This Fall, the handbag department is touting a lineup of rocker chic-inspired collections that feature oversized studs, gleaming silver and gold buttons, and chain handles galore. If you've always had a little bit of a rocker-girl style in you, this is the season to show it off! Some of the leading handbags of the season are designed with an edgy look with oversized hardware and darker colors for that tough-girl look you crave. From chain-handled shoulder bags to studded hobos, here are some of the leading looks in handbags for Fall:

1. Gunmetal hobos and satchels. While black is still a top pick for handbags this season, gunmetal silver and pewter shades reign the runways this year and are a great match for your rocker look. Look for charcoal, dark silver and pewter handbags and clutches that will accent any outfit with a fresh and sassy look.

2. Studs galore. From the miniature clutch to the oversized hobo, studs are cropping up on every piece of arm candy you can find. Look for matte silver and gleaming gold studs that look like they've been pulled right off a motorcycle jacket.

3. Chain handle shoulder bags. If you're looking for a versatile bag to last you through the season, stick with the classic shoulder bag embellished with chain handle accents. Chain handles are a top trend in handbags this Fall, and your best bet is the oversized chain style that becomes the focal point of the bag. Not only are these handles super-sturdy (yes, you can tote your heels, wallet and a few books without worrying about breakage), but they will give you that edgy, rocker-inspired look you crave.

4. Coil accents. Coils, oversized metal hardware and rings are some of the embellishments you'll find on the tough-girl bags this season. Look for crossbody bags and satchels accentuated with these details for a fresh and fun look.

5. Extra zippers. Zippers serve a dual purpose on hobos and satchels this season, and you'll find a number of bags with lines of zippers as part of the design. They're just another way to show off your rocker-chic look for the season.

Fall is finally here, which means cooler temperatures may be leaving your skin drier than usual and in need of some moisture-rich beauty products. In addition to making sure your daily skin routine is up to par, you'll need to revive your skin after the long summer with some facial masks, nourishing scrubs and a slew of other products that will keep you glowing.

The first step to flawless skin this season is investing in a high-quality moisturizer. Look for facial creams and moisturizers that are free of chemicals and the type that are non-comedogenic so your pores don't get clogged easily. You'll need to apply moisturizer right after your cleansing and toning routine day and night, and your skin may benefit from a thicker, emollient-rich version from your favorite brand at night.

Another way to get flawless skin this Fall is to use a light, mineral makeup foundation instead of the heavier liquid variety. Mineral makeup can give you that flawless, camera-ready finish you crave without looking overly done. Look for mineral foundation that can be layered with a mineral bronzer to enjoy a healthy glow all season long.

If you want to keep your makeup looking clean and fresh this season, stick with the bronze, deep red and pink tones in lipsticks and eyeshadow this season. These are among the leading makeup palette colors for Fall 2009, and can help you create a natural, buff look for casual days and everyday use. If it's time to take things up a notch for a special event, get your flawless look with the help of a cream concealer under the eyes and pressed foundation on the face and neck. This combination will give you a smooth, mattifying look for the season.

Finally, make sure to modify your skin cleansing and exfoliation routine to accommodate for the change of seasons. Cooler temperatures mean you may need to exfoliate with a moisture-infusing scrub a couple of times a week so that your skin is free of dead skin cells and flakiness. If your cleanser seems to dry out your skin, look for a milder version or one designed for sensitive skin to avoid excessive dryness for the season.

British songster Leona Lewis hasn't let fame change her - and she staunchly sticks by the people who have been with her from the start. In a new interview, Lewis, 24, addresses the fact that she is still with her boyfriend of seven years, Lou Al-Chamaa. Lewis says some people think you should ditch the people you knew before when you find fame, and she doesn't agree with that. "For people to think that you should leave someone because, all of a sudden, you're a singer and you have opportunities. I feel sorry for them." Lewis has also kept her residence in the "gritty" Hackney area of London.

There's been another Trump wedding, only this time, it's not Donald Trump playing the groom. Ivanka Trump, daughter of Donald Trump and his ex-wife Ivana, married publisher and executive Jared Kushner in a lavish Jewish ceremony at Trump National Golf Club in New Jersey last weekend. Though both bride and groom are under 30, they're already a power couple. Ivanka hosts Celebrity Apprentice, has her own fine jewelry line and is vice president of Donald Trump's real estate division. Kushner, 28, is publisher of the New York Observer and an executive at his family's company. Hopefully, Ivanka will have more luck with marriage than her father has thus far.

More than four months after the death of their father, *Michael Jackson*'s kids are still trying to adjust. LaToya Jackson recently opened up about how the kids are doing, and how each of them are trying to cope in their own way. Blanket, age 7, is "just a very sad, shy little boy. He cries." Meanwhile, his older sister Paris, 11, "thinks and writes about her father all the time." But it's the eldest boy, Prince, 12, who has LaToya most concerned. "Prince just doesn't want to speak about it. I do worry about him very much". According to LaToya, all three children are currently in therapy to help them cope.

As winter approaches, it's time to invest in stylish new fall pieces to update your winter wardrobe. There are several things to remember when purchasing winter wear this year. For one, layering is key, so expect to see leggings underneath minis, or short dresses, sweaters layered underneath cable knit cardigans, even boots over your favorite pair of skinny jeans. Two, thick slouchy sweaters are this season's key item. Three, oversized chunky scarves complete every look.

Chunky knitwear is a definite must have for the season. Look for thick kitted scarves as well as chunky cable knit sweaters to make a bold statement this season. Thick sweaters in bright colors are a great layering piece over leggings and slouchy boots. DKNY Jeans Chunky Cable Pullover is a great piece to add to your wardrobe and wear underneath a warm wrap cardigan like Splendid's Loose Knit Rugby Stripe Belted Cardigan.

Be sure to look for sweaters with an oversized slouchy feel. Not only are these sweaters one of the season trends but the loose feel is essential when layering multiple pieces of clothing. French Connection Knobbly Knit has a comfortable look and feel, it's oversized rolled neck is extra thick for keeping you stylish yet warm on those colder nights. The Ella Moss Raleigh V-Neck Tunic features two side pockets and is made of soft wool to keep you warm. These sweaters are the perfect fashionable pieces that express an effortlessly cool and laid back style.

Finally, top your winter look off with a great chunky scarf. Choose from an endless choice of bold colors to brighten up any dull outfit. UGG has designed some great Cable Scarfs in an array of fall colors. Search for oversized styles, these are ideal for wrapping around the neck or to simply leave loosely hung by each side.

Purple, grey, pink and silver are at the top of the color charts this season, but not all aspiring fashionistas can get away with these color combos without breaking the office dress code. Fortunately, there are several ways to accentuate an otherwise simple outfit with Fall's top color choices, and all you need is a little creativity to sport some of the hottest looks for the season without pulling off a fashion 'don't.' Whether you're anxious to wear a pencil skirt or the oversized cardigan at the office this season, make sure you're choosing your key pieces in the following colors and styles:

The Grey Pencil Skirt
Pencil skirts are acceptable in most office environments and are a great match for Fall in either light grey, black or pewter. Pair the grey pencil skirt with a lavender blouse, purple cardigan or stick with the basic black top for a Fall-friendly look.

The Purple Vest
Purple is a top color choice for the Fall and winter season this year, so invest in some simple pieces in a deep purple or lavender color for an eye-catching, office friendly look. Purple knit vests can be coupled with a cream-colored blouse for a fresh look at the office.

The Pink Blouse
Pink with purple undertones is a hit for Fall and is a great match for an otherwise neutral office ensemble. Look for pink polka dot or printed blouses that you can wear under an oversized cardigan or wrap, or wear it tucked in with a pencil skirt for a chic and trendy look this season.

The All-Black Suit
The all-black suit is a staple of any Fall and winter wardrobe, and is one ensemble that will never go out of style. However, you can dress this up with the latest trends by wearing a contrasting v-neck purple shirt or sweater underneath the blazer, or wear it with a ruffled blouse for a fashion-forward, stylish look.

High-waist pencil skirts, ruffled blouses and knit vests are among the office wear must-haves for the Fall season. Invest in these key pieces to update your office wardrobe and show off some of the latest trends.

Falling into this season with the top boot trends for 2009. Featuring top brands such as KORS Michael Kors, Jessica Simpson and Stuart Weitzman. So get your boot-ie on, take that paycheck, and fill up your shopping cart at www.Zappos.com.
Xoxo
Alana and Jenn (aka BABS)

Former Full House star Jodie Sweetin, who played the sweet child Stephanie Tanner, is set to release a memoir recounting her past as an alcoholic and drug user. Jodie says that she spent years trying to prove she was not the innocent Stephanie Tanner and would try to get more "trashed than everyone else." Sweetin says that even after having her daughter Zoie in April 2008 she fell back into her horrible ways which caused her separation from her second husband Cody Herpin. Even when she was talking to the public about being sober and beating her addiction she was still secretly doing drugs. In an excerpt from her book, she retells an account about speaking on her sobriety tour and doing coke right before talking to an auditorium of students at Marquette University about becoming sober. Her book is called unSweetined and has not been released yet.

Last week *Kourtney Kardashian*'s home was burglarized and over $100,000 worth of jewelry was taken. According to Kourtney's mom Kris Jenner and her sister Khloe, they have a real "hunch" as to who stole the jewelry. Kris says that "it was a group thing," and hinted that the thieves were "jealous" people who have inside access from their reality show. She explained that there are always cameras rolling since Kourtney is on a reality show and the thieves had to know when the cameras were going to be off as well as gain entrance into the gated community. Khloe added that they also knew that her alarm system was not working at the time as well. Apparently there were plenty of other valuables that could have been stolen like laptops which were sitting right on the bed, but the burglars only took the valuable and sentimental jewelry. Kourtney is missing jewelry pieces from her late father such as a watch that was given to him on his wedding day. The question is, were these pieces away in a safe or just left out so everybody could see them?

Sources:
www.entertainment.blogs.foxnews.com
www.usmagazine.com

The former star of Perfect Strangers, Bronson Pinchot is letting the public in on how he really feels about Hollywood and some A-list actors and actresses. In an interview that was posted on avclub.com the actor voices his opinion on some of the past acting roles he had as well as some of the co-stars he worked with. Pinchot's first movie was Risky Business with Tom Cruise. In the interview he calls Tom "the biggest bore," and says that "he was tense" and would call everyone by their character's name instead of their real name when not filming. The actor calls the movie Courage under Fire his "low point" as he says that he was abused by Denzel Washington when filming the movie. Apparently Denzel used the excuse that it was his character in the movie that was abusive to him not actually Denzel, but Bronson says that he needed counseling after filming that movie. Another Hollywood big wig that Bronson did not get along with was Bette Midler on the set of The First Wives Club. He says that Bette was not very nice to the director of the movie and she would try to take it over. One actor that Bronson does care for in Hollywood is Tom Hanks. He calls Tom, "a wonderful and genuine and lovely and down-to-earth person." I don't know how many people are going to want to work with Bronson anymore after this telling interview.

A new tabloid report is claiming that Nicole Richie and longtime partner Joel Madden got married. Joel is denying the rumor on his band's website writing, "I keep getting emails from old friends and family asking about a wedding. NO we didn't get married." The couple just recently welcomed their second child together, a son named Sparrow James Midnight Madden, in September. They also have a 21-month-old daughter named Harlow. The couple has said in the past that they have no set plans to marry in the immediate future.

Sources:
www.avclub.com
www.usmagazine.com

Not only is San Francisco home to some of the wealthiest residents, it is also a city that attracts the wealthiest visitors in the world. That being said, it should be no surprise to you that San Francisco would also be home to some of the most luxurious, expensive, modern, and posh hotels. If you have money to spend, your hotel choices are really quite vast-- from the Fairmont to the Intercontinental, the Palace Hotel to the Four Seasons. The subject of this blog, however, will be the renowned Ritz Carlton.

The Ritz-Carlton is situated in the wealthiest area of San Francisco, Nob Hill. Staying in Nob Hill allows visitors the convenience of exploring the other famous districts of San Francisco which are mostly situated near Nob Hill, including Union Square, Alamo Square, the financial district, the Embarcadero, and more. San Francisco's public transportation system makes travel easier than ever for tourists who want to take a break from hailing cabs. But choosing to take the iconic trolley car in San Francisco means that you won't be getting door-to-door service, so make sure to pack yourself a comfortable pair of walking shoes.

When your tired feet refuse to take you any further, you can retire back in the Ritz-Carlton for the night. The Ritz offers a variety of priced rooms, from the most luxurious presidential suites to more basic rooms. If you're planning on spending a good part of your evening indoors, suites are the best options. The Ritz-Carlton suite features panoramic views of the San Francisco bay and Alcatraz, sites that you should definitely not miss on your vacation. It also contains a large dining room large enough to seat eight guests, a living room with a Grand piano, french doors, surround-sound speaker system, two 32-inch LCD flat screen TVs, a large foyer, and more. If you're planning on entertaining guests while on vacation, the Ritz-Carlton suite is definitely a excellent choice.

Fall under the spell of two TV witches, Selena Gomez and Alyson Hannigan. Both bewitching beauties combine a an aura of innocence with worldly knowledge of hip fashion.

Selena Gomez
Perky Selena Gomez plays Alex Russo on The Wizards of Waverly Place. Witches, good and bad have had a long history in the world of Disney. This particular teen witch dresses to please her real audience. She wears layers of colorful t-shirts, with or without a hoodie.

A pair of high-top sneakers and jeans are all the tricks she uses to conjure up a workable style. For a true Selena Gomez, style, add an accessory to your hands or arms. Arm warmers or a bandanna or scarf wrapped around one wrist are signature fashion styles of Selena Gomez, an actress with a ginormous energy. She can also be seen wearing one eye-catching piece of jewelry at a time, including an eye-catching ring or a colorful watch.

Alyson Hannigan
Before she was a fashion-obsessed shoe fanatic on How I Met Your Mother, Alyson Hannigan was a teenage witch. In her early years on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Alyson Hannigan's style drew upon both every bright color under the sun, similar to the happy rainbow fashion palette of Selena Gomez. She actually wore a rainbow sweater in "I Only Have Eyes For You."

As her character's power grew stronger, her clothes drew darker, much to the chagrin of fashion-loving Alyson Hannigan fans. She wore the cliched witch black, leaving little room for creative dress.

With How I Met Your Mother, Alyson Hannigan once again explored the brighter side of fashion. As a kindergarten teacher, Lily overdresses for the part, and overspends as well. She can't resist bright designer tops and dresses or a pair of stylish shoes.

From teen witch to a witch all-grown up, the style of these gals is spellbinding.

Actor Tom Sizemore is dealing with some baby momma drama. His ex-girlfriend is suing the Black Hawk Down actor for allegedly not paying his child support for his 4-year-old twins. Jinele McIntire filed papers with the L.A. Courts claiming that Sizemore owes her more than $58,000 in back child support. She is calling Sizemore a "dead beat dad" as she also claims that he has not visited his sons since earlier this year. The lawsuit makes allegations that the actor has made over $400,000 in reality television appearances, particularly his stints on VH1's Sober House and Celebrity Rehab, and McIntire has not seen a penny of that money for the kids. She is also seeking health insurance for the twins and for him to pay the attorney fees. If this is true, then Tom Sizemore needs to man up and take care of his kids!

Paris Hilton was one happy heiress this past week. Last year Paris had over $2 million worth of jewelry stolen from her home and she was able to retrieve some of that jewelry. Her publicist told PEOPLE, "Paris went to the police station last night to retrieve her stolen belongings. She didn't get everything but fortunately most of her jewelry was returned. She is really pleased and thankful to the LAPD for their help."

The same alleged burglars who stole Paris's valuables are now being charged with the burglaries of Lindsay Lohan, Audrina Patridge, Rachel Bilson and Orlando Bloom. There are 5 suspected members of the Hollywood Hills Burglar Bunch, with 4 of them being under the age of 20. The police have taken hold of computers from one of the suspected burglar's home and found many different searches for celebrities and where they live. They also found some of the stolen items from other celebrities as well as drugs and firearms. It is suspected that 19-year-old Rachel Lee is the ringleader for the group. Apparently the teen has an obsession with celebrity fashion and that was the driving force behind the thefts.

Sources:
www.tmz.com
www.people.com

Sunshine Colors, Not Muted
Add a little sunshine to your life with a burst of citrus yellow.
Yellow is not for the timid or fashion weary, but even a dash of citrus
yellow in your wardrobe will brighten a gloomy Monday morning or hump
day commute. A silk scarf with hints of yellow, a citrus yellow
handbag, or a citrus yellow shirt peering though an unbuttoned white
cardigan will delight all who spot you. (Which will be everyone you
pass.)

Hybrids, Not Clunkers
Tread lightly with a pair of hybrid flats.
Trade in clunky low-heeled shoes and last season's flats for a pair of
shoes that combines the soft comfort of a flat and an ankle boot with
the strength of a gladiator style sandal. Flats can be stylish, and
demand as much attention as the next shoe.

Chic Flannel Lounge Wear
Give him back his extra-large t-shirt or his flannel PJ's and get your
own, please. Flannel lounge wear made for women can be feminine in
color and in design, with prints that include cats or floral prints.

Quilted not Puffy
Coats, not toilet paper. Toilet paper can be both. For style in an instant, grab a quilted winter coat
in the morning, and you can be warm and stylish. A quilted coat has
subtle threading, and because of the vertical movements of the lines on
the quilts, the eye is drawn all over the coat, without resting on any
one spot. This visual trick of quilting flatters any figure

Tie Me Up Tie Me Down
Laces are not just just for nighttime. Laced boots, laced ankle boots,
laced pumps and any other shoe which can be adorned with faux or real
laces is primed and ready for some tie me up, tie me down action.
Lacing on shoes, when it exceeds a certain length is instantly
provocative.

Myra is back with a new pair of boots, and these boots are made for Rockin (Several different ways that is ! ) . Myra has been with Zappos for a little over a year, and she, along with the entire Juniors team have helped us to bring the Juniors Fashion Portfolio to the next level. Great job to Myra, and the rest of the Juniors Fashion Team!

One of the secrets of expanding a small wardrobe is to make sure that each piece you buy can be worn with something you already have. Let's look at Zappos.com for three easy pieces, and then think about how you can wear each one with something already in your closet.

Everyone needs a good pair of trousers, and these "Jackie" wide leg pants from Liz Claiborne do the trick. They're denim with a classic cut and style. The flat waistband sits at the natural waist, and the hems of those wide legs are cuffed. These are classic pants you can dress up or down, and wear with almost anything.

The second piece of this outfit is this stylish scoop-line top from MICHAEL at Michael Kors. It has a flowing design to make it comfortable, and that scoop neckline is dressed up with little round studs. Its vivid red coloring is the perfect complement to the dark pants.

Finally, layer the top with another Liz Claiborne piece; this stretch denim peacoat is all about style, with a double breasted three-button front, pointed collar, and welt pockets. The cuffs have a button accent, and the jacket has a back vent for ease of movement.

Put the pieces together, and you've got a great outfit. But look at them separately and see what else they can do. The pants can dress down with a colorful tee, or dress up a bit with a long-sleeved shirt (think Tommy Bahama or BCBGirls) left out or tucked in. You can top the shirt with a cardigan when cooler temperatures arrive.

The peacoat, in navy denim, is a neutral that can top almost anything in your closet. If you have a sheath dress (look at the ones from Hype for ideas), top it with the jacket before you put it away for fall, and keep wearing the summer dress through the next season. Finally, the Michael Kors top would be perfect over white pants or capris for a bright summer look.

Now you've got three easy pieces and four stylish looks. Does life get any better?

The master bedroom in your house or apartment should be a sanctuary, a quiet, relaxing place to wind down at the end of the day and enjoy a good night's rest. For many people, the master bedroom quickly turns into a storage room stocked with knick-knacks, magazines, clothing and random items. Sound familiar? Maybe it's time to declutter and reorganize so that you can salvage some serenity in the master bedroom! Here are some simple ways to get started:

Create a Designated Storage Area
If you have the habit of storing personal items in the bedroom, create a designated storage area for them. A simple way to do this is to stack storage boxes or place a small shelf in the bedroom, and make sure all of your extra items are always placed n these areas only. Avoid stuffing everything in the dresser drawer or shoe boxes, because this can create a more cluttered feel.

Dress Up Empty Corners
Adding a small side table or corner table to at least two corners of the master bedroom can create some balance and give you some stacking space for magazines and books. These areas can also be decorated with a few candles, a vase with flowers, or a decorative lamp.

Cut Back on Bed Pillows
If you're one of those people who loves having lots of decorative pillows on the bed, make sure they're all in the same color family. A mish mash of colors, prints and sizes isn't easy on the eyes and will make your bedroom appear smaller and cluttered. Pick just two or three of your favorite colors and choose only a handful of pillows to top off the bed.

Maximize Space Under the Bed
If your bed is raised slightly from the floor, invest in some slim and sleek storage boxes that you can slide under the bed. You can fill these with random items or clothing that you don't need everyday, and tuck everything away neatly and out of sight.

Create a Relaxation Area
If the bedroom is large enough, create a lounge or seating area with a small bookshelf or magazine rack, a chaise and some nice plants. This can be your private relaxation area when you want to wind down without going to sleep.