I just received the new fall catalog from J. Crew—you know, even though I’m not in school any longer, there’s still something about fall and all the new clothes and accessories that come out. I get such enjoyment from looking through the fall catalogs and picking out all the things I want and then trying to figure out how much I can purchase within my budget, which in my opinion, never seems large enough.

After looking through their catalog, I visited J. Crew’s site. They always have a few items each season that only be ordered through their web site or catalog, but the Anya Bag (15″ l x 11″ h x 4.375″ d) looks like it can be purchased in their stores also. Selling for $375, it’s made from tumbled leather and has custom Italian hardware. It has a top snap closure, suede lining and metal feet—love the metal feet.

It comes in a choice of Mountain Pine (dark turquoise) or Pony Brown, each which has contrast stitching along edges. If I were picking, which it would make a good work bag for me, I would choose the Mountain Pine.

A few months ago, I spotted a magazine spread featuring instructions to make handbags from vintage silk scarves and bangle bracelets. I liked the concept of using chic scarves and bangles, but didn’t know how much I would actually like the bag once it was made. It didn’t seem like it would be able to hold much weight.

This Silk Mini Bag by J. Crew reminds me of those bags, but it looks sturdier, and it’s only $68. Made from Italian tie-silk and trimmed with Italian pebbled leather, it has a chain/leather handle, front flap with a magnetic closure and an interior zip pocket. Plus, the more I look at this, the more I like it—it would look so cute on the weekends with jeans.

A dear two-tonal maize straw tote with a cute printed lining and matching fabric tie closure—that is this J. Crew Bicolor Straw Tote. With a triangle shape and a juxtaposed tie to match its cotton poplin lining, this bag is sweet to stroll the boardwalk and I’m even thinking it would be a wonderful accent around the house to hold knitting or magazines, or stand on a table in a sitting room. Call me crazy! But at only $48, this tote could serve any duty.

Montauk: A Native American people formerly inhabiting the eastern end of Long Island in New York. J. Crew Small Printed Montauk Tote with Charm: quite charming indeed.

Something about these convertible J. Crew totes get me, but I was especially impressed with this Montauk print when I saw it in stores a couple of weeks ago. A unique layout of the print on each bag, snazzy convertible style, and cute dangling charms make it special. And now, it’s on sale! It’s down from $59.50 to $29.99. I just might have to snatch one up when I go to the mall on Tuesday. I know, I know. But when a sale-stalkable item pays out with such a great price?? Sure, I’ll think some more about it and make sure I love it when I see it again, but this thing may not last through dilly-dallying!

This purse made me smile! The jewels and grosgrain ribbon are such pretty matches to the natural linen—I do think that ribbon looks like it needs a little fluffing, though! Measuring 10″ l x 6.75″ h, it’s available from J. Crew for $128, which honestly seems a bit steep for this clutch, but oh, it’s so cute!

I sneaked a tiny peek at J. Crew’s Plaid City Tote in my Nan’s catalog. Just my luck! I love the idea of plaid bags and this style is so sweet with allover-outer pockets. Personally, I’d wait out for a more school-girl Fall plaid to buy. And at $98, it’s got to be me, and I’ve got to love it. But for a whimsical, summery look that actually doesn’t have straw, this may be you!

11 1/2 length, cotton/vachetta trim. (Wedges not included.)

Finally, a purse I can actually afford and is on trend with the current crop of purses using natural materials! The Straw Mini Purse by J. Crew ($88) measures 9.75″ l x 5.75″ h and comes in two different color versions. One features straw with brown leather and the other is straw with pink leather—I could have a hard time deciding between these two. I love the pink, but think the brown is a great neutral purse. Choices, choices, choices! The focal point of the purse is the brass O-ring tab closure, which at first, I didn’t know if I liked that much, but it continues to grow on me each time I look at.

J. Crew is having a Fall Sale, which includes this Newbury Suede Bag, for $99.99. It sold originally for $158. Now is the perfect time to buy it—sure, it’s orange and definitely looks like autumn, but you can carry it for a few weeks now and then have an almost-new bag to pull out next autumn! Made of Italian suede with a printed lining, it measures 7″ H x 10.5″ W, with a 7.5″ handle drop.

Check out some of the other bags, like the Ludlow Small Leather Bag on sale for $99.99 and the Refined Plaid Chelsea Tote on sale for $129.99. I would hurry, sale items at J. Crew tend to sell out fast!