Wanna keep your dogs from barking, but your style quotient as high as ever? Ballet flats are undoubtedly the chicest option.

But who needs another basic black flat? Not us.

We do, however, need a really charming and fun flat like these leopard-print lovelies.

The best part is they're less than $25, which for shoes these days, is practically free. Well, at least they should keep you debt-free, anyway.

Hunt a pair down here.

Let us be clear: If you're a Gwyneth hater, you can stop reading now. If however, you're a fan, keep those eyes moving from left to right.

We happen to be fans of the actress -- her movies, her style... Her style. The fact that she actually seems to make her kids a priority and isn't out partying every night and losing custody of them (sorry Brit, we still love you, bitch).

So when we found out that GP launched a newsletter where she shares her recommendations on everything from restaurants, hotels, shopping and books to parenting and workout advice, we were intrigued.

Some haters say it's self-indulgent. What celebrity, or Facebook or Twitter user for that matter, isn't (guilty as charged)? We find it to be quite authentic and interesting and think it's cool when her friends (Madonna, Mario Batali, to namedrop but a few) chime in.

Sure, many of the recommendations are pricey. But having an active fantasy life actually makes a really fun hobby in this ho-hum economy. Besides, Gwenyth shares equally inexpensive -- but still fabulous -- tips, too. Just last week, we made the deelish molten chocolate cakes she recommended in her Valentine's Day newsletter. Easy, fabulous and fun.

Like any good celebrity should be.

Curious?

Get GOOP here.

Perhaps it's because we have less and less money to put in them, or maybe it's because designers finally realized their oversized bags were causing us serious back problems. Whatever the reason, the little bag is back for spring. In a big way. Irony so intended, we're sure.

Tiny and cute, fitting just what a girl needs (plastic, lipgloss, keys, cellie -- and a lollypop!), we're big fans of the Urban Renewal leather chain strap bag.

Made from recycled leather jackets (sorry, Arthur Fonzarelli!), in the Urban Outfitters Philly studios, each bag is fully lined and finished with a zippered top -- and each bag is 100% unique.

Simply choose your favorite hue (brown, black, or brights), and the UO designers will send you a completely original style (the silhouette will stay the same as what's pictured, but the styling of each bag will vary, including the strap).

Lighten up and treat yourself to a little surprise for less than $40 right here.

p.s. Take $10 off your order of $75 or more with code TEN4U through March 3, 2009!

Michael Phelps hearts MJ, A-Rod uses 'roids and SJP looks like a mint macaroon at the Oscars. Sometimes life is a predictable surprise.

Sometimes disappointing, other times a delight.

Where we go to be predictably surprised and delighted?

Etsy, of course.

What we found on our latest treasure hunt?

Norwegian Wood.

What sounds like a Scandinavian adult film is actually the shop of Montreal-based designer Angie Johnson (that's her real last name, as far as we know -- the irony is rich, the designs even richer).

To say that Johnson likes fringe would be like saying Woody Allen prefers young girls. In other words, a severe understatement.

Johnson's affair with fringe has been successfully and sophisticatedly applied to everything from necklaces to bandage skirts and, in a nutshell, we think it's rad.

The designer also has a penchant for harnesses/suspenders, using them in an out-of-the-box and distinctly non-Steve Urkel way.

We're also beyond fond of the luxe leggings.

Want to be surprised?

Click here.

The biggest style stunner on the Oscar red carpet last night?

Gorgeous, vintage-glam jewelry. Particularly the show-stopping statement necklaces, though there was plenty of ear and arm candy to ogle as well (thanks to Heidi alone).

The jewels were colorful (coral, emeralds, sapphires, oh my!), chic and, fortunately, very attainable for those of us not on the red carpet.

How you say?

One word, we reply. Or is it two? You decide: J.Crew.

Dishing up great vintage-glam baubles for a lot less than what Mr. Fred Leighton will be charging, we're loving the sunray necklace, primrose garden bracelet, and jeweled palm-leaf necklace, to name but a few.

We especially love that no red carpet frock is needed to rock these, um, rocks. They'll make your everyday ensembles special and you won't need hired security to accompany you to the grocery store.

Where to bauble on?

Right here.

What time is it?

Oscar time! Well almost, the fashion fest is this Sunday to be exact. And to us, the Oscars are all about fantasy.

Which got us to thinking about our fantasy life. Somewhere, somehow we've always dreamt of becoming a ballerina. Not so much because we want to perform, but because we want to wear tights and leotards and big cozy cardigans all day long. Oh wait, fantasy came true!

But we're missing the icing on the cupcake -- real ballet slippers. Which is why we're drooling over these Capezio studded ballet slippers at our fave new online shop Bona Drag.

Adorable worn over tights with regular outfits that don't include a tutu, these are the kind of shoes we'll live in and that will add a certain something special to your look.

We're also totally fantasizing about these Capezio lace-ups too.

Indulge your own fantasy here!

Venerable New York hipspot and destination store for anyone with a downtown aesthetic, Opening Ceremony, has finally opened its virtual doors. Stylistas across the globe rejoice.

Serving up incredibly hard-to-find labels like Tsumori Chisato, lots of Alexander Wang and his new much more affordable line T by Alexander Wang, BOY by Band of Outsiders, and of course, the Opening Ceremony line itself, we know our BFF will be thrilled. Her wallet, however, may not.

We, on the other hand, haven't worn high-tops since the 7th grade, but are considering the Nike Liberty Dunks. You know, just to spice things up.

Spice up your style repertoire and step outside of your box by joining in the Opening Ceremony here.

BussBuss is feeling the love today.

Nine years ago, today, one half of BussBuss went on her first official date with the other half of BussBuss and three years ago, today, they made their smitten-ness official when they said 'I do' on a block of ice in Central Park.

One friend officiated, while another played guitar and sang Our Love Is Here To Stay as they walked down the aisle.

Which likely explains why we can't resist this card by enormouschampion.

Spread your own love, today and always, right here.

If there's one fashion lesson to be gleaned by Confessions of a Shopaholic, it's to lighten up, or rather brighten up, and have fun with what you wear.

Rebecca Bloomwood radiated charm and color to the point of us nicknaming Pat Field's latest project Rainbow Brite.

And seeing as bright bold colors are right on trend for spring too, we can't help but want this incredibly playful Edge of Urge frock.

Wear it with leggings and tights now, then dare to go bare and show off what your mama gave you come spring's warmer weather.

Best of all, each scandalously mod dress is handcut and handmade by designer Jessie Williams and will cost you way less than 'the green scarf.' That's the kind of math even Rebecca Bloomwood could get behind.

Find it in green giraffe or pink giraffe print (our faves) or a slew of solids at the always-cool Edge of Urge.

Want to freshen up your space, but in a rental and can't paint, or simply don't want to, lazy bones?

Try out these gorgeous wall decals instead.

For less than the cost of a can of paint, you can create a huge impact with minimal investment of time or money.

From monograms to swaying trees to kissing boys and girls, hipster bikes, maps and more, we've found lots to drool over at Dali Decals.

Even cooler, the Etsy shop takes custom orders as well, so get those creative juices flowing, fabulous.

Browse, love and buy right here.

Roses are red.
Violets are blue.
I don't know a girl who doesn't love cupcakes.
How about you?

We love these hand-lacquered cupcake keepsake boxes so much, we're featuring them again. Why? Because this time, along with the adorable cupcake itself (which we use to store baubles and jewels), viv&ingrid have teamed up with designer Addison Endpapers to create accompanying vintage-inspired bakery boxes.

Such a sweet treat for Valentine's Day, birthdays and beyond. Plus, each cupcake comes with a lovely message inside. And, for an extra $12, you can include a pair of silver/clear CZ posts.

Or, splurge a little and nab these deelish cupcake earrings. Because too much of a good thing is, well, fabulous.

Indulge in a cupcake here.

Men come and go, but bacon? Bacon is forever.

Which is why this Valentine's Day, we think you should celebrate your love for it with this cheeky I Heart Bacon necklace by Where's Romeo.

When other girls at the office are all aflutter over flowers, you can make them envious with your new neck candy (er, protein).

How to make the day even richer? With a BLT for lunch, natch.

Even better? Each necklace, made in our current hometown of San Francisco, comes with a tube of bacon-flavored lipgloss, for a limited time.

Beat that candy and flowers.

Where to indulge?

Right here.

What's black and white and chic all ovah?

This perfect winter-into-spring transition coat by She-Bible.

Black on one side, cream on the other (like a delicious Oreo cookie), we love the Martine coat's cozy wide sleeves, A-line shape and that the bottom hem falls lower in the back to give an elegant tuxedo shape.

Wear it with the included giant safety pin for a more casual look or cinch things up nicely at the waist with your favorite belt for a more pulled together affair.

Really, it's four looks in one. If only husbands, bosses and lovers could be so flexible...

Say hello to your new go-to piece (and fave travel companion) here.

ISO an independent girl who knows her way around white Japanese leather.

Someone who appreciates the handcrafted, the girly and the cool.

Someone who's not afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve (or wrist, or earlobes, or chest) and who's looking to put her stamp on the world.

Someone who will add a little sparkle to the day.

Where oh where art thou, Valentine?

Right here!

Reporting live (well, almost) from the center of Sedona, we're feeling very in touch with our inner artist. Perhaps it's the red rocks. Perhaps it's the (alleged) mystic vortices. Or, perhaps it's just the margaritas.

Either way, we're definitely in need of one (or all three) of these Artist's Totes. Each has a fantastic print, with a totally different cool print on the opposite side, which also satisfies our split personality disorder.

We also love that the totes are made of cotton canvas, weighing us down far less than their leather counterparts, which makes being in touch with our free-spirited artist far easier. Literally.

Get two bags in one here.

Statement necklaces and bracelets are big for spring, and we're big on versatility and on giving back. Which are just three reasons we're loving One Pearl jewelry.

For example, our favorite Black Lava 70" Strand necklace, which can be worn as a long necklace, as a layered necklace, as a choker, as a belt, as a bracelet and even a few more fab ways, will also buy one month's rent on classroom space in a Cambodian providence. We know this thanks to One Pearl's clever Giving Index, which actually tells you what your purchase can do to help others.

We also really love the patented design where each piece contains one contrasting pearl.

Meaningful, beautiful and versatile.

Not to mention an excellent Valentine's Gift (or Mother's Day gift for you forward-thinking shoppers).

And as a Valentine gift to you, BussBuss readers will receive 25% off plus free shipping through February 14, 2009 with code BBOP at checkout.

Where to spread the love and some fab style?

Right here at One Pearl.

Feeling mad love for the USA these days, but not really one to rock Obama's face on your chest?

We say why not make America your valentine and show everyone your pride and love in style with this Truly Madly Deeply tee?

But a few things to love: the soft wash, that it's cut long, and has an easy vintage vibe.

Fall in love here.

A huge trend that floated down the spring runways?

Butterflies.

While we're not exactly fans of the Mariah Carey variety (re: cheesy), we are loving this arty watercolor-esque butterfly scarf in silk.

We especially love that it's marked down to 50% off and will cost less than $40.

A gorgeous gift for anyone with a spring birthday indeed.

Take flight here.

The Super Bowl and Puppy Bowl were action-packed enough, but on Sunday nights all we really want are our Mad Men (and no, we don't mean The Boss attacking cameras or poles with his crotch).

Even though we won't be getting our Don and Betty Draper fix until this summer it seems, we're already planning a Mad Men party in our minds.

Of course, there will be gimlets. And fabulous '60s fashion, no doubt. But seeing as we don't smoke and don't want our place smelling of it, what's a Mad Men-loving girl to do?

Enter our childhood obsession: candy cigarettes.

While the sugar sticks are probably about as healthy as real cigarettes, we say bring on the cavities. We're Mad Women here at BussBuss, after all.

Want to become a puff daddy -- or mama?

Click right here.

p.s. A whopping 24 boxes, including shipping, costs less than the three boxes we bought a few weekends ago at a candy shop in Santa Monica. Le sigh.