It was only after helping launch her brother's website -- the recently featured in Sex and The City www.bagborroworsteal.com -- that Stacey Lapidus decided to create her own line of embellished handbags. The purses then led to jewelry, and hair accessories soon followed.

``Basically, I launched with handbags, probably due to the fact that I didn't have any intention of designing. It just kind of happened because of the company that my brother and I launched -- or I helped him launch . . . Bag Borrow or Steal.''

Born and raised in New York, Lapidus, 35, obtained a degree in merchandising from Fashion Institute of Technology and spent five years working as an accessories editor for Vanity Fair.

''I had always collected vintage jewelry when I was at Vanity Fair. I always collected and loved it personally,'' she says. It was only after creating a headband inspired by a bangle from her jewelry collection that hair pieces truly became the staple of her line.

After a fashion editor was photographed at several New York events wearing a headband Lapidus created and gave as a gift, a department store sought her out. 'Henri Bendel called and said, `Please, we love your jewelry, interpret it somehow -- we would love to have a collection of hair accessories like your jewelry.' ''

Three years later, Lapidus has a celebrity following, with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicole Richie, Paris Hilton and Leighton Meester all donning her pieces.

''There is nothing more flattering than someone with great style wearing my stuff,'' Lapidus says. The designer's accessories have been featured in magazines including Self, InStyle, US Weekly, Glamour and Teen Vogue. Lapidus also outfitted models for designer Charlotte Ronson's fall runway show. Ronson liked the hair pieces so much she now carries them in her store.

Items in the line range in price from about $70-$400 and include headbands, hair clips, cuffs, belts and various jewelry pieces like earrings and necklaces. Each item is constructed from materials like China silk, feathers, chain links, studding and crystals. Ideally, Lapidus hopes to streamline her designs. ''As I see the big picture, I want to really narrow it down and focus on hair,'' she says.

Lapidus splits her time between New York and Miami, working with her dad, who lives in Aventura and focuses on the business side of the company. Items are warehoused in Sunny Isles Beach and according to Lapidus, the website's sales have been increasing rapidly over the past year. ''[The hair accessories] have been eating up the rest of my business,'' she says.

Up next for the Stacey Lapidus brand is the launch of bridal hair accessories, a decision she made after receiving requests through her website for special wedding pieces.

When asked whom she designs for, her answer is quick and definitive -- herself. ``Everything I design I would wear myself.''

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