I usually stick to better-end designer handbags because I so enjoy the legacy of the brand and the quality craftsmanship that goes into them. But about once a year I purchase a non-designer bag just for fun from stores like Zara, Club Monaco or little boutiques we stumble across on our travels. 

The quality of Zara handbags and footwear is good. In fact, quite a step up from the quality of their clothing, which is inconsistent. So I’m ending off the week with a fun bag assortment. I own one of these bags and I’ve seen some of the others in person. The patterned styles are excellent pattern mixing tools and most of the styles come with a strap. 

• Zebra Clutch with Chain: Try the oversized clutch trend at night if it’s not your thing during the day. 
• Plaited Shopper: A great travel bag with a proper zipper closure, and one way to sport the burgundy trend. This style comes in a few colours and patterns. 
• Soft Studded Leopard Shopper: Amp up a casual jeans and fashion sneaker outfit with this darling. 
• Citybag with Zip: Great for the office and a little more interesting than a basic black bag. 
• Studded Evening Box Bag: Add edge to a formal outfit with dainty studs. 
• Jeweled Box Clutch: A classic parcel of jewels is always in style. 
• Structured Leather Bowling Bag: Casual and earthy in a modern way. 
• Combined Fur Clutch Bag: I added this graphic wardrobe pet to my closet a few weeks ago. It’s a fabulous daytime clutch that I’m enjoying combined with my blush moto jacket. 
• Nubuck Leather Mini Shopper: Never underestimate the power of a Winter White bag with any outfit. 
• Coconut Clutch Bag: Like the texture and chain detailing of this style, which is also available in black. 

I really like the design integrity of the items at Zara, which is a lot more affordable than designer merchandise. While their clothing can be hit or miss, their bags are always great. 

When online stores don’t show their jewellery on actual models I always have a hard time picturing where exactly a necklace will hit me. So I’m saving this visual, because I know it’ll come in very handy. Here’s a very similar necklace length chart with a model sporting strings of pearls.

Did you know that metal chains can wear out with time? That box chains stretch more than any other type of chain, or that you can’t go wrong with a lobster clasp? This article has tons of information about every type of chain imaginable.

Not sure which necklace to wear with your new top or dress? Misami Jewelry has some good tips on which types of necklaces work best with different necklines.

Fab Links from Our Members

MaryK hopes that Sally’s post at Already Pretty about Beating the Body Blues will help lift the spirits of everyone who has been feeling less than fab lately.

Are you looking for something fun for Halloween? Laurinda found these Glow in the Dark Mummy Nails for you.

In her search for fashion blogs for women over 40 Deborah came across That’s Not My Age, which she says is an enjoyable read: self-deprecating and funny in that special British way.

Eternalvoyageur points us to a blog post that explains the difference between top heavy and bottom heavy breasts, with fit suggestions and a few bra reviews.

On The Vivienne Files, Janice describes her best friend’s discipline about shopping, leaving behind fabulous items at great prices if they don’t fit her wardrobe plan. Carole was impressed!

Mochi discovered the new “If You’re Thinking About…” feature on The Sartorialist, that brings together street style and runway images centered around one particular look to provide fashion inspiration when you’re a little stuck.

Writer D.A. Wolf’s dream about a college reunion led to her musing on women and their relationship with other women: “I don’t understand why we criticize and compete to such an extent, when we’re also capable of extraordinary support, connection, and community”. This is exactly why a place like YLF is so important, says Caro.

For Lisa, “The Desires & The Essentials” over at  Breaking The (Shopping) Contract really sums up how she feels sometimes when she’s trying to shop her closet.

A stunning lace top, crisp white shirt, slim-fitting trousers and amazing loafers. This boyish but at the same time deliciously ladylike look by Valentino left Angie breathless.

Annagybe enjoyed this video in which MarieClaire columnist Nicolette Mason calls out Marc Jacobs for not delivering the plus-size line he promised two years ago. It also has some great tips on plus-size shopping in general.

Last not but not least, a YLF movie tip: Diana Vreeland The Eye Has to Travel, a documentary about the renowed fashion editor who “discovered” actress Lauren Bacall and advised Jackie Kennedy in matters of style, is opening tomorrow, Friday October 19th at the Harvard Exit Theatre in Seattle.

It makes no sense to me that the party wear that’s in stores from now until February is so naked. Men can cover up and stay warm while we’re expected to wear flimsy little frocks and freeze our buns off. This works when the weather is warm, or when the heat is turned up really high. But frequently we’re either trying to find ways to cover up, which often ruins the look of the dress, or we grin and bear the cold for the duration of the event. Not so fab. 

The solution is to find a formal outfit option that keeps us warm. I often suggest a dressy suit, brocade or velvet jacket with dressy bottoms, or a “le Smoking” (ladies tuxedo) to my clients as toastier alternatives. A long sleeved dress at a decent length and in a substantial fabrication is another way to go. Add hosiery and dressy pumps for more insulation. 

For toasty formal wear this season, I’m loving the dressy maxi skirt ensemble. As the photos below show, the skirts are paired with dressy and casual pullovers, and the odd leather jacket. I like how these outfits have been broken up with high contrasting colour, tonal colour, texture, colour blocking and pattern. Wearing one colour — from head to toe and wrist to wrist — would not look as good to my eye. Scrunch the sleeves, add in some bling, hose, dressy shoes, a fab clutch, and you are good to go. Cozy, modern, chic, interesting, and comfortable as long as you don’t trip over the skirt. 

The vibe of this outfit is less formal than a cocktail dress or ball gown with all the trimmings because of the knitted and leather additions. With most events being less formal these days, this modern combination probably fits the bill quite well. 

I have all the pieces for this outfit formula so it might be my holiday look this year. Does it grab you too?

This sweater and the “Sloan” trouser fit from Banana Republic have worked exceptionally well on my curvier and well-endowed clients. Items run true to size. Be sure to look at all the colour options. 

• Lace Front Sweater: Here’s a more subtle way to wear lace. Please zoom into the picture on the Banana Republic website to see the lace detailing up close because the photo does not do the style justice. It’s beautiful in both colours and fabulous with a pair of menswear inspired trousers. Available in black and Winter white.

• Sloan Fit Camel Herringbone Flared Trousers: You have to try these flared trousers if you’re after a pair of sharp, comfy, classic bottoms in a substantial fabrication. They fit a curvy bottom half WOW well, although they look good on straighter body types too. The rise length is ample and the drape sensational. The Sloan fit is also available in black herringbone, textured brown, black and silver grey. 

To accessorize, consider the Pearlized Cabochon Cuff. This bracelet is studded with pearls. KILLER. If I wore bracelets, this would be mine. Wearing a couple stacked together looks fab too. 

Wear all three items with Bertie’s Nina Leopard Print Shoe Boots and you’ve pulled together a flop proof, modern classic trouser ensemble that will take you almost anywhere. Add in a daytime clutch for extra modern fabness, or sport a bag style of your choice.