Our very own Ella is hosting this week’s Carnivale at Kiss Me, Stace and she posed the question: What is your fashion confession, either a long ago faux pas, or today’s guilty pleasure?

Now, just remember what I’m about to confess occurred when I was a little girl and I didn’t know any better. Before I learned the difference between a hobo and a satchel, before I knew that splurging on a fine leather purse was definitely worth it, I owned a purse shaped like a tennis shoe. Yes, a tennis shoe—it’s horrifying for me to think about, but I will admit it’s the truth.

It was brightly colored with laces that actually tied; it had a zipper along the side and an incredibly long strap. It was a purse that if I saw it today, I would be one of the first to say what a horrible design it was. Gratefully, it was thrown away several years ago never to be seen again!

Popularity: 4% [?]

Once again, I was reminded that your handbag makes a big impression on how others view you. My brother, who’s in college, recently remarked that a girl in one of his classes had a Prada bag and he automatically assumed she was rich. (Side note: Points to my brother for noticing the bag and knowing Prada bags are expensive! Obviously, he’s spent some time around me.) But, on with my story, it got me to thinking that handbags truly are just as important as your shoes and clothing in defining how people perceive you.

Sometimes, people put a lot of effort into their outfit, only to pull out a handbag that’s been torn and beat up from use, which in turn ruins the outfit. It’s just like with shoes—a great pair of shoes will turn a regular outfit into an amazing one and an ugly pair of shoes will destroy a wonderful outfit. You wouldn’t want to enter a corporate job interview dressed in a classy suit, only to be carrying a bright neon pink cotton tote with worn patches—would you? Okay, that might be a big exaggeration, but you get the picture. The point is that just as carefully as you decide what shoes you’ll wear with an outfit, just as carefully decide what handbag you’ll carry.

Popularity: 8% [?]

#1 Everywhere a lady goes, she needs a handbag.
#2 She needs the perfect handbag.
#3 The handbag needs to match the outfit.
#4 Therefore, she must have a collection of several.
#5 The lady needs a handbag for every occasion, such as “night out.”
#6 The sophisticated lady needs at least one handbag that will last throughout the seasons.
#7 When a proper lady owns a fabulous designer bag, she must treat it as her precious baby and take special care of it.

Rules 1-6 are on a Tee I’ve designed! Plus the front says “Handbags are Accessories,” which is a rule in itself one must remember.

“Handbag Rules” (Handbags are Accessories) ; customizable tee (white ladies’ baby doll shown.)

This shirt is available to purchase from Zazzle.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Adrienne Vittadini is having a sale! In a Limited Time Offer, through Sunday, May 8, save 25% off your entire purchase of regular priced merchandise. (Use code 2418 at checkout.)

The sale is not just on the website,

Present this coupon in-store for savings. For catalog purchases, please mention the source code in the back of your catalog. For online purchases, please enter code 2418 at checkout.

You can buy luxurious clothing, elegant, classic shoes, handbags, and accessories.

This bag to your right is the Kendra Cargo-Pocket Tote.

- Python and Leather
- Braided handle
- Two front pockets
- mult-pocket interior / cell phone pocket
- Magnetic closure
- 12 1/2″WX6″HX4″D
- More
- $195

Popularity: 6% [?]