I was super excited to shop at the Piperlime Pop-Up Store when I visited NYC.  Piperlime was been an online-only retailer since  opening in 2006 – that was until September 9 when they opened their Pop-Up location in Soho.  Intended to align with fashion week, it’s only open for 25 days…I’ll save you the math, it closes on October 3 (this Sunday).  If you’re in the area, I would encourage to you *pop* in for it’s final weekend.  No word on where it might *pop* up next, if at all…but it’s worth keeping an eye out!  Okay – enough pops for one post.

So the store had a pretty good selection of it’s online styles – for instance the Sam Edelman boots I’ve been eyeing (that’s right, I haven’t pulled the trigger yet) and the Marc by Marc Jacobs wine colored tote (even more beautiful in person).  My good friend and shopping buddy for the day found a number of great purchases – I know because I waited in the 20 minute dressing room line.  Lucky for me, they had a couch for while I waited.  They also had quite a bit of “styling” assistance including late nights with celebrity stylist, Rachel Zoe.  If you can’t visit the store while it’s around, definitely check out their website!  Rachel Zoe has her favorite picks for fall which are labeled throughout the site.  Here are some of my favorites from Miss Zoe’s picks:

Coats by BB Dakota
Boots by Sam Edelman

BB Dakota Sweater in Sandstone $88, pair it with leggings and boots, you’re ready for a night out or a trip to the mall!

Jack by BB Dakota Romaine Plush Coat.  Collared, belted, silver buttons = always chic…day, night, whenever.  For $70, we all need this jacket.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Baby Aiden for $458 (wah).

So…stop by Piperlime’s store if you can, but if you can’t – don’t fret!  Shop 24 hours a day online.  And really…who needs a stylist when you have the famous Rachel Zoe (and me) working for you.

Wherever you are, I hope it’s drier than where I am.

shops love!

Of course I’m talking about handbags!  For us ladies, handbags are a necessity – how much we spend on them and how often we switch is completely personal though.  You will almost always see me carrying my Louis Vuitton shopper tote because it matches almost anything and fits just about everything!  When we get a sitter and have an evening out, I usually switch into something smaller and carry just the necessities.  I like to buy one new bag in the fall season…usually something leather that will hold up and from my favorite of the bag trends for that season.  This season though, I’m loving SO many different bags that I am clueless as to what exactly I want (shocking).  I think it’s time to pack up the classic LV for a bit and go for something more trendy.  The satchels, the hobos, the crossbodies paired with the chains, the studs, the metal – how will I ever choose?  It’s a matter of choosing something neutral enough to get through the season.  There are tons of muted colors that will blend wonderfully while still accessorizing in just the right way.  Here’s whats I’m talking about:

I’ll get my dream satchel out-of-the-way first because honestly, what’s not to love?   Oh right, I do not love the pricetag…but let’s pretend for just a second.  *flawless*  The deep clay color (or black or tan), the subtle gold chain, and the top zipper are perfection.  Kudos, Tory Burch.  Now back to reality, you can find a super cute satchel for a fraction of Tory’s cost.  Steve Madden did a nice job with this Candy Studs bag (shown in coral, available in black too).  Priced at $65 at Macy’s, it’s sure to get you noticed in a good way!

Are you more of a Hobo kind of gal?  This season has got you covered, too!  Cole Haan made the right move by adding the additional long strap.  Very versatile and big enough for the mom in us all!  Enough zippers/cubbies/pockets to stay organized too.  On sale at Zappos for $240 (and remember, always free overnight shipping).  And for a more wallet-friendly alternative, check out Big Buddha’s Chain Rocker faux leather hobo (say that three times fast).  It has just the right amount of metal and chains.

The last featured fall trend is the crossbody bag – usually smaller than the other styles.  I love the free spirit attitude of the crossbody - throw it over anything and forget it’s there – no one else will though if you’re wearing one of these.  Lucky brand did a pretty good job of maintaining the interior space of “Stash” which retails for $178.  Available in black and brown, but also purple and red which are great fall colors.  Finally, Nine West shines with “Star Bright.”  I love the pewter, the rhinestones, and the $40 price tag!  Find it at Piperlime.

So whatever your style, the season, or your budget - you can find a purse that will get you noticed for being *so now*.  These are just a sampling of what’s available, but the weather is changing and your handbag should too.

shops love!  Happy Labor Day Weekend!