I got a fair bit of fall shopping done this past long weekend, and I realized it's just as important to look good while you're buying new stuff as it is to actually wear all your purchases later. A
beaded bag, for example, is a great accessory to any shopping trip, day on the town, or even party when you're trying to keep your belongings close. It blings you up a little and is effortlessly sophisticated. I noticed this
$100 bag from
Mango (see title link). The
Leather Messenger Handbag has a gold woven design prominently on the flap, a magnetic button for practicality in closure, and a cut shoulder strap that's classy and slim.
I've always loved pleats, but have only found the shortest skirts to show off the trend. The longer stuff with pleats usually looks too stuffy and more fit for my grandma than for me. But Burberry Prorsum does it right for the Spring/Summer 2012 collection (shown at left during London Fashion Week) with its Pleat Front Heritage Skirt in Womenswear. It retails for $995 (see title link), but is great for inspiration, with the high, fitted waist, full skirt with gathered pleats at the waist band, and adjustable button tab with a concealed zipper. Of course, I have to give a shout-out to those beaded wedges - they steal the show!
