Top (L to R) Bally Studded and Top Handle Bag, Balmain Punk Suede Studded Hand Bag, Novella Royale Tile Studded Bowling Bag Bottom (L to R) Givenchy Nightingale Medium Studded Bag, Burberry Studded Handbag, Thomas Wylde Convertible Handbag

Studded bags are a great addition to any wardrobe.  This trendy piece regained popularity within the lasts couple of years and had evolved as a fashion staple year round, espcially a studded black designer satchel.  Pair your studded satchel with jeans, jeggings or a short skirt, and for outer wear you can try a tapered leather jacket or a wool coat tailored to the the waistlin and ending no lower than the hip.  Try a bag with texture and quality; leather is preferred since it lasts longs and can prove to be an investment for years to come.

We thought this shot was pretty cool courtesy of FashGif. As if Balmain isnt haute enough, the animated series turns it up another notch. More at http://fashgif.tumblr.com/.

The house of Balmain officially announced that designer Olivier Rousteing would be taking over Christophe Decarnin’s old job as creative director. He graduated from the École Supérieure Des Arts Et Techniques De La Mode in Paris in 2003, then spent about five years with Roberto Cavalli before landing a gig as head of Balmain’s women’s wear design studio in 2009.  Nothing like having the head of design look better than the actual runway models. Wonder what kind of work will get done by everyone else on at House of Balmain with such a handsome face around.

Kate Beckinsale first wore this glitzy Balmain gown to the Biutiful premiere at the Cannes Film Fest—accessorizing with a studded belt and black pumps.

Celine Dion also flashed some thigh in Balmain’s slit dress, strutting her stuff at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas this week. The singer skipped the belt in favor of some attention grabbing Giuseppe Zanotti stilettos.

So whose sequined style do you like best?

Paris Fashion Week 2011, proved to be as elegant and magical as the city itself this year. Many designers opted for softer, flowing looks, using sheer materials, and draping fabrics instead of overly complicated construction.  The colors seemed to vary widely from soft nudes to bright blues, and just about everything in between.

Knee length A-line dresses and high slits seemed to be a very common thing amongst the designers as well.  Let’s hope that our favorite starlets opt for age appropriate frocks hence 50 plus should not wear thigh bearing looks.   You can also do a well constructed mini dress like Lanvin if the slit isn’t for you, pair it with an eye catching shoe (see Dior) and you are set!

Leave it to Kenzo and Alexander Mcqueen for the theatrics, and awe-inspiring, haute couture aesthetic All of the pressure was left on Sarah Burton last season after the untimely death of Mcqueen, and she managed to pull through with grace and ease. She may not have given us the usual over the top theatrics as her predecessor did, but the nature inspired line was still dramatic and enchanting enough to remain true to brand and keep you wishing for more. Overall, the Paris shows maintain their reputation as the one of the most inspiring markets and as shoppers make way to the racks this spring, they will be able to take advantage of a broad spectrum of wardrobe for their age and shape.