Stylish with Substance

I do not have a shoe fetish. I have a shoe obsession. I do have a handbag fetish. We won't go into details on the distinction. Coach is my favorite handbag designer. The signature pattern is the most appealing to my eyes and the quality is above all else.

I've been examining the Coach patterns lately, and I feel like an expert. I started with wallets and am branching out to know more and more about the handbags.

A. Quality - authenticity and even deeper

The Signature Coach pattern has C's in a butterfly shape. Two wide right-side up and facing each other C's above two upright C's also rotate across the whole jacquard fabric.

Look at how beautiful something as simple as this key fob looks.

Coach Signature pattern should never be slanted, it should always align perfectly along the edges, with each C exactly lining up to the others in comparison to the edges of the item. On eBay you will find some auction items do not do this, do not bid.

Some Coach items also have a continuance from flap to main area that flows perfectly. The Coach wallets do not necessarily do this. Some bags do.

I've noticed that the handbag fabrics differ from bag to bag, they do from bags on eBay and in stores (that appear authentic) and the Signature Flap bag on depicted on Coach.com. This detracts from quality for me. For some, the uniqueness ADDS. It would pay to purchase the more perfect looking bag, even if it is more expensive (directly from examining bags at a Coach store) or takes longer to find. Shop around at Coach stores and department stores.

B. Distinction - Signature vs. Mini Signature vs. Signature Mini

Signature Coach pattern is large. Mini Signature is smaller. Signature Mini is a large logo print on a smaller size product.

Note that the Signature pattern is more noticably Coach. (You want that, don't you?) I prefer it, but on larger items, the mini signature does the trick nicely and looks subtle and quality enough to still be noticably high-design.

C. Further eBay Tips

1. You may quickly come to know more about the items you are bidding on than the sellers. The sellers do not always name their bags/wallets correctly. Compare the items on Coach.com to know what you are looking for and always go by the pictures. Make sure - and only bid if - the picture matches the exact item you will recieve.

2. Before you purchase anywhere, know exactly what is your dream bag. Perhaps, like me, it is the Signature Small Pocket Satchel, which does not exist. Perhaps you love a bag, but want it in grass or turquoise, but it is not available. These are expensive investments, have the patience to wait for your perfect match. Your checkbook will thank you. (Thank your checkbook?)

3. Fakes Exist ALL authentic designer auctions should state authenticity. If you are duped into bidding or buying something fake, eBay is on your side.

5.4 VeRO Program. eBay's Verified Rights Owner (VeRO) program works to ensure that listed items do not infringe upon the copyright, trademark or other rights of third parties.

These bids are NOT binding. But before you get into this, please be careful. You can also bring your product to a Coach store for verification! If it is not authentic, request a refund from the seller.

Update: If you want to retract your bid, eBay will try to fight you, you must prove that the item description is not accurate.

Glamour argues that the black, short blazer makes Cindy Crawford look square, and the white, long blazer is slimming.

P-shaw! Cindy doesn't need to be slimmed! I object!

We argue that the short blazer is a slightly better fit for this particular woman. She is tall and slim. The "boxiness" gives her the look of curves. I say she looks curvy and sexy. In the other picture, she looks tall and thin, sure, but don't give in to the media and assume that is always best.

For tall, slim, or hipless girls, go for shorter, fitted blazers. You want the look of curves, and yes, wide will do it for you.

Granted, a long white blazer, paired with a low-cut black tank would be perfect for ME, because I am struggling with weight issues right now. I still love the look of curves, and bigger girls still need to accentuate them, we need the look of a WAIST. How WE should wear the first blazer, put a lighter or contrasted color underneath. That is the one of the best tips most of us can take from the 2nd picture.

Another detail to pay attention to, see the pink underneath that rolled up sleeve? It's a delicious detail, and also helps accentuate the curves. While we're on the topic of details, that scarf on the second Cindy is a worth-while accessory!

So, yes, both are DO. Pay attention to your own body type and sexy desires (oh, you know what I mean).

While we're chatting about this. Look at those wide leg trousers with pointy shoes, see how delish? It's a much better look than the boring, straight jeans with a boring round-toe boot!

I'm sorry this is being posted so long after fashion week. I've had many busy things in my life. Now on to it!

New York Fall 2005 Fashion Week's Heatherette Show

The theme was on "toy dolls." The line is the creation of former-cowbow and club kid duo, Traver Rains and Richie Rich. In spite of their wild designs, or because of, they've clothed the likes of Lil' Kim, Britney Spears, Pink, Justin Timberlake, Paris Hilton, Gwen Stefani, and even Alicia Keys.

But amidst the colors, Care Bears and head-dresses, there were a few great singular pieces at this show in February.

Here is a stunning dress suited for the modern-adult fairy-princess. There was a long gown that had lovely points, but it didn't make the grade like this gem. Want more like it? There is a very similar purple one, although hidden underneath wintery gaudiness.

Here is one of my favorite pieces. I would so wear this dorky throw-back to school days. It reminds me of my favorite television character. This lovely-orange cardigan features a doll's head on the right side. It also features a large, full doll on the back - unfortunate for those who'd wish it to be understated. It's still very cute, and if I had money for designer wear, I'd buy it and wear it.

These boots are probably not to be worn by you or me, but they are very interesting. They are an ankle boot, with strap-like pump detail. It looks like a lovely pink pump with an orange sock. It's innovating.