Archive: September 19th, 2007

SEI/LFI; Phamous Fotos/Splash

Every season there is one must-have bag that we lust after — last season it was Chanel’s 2.55 handbag and this fall, it’s shaping up to be Dior by John Galliano’s “Plisse” bag. Penelope Cruz is keeping hers close on the set of her new Woody Allen movie and Charlize Theron has made the chic bag her travel staple — and fashionsta Mischa Barton has, of course, scooped one up, too. We love the twisted handle and studded details that make this bag a little rustic and totally chic at the same time. Get the “Plisse” bag for real, $2,290, at Dior boutiques or the smaller version, $1,990, at eluxury.com but if the real thing is far from affordable for you, try these similar styles.

Laundry by Shelli Segal Jasmine With Stitch, $206, zappos.com

Nine West studded hobo, on sale $70 from $140,ninewest.com

Deux Lux Sack With Braided Strap, $58, urbanoutfitters.com

Clara Molden/PA EMPICS/ABACA

One way to ensure your catwalk show gets a standing ovation before any of your designs even appear? Open your show with a Prince performance. One minute, the Purple One was sitting quietly in the front row at Matthew Williamson’s 10th anniversary show in London, and the next he was holding a microphone in hand, singing “Chelsea Rodgers” accompanied by his five-piece band. (The singer currently is nearing the end of a two-month, 21-concert stint in London.) Halfway through the song, Prince — dressed in black suede and lace, plus black patent heels — jumped up from his seat to join two dancers clad in (what else?) purple. Even normally blase fashion editors were scrabbling for their camera phones. As for the show itself? Lots of khaki accented with a Southwestern-inspired patterns of tangerine, green, and turquoise (but sadly no purple). The show closed with a recorded version of “Kiss,” prompting one witty member of the back row to remark that you might not have to be rich to be Prince’s girl, but the money certainly wouldn’t hurt if you wanted a Williamson dress.

Tina Fineberg/ap

We’ve come to expect the stars of The Hills — Audrina Patridge, Lauren Conrad and Whitney Port — to always look good when they hit the red carpet. All three of the young women have the best dresses all the time! And when they hit the taping of Legally Blonde: The Musical last night, it was no exception. Now, we’re just trying to decide which one we like best! Is it Audrina’s sexy purple minidress from Elizabeth and James (the Olsens’ new line!)? Or Lauren’s sweet ruffled little black Mint by Jodi Arnold dress? Or Whitney’s trendy hot pink Catherine Malandrino bubble? Tell us: Whose dress do you like best?

Get Audrina’s dress, $395 at neimanmarcus.com

Get Lauren’s dress, $620, available mid-October jodiarnoldnyc.com

Get Whitney’s dress, $475 at catherinemalandrino.com.

Courtesy benefitcosmetics.com

We love the humorous packaging and high quality of Benefit Cosmetics. And as a treat just for you, through September 25th, 2007, use the promo code PEOPLE15 at checkout to receive 15% off your order of $65 or more. Offer excludes sale merchandise and is not valid with other offers.

What we love at benefitcosmetics.com now:

Quick as a Wink set, $45. With discount, $39.

CAD/Fame Pictures

Even though this month’s StyleWatch cover girl has been busy filming a movie (and hanging with Justin), it doesn’t keep her from looking utterly chic while running errands in L.A. Jessica Biel was spotted this week, showing off her new shag cut and a vibrant purple –a must have color for the season– Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent dress with flat Loeffler Randall camel boots (Cameron Diaz has the same ones!). We loved Jessica’s look so much we had to find it for you — and, of course, the look for less!

Get Jessica’s Dress!
Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent dress, $215, at revolveclothing.com. For a affordable option try French Connection’s Mystify Dress, on sale $93 from $158, nordstrom.com or this even cheaper tunic, $18, at forever21.com.

Get Jessica’s Boots!
While the flat “Kit” Loeffler Randall boots are no longer available in camel, you can get them in white, $685, at bluebee.com or with a 3 inch wedge in camel, $625, at shopbop.com, but try these Seychelles flat boot with buckles, $170, at shopkitson.com for a look-a-like.