Blog Posts by Harper s Bazaar

Most of us can't live without a bag to tote everything we need for the day or night. But just because it's all about function doesn't mean it has to be boring. Special is now standard, so don't feel obligated to buy only basics. Neutral colors are great, but you can also have some fun with this Photo Credit: Studio Dnecessary accessory.

1. Look for Versatility

Don't have time, energy, or resources to switch your bag with every outfit? Black and brown go with everything...That said, so do metallics, skins, and shades of white; and in some cases, those are fresher alternatives.

2. Bright Bags Add Life to Toned-Down Looks

Wearing jeans and a tee or a classic dark suit? A carryall in bright orange, red, or pink is an instant pick-me-up.

3. If You're Toting a Ton, Get a Bigger Bag

A piece that's overstuffed looks sloppy. Doubling up is fine, but don't weigh yourself down. If you have extra items to carry, fill up a large bag to carry along with your regular purse. Better yet, stash your

Whether classic or edgy, this full-coverage footwear can be comfortable and chic. Here's what you need to know about wearing boots in any season.

Photo Credit: Studio D1. Look ladylike with high-heeled boots instead of pumps

When wearing a fuller skirt, it's more refined for your hem to fall just over the top of your boot. With a fitted shape, allow a few inches between your hem and your boot.

2. Heavy heels complement long skirts and dresses

Go chunky to offset longer lengths. But don't put a beat-up boot with your tiered skirt. Save your rough-and-tumble footwear for jeans.

3. Wear ankle boots with pants

They slip easily under jeans or dress pants and don't feel restrictive around your legs.

4. Wear short skirts with stiletto thigh highs

Or, wear a flat style with a mini. Think about wearing tights, either way: You'll look more conservative and pulled together.

5. Slim, high boots: A staple

Pick a pair that's fitted around your leg but not so tight that your skin

It's no secret that women adore shoes. When you are blue, buying a new pair is an instant mood lifter. When you feel great, you make a trip to the shoe store in celebration. And on special occasions, you must have something special to wear. The truth is, there will always be a good excuse to add to your shoe closet. Here are 9 tips on expressing your personal style - through your footwear.

Photo Credit: Studio D
1. Don't Be Hobbled by Discomfort Even if you love a pair, if you can't walk in them, don't buy them. Limping around in heels is decidedly ungraceful.

2. Dare to Wear Brights An electric hue can amp up a look, including outfits in colors other than black and denim. Try colored shoes with white, khaki, and pastels. A scarlet-red dress, however, calls for neutral footwear.

3. Wear What's Appropriate Open-toe sandals may be too risqué for a conservative suit, while a flat may be too casual for a cocktail frock. Keep your sneakers relegated to gym clothes or casual jeans. When in doubt, it's hard to

Photos Credit: Sean CunninghamWhether fancy or costume, nothing can add oomph to your wardrobe like jewelry. Here are 8 tips for making sure your bling always looks its best.

1. Keep it chic.
In some instances, loading up on the sparklies is an exciting way to accent. But know when to stop. An armful of bangles, for example, means you should think minimal with your necklaces and earrings.

2.Tone it down when your clothes have a lot going on.
A ruffle-front blouse can look sweet with a thin chain in the mix, but not with a big, ornate number.

3. Bring Life to Outfits with Necklaces There are so many directions you can go when it comes to necklaces, from subtle (a simple gold chain or a strand of pearls) to bold (a wide bib or colorful beads) and lots of places in between.Photo Credit: Studio D

4. You don't have to spend a lot on your baubles.
Costume jewelry adds pizzazz. Beware of anything too cheap, and avoid pieces that are just poor imitations of the real deal.

5. Consider the vibe you are going for.
Add colorful beads for a boho

Think you can't wear belts? Think again - this waist-cinching wonder will bring new definition to all figure types.
Photo Credit: Studio D
1. Look Clean-Cut by Cinching Your Waist
It's amazing how a simple belt can totally modify an outfit. With the quick closing of a buckle, almost anything you wear is instantly pulled together, and you suddenly look slimmer. And we're not just talking about the basic leather piece used to hold up pants (although those are great to have, too!). If a wide-cut piece like a sash or obi emphasizes your waist, it'll do the trick.

2. Look at Belts in a New Light
When worn out of the belt loops of your pants, they can go over nearly everything. Cinch a bulky sweater, a slouchy tee, or a billowing blouse. Even try it over your coat for a more tailored look.

Photo Credit: Davies + Star
3. Cinch in the Right Place
Wearing your belt on your true waist (as opposed to the top of your pants) will create a feminine hourglass silhouette. A low-slung belt over jeans or a dress can be cool and casual.

4. Show Off

You don't have to get injected to look rejuvenated with these painless face-fixing secrets. Plus, how the right hair and makeup can make a big difference.

We've all been there before: You're standing in front of the mirror, obsessing over each line and sun spot and wondering when they all appeared. For some, laser treatments, wrinkle-filling injections, or a mini lift may go right onto the to-do list. But what if you don't want to go down that road? No problem. Read on for the tried-and-tested tips that will take years off your look.

Easy Makeup Tricks

As tempting as it can be to skip the makeup, throw on sunglasses, and hope your lip color makes you Photo Credit: Sean Cunninghamlook "done," Lancôme makeup artist Sandy Linter warns, "Less is less; less is not more." Linter, who has made up her fair share of celebrities, gives lessons to real women at New York's Rita Hazan Salon and says you don't have to spend hours to look terrific. "But if you're going to do just one thing, do your eyes. Nothing is

20s: Strengthen Thin Skin
Even if you don't have any wrinkles yet, you may have started to see undereye shadows. "Dark circles are usually hereditary and are often a sign of leaky blood vessels or thinning skin," says dermatologist Patricia Wexler. Any product that boosts collagen (look for those with peptides or vitamin C) will thicken skin, making blood vessels less visible. Try peptide-packed Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Creme.

30s: Prevent Puffiness
Swollen eyes at this age are usually the result of fluid retention. "Sleep disturbances, diets high in salt, and allergies can all contribute to water retention," notes dermatologist David Bank. "To flush out excess fluids, reduce sodium intake and sleep with your head elevated so that gravity can work in your favor to pull water out of your face," he says. For a temporary fix, try Shiseido Benefiance Pure Retinol Instant Treatment Eye Mask, which contains ginseng, a natural anti-inflammatory that reduces swelling in 15 minutes.

Photo Credit: Ylva Erevall

It's tough staying on top of all the trends designers sent sashaying down the runway, but keep these 8 top trends for 2010 in mind when you hit the mall for after-holiday sales, and you'll be very of-the-moment when it comes time to break out the warmer-weather duds in a few months!

Mixed Prints
Afraid your ikat will clash with your plaids or stripes will upset your florals? Well, fear not, for this season anything goes. Mix and match your most colorful pieces and let your imagination run free.

Couture Clogs
Not just for hippies anymore, this boho wonder was made chic by the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, Céline's Phoebe Philo, and Louis Vuitton. Clogs are the new must-have footwear (and comfy to boot!).

Photo Credit: Sean CunninghamRed Hot Lips
There were crimson-stained moues aplenty on the runway. The shocking yet sexy shade screamed old-world style for models everywhere from Dior to Bottega Veneta.

Designer Denim
Blue-jean baby. Broken-in jeans were shown with élan in New York (Ralph Lauren doing it