Penelope's Style & Fashion

You’ve landed a high-paying job, finished grad school, or gotten a sizeable raise. In any case, you want to celebrate with more than just a fancy dinner. For most women, it’s a no-brainer: get a designer handbag.

Sure, there’s always clothing and shoes, but handbags are more likely to transcend fashion. They can’t shrink in the wash, nor can you get too fat or too skinny to wear them. More importantly, the right bag can go with everything. No matter where you go, a designer piece on your arm sends a message: that you’ve accomplished something and aren’t afraid to flaunt it.

Your first designer may not be your most expensive piece, but it can hold more sentimental value than that Birkin you treat yourself to when you reach even higher goals. It should therefore be something timeless, something that’ll still be in fashion (or at least not look ridiculous) a few decades down the road. Of course, it’s a matter of personal taste at the end of the day, but much of fashion is based on perception—and you want your handbag to reflect the right character.

Price is always a consideration, but what’s great about designer brands is that they’ve proven their quality. You are still paying for the logo for the most part, but you also get good craftsmanship, meticulous detail, and a guarantee of longevity. Prada, Dior, and Gucci are among the most reliable in terms of quality, and you only have to hold one for a few seconds to know that they’re worth the $3,000+ price tag. If you’re not quite at that level, there are mid-range labels that will give you close to the same quality for a lot less. Kate Spade and Marc Jacobs are among the more popular. Their designs may be a bit too modern for some tastes, but look around and you’ll find more than a few classic pieces that can hold its own against a Prada.

Not many of us can afford to pay retail for a handbag, but there are ways to save without scrimping on quality. Designer sample sales are a great source—try befriending the sales representatives for local dealers to get dibs on when the sales are. You can also go to designer warehouses (you may have to travel a bit to find the closest ones) where you can get designs from a season or two ago for half the price, sometimes even less. As you get more familiar with the designer market, you’ll develop a better sense of value—and you’ll be building your collection before you know it!

In the last few years, cosmetic surgery has become less and less invasive and therefore more appealing. From facelifts and wrinkle removal to Botox and chemical peels, scientists have done away with the discomfort and complications once associated with anti-aging treatments.

The latest to hit the market is Ultherapy, a procedure that’s been FDA-approved since 2010. Instead of needles, lasers, or micro-abrasion, it uses ultrasound waves to “disturb” skin cells under the surface and cause them to produce new skin cells. In the process, they also produce collagen, the substance that keeps skin taut and prevents wrinkles. More than one treatment may be needed over a one- to two-month period, depending on what your skin needs.

Ultherapy results in a more alert look to the eyes, sleeker contours, and generally tighter skin on the face and neck. All this comes without the discomfort and downtime that’s common in other treatments. They call it a “lunchtime” procedure because it lasts a mere 30 minutes to an hour, and you can literally walk out of the clinic and get back to work when you’re done.

What makes ultherapy different from other procedures is that it’s not particular to any skin type. Because ultrasound waves are not sensitive to color or shade, it works with all skin tones and types. Other procedures favor lighter or darker skin because they use light waves, while others can only deal with certain textures because they work on the surface.

Because it’s fairly new, not many clinics offer ultherapy, and others are still trying to perfect the procedure. In California, one of the first and most well-known ultherapy providers is the California Skin Institute. Between them, the team of dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons have decades of experience, and they make it a point to stay up to date with groundbreaking procedures such as this one. The center operates across Northern California, so whether you’re looking for ultherapy San Francisco, Mountain View, or San Jose providers, you’re sure to find someone with the right experience.

If you think ultherapy is right for you, make sure to get a preliminary appointment and get a doctor’s opinion. Most patients are in their thirties, although those in their mid- to late twenties may also be viable. It’s usually best if you’re seeking a cheaper or simpler alternative to surgery, looking to supplement other procedures, or don’t need any extensive work done. In any case, talking to a dermatologist beforehand can give you an idea of what would be worth your money.

Few things make a girl happier than jewelry—and when it comes to that, diamonds are pretty hard to match. Whether it’s around your neck, on your wrist, or around a finger, a diamond can spruce up even the drabbest of outfits and make you feel like a million dollars. It’s the ultimate feel-good piece.

The obvious catch is that it’s not the kind of thing you buy up like friendship bracelets, unless you’re swimming in money. Because they don’t come cheap, diamonds call for a good deal of thought. Entire careers have been dedicated to ensuring each stone’s beauty and quality. And when you go shopping around for your piece, it takes a good eye to see which ones are well worth your money. After all, diamonds are as much an investment as they are a piece of jewelry.

To savvy buyers, Canadian diamonds are among the most coveted pieces of the last few years. It’s as much about their beauty as it is the process and skill that makes them so special. Diamonds mined in Canada are passed from one skillful hand to another, transforming from rough ore to finished stones that shine from every angle.

Canadian companies have become the leader in high-quality diamonds, taking great care to make sure each piece is authentic and meets rigorous market standards. Most of their pieces are laser-engraved with a certificate number, your proof that it comes from high-quality and ethical sources and has passed stiff market standards. In other words, it’s got the seal of quality.

Like other diamonds, Canadian diamonds come in a variety of colors, with colorless and near-colorless stones being the most popular. Others usually have a yellow hue ranging from distinct to hardly visible; pink and blue are extremely rare and expensive. On an aesthetic level, your choice of diamond should depend on the type of setting you want; any shade would look great against white gold or platinum, but yellow gold can take some of the luster out of any stone that’s not colorless.

There are other things to consider, from the clarity to the cut and carat weight—and let’s not forget the costs. One thing’s for sure: buying a diamond is no small business. Whether you’re after a shiny piece of jewelry or something to pass on to your children, a Canadian diamond is always a good addition to your jewelry box.

Jackets are a classic fashion piece that you should invest in. There are many designer jackets in Australia that provide the finest in quality, durability, originality and class. In particular designer jackets from Sportscraft, Kirrily Johnston and Lisa Ho provide classic of examples of catwalk jackets that are accessible to consumers.

Designer jackets look fantastic when paired with jeans. If you are looking for a new pair of jeans Curvissa has available online a wide range of Plus Size Jeans in all styles and colours.

Sportscraft has established a reputation for outstanding quality, consistent fit, fabric innovation and great value when it comes to Jackets. Sportscraft has both men and women’s designer jackets with the brand becoming truly iconic in the fashion industry.  Jackets range from blazers to suit jackets to knitted jackets. The latest Sportscraft range in jackets includes stretch cord blazers, plaid double breasted pea coat, pocket memory zip jacket, double breasted travel trench, classic stretch cord jacket, boyfriend ponte blazer, 2 button birdseye suit jacket, wool suit jacket, waffle wool suit jacket, as well as casual knitted jackets. Sportscraft’s seasonal winter inspirations are based around their knitwear collection that is classic yet contemporary, including a range of colours in jackets and cardigans.

Next, Kirrily Johnston provides the latest in original designer jackets. Johnston launched her label in 2004 with a collection named, ‘Meet me at the magic club’, which received outstanding reviews from Australia’s influential fashion editors. Based in Sydney, Johnston’s aim is to blend elegance with innovation by focusing on luxury fabrics and quality craftsmanship. In terms of jackets, they are detailed and tailored yet maintain a sexy modern edge. Current jacket varieties include the descending jacket, dwellers long hoodie, passages cape, passages wanderer, underground lovers tassel coat, undergrowth leather jacket. Johnston names her jackets with a mystical touch to them, featuring in the colours of the season. Prices range from $500 to $1000, where you will be guaranteed with a unique and long lasting fashion item that will be treasured in your collection.

Designer jackets in Australia are lead by one of Australia’s premium fashion designers, Lisa Ho. The Lisa Ho brand has been at the forefront of the Australian Fashion Industry for over 24 years. The brand has a strong celebrity following with signature pieces being worn by the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Elle Macpherson, Olivia Newton John and Sarah Wynter. They have also been worn at Awards events by Nicole Schezinger, Carmen Electra, Tyra Banks and many more celebrities on the red carpet. In Australia, there are 10 national signature stores as well as featuring in the exclusive department retail store, David Jones as well as in over 250 boutiques that are both local and international. Her jackets range from blazers to suit jackets, leather to knitted pieces with a range of premium and unique pieces that are sure you provide you with instant physique.

Fashion tape is the perfect solution for gapping dresses, unraveled hemlines and other wardrobe malfunctions. It is a double-sided adhesive tape that is used to secure the edges of clothing to your skin to keep the item of clothing in place. It can be used to secure the edges of a strapless dress or top, maintain cleavage that is not too revealing and secure bra straps from slipping. The tape has been around for decades, with designers and celebrities using the tape to prevent a fashion disaster from occurring if a piece of clothing was to slip out of place. Now consumers, particularly females, widely use fashion tape as it is very easy to use, is clear so it can be hidden and has a simple removable backing with adhesive on both sides. You can adjust the tape to certain angles and tightness to suit your outfit, by pressing the tape firmly against your skin or the fabric. The tape is then peeled off the other backing as it is secure and the item can remain firmly fixed. The tape is hypoallergenic, meaning it leaves no residue and is very gently on the skin. It also has the added benefit of providing protection for a good duration of time as it will not lose the effect adhesion for some time. Fashion tape can also be used to create instant tailoring on specific clothing items. Whether it be to shorten the length of your pants to be suitable to wear with flats or tailor a shirt to securely fit your body shape, this tape is the solution.

The tape is readily available to those consumers who need it to solve their fashion inconveniences. The most popular type in Australia is Hollywood Fashion Tape which is the easy-to-use, clear double-stick, “do everything” apparel and body tape. It is gentle on your skin, hypoallergenic, doesn’t leave residue on fabrics and is more discreet and fabric-friendly than safety pins as it blends into your skin tone. Each Hollywood Tape comes with 36 pre-cut, 3-inch disposable strips in each box. You can customise the length of the tape to suit your intentions, with a simple peel, stick and go routine. As the name suggests, Hollywood tape is used by the stars to create a perfectly fitted outfit for any occasion.

Other online websites that sell this tape include Shopbot, Getprice, Myshopping, Ebay, Supre, Girly Essentials and FabSugar. It is also sold in many fashion retail outlets. Make sure you buy fashion tape to solve all of your fashion problems!