FROM LEFT: Python boots in black and yellow ($2,700) and yellow and turquoise ($2,500), Prada. 45 E. 57th St.

Python has made a definitive comeback this season. At the hands of Chloé’s exiting head designer, Hannah MacGibbon, snakeskin was reimagined in flowing neutral chiffon, while Frida Giannini created a fiery painted python bomber jacket for Gucci. Quintessential New York designer Marc Jacobs led the way, with astrakhan and python pieced boots with tonal lace-up detailing, which marched down the Louis Vuitton runway before hitting the streets of Fifth Avenue. Meanwhile, Miuccia Prada’s optical play on python (PICTURED) raised the mod look to high fashion, which she paired with the Peter Pan collars and ’60s styles that have ruled this season’s runways. These boots are among the must-have pieces for fall—practical heavy heels, in a frenzy of vibrant hues and neutrals complement the classics. As New York women know best, it’s about finding the accessory to take you through the season—an updated classic, a covetable, hard-to-get piece that’s subtle enough to save but statement making to capture the moment.

PHOTOGRAPH BY BRIAN KLUTCH

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Treasure bag from DKNY’s limited edition collection

 

Tote bag from DKNY’s limited edition collection

 

Travel bag from DKNY’s limited edition collection

 

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Tina Craig and Kelly Cook let the world know what’s in and what’s not on bagsnob.com, reporting the latest trends and profiling designers in the industry. From a Twitter conversation between @bagsnob and @dkny about what makes a good handbag, a friendship and partnership blossomed, culminating in a limited-edition collaboration between the bloggers and the designer.

Craig and Cook focused on designing for the “girl who knows what she wants and gets it done herself… and is prepared to go anywhere and do anything, all while looking fabulous.” The five styles of handbags in the mini collection—the Tote, the Travel, the Treasure, the Trendy and the Clutch—are designed to fulfill the needs of every DKNY woman. Thoughtful details such as metal feet, specially designed jacquard lining and exterior pockets for quick access on the go are enhanced with bold color and print combinations such as chino matte embossed croc and charcoal leather with a bright lipstickred handle. DKNY, 655 Madison Ave.

Black diamante leather briefcase, Gucci ($2,090). 725 Fifth Ave.

The arrival of fall means a return to dressing up. Time to store the canvas field bags and delight in the sleek briefcases that dominate the runways this season. We especially love the textured leather version from Gucci’s autumn collection. The checkered embossing is reminiscent of a traditional tweed and the dapper gentlemen of generations past. The accordion style and multiple suede inside pockets make for the perfect carryall. Complete the look with textured and patterned suiting from fall collections ranging from Italian heavyweights like Gucci and Kiton to American classics such as Calvin Klein and Nautica.

PHOTOGRAPH BY BRIAN KLUTCH

Armani’s childrenswear line, Armani Junior, lets kids be just as chic as their parents, with sophisticated but fun pieces for school, sports and weekend adventures. 717 Fifth Ave., 212-339-5950

Edit New York just launched a new shop, called Little Edit, inside its Upper East Side store. This charming baby boutique offers designer fashions for babies and tots from labels like Kissy Kissy and Baby Dior. 1368 Lexington Ave., 212-876-1368

PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL MOLINOFF

Gucci’s 1921 Collection celebrates the brand’s 90th anniversary with a new trademark and bold style that pays homage to its roots. Their innovative leather-covered sunglasses with 18k gold plaque are anything but antiquated. 725 Fifth Ave., 212-826-2600

J Brand just upped the ante for its fashion forward and social media-inclined shoppers. Visitors to the brand’s revamped website can now virtually try on clothes, get opinions from their friends and inspire people all over the world with their sense of style. The new site is filled with denim recommendations for various body types and features enhanced photography and zoom options from all angles. Perhaps the most exciting innovation is the ability to share virtual ensembles with followers and friends on Twitter and Facebook for feedback. Also new are style notes from top fashion experts such as NYLON editor-at-large, stylist and girl about town Dani Stahl, Esquire fashion editor and stylist Nic Screws and L.A. stylist of Rachel ZoeProject fame Brad Goreski. Style inspiration photos and guest blogs from contributors such as Song of Style’s Aimee Song add to the shopping and style spotting experience on the new site. And the new J World page allows visitors to upload personal style snapshots as well as browse photographs posted by others, which are seemingly endless in numbers and sartorial inspiration. 

Aesop's Grand Central Station kiosk

Amidst the clicks of tourists’ cameras and the swish of speed walking New Yorkers sits Aesop’s new Grand Central Station kiosk: a miniature oasis of calm. The new kiosk, stocked with all-natural oils, skin and hair products, marks the Australian brand’s first retail shop foray into the American market. Known for its use of plant-based materials to tone and hydrate skin, as well as condition and cleanse the hair and body, Aesop’s products are made with whole, natural ingredients such as clove, macadamia seed and sandalwood. An advocate of “good food, plentiful travel and a healthy dose of good books,” the all-natural beauty brand takes the themes behind its retail design to heart. Much like its Taiwan outpost, where books of antiquity surround products, the Grand Central kiosk uses the written word—with a nod to NYC—as a pedestal for Aesop’s hair, skin and body goods. Designed by Jeremy Barbour of Tacklebox architecture and design firm, the Graybar Passage kiosk is made of more than 1,000 recycled copies of The New York Times. Visit the kiosk and pick up the exclusive Jet Set Kit, including travel-size Gentle Scalp Cleansing Shampoo, Revitalizing Hair Sealing Conditioner, Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser and Rind Concentrate Body Balm. The kit is only available at the kiosk and was made in collaboration with the Dia Art Foundation.

Inspired by a trip to Peru, Kate Moss has once again teamed up with Longchamp to create her third collection of bags with the brand. We love this striped canvas tote for a weekend getaway. 713 Madison Ave., 212-223-1500

Sun Verbena gloss protector and fresh face mist

On July 27, L’Occitane en Provence will bring its olfactory delights to the Meatpacking District. The new store will meld the brand’s calming French countryside aura with its über-hip Meatpacking District surroundings through a fresh new design concept dreamed up by Callison architectural firm and L’Occitane’s in-house design team. "We're unveiling a totally new design concept that marries the gritty origins of the surroundings with the Provençal heritage of the brand,” said L’Occitane’s U.S. managing director Leela Petrakis. The finished product will feature an overall greenhouse-inspired look with industrial accents, like slate flooring, brick walls and modern lighting. The new store will also house the brand’s first-ever men’s unit, a specially designed shopping space just for gents. Stop by and browse the new Sun Verbena collection, inspired by the sunny island of Corsica. 48 Ninth Ave.