ACCESSORIES

As we focus on smaller bags, we are not losing style. Try a satchel bag, they’re small, functional, and rather cute. I’ve selected some of my favorites to show you. The first is from a designer you know I love, Tory Burch. Oh, Tory – you’ve made a ‘basic goes-with-everything’ satchel bag look refreshingly updated! I love it. Get your own: Tory Burch Nylon Satchel ($550.00) at Bergdorf Goodman.

The Annealing Satchel in red ($268.00) at Anthropologie is so red, so lovely, so appealing.

I am wowed visually with the *drum roll* Zac Posen Pleated Trillium Satchel (1,450.00) at Saks Fifth Avenue. It has a bazillion details that somehow don’t overwhelm the small bag. The girly not-exactly-pink shade is balanced by the leather bow, chunky handle and straps. Bows are another big Fall 08 trend, although I’m favoring them for apparel.

Much love,

Sofia

Bye, bye to big bags, it’s time to demonstrate your love for shoes (and that’s not asking a lot of you). Vibrant hues from designer palettes with unexpected and cheeky details make for the ultimate fall 08 shoe. Dior does shoes with mighty impact, like the shocking pink Dior 61 Slingbacks that are for preorder ($675.00) at Saks Fifth Avenue.

I love the Christian Louboutin Drapinnight Red Satin Platform evening shoes ($865.00) at Barneys New York in every way possible. If you want the magnificent Manolo Blahnik Something Blue Satin Pumps ($945.00) you can it exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman. The Blahnik’s are more sensible than the two previous selections, but it still keeps with this fashionable trend.

Looking at how immaculately beautiful these are with their bright blue color you might be tempted to wear only these shoes. But don’t forget the rest of your wardrobe or you’ll be showing off your shoes in jail (public nudity is frowned upon, or so I’ve heard).

Anthropologie has very well-priced (read: rather friendly for your wallet) Tracey Reese Long Stem T-Straps ($278.00) that are adorned with patent leather roses. When I saw them I started humming the song ‘I Could Have Danced All Night’ from the Audrey Hepburn movie My Fair Lady. Since I’m hoping you’ve seen that movie, I’m going to recommend this YouTube Clip of the same song, as sung by Julie Andrews, Richard Burton, and more.

For those who love Audrey Hepburn, try listening to this video of Frank Sinatra singing the song, while a slideshow of Hepburn pictures appear. Doesn’t hearing it make you want to put on a tiny black dress, your most decadent red heels, and go out on the town with your special man to twirl you around and say things you’ve always imagined Cary Grant saying to you? Well, that’s how I feel.

Whether you dream of Cary Grant, Johnny Depp, or Chase Crawford (no, I couldn’t think of another C-named handsome man, but what’s wrong with Depp?), I’m betting you’ll love these shoes.

Much love,

Sofia

Yes – another trend is here to talk about. But it’s the type of trend that is so easily to embrace that it will never feel like an ‘of this moment only’ trend. Which is also great for another reason: investing in it will have pay off long down the road. What is the trend I speak of so highly? The statement necklace, of course. This fall we’re downplaying the bag and focusing on shoes and jewels.

Get ready to salivate, because I have found some pieces that are awe-inducing. This is no time to be shy. Turn down the volume on the ensemble and let your necklace do the work. Voilia, you’ll be stylish in 3.2 seconds! All it takes for a simple outfit to upgrade is one of these pretties. They pack that much whallop, yesiree.

The bad thing? They’re addictive to buy. Once you’ve picked out one, you’ll see another that you have to have, and then another, and another. I say – indulge. They’re easy, glam, and fun. Your keywords are: big, bold, chunky, bright, loud, and impressive. With the mindset of a queen, pick out what strikes your fancy.

Multi-gem Bib Necklace ($79.00) at Banana Republic

Janis by Janis Savitt Brass and Crystal Necklace, long ($800.00) at Bergdorf Goodman

Marc by Marc Jacobs Square Gems Necklace ($158.00) at Saks Fifth Avenue

Much love,

Sofia

In my posh opinion, lace-up booties are the one pair of essential footwear for fall ’08 that you should acquire. As far as trends for shoes this fall, this is my unsurpassed favorite. My least favorite shoe trend for now is the loafer trend, but when I stumbled across this page, I started to change my mind. (The kelly green ones by Marc Jacobs get a big YAY from me.)

Back to the lace-up booties, I have to say that there is something terribly fierce about the schoolgirl-meets-glamazon theme that these have. It’s very appealing. I certainly hope you’re stocking up on opaque tights, as they’ll pair perfectly with these and a skirt of your choice.

Most importantly: wear them everywhere. You’ll be a dashing darling as you dart around town.These selections (hand-picked by moi) all offer lovely, stylish details:

Christian Louboutin Lace-Up Bootie ($1,120.00) at Bergdorf Goodman

Via Spiga Women’s Kelis Oxford Pumps ($225.00) at bloomingdale’s

Dior Pushkin Lace-Up Booties ($780.00) at Saks Fifth Avenue

Versace Sandal Bootie ($785.00) at Bergdorf Goodman

Much love,

Sofia