Stylish with Substance

A day at the beach, hands in the sand, without all the mess, and much more luxury ... that's this Pauline Straw Clutch by Anya Hindmarch. It's made of natural straw, with golden leather trim, stitched sea-designed embellishments ... and, yes, those are actual sea shells, as well. What could be better? Take this $225 baby out to fancy sea food establishments for special-occasion dates. I'd take precious care of this dainty accessory, though, it is very special.

I was inspired to some thought by a post on The Runway Scoop about gas prices effecting fashionsta's shopping, combined with yet-again gas price rises, which brought back to the media the phrase, "Pain at the Pump."

It makes me envision the pain caused by pumps. And is there actual correlation? (Oh, bear with me, it's fun.)

There's more of a veering away from them, what with more public transportation, toward comfort shoes (or, please!, comfortable shoes and cute sneakers, I hope).

So that more causes "pain" for the selling of pumps. ... No? Well, the thinking game was fun. (Shoes!)

For more coherent thoughts on the effect of rising gas prices on fashion, read Maria Palma's post. (Smart girl. And she visits me, and comments, and links to me!! and I love her!)