Go Undercover

Shhh, this is top secret: Tory Burch is going undercover. Okay, so maybe it's not all that secret--but certainly exclusive, seeing that Tory's new Camo Reva Ballerina Flat is available exclusively from Neiman Marcus. While maintaining all its classic charm, the Reva goes edgy with this new camouflaged look. Made of printed canvas with gold hardware, an elasticized back, and an itty bitty stacked heel, this flat is guaranteed to add a military flair to your fall look. In my humble opinion, there's never been a better time to go undercover.

Image: Camo Reva Ballerina Flat by Tory Burch $225, available exclusively from Neiman Marcus (www.neimanmarcus.com).

(If you like it, then you should have) Put A Ring On It

As Beyonce so eloquently phrases it, if you like it, then you should have put a ring on it! And, really now, who am I to argue with Beyonce? Rather, I'd like to add a bit of flair to her message--and to encourage all you fashionistas out there to put a statement ring on it. They are going to be (literally and figuratively) HUGE this season!

Fact: no matter what your fashion aesthetic is, every style savvy gal should have a statement ring (or three) in her jewelry box. In fact, they're one of the easiest accessories to work with, as you won't need to add much else to your look; instead, let your ring do all the talking. So, without further ado, here are my three favorites for three different--but equally fabulous--schools of style:

If you're a rock star... What better way to pay homage to the late and great Alexander McQueen than with one of his edgy statement rings? I'm basically obsessed with his Crystal Skull Four-Finger Ring, and I'm willing to venture that my obsession hardly needs explaining! You can pack a faaabulous punch with this macabre-chic ring, whose brass design wraps the fingers with a beautifully dark blend of glaring skulls, delicate flowers, and Swarovski crystals. Price tag: $550

If you're prim and proper... Well, even prim and proper girls know how to tie one on!--literally, I mean, with this pretty Bow Ring by Kate Spade. You'll love the preppy pop! of this fluted bow, which sits atop a smooth silvertone band. As if your mere presence wasn't gift enough! Price tag: $75

If you're a flower child... Well, then, it's all about the flowers, now isn't it? Especially when it comes to the YSL's Arty Glass Stone Ring! Talk about a bouquet that will last forever, this statement ring is a true piece of art. A jagged metal setting holds three colored glass stones, in what I can't help but view as a stunningly abstract floral arrangement. Price tag: $295

...And there are SO many more to choose from! You could have a ring for every day of the week. In fact, I amend: you SHOULD have a ring for every day of the week! And this isn't just for you single ladies--this is for all fashionistas out there: put your hands up!



Images, in order of appearance: Crystal Skull Four-Finger Ring by Alexander McQueen $550, available at Saks Fifth Avenue (www.saksfifthavenue.com); (2) Bow Ring by Kate Spade $75, also available at Saks Fifth Avenue; (3) Arty Glass Stone Ring by Yves Saint Laurent $295, also available at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Go Back To School In Style

Though I've been out of school for a few years now, I feel like the phrase "back to school" will forever conjure images of stately brick school buildings, teachers with horn-rimmed glasses, stacks of homework and books to read, and--perhaps my favorite--a few new additions to the wardrobe to start the school year right. You should know, I'm using the word "wardrobe" rather loosely here, so as to cover all manners of fashion. Including handbags.

As luck would have it, I popped into Kate Spade during a shopping trip this past weekend. My intention was to examine their selection of diaper bags, but I was almost immediately distracted by what looked like one of my favorite books, The Great Gatsby. As it turned out, it wasn't a copy of Gatsby but rather a clutch that resembled the book!

Indeed, Kate Spade's collection of "Book of the Month" clutches is a clever re-imagination of classic titles, also including Great Expectations and The Importance of Being Earnest. Their reasoning? Some books simply should not be left on the shelves! Each clutch is crafted from laminated silk twill with a metallic cowhide trim clasp closure. The interior--lined with custom woven pinstripe silk faille--features a handy zip pocket and six credit card slots, which means that fellow bookworms have more than enough room to tote a library card!

Once again, it just goes to show that reading can be fun AND educational. For this humble fashionista, the "back to school" season has never looked SO good!


Images, in order of appearance: (1) The Great Gatsby and (2) Great Expectations, both clutches from Kate Spade's "Book of the Month" line--$325 each, available from Kate Spade (http://www.katespade.com/).