There are some trends better off left in the ’70s. We can think of several, but we’re not going to name them here for fear that someone will resurrect them and start mass-producing them again. Honestly, we can learn from history.

But we’ll participate gladly in the renewed zest for the peasant top, those gathered, often billowy blouses that flatter nearly anyone and cover a host of little sins. Worn over khakis or trousers, they take you to work (we like this Alberto Makali tunic at Nordstrom ($165, above), with

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The Style Insider is having a little tantrum. We seem to be yearning for a Bermuda-shorts kind of life, for days filled with beaches and golf courses and cocktails. Wouldn’t that be nice? So we’re shopping.

When we say Bermuda shorts, what we mean is plaid. We don’t want wimpy little normal shorts. We want shorts that look like they’re on a holiday, like they’re taking a vacation from their normal little (more…)

It is supposed to be spring! Enough with the rain and the chill and the gloom. The Style Insider is ready to be done with all things blah, and we’ve recently realized that we are as tired as can be of our sturdy little black canvas laptop case. So we’ve put together a social network of laptop totes chic enough to fly first-class and versatile enough to carry all your vital tech devices:

We like nearly everything Clark & Mayfield makes, and their Metro-Express laptop tote (above left)is on the top of our list. The black houndstooth print is eye-catching and classy; the lines are sleek, and the price is sane. At eBags ($90, 15.75″ by 13″ by 5″). If you’re a lady in red, you might be more partial to their Rosemont ($80, 13″ by 14.5″ by 5″, above right); both bags got 8s and 9s in eBags’ customer reviews.

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You know that love-at-first-sight thing? It’s nothing compared to this.

We are smitten. We are swooning. We are checking our credit limit. Because we are head over heels for Coach’s new Bonnie collection of Cashin-Carry bags, a colorful, whimsical line of handbags and accessories inspired by 1960s Coach designer Bonnie Cashin. 

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When is shopping for spring sandals not good enough? When you stick to the same boring retailers and see the same names from season to season.

Cease and desist, we say. Here are 10 cute pairs of sandals, from 10 excellent Web sites that you may have never seen before. Some of them aren’t completely outside the box, but we bet you haven’t seen them all. (And if you’re a fashion blogger, you don’t count.)

Here’s what we are excited about: (more…)

The Style Insider would truly like to know what it is about Anthropologie that inspires so much bad behavior in so many people, including ourselves. We swear, even in a recession, even when we’re trying to be a responsible little Suze Orman type with our money, even when we don’t need anything, we walk into an Anthropologie store and we’re freaking doomed.

Their damnably cute combination of clothing, jewelry, kitchen treasures, linens and furniture gets us every time.

At least it’s nice to know that we’re not alone (Anthropologie 12-step group, anyone?). The chain  has 121 stores in the United States, and Women’s Wear Daily is reporting that Anthropologie’s Beverly Hills location just launched a new 16,000-square-foot, two-story store (up from its previous 10,000 square feet, which — excuse us — is no small potatoes).  The extra space gives them room for lots more inventory (including some designs exclusive to the store) and 17 dressing rooms. Seventeen. (more…)

It is a creative writing exercise of the highest order: Naming the rabid riot of intense pink that is all over the spring collections right now. Some designers call it hibiscus. Fuschia is popular. Hot pink, magenta and blush all make appearances. Geranium, even.

Whatever you call it, it’s one of the It colors of the season. And because we’re in a mood to browse  handbags, we’re sampling the shade across the price spectrum — from $23 to $2,300. Enjoy.

The best place to start? In the aisles at Target, of course, where their soft-sided Xhilaration ruffle top tote carries all the exuberant spirit of the season while leaving some green in your wallet. ($23, at top)  Patent leather is tres chic right now, and this Guess shine candy tote gives you the sparkle at a PVC price. With double handles, metal feet and four inside pockets, you’d be happy even without the free shipping (but it’s yours anyway). At Ebags ($88, above)

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