Vinyl Records...

Commuting through New York City, your choice for a handbag is crucial. You need to have just the big enough bag to carry a magazine, a pair of mittens, and pretty much your entire life. However, a large bag can weigh on your shoulders to a point that by the weekend you need your regular visit to the message therapist down in queens to get the large knot out. Trust me, I know... 

I recently bought a black leather handbag that had gold chains and embellishments all over it, and it truly is a fabulous show stopper. However, my shoulder is now killing me. With the chains and studs, the handbag ALONE (without any of my goodies inside of it) probably weight about 10 pounds. I am not kidding with you.

Vinyl bags are our solution. Not only are they 100% weather resistant where I can be confident that in the rain, snow, hail, or even random tornado that hits New York my IPhone is safe and sound! 

I went to Bloomingdale’s this week and bought myself a beautiful vinyl bag by Longchamp with a gift certificate from my birthday. Not only can I fit practically my entire apartment in this bag, but it is light as a feather. And at a reasonable 145$ for a handbag that will last my entire life, I think it I got a pretty good deal. I purchased the bag in a neutral black that I will be able to sport all year round. However, this useful tote is available in all colors of the rainbow to fit everyone's unique preferences.

Here are a few more vinyl bags I suggest:

• This tote is from Kate Spade and is available at Bloomingdale's for $248. It definitely is durable without sacrificing style.

• Marc Jacobs is known for jumping on the vinyl handbag train; every season coming up with new and innovative, quirky patterns to lay upon his useful totes. Sport one of these while commuting to  school, or even for a day in the park and you won't be worried about having to leave anything behind.

As a New Yorker, these are a must-have. Let’s face it, we never know where we will end up at the end of the day. We can leave our front door for work, and end up at an underground jazz club until 4am, and you might want to pack a few things to be prepared without having the weight on your shoulders..

Boots are all the Buzz....

Growing up in Southern California, I did not really know what it meant to see the seasons change. With a daily high of 73 degrees throughout the year, throwing on a small cardigan when we would eat dinner "al fresco" out on our patio was the only clue that Christmas was probably right around the corner. My mother used to talk about the seasons in New York like it was straight out of a movie. She was in love with the fall here, and even as a child my grandmother used to send me “New York leaves” all the way to California in the mail. With their vibrant colors of orange and yellow, it was something foreign to me and only something I could dream of being a part of some day. 

New York has a way of making everything so exciting. The smallest things can turn us on, and there is a strong sense of life in the air. This week, the temperature is dropping, and the window displays are changing.. and boots are the buzz.

Here are a few picks of my favorite staples for the season:

• I actually scooped up a pair of these last month as a gift for my birthday. I was in the need of a boot chic enough for work, or going out at night, but casual enough to pair with jeans for the weekend. These boots look awesome with tights and a LBD and have enough of a heel to heighten my 5’1” silhouette. With a price of only 108$ these Steve Madden Rifffle Booties are definitely a steal.

• This boot is great for the rebel in us all. I bought these boots back in the summer and fell in love. They definitely will get you a  bit of attention, but nobody will even try messing with you on the subway during your commute (trust me...). For such a show stopping shoe, $125 is worth every penny.

• Fringe is definitely a fall trend right now. This style is great for getting your inner “rocker girl” out.  These little booties by Sam Edelman pair great with a dress for a casual date night, or even look great for the office. They are a little more of a splurge at 185$ available at Bloomingdale’s.

• Recognize these? These Chloe` knockoffs are simply gorgeous and can go with almost anything in my wardrobe. Not to mention they are absolutely comfortable. On a day when I just dont feel like putting on a heel, but I still want to feel fab, these are just the ticket. Check out zara.com for this rocker-chic look at a reasonable price...

This is the best time in New York. Take a stroll through Central Park, or snuggle up and open your window to the crisp, cool breeze. And for now, boots are all the buzz...