Like most women, I tend to carry my entire life in my handbags. Luckily for pack rats like me, this season is all about the tote! Tote bags are ideal for women who have a habit of putting everything in their bags from makeup palettes to books.

Some of the hottest totes can even double as shopping bags, which is a good and chic way to go green. Plus, many of them are perfect for packing spring/summer essentials for those lovely days at the beach.

Unlike other handbags, totes tend to have a sophisticated and structured look that make them stand out from the other designs. These practical carryalls can definitely hold it all without compromising style!

Check out some of these trendy totes:

Tracy Reese “Tangiers” Tote available at www.nordstrom.com for $594

Isaac Mizrahi Tote available at www.target.com for $39

Juicy Couture “Icon” Tote available at www.nordstrom.com for $75

Kenneth Cole Metallic Leather Tote available at www.macys.com for $103

Saving the Planet Shopper Tote available at www.target.com for $12.99

Banana Republic Sutton Large Straw Shoulder Bag available at www.bananarepublic.com for $198

Coach “Bleecker” Canvas Large Tote available at www.nordstrom.com for $378

Banana Republic Brown & Orange Canvas Tote available at www.bananarepublic.com for $118

Walking is a huge part of living in New York City. That’s why I love the fact that flats are so fashionable right now. Wearing comfortable, yet chic shoes is essential to getting around in the city.

Who wants to sport sexy, 3 inch-high heels while trying to catch the subway, “L”, Marta or whatever your public train service is called? Ok, maybe some of you do, but it isn’t easy. For those of us in NYC, it takes skill to navigate through the endless throngs of people on crowded sidewalks and subway platforms. Plus, you have to seriously concentrate on how to avoid getting your heel stuck in one of those inconveniently placed subway grates while trying to look poised and polished all at the same time.

So, leave the stylish heels for the days when you’re cabbing it or driving and opt for a fabulous pair of flats!

Check out some of these:

Tory Burch “Reva” Ballet Flat available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $195

Linea Paolo “Florene” Calf Hair Ballet Flat available at www.nordstrom.com for $94

Nine West “Lost One” Yellow Flat available at www.ninewest.com for $59

Jessica Simpson “Leve” Flat available at www.nordstrom.com for $58.95

Faconnable Marcie Flat available at www.piperlime.com for $123

Nine West Silver Giraffe Print Flat available at www.ninewest.com for $49

I don’t know about you, but I have to apply several products in order to achieve the perfect pout. The first and most important component to my lip regimen is lip balm.

I use balm, butter, jelly or whatever it may be called as a base to get my kisser nice and moist. With so many flavors, textures, tubes and jars, it’s easy to find one that’s right for you. No matter what your product preference, this process is crucial to applying liners, lipsticks and glosses easily and smoothly.

For me, skipping this simple step is a no-no. If for some reason I forget to apply my lip treatment first, it screws up the whole look and feel of my lips. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m obsessed with getting my pucker just right!

Here are a few of my favorite lip moisturizers:

Hershey’s Lip Balm Trio available at www.sephora.com for $16

Vaseline Intensive Care Lip Treatment available at www.drugstore.com for $1.69

Tarte Slide Lip Balm available at www.sephora.com for $12

Rosebud Salve available at www.sephora.com for $5.59

Palmer’s Lip Butter available at www.drugstore.com for $1.99

MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner available at www.maccosmetics.com for $14.50

L’Occitane Shea Butter Lip Balm available at www.sephora.com for $10

My die-hard, fashionista friend (AZ) once asked me, “Who’s your style icon past or present?” I had to think about it for a moment, but I came to the conclusion that that person would have to be the beautiful and talented Dorothy Dandridge. Even though she died decades before I was born, she exuded style, grace and class.

A style icon is someone who sets trends and doesn’t follow them. Perhaps you admire Jennifer Lopez’s sexy street-glam style or the simple chicness of the late Jackie-O? Maybe she isn’t someone who’s known around the world. She could be your fabulously fierce mother or super stylish cousin. Or better yet, maybe you march to the beat of your own drum and don’t follow anybody’s flair for fashion because your personal style is so fresh and unique that there’s no need to look to others for style adoration other than yourself!

Here are a few fashion icons from yesteryear and today that I think are pretty noteworthy. So I ask, who is your style icon?

Legendary actress Dorothy Dandrige always looked polished and pulled-together.

India.Arie taught us all to love ourselves and she exemplifies her mantra with earthy, yet sexy styles.

Our favorite girlfriend, Tracee Ellis Ross has a feminine eclectic style that always demands attention.

New mom Jennifer Lopez effortlessly mixes urban street style with glam.

Jackie Kennedy-Onassis is the quintessential style icon that trancends all demographics. I think we can all agree that her style was timeless.

Beyonce’s fashion sense has evolved from ill-fitted fringe fiascos into a sleek and stylish silhouettes.

Halle Berry even looks fashion forward while pregnant. Can this beauty ever look bad?

Audrey Hepburn’s style epitomized classic chic.

Nothing adds sass and pizazz to an outfit like a unique bangle. I usually like to wear this accessory with a cute dress or tank top and jeans during the spring and summer months for a pulled together, yet carefree look.

They instantly add punch to an otherwise boring outfit. Plus, they work well for both day and night. Depending on your mood, you can throw on a whimsical bold, multi-colored bangle or if you’re feeling a bit more on the conversative side, opt for a more solid subtle shade. The designs, styles and materials of bangles are endless.

Whether you pile them on a la 80s style or wear them individually, a bangle bracelet is the perfect arm candy!

Jessica Kagan Cushman Colored Bangles available at www.ravinstyle.com for $74 (each)

Jessicia Kagan Cushman Bangles available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $125 (each)

Set of 20 Gold Finished Bangles available at www.nordstrom.com for $78

Curved Black Bangle available at www.rampage.com for $8

Pinstripe Wooden Bangle available at www.bananarepublic.com for $24

Beanpye Bracelets available at www.beanpye.com for $25 (each)

Retro Wooden Bangle available at www.forever21.com for $6.80

Tasha Faceted Bangle Bracelet available at www.nordstrom.com for $48 (each)

Anyone who knows me knows that I love a pretty patterned dress! Nothing makes me feel more flirty or feminine than a beautiful frock. That’s why I am thrilled that there are tons of graphic-heavy dresses on the market right now.

This season’s crop of spring dresses are bursting with bold and colorful prints that will instantly command attention. Wearing stunning graphic-style garb will not only make you stand out in a crowd, but it just might lift your spirits in the process. Who doesn’t get happy when they see brightly-hued patterns?

So this spring, brighten someone’s day while looking good in a pretty printed dress!

Check out some of these:

Muse Silk Trapeze Dress available at www.nordstrom.com for $178

Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Bodice Dress available at www.nordstrom.com for $138

Julie Brown Printed Halter Dress available at www.nordstrom.com for $258

Express Drop Waist Wrap Dress available at www.expressfashion.com for $69

Kensie Square Printed Silk Dress available at www.macys.com for $98

Double Printed Sleeveless Dress available at www.rampage.com for $39.99

Maggy London Printed Silk Dress available at www.nordstrom.com for $151

Even though belts have been prevalent on the runways for the last couple of seasons, it doesn’t seem like the trend is going anywhere anytime soon. Belts are must-have accessories for all women for the spring. Whether you’re plus size or a size 0, a belt can instantly add polish to an outfit. Belts can accentuate and cinch a small waist on curvy women or help create an illusion of a waist for women who have boyish shapes.

Wide belts look best when worn with flowing dresses, pencil skirts and even with tops worn with jeans. While skinny belts worn with the popular high-waisted wide-legged trousers add a sophisticated balance.

Also, be sure to pick up a few in bold primary colors like red, blue and yellow, which are the “it” colors for spring. Belts in these eye-catching hues can bring an ordinary, dull black dress to life!

Whatever your fashion taste happens to be, a stylish belt will definitely spice up your wardrobe. Check out some of these for fashion inspiration!

Leather Woven belt available at www.bebe.com for $49.00

Xhilaration yellow belt available at www.target.com for $15.29

Corset belt availalbe at www.bebe.com for $49.00

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Croc-Embossed Belt available at www.macys.com for $74.00

Skinny Metallic Embossed Belt available at www.bananarepublic.com for $26.60

Deco Quilt Sash Belt available at www.ninewest.com for $36.00

Patent Leather Cobalt Belt available at www.target.com for $8.99