We are more than excited to announce that our new Vintage category is launching soon! You might have noticed that we already have cool vintage pieces spread out on our site, but now you’ll have a dedicated place to find all of our ‘oldie but goodies’.

Looking for ’80s Chanel jewelry? Check. How about mid-century Patek Phillipe? Done. Diamond Art Deco jewels? Yes and Yes. Stay tuned to this space and Portero.com for more information.

Looking for a spot to find items that have had price reductions? Check out our Recently Reduced section, linked from a dedicated homepage tile. Right now we have a great selection of jewelry, handbags and shoes at prices down 20% from our already reduced Portero prices. Here are a few of our favorites listed right now:

Caroline Carlisle 18k Rose Gold Diamond Green Tourmaline Drop Earrings

Alexander McQueen Chocolate Brown Patent Leather Medium Elvie Bag

Martin Margiela Tall Cork Knee Boots sz 36 / 6

I’m pretty excited to see this amazing Roger Vivier Geometric Shoulder bag just listed–it was released earlier this year and became an instant favorite with the fashion crowd. There’s something so chic and so simple about the shape; it looks a little ’70s vintage but also has a bit of a futuristic vibe. Bag Snob gave it a rave when it was launched in stores.

I’ve noticed a lot of geometric motifs in the news recently. How about Beyoncé’s Atelier Versace dress at the MTV Europe VMAs last month? That’s another winner in my book–I really liked the silver details on the mermaid dress, it took a girly gown and made it fierce.

If you haven’t had a chance to scroll through Candy Pratts Price’s Spring Trends slideshow on Style.com yet, definitely give yourself a few minutes to check out some must-have items for 2010. I, personally, am a shoe person, and sometimes I think those little accessories can tell you a lot of what you need to know about trends as a whole.

Take, for example, the brand new bold leather shoes by Jimmy Choo, Balenciaga and Nicholas Kirkwood (above, left-right). Just a little punch of neon definitely goes a long way — imagine any of these peep-toes paired with basic black, and guess which will stand out more. This really continues to make the case for neon accents for spring, so make sure to include a pop of ultra-bright color in your upcoming buys!

First of all, I’m really digging Christina Aguilera’s new bob–it’s a great update on her! Second, I really like the biker chic look she wore to dinner on Monday night in LA. This has been a super hot trend for fall, and she nails it with a great leather jacket, black bag and fabulous Louboutins with a sparkly blue toe. (Oh, how I am coveting those shoes…)

Want to put together something similar? Check out my biker chic pics:

Bottega Veneta Black Lizard & Suede Ruffle Evening Clutch Bag

Celine Black Suede and Swarovski Crystal Bag

Sold Out Fall 2009 Christian Louboutin Black Suede Thigh High Boots sz 37

Lagos Sterling Silver 18k Yellow Gold 0.94 ctw Diamond Bracelet

Image via JustJared

I’m really liking this mix of rusty red and vintage-looking sterling and gemstone jewelry on actress Emily Blunt. The dress might be a little busy for some, but I particularly love the draped asymmetrical neckline — so flattering. Want to accessorize like Emily? Here are my choices:

Sterling Silver & Gold 8.50 ctw Rose-Cut Diamond Red Coral Drop Earrings. These vintage-looking, Indian-inspired earrings are showstoppers.

Handcrafted Sterling Silver & Gold 7.00 ctw Rose-Cut Diamond Hinged Bangle Bracelet. Emily’s bracelet is in the shape of a snake, but this bangle mixes perfectly with the earrings without ‘matching’.

Judith Leiber Red Lizard Embroidered Clutch Shoulder Bag. Honestly, a vibrant clutch is a must-have in any woman’s closet. Pair this with a simple black dress and your outfit is made!

I loved how the Fall runways showed so much texture, but I particularly loved how color was embraced. This NY magazine slideshow will show you exactly what I mean. These are jewel tones that make a statement and will really stand out even in the dead of winter.

I personally love to do bold color with a beautiful handbag. Here are just a few of my favorite investment pieces that can make any basic outfit seem like it’s worth a million bucks:

Hermès Very Rare Rouge Vif Ostrich 32cm Kelly Rigide Bag

Chanel Blue Stitched Lambskin Leather Shoulder Single Flap Bag

Gianfranco Ferre Large Mustard Yellow Suede Horn Rope Handbag

Lamberston Truex Bright Pink Ostrich Classic Tote Bag

We were lucky enough to put together a fantastic collection of antique poker/casino chip jewelry, and I thought you might want the inside scoop on the pieces. Here’s the background information, straight from designer Rachelle Epstein:

The mother-of-pearl chips are casino chips used around 1900 (before plastics) in European and South American Casinos. Some are from Vichy, France or from a casino/spa in Belgium that supposedly F. Scott Fitzgerald went to called L’ Etrangier (the Foreigner). All are extremely rare.

The others are American poker chips and are a clay composite also from the 1900’s from different (illegal & legal) clubs used for different versions of poker games. After plastics were invented, these went by the by, and many are very rare like the cupid on a bike or the “kissing” owls. They are not fragile but should not be washed with soap and water.

Hopefully we piqued your curiosity! Check out our fantastic collection of these casino chip pieces right here.

Earlier this week I had a coveted invite to view all of the entries for the AGTA Spectrum Awards, and believe me, I wouldn’t have missed it. This design competition is for the best in colored gemstones, and there were some real stunners that made me remember just how much I love gems.

One of my favorites was the intense ring above by designer Paul Kleka. Made from 18K green gold and featuring eighteen radiant-cut Zultanites (91.85 ctw.), the three-finger ring may have been dangerous, but I loved the matte finish on the gold and the repeating pattern.

Another favorite is Victor Velyan’s 24K yellow gold and silver cuff featuring a 20.54 ct oval star Ruby cabochon and natural colored diamonds. These two pieces just go to show you that colored gems don’t necessarily need to be all about the sparkle factor–pattern and texture are also key in finding a good piece of jewelry.

Did you know you can shop by gemstone on Portero.com? Check out our selection of gorgeous colored stone jewelry now!

Everyone’s purse strings are a little bit tighter these days, but it doesn’t mean that buying replica designer luxury goods is the smartest choice. Here’s Portero.com’s top three reasons to buy authentic every time:

–Investments will last. Purchasing a replica handbag or watch may seem like an economical way to be fashionable, but your savings may be short-lived. The inexpensive materials and construction of many of these pieces means that they will not stand the test of time. Instead, invest in the real deal and you’ll have a little bit of luxury that will last.

–Higher price means higher quality. It’s the little details that make authentic designer handbags and watches so coveted: Supple leather, sturdy hardware, Swiss movements and expert stitching among them. You just can’t replicate the craftsmanship of authentic goods, and replicas usually don’t make the grade. Want one telltale sign of a fake designer handbag? The piping and stitching on real bags is flawless–it’s usually messy and imprecise on replicas.

–The ethical question. While buying a replica designer handbag isn’t a crime, selling them is. The first Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting took place in 2004, and since then, the group has found that trade in fake goods supports sweatshops, child labor, terrorism and organized crime.