Fashion Blog

It’s been a while since I did a top 5, but by popular demand I’ve got one for you today. The subject: handbags. It’s the end of the season, and stores are dying to get rid of last season’s must-haves. Why not help them out? You can find some of the chicest bags around in the sale section of almost every store right now.

Here are my faves:

La Gioe di Toscana “Sophia” Satchel, $299 (old price=$500)

I find this bag absolutely delicious! Imagine what you can do with it–it has brown and black in it! It’s also very structured with eye-popping details.

Nordstrom Animal Print Portfolio Clutch, $46.90 (old price= $158)

Generally speaking, animal prints are best in small doses. And isn’t this zebra print clutch the cutest small dose? An evening bag like this is a great way to add personality to a little black dress, and a just-wild-enough way to punch up an ensemble with color.

JCrew Panama Bag in Suede, $49 (old price= $98)

The color combination is what makes this classic bag so eye-catching and sumptuous. This is the perfect way to liven up a monochromatic outfit or perk up a dark ensemble. It also looks like it would work for day or night.

Michael by Michael Kors Chestertown Satchel, $149 (old price= $298)

Simple and chic. This is a great bag that’ll always be in season. The details are fantastic, and it falls into that special not-to-big-not-too-small category. I have a black patent leather bag, and it’s definitely earned it’s keep.

Urban Outfitters Leather Patchwork Slouch Bag, $54.99 (old price=$78)

Patchwork! It’s time to bring this style back. I think if I had this, it would become my permanent day bag–it’s so cool, calm and collected.

Despite the fact that I just wrote about spring shoes yesterday, really I’m basking in winter still. Well, California Winter anyway, which is really one of the few on earth that can be “basked” in. That said, I’m ready to take advantage of the boot sales. Sure, they’re only viable for a little bit longer, but you can always store them for next year. Then come November 08, you’ll have a brand new pair waiting for you!

Here are my top 5 sale boots picks:

Hego ‘6909′ Cuff Boots, $124 (old price= $249)

Dolce Vita Hans Suede Boots, $87.50 (old price=$87.50)

J.Crew Brewster Boots, $109 (old price=$198)

Rachel Comey ‘Thief’ Boots, $275 (old price=$385)

Co-0p Carlisle Boot, $320 (old price=$495)

The term “comfort clothing” usually brings to mind oversized pieces and unflattering silhouettes, with visions of big, shapeless t-shirts and floppy velour sweatsuits.  But, this season, there’s a new way to be comfy… and chic.  One of my favorite fall/winter trends is the sweater jacket, which offers all the perks of a sweater (the cozy knit hug affect) and all the benefits of a blazer (the tailored, put together affect).

A sweater jacket works the same way a blazer does, so pair one with everything from jeans to dress pants and skirts.  They also add a little something to slim-fitting dresses.

J Crew Merino Alice Sweater, $158

Free People Colonel Sweater Coat, $98

Worthington Sweater Jacket, $49.99

Free People Russian Trapeze Jacket, $148

Graham & Spencer Cashmere Jacket, $429

 Click here to see more sweater jackets.

I’m the queen of waiting for sales because there’s nothing I hate more than buying something only to find out that its price got a lot nicer after I dished out real dough. So, I often wait for price reductions, but it’s a tough task to keep up with all the sales, and sometimes real gems slip down the drain into fashion oblivion. That’s why I was excited to hear about SavvyCircle, a site that alerts users when a favorite item hits the sales rack.

I tried it out, and it was pretty easy–you just join and download a plugin. Then, whenever you’re shopping on one of the sites Savvy Circle works with (including Shopbop, Target, Ron Herman, Sephora, Urban Outfitters, JCrew, Zappos and lots more), and you see something you like, you just press a little icon and it’s added to a watch list. As soon as that favorited dress, sweater or pair of shoes goes on sale, you’re the first to know about it. I put this sweet little honey of a jacket from J.Crew on my Savvy Circle list (fingers crossed).

Tactical shopping made easier. I love it.

Click here to check out Savvy Circle.