I don’t know anyone who is not cautious with their spending this season, especially when it comes to luxury items.  When it comes to purses, I have never been a proponent of either the IT bag that costs more than a luxury vacation or the bag that screams CHEAP!  I look for value in a great look, versatility, a structured look that will be treasured for seasons and a purse that looks great with the body type of the carrier. 

Here are two great purses.  One is luxurious and one is a great value.  I would say that either of these chosen for the right reason is a great choice. 

 The first bag is a beaded satin J. Furmani Beaded Clutch.  It is a frame bag with a fabric lining, interior wall slide pocket and chain strap.  Very cute and the price alone makes it a great value.   

The second bag is a black embellished clutch from Santi.  It has a magnetic flap and magnetic interior closure.  It also has a strap and interior pocket but instead of fabric lining, its interior is silk and the purse was handmade in India.  You will want to store it in the dustbag that comes with it to protect it for years of enjoyment. 

So, there are a few questions here to consider, which fall into the total cost of ownership: 

How much do you have to spend?  If you need to go into debt to buy one purse or the other, then step away.  The cost just doubled or tripled. 

How often will you use it?  Is this a purse that you will use every weekend?  Is this a purse that you will enjoy for years?  If so, and you can afford to pay cash, the more expensive bag will become “vintage” where the less expensive will become tired. 

When it comes to purses for evening, EBags has a huge selection with great values that range from $20 to $400 and new specials every day.   Click here to check them out! 

Click here to learn more about the value bag from J. Furmani.   

Click here to learn more about the embellished bag from Santi. 

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GlamourByLBD note:  This past month, my dear friend, Aurora Corpuz, joined those among us who have reached that Four-oh threshold.  Her husband and my personal trainer, Rommell, reflects on what that meant to her and has a little wisdom for all of us….

“Aurora’s big ‘Four - O’ became a strategic plan for her life from diet, exercise, relationships, travel and wardrobe.  She set out to accomplish all things new and exciting before the turn of her fourth decade.  As she took ‘one day at a time’, diet became nourishment not denial, exercise became enjoyable not dreaded, relationships became fulfilling not challenging, travel became purposeful not just passing time and her wardrobe became a reflection of who she was on the inside rather than a reflection of what she unrealistically wanted to be on the outside.”

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Why is your Favorite LBD the one that is your favorite?  The LBD that you are most likely to pine for when its in the laundry or at the cleaners?  The most likely answer is that this is the LBD that feels the best and you consider to make you look your best.  Women are often shocked when they learn they have sold themselves short…they could look and feel so much better if their LBD really fit the best it could. 

What’s your Body Type?  Are you a rectangle? a triangle?  inverted triangle?  Depending on how my exercise and intake regimen, I go back and forth between a rectangle and a triangle. Reality is, without some crazy plastic surgery, I will never be an hourglass.  Instead of worrying about what isn’t, I have discovered a few clothing tricks that allow me to dress for the life I want in the body I have. 

Take a body test to see for yourself!  Click here to check out the Instyle Body Profiler.  Once you’re there, Click on Fit Profiler.  Grab a tape measure and a friend.  Have your friend measure your chest, your waist right at your navel and your hips at their widest point.  Input the numbers and the profiler will come back with your body type and some great tips for finding clothes that best fit the body you have! 

Are you a rectangle?  Look for ties, scarves, rouching, ruffles and puff sleeves on top and low rise jeans, a-lines or flared skirts on the bottom to create feminine curves. 

Are you a triangle?  Try vibrant colors on top, wide leg pants, a-line cuts that flow over the hips, and flowing drapy fabric on bottom with structure on top.  Please DON’T wear a sack that hides your hips and completely loses the rest of you!  And boxy suits…FORGET IT! 

Are you an inverted triangle?  Look for outfits that will fill out your lower half and draw attention away from the center of the body.  Tulip shapes, wrap details, and full skirts look just great! 

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Are your measurements at your hip the same as your bust?  Or are your hips larger than your bust and shoulders?  If so, this dress, available in black and geranium may be the perfect LBD (or LGD) for you.  With the tailored cowl neck, it adds interest to the top without adding a lot of bulk.  Even if you have a small bust and wide shoulders, this dress’s sleeve, which is cut toward with an assymmetrical v at the neck, which brings the eye to the neck and away from the shoulders.  It also prevents a boxy look.  Concious of your arms?  Consider a sheer wrap or scarf that adds a little coverage without bulk.  The “waistline” falls at the high waist…perfect for creating a great “box less” silhouette without being a knapsack! 

Here is what ShopBop had to say about this dress:

FREE SHIPPING at shopbop.com. As enduringly chic as Jackie O herself. Twill dress with cowl neck and scoop back. Leather belt at waist and hidden zipper at back. Cap sleeves. 41” long, measured from shoulder. 95% viscose/5% elastic. Dry clean. Made in the U.S.A. - Geranium and Black.

Click here to learn more about this dress at ShopBop. 

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Looking for a dress that is very comfortable but does not look like you rolled out of bed and threw on some shoes?  This LBD from the Los Angeles Collection of James Perse has all the comfort of a tee shirt dress but construction details that allow it to be dressed up for a busy day of business or errands. 

Because it is a blend primarily of viscose-cottong and nylon, it is a soft knit that will still hold its shape.  The v-neck and side panel give it additonal construction so that it feels like a big tee shirt without looking that way!  It definitely needs an accessory or two–consider a wonderful bright belt or a dramatic (possibly chunky) necklace.  As for shoes, a ballet flat or boots with tights are just what this LBD needs.  As far as length, this dress is going to fit women in their 30s and 40s best right at or just above the knee. 

Click Here to Buy this LBD from James Perse. 

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