There's not much that adds punch to an outfit the way a metallic accessory does -- it's exciting, it's new, it's hot. It just makes us walk with a little more strut in our step. However, we will never completely bail on our good buddy brown. Brown has seen us through more trends than we care to remember, and it feels so comfy and safe.

We love all of the amazing independent designers out there. In order to find out more about just what makes all of these creative types tick, we present to you an ongoing segment called Indie Designer Interviews.

Today's interview is with Indian-born artist Sowmya Parigi. She creates hand-painted, eco-friendly jute handbags, wine caddies, diaper bags and more, available online at her website SVA Creations.

Ever since Kristen's post about the groddy bottoms of our handbags, we've been twitchy and worked up about keeping our bag off the floor.

The experience made us realize that in most restaurants/bars/movie theaters there is no where to put your bag besides holding it on your lap. And if you're a big bag gal, like most of us, that's an awkward and uncomfortable position.

Much to our delight, this weekend a friend pulled a beautiful little enameled disk out of her bag, gave it a quick twist and voila, a personal bag hook for the table.

We demanded the details, which we're glad to share here. It's called a Luxe Link, it comes in several designs and in it's own little pouch so it's easy to carry in your bag. You can buy it online for $35.

Hey, this could make a great Mother's Day gift -- all moms have bags, right?

White handbags are white-hot this summer, and with good reason -- they bring a bright, classic feel to any outfit, and, as you know, white goes with almost everything. And, sure, you could go with the uber-popular oversized clutch, but since your summer dresses don't come with pockets, why not invest in a bag that will carry all your summertime necessities?

We have a winner of the Star 50 Bag Giveaway! Terri is going to be taking home the fabulous Star 50 Louisiana Market Sac so she can carry whatever she needs in style!

However, even if you didn't win the free purse, you're still in luck! Star 50 is inviting StyleDash readers to a Purse Party, meaning that now through May 12 you can purchase any Star 50 bag (including the Louisiana Market Sac) for 50% off! All you need to do is go to the Star 50 website and enter this code: Star50ME. For more information on the Purse Party (and any other contests Star 50 is holding) click here.

Thanks to all of you who participated, and keep checking in for more giveaways. As a matter of fact, we have one happening right now ...

Okay, you've got sunscreen, towels, phone, camera, book, magazine, iPod, sarong, sunglasses, and a change of clothes -- you're ready to hit the beach. But how are you going to carry all your beach bound goodies?

Don't throw it in a boring old straw beach tote -- pack a bag you can take into a cute beach boutique or cafe and leave the purse at home.

Star 50 Bags, an innovative line of collectible handbags inspired by the 50 states, are unique, fashionable and now you have the chance to win one of your own! We are giving away a Star 50 Louisiana Market Sac, valued at $115. This bag is the perfect size for toting around your summer essentials, taking to the beach, or packing for an overnight stay.

You won't just look good carrying this gorgeous bag -- you'll feel good, too, because Star 50 is donating 5% of all sales from this bag to Brad Pitt's Make It Right Foundation to support the victims of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

To enter, all you need to do is leave a comment below before 5:00PM Eastern, Monday, April 28, 2008, telling us about where you would take your Louisiana Market Sac. We'll randomly choose one winner amongst the eligible entries and announce the winner on Tuesday, April 29, 2008.

We'll be starting our Star 50 Purse Party then, so be sure to check back. Even if you aren't the winner of a free handbag, you can still get 50% off! Some other important details:

• To enter, leave a confirmed comment below telling us about where you would take your Louisiana Market Sac.
• The comment must be left and confirmed before Monday, April 28 at 5:00PM Eastern Time.
• You may only enter once.
• One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
• One winner will receive the Star 50 Louisiana Market Sac, valued at $115.
• Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.

Click here for complete Official Rules.

We love all of the amazing independent designers out there. In order to find out more about just what makes all of these creative types tick, we present to you an ongoing segment called Indie Designer Interviews.

Today's interview is with handbag designer Joanna Baker of Jobie Boutique, a line of handcrafted bags perfect for women of any age. Joanna creates hobos, satchels, wristlets and cosmetic cases using high-quality, classic materials such as leather and suede paired with cotton canvas in timeless prints like paisley and houndstooth.

-As proof the 90s have returned, check out this video by Tilly and the Wall -- the Nebraska-spawned indie-pop outfit adored by hipster types everywhere. [via fashionindie]

-Alicia Douval, some British "model" famous for getting it on with celebrities and then telling the tabloids, is really proud of her 12-year-old daughter. Not because the tween made her junior high soccer team, scored an A in algebra, or got a bunch of Girl Scout brownie points -- but because she wants a "boob job" (so she can be famous like Britney Spears!). While she admires her daughter's enthusiasm, Alicia thinks it's best to wait until she's older. You know, like 16. [Sun]

Once again, anti-fur coalition forces have decided to set their sights on the home of fashion empress Donna Karan. This time, a group called the Paint Panthers decided that it would be a good idea to spray paint some messages to the designer on the road leading up to her house in the Hamptons. One message read "Bunny Butcher" in hot pink scrawl with an arrow pointing towards DK's house. Another featured a carton bunny and the message "I don't want to be a handbag."

We are big fans of all things ice cream and/or waffles. It's a guilty pleasure that we don't really feel all that guilty about.

That's why we were so excited to see Billionaire Boys Club sister brand Ice Cream, both part of Pharrell's master plan to take over the world, release the "Ice Cream Canvas Waffle Shoes" and "Ice Cream Waffle Messenger Bag." These things of ice cream and waffle won't make you fat, but they can make you phat. Yes, I really wrote that.

We're right there with Kristen Seymour on loving a bit of leopard. And Diablo Cody is a full on inspiration to us lady writers -- you will find zero hating round these parts.

But...

Ever since the Diablo Cody awards ceremony (over) exposure tour, leopard skin, either as an outfit theme or accent, seems a bit...tired.

I'm a big fan of all of the amazing independent designers out there. In an effort to get inside the mind of the indie designer and find out just what makes all of these creative types tick, I present to you an ongoing segment I call Indie Designer Interviews.

Today's interview is with Merle OBrien, the Aspen, Colorado-based designer behind a line of eco handbags called OlovesM, which were recently handed out to celebs attending the Sundance Film Festival. These fashionable and environmentally friendly bags feature predominantly recycled materials, including a snazzy sport/diaper bag made from repurposed yoga mats.

How did you get started as a designer? I was in yoga class and the idea for my bags just popped into my head, so I ran off my mat and started doing a ton of research, and cut and sewed a lot of prototypes until I figured it out. I am one of those people who is always thinking about ideas, and some seem to work, while others just help me learn more do's and dont's about business!!

WTF is this?

Sigh. It's a purse shaped like a shoe.

You know when things in your life seem a little out of control and you know that everything will be better if you just buy something, and it doesn't really matter what you buy? You wander the streets or the mall thinking "purse or shoes, purse or shoes, frozen yogurt and purse or shoes..."

Well, maybe you don't have to choose. Here we have a PVC purse (careful, as I understand PVC is toxic to children and also your wardrobe; the latter part of that is subjective but serious) with a "lovely designer look" that is shaped like a shoe. Sort of.

This is an excellent way to solve a nonspecific shopping desire, but not really a good addition to any outfit.

My question to you, Nickar57, is: "do you have two of them?" 'Cause really, the bottom of the purse looks pretty durable and all. I could zip my feet into them in a pinch. A very carefully contrived, unlikely pinch.