Mexi Melt

Mexi Melt by elbonner featuring fringe handbags

Knit sweater / Free People denim jacket / Big Buddha boots / TOMS shoes / Free People fringe handbag / Miss Selfridge gold jewelry

I really, really like all of this Mexican blanket/aztec print stuff that has slowly been trickling out for the past few weeks. There's a plethora of southwest inspired bags on Free People that are perfect, but a bit on the pricey side. If you've got cash to spare then go for it, but this trend is growing so don't be surprised to find similar things popping up in Target. I love the denim jacket and the ring. Toms has come out with a bunch of tribal print shoes that are great for long fall walks. And seriously, how cute are those ankle boots form Big Buddha? COME ON! They've all got a sort of California/Baja cool that I may never fully achieve in this lifetime, but with pieces like these I can look in the mirror, shoot myself the double guns, and feel more awesome than Uncle Jesse.

Bags I want vs. Bags I can afford

My uncle always told me that the only thing money can really buy you is the freedom to do whatever the hell you wanted. Unfortunately, for the vast majority of us we are constrained with what we can do with our closets because of that nagging fact: a limited income. Luckily, some brands understand that we plebs don't fly late to our once-yearly shareholders meetings in our golden helicopters after we've had to throw our diamond encrusted Rolexes away after we spilled champagne on them. Even though I spend most of my days a filthy mess covered in other peoples dental germs, I like being able to walk into the break room and take pride in the fact that I have a decent, trendy bag that I can admit I didn't blow a paycheck on. That's why I created this little collage with the super expensive designer choice on the left and the much more affordable-but-still-nice dupe on the right. I will say that if I'm going to drop a bunch of cash on something, it's safe to say it's going to be either a bag or sunglasses because they get months/years of constant use and will probably outlive me in the long run.

Celine Mini Tote- $1,960  

Big Buddha tote $79.54

Proenza Schouler suede bag $1695

Bohemia Satchel $165 

Chloe Tote $1800

Marc by Marc Jacobs Coral Hobo $248