Last week, I went a different route that had nothing to do with fashion, but meant alot to me. I veer off on tangents from time to time, but I’m focused on handbags this week. This series of fall-inspired cross dressing guidance and feminization has urged many of you to mention how much you’ve enjoyed these past few weeks, and I’m happy to be on this journey with you!

Keeping fashion at the forefront….

A quick glance into fresh fall looks finds handbags as trendy as ever. You can tell alot about a woman by her bag, you know. But when choosing one, work on thinking about where you will be carrying it and how you will use it, not just if it will ‘go’ with what you have. Keep practicality in mind. That doesn’t mean you’re buying a bag for Grandma! However, if it only matches one outfit or secretly makes you look ridiculous, (like something in the shape of an animal, anything made of rubber (I’ve seen it!), or is a hideous canary yellow when you’re going to pair it with earth-toned clothing, skip it. Chances are, it will find it’s way to the reject pile of your closet and bells were probably going off in your head long before that happens. (Don’t ignore the bell, people. The bell is a warning, and it’s usually correct.)

One tip I often employ is to bring a friend, and get an honest answer about what I’m shopping for. If you have a friend that knows that you are a cross dresser and will be completely truthful with you about items, that’s the one I’m talking about. I am a serious shopper and hate buyer’s remorse, so ask for the truth and accept it. Then, be a good friend and return the favor. Friends don’t let friends buy stupid crap.

Real talk about what you need to know this fall….

Handbags are the perfect accessory when tying your feminine look together. This fall, it’s all about cute bucket and hobo bags, sexy clutches for evening, and trendy backpacks in leather or plaid.  That’s right. Let ‘back-to-school’ inspire you, but think small and trendy like Tommy Hilfiger, not big and old-school like Jansport. Keep messenger bags dedicated to airport carry-on. You want stylish and light, not something bulky and shoulder-killing. There’s alot of embellishment, fur and fringe this fall. Keep it sexy and classy, not gaudy. Handbags are always an accessory to compliment your clothing, not the other way around. If you love the look of a tote, keep it on the smaller side. This is not a beach trip! Some of you don’t have alot to carry and prefer to keep it minimal, so a cute wristlet may be just the thing for you.

My best advice is to have 1-3 super nice bags for special occasions, and then choose something comfortable for everyday. Personally, I have a small and lovely Coach tote that I alternate with a classy, leather hobo when I go out. For everyday, I love buckets and more casual hobos for regular things like shopping trips, the grocery store and my coffee runs. The truth is, moods, activities and even your outlook can change what you like. Be ready, and have fun with it! Just think classy and practical, keep your eyes on sales and bargains and spoil yourself every now and then. You deserve it!

Next week, I’ll be bringing you more feminine guidance in accessorizing for fall. Have a great week!