Old Hollywood had flair – a certain charm and striking glamour that is dejectedly lacking today. Vintage glamour icons Marilyn Monroe, Billie Holiday, Jackie-O, Madonna and Audrey Hepburn have all successfully reset the rules of fashion in their own way.

Curvaceous, sultry Marilyn Monroe (Norma Jean Baker) is the ultimate glamour icon. Although her life was dramatic, tragic, and short lived, Marilyn is possibly one of the most imitated style icons of the century. She was a chic, feisty sex symbol who knew how to draw attention to her figure without ever being overly provocative. Platinum blonde curls, low cut white flared dresses and pouty red lips are seen universally on the Halloween holiday – perhaps the most identified Marilyn look. Her off-screen persona embraced her curves with her fondness for pencil skirts, button-down shirts and sleek dresses. There are thousands of items today in pop-culture that are branded with Marilyn Monroe.

Some call her the most influential jazz singer and songwriter of all time, Billie Holiday had an overly distinctive style. During the peak of her fame in the 1950’s, a signature white gardenia, polished chignon, full length glittering dresses, diamond earrings, and pearl necklaces became frequently seen during her stage performances. Off the stage, Billie felt more comfortable in a sleek ponytail, turbans, and extravagant, flashy earrings. Her stage outfits undoubtedly became as legendary as her voice.

Through her continuous reign as the most stylish First Lady in history, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (Jackie-O) quickly became known for her impeccable trend-setting style and ability to consistently look flawless. Throughout the 60’s, Jackie-O predominantly wore crisp suits by French designers like Chanel, Givenchy and Christian Dior. Big sunglasses, pearl necklaces, and fine tailored A-line skirts are ultimately very popular trends in fashion today – a few staples. Want her style? Check out Gucci’s ‘Jackie-O’ inspired handbag, but don’t forget your POOQ purse hook for safe keeping.

MADONNA. The pop legend was crowned the ultimate style icon of the 1980’s for her ever-evolving style. Currently, even though not many of us are wearing jewelled, cone-shaped bras and have overly bleached hair, recent trends have seen a lot of layering with lace, lightly teased hair, rosaries, and lace leggings or gloves. Madonna has been a muse to numerous fashion designers for over 20 years.

Like Jackie-O, Audrey Hepburn always kept it simple. Audrey epitomized glamour and elegance in every way with clean lines, femininity and simplicity. Her style, being most notably known for her appearance in 1961’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s, gives credit to the long black gloves, the cigarette holder and the classic little black dress (the “LBD”). The LBD was made famous on the big screen and lives on to be a staple in women’s wardrobe today. Capri pants and ballet flats were ideally worn in her downtime, which happen to be another two items that consistently evolve in fashion. Thanks, Audrey.

Each of these vintage glamour icons are equally timeless and also made who they were look effortless. On top of these five, there are hundreds of fashion inspirations that contribute to fashion as we know it today. It is, after all a reflection of what these women brought to the dramatically shifting industry.

Authored by: Courtney L. Franklin

Photo credit:
www.starpulse.com
www.jennylevinstyle.blogspot.com
www.marilynmonroeart.net
www.liketotally80s.com
www.alice-in-ponderland.blogspot.com

2011 was predicted to be a year that consumers focused on purchasing quality – over quantity. Noticeably, consumers are displaying their own incredible statement pieces – especially in jewellery this spring. Unexpected shape and size combinations will ensure that your Spring/ Summer 2011 jewellery collection is up to date. Distinct characteristics include complex, geometric patterns, and chunky, wooden pieces that are extremely oversize. Jewellery items are long-lasting and can be with you most of your lifetime; to me this point makes investing in luxury jewellery easier on the conscience. Try getting inspired by Mary Katrantzou.

What about wardrobe? One key spring look that I love is biker chic. Motorcycle jackets, leather pants, bold zippers, and oversized buckles put new meaning to hard-core chic. Could this look completely overtake the military trend that we have seen over the last 10 years? Don’t think tacky leather pants from the ‘80’s; imagine striking, skinny, leather bottoms that entail mesh side panels or quilting and two-tone leather. You don’t need to ride a Harley to be biker chic; biker boots with a bow in your hair is a fun play on this look.

Opposite to the biker aspect; long, maxi dresses switched gears this season compared to last season’s more structured and streamlined maxis. We see dresses that are softer, resulting in the drape falling with extreme ease. Layers and lace, pastel colours, floral and busy prints (some see-through) are favoured. Take a risk and hit 2 trends with 1 stone – pair a shorter maxi with a pair of combat boots! In my opinion, the boho fabulous trend will never die.

Did someone mention the 70’s? Saturday night fever is back. High waisted – wide leg trousers, blouses with ruffled necklines and bows, and disco minis are relieving consumers of their craving for a sense of nostalgia. The fact that this trend goes back from over 3 decades, gives the ability to combine modernism with vintage. The fit can be overly loose, but this doesn’t fade out the importance of the skinny fit – the skinny jean has now become a staple in a women’s wardrobe.

Whether you’re rocking your biker chic – studded, leather satchel, fringed suede hobo bag, or an LV clog-inspired tassel bag this spring, treat it right with a POOQ purse hook. Handbags have feelings too, you know.

Authored by: Courtney L. Franklin

Photo credit to:
www.jewellerygem.com
www.fashion-style.becomegorgeous.com
www.boss-style.com/blog
www.thefashionbystander.wordpress.com

The ‘ACNE’ Wedge Boot, is the one wedge every fashionista should own in her closet. While, my particular favorite being the plain black – because, black goes with everything. If you want to add a little bit of extra, something the ‘Admire’ boot might be for you.

The ‘Admire’ – is shiny patent leather, featuring a gold inner zipper and large buckle. This boot adds a bit of a rockstar-glam vibe to any outfit, also available in purple – this shoe is a definite show-stopper.

… What about the ‘Atacoma’? Equally fabulous, in a hoof-like silhouette with a patent white leather stripe across the bottom.

The final ACNE Wedge Boot I think every fashionista should own (…okay, at least one of the following or aforementioned) is the “Highway AW10”. Taller than the previous three of the ACNE Wedge Boots, featuring an array of pockets, this boot, in both black and brown is sure to garner some compliments from co-workers and friends a like.

All of these boots are perfectly versatile for any occasion (…the black, definitely) and transition so perfectly. Comfortable, chic and so stylish, you cannot deny The ACNE Wedge boot, in any style is the ultimate wedge, if not ultimate heel that deserves it’s place in every fashion lovers closer.

Other reasons that you should use a purse hook include:
- Handbags placed on the floor of a restaurant or bathroom are likely to collect bacteria, fungi and other viruses
- Both Dr. Oz & The Doctors TV shows have highlighted the germs that can be brought home on a purse
- Your purse isn’t in contact with the ground and is less likely to get dirty or damaged
- It provides more security – hanging your purse near you under the table rather than the back of your chair means theft is more difficult and less likely to occur
- Keep your hands and arms free in restaurants, in meeting and many other places while still keeping your handbag in sight and within easy reach
- Avoid the cumbersome bulk of having your handbag in your lap
- These fashionable holders are stylish as well as functional

These are the five “It” bags of seasons past and present that we feel every handbag enthusiast should own, or at least know about.

1. Hermes Birkin

The Hermès Birkin bag is named after the iconic actress Jane Birkin, who once had a highly public relationship with influential french singer, Serge Gainsbourg, to whom she bore a child (Charlotte Gainsbourg). The ‘Birkin’ is the symbol of ultimate luxury, due in part to its exposure on popular television shows such as ‘Sex and the City’. An authentic ‘Birkin’ costs upwards of $6,000 and located in Paris, Hermes issues only 5 Birkins a week. The waiting lists are endless, of course, and that’s what makes them even more desirable.

2. Chanel 2.55

This little classic will always be “in”. It was born in 1955 (hence the name 2.55) after Coco Chanel decided she wanted a shoulder bag to free up her hands and is inspired by the quilting on Jockeys coats. Karl Lagerfeld released a second, updated version in 2006.

3. Chloe Paddington

The Chloe Paddington was created by designer Phoebe Philo in 2005 and is considered to be the quintessential ‘Boho-Chic’ bag because of it’s slouchy, unstructured shape and exposure by stars such as Kate Moss and Sienna Miller, who are known for their bohemian sense of style. A leather Paddington typically costs around $1,500.

4. Balenciaga ‘City’ Motorcycle

Balenciaga’s line of motorcycle-inspired handbags are created out of distressed goat leather, which is what gives them their unique, relaxed shape. The ‘City’ bag in particular, caused quite a stir after becoming the official handbag of choice for notorious fashionistas like Mary-Kate Olsen. The Balenciaga ‘City’ bag is not available online and retails for about $1,200.

5. Louis Vuitton Monogram Speedy

The Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Speedy is more of a mainstay classic than a trend, but that doesn’t stop it from maintaining “must-have” status all year round! Jessica Simpson carries hers practically every day. It is the ideal city bag, featuring a roomy interior with natural cowhide exterior and golden hardware. The size of the bags varies from Speedy 25 to Speedy 40 and so does the price: $675.00 – $750.00, they are available in Louis Vuitton online store, but I am sure you will prefer to buy your LV in a Louis Vuitton boutique near you.

Credit: http://allwomenstalk.com/designer-classic-must-have-bags/

Have any others you’d like to suggest?

In their book ‘What’s In The Queen’s Handbag: And Other Royal Secrets’, Phil Dampier and Ashley Walton give a look into what all the Queen carries around. And, they say that it’s not only what’s inside the monarch’s bags that is significant, but the bag itself, for she uses it to communicate with her staff in a very subtle manner.

According to the authors, one thing that can always be found in the Queen’s handbags is an S-shaped metal meat hook that she places on the dinner table’s edge to suspend her bag from so that it doesn’t touch the floor.

Also to be found inside is a collection of good luck charms, including miniature dogs, horses, saddles and horsewhips – most of them gifts from her children, reports the Daily Express. Family photos are also present, the most treasured of which is a snap of Prince Andrew, from when he returned from the Falklands in 1982. Other things that the Queen never goes without are her mints, chocolate drops for her beloved corgis and a couple of crosswords, which her servants snip out of the papers for her.

Also ever present is the metal make-up case, made by Prince Philip and presented to her as a wedding gift 60 years ago. And if there’s still room in the bag she happens to be carrying, the Queen slips in a camera to take snaps to add to her private collection.

Dampier and Walton also reveal the other uses of the monarch’s bag.

Before dining with the Queen, a point is made to inform guests that dinner will end in about five minutes after she places her bag on the table top. On walk-abouts, she holds the bag to one side to show she intends to move on, at which point a lady-in-waiting joins the conversation, allowing her to slip away without causing offence. When at a banquet, if the Queen’s bag is placed on the floor, then it’s a sign that she’s not finding the conversation interesting, and wants nothing more than to escape. However, if the royal bag is dangling happily from the crook of her left arm, she is happy and relaxed.

- from Top News, United Kingdom, October 11, 2007

(photo credit: The Maginificent Annie Liebowitz)

We brainstormed and fused our love of jewelry, fashion and design with a gadget that defies gravity. Our commitment is to be recognized as the Louis Vuitton of pursehooks.  We are committed to launching a new collection of POOQs every fashion season and eventually we want to see a POOQ for every special occasion. Inspired by the classic European café culture, the essence of living life with the luxury of time and patterns, colors and shapes found in the fashion world, we want you to treat your POOQ like it’s your favorite piece of jewelry. We want you to sit back in your seat and relax with that latte and breathtaking book. Don’t worry,  your purse is hanging right beside you, safe, clean and out of your way.

Great as a treat to yourself, fabulous as gifts for your mom, girlfriends, sisters and girlfriends for guys.