, offering Holiday Sales. Talk about getting the ball rolling early!