Guest Post + Contest News....with Author Dorothy Howell!

Hi there fellow readers!

Welcome back to another week here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!

Since Monday's generally belong to 'In My Shopping Bag' posts here on the site, I thought...you know, I have this really perfect article that would be SUCH a great addition for a shopping themed day.  So...TADA!  Today is the day you get a chance to read it!  It comes to us from Caitlin over at FSB Associates (thanks!) and is written by mystery author Dorothy Howell.

Name sound familiar?  It should!  I just reviewed her latest addition to the literary world a week or two ago titled Should Bags and Shootings.  For a quick reminder of the story, just visit my review....though it's not necessary to enjoy the rest of this post I assure you.  Today's post is just for us girls (okay, so my use of proper grammar there was lacking but you get the picture) and all about one accessory, pardon me...key piece of our wardrobe, that for most of us, can also be counted as a vice (as in a need to buy a new one when ever and there is no limit to the number we own).  Stay tuned after the article for news on how YOU can enter to win a designer handbag of your own!  It's not a 'Sinful' like in the book (yes, I already asked...those are only fictional...at least for now), but it IS supposed to be pretty super.

Take it away Dorothy Howell....

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Guest Post

Hollywood Loves a Great Handbag

By Dorothy Howell

Author of Shoulder Bags and Shootings: A Haley Randolph Mystery

Fashion is a major player in Hollywood. Wardrobe departments spend tireless hours perfecting the right "look" for their actors. Celebrity stylists live or die by the image they craft for their clients. Magazines and television shows devote themselves to photos and descriptions of celebrity clothing and accessories.

From the style and elegance of fashion icons such as Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn during Hollywood's Golden Era, to pics of celebs like Jennifer Aniston and Reece Witherspoon hitting the trendy L.A. shops, the public is fascinated by what they're wearing.

Regardless of current styles, situations or occasions, no actress or fashion icon would be caught in public without one indispensable fashion accessory -- her handbag.

This year's Oscar night saw pastels and bright colors, along with ruffles and trains, outside the Kodak Theater; most accompanied by a gorgeous clutch. The different shapes and sizes decorated with jewels glistening under the lights, made it the accessory to watch.

Anna Kendrick, a first-time nominee, carried a jeweled Judith Leiber clutch. Elizabeth Banks accessorized her Verace gown with a gray snakeskin and silver crystal clutch from Salvatore Ferragamo. Diva Demi Moore, ruled the red carpet with a gold leather envelope clutch, while Kate Winslet rocked an Yves Saint-Laurent silver satin bag. These Hollywood fashionistas proved nothing completes a red-carpet look like a handbag.

Yet for all their glamour and prestige, today's top handbag designers had decidedly unfashionable beginnings. Louis Vuitton made travel trunks in the 1800s, while Hermés crafted horse harnesses for Europe's aristocracy. Prada, Fendi, and Gucci were known for their leather baggage.

These houses made the jump to light speed, fashion wise, by looking into the future and adapting to changing times, and today they give us some of the most sought-after handbags in the world.

Purses aren't just another glitz and glamour accessory. Like all Hollywood beauties, the handbag is expected to work. Whether in a starring or a supporting role, the handbag is often in the spotlight.

Sarah Jessica Parker's character Carrie Bradshaw, on the Sex and the City television show, received a Judith Leiber handbag from Big. The cupcake purse by this famed designer made an appearance in the SATC movie. Samantha Jones, played by Kim Cattrall, ran afoul of Lucy Liu over a long awaited Birkin bag.

Ruth Buzzi turned her purse into a weapon and fought off her hapless, would-be attacker on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In. A decades-old skit so funny it can still be viewed on YouTube.

Who can forget Jamie Farr's portrayal of Corporal Maxwell Q. Klinger and his desperate attempt to get discharged from the Army by dressing in drag on the long running television show M*A*S*H? He went about his duties wearing a dress, hat, gloves, high heels and, of course, carrying a handbag.

The style, glitz and glam of a Hollywood-worthy purse are available to the everyday fashionista. Retail, discount, and online stores abound. Be the star of your own show with the handbag of your dreams.

© 2010 Dorothy Howell, author of Shoulder Bags and Shootings: A Haley Randolph Mystery

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Author Bio

Dorothy Howell, author of Shoulder Bags and Shootings: A Haley Randolph Mystery, was inspired to write Handbags and Homicide by her crazed obsession with designer purses. She lives in Southern California, where there is, thankfully, no rehab program for handbag addiction, and is hard at work on her next Haley Randolph mystery. Visit her Website at http://www.dorothyhowellnovels.com/.

Follow the author on Facebook.

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See?  Now that's what I'm talking about.  A fashion accessory turned focal point for society that also carries over to literature.  Gotta love it.

Okay, so on to the news I promised.  Right now, author Dorothy Howell has your chance to win a designer handbag!  That's right!  Now through the end of September she is accepting entries and then a random winner will be drawn to win the fabulous prize.  Head on over to her site to check it out (very easy to enter) and while your there, get to know more about the author as well as her characters!

Special thanks to Caitlin at FSB Associates for the article to post.  (THANKS!)  For more information, be sure to visit their websites (1 or 2), Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.

Until next time....happy shopping...I mean reading!

Shoulder Bags and Shootings by Dorothy Howell

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!

Whew!  After all the book bloggy fun we had what with the Got Books? Event and everything, definitely needed a teensy break from heavier blogging.....and reading for that matter.  Luckily the world of books, varied as it is, delivered and I had the pleasure of reading a light mystery filled with every girls dream.  What's that?  *listens* Yes, there are love interests.  *listens*  Yes, there is danger and risk too.  But the real motivating factor for our lead character in this book.....SHOPPING...with a capital "S".  Today's book of choice is....

Shoulder Bags and Shootings

by

Dorothy Howell

Meet Haley Randolph.  Average girl with not so average tastes, and her job at Holt's Department Store...yeah, not really helping her to feed her shopping addiction and her stomach.  But as with book bloggers that forgo the food and buy the books, this avid shopper puts handbags (well, almost all fashion for that matter) above the rest.  Her hot pursuit of the week?  Score one totally authentic and original....Sinful bag.  Nice name for a purse, right?  (Perhaps they were thinking of the money spent on said bag when it was named....*ponders*)

Since having seen one in a magazine on the flight back from Europe, and another in the possession of a less than deserving woman (in her opinion of course, since she didn't have one), almost nothing else occupies her every thought...well, except the fact that she is a suspect in the death of a co-worker and competitor whom she happened to discover dead, in the trunk of her new boyfriend's grandmother's car.  (Did you catch that?  I'll give you a second to rewind that sentence.....and a one and a two and a three....got it?  Good deal...)  As it seems, this is nothing new for her....she's been a suspect before, but really...again, in less than a month?  How rude!  Haley can't shop her way out of this mess...or can she?  Will Haley be able to clear her name and avoid those that would rather see her squirm?  Will her love life straighten itself out into a neat little arrangement instead of the "oh-I-think-he's-my-boyfriend-but-he's-not-calling-and-still-in-Europe" situation she's in now?  More importantly....will she ever score that Sinful bag?  Ladies...put on your stylish walking shoes and get ready for more labels than you can shake a stick at.....

Okay, I have a confession.  Every time this book came to mind when I was reading it, I couldn't help but think of Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series.  I mean if fictional characters could cross over to other books for coffee, tea, or shopping trips, Becky Bloomwood (Shopaholic) and Haley Randolph would be (try on your best valley girl impersonation here folks....LIKE, the BEST girlfriend's EVER!  I mean, like, they could totally chill at the mall and blow loads of cash on the latest trends in fashion!  (toss ponytail....and stop)  Dior, Prada, Dooney, Coach....nothing would be safe.  Definitely made for an interesting character personality there....

Speaking of this character....I suppose the saying of "to know her is to love her" really applies to our female lead.  At times, she is beyond ditsy (yes, I said ditsy....) and her lack of focus on anything but handbags, even when faced with a potentially deadly situation, would drive me up a wall at times.  I mean I've read characters that were more mature that were a fraction of Haley's age, but better able to handle their world, their situations.  However, as it turns out, that is simply a part of her charm.  Once your understand her personality quirks, as naive as they make her at times, she verges on being quite endearing.  I mean, how else would you read to a stories end when essentially it's a big shopping trip with a pit stop of murder thrown in on the side?

In the end, for me it boiled down to this....a light, fluffy mystery perfect for a trip to the beach or a weekend read when you're looking for a little "who-dun-it" and a lot of girlish fun.  It fits perfectly with the other mysteries I have read to date and certainly won't be my last venture into this genre.  Being this book is one in a series, I may even seek out the prior books to see if a proper introduction to Ms. Randolph creates a more defined picture....you never know.

Special thanks to Caitlin Price at FSB Associates for the review copy.  (THANKS!)  To learn more about this group, visit their website or follow along on Twitter!  (Yay, Twitter!  Tweet tweet!) 

Until next time....happy reading!

Guest Post: Author Dorothy Howell

Hi everyone!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!  The week is almost over (wow, is that REALLY the date?) and July is moving forward at break neck speed (at least for me anyway, how bout you?).  The world of books is swimming with titles both old and new to investigate further in your next reading journey....speaking of which...

My next set of "Now Serving" titles will be including a recently published mystery novel by author Dorothy Howell.  It's called Shoulder Bags and Shootings:  A Haley Randolph Mystery and promises to be a fun read indeed.  While I get this book under my proverbial reading belt, Caitlin over at FSB Associates has been generous enough to allow me the privilege of sharing a recently penned article from the author herself! (Thanks!)  With the books title and all, it of course would have to feature....handbags!  Yep, every (okay, MOST every...including this one) girl's weakness when on a shopping trip, but this one points you in the direction of designer bags at not-so-designer prices.  Ladies, you may want to memorize a few of these tips.  Gents, some great pointers for future gifting options for your special someone. 

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Guest Post

Great Places to Score a Discount Designer Handbag

By Dorothy Howell

Author of Shoulder Bags and Shootings: A Haley Randolph Mystery

You don't have to dress less-than-glam during these hard economic times -- not when shopping centers and Internet sites are flush with places to snag a genuine designer handbag at a deeply discounted price.

Stores selling discounted handbags range from small, intimate vintage and consignment shops to large department stores, and even larger outlet malls. Internet sites offer a wide range of styles, colors, and designer names.

The Premium Outlets and the Tanger Outlets far and away have the largest concentration of discounted designer merchandise. Along with handbag stores such as Coach, Judith Leiber, Kate Spade and Dooney & Bourke, you'll find a fantastic array of designer stores. Michael Kors, Liz Clairborne, Prada, DKNY, Gucci, Calvin Klein, Burberry, along with many others, carry everything from clothing to shoes, and a sampling of their handbag lines.

The Premium Outlets have over 40 locations nationwide, along with malls in Puerto Rico, Japan, Korea, and Mexico. Tanger Outlet has over 30 locations in the U.S. Both offer AAA and AARP member discounts. Join their VIP Club and visit their Web sites for coupons and special offers. Check out their seasonal sales weekends and national promotions for extra savings in addition to everyday discounts.

First, and in some cases, second quality merchandise is available. You'll have to bring along a magnifying glass to find flaws, though. Most are detectable only to the factory-trained eye.

These outlet stores are great places to shop. There's no digging through clearance bins or blowing the dust off of merchandise that's been sitting around for months. The stores are immaculate, the shelves are orderly and well stocked. The staffs are knowledgeable and helpful, the same as you'll find in their retail stores. Many times, after making your selection, the clerk can bring you a "fresh" bag from the stock room. Care is taken to wrap your treasure in the store's signature tissue paper, and deposit it into their trademark shopping bag.

Discounts typically run 20% to 40% off the MSRP, with deeper cuts of up to 65% off of sale and clearance items. Many of these stores offer a full guarantee on their products, plus a money back return policy. But, as with any store, ask before you buy. Keep in mind that these outlet malls are huge, so wear comfortable shoes and plan for a full day of shopping.

Great bargains can be found in retail giants such as Macy's and Dillard's Department Stores. These discounts are usually offered seasonally so you'll have to watch for them. The selection of these bags will be limited, but you can expect to pay from 20% to 30% off their retail prices.

Leading discount department stores such as Ross Dress For Less, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls offer designer handbags. The selection varies. You might find a Diane von Furstenberg, Betsy Johnson or a Fossil bag mixed in with their non-designer bags. Merchandise varies from location to location. These are no-frills stores. If you don't mind digging for a good deal, you can expect to save 20% to 60% off of department store prices.

Some of the most sought-after designer brands are offered at Websites such as Rue LaLa and Gilt Group. These sites offer members-only pricing on luxury brands, usually for a limited time. Shop early. Expect to pay sales prices of up to 70% off retail.

The website e-bay, along with many other online sites, offers designer handbags at considerable savings. The selection is wide and varied. New as well as used purses are available. You'll have to pay shipping costs, in most cases, so take that into consideration when looking at their prices.

Consignment stores and vintage shops are also good places to find a handbag at a low price. Keep in mind these purses are gently used. Designer names and selection will vary widely. Inventory fluctuates so it's good to check back often. Savings can be considerable.

No matter where you choose to shop for your designer handbag, it's important that you can distinguish a genuine bag from a knock-off. Read product descriptions carefully. Do your homework. Know the tell-tale signs of a counterfeit bag. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

There's no need to deny yourself the joy of sporting a designer handbag when so many places offer great merchandise and outstanding discounts to the everyday fashionista. Get out and see what's available. Shopping for your new bag is half the fun!

© 2010 Dorothy Howell, author of Shoulder Bags and Shootings: A Haley Randolph Mystery

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Author Bio

Dorothy Howell, author of Shoulder Bags and Shootings: A Haley Randolph Mystery, was inspired to write Handbags and Homicide by her crazed obsession with designer purses. She lives in Southern California, where there is, thankfully, no rehab program for handbag addiction, and is hard at work on her next Haley Randolph mystery. Visit her Website at http://www.dorothyhowellnovels.com/.

Follow the author on Facebook.

 

 

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Alright so, an honest (virtual) show of hands....whose shopping habits have I just enabled further, hmm?  Special thanks once again to Caitlin at FSB Associates for the guest post and to author Dorothy Howell for the great shopping tips.  For more information, please check out the links provided within the post.  Look for a review of her newest addition to the literary scene coming soon, right here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

 

Until next time....happy reading!