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 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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After more than five years as the high-fashion-meets-low-cost design guru at Target, the one-man style machine that is Isaac Mizrahi has moved on. His new assignment is to reinvigorate the style of the staid Liz Claiborne line. The fashion world is getting its first glimpse of his casual, more youthful and interesting collection for Claiborne.

You can learn more about it on FabSugar, and Wowowow has a witty piece by style sage Billy Norwich. The pictures of the collection (two above) are all over the fashion blogosphere.  (more…)

The time is now, and you are stuck with 1) a plain, old plate to serve your latkes on and 2) a very un-fun dreidel that still means something to you, but it’s not keeping the kids entertained.

Let’s start with the latkes. Potato latkes are one of God’s many blessings, and we want to be a better custodian of them. There are far too many fabulous latke platters and accompaniment bowls on the market to ignore.

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Target’s got a winning fashion trifecta lined up for the month.

Fashionistas looking for a budget-friendly fashion fix can score with designer Anya Hindmarch’s new handbag collection, Sigerson Morrison’s footwear collection and the new Jonathan Saunders clothing collection, all launching in mid-October. 

Saunders’ line hit Target’s shelves this past weekend. The Scottish-born designer offers a fresh take on color blocking, knitwear and clean-line silhouettes. Among our trendy favorites: the colorblock dress in white/ebony ($30, above right) and the ombre print skirt in blue whale ($27, above left).

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We’re always keeping an eye out for stylish bargains and great sales. This week we’ve found a handful of handbags, all for less than $50:

1. Kohl’s has a faux snakeskin hobo bag by Relic that’s a bit shiny, with black patent trim, on sale for $33.60 (it was $48).

2. Botkier is that very pricy, hip designer line that has a Target line of bags that look a lot more expensive than they are. The roomy gray faux python satchel even has a cell phone pocket, for $28 (it was $40, pictured left).

3. If you want a splashy colorful statement bag, look no further than Betsey Johnson’s Betseyville canvas tote, complete with pink spotted straps, a wild girly graphic and her signature metal tag. It’s $43.50 at Macys (pictured, right), originally $58. 

4. Piperlime is a great site for bags and shoes, and they also have great sales. This Jessica Simpson Pacha tote was $99, and now it’s $50!

5. Another great site for accessories (and clothes, jewelry, etc.) is Amazon. They’ve got a lot more than books! We spotted a sporty RuthMichael blue Bali slouch purse for exactly $50.

Fall is such an uncomplicated season compared to the rest. Winter is all slush and muck, boots and coats. Summer oozes wet swimsuits, humidity and screen doors slamming. And don’t get us started on spring, what with all its fever and cleaning.

 But fall is a cup of tea, a chenille sweater, a break in the heat. And fall is layers and layers of red, orange and gold pillows falling into your living space, making it warmer and more inviting by the minute. First, stock up on the deals at Overstock.com, with the garnet, terra and brown channel quilted pillows (set of two, above left, $25) or the velvet throw pillows (set of two, $20) in burgundy, gold or chocolate. 

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