Don't You Just LOVE A Great Handbag?

Well, if so you are not alone. Handbags have risen to the position of top dog when it comes to sales of fashion accessories, outpacing even shoes. We enjoyed looking at this trend in the new issue of House of Fifty...

And of course we had to include a mention of the elusive and ultimate fashion status symbol, the Birkin Bag.

But guess what? Just in case you don't have several spare thousands laying around for such a purchase, 

look at what I just came across? 

A paper version, for a fraction of the cost.

{and by that I mean just a few hundred. seriously.}

What do you think, are you ready to take one home yourself?

Personally I'd Feel Like A Leprechaun On A Safari, However...

Spotted: Kelly Green & Animal Prints

What a great mix!

 I suspect I'd feel a bit out of my personal comfort zone in such an outfit...

However, it's a look I'd happily "wear" in my home!

How about you?

Images via JCrew & Marcus Design

Holiday Mix & Match Fashion

Heading off to fun Holiday Festivities? Here are some mix & match fashion ideas!

Via Laurie Moulton of House of LoLo for House of Fifty

It's Becoming A Trend: Update Your Coat With New Buttons!

After posting about giving my winter coat an update with gold buttons, I've been delighted to read comments and posts of people being inspired to do the same! Nothing like making what you already have "new" with a simple change.

I had a few just sitting in the drawer...

And a perfectly great coat from JCrew, it was just feeling a bit tired.

But nothing a quick change out couldn't take care of.

And hello "new" coat!

Have a coat you'd like to update? Grab a handful of gold buttons!

And what's this? I snapped these "after" pictures of the coat while shopping for jeans with my husband.

{Thus the big mirror in white box perfect for photo taking!}

And yes, I take my camera with me everywhere...

Do you shop with your guy?

And if so, does he listen to your opinion?

Mine has learned that doing so pays off. In fact, I had another shopper asking if I'd help him next.

Ha, Ha, Ha!

No. 

Okay, Those Boots {for those who asked}

A few weeks ago I fell for the Melissa Boot by Frye.

Completely "swoon worthy", as my friend Lakeitha would say.

So off to Nordstrom I went to try them on.

As I perused the aisles, however, my eyes fell upon these.

The Bed Stu 'Kitty' Buckle Boot.

A quick try on and there was no question, these worn beauties were coming home with me.

Even Isabella approved, and that is no small feat.

Yep, great choice. I'm wearing these lovelies until they fall off my feet.

Updating What I Have: Winter Coat!

Color is all the rage this season in coats. After I discovered the unused JCrew gift card while organizing the piles of paper in the bonus room, my reward for completing the task was a trip to this store to see just how I could spend my newly found loot! On some color perhaps?

I didn't end up finding anything I just HAD to have, so my gift card is safe for another day. However, I did get inspiration on how to update my "in perfect condition" black JCrew coat purchased a few years ago. 

(Which looks nearly identical to the above style being sold this season!)

Along with color, gold buttons are being seen everywhere...and this is something I can easily add to mine!

Luckily I just happened to have several left over from my fashion design days.

I love their "nearly too large" style, giving my "old" coat a fun new style for the season!

Nothing Better Than Having Options!

From Hammocks & High Tea, the Chevron Reversible Clutch

One Bag

Two Looks 

Three Seconds

I'll buy that!

Kendi Everyday

We loved featuring Kendi's blog in the Fall issue of House of Fifty, this girl has style!!

Daily looks & where the pieces were found...I'd love to get a peek at her closet!

Poncho, Anyone?

Will you find yourself wrapped in a poncho this season?

Diane Von Furstenberg at Nordstrom

Sweater Poncho by Remain at Nordstrom
{the style I sprung for, despite my "in-house stylist" Isabella's protests}

Free People Maple Leaf Wrap Sweater at Nordstom

Caslon Marled Poncho at Nordstrom

Hallstatt Plaid Cape from Anthropologie

Retezat Poncho from Anthropologie

They are all the rage...Again, after nearly 30 years!

If You Missed Out Or Were Disappointed...

If you missed out or were disappointed with the Missoni offerings at Target, consider splurging for the real deal!

{Missoni Scarves at Anthropologie}

I was given a Missoni scarf ten years ago, wear it constantly for a dash of color and pattern, and the scarf looks as fabulous as the day I received it! Sometimes it does pay to go for the "real" deal.

Missoni For Target!

Missoni, an Italian fashion house with an interesting and stellar history, is collaborating with Target. The line makes its debut September 13th, and I'll be hitting my local store to check it out! One of my all time favorite fashion items is a Missoni scarf that I received as a gift when attending a fashion show, years ago. It still is in fabulous condition and has yet to ever feel out of style. A true classic and an accessory that adds a happy punch of color and pattern to any outfit.

I'm wondering just what will show up at Target. Will the items successfully capture the true spirit of Missoni?

Here is a sneak peek of some products I found online...

Thoughts?