The New Coach Classic

So I've been hearing a lot of chatter ("buzz" if you will) about the new, relaunched Coach Classic bags. There was a lot of press back when it happened but it wasn't until I saw some of today's most "it" bloggers and young ladies around town wearing them that I started to really take notice. They're big oversized bucket bags which means I am automatically drawn to them (you know me, the bigger the better) and they have this great classic shape that truly is a classic given that they've been around forever. The leather literally gets better with age and the colors are these rich deep colors that aren't trendy at all, but somehow sophisticated. Of course it took seeing it on someone else to get me interested but now that I have, color me excited.

(photo: Courtesy of The Glamourai)

The New Heel: Thick & Sturdy

And here's another. It's been years of super skinny heels that you kind of wobble on, made of slivers of metal or what have you, hoping you don't fall, the skinnier and more stilt-like, the better. But now, there's a wave of chunky heels making a comeback. And they're not just chunky. They're curved to make them that more comfortable and walkable. For me, this is tres important and their wearability on long days of walking and standing on my feet is crucial. I happen to love that these look beyond different than what we've seen for years. At first I was turned off. They seemed dowdy, but now I'm kind of intrigued by their grandma-chic element. The thick-heel is back and I guarantee your balance--and back--is giving thanks. Would love to ride this trend for a few years...at least.

(photo: courtesy of New York Magazine)

It's all about the Duffel

So for quite a while now everyone has been about the clutch. After years of shlepping around quite possibly the biggest bag EVER, I've embraced the idea of a smaller satchel that I can swing under my arm and carry between my fingers in a pinch. I can consolidate what I carry with me (which means it's that much less devastating when I lose it) and just look a little more chic when I stand up straighter. Now instead of clutches, apparently the editors in Paris have reverted themselves back to the utilitarian duffel. I'll admit it, it's totally chic. And it's designed by Sofia Coppola no less. But, it's still a leather duffel. It's got a top handle so you don't have to look like you're lugging, and it does fit everything you need, but it's that weekender vibe that apparently everyone is quite into. Can you get behind what's bound to be the next trend in handbags?

(photo: courtesy of Style.com)

Street Style Inspiration of the Day

It's impossible to read a magazine these days with at least one mention of uniform dressing. I think this is what they're talking about. And this is what it looks like when it's done right. Somehow this isn't exactly what it looks like though, when I embark on my own version of uniform dressing. The leather mini is a perfect rendering of something simple and sleek. instead of wool and schoolgirl plaid, go for broke with a camel-colored lambskin. The collar lays just perfectly against the crewneck sweater and somehow it all has elements of a schoolgirl uniform while still being modern enough to be worn by an adult--and a fashion loving adult at that. I love the way this looks. And the repettos, well after getting a fresh pair in Paris, well I'm reminded anew while those will forever be in my arsenal. Simply put, it's tres chic.

(photo: courtesy of Caroline's Mode)

HEARD: Jason Wu to Target

Ladies and gents, we've got some good news. Now you'd be hard pressed to find someone who was truly pleased with their Missoni for Target experience. More friends than not had their orders delayed or backordered or altogether cancelled. Everything that I ordered kind of wasn't nearly as sparkly and dazzling as it was online, save for the beautiful two vases that are now safely resting on my coffee table. But they may just redeem themselves yet with another high-fashion collab. This time they're teaming up with Jason Wu, set to land in stores on February 5, 2012 (to be exact). He's known for his ladylike take on high fashion so I'm excited to see what's in store. I'm betting there will be some tea dresses, some peter pan collars, and hopefully some fitted cardigans that will make all the madness worth it. 

My New Ladylike Jacket

So when I was in Paris I really didn't buy much. Most of the brands are available here and the dollar is terrible (pronounced with a French accent, bien sur). But I did get talked into a very ladylike jacket that is equal parts Chanel and equal parts French Vogue. But I wanted to figure out a way to modernize it a bit to make it young. The solution, skinny jeans a draped tee and flats for the day and trouser jeans and heels for a night out. But I've really been seeing them everywhere and I am so glad I got talked into it. The jackets are tailored enough that I'll be wearing it for years to come--with suits, too--but I can make it hip and trendy and my own. Totally love. 

(photo: courtesy of Net-a-Porter)

Filling Your Fall Shoe Closet

I've realized in the past few weeks, while trying to update my closet with more wearable Fall pieces and less crummy Summer ones, that I'm very much lacking in the shoe category. I go back and forth between wanting to invest in some killer pairs that will last me a long time (then getting price tag shock when I actually go to pay) and wanting to just treat myself to a couple of pairs at more reasonable prices so that I have more than just one option. These metallic strappy things fall into the latter category, since their made by the company that licenses a ton of the shoes that are in your closet without you even knowing it. Plus, they've teamed with "it" label Preen to add a nice twist (in the form of acid metallics) that would make these a total statement with any of Fall's army greens and rich, thick greys. Too early to tell what my decision will be but while I'm left contemplating I may just buy these to tide myself over.

(photo: courtesy of Refinery29)