Need: Mulberry Carter Bag

I've been eying Mulberry's Lily bag for months as a classic petite bag option, but something (not price for once) has kept me from buying. The urge to resist Mulberry just got that much harder with the release of their new style, the Carter. I love that the boxy shape feels current, but still unique and that the style is completely timeless. I also can't help but be swayed by Mulberry's sudden surge of success in the market lately. Good begets good.

Via Mulberry

Fashionista Fall Shopping

While I absolutely love seasonal shopping features, I don't often find full looks that fit my style. A great bag here, a cute dress there is fine, but strong full looks are more rare than you would think. This is why I am obsessed with Fashionista's fall shopping feature. Especially the picks by Lauren and Dhani. Lauren gets the fun side of fashion (major fashion like Proenza and Givenchy) that is chic and never stuffy. Dhani's look is more ladylike, but still young. I could see wearing these pieces from the weekend into the office for years. And that coat is just perfection. Props to J.Crew for the (not so) subtle product placement as well.

Via Fashionista

Trend: Every Ring

I am 100% on board with the recent trend I've been seeing of women wearing identical rings across all four or five of their fingers. It is a big challenge to wear a lot of jewelry and still look sleek, but this style manages to do that. There's also just something badass about it that reminds you of brass knuckles.

Images via Caroline's Mode, Stop Stealing My Look, and Caroline's Mode

Trend: Metal Belts

For about six months now I've been mulling over the idea of a metal belt. I love the unique, eye-catching look, but have been wavering because they can look a bit awkward. And sometimes worse. Like some medieval torture device for women. Discomfort aside, I think I am going to take the plunge with this Halston metal and leather belt. The mix of materials gives it a more modern flair while ensuring that it isn't terribly constricting. Thoughts on the look?

Images via We the People, Phil Oh, We the People, and The Outnet

Country Casual

This past weekend, my lovely friend Elissa got married to her longtime boyfriend Kevin. They had the most charming wedding in Elissa's brother's backyard in Chester, Pennsylvania. Everything was just perfect down to the local wildflowers lining the tables. And isn't Instagram perfect for weddings?

First Thoughts on Fall

As each new season nears I've started having impending dread over what I will wear come fall, winter, spring, summer. Part of it is that my style has necessarily grown up a bit and become more professional. It also doesn't help that Fall 2011 is hitting stores now while it remains 90 degrees in New York, but I will let others complain about that particular problem. Browsing my Pinterest account I found a few of the things that I am contemplating for this quickly upcoming fall. They include innovative adaptations of traditional jewelry, serious heels, big rolled-up sleeves, a defined waist and a small nod to McQueen with a modern tartan. None of this takes into account, of course, the huge '70s influence that I will no doubt be partaking in.

What do you have in mind for fall?

Pinterest.com/ebmonson

Need: Oli and Me Wide Hammer Ring

Preferably worn all at the same time.

Oli and Me Wide Hammer Ring, $855, at oliandme.com

Stella McCartney Resort Nails

As I mentioned before, I am completely in awe of Stella McCartney's Hawaiian print collection for Resort 2012. I thought this might be the perfect opportunity to try out the marble nail techniques I've been dying to experiment with for a while now. After all, if there's any way to capture kitschy-cool waves on your nails, it's going to be with marble swirls of color.

I will spare you the messy how-to's, but it basically included a lot of water, nail polish, lotion to protect my fingers from the polish, trial, and error. The marble looks is pretty awesome when you get it right, but if you are going to try it out, I do not recommend using white as it goes on too sheer. Add a few flowers and you're Stella-approved.

Photos by Mark Iantosca and Vogue.com

Couture Week's Got Your Back

Last season I predicted that back shots of runway looks were going to be a big deal. Low and behold here are images from the Givenchy and Valentino Fall 2011 Couture shows.

Photos via Vogue.com and Pat McGrath