We typically avoid the color purple. When given the option, we almost always choose pink or red instead. This holds true for everything from Popsicles and bubble gum, to clothing and home decor. Not exactly sure why this is...perhaps one too many sour memories of a big purple PBS dinosaur from our past ::shudder::

Yet in the case of this purple jeweled backpack, we are absolutely in love with the royal color—which also happens to be one of this fall's hottest hues. It's high-glam attitude is punctuated by sparkling rhinestones and metallic gold trim. In short, fabulous.

Plus, it makes carrying the comfortable, though rarely chic, backpack entirely acceptable. Just keep the rest of your look to a minimum—in fact, we'd recommend wearing this purple gem with jeans and ballet flats. It's the perfect bag to carry all your essentials during the day and into the long night.

And, it won't tell you children to play nice.

Jeweled backpack from Victoria's Secret, $68

Try-on any pair of Nine West Jeans and receive a complimentary corduroy cap at select Macy's locations.

Nine West has jeans??

Oh, yes, they do now. The shoe giant continues to expand their repertoire of accessories, apparel and denim.

See for yourself at the brand spankin' new NineWest.com. Fancy!

If you've been a shrinking violet all summer long, now's your chance to get in on some fun-in-the-sun action—before it's too late!

The Victoria Secret Swim Sale and Clearance is going on now with savings of up to 70% off select styles.

Pick up a suit and head to the beach, or keep it handy for that mid-winter tropical vacation you'll be taking in the not-too-distant future. (Hey, it could happen!)

If you're looking for the perfect outfit for a special occasion, look no further than this flirty red frock. Add a slinky silver purse and strappy satin heels, and you'll be little red rockin' hood in no time flat.


[1] Red dress, Mangoshop.com $145.00 $69.99
[2] Silver Patchwork Python Satchel Inspired by Marc Jacobs, Baghaus.com $39.99
[3] Satin heels, Mangoshop.com $99.00 $48.99
Total: $158.97

Ok, let's get this over with.

Crocs are the shoes that fashionistas everywhere love to hate. They're clunky, funky and all-around offensive to our sense of aesthetics...and yet, people seem to love 'em.

It was only after we actually held said Crocs in our own two hands that we understood their appeal: They are quite literally as light as a feather. We're talking marshmallow light, no joke. In case you've never picked one up, give it a try. You'll be shocked.

So this makes Crocs comfortable, and the same special substance that makes the shoes featherlight (it's not quite foam, not quite plastic) also wicks away sweat and resists odors.

Crocs are so popular that they've even inspired some to create accessories specifically designed for adorning your crocs, with a brand called Jibbitz taking the lead. They're basically small charms that fit into the holes on Crocs. Kudos to the mom who invented these things and then sold her company to Crocs, but these trinkets should really be reserved for kids.

Which brings us to our conclusion: Crocs are super cute on young children and toddlers, but ridiculous on grownups. We don't begrudge those who choose to wear them—on the contrary, we kind of admire their chutzpah.

But personally, we did enough damage when we bought Birks, and we're not about to make another fugly shoe mistake with Crocs.

What do you think about Crocs? Love 'em or leave 'em?