Classic or just old looking?

Decisions, decisions. I think I kind of fancy it. Available at stores such as Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. By Prada.

Love for Loubistuds

It's pretty obvious that I have an affinity for all things studded. Now if only I could fit my life in this adorable studded clutch. Go look at Foot Candy.

Potholder kit + Balenciaga = this bag!

Balenciaga is usually a brand that hits the nail on the head. They use beautiful leathers and their colors like apple green are like no other. This is the only time I looked twice and was unsure of what they had done. Think back to your childhood, everyone made potholders:

So now here's the adult version of what you would do if you still wanted to make potholders. For us grownups, Balenciaga's version of a potholder, available at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus stores.

Cute weekend shoes are always a good thing

It's hard for me to get out of the "wearing of tennis shoes all weekend" rut. But these are a cute alternative by Lucky. Available at Macy's.

Don't take orders from anyone

Two thumbs up for this military jacket. Almost all cotton with a touch of spandex = a jacket that breathes and fits beautifully. I was a little unsure until I put it on. It fit like a glove. This fab little jacket is available at Macy's.

On board with the matte nail polish trend?

I've heard many people rave about Zoya nail polishes. And matte polish seems to be the in thing this year, so I went for it and bought a few bottles. Although the colors are great and the matte look is different, you are instructed to not wear a base coat nor top coat. This might work for some people, but for me it meant that my polish started chipping after less than 24 hours. So this is a great look for me for a night out, but not more than that. It's the one-night-stand nail color.

Pepe Le Pew has left the building

Everyone is raising a stink about this Fendi bag. Not because it's a bag with fur, but because that fur is none other than skunk. Our poor skunks, they get a bad rap because they actually have a good way to defend themselves from predators. When I was a kid I met someone with a pet skunk, and he was a cute little thing, and his skunker mechanism was somehow removed. So I don't think this bag is that bad. Do people think if they buy it, it will smell bad? Check it out for yourself at Saks.

Yet another great pair of boots

As much as I would love to wear stilettos all the time, my feet will not even think of it. Recently all the heels I've been seeing have been stilettos, so when I see anything with a remotely more stable heel, I can't help but notice. These boots are gorgeous, although not very budget friendly, so I will try to get them on sale before they sell out completely! Available at Bergdorf Goodman.

Lots of Mongolian lamb fur around

The pictures of this sweater are seriously nowhere nearly as cute as the sweater is in person. It is extremely flattering and cuts in snugly at the waist. The collar is removable. The arms allow you to wear a long sleeved top underneath. Definitely a great addition to the ol' fall and winter wardrobe! This beauty is available at Neiman Marcus and is by Nanette Lapore.

Ever feel like screaming -- I mean laughing?

I couldn't resist this Coach Parker Girl tote, it was on major clearance at Macy's. It's supposed to be a girl laughing, but she looks like she's screaming to me. Not that it's a bad thing, I think it's rather appropriate for how most of us feel on a daily basis when we're heading to the office.

Admit it, you had a pair of these at one time

I was addicted to Tretorn many years ago but forgot about them. I was browsing around last week and couldn't believe my eyes when I saw THE classic shoes, and they were very inexpensive. In a moment of unadulterated nostaligic joy I hit the "place order" button. Find them at 6pm.com.

Back to the fashion jungle I go

This faux fur look gives a nod to all those who prefer not to wear fur. After seeing it in person, it reminded me of what I'm sure was a favorite childhood stuffed animal. It's soft and luxurious. The potential problem with this print is that you risk looking like your grandmother's 1960s photos. Thankfully the cut has been updated and it is quite cute. I'm sure this will be one of my go-to coats this fall and winter. Available at Saks.

Don't want anyone to mess with you? Then buy these boots.

I have a weakness for rocker-chic, although I know just a little can be too much, and too much is way too much. But how could I resist these boots? They are one of the biggest fashion statements I've seen recently. Since I was unable to locate them in the US I'm having them shipped from the UK thanks to Brown's. They should be here next week! I'm also thrilled that I was able to get such a badass pair of boots that only have a two-inch heel. Christian Louboutin, of course.

Tattoo You

I'm sure this isn't what the Rolling Stones had in mind, but I realize I'm late to many parties. Case in point is Gucci's Tattoo line. It took me a while to warm up to it, because I heard that everyone would think I was carrying Ed Hardy. Truth be told, someone did ask me if the white bag was Ed Hardy. After he took a second look he was horrified at his faux pas.

After some sleuthing, I found out (yes!) that these bags would be marked down from their retail prices and I could find them either at the boutiques or one of my new favorite places, the Gucci Outlet. As a result I quickly created a collection that I've grown to really like.

It's after Labor Day so sadly I must think about retiring this set for winter. But the bag itself is interesting with the birds on the front, it's a nice original design and something that wasn't duplicated elsewhere.

 

Next up is your basic known to everyone Gucci "double G" logo, but it has a twist with the tattoo heart print on the front.

I would be remiss if I didn't find something that was a little out of the ordinary, so I went with the tan messenger bag and flats. The inside of the bag is the creamiest suede ever.

This last bag is missing its mate, because I was unable to score matching shoes. By the time I decided I liked this line, all the matching shoes were sold out. I will be scouring eBay as I can't find them at any retail stores or outlets.

One great red bag

It's very easy to gravitate toward black, brown and grey handbags. At least for me. Several weeks ago I was in a Coach Outlet (aka Factory Store) and I stumbled across a bag that is not a new style, but caught my eye for the first time. I'm very picky about my bags and generally I've thought that Coach produces bags that aren't quite as sophisticated as I would like. That, and I don't want to see my bag on a 13-year-old. When I first saw this bag in red at the Coach Outlet, I couldn't stop thinking about it. In fact I made a special trip back to the store (armed with my additional 20% off coupon) and sifted through at least eight bags that were on the floor to ensure I purchased the most perfect one. Some will scoff because it has silver (and therefore produced specifically for the Outlet) as opposed to brass (produced specifically for boutiques) hardware, but I like the silver better anyway. As far as Outlet quality, that remains to be seen, but time will tell. Here is the Coach Large Zoe in Red:

Boots, boots and more boots

I love boots and I always notice them on other people. Unfortunately, after multiple ankle injuries boots are not the easiest thing for me to wear. That and my calves are not built like a supermodel's. I usually shy away from knee boots for that reason alone. Last year I was able to get through the winter with the ever popular bootie, but this year I hit the jackpot and was able to score a pair of boots that not only fit my calves but are pretty darn good looking as well. Compliments of the Gucci outlet in Vacaville, they were a great price as an added bonus. Although I'd pay just about anything for boots that fit.

As if that weren't enough, I also in my state of boot-induced euphoria snagged a pair of booties, because one cannot live with knee boots alone.

 

 As an added bonus, both boots already have rubber soles which hopefully will assist me in avoiding wiping out on the sidewalk, which is one of my bad habits.

Fall and winter coats, anyone?

I haven't given too much thought to coats in the past. When I lived in the Midwest the most important thing was that the coat was warm. Also given the fact that my budget was extremely limited, I usually had two coats -- one for work and one for dressier occasions. I loved off-white coats, but I could never get my mother's voice out of my head that off-white coats got too dirty.

Fast forward many years, and suddenly I'm noticing fall and winter coats. I'm thinking about "upping the anté" so to speak and investing in coats that (hopefully) will last more than one season and fit the "timeless" category.

I've discovered after trying on many coats that designers often don't account for the fact that the wearer will be donning a heavy sweater underneath. Which is why I've fallen in love with fuller sleeves that are shorter (hence no hemming needed) and make me also want to invest in a gorgeous bright pair of leather gloves. This Ferragamo coat seems to fit the bill and should hit boutiques soon:

I also just spotted this Milly Ruffled Darling coat which is more budget friendly but looks promising:

 

I will keep searching, although it looks like my coat closet is in for an overhaul!