OK, ladies, how many times has this happened to you: You’re in a dark club, theater or restaurant and you need something from your bag. You fumble around inside it for a while and finally take out every item until you find what you need by sheer sense of touch. That happened to Kara Kurcz one too many times, and during a frustrating search for her keys one night, she was struck by inspiration that led her to create what has become a fashion accessory: A purse with a light inside. Now why didn’t someone think of that before?

Kurcz created the Solas line of handbags, featuring totes, clutches, carry-alls and other designs, each containing a built-in neon colored light around the rim of the bag that turns on automatically when the bag is opened. (Solas is a Gaelic word meaning “light.”) The light is more than just functional: The color is designed to inspire healing or specific feelings and moods. For example, according to the Solas site, yellow light is a good choice when you’re feeling anxious because it helps keep your emotions in check. Pink light is good for meeting new people and purple light enhances your imagination.

Light isn’t the only bright idea in these bags. They also include such nifty touches as removable straps that can be worn as necklaces, and wallets that double as clutches.

It’s no wonder they’re favored by such stars as Cameron Diaz, Hilary Duff, Jessica Alba, Scarlett Johansson and Carrie Underwood (who has been seen on the red carpet with the company’s Darling clutch). But with Solas prices starting at around $130 (a steal compared to many designer labels), you don’t have to be a celebrity to get in on one of Hollywood’s hottest trends.

The pale shades of summer are long gone, and fashion-forward divas are feeling blue — specifically a deep, dark, sparkly shade of indigo. Russian Navy is the hottest nail color on the planet this fall. The deep blue hue is part of the Russian Collection from OPI, and salons and beauty supply stores across the country report they can hardly keep the shade on the shelves. Why is everyone so blue? Beauty experts say navy is easier to wear than last year’s popular black because it is a little more dimensional and a little less sinister-looking, so it appeals to a wider range of people.
 
But if blue isn’t for you, there are plenty of other options, as long as you’re willing to turn to the dark side. This season’s trendy color palette also includes deep plums (even purple), reds and browns. You can’t turn on the TV without seeing an actress or model with dark-as-night nails. Popular shades around the country include Chanel’s Black Satin, Noir Ceramic and Black Tulip, and OPI’s Midnight in Moscow and Lincoln Park After Dark.
 
“Lots of our clients are getting dark reds, deep burgundies, almost black,” says Angela Vance of The Mirror salon in Nashville. “In general, shades haven’t been this dark in a long time.” The new dark hues are not made for three-inch talons, however. Manicurists say the look is more modern on short-to-medium-length nails.
 
Another hot nail trend is the reverse French manicure. Color is painted on the tip of the nail in a half-moon shape, leaving a narrow band of clear or a light color at the base of the nail, almost like a manicure that has grown out. The look isn’t for everyone, but it has been spotted on such trendsetters as Hilary Duff and Jennifer Lopez.