Lust: Leoparddddd

[instyle.com/Talbots]

You may have spied the ads in the September magazine issues starring supermodel Linda Evangelista wearing a fabulous leopard coat. Then, if you're like me, you were probably shocked to see that the ads are for Talbots! The brand, most popular amongst an older crowd, has undergone a rebranding effort. [saksfifthavenue.com] [net-a-porter.com]

Leopard is one of the hottest trends of the season. This is great news for me because I generally don't stow away my leopard print items anyway. If money wasn't an object, I'd buy Christian Louboutin's 'Kathena Pony Haired Satchel' ($3,495) at Saks Fifth Avenue. Is this purse glam or what? I love the chain detail and the patent straps. It'd be the perfect bag to carry to work. There's also an equally fantastic clutch on net-a-porter.com for $1,795.

[net-a-porter.com]

These Lanvin 'Leopard Print Ballerina Flats' ($795) are truly an investment. They also have a concealed heal to elongate the leg. Genius![leifsdottir.com]

Another more affordable leopard item (they call it horse print, but to me it's more leopard) that I want is Leifsdottir's 'Aficianado Cardigan' ($288). It looks great with black pants and a printed blouse as shown. OK, now please go on sale!

Lust: Halston Heritage Pleated Clutch

[chickdowntown.com]

The gorgeous gunmetal color of this Halston Heritage 'Alice Pleated Clutch' ($245) from chickdowntown.com is what immediately drew me to it. At a roomy 7" x 14," it'd work equally as well for nighttime as it would for everyday. The lightly textured leather and gold logo makes it look rich, and the pleats make it look different from your standard silver handbag.

Lust: Mulberry Margaret Bag

[mamasarollingstone.com]

I'm obsessed with Mulberry's 'Margaret Shoulder Bag,' named after one of England's slightly scandalous royals, Princess Margaret. This bag is one of my faves from fall's ladylike handbag trend. The plum soft pebbled (far right) for $895 is definitely my first pick.
[fabsugar.com]

Kate Bosworth was seen carrying a leopard version (ugh, lucky). The collection also includes clutches, mini bags and zip-around wallets. The crest on the bags is Mulberry's "We Believe in Tea and Cake Crest." What's not to love about that? The logo is complete with English bulldogs, tea cups and cupcakes.

[asos.com]

[urbanoutfitters.com]

Now I must find a more affordable version of this bag. I haven't found anything in that vibrant purple, but I found bags that are kind of similar: the 'Suede Lock Detail Shoulder Bag' from ASOS.com ($67.38) and the 'Croco Lady Bag With Metal Closure' by Kimchi Blue from Urban Outfitters ($58). None feature that super-cool Mulberry crest though!

Lust: Brian Atwood 'Harrison Chain Trimmed Pumps'

[all photos saksfifthavenue.com]

O.M.G. I'm obsessed with Brian Atwood's 'Harrison Chain Trimmed Pumps.' These gorge heels are $1,050 on pre-order at Saks Fifth Avenue. They're like a mullet - business in the front, party in the back! I really do need a new pair of black heels, and these will be my inspiration.
A more affordable version (if you can call it that) is Atwood's 'Maniac' pumps ($580), which I mentioned here. They're available in black, bordeaux and nude - which looks like more of a blush pink to me. These are definitely a good investment though.

Lust: Round Wayfarers

[saksfiftavenue.com]

I don't think my face shape would rock the trendy, round John Lennon-esque shades very well. But, I am loving the new 'Round Wayfarer' by Ray-Ban. It's a happy medium between my favorite classic Wayfarers and trendy round frames. At $130 from Saks, it's a pretty affordable update too. I'm obsessed with the top pair.

Lust: Prada Postcards sunglasses

I love cat-eye shades, and Prada's Postcards sunglasses from the S/S10 collection are definitely at the top of my list. [nitrolicious.com]

The $205 sunglasses are available in six fun colors named after cities: green (Milan), light pink (Los Angeles), clear with pink lenses (Manhattan), transparent with light grey lenses (Paris), transparent grey with orange lenses (London) and black (Lisbon). What a fabulous idea!

Though I adore the flashy Milan pair, I think I would either buy Paris or Lisbon since I'd get more wear out of them. I will be checking my local Sunglass Hut for these stat.

Lust: Christian Louboutin Oxford Lace-ups

[all photos bergdorfgoodman.com]

Pre-fall items are starting to arrive in stores. Fall fashion is my favorite, and it's looking like oxfords are still in for the upcoming season. I've been enjoying wearing my oxford flats and heels for the past several months.

I got an e-mail from Bergdorf Goodman featuring the Christian Louboutin 'Oxford Lace-Up Booties.' They are gorge. Sheer mesh panels mean that they could be worn now without getting sweaty feet. They're also available in black and are $965. Oy!
There are some other Louboutin oxfords available. The colorful pair, 'Colorblock Cutout Oxford Booties' ($875), are quite wild.

Lust: A luxe beach bag

[couture.zappos.com]

Every summer I use those beach totes that you get from Victoria's Secret for free with a swimsuit purchase. Sure, they help haul all of my stuff down to the beach for one season, but after that they're kaput. I would love a sturdy and slightly luxe beach bag this year.

I love the vibrant Marc by Marc Jacobs' 'Misty Pool Mabel Tote' ($188) from Zappos Couture. Plus, the Marc Jacobs logo on the straps reminds me of his graffiti collection for Louis Vuitton. This tote is made of beach-safe canvas and has a zip top which helps keep the sand out.
[couture.zappos.com]

Another great option is the lemon-printed Juicy Couture's 'Beach Tote' ($148), also from Zappos Couture. It also comes with an accessory bag - perfect for lip balm and a snack!

I just found out about Zappos Couture. I had no idea that Zappos.com had a more upscale sibling! They sell women's and men's clothing, shoes and accessories with brands including Alexander McQueen, Delman, Ports 1961, Prada, etc. They also offer free shipping, which is always appreciated in my book.
[piperlime.com]

I also like Kate Spade's 'Take a Dip Tote' ($195) from Piperlime.com. It's a bit steep for a canvas tote (hellooo, L.L. Bean), but it's a classic bag, and the hardware is 14-karat gold, afterall.
[piperlime.com]

Lily Pulitzer's 'Original Tote' ($88) from Piperlime is the ultimate Palm Beach-chic. It looks like something Pulitzer could have created in the '60s.

Methinks I need one of these for my honeymoon!

Lust: Joie's 'I Will Survive' Booties

[chickdowntown.com]

I'm obsessed with Joie's 'I Will Survive' booties. They're fun and would toughen up any look including floral dresses. They're a splurge at $325 from chickdowntown.com. These are a good buy because they're a four-season shoe since they will pair nicely with tights in the fall and winter.

Chickdowntown.com is under new ownership, so there are lots of great deals to be found with 75% off sale items. Some bargain designer finds include dresses Marc by Marc Jacobs, Alice + Olivia, Milly and Jill Stuart.

Lust: Ash Lotus Cutout Booties

[shopbop.com]

Oh my, these shoes have my name written all over them. The 'Lotus Cutout Booties' are part wedge, part boot. At $240, they're a bit pricey, but I know that I would wear them all spring, summer and fall.

They come in black, nuage and stone. They're made of distressed leather and have a back zip. They have a 1.5" hidden platform and 4.75" wedge.

[piperlime.com]

Michael Antonio's 'Gatsby' wedges are sort of similar, and they're only $75. I just bought a pair of Antonio's wedges, and they're holding up great so far.

Perhaps I will just hope the Ash ones go on sale soon though!

Lust: Brian Atwood Maniac Pumps

[people.com]

[intermixonline.com]

Brian Atwood's towering 'Maniac' Pumps have been seen on mucho celebs including Victoria Beckham. I'm really wanting a pair - especially in tan (which I'm having trouble locating) or black. These pumps have a 6" stiletto with a 1 1/2" hidden platform. I'm assuming that the platform makes them easier to walk in than the average 6" pair of heels. [intermixonline.com]

They're available at Intermix for $575. Yes, they are expensive, but I can see paying the money for a pair of classic pumps like these that are great quality and will never go out of style.

Lust: White heels

[bergdorfgoodman.com]

It seems that white shoes are chic again. I've always fought this trend hard as they always conjured up images of clunky, awkward white heels. I'm loving some of the options right now though.

The Kors Michael Kors 'Paris Sandals' in Parchment Croc ($358 from Bergdorf's) are gorge. These things are tall, so the ankle strap can't hurt for a little extra security. I also like that they're not white-white since (much like dirty snow) there's nothing worse than dirty white shoes.
[piperlime.com]

A more affordable pair from Piperlime is 'Parade' ($80) by Naughty Monkey. The brown straps are unexpected and cool. Again, the less white space for me to scuff up, the better. I'm picturing these with white cropped denim!

Lust: Stuart Weitzman 'Studclog'

[nordstrom.com]

Fresh pedicure or not, when it gets warmer I like for my toes to peek out (more for ventilation purposes). My qualm with the resurgence of clogs is that most of them are closed-toe - but not these beauties by Stuart Weitzman. The 'Studclogs' from Nordstrom ($345) have a peep-toe just like I like but still maintain their classic clog chunkiness. The studs make them even tougher.

[nordstrom.com]

A more affordable version from your neighborhood Nordstrom are Steven by Steve Madden's 'Barc Peep Toe Clog' in black or camel suede. They're on sale from $139.95 to $99.90. These will be perfect to wear all spring and summer.
[zappos.com]

If wooden heels are risky for you, I love DKNYC's 'Elim Peep Toe Clog' ($82.66 from $120) from Zappos.com. These have a demi-wedge and an ankle-strap, so they're practically fool-proof, right? They come in truffle (pictured), black and light grey.

Lust: Robert Rodriguez one-shouldered dresses

[Gareth Cattermole/Getty via InStyle.com]

I do love a one-shouldered dress. Speaking of, how gorge is Gwyneth Paltrow's one-shoulder nude Elie Saab haute couture dress? That could be one of her best red carpet looks yet! Anyway, I like that you don't have to worry about constantly tugging at a strapless dress with the one-shoulder.
[neimanmarcus.com]

I've been wanting these two Robert Rodriguez one-shoulder dresses for a while. I just need them to hurry up and go on sale! The rich blood orange color of this 'Silk One Shoulder Dress' ($495) from Neiman Marcus is my favorite part about it. It has a jeweled brooch at the neckline. I also like the way it gathers at the waist with the knife pleats. So pretty![bergdorfgoodman.com]

The 'Rena One-Shoulder Dress' ($495) from Bergdorf Goodman is such a beautiful dress. The contrast of the ivory with the black organza and rosette detail is divine. I wish I could do my hair in on of these giant, low buns too.

Lust: Valentino Laceland Tote

[bergdorfgoodman.com]

Never in a million years would I pay this much ($3,495) for a handbag, but it's still gorgeous. Valentino's 'Laceland Tote' from Bergdorf's is so lovely - the perfect spring bag. It has a ruched handle and three layers of beige leather lace. The detail on the bag is amazing. Oh well, maybe someone will make a similar one for way less moola...

Lust: J.Crew Grommet Parlour Hobo

[jcrew.com]

As I'm sure you already know, leather bags are pricey. I've been "needing" one for a while but have been putting it off due to this fact. I think it's getting to be the time for me to fork over the money for a new one, and J.Crew's 'Grommet Parlour Hobo' fits the bill ($298).

I love the splattering of gold grommets. It turns an otherwise sweet bag into a rebel. My other favorite feature is the removable, adjustable strap that extends to a whopping 22." No one likes a too-short shoulder strap! I also appreciate the fact that when my shoulder has had all it can take (I tend to fill my bags too full), I can just use the handles.

The bag is available in four lovely colors: soft dove (my personal fave), black, rosy peach and pale buff.