Luckily, patterned tights have been all the rage this season and thus can be found nearly anywhere; however, I can’t think of any pair I’ve seen cuter than these Topshop Large Heart Opaque Tights! For just $20, you can immediately kick any outfit up a notch with these fun, flirty tights. The best part? They’ll go with nearly anything, and will look particularly fabulous paired with this season’s trendy ankle or thigh-high boots.

To purchase, visit Topshop.com (make sure you’re viewing the US site!), click tights & socks -> tights. Or, if you’re in the NYC area, simply visit their US location on the corner of Broadway & Broome!

-Sarah Nason

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If Carrie Bradshaw was literally going to be the lady who lived in her shoes, then I will be the lady who lived in her handbags. I guess the upside is that handbags are a lot roomier and more cushion-y than those 12 million pairs of Manolos Carrie rocked on a season to season basis.

Fact is, I love handbags. And I don’t discriminate against clutches or cross body bags or cute totes, either.

Anything that holds all of my crap also holds the key to my heart. And what’s more, this season there are so many options! Fringed brown shoulder bags, adorable chain strap clutches… I mean, for seriousness, how does one decide without Suze Orman knocking on her door saying, “hellooo, you’ve got a problem, girlfriend.”

Well, thankfully, you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank for that banging new bag (now there’s a tongue twister – take that, Sally and your sea-shells at the shore). Here are a few of my budget bags that are must-snags. Target and Lulus are not messing around this season, that’s for sure. And while blacks, browns and beautiful cognacs are still wardrobe staples, colors are becoming the new neutral. From jewel tones to gray to a soft red, don’t be afraid to add a splash of color to your normally uniform black ensemble.

And, best part, you can rock that bag knowing you’ve done both me and Suze Orman proud. Sure, Carrie has her Manolos but you have your Tarjay, and that extra money in your wallet is much more fab.

Totes (Magotes)

Purse That Converts to a Backpack
Perfect for class to shopping, and the deep purple is versatile and bomb diggity. Yeah I just said bomb diggity

Smaller Options

One of the prominent trends spotted on the spring 2009 runway was most definitely leopard print. We saw the wild design in a spectrum of colors and speckled across everything from Louis Vuitton bags to Zac Posen dresses. Whether it’s a cocktail party or a day at the beach, these cool spots will certainly add some spice to your look.

We’ve gone on to find a variety of pieces flaunting this wild print — all for under $150!

The purple leopard print on this Sequin Safari Minidress, ($24.80 Forever 21), updates an otherwise ordinary going out dress, while the Leopard Lawn Annette Blouse, ($78, J.Crew), vamps up a modest look. Plan on keeping warm in this Black& Merino Leopard Print Cardigan ($88, Ann Taylor) or the Parfait Animal Print Cardigan ($118, Nordstrom). For the perfect accessory, this Dooney & Bourke Leopard Checkbook Clutch, on sale for $138.75 at Dillard’s, will lend even the classiest girl some wild cat edge, or try the NYC by Perlina Reversible Leopard Print Tote ($59.99, Target). No matter what item you choose, you’ll definitely be equipped with one of the most popular trends for 2009!

– Sarah Ferguson

This year at the Emmy Awards, Fashion Pulse discovered that the red carpet twinkled and sparkled with various gems and baubles not found on the hottest prime-time celebs’ necks, wrists, or ears. Instead, we found quite a bit of bling on their gowns! Lauren Conrad made her own simply-designed dress memorable and unique with the addition of a diamond flower brooch. Stars like Holly Hunter and Brooke Shields also went from boring to dazzling with the same brooch trend, and others, such as Hayden Panettiere, Heidi Klum, and Kate Walsh simply radiated with their gem-encrusted frocks.

Previously, we considered the perfect placement for brooches to be inside our grandmother’s jewelry box or at vintage shops, but as we learned from the Emmys last night, it’s time to bring the trend back! We found some inexpensive and stylish pins so you can be the belle of the ball (or office), too! Affix this Black Studded Brooch from Mango to a dress to add a gothic feel for $29. A pink or yellow Flower Brooch from Jessica McClintock is perfect for spring ($32). Next, this Forever 21 Studded Bow Pin ( $7.80) is chic and classy, while the Faux-Quartz Star Pin from J.Crew ($65) is sure to make you stand out in a crowd.