SHOULDER BAGS AND SHOOTINGS: AUTHOR ARTICLE and BONUS GIVEAWAY ENTRIES

GIVEAWAY ENDED
SHOULDER BAGS
AND SHOOTINGS
BY DOROTHY HOWELL

REMINDER....ABOUT THE BOOK:

Life is beyond fabulous for Haley Randolph. She just spent two amazing weeks in Europe with her boyfriend Ty Cameron, owner of Holt’s Department Store where Haley works. And now Ty’s grandmother, Ada, is letting Haley drive her way-cool Mercedes. Plus, Haley’s closing in on the season’s must-have handbag.

But when Haley finds the body of her nemesis in the trunk of Ada’s Mercedes, things aren’t so fabulous anymore. Topping the list of suspects, Haley must solve this murder quickly – and find that hot handbag – before she becomes a killer’s next fashion fatality!

SOME MORE....ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dorothy Howell is the author of 26 novels. She’s written for three major New York publishing houses. Her books have been translated into a dozen languages, with sales approaching 3 million copies worldwide.

Dorothy currently writes for two publishing houses, in two genres, under two names.

HANDBAGS AND HOMICIDE, which launched her hardcover mysteries series from Kensington, was a Publishers Weekly starred review. PURSES AND POISON continued the series. SHOULDER BAGS AND SHOOTINGS will be released in July. The series has sold in the U.K., France and Thailand, and is available in Large Print and e-book format.

Dorothy has signed another 3-book deal to continue the Haley Randolph series in hardcover from Kensington.

Dorothy also writes historical romance novels under the pen name Judith Stacy. Her titles include Harlequin Historical’s Top Seller of the Year, a No.1 on the Barnes & Noble historical list, and a RITA Award Finalist. More information is available at www.JudithStacy.com.

Also, be sure to check her new Website and her Facebook page.

Check out her DESIGNER HANDBAG giveaway on her site as well!

AUTHOR ARTICLE:

HOLLYWOOD LOVES A
GREAT HANDBAG
BY DOROTHY HOWELL

Fashion is a major player in Hollywood. Wardrobe departments spend tireless hours perfecting the right "look" for their actors. Celebrity stylists live or die by the image they craft for their clients. Magazines and television shows devote themselves to photos and descriptions of celebrity clothing and accessories.

From the style and elegance of fashion icons such as Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn during Hollywood's Golden Era, to pics of celebs like Jennifer Aniston and Reece Witherspoon hitting the trendy L.A. shops, the public is fascinated by what they're wearing.

Regardless of current styles, situations or occasions, no actress or fashion icon would be caught in public without one indispensable fashion accessory -- her handbag.

This year's Oscar night saw pastels and bright colors, along with ruffles and trains, outside the Kodak Theater; most accompanied by a gorgeous clutch. The different shapes and sizes decorated with jewels glistening under the lights, made it the accessory to watch.

Anna Kendrick, a first-time nominee, carried a jeweled Judith Leiber clutch. Elizabeth Banks accessorized her Verace gown with a gray snakeskin and silver crystal clutch from Salvatore Ferragamo. Diva Demi Moore, ruled the red carpet with a gold leather envelope clutch, while Kate Winslet rocked an Yves Saint-Laurent silver satin bag. These Hollywood fashionistas proved nothing completes a red-carpet look like a handbag.

Yet for all their glamour and prestige, today's top handbag designers had decidedly unfashionable beginnings. Louis Vuitton made travel trunks in the 1800s, while Hermés crafted horse harnesses for Europe's aristocracy. Prada, Fendi, and Gucci were known for their leather baggage.

These houses made the jump to light speed, fashion wise, by looking into the future and adapting to changing times, and today they give us some of the most sought-after handbags in the world.

Purses aren't just another glitz and glamour accessory. Like all Hollywood beauties, the handbag is expected to work. Whether in a starring or a supporting role, the handbag is often in the spotlight.

Sarah Jessica Parker's character Carrie Bradshaw, on the Sex and the City television show, received a Judith Leiber handbag from Big. The cupcake purse by this famed designer made an appearance in the SATC movie. Samantha Jones, played by Kim Cattrall, ran afoul of Lucy Liu over a long awaited Birkin bag.

Ruth Buzzi turned her purse into a weapon and fought off her hapless, would-be attacker on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In. A decades-old skit so funny it can still be viewed on YouTube.

Who can forget Jamie Farr's portrayal of Corporal Maxwell Q. Klinger and his desperate attempt to get discharged from the Army by dressing in drag on the long running television show M*A*S*H? He went about his duties wearing a dress, hat, gloves, high heels and, of course, carrying a handbag.

The style, glitz and glam of a Hollywood-worthy purse are available to the everyday fashionista. Retail, discount, and online stores abound. Be the star of your own show with the handbag of your dreams.

© 2010 Dorothy Howell, author of Shoulder Bags and Shootings: A Haley Randolph Mystery

GIVEAWAY
BONUS ENTRIES
THANKS TO CAITLIN AND THE
GOOD PEOPLE AT FSB ASSOCIATES,
I HAVE ONE COPY OF THIS
FABULOUS BOOK TO GIVE
AWAY TO ONE LUCKY WINNER!



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