Handbag Trends for Fall 2008 under $100

Every woman knows that a fabulous handbag makes and instant impression and can turn an ordinary outfit into something pretty special. If you've dusted off your last season fall bags and haven't see something that fits into one of these categories.. think about sprucing up your handbag collection with one of these beauties.

1. Go Grey- This smokey hue is well fitted for the cooler months ahead, and the quilted Hollywood bag by Big Buddha in this elegant shade would be a super chic addition to your fall wardrobe. With its minimal golden hardware the Hollywood bag works wonderfully for a luxe day bag and then transitions smoothly into an evening bag making your day simple and fashionable. Big Buddha Hollywood Quilted Tote $85 (also available in black)

2. Structured Bags- I have definitely seen bulky bags taking a backseat this season to more sleek and structured shapes. Styles like these ladylike frame bags from Urban Expressions still allow a lot of room and function, only in a way that is more defined and easy to carry. Just because these styles are polished doesn't mean you have to save them for special occaisions. What makes these styles feel fresh is how fashion forward ladies are incorporating them into their casual wardrobes too. Urban Expression Black Kate structured bag $81 and Purple Faux Alligator Frame Bag $88

3. Convertible- The girl on the go knows she needs her bag to muli-task. This Fall look for bags like the Starlet clutch from Big Buddha with extra straps, pockets and hands free features. Whether your a working woman or a supermom function has never been more fashionable. Starlett clutch $65 available in red or black patent .

Sergio Lub Bracelets - Love and Peace

Last Christmas my sister gave me this beautiful copper "Love" bracelet by Sergio Lub. I have been wearing the bracelet everyday since and so many people have asked why don't I bring them into store. Well ask no more.. the Sergio Lub bracelets have finally arrived. Each bracelet is inscribed with the word love or peace in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Spanish and Russian and are meant to be worn as a reminder of our unlimited capacity to love. In addition to their beauty, the bracelets have added health benefits as well... each bracelet has magnets on the outer ends on the inside of the cuff. Magnets have been thought to increase the wearer's vital life force (known as Chi). Additional benefits are improved circulation.

Sergio Lub bracelets are available in two styles"Love" or "Peace" each bracelet is available in copper or silver ($32.00). Sizes S or M (I am wearing a small). signed me {Mona}

The Color Purple

With temps dipping into the 70s this week Ashley and I got to talking about how it definitely feels like Fall in Atlanta. So I did a little reading and found this great article highlighting the top colors of this season. From Vogue to Lucky its hard to miss that "New York's fashion designers are emphasizing cooler blues, greens and purples in the top five tones used in their collections, followed by variations of warm red, orange and yellow." While traditional tones of chocolate browns and steel grays are still among top color choices for fall blue and purple tones have become staples this season. We have just received several deliveries of these popular tones in tops, skinny jeans, dresses as well as accessories. Here are a couple of my favorite items: 1. Blank skinny jeans in grapenuts (funny name but gorgeous color) $70.00 and 2. Belted tunic/dress in eggplant by Whish $86. Oh if you have time check out this article by Pantone that discusses this topic. Signed me {Mona}

My Favorite Things

We are getting so many new things in the store its so hard to pick what I am most excited about. We get several new deliveries every week and each time the UPS driver drops off a box we tear into it like it's Christmas! And although it was tough.. I was able to narrow my favorites of the week list down to 2 things.. a fabulous pair of True Religion jeans and an amazing jewelry line.

First let me tell you about the jeans. The True Religion Rainbow Joey's are a throw back to the roots of this denim line. The jean features a vintage blue wash with multicolored "rainbow" stitching on the back pockets. The threading colors are perfect complement to fall (orange, yellow, brown and off white)I LOVE LOVE them! True Religion Rainbow Joey's $262.00

Also early this week we had a visit from an amazing local jewelry designer Whitney Rooker. Whitney began the line as a way to honor the memory of her cousin who died serving in our military in the Iraq war. Her handcrafted jewelry line WTR Memory beads features wood, stone and vintage findings. The pieces have gained an amazing following and her Fall collection is stunning. She has used rich stones such lapis, jade and carnelian as well as wood and leather to create the most beautiful bracelets. While the bracelets can be worn singly they look amazing when stacked in chunky layers. And as a way to honor the sacrifice made by her cousin, 10% of all sales are donated to her cousin's family with an additional 10% donated to groups supporting the children of our fallen heroes. WTR bracelets ($50-$80 each) Signed Me{Mona}

A Scarf In a Box Everyone Needs

While searching to bring unique things in the store for the Fall, I discovered this great little line called T-Box. Since T Box is a European company (Turkish actually) its no wonder they found a way to bring this line to the US in the tiniest of little packages. I personally love the Dolai Lama fringed scarves (one of the green ones is coming home with me!). Each scarve is packaged in a round disc that reminds me of a hockey puck, or a hackey sack. In fact, you could probably come up with many new and imaginative games to play with one before you unopened it.. but I digress. This scarf is perfect for those who crave being cuddled, those who are stylish and want to be even more stylish and for those cautious ladies who worry about upsetting their boyfriends by being too naked. Each scarf sells for $20 and at this price you need one in every color (black, ecru, blue, brown and green). Signed Me {Mona}

Yummie Tummie- The End of Back Fat and Muffin Tops

Ladies we have all at one point or another put on a slim fitting/sheer top or a tight pair of jeans, looked in the mirror and noticed a little bulge around the middle (back fat) or little roll just above our waistline (muffin top). Well, help is on the way with a miracle tank called a Yummie Tummie. The secret to Yummie Tummie is a secret minimizing panel that shapes the entire waistline from the bust to the hips, visibly taking off inches. Each tank is designed to provide firm yet comfortable control and features an exclusive dual fabric strategy that provides full coverage, while staying in place. We just received two styles of tanks (strappy and regular) in several basic colors (brown, black and white). These layering camis are a wardrobe staple.... come in and get yours today. If you're not convinced...check out these before (top) and after pics of an actual customer wearing a Yummie Tummie. AMAZING!!! Signed Me {Mona}

A Vested Interest

Suffice it to say I am obsessed with this new vest that just came in by Ella Moss. The vest is definitely a fashion staple for the Fall. With this vest
Ella Moss took this classic menswear item and made some very feminine updates.. cropping the body design and crossing the straps in the back. This vest would look amazing with some skinny jeans and black knee high boots. I found that the vest ran pretty true to size but I think that you could size up if you wanted a looser fit. Signed Me {Mona}

Big Buddha Fall Bags

I love hanbags, I admit it I have way more handbags than shoes and I change them almost as often as I change my underwear. And I got chills when we unpacked our latest shipment from Big Buddha. Big Buddha designer Jeremy Bassan has clearly outdone himself with this collection, creating very expensive looking bags at affordable prices. I am particularly in love with this crochet bag (the Stephanie). It reminds me of the Gerard Darel handbag as worn by Halle Berry (its just a lot less expensive). This bag is a must have addition to your fall handbag lineup. Come in and gets yours today. Stephanie crochet handbag in cream ($55.00)

Denim Splurge

I just found this link on ebay for a pair of vintage Levi's that sold for $36,099.00. That's right Thirty Six Thousand Big Ones! Amazing. This makes my last denim purchase seem so cheap! In addition, the fact that a pair of jeans was just sold for $36K will help you out the next time you get into an argument with your friends, spouse or significant other about the next pair of jeans you "must have". Simply say they are for investment purposes!

Colors of Fall

Fall has arrived at Hand In Pocket. The colors are changing from the sun bleached pastels of the summer to the rich vibrant hues of plum, teal and orange of the fall. It's hard to believe that Fall is just around the corner. It is absolutely my favorite time of the year. (After all it calls for the best clothes). Like these absolutely awesome jackets and cozy sweaters from our latest Miss Me Couture delivery. Featured are two pieces that I really love. First is this absolutley adorable short sleeve cropped cardigan.I can totally see this over a tank top or Michael Stars Tee or layered under a long sleeve shirt as the weather gets a little cooler. And although its August this balloon sleeved jacket must be bought now! It is LOVE worthy. First the color is so fun an its style its truly unique. The jacket is cropped and features a foldover collar that zips down the front with balloon sleeves. This jacket is totally my personality.. so sporty! Come in and gets yours today. signed me {Mona}