When most people think of fall colors, they go right for the ones that correspond with the changing leaves: brown, gold, orange. And you know me—I love orange. But those aren’t the only great fall colors. Ok, sure, there’s also gray, and black & white together are a great fall combo. I’m all for those colors too. But one of my favorite fall colors is eggplant. Purple to most people, aubergine to those who want to sound snooty or French, eggplant almost becomes a neutral in the fall. You can even pair it with just about any other fall color, except maybe orange. That’s just…ew. But eggplant and gray? Now you’re talking. Slip on a pair of gray wool pants, or a crisp gray blazer, and compliment it with a gorgeous eggplant handbag like the Linea Pelle Dylan zip tote.
Yes, this bag is a little on the large side at 14 inches wide, and 14.5 inches high. But if you’re anything like me, you carry more stuff in fall and winter than you do in the summer. When the weather starts to cool off and get cloudy, I carry a mini umbrella. I also stuff an extra pack of tissues in my handbag for when the cold makes me a little sniffly. I double up on moisturizer to keep my hands protected from the cold, dry air. And then, of course, I have all my regular everyday stuff I can’t be without. So my fall and winter handbags do tend to be a little larger than my spring and summer bags. This one is great because it has space and pockets galore. The interior boasts a triple—triple!—compartment, so I could have one just for my umbrella to keep everything else from getting wet. And no need to worry about the lining getting damp. It’s a zebra stripe twill, not silk or stain, so it will stand up to a little bit of abuse. There are three good-sized exterior pockets for those extra items, and the top zips closed, protecting everything from the elements. The final touch? The Dylan is made by hand from enzyme-washed Italian leather, so it’s super soft and slouchy. If eggplant’s not for you, it also comes in black and scotch, which is basically tan. It comes with a dust bag, too. Check it out for $495 at Endless.com.
Budget Saving Alternatives
Just as slouchy, not as big, and easier on the budget, the Tignanello Glam zip pocket tote is a gorgeous alternative to the Dylan. It’s also made from ultra-soft, supple leather and offers a bunch of pockets on the outside, as well as a back wall zip and two slide pockets inside. The center divider also zips, so essentially, the Glam is also a triple compartment bag. But do take care with the lining. It’s satin, in a beautiful, multi-colored stripe pattern. It’s also 14 inches wide, but just 10 inches high, for those who prefer a slightly smaller bag. The top’s magnetic snap closure is hidden, sewn into the leather. The only thing I don’t like? The shiny dual logo tags at the handle bases. There’s a leather logo tag inside, and the zipper pulls have the logo on them, too. They’re entering Juicy territory with the logo overkill, but at least it’s fairly small and discreet. I could still do without the handle tags, but whatever. The Glam is available in six other colors: black, cognac, red, ink (blue), white, and maize (gold). Get a couple in your favorite colors for $179 at Endless.com.
You can still get the fabulous eggplant leather look for even less with the Volcom Outsider tote. It’s made from faux leather, but is just as soft as the other two bags. If that’s a mark in the negative column for you, consider the bag’s main feature—the middle zips open, expanding the bag for even more storage space. The lining on the zipper expansion is black, giving a nice contrast to the deep purple exterior. Because of this little secret, the bag is 19.5 inches wide, but with dual shoulder straps and a 10-inch drop, it will hang just right. The exterior also has two extra pockets, while the interior provides a full lining with a back wall zip pocket. The top has a magnetic snap closure. If you prefer, the Outsider also comes in black, and the expansion lining on that one contrasts in this deep purple. Either way, it’s a great addition to your fall wardrobe. Find out for yourself for just $54 at Zappos.com.
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Nice assortment. I admit to be one those people who say “aubergine” and pronounce celebrities’ names the way they are pronounced in the original language, if I know that language. Sorry. Just another of those annoying folks.
Hee hee! I knew that’d get someone a little riled up! No worries. I had a barista at Starbucks make fun of me once because I pronounced croissant the way it’s supposed to be pronounced. Of course, he quit when I responded with, “I guess someone doesn’t want a tip, huh?” :-P
@Diane C. I know what the hell is a Eggplant?
Let me indulge myself while I’m on a tangent. I also call zucchinis – courgettes, snow peas – mange tout and celery root – celeriac.
@studawg – You are hard-core indeed, my friend. I didn’t even know that a mange-tout was a snow pea. I guess I never ate such expensive items while a poor student in “Paree”. (I was also told I sound like a snob when I say “as a student in Paris…” what am I supposed to do? Change my resume?) Boston Lettuce – uh, I mean, laitue – was about the priciest I went. Oh, so sorry, @StyleCynics, we are straying far from fashion, aren’t we? Unless you have a laitue-colored boot with a celeriac stripe?
StuDawg, are you on Twitter? I’ll follow you, we need smiles. I’m @D_Chehab.
By all means, continue! You’re adding culture to the blog. Besides, any mention of Paris equates to fashion, as far as I’m concerned. ;-)
La Fashionista: Let’s not add to the French self-esteem–they are already convinced they represent the epitome of taste! Although in matters of good taste, they are still very much up there.
PS: We’re adding vegetable vocabulary. You want culture? Beware you should get what you ask for!