fall

Someone recently told me that leopard print is "ladylike" and never goes out of fashion. While I find that first point to be debatable, leopard print has a certain timeless appeal to it and it is definitely in style for this season. Prada's Leopard Platform Mary Janes are perhaps the ultimate application of leopard, mixing the conservative style of a classic Mary Jane shoe with a wild and slightly naughty animal-print calfskin. Of course, there is nothing conservative about these shoes, since they are stacked on a 4" heel. The shoes also feature gold leather trim and a golden buckle. Price: $695.

This classic tote is one of the pieces in Luella's new fall collection and its serious, but elegant, look is a distinct contrast from the spring/summer styles that we saw earlier this year when the designer partnered with Target. Like other fall bags we have seen, the Stevie Leather Tote features a harness of leather that wraps around it, descending from the rolled leather handles, but the thick, soft leather and the dangling heart-shaped charms take the edge off what might have been a severe design. The tote is made of a dark chocolate leather and has silver hardware, including a toggle that secures the bag's flap closure. The lining is cream-colored suede. Price: $950.

One of the best things about fall - aside from a change in brutally hot weather - is that it means it is once again acceptable to wear boots with most outfits. This year, the trend of wearing boots over jeans continues, so higher boots will be better options than low, ankle-type boots. Of course, a mid-calf boot is always a great height because it goes with both jeans and with skirts. The Chloe Paddington Prince Boots are a great choice for versatile fall boots. They are made of classic, textured black leather and given an edge with funky, wrapped straps. The recognizable Paddington buckles are adjustable, so the boots will fit perfectly on anyone, not to mention that with 4" heels, they'll make your legs look fantastic. Price: $885.

The Versace Jacquard Bowler is a great tote that is part of the designer's fall lineup. It is made out of black jacquard fabric that features an all-over logo print and is accented with a metallic light-bronze leather trim. All the hardware is gold-toned, including the anchors for the braided metallic handle. The bag has a zip top closure and a side flap pocket on the outside, which is a useful place to tuck your keys or cell phone for easy access. Carry this bag in hand during the day or, paired with a black outfit, it can even be used in the evening. The combination of black and gold is one that it is difficult to go wrong with. Price: $1,475.

You can tell when fall is approaching, from a fashion perspective, because the bags get a little darker and a little more earthy. There are more browns and blacks and fewer bold colors. Not that there's anything wrong with that, of course. Sometimes, a bag can get a little too earthy. This Fendi Small Bucket Bag, for example, is made of a lovely textured leather, with contrasting chocolate trim and bronze accent studs. The lining is fabric and it has a drawstring closure. It measures only 8" high (not counting the 5" drop from the strap) and 7" in diameter. The problem is that the muted, fawn color of the leather makes the bag look a little bit too much like a bucket - almost as though it's been drawn from a country well. Don't get me wrong: I still love the bag. I would just love to see it in all chocolate or maybe a cream color a little more. Price: $1,130.

The large version of this bag comes in black and gold.

Dolce & Gabbana always has appealing names for their bags, like Miss Lover, Miss Really Hot and the New Miss Perfect Bag. This bag is from the designer's fall lineup and is still on preorder. It is made of pebbled black leather and has an open top with a flap closure. All the hardware, including the buckle that adorns the front of the bag, is gold-tone and the lining is DG's signature leopard print silk. The double straps are long enough, with a 9 1/2" drop, to loop over your shoulder, leaving your hands free for other things. It measures 13"H X 20"L X 6"W. Price: $1,150.

The Dior Gaucho Large Tote is a large, updated version from the same line as the Dior Gaucho Double Saddle Bag that we looked at a while back. The great western feel of the smaller bag is even more appealing in the full-sized version. It is made of super-soft calfskin with lambskin leather and contrasts. Antiqued silver hardware accent the bag, along with a "1947" Dior medallion and a large, old-fashioned key charm. The bag has a zip top that secures a fabric-lined main compartment with plenty of pockets, but the front flap lifts up to reveal two additional pockets, as well. It measures 17.5" x 12.25" x 6.75," so it isn't too large to carry around during the day, but it really looks like it's made for traveling. Price: $2,075.

Bows might just be the new black - or should I say that they might be the new padlock? It looks like there are many new handbags in the fall collections of various designers utilize bows. Valentino's Floral Applique Clutch ($1,080) may have black leather flowers, but it also has a huge bow on the strap. Be & D's Python Clutch ($3,200) is nothing more than a huge, red bow, though at least you get the sense that there is a bag behind it, unlike the Yves St Laurent Metallic Bow Bag (pictured, $845), which looks like a bow with a strap. The question is do you love it or hate it? It's pretty clear that the designers think we want more bows in our wardrobes, but I think that they might want to stick with the smaller, cuter bows in the future, rather than dressing everyone up like a doll without a sense of proportion.

Dolce & Gabbana is vamping up its fall line with the release of their Miss Lover Two-Tone Flap handbag. Unlike other Miss Lover incarnations, this bag has a few new details that make it exceptional, like a perforated edge that gives it a slightly edgy look and a gold chain shoulder strap, with a leather braid woven through it. The bag is made of leather in two colors, brown and dark bordeaux/maroon, with tonal top-stitching that maintains the sultry look of the bag. It has a slightly gathered shape that helps the bag look worn in. The bag can be coordinated with most dark-colored outfits, but if you dress to match the spirit of the bag, you'll probably end up with a few more looks throughout the evening. Price: $1,395.

While checking out some shoes for the fall season, one of the things that was apparent almost immediately is that they're not all sky-high platforms. It's a nice change and, some might say, a bit more elegant than some of the chunkier shoes we saw this spring. Manolo Blahnik's Check d'Orsay pumps definitely match their description of "buckle on vamp," in black and white with patent leather trim, but are still pleasingly understated in their non-aggressive colors, which are more appropriate for fall/winter wear. The classy shoes, with 3 1/2-in. heels, are a good choice for dressing up some black trousers at work, but would look fantastic with a slinky skirt on a night out. If you want to get a jump on the trend and start wearing them now, just tell yourself that "pre-fall" is another word for summer. Price: $565.

Part of their fall lineup, the Double Ring Tote Bag by Jimmy Choo is now available for preorder. The bag is made of incredibly smooth calfskin in black and has a suede lining with a flap closure. The only thing that is unclear about this bag is how it got its name. It could be from the double handles, accented with silver, or the double rows of leather "stitching" that circle the bag. In either case, the bag has a little bit of sass that elevates it beyond a basic black tote. Price: $1,850.

Unlike so many of the other fall bags, this one retains a hint of summer with its gorgeous floral detailing. The thing that really marks it as a fall bag, beyond the obvious fact that it is a part of Fendi's autumn collection, is the color. Fendi's Spy Bag with Flowers comes in a rich, caramel leather that evokes thoughts of the long, warm days and crisp nights that are characteristic of an Indian summer stretching out towards the end of the year. The bag has woven double top handles, which add to its natural look, a flap closure and a hidden coin purse. It measures a large 11"H X 17"L X 9"W and has a canvas lining, which makes it incredibly versatile for daily use. Price: $2,840.

While big bags are hot for summer, they're going to get smaller as the days get shorter. This Struzzo Mini Globe by Loro Piana is a perfect example of this phenomenon. Part of the designer's pre-fall collection, it is made of ostrich leather with a metallic silver finish, giving it an elegant look for evening wear. The hardware and lock charms are done in a soft, contrasting gold that will attract just the right amount of notice. Knowing the Bergdorf shoppers, it's surprising that this bag is actually still in stock, but since it is fairly new, it's possible that they haven't had time to go over and pick one up yet. Price: $5,470.