Fave New Bag: Stephanie Johnson

I've been a big fan of Stephanie Johnson's cosmetic bags for years, but this sleek black carry-on bag is not only great for airplane travel, but it's the perfect weekend bag when you need to bring your hair dryer, flat iron, cosmetics, toiletries , shoes, etc. in one bag and toss it in the trunk....if you're headed to the beach like me this weekend (despite the weather forecast!) this is THE bag to stow and go. Available at HomeMaiden for $132.

Lust List: Fendi's Fall B-Bags

Loved the new style with big buckles last Spring and I'm loving it even more this season...especially this luxe brown calfskin version that works perfectly with casual chic from now through late Fall. $1860 at Saks.com

Best Dressed at the Emmys

My two favorites from Sunday's Emmys were Calista Flockhart (gorgeous in her goddess gown) and Evangeline Lilly (awesome in aubergine). Who topped your best dressed list?

Look What I Found: Luxe Baby Blankets

With three friends ready to give birth in the next couple of months I've been searching for unique-yet-practical-yet-splurge-worthy baby gifts. Lucky me -- I found The Blankee Company has the most deluxe little baby blankets in an array of chic color combinations. My favorite is the white (washable poly with a stars and moons pattern) with a natural color flip side (a buttery soft chamois suede) and trimmed in rich chocolate satin. It's a cute (without being cutesy) gift designed with chic mommies in mind. $99

Editor's Choice: candles to extend your vacation

Back to school already? Indulge in these gorgeous candles I selected as my absolute favorite for HomeMaiden -- I promise they'll quickly transport you back to your vacation mindset. Go ahead and linger this final week before switching into back-to-work and back-to-school mode. The candles, each with a 40-hour burn time, come in gorgeous tins with a chic chocolate brown and sky blue design. $45 per trio. Save when you
select 2 sets for $85. b.pure, available at HomeMaiden.

You Glow Girl: My Favorite New Cleanser

Good news for those of us too pressed for time to exfoliate, cleanse, tone and massage everyday. I used the Neutrogena Pure Glow daily cleansing cushion sample in this month's Allure magazine and found my new fave morning facial cleansing product. It's a soft cushiony disc with a "pocket" for your fingers -- just run under water and gently wash your face. The beaded side is for deep cleaning, the striped side provides a dose of moisture. Follow it with a quick rinse and I guarantee you, too, will swear you just had a mini-facial.

In My Bag: Summer Memories

Everything is digital these days but I always feel so weird showing off pictures on my cell phone. My new goal is to brag about my daughter with one of these cool photo albums -- they're super chic and they fit nicely in my handbag. $19 by Swing.

Party Time : Cool Coasters

Hosting a bbq, throwing a cocktail party or just looking for a festive way to make dinner more colorful? Check out Utility Home's cool disposable coasters. They're perfect when you don't have a lot of time to decorate -- just put these coasters out and get the party started.
2 sets for $22 at HomeMaiden.com

What Heat Wave? Today's tip for smooth hair...

It's a scorcher here on the East Coast...going up to 103 degrees today. On days like this (or days where I just don't feel like breaking out the flat iron or hair dryer) I love chic hair accessories that come to the rescue and tame my out-of-control hair.

The France Luxe ultra comfort head band smooths back hair and perfectly molded to my head. $19 available at HomeMaiden.