Need To Swap Handbags Quickly????

You will LOVE this new discovery - the VIP (Very Intelligent Pocket) system of handbag inserts. Ever wondered how fashionistas manage to change their handbags all the time? Do you attribute that to the fact that they have loads and loads of time to do so?

Not so - what we do have, is a cheeky trick - a handbag insert. This insert is a PVC insert that is lightweight, waterproof and washable. With multiple pockets sewn in, you simply place all your wordly posessions in the insert and then when you need to change handbags, just pull out the insert (contents and all) and swap bags. You'll change bags in seconds and never forget a thing. I think it's brilliant.

In fact I love them we can order them for you directly for $49 including postage to an Australian address (RRP in some stores has been as high as $58). Email us at Smitten if you'd like to place an order.

Cheaper versions have started to enter the market too (although they don't have quite the same feel or functionality as the VIP inserts, they are still a very viable alternative.

SALES SALES SALES PART II

The sales continue (hooray for our credit cards!). It's been a slow-ish year for retailers, so some real bargains are to be had. Today's specials include:

MIDAS - Firstly, they have an amazing range of shoes on sale (my favourites, a low heeled, almost flat, patent croc print black boots, reduced from $578 to $295. So Chanel, and yet so not-Chanel priced).

Secondly, they have a good range of clutch bags on sale too (and if you are a regular at my seminars or newsletters, you'll know that clutch bags are all the rage at present - my favourite, the black clutch with tortoiseshell clasp and coloured stones stiched on the front, reduced from $149 to $75. Buy it and pretend it is Marni).

Thirdly, their QVB, Sydney flagship store is closing down this Sunday (22 June 2008). They do not know if it will be refurbished or closed permanently, so watch this space. In the meantime, get your Midas fix in the CBD, from their Glasshouse store on Pitt St Mall.

SALE SALE SALE

Sale time has come early to Sydney, so your new mantra should be BUY BUY BUY. With the torrid wind and rain of the past few weeks, David Jones and Myer are swarmed with women, all with husbands/boyfriends in tow, clutching brochures outlining the latest electronics and sheet sets on sale.

So, consider this your fashion brochure of the best picks from this sale season (outside of DJ's and Myer):

SHEIKE: Look out for their jewellery - they make all their jewellery in Paris, they are very on-trend and so cheap that my fashionista high heels are wobbly. My fave's: the chocolate brown round wooden earrings and big cream tear drop earrings. Also look out for the Lantana gold trench coat with short, detailed sleeves. Reduced to $119.00 from $199.00, it is an inspired take of the Escada version.

VERONIKA MAINE: Not only do VM have a new home on George Street (right across from Myer), but I struggled (in a good way) to find anything full-price!! Hooray!! There's still a good range of sizes, even in the smaller sizes (my fashionista chocolate-filled buttocks hate you, but hope you still find a bargain!)

WITCHERY: Witchery have some wonderful pieces on sale - lots and lots of pretty, satin camisoles, perfect for dressing up jeans, or wearing under a work jacket / cardi. For those of you who dare, there is also a terrific black sequinned loose top, reduced to $99. It is perfect over skinny black pants, with a little clutch and patent heels. It is part flapper, part Vegas, but in all the right ways.