Every season I try very hard to invest in just one new handbag. The effort is not in the picking of the bag, it’s in picking only one from the many I tend to covet. But as they say, more is not always better. Of the new bags I bought this spring (yes, I was a total glutton and bought several) I am, hands-down, getting the most use out of my BOYY Slash bag.

First of all, it’s just a great looking bag. Let me be clear, this is definitely more of a cool-girl bag than a statement bag. There are no logos, just a fabulous shape, a super-chic chain shoulder strap, and lots of functionality. Because the top, python-embossed flap is reversible, it can be worn all black (or brown) or with the contrasting detail showing. A great bag to travel with, it lays completely flat and does not weigh a ton. It also goes from day to night easily because it is neither too big to be just a “day bag” nor too small to relegate it to the evening-only options. And thanks to the smart, detachable shoulder strap, it transforms into a clutch, giving you FOUR completely different looks. It’s no wonder why this is the most used bag in my collection right now.

BOYY makes only bags (well, one wallet) in several styles and shapes. All of which are unique, wearable and thoughtful. I bought my Slash bag at Scoop, which does not have an e-commerce site yet, but you can buy the whole line on BOYY’s website. The Slash bag retails for $595 and is definitely worthy of that price tag because it will be on permanent rotation in my closet!

xoxo Melina

Every so often music comes into your life that you weren’t expecting, that gives you goosebumps, and that makes you fall in love. This is what happened when I first met Angus and Julia Stone. Their first album, the critically acclaimed A Book Like This, is full of poetic lyrics, moving melodies, and songs that you just want to play over and over again. Their follow-up album, Down The Way, was released on March 30th of this year and is everything a great sophomore album should be – an evolution of fantastic new tracks and new sounds with all the best attributes of the first album.

Their chilled-out, beachside vibe is as infectious as their voices. The Australian brother and sister duo take turns singing lead vocals, giving them the unique combination of variety and depth that makes for a great album, start to finish. If I had to pick, below are my favorite songs from each album (listen at myspace.com/angusandjuliastone or download at itunes.com/angusandjuliastone):

A Book Like This: (1) Paper Aeroplane, (2) Just a Boy, (3) All the Colours, (4) Mango Tree, (5) Here We Go Again.

Down The Way: (1) Hold On, (2) Yellow Brick Road, (3) On the Road, (4) And the Boys, (5) Black Crow.

Now when is the last time you listened to an entire album? No need to create a “playlist”, just download, press play and enjoy.

xoxo Melina

It’s about time! J.Crew’s newish sister store, Madewell, is finally online with its own e-commerce site. If you are not familiar with the brand, the clothes are a little less preppy and a little more bohemian. And the prices are similar, if not slightly more reasonable, than J.Crew. With only a sprinkling of stores throughout the US, the site is a long time coming for those of us who can’t get to a store or just prefer to shop from the comfort of our homes.

I had a great time shopping Madewell.com. Here are the contents of my cart…too bad I can’t buy it all!

1. Romantic Ruffle Dress: $88 – Love the ruffly sleeves and skin skimming, yet flattering, silhouette.

2. Metal Mesh Drape Tank: $58 – This rocker meets surfer girl tank comes in three colors. The mesh panels dress it up, making it an easy staple piece that can go from day to night.

3. Panama Hat: $58 – A great hat at a great price. This girly twist on the original will go perfectly will all your summer outfits and is a stylish way to shield yourself from the sun.

4. Boardwalk Shorts: $72 – The trend of the season, silky shorts in the perfect summer pink. These will make your tan legs look great and the color, despite what you may think, can go with almost anything.

5. Cascade Color Drop Necklace: $98 – Metal chain necklaces are everywhere right now but I love this boho version with the colored stones.

6. Mariposa Skirt: $88 – Love the shape, love the exposed zipper, love the print. You will get a lot of use out of this mini.

7. Academy Blazer: $168 – Pair it now with a flowy dress or skirt and in the fall with skinny jeans, this versatile blazer will be one of your favorites. It’s all in the details – the tailored shape and gold buttons will inject instant fashion into any outfit.

8. Drifter Top: $118 – I’m a sucker for pretty tops that look like they came straight from the 60′s and this one has my name written all over it. It’s the perfect piece to wear with denim cutoffs and go see a summer concert in the park!

9. Scarfi Creazioni Panarea Multi-Lace Sandals: $78 – Instant Italian chic! These sandals are actually made there on the island of Panarea. They come with two sets of straps, in black and periwinkle, so you can wear them all summer long.

xoxo Melina

In case you didn’t already know, Gwyneth Paltrow has a weekly e-newsletter/blog called Goop. A subscriber since January 2009, I have become increasingly appreciative of what she has to offer. Not normally a “fan”, I was reluctant at first to jump on the “I want to be like Gwyneth” bandwagon which is why I assumed the site was created. But I quickly realized that she was providing honest and truly useful insights. The site is completely funded by GP and does not discuss her celebrity beyond giving you access to people and recommendations that normally would be beyond the reach of us “commoners”.

This week’s newsletter discussed a widespread, but little reported, health issue that affects almost everyone – Vitamin D deficiency. Instead of offering her own opinion, she posted an article by Dr. Frank Lipman, a leading doctor of integrative medicine, which explains why the issue exists, the potential health risks and his recommendations for increasing ones’ own levels.

Each week the newsletter covers a topic that falls into one of six, playfully-titled categories: Make, Go, Get, Do, Be, See. The June 3rd edition was Make and Goop gave a great, healthy recipe for a Mexican dinner with Baja-style shrimp tacos, guacamole, black beans, and Pico de Gallo. The recipes are good (and fast) but this post was particularly fun because it included a video demonstration by the star , Food Network-style.

The subjects Goop covers are as diverse as they are interesting. Last Christmas Goop posed a question about who Jesus was and what we can learn from him today with responses from several prominent spiritual leaders, including Deepak Chopra. And then there was the personal wine pairing recommendations from some serious experts – it was comprehensive and extremely instructive.

So we say thank you GP for taking the time to create an interesting and thoughtful site. We’d like to think it takes one to know one.

xoxo Melina

If it were not for a mention in the July issue of SELF magazine, I may not have had the guts to tell you that I have been an avid user of the Shake Weight® for almost a year. Yes, there is a reason SNL devoted an entire skit to parodying it and why Chelsea Handler opened her show with a monologue about it – it looks ridiculous!

BUT, it works. This little, naughty-looking contraption has helped tone and sculpt my biceps and triceps with very little effort. As the infomercial touts, the entire workout takes only 6 minutes. I use it after a run or the elliptical to round out my cardio workout. Despite its short length, it is extremely effective. My arms start to feel an intense burn in as little as a minute and my core automatically engages as soon as I begin. So go ahead and laugh but you might not think it’s funny when your arms start to look like Jen Andersons’. What else that costs $19.95 and only takes a few minutes a day can make you that happy?

In the spirit of creating killer arms, SELF also promoted Banglz – 1/2-pound bracelets that can be worn during workouts and/or while just going about your day. They claim to “maximize muscle tone and burn more calories during your daily activities with a slight, ongoing resistance”. Arms are always the hardest thing for me to incorporate into my workouts so I am excited about any apparatus that makes toning them less of a chore.

The best thing about these silly looking but legitimate tools is that you can use them at your leisure within the privacy of your home (and you should). Now that leaves little excuse not to give them a try and start getting toned!

xoxo Melina

Let’s be honest…we like to look at celebrities. We want to see what they drive, who they hang out with and, most importantly, what they are wearing. So when I discovered Singer22.com about a year ago I was giddy over the idea that I could shop the clothes right off the celebrities’ backs. Ok, some of them are just the new brand of pseudo-celebrity who got lucky on reality television but who cares? They have access to the latest designers and trends so why wouldn’t I be interested?

The only site of its’ kind, Singer22.com has ingeniously made trendy celebrity street fashion readily accessible to all. Catch Rihanna strolling in Manhattan in J Brand skinny cargos and an LnA tee…you can buy the whole outfit here.  Party dresses and hip casual clothing in the boho/punk-rock genre is the general theme of this massive online storefront, although there are definitely more polished looks in the mix.

Hard-to-find t-shirt brands such as Lauren Moshi (seen above on Reese Witherspoon), Wildfox, and Rebel Yell, which are extremely hard to find in street retail are all available in abundance. The latest hot frocks from Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, Gypsy 05, Alice and Olivia, Pency, Parker and many more stock the virtual shelves of this fun, funky fashion world where dressing like a celebrity is just a click away. You can also find your favorite accessories such as Jeffrey Campbell shoes and Rebecca Minkoff handbags.

And now for the downside…you can only return your purchases for store credit (good for one year). But they make the exchange process easy and, truthfully, you know you will use it eventually. The links below (and images above) are just a small slice of Singer22.com’s vast summer selection (left to right):

Alice + Olivia Sheila Asymmetrical Cut Out Dress in Black: $242 - Current/Elliott The Captain Trouser in Army or Khaki: $162 - Naven Party Dress in Pop Pink (Black and Purple also available): $379 – Paige Premium Denim Verdugo Jegging in Dusk: $158 - Blue Moon Summer Lovin Dress in Summer Tie Dye: $175 - Lauren Moshi V-Neck Swing Bow Top: $94

Looks like you have a new excuse to sneak a peek into the lives celebrities and their favorite fashions. Don’t worry, we won’t judge.

xoxo Melina

Summer is the season of love, even if it’s not your own! Wedding and bridal showers are being held in abundance and most likely you are going to be a guest at more than one. Gift giving can be a daunting task on any occasion but especially for weddings and bridal showers as you are marking a serious milestone in the bride’s (and groom’s) life. We have some great recommendations for unique gifts that are sure to be a big hit with the bride. And, let’s face it; she’s the one that counts!

The best rule of thumb for wedding gifts is STICK TO THE REGISTRY. The bride (and maybe the groom too) spent a lot of time selecting those items so why risk leaving them disappointed just because you want to be original? However, I have been in situations where the registry was either completely picked over and therefore void of anything I’d deem appropriate for a gift or too small to find something in the amount I wanted to spend. In these instances, and these only, it is appropriate to go off the list and choose your own gift. To assist you we found some options that would be universally welcomed into any new marriage (the corresponding images are above):

1. La Plates – Customized Plates: $22 each – Buy them eight of these small plates in various patterns and colors with their new shared initial to make a cool set of dessert plates.

2. Jonathan Adler Backgammon Set: $295 – The perfect game for two, this trendy set will also look good on display in their new home.

3. Bone Rod Pattern Ice Bucket: $145 – New couples always need entertaining accessories and this exotic bucket would make a great showpiece at their parties.

4. Crystal Hurricane: $173 – Two of these crystal hurricanes would cast a gorgeous glow displayed on a mantle, dining table or sofa table.

5. Cracked Ice Tray by Home: $165 – This piece looks like it was plucked right out of a royal palace. What better way to make the new couple feel all grown up than with some fabulously fancy accoutrements?

6. Calvin Klein Solar Bowls: $100 – $200 – Filled with fruit or simply left to stand alone, these modern bowls are a designer’s dream, as they can go with almost any aesthetic.

7. Susani Melamine Platter: $65 – An ethnic printed platter makes a great centerpiece at a dinner party.

Lingerie is the traditional gift given at bridal showers – but I find it somewhat ridiculous to buy someone something so personal. Instead, give her something pretty yet unexpected that she would not otherwise buy for herself. The one thing most brides do right after their wedding is travel on a honeymoon. Luxurious travel accessories are the prefect way to make her feel like a princess, even after the big day has passed.  Here are some of our favorites that any bride would love:

1. Aspinal Classic USA Travel Collection (Includes two luggage tags, a passport cover featuring the United States of America crest, and the classic travel wallet.): $160 2. Lapin Vilardi – St Germain Luxe Lingerie Bag: $55 3. Lapin Vilardi – The Zoe Report Travel Set  (Includes Jewelry Roll, Laundry Bag, and Bikini Bag): $115 4. Aspinal of London Travel Jewelry Box: $175

We hope this helps you survive the summer wedding season. Any of these recommendations will most certainly make you a popular guest!

xoxo Melina

Because we all own at least 10 pairs of jeans (and that is a conservative estimate girls – believe me, I know), not to mention jackets, vests and skirts, it’s important we know how to take care of our denim. We’ve spent all that money acquiring them, the responsible thing to do is to properly care for them. The MKIAs, with help from the June 2010 issue of InStyle magazine and some other reliable internet sources, are here to tell you how. Follow these easy steps to prevent the fading, shrinking and general demise of your denim:

1. Don’t wash them every time you wear them. The general rule of thumb is every four wears but the longer you can go the better. So if you only wear them for a few hours, you can count that as half a wear.

2. Protect the color by washing them inside-out. The color in denim washes off when it rubs against another material so doing this actually protects all your clothes.

3. Wash them in cold water and on the gentle or hand wash setting. If you are treating “jeggings”, it’s best to wash them by hand.

4. Ideally hang your denim to dry but if you don’t like the way they feel without a little fluff from the dryer – tumble dry on the lowest heat. Omitting the dryer cycle is most important for dark denim, as that is where the majority of fading occurs.

5. Taking it a step further, you can buy detergent designed to care for denim. Our recommendation is The Laundress Denim Wash, an eco-friendly and non-toxic rinse that gently softens the denim while preserving the color.

6. Before altering and hemming – wash and dry in a high temperature to maximize the shrinkage…especially for pant legs.

By following these guidelines, you will prolong the life of one of the most abundant and important elements of your wardrobe. We know you can’t live without them so we hope we’ve helped you learn to care for them.

xoxo Melina

It’s officially summertime and if you haven’t noticed this trend yet, the MKIAs are here to help. Like you, we are ready to show some skin in this supremely versatile style. These neutral numbers go with literally anything – colorful, flowy dresses, your favorite LBD or jeans and a blazer. They also make legs look longer, leaner and tanner. That alone should be reason enough to invest in a pair!

The styles we are featuring range from the reasonably priced to some you’d need a good reason to buy. Here are our current favorite flops, flats, sky-high pumps, and everything in between:

1. “The Sparkly Knockout” – Christian Louboutin Glitter Pump: $595. Like a sexy modern Dorothy, click your heels three times in these and go somewhere fabulous. I absolutely love these and could wear them for many a night on the town.

2. “The Back to the Beach Thong Sandal” – K Jacques Valerie T-Strap Sandal: $240. Throw these in your beach bag and head to the coast! These infamous sandals are what European women live in during the warm summer months.

3. “The Peek-A-Toe Sandal” – L.A.M.B Quincy Platform Pumps: $245. The laser cutouts give personality to these simple-yet-chic basics.

4. “The ‘Take Me to Italy!’ Wedge” – J.Crew Sardinia Wedge Espadrilles in Dusty Blossom: $118. When I wear these, I’m transported back to the sun-kissed, breezy Amalfi Coast where fashion is chic and effortless. The heel is the perfect height: low enough for everyday-wear and high enough for dressing up an evening outfit. I’ve worn these to work, shopping with friends, and on dates. I’ve already convinced both of my roommates to buy them. Love!

5. “The Practical Ballerina” – Kors Michael Kors Olympia Ballerina Flat: $165. Patent Leather with a delicious nude-pink hue and a sleek, simple design, these adorable flats will be a very popular staple in your wardrobe.

6. “The Modern Marvel” – Boutique 9 Thomsina in Natural: $110. Modern design at a modest price.  What’s not to like?  Melina recently purchased these to bring on a long trip to Spain and she swears they go with over half of her outfits! We know she won’t be packing light but at least she’s trying to pack smart.

7. “The Forget-Me-Knot Flop” – Cooperative Braided Sandal: $24. The braided cotton straps on these are a perfect compliment to the nautical trend that’s so popular this season. But these can be worn anywhere on land (especially at that price!).

8. “The Naked Bombshell” – Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Sandal: $760. Soar to new heights and be runway ready with these trendy platforms. Yes, the heel on these is almost as steep as the price, but I’ve added them to my wish list (along with being able to afford my rent). A girl can dream!

9. “The MaryJane Francaise” – MaraisUSA Mulberry MaryJane Nude: $58. Perfect for strolling the cobblestone streets of Paris, or the glittering sidewalks of New York, these flats are an adorable twist on a classic.

With this selection, we know you will find a nude knockout (or two) to round out your summer wardrobe.

xoxo Lauren

The MKIAs are big fans of original artwork and want you to know that it is not only accessible but can be quite affordable. So if the only art you own is from West Elm, Pottery Barn, or Crate and Barrel, we beg you to give Ugallery.com a try. A virtual art gallery dedicated to showcasing emerging artists (and students) and offering their pieces at reasonable prices, this site is as unique as it is efficient.

You can search artwork by price (from under $100 to over $2000), medium, genre, size, color and artist. Picturing how a piece of art will look in your home can be daunting so the founders of Ugallery came up with an ingenious solution – the virtual wall. Here you can simulate the color of both your floors and wall, enter the dimensions of the wall, and place the piece inside your virtual space to get a realistic feel for how it will look.

This kind of functionality is unprecedented in the online art world and can help anyone, even a complete novice, feel comfortable buying art. Best of all, Ugallery allows you to try out a piece for a week to see how you like it in your home with no penalty and free return shipping. With all this help and a risk-free guarantee, you should feel empowered to search, appreciate and maybe even buy some art of your very own.