Stylish with Substance

Ooh, Ra Ra! This Silver Tasseled Satchel by Anthropologie makes me want to cheer with school spirit. As a full-load college student, my current tote is ready to drop out. But this genuine leather bag is sure to be sturdy, and in a crackled tan, it has an already broken-in feel. Style-wise, it's satisfactory, but I do especially like those side buckled belts (major in class, right now). And I like that it definitely gives off a graduated vibe. Will it pass the true test of toting-time? It works hard with 2 front "cargo" pockets, an outside zipped "pouch"---inside; 2 accessory pouches and a zippered pocket. At 14" x 11.5" x 4", it's my book-&-essentials lugging dream! But at its near-$300 price tag, it may remain just that without some "financial aid." I've added it to my Birthday List on Kiss Me, Stace, so maybe I'll get a gift certificate to help me wake up and get going!

Well, my dear friends and loved ones, I've been compiling a list of gifts found on the web, for my birthday wish list. I worked on saving my necessities for months. I even narrowed it down to the bare essentials to come in at under $700! Finally, I wrote up the page here, for you, with 1 month exactly to go 'til Oct. 30th. Enough time to buy, enough time to not forget! Oh, yes, the exact amount of time to get you working, now! Oh, but it's so easy; a few clicks with a mouse, and typing the numbers on your credit card! I have done all the work for you.

Fellow females can even use my selections as tips. This is good for all. It's like a gift from moi, and you're very welcome!

Star Wars Role-play Blogger, Palpatine at Darth Sidious, mocked an appearance on TLC's ultimate makeover show, What Not to Wear.

He humorously selected the worst possible items for his 360º mirror appearance. But he didn't continue his "game" to shop for his new wardrobe and learn to live true fashion. A joke, it was, but Je chuckle not only at Stacy's such Jewishness in the remake, but at the apparent lack of fashion knowledge, yet recognition of the show. Oh, my, I am amused, thoroughly!

Meanwhile, on the actual show, the Wannabe special airs next Friday, October 7th at 8 p.m.!

Show synopses: 12 wannabe (fashion, hair & makeup) stylists are whisked away to the Big Apple, where they compete, in three teams of four, in challenges that prove which is the least fashion-challenged group. The members of the winning team will be awarded a four-page spread in Redbook magazine with celebrity photographer Jack Guy. And, duh! $5,000 each!

Let the fab be with them.

Yes, I received some wrong information about the date. Apologies!

I've brought this up before, in quick summary, but it's so agitating, it deserves its own post.

Comfort, comfort, comfort.
What's the craze-y-est thing in Fall Footwear? Shoes of different "styles" made of
sweater material.
Sweater shoes.

Sweater Shoes!

If you like the comfy crochet feel, or even look, I'd opt for these Delia's Sweater Boots, instead of the popular LIVS (above). They're a lot less slouchy, and actually have a rather nice heel for any winter boot. The LIVS have schlumpy, shapeless soles, and no defined heel. They're rather generally disgusting.

I hope goats and sheep are contentedly growing wool as fast as this trend is catching on, though. Many brands are cozying up to the idea. (LIVS is devoted solely to the focus.) But Steve Madden designed the most daring of them all; chunky knit slides--some with flowers or bling)

--all complete with platforms.

*Ghuaaarrhaahgghlggh!!!*

Oh, my! Excuse my unladylike moment of vulgarity. Those shoes are just wrong. Period.

But with any trend, to a fashionista comes a growing ... comfort with a look--or feel. There are often certain appeals. Still on my "comfy" kick amidst hard school days, I find myself yearning for these.
Report Snuggles.
I've tried them on several times. They were indeed super comfy, but looked a little bulky on my petite reflection. Perhaps with pants covering them?? I know I sound like a mad, raving woman; a desperate female on the verge, but you must try to understand. These would certainly be my only shoe to never force me to wear one band-aid. Not once! And they are so cute in the pictures, which turns my mind in frenzied circles.

Maybe you guys can help.

Spurred on by my fevered daze, and also by my unfruitful browsing for a winter boot with a good style and nice heel; yet will not force me to flip head over those heels--in Boston's ice, I'm now thinking about those Delia's Sweater Boots. You know of my love of boots! You've heard my horror heel story! I now am growing a softer spot for that particular boot.

I know. I've hit certifiable mark, but these are the only boots I've seen with a small wedge heel. I'm sure you understand this frustration!

So, please, tell me what you think about all of these shoes; if there are alternative buys; and how they relate to the Uggs we must all replace this year. And ... if I need to get checked out to see if my style-sense is on the tingling fritz!

I'm feeling a quite discomfort over this fretful issue, and I can't make this decision alone.

Update: I updated the LIVs link (in image), it now works.

This Marc Jacobs leather frame bag is being toted by Net-a-Porter as one of fall's biggest IT bags. Sounds like a lot of trumped-up talk over a simple--elegant and classy--but still relatively basic bag. The frame satchel-shaped bag is quite lovely, but it isn't as ornate as I'd expect of something with such coined-praise (aside from the symmetrical horizontal piping). The word hasn't gotten out, either; I haven't seen this bag elsewhere. That doesn't mean, with its hand-braided leather strap and gold hardware, it's not worth the $1,350 price tag (if any bag is, I mean). Certainly the trendy teal could raise its appeal. And it's also not to say I don't like its subtly refined design. Also available in luxe, professional black; it could be a business-woman's bag at its perfect size.

Pet-Pet is Lipped Media's newest blog. It's all about pet supplies, dog fashions, and animal causes. And run by three knowledgeable, fashionable pet-mommas; Jess, KIKI, and me, Ella.

We are operating profit-free during these current hard times, read more at the blog.

Move your Mouse to Pet-Pet, give your pooch a smooch, and your kitty a kiss!

This is a message of candor from Moi, Ella.

I was so eager to wear heeled boots once the weather turned a bit cooler. My natural Autumn-Onset preoccupation with them was heated by a fellow student fashionista. She wears a different pair of shoes every day, including nice boots--I think a couple of pairs. Well, I must commute on the Boston system of the "T." (I have had no ride [and less of a social schedule!] since that car accident. But don't worry about me.) I had been wearing only a very few pairs of shoes, which are cute & varied enough to match my outfits, but most importantly are comfortable enough for a lot of walking. This fashion "victim" means, when she says "comfortable," to still be in necessity of the usual band-aids over my "wee toesies" due to my slightly wider than M feet. I do not hide the fact that my feet are not perfect, but are kind of cute in their petite size, and can be spruced up to look just fine in summer sandals. Oh, don't worry about me! I stand by my position that shoes are here to hide the feet. Oh, the horrid feet of the average person!

Anyway, I have greatly strayed from the point of my story. I wore the ones from last year; classic, black ruched mid-calf, mid-heel, pointy-toe leather boots.

Oh, now pointy toes are generally just fine in a proper size (most women go up 1/2 a size, which I had). And 2 inches is a rather modest heel; it is considered to be the practical, "doable" height. But, my girls, adding them together equals shoes not to walk some distance in!

More toes-than I usually notice at all-were squished into both edges of the usually soft interior. Let me note that last year, with its generous rides to campus, these shoes didn't bother me too much.

I must stand up and testify a new rule: "If you are not a 'heel person,' don't force yourself to wear them."

What happens when the typical woman endures uncomfortable shoes? "The pain is shown in your walk," I say. Most of us are better off feeling a little more at ease. Only the most die-hard fashionista can pull this walk off. Generally, we will slip up and retreat to baby steps for a few feet, tip-toe on eggshells, or even "stride" in an unflattering manner. I did my best with it, and on that long walk home, I strutted like a fabulista on a mission. I have to try to look good!

I still love heels--in generous moderation and used at proper times. And I'll miss my boots until it gets cold and/or I carpool with my gold-hearted friend and/or my mother heals enough to drive (send your wishes her way). (I, myself, I know you are wondering, have the perpetual "Clueless-Cher" syndrome with motor vehicles.) I like this situation, aside from the restriction on footwear, because my body is toning from the hard exercise of carrying my school tote with heavy books for roughly 30 minutes total per day. I also make it no secret that I do not have a super model's body, so I am loving the effects. Because of my small stature, I can also appreciate the boost of heels. But, while I'm writing about all this meaningful étoffe, I want to create yet another new rule:

"Although short persons benefit from artful clothing that tricks the eye into picturing a longer body, petite women are beautiful if for only just being so tiny, and they should stand tall and proud, for they are equally attractive in their natural state. And everyone should recognize it."

Whew, Je souis on a role, today. Desiring more hidden views into Ella's life? Well, because of the hurt, I changed from my boots (natch) to my cozy slippers (oh, yes! I wear adorable slippers), in which my feet are being soothed (as well as clothed in a special bandage for the blister on my big toesie). And because of the unexpected heat (the Weather man burns me, again!) I slipped out of my cashmere sweater & into a lingerie-inspired camisole. I'm going for a "comfort look" today, which is sometimes hard for the fashionista to embrace well enough to make work ... apparently.

In my inbox, I received news from Dooney & Bourke that, "Tartan arrives and a Star is born." Very interesting! But what outshone the actual bag designs was the Star posing with the Small Barrel Bag; Dooney's new spokesmodel, Michelle Trachtenburg of "Buffy" fame. She looks glimmering in the photo (as you can see here). About the new bags, Tartan is a very exciting prospect for this nerd-chic girl. The plaid is almost Burberry-esque, at first glance. But please support the original design master, in this case, especially. The Stars collection is something I'd seen floating around eBay, and thought might be bad fakes--with their cartoonish similarities to Hearts. But they're actually somewhat better than the Hearts print bags. Technorati Watch: Michelle Trachtenburg + Buffy the Vampire Slayer

In my inbox, I received news from Dooney & Bourke that, "Tartan arrives and a Star is born." Very interesting! But what outshone the actual bag designs was the Star posing with the Small Barrel Bag; Dooney's new spokesmodel, Michelle Trachtenburg of "Buffy" fame. She looks glimmering in the photo (as you can see here).

About the new bags, Tartan is a very exciting prospect for this nerd-chic girl. The plaid is almost Burberry-esque, at first glance. But please support the original design master, in this case, especially.

The Stars collection is something I'd seen floating around eBay, and thought might be bad fakes--with their cartoonish similarities to Hearts. But they're actually somewhat better than the Hearts print bags.

Technorati Watch: Michelle Trachtenburg + Buffy the Vampire Slayer

1. Sculpted, Anything-but-Summery Wedges
2. Peep-Toed Pumps
3. Velvet Touches
4. Detailed Boots
5. Wedge Boots
6. Browns
7. Textures
8. Flats & Kittens
9. Soft & Comfortable
10. Luxurious & Exotic Leather

Color is all about flattering Fall shades (wines & musky rose) and school-bound textures. Flats, for comfort in walking, are more prevalent with "dress" or fashion shoes, although many shoes, including boots (even winter ones) have gone sky-high thanks to a continuation of the wedge wave. As for dress wedges, the heel should be tailored and sleek - no espadrilles, and nothing too clunky!

(A small trend is a loafer-inspired wedge, which can be cute, and is more attractive than the old version! Even better, try the loafer pump!)

Flats? Walkable Wedgies instead of stilettos? Comfort doesn't stop there; it's quite a fad, and it goes to scary heights--and widths. Shoes - we're talking slides, boots, clogs, anything - are out full fledge in stores with genuine sweater material. At least we see softness in upscale versions with leather made from calf skin (even hair-calf). For some middle ground, velvet is being toted as a must-have for any--and many--item(s) of the Fall wardrobe. The key to be fab is to add velvet to an outfit in an accent piece, such as a ribbon -- it's best to use your imagination, fabulistas!

Forget comfort, forget the cooling weather, it's so chic to wear pumps - or wedges! - in a peep-toe style. Sandals are gone (for day), but a key-hole vamp will last through the changing leaves and will extend as long as seamless tights n' hose can keep the piggies warm. Metallic dress sandals will be great for your evening events. Basically, metallics are still in, but forget bright gold for shoes (although the tone is great for fall bag hardware) go for bronze, copper, shimmering gunmetal, and tarnished brass. (Oh, yes, don't even think about destroyed jeans. Antique metals are so the hottest thing for me!)

But as the days go on, the more I can't stop thinking about boots! That's what Autumn is all about! The boot is more detailed this year; great design, texture, accents. The best way to do detail, which fits in with most style-personalities, is feminine lacing (never utilitarian laces). If the truly style-tastic boots don't fit your price range or wearability-factors, buy a plainer - but otherwise just-right - boot and snag some twine, ties, or even ribbon (never actual laces, thank you) to wrap around the shaft and tie near the top!

When buying a more basic boot, if you want to keep it today, choose a chocolaty suede.

Because keeping it "today" means we have excuses for shopping! (Which turns the economic world.) But I think the current trends are timed to last future seasons, for most are truly fashionable, and the rest at least speak to the public in practical ways. Shop now, and you won't drop later. Collecting or just looking, whether tall & thin, soft & sweet, or sharp & chic, the top Autumn styles are so warm and lush - and varied - they'll leave us sweating for them through December ... or cool our bank accounts next September!