What a week! Thank you so much to everyone who came by the Bucklette booth at Shecky’s Girls Night Out. The event went very well. We received positive and constructive feedback, we met some incredible women and welcomed new Bucklette BFFs!

We also hosted a fun and eye-opening contest. We were trying to find out if women really do carry around more than they need so we asked visitors to weigh their handbags. The entry with the heaviest handbag wins a Bucklette Clip-On.

Of the 150 entries, we were astounded to learn that 60% of the girls who participated carry handbags weighing more than 5 pounds - everyday! And many said they carry much more than they need, were unsure of the contents or admitted that they experience back pain and/or headaches. Hmmmm. Very interesting.

So to lead the effort in freeing women from the worry, inconvenience and aches and pains associated with carrying a handbag, we’re happy to announce that Carissa Pleiss (with a whopping 11 pounder) has won the Bucklette Clip-On. Congratulations Carissa!

I guess you could call me practical. When it comes to clothes, I usually buy the basics. I stick with pieces that are classic and versatile, and I rely heavily on accessories to add spunk. I’ve never spent more than $500 on a pair of shoes (those amazing but not-so-practical $900 Manolos I couldn’t pass up but promptly returned don’t count) although one of these days I’m going to break down and indulge in my Christian Louboutin fantasy. Seriously.

I’ve always been interested in items that have multiple functions or clever, unexpected applications. I guess that concept was in the back of my head when I came up with the Bucklette. I was excited with the idea that a belt buckle could also function as a mini purse. And don’t think it didn’t occur to me how much money I would save not buying handbags and belts!

So at a time when the economy is pinching everyone’s pennies and it’s wise to invest in products with added value or those that pack an extra punch, I thought I’d explore a few items with multiple functions that give you the biggest bang for your buck.

There are so many ways to wear the Cotton Spandex Jersey Bandeau Pencil Dress by American Apparel, it’s a wardrobe must. And at $41, you can’t beat the price.

Aside from being a wonderful substitute for butter and a vital ingredient in my marinades, olive oil is an extremely versatile product. Shave your legs with it, remove makeup, moisturize cuticles and control flyaways.

The 100-way Bra by Victoria Secret seems to be able to do it all. $50.

In addition to extending the life of your manicure, nothing stops a run in your tights like a dab of clear nail polish. It also makes a good substitute for glue if you’re in a pinch.

After forcing your noggin through that little hole in your shirt, you look down and find deodorant all over it. A quick rub with a dryer sheet will take that away. I also stick them in shoes to keep them smelling fresh. They’re great for dusting too.

Aside from the obvious, non-gel toothpaste can also: dry out a zit, whiten your sneaker soles, clean the bottom of your clothes iron, remove ink or lipstick stains from clothes and polish the chrome on your bathroom sink.

It’s not just a pretty pendant with a heart of gold, it holds a tiny pot of lip gloss and a mirror too. Lip Gloss Heart Pendant by Juicy and Sephora. $58.

Not only is this interesting mat made from recycled newspapers, it works as a hot plate or as funky wall art. Even better, it’s made by a coop in the Philippines that helps women artisans work together in groups, obtain government help in skills training, buy raw materials, gain access to low interest loans and obtain titles to their land. Recycled Hot Mat $14.

Most days, I find myself running errands and then heading straight to the gym. I never worry about finding a handbag that looks good with my sweats. The Bucklette Clip-On does the job and is shown here with my favorite hoodie, the most amazing yoga pants EVER (both by Lululemon) and a Smartwool top.

Lululemon hoodie and yoga pants and a Smartwool top

Stay tuned for more of our Lookbook Series where we’ll suggest ways to wear both the Bucklette Buckle and the Bucklette Clip-On. And if you’re rocking a Bucklette and would like to share, email a photo to info@bucklette.com. Way may include it in our Lookbook on the Bucklette Blog.

Let’s face it, Valentine’s Day can be tricky. When you’re part of a couple, it can be great. It’s the one day you’re almost guaranteed “the love”. Something sparkly and pretty doesn’t hurt either. But if you haven’t found the yin to your yang, it can be a bit of a bummer and quite an inconvenience. Especially if you’d like to go out for a bite to eat. So why not make Valentine’s Day about loving yourself? Do something that relaxes you, get together with your girlfriends or if you’re ambitious, conquer something you’ve always been afraid to do.

Nothing beats a scented candle, a luxurious bubble bath and a great play list. The glass on this candle is gorgeous and when the wax is gone, you can use it as a drinking glass. Sweet Pea + Vanilla Candle by Skeem Design, $22. The Karma Bubble Bar from Lush has a spicy influence with lavender and a splash of light orange, $7.65. “Taking a tubby” as my niece calls it, isn’t complete without music.

MY PLAYLIST:
It Wasn’t Me Jenny Lewis
I’m A Lady Santogold
Eternal Flame Joan As Police Woman
Maybe Sparrow Neko Case
Myriad Harbour New Pornographers
Neon Bible Arcade Fire
Up To The Mountain (MLK Song) Patty Griffin
The Greatest Cat Power
You Are My Sister Antony and the Johnsons
Paris Sunrise #7 Ben Harper
In The Satellite Rides a Star Old 97’s
Rise Eddie Vedder
What Light Wilco

When I was a little girl, I loved slumber parties. There’s no reason those days have to be over. Invite your girlfriends over for the night. Throw together some easy but tasty treats (recipes below) and laugh your butts off. Or watch a classic chick flick - just not the sappy kind. Thelma & Louise with Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis or The Sweetest Thing with Cameron Diaz and Christina Applegate which was hilarious. If you blow through the food and get bored after the movie, you can always go out on the town and tear up the dance floor somewhere.

TOMATO + PESTO PIZZA
2 puff pastry sheets
1 6 oz jar pesto
2 medium plum tomatoes, sliced

Thaw pastry sheet at room temperature 30 min. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease baking sheet. Unfold pastry on lightly floured surface. Roll into rectangle. Turn edges in 1/4” to form crust. Place pastry on baking sheet. Top with pesto, sliced tomatoes and bake for 20 min. or until golden. (Makes 2 pizzas)

CHAMPAGNE + POM COCKTAIL
1 tsp seeds from 1 pomegranate
4 ounces Champagne
1/2 teaspoon store bought pomegranate juice
1 teaspoon cassis
1/2 cup mint leaves (packed), washed and dried

Place pomegranate seeds into a Champagne flute. Pour Champagne into flute, add pomegranate juice and cassis. Garnish with mint. (Makes 1 glass)

Valentine’s Day is a Saturday this year. That means a whole day to face your fear of, well, something you’re afraid to do. Afraid of heights? Jump out of a plane - with an instructor of course. Get up onstage and sing karaoke. Or go to the library and learn just how many species of spiders and snakes there are. Well, ok. Maybe not that one.