'm way past the need for back-to-school shopping, but I still feel that need for "new" every fall. My mother programmed me from a young age (when she'd give me free reign at the Gap) to refresh my wardrobe as soon as I feel that cool autumn air. It's here!

First things first: I could use a new handbag. As hard as it is to believe, I haven't made a major handbag purchase in more than a year. In case you were wondering, it was an Alexander Wang Tina zip clutch. I hadn't felt a yearning for much else until I had to take Tina to Giovanni at Odessa Instant Shoe Repair (219 Newbury) for a little nip and tuck in the shoulder strap department.

I don't believe in owning a ton of handbags. It's makes life, and getting dressed, much too complicated. But variety is important. It's fun to think about what I would buy, if money weren't an option. In truth, it's hard to find a bag that suits me perfectly. I'm looking for something that feels good on my shoulder. It should be slouchy, but slightly structured, made of a luxurious material, and not something you are going to see on every girl walking down Newbury Street.

Handbag purchases should not be made lightly. There is nothing worse than spending money on something you fall out of love with in a month. The fact that a black Bottega Veneta tote, purchased at least four years ago, is still in my rotation, pleases me greatly. Its sister version in electric aqua, was not such a good choice, and has gone on to lead a very happy life in Los Angeles via eBay.

This summer, I relied on the convertible clutch/messenger to take me from my bike to work and play. Both of my standbys (one in gray eel skin, one in white studded leather) were from the Haberdash and cost less then $30 each. I do like the idea of investing in one major bag, and filling in the spaces with pieces you don't have to think twice about.

I've been tempted by YSL and Balenciaga. Chloe will always pull at my heart strings. I see Hermes in the future. But for the moment, I'm still stuck on Mr. Wang. His designs have a balance of punk elegance that I find very hard to resist, and the prices are almost affordable.

I might just have to skip down to Stel's and snatch up the Alexander Wang Diego bucket (above) in leopard print. It's a perfect medium size, I have nothing that shape, and the leopard trim will look fantastic with my fall/winter uniform of all black. It's certainly not cheap, at $950, but considering Chanel's recent increases, which put the price of a classic quilted purse above $4,000, the Diego seems like a steal. What do you think?