Still crazed for MBMJ Flights of Fancy?

I've been reading everywhere that the line Flights of Fancy (Marc by Marc Jacobs) is impossible to find. Difficult, yes, but impossible, no. Some items are even on sale. Now's probably your last chance to grab what's left in this line.

You can nab the key chain and mirror at Endless.com although they are not on sale:

And as luck would have it, the lovely cat shoulder bag just happens to be 50% off at Net-a-Porter.

Where's our winter rain when you want it?

There is a plethora of great boots available this season. Something for everyone. Although the sales aren't as scandalous as they were last year (ah, remember Saks at 70% off?), style has not been omitted. Most encouraging is the fact that designers are coming to grips with the fact that their customers (aka non models) have calves wider than #2 pencils. I continue to be impressed with what Gucci has been churning out and I am anxiously awaiting two more pairs of boots from the sale on the website. A lot has been sold out already so I'm glad I acted fast. The first is the Devendre and the second is the Prato (which I've also seen at Saks).

Oh lolly lolly pop

I didn't notice this scarf at first on the Gucci website. But isn't it the cutest thing? Anything that combines fashion + food is good in my book. And even better it's on sale on the Gucci website. I can't wait for this one to arrive in the mail.

Holiday sweater time

I know I have to be over loud holiday printed sweaters. I always thought they were cute but now I have learned that they are not necessarily the most chic looking thing to wear for holiday gatherings. This year I found a not-so-boring cashmere sweater that has a little bit of interest, just enough to give it some life. These sweaters are available at Macy's.

Hello, Lori? Yes, it's me, Marc ... again.

I have succumbed yet again to Marc Jacobs and his charms (or should I say his bags). His more affordable line, Marc by Marc Jacobs, continues to keep my attention. At the last Neiman Marcus Mid-day Dash, I came across yet another bag at a fabulous price that needed to be added to my collection. I've never had this many Marc Jacobs bags at one time. I'm going to run out of room soon. Time to expand the closet! This one is called the Classic Q Hillier Hobo in Electric Violet.

The cat's on the bag, and maybe out of the bag

I've really taken a liking to Marc Jacobs. His style is very whimsical. I fully expect him to be drafted for a budget priced line for Target within five years. Until then, he keeps on hitting the nail on the head with interesting designs that somehow other fashion houses miss, or think that they can't pull off. This is another piece of his animal line that came out recently. Currently available at Net-a-Porter.

Pass the Sugar

I never liked body scrubs much, they were either too grainy or too rough on my skin. What used to be easy to take care of skin is now sensitive, dry and dull. Hence the necessity for body scrubs. I've tried just about every brand out there and I think Fresh has the best one. The consistency reminds me of natural peanut butter -- the "sugar" part of the scrub can sink to the bottom while the moisturizing oils rise to the top. Don't let this fool you, though; separation is less than a minor annoyance. Try Brown Sugar Body Polish by Fresh, you can find it at Sephora.

Happy Halloween!

A redeeming mid-day dash

I have complained recently about the lack of wearability with items that have been on Neiman Marcus' Mid-day Dashes. Well I believe they have (slightly) redeemed themselves by posting items that people actually need and use. After all, I can only have eight closets stuffed full of ball gowns (insert sarcasm). I saw this bag at an excellent price and realized not only was the price worth it, but it would even be something that I would use on a regular basis. Calculated anticipated cost per wear actually made sense. Now I am anxiously awaiting in the mail my Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q City Bag. They even offered free shipping. I can only hope my order won't get canceled.

More skulls, right before Halloween

As many of us are figuratively chained to our desks during the work week, someone at Neiman Marcus online got the bright idea of a "Mid-day Dash." After hearing the grumblings of many others with regard to the utility of the items offered I began to think it was more of a "Mid-day Downer." Really, I already have a closet full of ball gowns to wear to my next 9 am status meeting, thanks. And the darling matching clutch that will hold all the files I lug around as well as a 15" laptop. Ah, sarcasm.

Leave it to someone at Saks to think of a better way to do this type of flash sale. This morning I got my exclusive email which gave me 24-hour access to merchandise that I actually could use. Casual dresses, jeans, larger bags, sweaters, scarves and sunglasses. All at 50% off. Now that's what I'm talking about!

And of course as I love just about Alexander McQueen puts out, I added a scarf to my collection.

You know it's fall when the faux fur comes out

I'm a little late for fall fashions as they were released months ago. But with the weather here, more days lately have been better suited to cotton cargos. Having just cracked open the November issue of Elle, I fell in teddy bear love with this faux fur vest. Sadly, as print publications fall dismally behind stores and internet, you may have to hunt for this piece of faux fuzz. Online (in limited quantities) at Kohl's.

Smell like a divine pistachio (without the salt)

I got a free sample of Laura Mercier Creme de Pistache Souffle Body Cream the other day. It was hanging out on my desk and my hands were dry, so I gave it a try. It is creamy, light and beyond delightful. I had thought the mere mention of souffle and cream would render it much heavier and not as desirable. I've already made a note to myself to put it on my Christmas list. You can find it at Neiman Marcus.

Hitchcock's new chair (or it should be)

Every once in a while a great furniture design catches my eye. I love interior design, but sadly aside from hitting two home runs with kitchens, I fall flat in other rooms. I leave those to the professionals. Normally Neiman Marcus home decor is a little too fussy for me and sometimes borders on shabby chic, which isn't my style. Maybe I could call this spooky chic?

This chair is perfection -- the concept has been executed in many different ways but I have never seen it done quite like this. I'm scheming to see how I can put one in my own place. It's available by phone and online at Neiman Marcus.

Fish bones as fashion

Any movie lovers? Did you see the Sex and the City movie? If you did, you might remember the high heeled version of this shoe that was worn by Samantha. Although these are flats, they are just as funky and I really hope I can grab a pair for less than retail before they sell out. See them at Saks and also if you'd like to preorder them -- they won't be out for a few months. By Giuseppe Zanotti.

Finally, a lady-like look

I grew up hearing the words "That's not lady-like" a lot. I wasn't quite sure what I would look like or act like if I were truly lady-like. But something tells me true ladies would be wearing gloves that look like this -- a bit longer on the wrist and with classic stitching. These are currently available at Coach Factory Stores. Helpful fashion tip: they run a little shorter in the fingers than other brands I've tried on, so if you have smaller hands, they will be a great fit.

Thinking Passion Purple

I really love Tory Burch flats (except for the plastic ones and the patent ones). Okay, I love the leather and suede ones. And I keep on checking the Tory Burch website to see when the leopard print Revas might reappear. I'm also a sucker for pinkish purple, so when I noticed these on the Saks website I couldn't resist, which probably comes as no surprise.

Buckles 'n' Boots

There have been a plethora of fabulous boots this fall season. Thankfully, not all of them will induce me to break an ankle. Here's a memorable rendition of hard-core buckles and black leather meeting up with the reality of running around all day (and not as a groupie but being seen trolling the aisles of Target for the latest in Halloween costumes for pets). And how can you resist knowing that Saks Friends & Family is coming up this week? I doubt I can. Boots are by Loeffler Randall and are at Saks.

The good looking, smartly priced bag of the year goes to ...

Coach. Yep, Coach. They have come up with some product lines that have seemed more focused toward the younger set, say those without driver's licenses yet. The Poppy line is indicative of that thinking. I too had abandoned Coach until this year, when the Zoe caught my eye. My curiosity was even more piqued when I found them at the outlet stores and I just about fell over when I found additional 20% off coupons. That put me over the edge. I had to try one. I started with a deep red and was hooked. The bag is functional, holds a lot, and is fully lined in a beautiful satin material. Not only that, but you can't beat it for a durable weekend bag that inevitably is going to wind up in your cart at Walgreen's or Costco. Ah yes, the glamorous life.

This amazing bag comes in a rainbow of colors, although some have since left the outlets and are popping up on eBay. I've added grey patent and copper to my collection.

Currently, these bags are at the outlets for $279 + 30% off, and if you are lucky enough to find an extra 20% off coupon you're walking away for $156 for each bag. Now that, my friend, is value.

Fantasy meets reality with a good ending

I can see how this is Marc Jacobs' answer to the Louis Vuitton fantasy line a few years ago. However, inasmuch as it's not completely original, the forest animals are adorable. This bag is pretty difficult to find, I snagged the last one at Saks here in San Francisco.

Happy Smiley Suede Shoes

These Tory Burch ballet flats are a proverbial ray of sunshine among all the rocker chic wear. They provide a hint of the unexpected and happy. In fact, even on a Monday I cannot stop thinking about them and how nice and bright they would look on my feet. I can always save the studded boots for another day. These cuties are available at Bloomingdale's.