When fall rears her beautiful head, all of us fashionistas better be prepared. For me fall means a ton of traveling, galas, and events. I must be adorned with the perfect ensemble, from head to toe. Nancy Gonzalez always delivers with her crocodile handbags and the framed top and ruched body of the Nancy Gonzalez Large Ruched Crocodile Clutch is the perfect evening bag. Available in either gunmetal or black matte Caiman fuscus crocodile, the clutch shows that simplicity can be the most gorgeous statement. Don’t be fooled, this clutch is a great size; 8 1/2″H x 11 2/5″W x 4″D. An interior of lush suede is finished off with a cell phone and zip pocket. Because the dimensions are larger, there is an optional shoulder strap. I of course would opt just to carry this crocodile beauty in my hand. While black is always classic, gunmetal adds a touch of sophistication beyond classic. Buy via Neiman Marcus for $2550.

Oh Fendi, why do you do some of the things you do? Do you not realize that your bags are becoming overly laughable. So what, you went out on a limb. Your limb is hanging over a river infested with piranhas and your branch just broke. There you are, getting eaten alive by the man-eating-fish. Time to sit out. Take a season off. Regroup. Then come back and give us something better. There was no need to also release the Fendi B Mix Baulotto Handbag with the faux-camo and Zucca print. Big F’s take over the camo while small F’s appear in the background. Take about Zucca overload. Even the handle is slathered with F’s. Ok, we get it, this is a Fendi bag. But to me it is nothing more than a fug bag. This is not even fugtastic, merely fug. You have a group of followers that believe in you, so now make something to believe in. We don’t need this overly logoized bag that does nothing but make our eyes burn. If you need to get back to basics, do it. But help yourself! Via eLuxury for $1220.

You think all towns and people are connected to the internet? Think again. This past week I was traveling once again. First I was in Washington DC, where the fast paced life was the norm. After seeing all the integral tourist attractions and waving at the White House, I was off to a small town on Lake Eerie in Ohio. Way up in the northeast part of Ohio is a town called Ashtabula. There my parents grew up and met. And for any of you Florida fans, it is where Urban Meyer grew up (boo to the Gators ). Let me tell you something, I love little Ashtabula but I felt as if I were in a time warp. We spent the mornings scouring Lake Eerie for sea glass, the days eating at the best local burger joint that feels as if you are sitting in a 50’s diner, the afternoons on the farm, and nights at various wineries. Life is slow there, the pace moves backward it seems. I kid you not, I bought 24 Swedish buns and a dozen assorted pastries from the bakery for under $9. I looked at the baker and he simply said to me, “You aren’t from around here, are you?”. It was liberating to feel free from my email and computer and even cell phone reception. I felt like the weight of the world had literally been lifted off my shoulders, so then I could have an amazing time with my family, all worries left back in the ‘real world’.

One afternoon we did venture to the sadly dying mall, where I popped into Dillards in hope of finding a little something. What I encountered were sales that made any sample sale look horrible. Sure, the selection was not amazing, but the prices made the goods feel free. My sister walked out with 5 pair of shoes totaling $190. Vlad strutted out with a pair of Nike shoes and Ralph Lauren shorts totaling $65 total. And I found the luggage deal of the century! I looked at the sign and had to do at least a quadruple take. Samsonite luggage marked 50% off, then take and additional 30% off. I have been traveling so often that my luggage has become worn down, so I snagged a large luggage bag and carry on for just about $200 total:!: What would have cost me nearly $560 cost me practically nothing. Next time you see a chic (but not always chic when traveling) lady in the airport with her Samsonite 400 Series Aspire luggage in blue, know that it is me carrying around my sturdy new luggage that I bought nearly for free. Luggage via Samsonite.

Two bags, one dark, one tan/brown shade, two styles, two brands, same name? What motivates established fashion companies to rip each other’s names is beyond me.

On the top row, the Juicy Couture Stella in Dark Neutral and Black ($360 via eLuxury), on the bottom row the well liked Kooba Stella Tote in Brown and Black ($595 via eLuxury).

The spanking new LV Waterproof Keepall inherits the same measurements of the regular and loved Keepall 55. However, it has undergone serious steroid treatment in the advanced Louis Vuitton labs! The cowhide trim and handles were dumped for durable polyamide and polyurethane, the golden hardware swapped for brass and zamak pieces. This bag is the active traveler’s wet dream - even if you don’t end up submerging your Keepall in water, it is great to know you could (without ending up ruining your belongings). To me, this spacious bag could help me overcome my general disapproval of the monogram canvas. Still, is the advanced welding process (that ensures airtightness of the main compartment) worth the $800 extra over a regular Keepall 55 with shoulder strap?

The Waterproof Keepall is now available for $1,950 via 866-VUITTON or at eLuxury’s exclusive Louis Vuitton boutique.