The difference between a nice home and a fabulous home all comes down to personal accessories.

And by personal, we don't mean those same vintage-style posters that grace the walls of every yuppie home in America.

Think more Ruthie Sommers and Kelly Wearstler than Pottery Barn and Z Gallerie.

It's those quirky little pieces you've collected over the years that tell a story about you and your fabulously unique personality.

Where to find one-of-a-kind home accessories without trolling the flea markets of the world?

Blue Bell Bazaar.

Conversation Hearts? So five mins ago.

Conversation bracelets? Now we're talking.

For Valentine's Day, why not gift your favorite girl (you) and a make a statement with a witty Jessica Kagan Cushman bracelet?

Phrases we're fond of?

Truly fabulous people never get dressed before lunchtime.

You can agree with me or you can be wrong.

Why?

Because I said so, that's why.

Take a peek at Shopbop and at Jessica Cushman.

With Valentine's Day just about a fortnight away, it's only fitting to dish about our love of New York-based boyfriend-girlfriend design duo Hayden-Harnett.

We've waxed poetic about the up-and-coming label in the past. First there were those bags, then those darling coin purses and accessories, then their debut apparel line.

Now we feel like we've fallen in love all over again with their latest clothing and accessories offerings.

Their use of French artist Paule Marrot's prints and artwork (Jackie O. loved Marrot as well, so we're in good company) is brilliant. From the dresses to the trenches to the bags, it all feels very Diane von Furstenberg in the '70s, but with a distinctly modern and unique twist. Think mod-safari chic.

One visit will have you feeling like jetting off to somewhere exotic and doing something different for a change. Like showing up to work on time (imagine that), this time with all eyeballs on your fab new look.

While checking out all the new goodies, be sure to scoop up some fantastic finds in the sale section. They're going fast, so make like a cheetah -- remember, it's a jungle out there.

Take a peek!

We've been lusting over this snow white faux fur jacket for months now, so are happier than a clam in a candy store that it's gone on sale at hipster hot spot Built by Wendy.

Find a perfectly edited selection of cute tops, jackets, dresses and jeans with that downtown preppy hipster vibe in red, navy, white and tartan, all up to 50% off at the winter sale.

Shop now as sizes and quantities are limited.

Take a peek!

The number one complaint we hear about independent fashion and design is that it's often so pricey. You'd love to support it more if only it were more affordable. We hear you. Which is why we know you'll be as thrilled as we are about Refinery 29 Shops and its current sale.

Satisfying our current obsession with anything blue blood and Blair Waldorf (equestrian accessories, prep-school plaid, chic cableknit and crests -- man, those Upper East Siders on Gossip Girl are really affecting us!), we're particularly fond of In God We Trust.

Designer Shana Tabor creates the kinds of accessories that will become signature pieces, but in the under $100 range: knee-high socks with brass horsebit charms, embroidered crest pins, knit caps.

And, for a cheeky Valentine's Day gift, be sure to scope out the sweet nothing pendant necklaces with phrases like Wonder Buns, Crazy Sexy Cool and Sweet Tits. Charming.

Speaking of being affected by young Hollywood, after Rachel Bilson's love/hate lingerie spread in GQ this month, we're feeling inspired to own a pair of these Steven Alan ruffled cotton panties.

Take a peek and discover more cult faves like 3.1 Phillip Lim, Loeffler Randall, Mayle and more at Refinery 29 Shops.

Yesterday's Oprah was a bit of a letdown when Christian Louboutin himself didn't appear on the show as planned (due to illness) and only one person in the audience received a pair of his coveted shoes (seriously?!), but her Container Store segment did remind us of how great the purse organizer Purseket is.

Sure, it's been around for quite a few years now, but if you're a girl whose handbag is a black hole and you can never find what you're looking for, or you simply change out your bags more often than LiLo, it's also a must-have.

And a very affordable one too.

Take a peek!

Last spring, on a shizniz (shopping + bizniz) trip to New York (luckily for us, they literally are one in the same), we popped into the West Village boutique Castor & Pollux.

La-love.

Between oohing and aahing over avant garde designer clothing and chatting with shop owner Kerrilynn Pamer, we spotted some fabulous resin-encased barbed wire bracelets.

We didn't buy them, which was a big mistake, as we've thought of them nearly every day since.

So, we were thrilled to discover that Castor & Pollux now has an online shop.

Sadly though, the bracelets are not on it. The ups! The downs! Now we know how Britney feels. (Though the site is still not fully launched, you should definitely check it out).

But we digress.

With some very fortuitous online sleuthing, we found the statement piece bracelets at one of our favorite haute shops.

Take a peek!

P.S. Be sure to check out the Vivre winter sale where you can save up to 50% on luxe handbags, accessories, clothing, shoes, jewelry, gifts and more.

The perfect antidote to cold, gray rainy days?

These punchy and preppy new raincoats from the Gap.

It's impossible not to smile when you pull on a neon-bright yellow trench -- or hot pink or green one for that matter.

Consider these the new Prozac.

Also available in navy and taupe, we say be bold and go for color this season.

Darling details like interior contrast polka dot piping and the surprisingly flattering A-line silhouette have a J.Crew meets Kate Spade sensibility -- vintage yet preppy classic all at once.

Take a peek!

At BussBuss, we believe in surrounding yourself with things that you love. And things that love you back.

From the perfect ballet flats to lovely letterpress stationery that makes you and your recipient feel special to all of the fashion, beauty, interiors and gifts in between, we love sharing our love of style and online shopping with you.

We believe that the things you buy and choices you make directly affect the life you have, make and live. Whether that's in your closet or in your living room, join us in resolving to buy only those things that make you smile and bring you (or those you love) joy in 2008.

Like Jessica Rust's personalized, customizable, sweet nostalgic designs.

The birch mugs and bowls, featuring "carved" initials in a tree, make an ideal engagement, wedding or Valentine's Day gift. Also find one-of-a-kind gifts to celebrate babies and kids and all the many moments in life worth capturing.

Take a peek at Jessica Rust Designs.

P.S. BussBuss shoppers enjoy an exclusive 20% off with code BUSS20 through January 15, 2008 (tip: order now for Valentine's Day as customization takes 2-3 weeks).

We've been loving Loeffler Randall for about as long as any self-respecting design addict (i.e. ever since designer Jessie Randall and her hubby's adorable Brooklyn flat were featured in Domino many, many months ago). And yes, we did buy the For Like Ever poster.

But as much as we crave Loeffler Randall -- the shoes! the bags! the coats! -- we can't always swallow the prices.

Which is why we're super excited about the new Loeffler Randall for Target collection.

While we were saddened there were no cute coats in the Target collection, the chic-meets-cheek bags and shoes are a good way to sample the up-and-coming brand without sacrificing next month's rent money.

Take a peek at Loeffler Randall at Target!

Shop Loeffler Randall on sale at Shopbop!

P.S. Get free shipping on orders of $50+ at Target.

I don't know about you, but getting organized in '08 sounds just about as exciting as a lobotomy in '09. Been there, done that, thanks.

While I'm all for making like Eminem and cleaning out my closet -- to make room for new chic fabulosities -- and am happy to donate my fashion faux pas to the poor (i.e. my friend's younger college-aged sister and her friends), I'd rather focus on my Obsessive Consumption Disorder. By buying more, naturally.

But not just for the sake of buying, but for the cause of buying what I love (diamonds, cashmere, cupcakes) and, in the words of Oprah, trying to live my best (most stylish) life.

There are tons of so-called style rules by so-called fashion experts, but when it comes down to it, the key to looking like a style icon instead of a fashion victim comes down to just two very simple questions. Drum roll, please...

When shopping, always ask yourself these two questions...