A look to keep

I was perusing the fashion magazines today and stumbled across this section of "Looks to Keep" in People Magazine. In this section there is a picture of Katharine McPhee (former American Idol contestant) holding an oversized clutch. The caption read, "The big handheld bag remains a practical and chic option." I was thinking about my love of bags and the fact that I happen to love the oversized bag in general.

It was at this point I realized that we have a fabulous oversized clutch right here at New to You, the Chic Boutique. This bag, I am happy to report is WAY cooler than the one in the hand of McPhee.

Handmade in Spain, this burlap clutch is adorned with jade, cranberry garnets and swarovski crystals. It retailed at a magnificent $2800 and is on sale for $508.50 at our shop.

This bag makes a statement and I can assure you that no one else will have such a clutch. This is definitely a look to keep.

Tis the season for guests!

The holidays are a time of traveling to and from the homes of friends and family. Perhaps you are the one traveling, but if you are the hostess with the mostess, we have some tips from Martha Stewart that will make your guests feel like they are staying in a bed and breakfast.

Give your spare bedroom that hotel feel. Set out guest essentials, such as towels and an alarm clock. Go that extra mile and add items such as bottles of water, chocolates and even a nice floral arrangement.

Set up guest towels in the bathroom in a special place, perhaps wrapped in a nice bow. This attention to detail will make your loved ones feel extra special. Also, stock up on anything your guest might need, such as toilet paper, q-tips, cotton balls or paper towels. By stocking up on these items you save your guest a potentially embarrassing request.

One of the biggest complaints we hear from holiday travelers is that there is never enough space for them to put away their clothing. Nobody likes to live out of a suitcase, so if your guest is staying in your child's room (for example) make sure there is adequate space to put their belongings in, whether it be a drawer or some closet space. This gesture makes friends and family feel 100 times more comfortable.

With these helpful tips from MarthaStewart.com, your guests won't ever want to leave, but for your sake we hope they just say they had a great time...and then go home.

*photo courtesy of MarthaStewart.com*

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