Stylish with Substance

It's a genuine alligator's foot's skin, made into a coin pouch. Yowza!

You like?

I was born and mostly raised in Massachusetts, always south of the heart of the city of Boston. I now live in a dream vacation land of Florida - in the nicest (read: safest) city in the state, to boot. But ah - no boots, not really. Yes, October starts the best of the season here in Sunny F.L., but I do miss my Mass. It started with tiring of the Chinese Food in this state, being the comfort foodie I am. And then I missed out on late-invited NYC Fashion Week events (not that I could afford plane tickets this insane financial year) and then ... well life can get tough.

Recently my Facebook friend and fellow fashion blogger, Lady Coveted, posted a photo shoot in the northern crisp air with sweaters and oh - the turning leaves. And yes, I do miss those leaves!

My mother reminded me that the pretty palet changing symbolizes dieing and yet - there is this undeniable appeal, isn't there?

Sunny Rising: Grape Leaves Clutch

Handbags can always come to the rescue though, or well in this economic crisis if one can't truly afford a purse, perusing teases but still titillates. My misfortune could be good luck to a reader, though, because the clutch I have in mind can only be in one person's two hands, for it's a one-of-a-kind handmade on Etsy.com. (And not inexpensive, at a more-than deserved true-designer pricetag of $239.)

The burnt look of the tooling on this burnt sienna leather accessory nearly perfectly sums up the desire raging in us, no? And on the back, read words perfect for Autumn's Sweetest Day: "grow love".

Those are words to end a poem by, let alone a mere blog post.

The bags are 100% cotton, no mention of organic, but it's still pretty good. Go Zazzle, go good eatin'!

Free shipping on bags at Zazzle with coupon code FREESHIPBOOO (there's an extra o).

(Shown in photo, Got Candy? by T-shirt Fun and The Batty Tote by Jamie Creates 1.)

Fangobbles' signature shape is this triangle-esque handbag with different fabrics. A girl can definitely find something she likes in her Etsy shop, or use their "convo" feature to inquire about other prints.

And when an item goes on sale in this shop, it may not last long, so keep on it. Hopefully you'll learn to love indie, if you don't already, just browse Etsy! There's something for everyone, including the snobbiest fashionistas.

It looks like Marc Jacobs took a trip to Vegas when inspired by new Spring 2007 Python Patchwork Stams, and unfortunately what happened in Marc's imagination there, did not stay in Vegas. No the Python Patchwork Stam is now available for purchase via Saks Fifth Avenue (in blue, the tamest colour).

More colours below, if you dare click on what look more like digital art images than photographs of real objects.

The cost of the package is $1600 (eek) too steep for me even though I'd love to own this, but instead I can pick up a little piece of the "fragrance" line separately. My choice is the unique "Brush case" which can be used as a beauty case or even a clutch! Love it. If you can't get the package, which is in limited quantities, perhaps look on eBay for that exclusive bronzer, as I will. (No low price guarantee, though.)

If you have the cash/budgeting and love for Coach or just plain cute accessories, go for it, it's sold online at coach.com or in select boutiques, but you can always have it shipped free by calling your favorite store location/favorite SA.

Below are photos of what's included in the Limited Edition Fragrance Straw Gift Basket:

And here are photos of separate items from Coach's Fragrance-Print collection:

And here are photos of separate items from Coach's Fragrance-Print collection:

Ooooooooooooh, Dior mon amour! New Dior in new classic styles, les grande sighs!

From the new "My Dior" collection, this "Large Pockets" Satchel (which is large with pockets, not actual large pockets :-P) is an upgraded version of an old favorite. With sophisticated details, including a metal "accessory" strap cinching ruched leather, and barely a logo in sight - this bag is all design and shape (zip-top frame and pockets, all rounded Dior-lightfully!) with not a bit of tacky - all class.

Plus if you're often worried about fitting your necessities, this bag is truly grandiose at 17" x 14" x 4.5"

What an amazing sight to be seen! Dior - you are one of my true, true loves!