Mothers Day, which falls on Sunday 13 May in 20112, is the one day of the year where we take a step back from ourselves and thank our mum for everything she's done for us. It's the time that we put away all the emotional baggage and the recent tiffs and we show her how much she means to us.

So every year it comes around to that time of year and we are once again on the lookout for great mothers day gift ideas.

What do we get for the woman who held us in her womb for 9 months, nurtured us in our infant years, nourished us as children, guided us as teenagers and now supports us as adults?

How do we show her how much she means to us? How do we say, "Thank you, Mum, for everything you've done!".

"Wrapped Gifts" courtesy of stevendepolo on Flickr Creative Commons

Well we do it by spending a few minutes thinking about who she is and what she likes. Taking just a little bit of time out to ponder: "how can I get my Mum something that really reflects her style and personality?"

Luckily, here at Accessory Heaven we have a wide range of accessories for women with a unique sense of style. That's what we are all about. So whatever your mum's style - be it elegant vintage, bright ethereal, classic couture - we've got something to suit her.

Mothers day gifts - our picks

When we decide what wonderful products to stock on our site, we think about the wonderful and vibrant women we know and what kinds of things would really suit them and their style. Here's a list of products we picked especially for some amazing mums we know.

For my mum, Helen

• the Paris - French designer cuff bangle - turquoise, blue and green silverleaf

My mum has fairly classic taste but also looks great with a bit of colour. When I saw this one on the shelf of our supplier I thought, "that would look great on my mum!" so I just had to make sure we sold it. I plan on giving this one to her for a Mother's day gift this year. I can just see her wearing it with a chic silk crop jacket over lovely linen pants. If your mum is kind, thoughtful and a little bit out there, this is a great pick for a mothers day present.

For my family friend, Mary

• the Sarasvati - leather small travel handbag - black and red

Mary is a nomad. Since retiring a few years ago, she and her husband now travel around Europe, Canada and other exotic places house-sitting and discovering new things and places. She is flamboyant and spiritual at the same time, always having wonderful wisdom to share. While she's not strictly my mum, she's like a second mother to me, and we just celebrated her 60th birthday so I had a chat to her daughters about upcoming mothers day. I suggested they  get her this great bag - it's classic, stylish and wonderfully versatile. A perfect travelling pouch that I knew she would love.

For Auntie Jill

• the San Fruttuoso - Square decopage penant necklace - black, red, pink, blue

My Auntie Jill is the energetic, vibrant, colourful aunt in my life. She's bold and daring and a true artist. If she could turn her canvas art into clothes she probably would, but she settles for wearing bright and colourful accessories - and jewellery with lots of shape. This artistic necklace goes perfectly with her darkish skin tone and red hair and would make her stand out from the crowd just as she likes to do.  If your mum is vibrant, bold and creative, this is an excellent mothers day gift choice for her.

For my mother in law, Cheryl

• the Arles - Ikita French designer necklace - green, blue, turquoise

My mother-in-law Cheryl is a typical English mum. She's got a very classic and elegant style and not only did I think of her when I found this necklace, but she also discovered it when she was trawling this site and made a point of how much she liked it (very subtle). While it is bright, turquoise is a classic summery colour and can be dressed up or down. The style is quite subdued so it won't overpower an outfit or make her stand out too much. If your mum is classic, stylish and elegant, this necklace would make a wonderful mothers day gift.

These are just some basic ideas. There's so many more products for you to choose from so have a think about what your mum's style is and browse the store to find the perfect mothers day gift for her.

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Whatever nation she comes from, a woman’s handbag is an extension of her personality.

It’s her security blanket, her vault of secrets, her portable bathroom vanity and often her mobile pantry.

It holds her identity in so many ways and expresses her personality in many more... so it’s no wonder we spend billion of our nation’s turnovers on handbags every year.

Traditional fashionistas cannot deny the intense attraction of a calf-leather, quilted bag – let alone the iconic badge of CoCo Chanel herself. But the irreverent badge of the 2.5 has been increasingly undermined by inferior copy cats. They are discounted from attention to detail, depth of colour and character as though Mickey himself is missing from Disneyland. For women, it really is in the bag. Each outfit, purpose, season or personality requires a unique option that enhances an ensemble. For many, the iconic badge on a designer bag is alluring and highly coveted, yet there are many fabulous options that have been overlooked due to unintentional low profiles. Accessory Heaven has made the unearthing of true quality bags its mission and it does not disappoint.

Try tail ending things with the Durga – large croc print overnight travel bag in red, orange or brown for just $218.18.

Vamp it up with Sarah – vintage leather box purse in red for only $101.36

Be demure and classic clutching Pocahontas bridal - vintage beige beaded clutch handbag at $171.50.

The eternal search to find complimentary accessories prevails but at least with Accessory Heaven you will not be far from reaching that certain je ne sais que.

Fashion is a fickle industry. Sometimes it feels impossible to keep up with changing trends from season to season. One minute we think that military green jackets with little brass buttons are totally in, then someone tells us that was “so three seasons ago”. How do we keep up?

Well, in a world of instant gratification and a super-sonic super-highway of information that moves around faster than a bee being chased by a puppy, surely we can always have our finger on the pulse, right? Right. If we know who to follow.

So here’s a list of the top 20 people to follow online in Australian fashion. We have scoured the web to find the best people on Twitter and Facebook who are frequently giving us great bite-sized gems of fashion advice. It’s a collection of some of the most influential and well respected fashion bloggers, fashion journalists and women’s magazines around today.

1. Frankie Magazine

(twitter: frankiemagazine web: www.frankie.com.au)

• Over 27,000 Twitter followers
• Over 900 tweets
• 94,362 likes on Facebook

What they offer: Fashion and lifestyle update’s from Australia’s leading alternative and unique women’s magazine.

Why we like them: Who doesn’t love Frankie? It’s unashamedly alternative but not in an overpowering judgy-judgy kind of way. Frankie is the magazine that teaches women that we can be whoever we want, love whatever we want, wear whatever we want, and do it all with confidence and style.

2. marie claire

(twitter: marie_claire_au  web: www.marieclaire.com.au)

• Over 16,000 Twitter followers
• Nearly 5000 tweets
• 6537 likes on Facebook

What they offer: Latest news and updates on culture, fashion, beauty and lifestyle from one of Australia’s leading fashion magazines.

Why we like them: They engage. marie claire is one fashion guru that you don’t just follow online – you interact with. The marie claire gang must have a whole team of tweeters dedicated to replying to tweets and telling us what’s going on in the fashion world. No wonder they have over 16 thousand followers – you only get that if you’re really good.

3. Prav

(twitter: ShopperDolly)

• Over 2500 Twitter followers
• Over 39,000 tweets

What they offer: News and tips on fashion, beauty, clothing and travel.

Why we like them: ShopperDolly’s tweets are always fresh and up to the minute – lots of random fashion news that you might not know until next week if you weren’t paying attention.

 4. Nikki Parkinson

(twitter: StylingYou web: www.stylingyou.com.au)

• Over 2300 Twitter followers
• Nearly 11000 tweets
• 1385 likes on Facebook

What they offer: Fashion and beauty advice from a blogger, stylist, keynote speaker and corporate workshop presenter.

Why we like them: while Nikki’s Twitter page seems to have a high percentage of personal tweets to friends, she does tweet whenever she’s put out a new article on her blog. And her blog is great. She’s like an old-fashioned magazine writer in the new age of online media – her writing style is comfortable, witty and fresh.

5. Fashion and Beauty

(twitter: fashionbeauty)

• Over 8083 Twitter followers
• Only 13 tweets so far

What they offer: Latest fashion and beauty tips for men and women – and free advice

Why we like them: While Fashion and Beauty don’t have many tweets, they are pretty new so we’re giving them the benefit of the doubt. The 8000 followers must be right about something. One great thing about Fashion and Beauty is that you don’t need to trawl through an overwhelmingly long list of personal tweets and replies to find the actual fashion advice. They don’t have many tweets but each one is a gem. Great tips like: “Drink lots of water! Your body and your skin will thankyou for it!” and advice we are grateful for like: “attention: leggings are not to be worn as pants. (unless your jogging/gym-ing)”

6. Harper’s BAZAAR

(twitter: BAZAARAustralia web: www.harpersbazaar.com.au)

• Over 8400 Twitter followers
• Nearly 1300 tweets
• 4328 likes on Facebook

What they offer: Style, fashion and trends from leading Australian fashion magazine

Why we like them: Harper’s BAZAAR regularly keep us up to date on the hottest news and tips in the fashion and celebrity world. They tweet at least a couple of times a day and their website is fresh, frequent and fashionable – just like the mag in real life.

7. Helen Lee

(twitter: sassybella web: www.sassybella.com)

• Over 5000 Twitter followers
• Nearly 7000 tweets
• 246 likes on Facebook

What they offer: Fashion news, beauty, gossip and a little bit of geek chic.

Why we like them: Helen has great style – the Sassy Bella brand is enough to tell us that. Her tweets are fun and gossip-worthy; Her website is pretty, fresh and full of great fashion and beauty ideas.

8. Rose Bertwistle

(twitter: fallenrosemedia web: www.fallenrosemedia.com)

• Nearly 4500 Twitter followers
• Over 2500 tweets

What they offer: Tips and thoughts from an Australian fashion photographer and cinematographer

Why we like them: No one does fashion photography like Rose. Her images make fashion a whole new experiences. They are beautiful, inspiring and sexy.

9. Beauty Fashion Style

(twitter: cranberrykiss)

• Nearly 4000 Twitter followers
• Over 850 tweets

What they offer: Tips, advice and updates on fashion and style – especially body shape fashion tips

Why we like them: While some recent posts have been a little distracted (slightly off topic to beauty and style), we’re really hoping they’ll come back on track soon. We’ve loved Cranberry Kiss because she usually gives us links to a whole lot of great articles on fashion, beauty and style from around the world.

10. L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival

(twitter: LMFF web: www.lmff.com.au)

• Over 7000 Twitter followers
• Nearly 1000 tweets
• 12234 likes on Facebook

What they offer: Fashion news and updates from the festival

Why we like them: The style inspiration from LMFF doesn’t stop after the festival does. There’s a constant stream of stylish and creative fashion trends (articles, pictures, videos) to be followed on LMFF’s Twitter page and even more on their website’s blog and Facebook page. These guys seriously know how to do social media. To be connected to fashion, be connected to LMFF.

11. StyleMILK

(twitter: StylemilkAUS web: www.stylemilk.com.au)

• Over 3200 Twitter followers
• Nearly 4500 tweets
• 2305 likes on Facebook

What they offer: Designer online fashion blog and magazine

Why we like them: While we’re tempted to keep these guys a little hush hush (they are kind of a competitor after all), this list just wouldn’t be complete without them. Some amazing photography greets us every time we visit the StyleMilk website and there are always some really special fashion stories on there. What we love most is that StyleMilk began as a fashion blog and the gorgeous designer clothes have inspired its creator to branch out into a store – now that’s following your dreams.

12. Bronny Fallens

(twitter: AskBronny web: www.askbronny.com)

• Almost 3000 Twitter followers
• Over 2100 tweets
• 204 members on Facebook

What they offer: Thoughts and advice from a fashion stylist, TV presenter, DJ, Writer and Mum

Why we like them: Bronny is truly immersed in the fashion industry. Her tweets are plentiful and have great fashion advice. Her website is awesome because it’s basically an ‘online advice column’. But instead of having to wait a week until a new edition is published, it’s updated all the time. We love Bronny because if you have a burning fashion question, you don’t have to try and figure it out yourself.

13. Olivia Smith

(twitter: OliviaSmith_ web: the-fashionista-next-door.blogspot.com)

• Over 3000 Twitter followers
• Nearly 1000 tweets

What they offer: Fashion tips and tricks from a fashion blogger

Why we like them: Olivia tweets about all sorts of things (including fashion) and following her is a great way to stay up to date on interesting current affairs and fashion news. Her Fashionista Next Door blog has some great images and musings about the fashion and celebrity world.

14. Margot Warren

(twitter: margotwarren web: groovyclothesboutique.com)

• Over 13,500 Twitter followers
• Over 400 tweets
• 104 likes on Facebook

What they offer: Sharing fabulous tie dyed fashion with the world

Why we like them: For a niche market (tie-dyed fashion and festival clothing), Margot has a disarmingly large number of followers, so we reckon this makes her a bit of a guru in the area – if it’s your style then she’s the one to follow

15. Jona Davidson

(twitter: JonaDavidson web: www.bitchpleaz.com)

• Almost 2500 Twitter followers
• Nearly 4500 tweets
• 12 likes on Facebook

What they offer: Fashion followings from a retired model who is now a fashion blogger and designer

Why we like them: Jona’s blog allows us to indulge ‘the bitch inside’ for a few minutes – he finds some of the more shameful celebrity fashions around and gives us a little bit of his mind on them. Much more of a “what not to do” blog, but it’s fun for a few minutes every now and then.

16. 2threads

(twitter: 2threads web: 2threads.com)

• Over 2300 Twitter followers
• Nearly 2200 tweets
•  3382 likes on Facebook

What they offer: Latest local and international fashion news, trends, style tips, photos, articles and shopping

Why we like them: 2threads is truly about fashion news. Their Twitter stream and online blog is constantly full of the latest and greatest style news, tips and profiles. They’ve got great imagery and even some cool videos. Definitely one to follow for keeping your finger on the fashion pulse.

17. Becky Benton

(twitter: fashionbee)

• Over 1800 Twitter followers
• Nearly 1100 tweets

What they offer: Thoughts and tips on women’s fashion - accessories, shows, trends and design - from a true fashionista

Why we like them: Our little fashion bee friend Becky Benton always has the fun, quirky and cute international fashion stories to pique our interest. The think we love about Becky is that her Twitter feed is purely fashion. None of this personal back and forward business – it’s just the things you want to know about. Great for the busy fashion followers amongst us who just want to know what’s going on.

18. Mylookbook

(twitter: Mylookbook web: www.mylookbook.com.au)

• Over 1700 Twitter followers
• Over 1200 tweets
• 4126 likes on Facebook

What they offer: Fashion tips from a true online fashion magazine

Why we like them: If you’re anyone who’s anyone in fashion, you follow MyLookBook. MyLookBook’s Twitter feed has a great stream of interesting and funny fashion tweet and her online magazine is purely fashion – the hottest looks and trends every season.

19. Filip Odzak

(twitter: F_SQUARED2 web: www.fashionsquared.com)

• Over 2100 Twitter followers
• Nearly 2000 tweets

What they offer: Fashion commentary – bitching, not blogging

Why we like them: F Squared (or better known as Fashion²) is a hot one to follow… While the website is due to arrive in May 2011, if their Twitter followers is anything to go by, it’ll be pretty mad. We’re following them to see what they’ll come up with… watch this space.

20. Tracey Gillinder

(twitter: traceygillinder web: diaryofashoeaddict.blogspot.com + www.traceygillinder.com.au)

• Almost 2000 Twitter followers
• Over 1500 tweets
• 1075 likes on Facebook

What they offer: Fashion thoughts from an experienced designer and writer

Why we like them: So it’s all about shoes, but what’s not to love? Tracey is an Associate Director for a design firm and this love and passion for fashion is evident on her Twitter stream and her shoe addict blog. We follow her because we like to know we’re not alone in our love of fashion.

Know of others?

If you know of other awesome bloggers with a great following and rad fashion tips, post a comment down below to share your followings with others.

What you’re wearing

If you’re in your sweats running errands, maybe a clutch is not exactly the choice.  But doing day-to-day things in cute jeans and a silk tee definitely calls for a small handbag as an accessory.  Go for a clutch with a long strap to give it a more daytime feel.

Certain fashion trends also call for specific bags.  The rock n’ roll chic look just doesn’t feel right with an oversize handbag.  But since it’s still a daytime look, a small bag with studs and chains is the perfect fit.

Going to the beach?  A canvas tote with your favorite green peace slogan is a must.  If you’re wearing a sleek one piece while chilling on a yacht, go for a more elegant choice: the fabric shoulder bag.

Type of purse

A wristlet is a perfect accessory for grabbing lunch or shopping with the girls.  Fabric bags, regardless of size, are great daytime pieces as well.  A croc skin clutch is obviously best reserved for the evening.  To eliminate fuss, pick a bag with a detachable strap: shoulder bag for daytime, clutch for nighttime!

Fortunately, we are not as restrained by fashion rules as we used to be.  Big bags can also be eveningwear.  If I buy a large Chanel or Hermes bag, I will want to show it off at all the hottest nightclubs.  This brings me to another point, the oversize clutch.  Beautiful, sleek, rectangular.  It is obviously meant for eveningwear regardless of its size.

Your body shape

Being a petite girl, I always feel swallowed up by an oversize bag.  People always made jokes about my Marc Jacobs tote, I could easily fit into it myself.  If you are lucky enough to have a few extra inches in height, a long strap bag could be your best friend (not mine, since it falls to my knees).  Curvy girls need not worry!  Your body shape alone is in style this season, no matter what bag you choose.  Go for a moderate size purse, but avoid anything with bulky hardware.

We can never have too many purses, so pick up a few different sizes and you’re all set!

The high heeled, shearling-lined boot

These booties are the cousins of UGGs, loved by some, vilified by others. People who live in colder climates swear by UGGs, and the shearling booties seem to be the cold weather dress shoes. However, most of the boots I’ve seen worn around here are not made of authentic materials. If they’re not real, they don’t keep you warm, ditch them!

The best alternative for dressy winter shoes is the wedge boot. I love this option because it looks chic, and is completely wearable even in dire winter conditions. Try lace-up booties if you really miss the shearling boots.

Military

Military trends graced the runways for many designers in Spring 2010. It was a cute fashion move to pair a military jacket with a feminine mini skirt. What I consider to be a faux pas is the overkill of this trend I’ve been seeing around. There were girls walking around in head to toe fatigues! Cargo pants are still very much in, and I love a pair of silk, cropped cargos for any season of the year. But it is definitely mauvais ton to pair it with a military jacket. If you have anything camo print, definitely get rid of it.

Opt for a cargo inspired pant in a light tan color for the summer season, paired with a loose top. If you are really attached to this trend, trench coats are the alternative for rainy days in the fall.

Plaid

The plaid shirt, trend or fad? Maybe I have stared too long at those Abercrombie models, but I definitely had enough of it. I have never bought in to this trend, so I don’t see the appeal. Ok, I’ll admit, there is one plaid button-down in my closet. My mom bought it for me when I was in 5th grade and I kept it all these years for a last minute cowgirl Halloween costume.

It is not so much the plaid shirt I don’t like, as the pairing options that go with it. Mini skirts and destroyed jeans scream Hollister cowboy to me. The best way to ease out of this trend is to pair the top with skinny black jeans. Pick a neutral plaid print if you swear by this style.

Of course, one of the amazing things about fashion is the personal creativity it allows us to express. Staying true to your personal style is perhaps the only fashion rule to follow. As Yves St. Laurent stated: “fashions fade, style is eternal.”

Evening bags come in an assortment of sizes, colours, styles, shapes and materials, so it’s important that you narrow down your options first, in order to make the ultimate decision. This will of course depend on your outfit, the look you wish to create and the occasion.  Some evening bags will also have a dainty shoulder or handheld strap attached; so you have the choice of using it as a bag or clutch – thank goodness for versatility!

Choosing the perfect evening bag

So here are some top tips on how to choose the perfect evening bag:

• For a classic look: opt for a sophisticated black satin clutch; it is always a safe option. Have a peek at the Etta – black clutch evening bag – it is absolutely stunning.
• For a statement look: team a bold coloured clutch with an all black outfit.  Our Ella evening bags are perfect!
• For a more casual yet sophisticated look try a patterned clutch like the b.sirius retro forest or the ruffle handbag by Spoilt by Senka.
• Keep in mind your evening bag and other accessories should be last on the list, and should ideally match your shoes.
• As my mother taught me – less is more. Never over-do it, and if you’re not sure, ask someone for a second opinion.

These are only a few examples of the many fabulous looks you can create.  Here at Accessory Heaven, we stock a wide range of evening bags and clutches for many different occasions, including bridal.

Just a word a caution: be careful with pieces from recent decades, such as the 80s and 90s. As these were flamboyant times, therefore overloading on these pieces could make it look like you’re going to a fancy dress party. To avoid this follow keep it simple.

A few ways to wear vintage jewellery are:
• making your vintage jewellery the focus of your outfit by wearing minimal jewellery with it
• wear a couple of smaller pieces of vintage jewellery together to bring attention to them (eg a small ring and earrings)
• or alternatively if it is a dominant piece of jewellery like a long pendent necklace make it the centre-piece of the outfit.

Vintage pieces look best when they have room to stand out from the rest of the outfit.

The best places to find these pieces of jewellery are from relatives collections from ‘back-in-the-day’, second-hand stores or quirky markets. Look for the exquisitely classic rather than cheap and badly dated pieces as they will add sophistication to an outfit.

Shonah Tomkins’ creations are the true essence of uniqueness. The Melbourne-based designer, who launched her label in 2005, is inspired by the works of 19th century English craftsman William Morris, antiques including Minton China, Victorian millwork, European monuments and French provincial furnishings. Her designs include pendants brooches,
earrings, cufflinks and journals, which all capture the vintage aesthetic.

While Shonah hand-crafts each of her creations individually, her father embellishes the Tasmanian oak the fabric is pressed on. Our little creative collection of Shonah’s accessories can be admired and purchased here at Accessory Heaven…make it your worst kept secret!

Party dresses come in a whole host of colours, fabrics, lengths and cuts. You can choose from classic shapes and styles or more modern trends, depending on the occasion and the look you want to create.

Dress for your body shape

Whatever your party dress preference, dressing to suit your body shape is one of the easiest ways to ensure you look great, no matter what. It’s easy once you know how; once you learn about the shape of your body and how you can dress to flatter it, you can’t go wrong when it comes to choosing a specific style.

Bit hippy?

Bold prints have been popular on the catwalk recently and work well on svelte-hipped girls who want to create curves.

Stretch yourself a little

If you want to channel a nautical look then it’s handy to know that vertical stripes are slimming on everyone but especially good for petite women who want to appear a little taller.  Horizontal stripes are ideal for tall women as they draw the eye across the body instead of upwards like vertical stripes tend to do.

Curve your enthusiasm

Tulip shaped skirts also help to create the illusion of curves as they cinch in your waist and add volume to hips. If you want to add volume on your top half then you can use ruffles to create the illusion of cleavage.

Shapely attire

Angular, boyish body shapes can be softened with necklines that add interest to your chest area.  Add some curvaceous va-va-voom with the help of a dress which has a flared skirt.

If you have an hourglass figure, where your shoulders and hips are equally broad and your waist goes in at the centre, most styles will suit you. A v-neck dress will flatter your chest and make the most of your best assets.

Pear shapes look great in party dresses which have puffball sleeves, a halter neck, sweetheart neckline or shoulder pads. Avoid detailing on the lower half of the dress to create the ideal silhouette.

A classic strapless dress is another wardrobe staple for hourglass figures and is suitable for all sorts of parties.

The opposite rules apply to top heavy ladies. Anything which adds bulk to the upper half should be avoided and party dresses with thin spaghetti straps can be used to make the shoulders look smaller. The bottom half of the dress should have a volume

Anyone with an apple shape will be striving to accentuate their waist. Do this by broadening your hips and shoulders. Dresses with a tulip or puffball shaped skirt help to build shape up around the bottom.

Apple shapes should aim for halter neck dresses and boleros or shrugs can be used if you want to cover up a little. An empire line dress is absolutely ideal for apple shaped ladies as this style accentuates the body’s smallest point.

Last but not least, accessories add finishing touches to all kinds of women’s dresses.

Jennifer is a part of the digital blogging team at shoutingindigital.com who work with a growing number of retail brands. For more information about me, or to keep up to date with the latest in retail news, check out my posts at shoutingindigital.com or visit my Twitter account, @shoutingID.