Tonight marks the official beginning of the scariest time of year.

• When we have to save all our money for Christmas presents.
• When malls officially become a place for shopping for others, and not ourselves.
• We might even have to take on that extra “Holiday” job.

I don’t know if I can live through the terror.

Technorati Watch: Halloween + Holidays + Christmas + Holiday Shopping + Gifts

If you’re going as a Lady Gladiator this evening, I have the “perfect” shoe for you. If not, this mix of boot and pump is scary!

Technorati Watch: Halloween

In trying to repair some feed problem, blah blah, I did something accidentally to comments … yada yada. I don’t even want to read the techy details! The important thing is that your comments will now be accepted! If you’d like, I ask you to go to the most recent 2 pages of posts and make comments on anything you’d like. Less “0s” will make me feel better about my mistake.

The Payless ShoeSource Tweed Pocket Flap, called “Becky”, has enough style to stand on its own. But, no, it is completely based on the Prada Embellished Tweed Bag. Prada’s original is adorable in brown, but has a bit of a rough edge for the schoolgirl feel we like such bags for. Payless’s re-take has less detail, which allows it to not go overboard like its inspiration, yet its lack of fine craftsmanship is apparent in the shoulder strap’s lack of shape (and it doesn’t boast that charming orange ribbon). The original’s shoulder strap is simply too long. The Prada is on sale at Smart Bargains, itself, for $800 (from $1,295). Becky goes for $15 at Payless.com. You decide for yourselves.

Coat trend this winter: long, lean wool single-breasted pea coats in herringbone, grey, black and white, or brown blends. Houndstooth is quirky, yet trendy this year, and even subtle dotting is cute. Fur (faux, please) collars are big and just look fashionista, while nuzzling our necks in warmth.

This coral herringbone Liz Claiborne Duffle Coat is divine with toggle buttons, which are beyond. The removable faux fur collar is best for changing temps & moods.

P.S. Hurry! Liz Claiborne is having an outerwear sale that ends this Sunday, Oct 30th!

P.P.S Winter White is just right and proper for the next season, but we’re still in Autumn. Labor Day Ruling will remain in full strength until Late November. If you can double-up on your outer-layer budget, then you can buy a coat for now and then.

Top Ten Sources has featured Kiss Me, Stace on one of their lists; about fashion trends, natch. There is a nice article with up-to-date post links for each selected blog, on an otherwise static (permanent) page. The site is made from a blog, itself, but converted to a multi-functional website. A very helpful website. Top Ten Sources lists the latest RSS feeds on wide-ranging topics, and updates frequently with new content, itself! A great source all of its own!

I’m not opposed to western style, or cowboy, boots solely on principle. I have good reasons, mainly it’s the chunky heel.

I’ve created this list of the Best Western styles this trend-ridden Fall. Topping it has to be the Lucchese (at Shoes.com), with its thin, tall heel. It still rings true to the inspired design, however not suited to actual cow wrangling. If the 3 1/2 inch heel or $270 price isn’t practical for you, well there is really nothing comparable, but there are adequate options:

° The NaNa Evie is femininely detailed. ° This Penny Loves Kenny Round Up has leopard print! (And the heel is higher, which gives the slight appearance of less chunk.) ° This Urban Outfitters boot is ruched to a slouchy extreme, which is different and trendy. It also has an interesting heel. ° The Matisse Wyoming is sophisticated and detailed. ° And, the Matisse Kansas is pointy-toed.

Rule of thumb: Chunky feet = chunky you (it’s completely NOT the opposite). A thin, long heel is the perfect continuation of your leg, creating the vision of a thin, long you!