Shopping on Saturday

Nothing says summer like sexy sandals, a big bold hat and a great tote bag. I especially love all of these accessories even more when made from natural materials—hand-knit raffia, cork, straw, wood and wicker. Simply Stunning!

Platform Heels with Straw Bow by Bruno Frisoni
Sensational summer showstoppers. Slick patent slingbacks sit atop a 4½" stiletto heel, topped with an oversized straw bow. $1,045.00

Cork Allegra Bag by Vivre
The Allegra bag is named for Eva Jeanbart Lorenzotti’s daughter. Finished in cool cork flecked with metallic gold for endless summer appeal and durability. $275.00

Metallic Mesh Belt with Ebony Closure by Ports 1961
Metallic mesh wraps around the natural waist and is tipped with two oversized ebony clasps. $325.00
Fortissimo Hollywood by Kokin
Hand-knit raffia from Madagascar is the go-anywhere essential for even the sunniest locales. Tied bow accent. $295.00

Wood and Shell Bangle by Kenneth Jay Lane
Natural materials and a sleek design make this bangle an ideal choice for summer. Light wood with shell studs. $60.00

Shopping on Saturday

I stumbled upon a most wonderful website today. I know, there are so many handbag labels on the market, but there was something special about these bags that caught my eye. London-based Belen Echandia is luxury company with a personal touch. All Belen Echandia's collections are produced by hand in a European atelier in tiny quantities. Soft leather, beautiful colors and a unique personal service distinguishes this line from other brands.

Be Mine £395

Indulge Me £395

I'm Yours Tote £395

Shopping

Just 18 more days until I leave for New York and I can’t wait. So instead of posting my regular ‘Shopping on Saturday’ yesterday I actually went shopping for my trip. I am still trying to work out in my mind what to wear for Courtney Cochran’s book launch. Perhaps I should save myself the mental torture and just ask Courtney.

But here is the big question, why is it that when you need/want new clothes and you have the money to spend you can NEVER find anything to buy? Am I the only person in the world that suffers this quandary on a regular basis?

As always I found some great handbags at Zara. I love Zara for well-made, fashionable and affordable bags. The photo above was my purchase from last winter. At the end of the day I did purchase an adorable pair of Carvela flats and a pair of black trousers. Not exactly what I had in mind when I set out on my shopping excursion, but I love them nonetheless.

Fall Fashion

I could not help myself. At least that is the excuse I will give my husband. As you all know, I have a weakness for accessories. Okay, pretty much all things related to shopping and fashion. After my profile of Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti I spent way too many hours shopping Vivre and make a wish-list for fall. It's great to be a girl!


At the top of my list is a great jacket by Beretta. It's belted with a fur collar and goldtone snaps, and the inner lining boast a whimsical dog print.


I love this wooden clutch by Ports 1961. Constructed of American black walnut and shaped into a smooth-edged clutch with wooden clasp, so cool.


Of course there is my all time favorite designer Kenneth Jay Lane. I think this shimmering hematite pavé ring in gunmetal is just stunning.

Handbags

Yesterday Patricia (aka pve design) and I were discussing handbags via email—a subject that I never tire of talking about! She’s on the search for a great handbag, and doesn’t want to take out a second mortgage. I completely sympathize as I am on the hunt for a new fall bag and have fallen in love with two designs by Miu Miu. However, with a trip to NYC next month and visits to Pennsylvania, Texas and California scheduled for December, the Miu Miu bags are not in the budget! I have found two great bags at Nordstrom that just might fit the bill, literally. Great designs don’t always have to cost a fortune.

Miu Miu ($1,155 USD/£579 GBP)
Maxx New York ($148 USD/£79 GBP)
Miu Miu ($1,590 USD/£799 GBP)
Steven Madden ($195 USD/£99 GBP)