Tea began as medicine and morphed into a beverage of choice!
I don't quite remember when I fell in love with tea but I do remember the most 
Until recently I had never drank Peppermint Tea made with loose leaves. And Honestly, I will probably never go back. The freshness of loose Peppermint Tea cannot be denied. When I open the can of 
I love to read! Inside a book I escape into someone else's life. There is something wonderful about turning to the next page of a wonderful story. Something intoxicating about the smell of the book and the story it brings to life. Reading brings me joy, and these days with my health in the balance, I find solace in my books.
While sick and shut in I had nothing better to do but look at the fall 2011 fashion tends on my iPad. And I have to tell you, I like what I see. First out of the gate is a deep rich color that will go with every skin tone and is a perfect alternative to black. Am I trading in my favorite color, NO but I will be adding the rich burgundy /bordeaux to my wardrobe this fall. As I looked at the trends, I found myself in handbag heaven. There were so many I wanted, I had to take a chill pill. For Real!
I love Prada, however, it has been out of my price range for a while. In these hard times, the last few years, I had to sale all of my Prada handbags with the exception of two, that I knew I needed to hold onto. It was two bags, that I could never replace, especially at the price that I actually paid for them. That's why it's important to develop relationships with sales people at the high end stores. They will call you when something great is on sale. Any who, I sold all my other Prada handbags because I prefer to have a roof over my head, than to be homeless with a designer handbag. For Real For Real
When I saw the Prada Saffiano Lux Top Handle (top)and Lux Tote (bottom) I was in love. Now this handbag is a staple in Prada's line. They claim it is the most durable leather you can buy. And let me tell you, the fall colors are singing my song. The bag at the top is $1990 and the bag at the bottom is $1560
Of course I wanted the larger bag with the zippers and the center pocket. It has a cleaner structure then the bag below, and it is larger; And my motto, the larger the better. And it makes a STATMENT! But I knew that I couldn't afford to have the larger bag, especially because I had already decided on the Lux Tote in another color to match a Hermes bracelet on my want list. Now don't be confused, Prada makes a statement any size and shape. But there is statement and then there is STATEMENT.
Let me tell you, when I left Prada, I had to talk to myself all day long. I knew in my right mind, there was no why in hell I could justify buying two Prada handbags in the same year, having just started to get back on my feet. So I reminded myself that the world would not end if I don't own this Prada handbag in burgundy. But in honesty to myself, I should stick to the original plan, the handbag to match my bracelet. By the way, that other color is also a trend and I will tell you all about it in the weeks to come as I continue to highlight my picks for fall fashion 2011.
Now, I had come to my senses, but what was I gonna do about the fall trend of burgundy /bordeaux? I was firm, I needed to be practical. Practical being living within my means. But the Fashion Diva that I am wanted to add this wonderful color. Especially since I wear a lot of black, it pairs beautifully.
I was sad about it LOL... But For Real. Then one of my favorite American designers made me one happy Diva. You can always count on Tory Burch to render quality and cute at a more moderate price.
The Robinson Tote is also a staple in Tory Burch Handbag line like Prada's Saffiano, she just also updated the colors for the fall. Now this handbag is wonderful! It has structure like the Prada Top Handle bag. Even though it's a tad shorter than Saffiano Top Handle, its lager than Prada's Tote. The bottom line, you get the look but only at faction of the cost. The Robinson handbag is $550.00. And might I add that both Prada and Tory Burch have these bags in grey which is also tending for the fall.
Now, I'm going to suggest to you that you invest in a good quality handbag at some point in your life. It will last you for years and will always make a fashion statement. Let me say this...
When I purchased my first Louis Vuitton, I was 20 years old. I saved a little out of each pay check until I had enough money to get a bag. I didn't try to but the largest, I got what was age appropriate and affordable for a 20 year old..
However, if you can't afford a bag this season don't stress, just get you a beautiful scarf with this rich color of burgundy /bordeaux and tie it on the handle of your carmel and or black handbag and you will still be trending for fall 2011.
