The fabric includes a coating of titanium dioxide, nitrogen, silver and iodine nano-particles that stands up to washing and drying. No word on when the wonder cotton will be available at the retail level — or how it’ll impact future Tide and Chlorox commercials. Remember the “Mama’s got the magic of Chlorox II” jingle? “Mama’s got the magic of nano-particles” just doesn’t have the same ring to it.

Article by Bluefly at FlyAndMighty.com.

1. The Downtown Rocker: The faux fur glams the boyfriend jeans. Clutch a briefcase for handsome points via Song of Style.

2. Caramel Chic: The Song of Style twists cable knit over a trench. This time a clutch of suede keeps it ladylike.

3.  Laced Up: Five Inch And Up takes it knee high with super high equestrian boots and ankle skimming coat.

4. The Cashmere Crusader: The Glamourai kicks cashmere up to a fresh place.

5. Bundled Beauty: Sea of Shoes layers on the scarves and cozy sweaters. With Aztec print.

6. Glitter Guru: Sparkle like the snowflakes, and like Cherry Blossom Girl’s shoes and clutch.

7. The Colorblocker: Fashion Hippie Loves eats her color palette with a side of mustard. These rich autumnal hues fall brightly into winter.

8. Polka Dots & Hawaiian Punch: Profresh Style took a plain red sweater to werq!

9. Fur + Sequins = BFFs: Brooklyn Blonde makes opposite textures attract under one glamorous guise.

10. Wild About Layering: Keiko Lynn transforms a catty shirt dress from day to night a cinched belt.

 [FlyandMighty]

Fendi Olive Colorblock Naturelle Pelle “Twins” Shopping Tote, $1680 from $ 2100 on Bluefly

This bag is so beautiful and can fit your whole life inside. It’s the perfect laptop carrier too.

Celine Moss Leather Top Handle Large Boston Tote, $1550 from $1240 on Bluefly

The vintage bowling bag look of this tote is ultra cool, and the color will look great even after some wear and tear.

Yves Saint Laurent Brown Calf large “Vanity” Bowler Bag, $1436 from $1795 on Bluefly

Perfect for travel, the design and color of this bag are too chic for words. If you’re looking to replace your overnight bag, this is your new friend.

LINK LOVE: Vintage Handbags & Purses

Each year, $600 Billion counterfeit products are sold, causing a $512 Billion loss in global sales. And each year, Harper’s Bazaar runs an editorial investigation on fake trade, and the significance of purchasing authentic luxury products. They’ve put together a site called Fakes Are Never In Fashion, to help readers learn the dangers of buying fake, and how to be sure you’re buying the real deal.  There’s also a blog called Counterfeit Chic, that tips off online shoppers to fakes, and Lululemon even posted on their site a 9 step how-to for spotting their fakes on the web and on the street.

You may think that buying fakes isn’t a big deal, just a more affordable way to get designer(ish) goods, but aside from being illegal, and costing billions of dollars to the retail industry, most of these goods are produced overseas in sweatshops, under disturbing conditions. NY Daily News reported:

“In a recent sweatshop raid in Thailand, a group of children, all under 10 years old, was found assembling leather purses. Horrifyingly, their limbs had been deliberately broken to keep them from escaping. The owners had tied their lower legs to their thighs so the bones wouldn’t mend.”

After reading this, I’ll never for a second consider following one of the vendors on Canal street down a dark alley or into a shady apartment, and even though I can’t afford luxury designers, I’ll save my money for Portero or Bag Borrow or Steal or buy vintage styles or from a good boutique that’s more in my price range.  

Many people might see buying fakes as a harmless crime, but when you think about who is making these fakes, think twice before you buy.  You may think you’re ‘sticking it to the man’ by buying ripped off designs, but you’re basically telling the evil man that it’s okay to use and abuse children to make your fake Louis Vuitton handbags and Jimmy Choo shoes.  Get smart, and if you can’t afford luxury items, look somewhere else!