If I could have one bag for the next year, it would definitely be the Alexander Wang Black Coco Duffel.  Unfortunately, it’s sold out, and even if it wasn’t, $850 isn’t something I can swing at the moment.

There is the option of a D.I.Y. Coco bag (perhaps Syden will attempt one), but I just love fantasizing about designer handbags.  More studded picks:

This one is the Rebecca Minkoff Devote Stud in Almond.  It also comes in Black, Lemon, or Papaya.  I also love her Stud Morning After Bag.  I tend to fall for black or red bags every time, but a non-black neutral such as brown or navy makes for a great everyday tote without getting boring.

The Marc Jacobs Sweet Punk Studded Handbag came out in ‘07, but is still gorgeous, and perhaps now you can find it for less than the original tag: $2350.  I especially like the studded handles and chunky zippers.

This Jimmy Choo leather studded handbag for Fall ‘09 “doubles as a casual clutch”, with a detachable strap and bangles.  The star studs are amazing!

For a much, much cheaper handbag, this synthetic studded handbag will hold up a few seasons, and it’s available in multiple colors for right around $20.  Honestly, I wish there were more bags at in-between price points.  I’m dying for a quality, leather bag worth a couple hundred.

If you buy only one new piece of clothing for summer, a fierce swimsuit might be your best bet.  As a single item you’ll likely wear over and over all season, it’s worth a splurge, and because it’s so seasonal, it’s a great opportunity to lock onto your favorite sunny trend.

Animal prints are trendy for summer 2009, with InStyle noting that “the top three swimsuit searches on Yahoo.com are for zebra, leopard and tiger”. Geometric, slightly ’80’s-inspired designs are also popular, with (one of my fave swim brands) Insight swimwear leading the pack.  While the traditional bikini is always a staple, and probably the most universally flattering, the monokini is definitely the biggest cut this summer, so flaunt it if you got it.

O’Neill Surfin Safari One Pierce, $59.99. Billabong Lydia 1 Piece Orchid, $52.99. Full Tilt Blue & Pink Zebra Swim Top, $20.99.  Roxy Zebra Halter, $37.50.  Volcom Crazy Banana Full Bottoms, $39.99.

For cheaper alternatives, try Forever 21 or Target, or shop online for suits like this zebra monokini from GoJane.

I had my eye on Bumpits volumizing hair inserts from the moment I saw the infomercial, so I was stoked when my husband brought home the box from Walgreens.  The advertising shows the product as easy to use for a variety of bumped up looks, and $20 gets you three Bumpits sizes along with a page of styles and instructions.

The ponytail (or bun) is the easiest style to master, and the Bumpits insert is really useful for creating a high pomp.  With a hairband holding the insert snuggly in place, this style has the best chance at staying put, especially with a generous amount of hair spray.

My other fave look involves a Bumpit insert and a few bobby pins, as shown below.  You can’t really see volume from the front view, but the side shows a significant bump.  For this look I used the extra large Hollywood insert.

Completely hiding the Bumpits’ teeth takes practice and careful piecing of strands, but it’s doable with a handful of bobby pins and patience.  I was surprised at how much hair the insert has to be tucked under in order to keep the teeth hidden.

Tips and Tricks:

• Tease/backcomb hair and give a light dusting of hair spray before adding the Bumpits insert.
• Do not skimp on hair spray to hold the final look in place, no matter how secure it feels.
• Be sure to have a hand mirror (or a digital camera in a pinch) on hand to check the look from every angle.
• Secure the insert under at least 2″ of hair, including on the sides.
• Practice, practice, practice!

Overall, this is a fun product, especially if you wear a lot of updo’s, but I can’t imagine it being at all effective on thin hair.  The main design flaw is the teeth on the Bumpit, which are larger and more pronounced than necessary.  A velcro-like texture instead of plastic teeth would give better and more invisible hold, in my opinion.

I am glad to have my Bumpits, but will be more excited when the patent ends and the design is perfected.

As I’ve mentioned, I’m obsessed with zebra print lately. Fun and trendy, but a bit more chic than leopard, it’s my ’signature’ animal print for this season.  Some of my favorites:

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Monroe 100%  cotton zebra print dress ($486).  Zebra Burnout Tee from Wet Seal ($12.50). Roxy Shake Rattle & Roll Swimwear Top ($42).  Zebra Scarf from Tilly’s ($10).  The Handbag Heaven Zebra Print Alyssa Tote ($39.60) looks a lot like the Dooney & Burke Zebra Large Sac but without the ugly stitching.  Betsey Johnson also does a few Betseyville styles in zebra print.  Honestly, I’ve looked at a lot of zebra handbags lately, and none have wowed me enough to purchase.

Upon seeing this post on sexy bustiers as outwear, I was inspired to try the look on this sunny day.

I need a longer bustier.  Paired here over a generic white t-neck and denim shorts.  Wedge sandals by Montego Bay Club.  For best results with this look, I recommend using a t-shirt or tank that is at least slightly stiff and holds its own shape.  Clingier fabrics such as wife beaters are less flattering and look unitentionally messy.

In February, I blogged about my experience winning a few items from Sweet Boutique, a fab & affordable online shop.  I am still very happy with my purchases, as my hollow star scarf is still one of my top accessories and I always get comments when I wear my snakeskin leggings.  I received my order with quick shipping and fun glittery packaging - the kind of parcel that really makes your day.

This month, the online retailer is teaming with Hollow Star to give you the chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Sweet Boutique.  As a bonus prize, the winner will also receive an exclusive grab bag of items no longer sold on the site!

To enter, submit your name and email below to subscribe to the Sweet Boutique mailing list.  You must also comment this entry telling me one item from the Sweet Boutique site that you covet. You must do both. Winner will be randomly selected June 12th at midnight PST. For extra entries, promote this contest on Twitter or your own blog.  Each extra entry must appear in its own separate comment on this post.

I’m really into zebra this season, and have my eye on these zebra print tights and zebra print tunic, both currently selling at 60%.

Be sure to follow Sweet Boutique on Twitter as well.