Australian Envirosax makes my favourite eco-friendly shopping bag at the moment. It’s attractive, compact, portable and lightweight. It’s made of a durable waterproof polyester, holds up to 44 lbs and rolls up into an impressively small 1.4 oz package. You‘ll hardly notice its presence in your handbag.

Spread the environmental message with style with reusable eco-chic shopping bags. For $8.50, or $37.95 for a series of five, they make great stocking stuffers, hostess gifts and items to put into gift packages you’re sending abroad.

The envirosac is offered in a variety of design options and colours for both adults and children. I like the graphic monochromatic series and stocked up on these over the weekend. If these particular eco friendly shopping bags don’t tickle your fancy, there are plenty of others to choose from.

Trapeze jackets started coming through in 2006 and became all the rage in 2007. They were still popular for Spring 2008, but have taken a back seat to form fitting jackets in the second half of the year.

I welcome the return of jackets that define the natural waist because of their universally flattering integrity. There should never be a shortage of this type of jacket in stores. So does that mean that trapeze jackets are out? I don’t think so. Trapeze jackets have a vintage, retro flavour that lengthens their fashion life. I have a few examples in my wardrobe and I’m still regularly integrating them into ensembles.

By all means continue to wear trapeze jackets if you bought into the trend and fancy the look. They do not look dated and get a big fat “in” from me. If a jacket with waist definition is your preference, you’ll find plenty of those around this season too. There is something for everyone.

We’ll probably see loads of cost-conscious casual soirées this year and that’s no problem. We can look and be festive on any budget. The holiday season is here and it’s time to dress up!

A pair of sleek dark wash jeans, or black-black jeans can be the basis of a fabulous casual party outfit. All you need to add is a bit of party edge and here’s how:

• Embellished top: think sequins, beads, silk, organza, lurex, satin and shine, shine, shine. Sheer shimmery blouses, beaded knitwear, velvet jackets, lacy camisoles and just about any other type of dressy top will work with a killer pair of jeans.
• Dazzling accessory: You might like to keep the top fairly plain and add a fun statement accessory to the look instead. Like a sparkly scarf, glittery belt or gleaming brooch. Funky forum member Antje showcased this look perfectly when she paired a white button-down with a black jacket, waistcoat and oversized red floral brooch (here is the thread in the forum). She looked stylishly festive.
• Dressy shoes: Heeled pumps, strappy sandals, bejeweled flats, or a pair of fancy boots will do the trick. Anything shiny and metallic is good.
• Small, cheerful handbag: Clutches are a no-brainer, but a small, jovial bag of any description will work.

Rest assured, you have other options if jeans aren’t your thing. But glamming up jeans is flop proof and you’ve probably got most of the components in your closet already, making this outfit especially cost effective.

These pictures capture all the elements, but are not quite as dramatic as I would have liked. I recently purchased a sparkly formal shawl to accompany a ball gown. It doubles up as a scarf and I fully intend to pair it with jeans, a silky top, heels and a clutch for a stylish, but casual holiday look.

These two products have been around forever. I remember my grandmother putting them to full use when I was a little girl and they are still popular today.

Vaseline (or “petroleum jelly”) is a substance with magical powers. I don’t use the messy goo regularly, but know several stylish and well groomed people who swear by the product. I liked the Budget Fashionista’s wonderful account of its uses. I won’t list them all, but here are the ones I’ve tried myself:

• As a quick facial moisturizer
• As a last minute shoe polish
• As a lip-gloss (I’ve also known ladies who use Vicks, which apparently makes for an effective peppermint gloss)
• As a gel to keep eye-brow hairs in place
• As a remedy to sooth sunburn, windburn minor scrapes, burns and cuts

While it doesn’t have nearly as many uses as versatile Vaseline, my favorite classic remedy is Nivea. I use Nivea hand cream and moisturizing body cream daily to treat sensitive skin that’s prone to eczema. I keep a tiny travel size tin in my handbag at all times. After 30 years, Nivea is still my number one choice for moisturizing hand and body. No need to fix a formula that isn’t broken.

As a side note: I’ve tried most of the facial oils that were recommended after my post on olive oil. Jojoba oil has yielded the best results by far. It’s like liquid gold. I like the scent, texture and absorption qualities. I feel like I’ve hit the beauty jackpot.

You’ve got to love cheap beauty products (about $8 apiece) that keep on doing the trick.