It isn’t just rings that go big this season, it’s bracelets too. It only makes sense that heavier clothing works better with heavier jewelry this winter. Cuff bracelets are accessorizing outfits everywhere, and lucky for us they exist in every possible price range.

Here’s proof that “substantial” doesn’t mean unfeminine. The Isharya 18-karat gold plated filigree cuff with cubic zirconia and freshwater pearls is a lovely filigree bracelet that can hold its own with the dressiest winter outfits you can put together. You’ll probably want to minimize other jewelry when you wear a piece this fabulous.

Another “statement” cuff is this hammered brass one by Subversive. It features a cluster of vintage charms and is adjustable to fit perfectly. Made from brass, faux pearls, vintage charms, and a vintage brooch, it measures 3.5 inches wide.

For the girl who likes the unexpected, here’s a slightly retro metal cuff that’s semi-adjustable. From Forever 21, it has a curvy, hourglass shape, and is dotted with a stippled design. It measures 3.75 inches in width and 6.25 inches in length and is available in silver or gold finish.

Another bold, feminine look is this wide black leather cuff with rhinestones from Lori’s Shoes. It’s seriously crusted in rhinestones so that it catches the light and sparkles. But it’s paired with no-nonsense black leather, giving it gravitas and proving you’re a grown-up. Glamorous, but edgy, it’s a great inexpensive splurge or a great Valentine’s Day gift.

It’s a jolly new year and I can’t believe it is already 2010. With a new year comes exciting new discoveries. To kick of the new decade I’ve scouted out a collection accessories from Aspinal of London. You’re probably already familiar with Smythson’s heritage brand of diaries and travel wallets. But you perhaps you’ve not heard of Aspinal of London. Although fairly new and they do not claim to be a ‘heritage’ brand. Aspinal was founded on the fundamental premise of offering beautiful, quality objects of unsurpassed quality and design handmade by genuine craftsmen at an affordable price. You’ll find all sorts of leather goods in the collection including travel wallets, jewelry boxes, handbags, diaries, as well as exquisitely bound leather photo albums and frames. Aspinal’s tailored luxury and classic accessories will see you through many seasons. I love the small details that add a supreme element of style that make it special. With any of these accessories you’ll be instantly transformed you into the chicest of Sloane Rangers.

My top picks from the collection include the Paris Bag (as shown in Smooth Brown, $490). The Paris bag is a traditional satchel named after the city, (not the celebutante). The perfectly ladylike bag is handmade from vegetable tanned smooth calf leather. It comes in several shades including embossed croc finishes, but I love this classic shade of brown best. Inside you’ll find a grosgrain lining with an enormous compartment and zipped pocket for stashing your most precious objects (cel phone and Dior gloss!). This bag can also be monogrammed with gold foil or blind embossing upon the leather luggage tag. A fun and fab accessory for all of you Anglophiles out there (myself included). The Aspinal of London Brit Cuff Clutch (Deep Shine Italian Patent Calf, $210.00). Show your colours with this majestic and flamboyant interpretation of the Union Jack. This clutch wallet is transformed into a cheeky wristlet and embellished with a bejeweled grosgrain cuff. Lastly, the Poppy Bag with Cross Body Strap (as shown in Black Deep Shine Italian Patent Calf, $295.00). Yes cross body bags are one of this season’s must-haves. This navy patent leather number is made in Italy by a small family tannery. It is lined in grosgrain and secured with a signature Aspinal gold clasp. Wear the strap crossed over or as a clutch for evening. Simply lovely adorned with one of Aspinal’s colorful key fobs.

If you love these Aspinal accessories as much as we do you’ll want to enter to win the Paris bag in our New Years giveaway at TheFind Blog.

To enter: Fan TheFind on Facebook AND leave a comment here on the blog telling us why you want to win the Aspinal of London Paris Bag.

Earn extra points for your chance to win:
(Be sure to let us know in comments below that you have completed either or both of these tasks for extra points)

+1 point: Post about the TheFind Giveaway: Aspinal of London “Paris” Handbag on your blog and include a link to the contest.

+1 point: Share this contest on your Facebook profile

The contest begins Wednesday January 6th 2010 at 12:01am and ends Wednesday January 27th 2010 11:59 p.m. PST. The contest winner will choose the Paris handbag in her/his choice of color (depending on stock availability). Giveaway details here on TheFind Blog.

From our friends at TheFind Blog

This season we can’t seem to get enough of things that sparkle, as these crystal jewelry pieces attest.

Boutique to You is taking preorders for the CC Skye Crystal Angel Wing Necklace that you might have seen on Rihanna. All your friends will be asking where you got it.

At Bluefly you can find this Chamak by Priya Kakkar set of five white crystal pave bangles. Bold and eye-catching, these bangles dress up any outfit.

The Fenton-Fallon for J. Crew Carrington crystal bow necklace is crafted from Swarovski crystals and Czech stones. It’s finished with two hand-dyed and hand-tyed silk ribbons.

How about a new crystal-encrusted watch? It’s jewelry, and it’s practical. This embellished steel, bracelet style watch from Emporio Armani features crystal detail.

Since rings are big this year both literally and figuratively, you can’t go wrong with this Sorrelli Crystal Cluster Ring. It’s available in cranberry, amaretto, milky way, and super multi.

So get out there and sparkle! We need every bit of brightness we can get this time of year.

Why is it that on an ordinary day in, say, April, you’ll see something and think to yourself, “That would make the perfect gift for my sister/mother/niece/daughter/girlfriend. I’ll have to remember this at Christmas!” And then when it actually is Christmas and you’re shopping overtime, your mind draws a blank any time you try to think of something to get the people on your gift list. Frustrating.

Here’s a list of a few awesome holiday gift ideas for that best friend, favorite aunt, or covetous fashion blogger (ahem) in your life.

Let’s start with this hot pink crystal studded cocktail ring. This is pure fun. It’s chunky, gorgeous, and has a slightly retro look to it. I guarantee that whoever you give this ring to will put it on immediately and refuse to take it off, even when everyone is asking politely if they can try it on. The recipient will most likely sleep in it too, just like you did when you got that sparkly tiara for Christmas when you were six.

Makeup kits are great fun no matter what time of year, and this Sexy Starlet kit from Benefit includes three favorites done up in a fabulous pink and gold clutch box. You get CORALista cheek powder, a warm coral shade, Some Kind-a Gorgeous oil free foundation faker, and a tube of BADgal lash mascara. With a tube of tinted lip gloss, this could be a person’s entire weekend makeup kit.

La Mer has been around for almost a decade. Designer Martine is inspired by her world travels, and this amazing watch is something that will definitely draw the good kind of attention. It’s different, but it’s done in black with a classic watch face. I can’t think of a better nod to this season’s slightly tough girl 80s vibe than this La Mer watch with gorgeous leather straps. I wouldn’t get this for the same person you get the hot pink cocktail ring for, however. It will go to their head and they’ll be completely insufferable from then on.

Maybe you noticed a trend among these selected gift ideas: they’re all small. There’ll be no hassle trying to get this stuff in your carry-on bag or in the trunk of your car, and none of it is going to weigh you down. And there’s a lot of truth to that “great things come in small packages” cliche. If it’s in a box the size of a piece of Christmas fudge, you know it isn’t a household appliance, so that’s a point in its favor already.

TheTopSecret.com is offering a chance for one lucky Couture In The City reader to win this amazing printed scarf by Zoe D worth $48! TheTopSecret.com is a subscription based (free) website you join to shop sample sales which run 2-3 days with top designers at members only prices.

How To Enter: To enter this amazing giveaway submit your info at coutureinthecity@gmail.com. And title your email – Zoe D Giveaway. This will run until December 18th 2009. So good luck!

Visit TheTopSecret.com today to find some amazing gifts for Christmas!

Giveaway Disclaimer: Couture in the City and the featured product is not responsible for any errors that may occur during the giveaway. Nor for any incorrect winners information that may occur during the drawing. To be entered into the giveaway follow instructions. A winner is picked one time only.

Jessica Simpson has been spotted in more than one airport with a silver sequin tote by Valentino that’s roomy and useful as well as being beautiful. The sequined handbag is the perfect holiday accessory, but if you can’t afford the same one as Jessica Simpson, there are plenty of other options out there, fortunately. Another great thing is that this time of year, you can carry a sparkly handbag with casual or dressy outfits.

Now, if you do have some cash to spare, this Valentino tux bag is made in cream and black and has sequins and a tuxedo design with a leather bow and crystals front and center. This is the kind of thing that will look perfect for the company Christmas party, particularly if you’re trying to avoid looking too provocative with your outfit.

For women on a budget, TopShop once again comes to the rescue with an oversized sequin covered bag in this season’s hot hobo style. The chain handles and detail add a little edge to the glamour. This, too will go just about anywhere with anything you choose to wear this season.

If you’re traveling and want to look nice at the airport and on the plane, then first of all, thank you. I keep expecting to see passengers in footie pajamas because of how little people care about how they look when traveling. Anyway, this bag, another hobo style, is big, as in big enough to use as a carry on bag. The handle is cushioned for comfort, and it’s covered in sequins in a classy grey, and lined in grey fabric.

There’s no question that sequins are big this season. If you were wary of wearing them before you had holiday events to attend, you weren’t alone. It definitely takes some courage to be the first in your posse to wear a sequined skirt, tank, or leggings. Handbags like these are perfect for those who like the sequin trend, but aren’t ready to dive in head first.

Source: peoplestylewatch.com

Lindsay Lohan loves her Rebecca Minkoff Devote in Black Leather with Neon Pink Piping!!  Lohan was spotted all over Los Angeles this weekend with the same fabulous Rebecca Minkoff handbag.

Rebecca Minkoff – Neon Nights Devote Hobo - $695.00

This pebbled leather handbag features stud details. Double buckled straps gather top. Neon patent leather trim and zipper detail at straps.

TheTopSecret.com is offering a chance for one lucky Couture In The City reader to win these amazing pair of Jimmy Choo sunglasses worth $330! TheTopSecret.com is a subscription based (free) website you join to shop sample sales which run 2-3 days with top designers at members only prices.

How To Enter: To enter this amazing giveaway submit your info at coutureinthecity@gmail.com. And title your email – Jimmy Choo Sunglasses Giveaway. This will run until December 8th 2009. So good luck!

Visit TheTopSecret.com today to find some amazing gifts for Christmas!

Giveaway Disclaimer: Couture in the City and the featured product is not responsible for any errors that may occur during the giveaway. Nor for any incorrect winners information that may occur during the drawing. To be entered into the giveaway follow instructions. A winner is picked one time only.

One of the big jewelry trends this winter is bib necklaces. They’re like works of art to wear around your neck.

The Blu Bijoux silver plated Austrian crystal ribbon necklace is adjustable in silver plate on a black ribbon. Bib measures 2 3/4 inches long. $118.00 from maxandchloe.com.

Here’s a hematite beaded waterfall bib necklace is a daring style that will remind you of the gorgeous styles of the 1920s. It’s only $16.00 from torrid.com.

Here’s something different: a flower bib necklace. This unique take on the bib necklace has shades of grey, teal, and violet. $45.00 from shopintuition.com.

Here’s a classic ivory pearl bib necklace from Ann Taylor with cubic zirconia on a gold chain. Classic enough for work, and dressy enough for nights out. $68.00 from AnnTaylor.com.

TheTopSecret.com is offering a chance for one lucky Couture In The City reader to win these amazing pair of Jimmy Choo sunglasses worth $330! TheTopSecret.com is a subscription based (free) website you join to shop sample sales which run 2-3 days with top designers at members only prices.

How To Enter: To enter this amazing giveaway submit your info at coutureinthecity@gmail.com. And title your email – Jimmy Choo Sunglasses Giveaway. This will run until December 8th 2009. So good luck!

Visit TheTopSecret.com today to find some amazing gifts for Christmas!

Giveaway Disclaimer: Couture in the City and the featured product is not responsible for any errors that may occur during the giveaway. Nor for any incorrect winners information that may occur during the drawing. To be entered into the giveaway follow instructions. A winner is picked one time only.