Bag & Wallet Gifts Under $25

Bags and wallets can be found for under $25. Even bags and wallets picky fashionistas will love! You're friends and family will love you for these finds.

Words of Wisdom Coin Purse, $4.99 from ModCloth

Kimchi Blue Wallet/Clutch, $18 from Urban Outfitters

Bamboo 54 Pandanus Tote, $23.99 from ebags.com

KC Mallhan 4S Clutch, $24 on Endless

Vintage Re-issue Frame Coin Purse, $25 from Fossil

Wildfox Love Potion #9 Tote, $22 from Boutique to You

Slouchy Eco Tote, $21.95 from Nordstrom

Still need inspiration? See some of my favorite pieces and lookbook.

Follow me on Twitter and join me on Facebook®

For wardrobe & image consulting visit The Stylista Website

For more information, online consultations or to schedule an appointment, contact me.

Photos from ShopStyle

Must Have Fall Bags

A new bag can update your ensemble without a lot of money, time or effort. There are a few bags that are must haves this season: black, metallic, quilted, purple and a tote.

You can find these trendy bags in a variety of styles and price points. I look for bags that fit the trends, but can be worn for more than one season and that are affordable.

LAMB Louise Bag, $175 from BBOS

Cole Haan Felicity Bag, $225 from BBOS

Kate Spade Condesa Ida Bag, $165 from BBOS

Francesco Biasia Sharla Bag, $285 from BBOS

Marc Jacobs Quilted Wristlet, $180 from BBOS

Burberry Quilted Bag, $225 from BBOS

Calvin Klein Bag, $165 from BBOS

Coach Ergo Bag, $195 from BBOS

B Makowsky Atlantis Tote, $175 from BBOS

Gina B Molly Tote, $185 from BBOS

Finding your perfect fall bag is pretty simple this year, just remember black, metallic, quilted, purple and tote!

Still need inspiration? See some of my favorites and lookbook.

Follow me on Twitter, follow the Stylista File Blog and join me on Facebook®

For wardrobe & image consulting visit The Stylista Website.

Photos from BBOS

Travel in Style

Toss out that backpack, duffel bag with stains and beat up suitcase! When you look so good, you shouldn't leave your luggage looking worn out.

Coach Signature Luggage Duffel Handbag, $635 from Avelle

Now, I'm not one that believes in purchasing Gucci or Louis Vuitton luggage only to see the baggage handlers throw it into the cargo department without a care. I do believe that you should have nice, stylish and affordable luggage. Slinging that old gym bag into the overhead compartment does not look good.

Deux Lux Black Woven Faux Leather Overnight Bag, $83 from Blue Fly

If you must have a designer piece of luggage, get the overnight bag since you will be handling it with care. Look for sturdy handles and straps; if you are buying in a store and not online, try out the bag. Make sure the straps don't dig into your shoulder too much and that it isn't too awkward to carry. Once you get the bag home, give it a go- put all the clothing, shoes and toiletries you would take on a three day weekend trip. If the bag isn't functional, take it back and find something that will better suit your needs.

Gucci Tobacco Trim GG Large Canvas Travel Duffel, $985 from Avelle

As a frequent traveler, I find it most useful to have two suitcases: one small for short trips and one huge for long trips, vacations and trips where I know I'll be coming home with more than I left with. I'm an overpacker too- you never know if you will need knee-high boots!

Intensity 20" Expandable Mobile Traveler, $475 from Hartmann

Be sure to try out the suitcase by rolling it around, moving the handle up and down, and checking out the zipper and all the compartments. The exterior should be durable and waterproof. Avoid fabrics that could easily be snagged and exterior compartments or anything hanging off the luggage that could be damaged during transit. Make sure that whichever suitcase you choose, that you will not be heartbroken if the bag gets scuffed, marked on, squished or wet.

Vapor Extended Trip Packing Case, $545 from Tumi

When you get the luggage home, give it a test run, just like with the overnight bag. Make sure your blow dryer, makeup, multiple pairs of shoes, jeans and everything else you'll need will fit easily (and without going over the 50 pound limit!).

Delsey Helium HyperLite 29" Upright, $340 from Bloomingdale's

Go ahead and fill out the luggage tag now; this way you won't forget to fill in the information in the packing and rush to the airport frenzy. Helpful hint: at the airport fill out the luggage tag provided by the airline and include the phone number of the place you will be staying at your destination.

Tepper Jackson Luggage Tags, $14.99 from Traveling Chic

You can even get a matching passport wallet! Live in style and travel in style!

Follow me on Twitter, follow the Stylista File Blog, and join me on Facebook®

For wardrobe & image consulting visit The Stylista Website.

Photos from BlueFly, Hartmann, Tumi, Bloomingdale's, Traveling Chic

Bags, Purses, Clutches, Totes: Avelle Has Them!

Looking for that special clutch? What about a carry all, goes with everything purse? Just a lover of bags? Well, Avelle is your answer.

Remember Bag, Borrow or Steal? It is now called Avelle and has more features for fashion (and budget) lovers.

BE & D Limited Edition Leather Garbo Tote, $32/week, $95/month, $242/three months from Avelle

The site still works as Bag, Borrow or Steal did. You can rent bags, jewelry and sunglasses for a few days, weeks, months, or even a year. Find the hottest items and get them in your hands for a fraction of the retail price. Even vintage and high end designer bags are available! Some of the brands you will find include Coach, Cole Haan, Chanel, Chloe, LAMB, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Tory Burch, Hermes and many, many more.

Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Monogram Jokes, $60/week, $175/month, $446/three months from Avelle

If you borrow an item that you can't bear to return, just request to steal it. Avelle will then let you know if the item is available to sell, calculate the equity you've earned from the rental price, and add the difference to your shopping bag to check out. But, if you must part with your lovely bag, returns are as simple as printing out a prepaid label and dropping off the package at any UPS location.

You can become a member of Avelle for a year, three months or just a month. The membership price varies, but however much you pay in membership fees you earn in rental credit. Members also receive 20% off rental fees compared to non-members and have access to a few other features. But, you can always borrow as a non-member.

Isabella Fiore Francine Bag, $17/week, $50/month, $128/three months, from Avelle

Besides being able to borrow fabulous bags, jewelry and sunglasses, Avelle will even clean and repair your bags. Yes, your personal bags. Shipping is free to Avelle; just pay for the cleaning and repairs.

Used Botkier Sophie Satchel, $185 (retail $625) from Avelle

What does Avelle do with bags that are no longer borrowed? What about people that have a surplus of bags (new and used)? Just click on BBOS Private Sale at the top of the page for a wonderful surprise. All those bags, and jewelry and sunglasses are on sale at great discounts! Discounts up to 73% off!

New Donald J Pliner Shima Vintage Shoulder Bucket, $100 (retail $335) from Avelle

For an even more amazing deal, use coupon code SAVE20 for $20 off your first purchase/borrow or SHOP15 for 15% off your first purchase/borrow. My first purchase was a brand new, bronze Calvin Klein hobo bag. The retail price was $183, was on sale for $55, plus I used a coupon code. My total was $35! $35!

Follow me on Twitter and follow the Stylista File.

For wardrobe & image consulting visit TheStylista Website.

Photos from Avelle

Fabulous Fringe

Fringed purses are a great way to show off your style. There are a range of colors, types and sizes of bags. Pick one and you are sure to score compliments and may even be the object of envy.

hype Ellie North South Tote, $295 from ideeli

Marc Jacobs Boho Bag, $1516 from Blue Fly

Jimmy Choo Ina Small Clutch, $795 from Net-a-Porter

Industry IAS10-26 Bag, $155 from Piper Lime

Rebecca Minkoff Lovespell Rocker Crossbody, $255 from Saks Fifth Avenue

Melie Bianco Woven Faux Leather Satchel, $98 from Nordstrom

Shake and shimmy with your new fringed bag- I dare you not to!

Follow me on Twitter.

For wardrobe & image consulting visit TheStylista Website

Photos from ideeli, Blue Fly, Net-a-Porter, Piper Lime, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom

Spring/Summer Bags

Time to ditch the dark brown and black bags and add some spring/summer style to your purse collection. Lighter colored clothing calls for lighter colored bags. Think true white, cream, beige/khaki and even light grey and silver.

Treesje Parker Hobo, Bluefly $369

If you are on a budget, and who isn't, choose one versatile bag that can go from day to night. Also, don't buy a bag that is too trendy. After all, you will want to keep it for next year and the year after. If you really want a trendy studded bag, do not spend a lot of money on it. Splurge on timeless pieces, not trendy ones.

Cole Haan Bailey Pocket Hobo, $298

If you have the dough, there are some great casual totes. Fendi's straw and canvas tote, available on Bluefly, is perfect for a day of shopping. Yves St. Laurent also has several great totes for spring/summer. For evening, clutches are simple and sexy; Fendi has an irresistible silver leather one that will carry you through fall.

Yves St. Laurent Large Bowler, Bluefly $1,436

A light colored bag will be your go-to bag for months to come, so choose wisely! Remember, a good quality, timeless bag will last years and you will enjoy carrying it every time.

To order online, visit Cole Haan and Bluefly.

For wardrobe & image consulting visit TheStylista Website

Photos from Cole Haan and Bluefly.

Holly Aiken: A New Kind of Bag

Holly Aiken is a North Carolina native making bags and purses her way. Inspired by vintage racing jackets and unique, retro color combos, Holly makes chic vinyl bags that seem to be indestructible. This is great news for the woman on the go that carries her life in her bag.

Turbo Jr- Daytona Small, $112

Besides standing up to wear and tear of daily use, the bags are also anti-bacterial and anti-microbial, and mildew and oil resistant. Care couldn't much simpler- take a damp, soapy cloth and wipe. Even tough spots won't stain this super bag- just take a bit of rubbing alcohol or mild abrasive and put a little elbow grease into it.

Paspartou, $122

Holly's bags come in a variety of designs, including large clutches, messengers, doctor style, and a lots of totes. With so many color combinations and designs, there is one to suit everyone.

Turbine Jr-Dove Triangle Tote, $69

Shop online at http://www.hollyaiken.com/ or at her store front, Stitch in Raleigh. Contact Holly Aiken Bags at info@hollyaiken.com. Princes range from $44-136.