Designer inspired fashion handbag

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"The eighties have replaced the seventies as the new decade for fashion inspiration. Remember Jennifer Beals in Flashdance? Look for wrap tops, dance dresses, leggings, off-the-shoulder tops and sweatshirts in cashmere and lamb's wool. Luxury is also big, and that's definitely a baby of the 1980's. I believe more women will treat themselves to a signature handbag or a cashmere sweater. It won't be money foolishly spent, but an investment in quality that will last season after season, year after year."

Agnes Cammock, Senior Fashion Market Editor, Women's Wear Daily and W

"There is a return to romance and femininity, and that means softer, preffier clothes--but leave the ruffles, fishtails and asymmetrical hems for night. In the workplace, you want to wear a soft, lightweight-fabric suit, maybe in a georgette. The jacket should accentuate the waist and skirt the hips, and the skirt should be just at the knee. When it comes to color, African-American women can really take advantage of all the options, from brights to graphic black and white."

Roy H. Campbell, Fashion Editor, Philadelphia Inquirer

"One of the strongest collections was Ralph Lauren's, inspired by the Masai of East Africa. Unlike many designers who take an exotic trip and come back and create costumes that are not really wearable, Halph captured the spirit of the people and offered a very modern, American way of dressing. Because of his collection, women who really like to update their wardrobe will try lightweight suede pants or safari-style suiting, but the majority of women will be inspired by the accessories he showed. Instead of pearls or a gold necklace with a traditional suit, try unusual beads or a strong brass bracelet."

Robin Givhan, Fashion Writer, The Washington Post

"The suit to have is long and lean with trousers, which is a continuation of what we saw for fall. When you wear it with a one-shoulder top and high-heeled shoes, the suit works overtime for night. But the newest and freshest thing to do for your wardrobe is to add a feminine, playful dress in lightweight ganze, chilton or matte jersey. A perfect example would be a body-skimming, knee-length halter dress."

Constance White, Fashion Reporter, The New York Times

"Ralph Lauren and Gucci's Tom Ford highlighted the spring fashion season. Both embraced in unique statements the strength of `Black is beautiful.' What made the Gucci collection so innovative was simple pieces, like a lurex tube dress in an African wood color, paired with knee-high boots for a new twist. Sure, knee-high, high-heeled boots for spring and summer may sound odd, but the role of such a brilliant designer is to take fashion to the edge but not over it. The tube dress, on the other hand, is one look that can be copied with little expense. Two seams up the sides and a hem in a textured cloth from the fabric outlet in the mall, and you've sewn up the perfect spring dinner look in under an hour!"

Andre Leon Talley, European Editor, Vanity Fair

"Brown is the new black. and there are many shades, ranging from pale nude to chocolate, that work especially well for women of color--even with makeup. It's out with black eyeliner Let's try brown! It's softer, and this is a season of femininity. If you're a person who likes strong color, for red in your wardrobe and on your lips."