Cole Haan has a new heritage collection called Cole, Rood & Haan, which includes the name of one of Cole Haan’s original founders from the 1920s. These styles are a perfect fit with the renewed focus on menswear-inspired shoes (such as Marc Jacobs’ patent jazz flats from last fall), and the spring/summer 2010 line is absolutely gorgeous. This collection includes traditional saddle shoes, wing tips, soft chukka boots, deck shoes and sandals, but the Crush boots stopped me in my tracks when I first saw them in person.

Crush comes in black leather for winter, but whiskey leather and natural canvas with antique brass studs are incredibly charming. I think these are the perfect spring and summer boots. The golden color of the leather will age beautifully, adding a historical worn-in feel without looking shabby. The stacked leather heel, leather lining and wing-tip details speak of fine quality, while the side zip makes them easy to wear. I can envision these with denim capri pants or shorts, a long prairie skirt, soft linen trousers, or even a sweet sundress.

Cole, Rood & Haan Crush boots are available for $375 at the Cole Haan site (they offer free shipping) or in the CH retail stores. I haven’t seen them on any other sites or in other shops.

I love Macs, but the prices are effing ridiculous. I’ve recently discovered a way to help defray some of that cost. As a corporation, I’m sure this is not their largest secret…but here’s a small secret you may not know about: Refurbished Macs. There’s an entire selection of discounted Apple stuff that is not publicized at all. You can’t navigate to it from the homepage, and even on the Apple Store page it’s relegated to the bottom left corner, well below the fold, in a box marked “Special Deals.” The box contains pretty images of rainbow-colored iPods, but refurbished Macs are relegated to one line of text in tiny font.

Once you click on “Refurbished Mac” you are taken to a wide selection of refurb goodness – Macbook Pros, Macbook Airs, iMacs, Mac Pros and more. These are used Apple products that undergo a refurbishment process, including full cleaning, testing, repair and repackaging. Apple certifies that all defective components have been replaced and everything is fully functional. They stand behind their certification by issuing the same full 1-year warranty as with new products, and you can purchase Apple Care for certified refurb items at the same price as new.

Depending on the retail cost, savings on refurbished gear can be substantial. High-dollar units like the iMac go for $300-$500 less than retail, Macbook Pros and Airs are $200-$400 cheaper, and iPods offer savings of $20-$40. Remember when the Macbook Air first came out and it was $3,000? Now you can get a refurbished newer model for $1,099 — just $100 more than a new Macbook.

Pro tip: If you don’t see exactly the model you want, keep coming back to check (or reloading the page of you’re truly obsessed like me), because the inventory changes constantly. If you DO see exactly the model you want, grab it, because it may not be there a few hours later.

So what’s the quality like? Well, I was a bit skeptical myself, but this week I decided to check it out. On December 23rd I found a refurb 13″ Macbook Pro for $300 off retail, and ordered it. Apple offered free overnight shipping for the holidays, but said it would take 3-5 business days to ship, so my earliest expected arrival date was December 30. Much to my surprise, later that same evening I received shipping notification, and by 3 pm on December 24 – just 26 hours after I ordered it – my shiny new toy had been Fedexed to my doorstep. After a 10-hour day at work (who works until 6 pm on Christmas Eve?) it totally made my day.

Just for fun, I waited until Christmas morning to open it. There isn’t much about this on the Apple website, but Amazon makes a big deal out of Apple’s “Frustration-Free Packaging” and they aren’t kidding about that. Inside the shipping carton, there was no inner box, no tape to struggle with – the Macbook was simply suspended by a piece of soft foam at either end. On top, nestled perfectly into a niche in the foam, was a long rectangular slider box, quietly marked “Apple Certified.” This box contained the power cable and adaptor brick, a booklet marked “Everything Mac,” a CD slipcase marked “Everything Else,” and a polishing cloth.

The Macbook itself was wrapped in clear cellophane, which I opened to find a perfectly clean, pristine, like-new unit, inside and out. Not a scratch or a smudge to be found anywhere. I booted it up and it started up just like a brand-new Mac — with Snow Leopard, no less. I spent the entire day (OK, so I have no life) putting it through its paces, and so far everything has worked perfectly. It blows my EEE PC out of the water, which is to be expected, and it also easily performs as well as my beloved 24″ iMac…but that’s a whole other post. If everything continues to be good, I will be completely sold on the refurb concept. I can’t see any reason to go back to paying full retail price for fabulous-but-overpriced Macs.

As a side note, Amazon has Speck satin-finish hardshell cases for the Macbook Pro on sale for $38, which is $10 cheaper than the Speck website…and yes, they come in pink.

This post was powered by delicious coffee and leftover holiday chocolate chip cookies.

After hours of careful consideration, I succumbed to the temptation to replace my pink PSP Slim (aka 2000) with the new PSP Go (aka N1000) model. I attempted to trade in my 2000 but GameStop wouldn’t take it because it’s a Japanese import, so I will probably sell it on evilBay or Craigslist instead. I actually hate to get rid of it because it’s so pretty, but I just don’t need two PSPs.

So, why the PSP Go and not the PSP 3000? I considered the pretty lilac 3000, but since I am over the age of eight, I really didn’t need all the Hannah Montana crap that comes with it. Also, the system itself is not all that different from the 2000. The PSP Go is a completely different shape and size and uses a substantially different philosophy in terms of functionality (more on that below). Unfortunately it only comes in black and white, at least for now, so I went with white. Like the iPhone, I figure I can get a pink case for it at some point and it will look better with the white behind it.

In terms of look and feel, the PSP Go is a pretty sweet piece of kit. It’s only slightly larger and thicker than my iPhone, and unlike the PSP 2000, it fits easily in a pocket. The Pearl White case is glittery in the sunlight, and less of a smudge-magnet than the Piano Black. The Go screen is about the same size as the 2000, but noticeably brighter and clearer. The slide function to access the controls is smooth and solid, and the buttons are laid out well and easy to use.

Aside from the slider format, the main functional difference between the Go and the older models is the lack of UMD drive. Although this is a benefit in my book (no more carrying around a case full of UMDs), this has been a major source of contention for gamers who have invested a lot of cash in UMD movies and games. It’s not a big issue for me because I had maybe 5 UMD games, and I had no movies because my Japanese PSP 2000 wouldn’t play US-formatted movies. When I bought the Go, I traded in my UMD games (along with some unloved PS2 and Wii games), so it wasn’t a total loss.

Games for the Go are available via download from the Playstation Store only, which is another complaint from gamers. You can download them directly from the console via wireless, or use your PC or PS3 as an intermediary. However, you can’t trade downloaded games in for credit if it turns out you don’t like them, and you can’t rent them to try them out before buying. Currently there is not a huge selection of games available in the PS Store, but there are some good ones, and more are being added. Regular games are about the same price as the UMD games, but some are less and the “PSP Minis” are just a few bucks. The download-only arrangement is similar to Apple’s iTunes model, and although the proprietaryness of it annoys me, IMO it’s worth it to give up the UMD format.

To accomodate all these digital downloads, the PSP Go is equipped with a 16GB hard drive. It will also accept Sony’s Memory Stick Micro for removable memory. The PSP Go has support for Bluetooth, so you can use a Bluetooth headset for Skype or use it to connect with your PC or PS3. It also has buuilt-in Wi-Fi, which I will likely only use for game downloads and system updates. I really have no need to use the very limited browser or RSS reader when I have an iPhone with real Safari.

There’s not much in the box along with the PSP Go – just the combination USB/power cable and the manual, plus a voucher to download Rock Band Unplugged Lite free. There’s a CD containing Media Go, Sony’s iTunes-like media manager, but you’re better off downloading the newest version (free) from the Playstation Network. Media Go is unfortunately not available in Mac format, so I have to use it with my netbook, but it does make managing everything easier. It had been a while since I accessed the Playstation Store, so when I logged in through Media Go it was nice to learn that not only could I re-download the digital games I’d purchased for the PSP 2000, but I also had a $19 credit waiting for me. Downloading Rock Band was as easy as adding the voucher code under “Redeem Codes.”

Connecting to wireless was a bit of a challenge. I tried it in two places, at work and at home. The work network has much more security so it took a bit of finagling to get the right key sequence entered. My home network is not secured, but initially I couldn’t connect at all. After a little internet research (OK, I could RTFM but I didn’t) I learned that the PSP needs wireless-b and my router was configured for wireless-g only. After tweaking those settings on my router it worked fine.

Inside the PSP Go, there are locations already set up for you to add your own music, photos, and video, and it has a bajillion different system color schemes to choose from. In addition to Rock Band, there’s a pre-loaded demo for the new Patapon 2 game and free Skype software. Rock Band comes with 5 songs but you can download more at $1.99 each, and some of them are pretty good. In my next post, I will write more about games and game play on the PSP Go.

Oh, boots with buttons, how I love thee…there’s something about this old-fashioned style that really blows my skirt up. Frye’s version of the button boot is perfectly Victorian and modern at the same time, with piping and a round toe complementing a leather sole and curvy heel. The cranberry color is unexpected in a style this traditional, but it comes in four other colors, including slate grey and navy blue.

This boot has a 4″ heel, but the tiny 1/2″ platform means it is probably more stable and comfortable to wear than most high heels. The shaft measures 15″ – 17″, depending on where you measure from, and is decorated with antique brass filigree buttons. There’s an inside zipper in matching antique brass so you don’t have to fumble with all those buttons (most of us don’t have buttonhooks these days).

As with most things that are both beautiful and high-quality, the Frye Matildas are not inexpensive. At $450 they are not something you could realistically collect in every color, unless you’re independently wealthy or want to eat Ramen for dinner all winter. But the style is timeless, and Frye boots are made to last a lifetime, so they are a good investment. Go get ‘em at Zappos, Endless, or the Frye website. Note: Some reviews say that the shaft of this boot runs narrow, so if you can’t try them on before buying, check the specs and measure your calves before ordering to be sure they will fit.

I saw an ad for this on Facebook yesterday and had to check it out – WordPress jewelry! Just in time for the holidays, these earrings or pendants would make a thoughtful gift for your favorite word-nerd or girl blogger. I love that they have kept the design subtle but recognizable, and used “top quality silver” which I assume to be .925 sterling. Nice work.

Unfortunately, they appear to be sold out at the moment. Word on the Web is that they are still pursuing copyright permission from WordPress. Whether the issues are production or legal (or both), I hope they can get everything worked out, because these just delight and tickle me. OK, so that makes me a big dork. I can live with that.

In my recent online adventures, I came across the NOVICA handbags site, and I was pleasantly surprised by what I found there. I’d heard of NOVICA before, I knew that they had some association with National Geographic, and that they had crafts for sale from around the world. I am a proponent of sustainable living (little known Pixie fact) and write another blog about my own experiences with it, so I am in complete agreement with NOVICA’s mission to help support global artisans. However, I mistakenly expected everything on this site to look like something from an art class project. NOVICA handbags does have its share of craftsy batik and hemp bags, but it also has some surprisingly beautiful and chic pieces.

The first one that caught my eye was the bag pictured above, the Bows handbag by Brazilian Rogerio Souza. A professional leather craftsman with 20 years of experience, he has designed a chic, uncomplicated, elegant leather bag suitable for the classiest occasions — for less than $120. At 12″ x 9″ it’s a very practical size, and smart details like the small bow and magnetic closure show the designer’s attention to detail.

The next item I found was the beaded silk Paisley evening bag. Handmade by an Indian woman named Nupur, the swirling paisley shape has been painstakingly hand-embroidered and beaded to create a unique, one-of-a-kind piece that looks much more expensive than its $70 price tag. I added this to my shopping cart instantly, even though I rarely have occasion to carry such a beautiful treasure.

Another classic shape, this leather Tea Time clutch would be equally at home at a business event, on a day trip to an art museum or having tea with the Queen. This framed style is made by Mexican designer Ricardo Hinojosa and is larger than it looks, measuring nearly 16″ x 10.” This style is also available in dark brown, but something about the golden honey color really appeals to me. At $115, this is extremely affordable elegance you can feel good about.

Lastly, I had to include this Apparition tote in my list of NOVICA favorites. This sturdy leather-and-cotton design does fall into the craftsy category, but the mix of textures and colors is quietly sweet. Brazilian husband-and-wife team Luciano and Fabiana weave their local customs and flavor into each of their designs, making this bag truly unique. It’s a large bag, about 17″ x 12″ x 5,” and it includes quality details such as a leather bottom and internal key hooks. This bag would be a great work tote, market tote, or even an overnight bag if you pack somewhat lightly. At $185 it’s a little pricier than the other bags, but still significantly less than the cost of a designer wallet or sunglasses.

They’re pink. They’re Christian Louboutin. They’re 40% off at Bob Ellis. What’s not to love?

Decollete is one of CL’s classier styles. The low, exposed sides give this style its name, but the graceful lines keep these 4″ heels on the elegant side of sexy. The suede version is also available in grey and red, but this sweet rose color is, of course, my favorite. I can envision these with ivory or tan trousers and a pink print blouse for work, with soft neutral summer linens for a date, or with a pretty dress on a special occasion.

As with most Christian Louboutin, you may need to go up a size. Try them on in person if you can, because CL styles vary in fit. If you order online, be sure you can return them if they aren’t quite right.

Once upon a time, I had a Balenciaga Box in Rouge Vif. She was a beautiful, happy red purse, so I named her Boxey Love. I sold her for some reason (I think my car needed tires or something), and I’ve been missing her ever since. Balenciaga has since discontinued the Box style, which is sad because it was a great size and shape. Like Goldilocks’ quest for the perfect bed, this style was not too big, not too small, but just right. When I found this beauty at Belen Echandia, it reminded me so much of Boxey Love that I had to make her mine.

Be Mine Mini is about the same size and shape as the Bal Box style, but in truth I think I like it better. The color is simply luscious – it’s the perfect red, saturated and rich and juicy with slight blue undertones, but not too dark and not too bright. The leather is soft and slightly crinkly, with a glossy sheen. It is lined in Belen Echandia’s signature pink silk, and is roomier than it looks.

What really blows my skirt up about this handbag is the tiny details. The trim is edged in zigzag pinking, and there’s a tiny pink crystal embedded at each end of the zipper. The top zips securely, but there’s also a magnetic snap closure at the top…which I am more likely to use than the zipper. The outside half-moon-shaped pocket fits my iPhone easily; there are two inside slip pockets and one interior zip pocket.

At 13″ x 7″ x 6″, this is the Perfect Weekend Bag. It will fit essentials with room to spare, so it’s perfect for days when I don’t need to carry extra stuff to work. The handle drop is 6″, so this is strictly a hand- or arm-carried bag, but it’s lightweight so it won’t be obnoxious to lug around.

You can’t find the Be Mine Mini style on the main BE website, but you can register with Belen Echandia Couture and they will make one just for you, in your choice of more than 65 leathers (including purple python), gold or silver hardware, and 8 silk lining colors, plus customizations like longer straps or extra pockets. BE Couture is unique among handbag designers, because they offer truly personal service, spectacular quality and the opportunity to help design a one-of-a-kind bag…for less than “off-the-rack” bags from the big design houses. As with all Belen Echandia bags, BE Couture orders are handmade by skilled leather artisans in Tuscany. Because of this individual attention, Couture turnaround time is about a month — so if you want something for a special occasion, remember to order in advance.

This sky-blue Balenciaga Step is sister to the petal-pink version I wrote about last summer. I have given up almost all of my Balenciagas in favor of sturdier bags, but the Step style is one that I can’t seem to part with. The Step’s gently triangular shape reminds me ever so slightly of the Hermès Kelly bag, both ladylike and practical at the same time. The soft spring color (2008 Sky Blue for my Bal-obsessive sisters) is a cross between cloudless sky and Caribbean ocean, and will go great with jeans, but would also look spectacular with cool summer whites, neutral sandals and a tan.

The photo above shows this bag reclining in the shade, and the one at right is basking in the sunlight.

Unfortunately the Step style has been all but discontinued. I found this barely-loved beauty secondhand, which may be your best bet if you can’t find what you want the stores. HGBags is a reputable eBay seller with a good Balenciaga selection, or you may want to try Bonanzle or Ann’s Fabulous Finds.

I was looking for a stylish day bag for spring, and found the Mulberry Somerset Tote. The name alone makes this bag appealing – Mulberry is headquartered in Somerset, England, one of my favorite places, and many of its bags are still made there. But this bag’s beauty is not in name alone, it’s also present in the classic shape, the beautifully soft leather, the quality craftmanship, and thoughtful details.

The Somerset Tote is also a very practical bag, perfect to take to work every day. Measuring roughly 11″ x 15″ x 6″, it’s big enough that you can throw in your umbrella and a sandwich in addition to the usual stuff. The buttoned tabs at the top allow the bag to expand when needed. But the soft, silky pebbled leather means that the bag slouches nicely when it’s not full, so it takes up less room.

The only thing I’d change about this bag is the handles. I love hand-carried satchels, so I’d rather have slightly shorter handles — I think they would be a little nicer aesthetically. However, the longer strap drop does allow for carrying this bag on the shoulder, which is convenient if you need your hands free.

Unlike some of the other Mulberry bags, this one is fully lined in a lovely off-white cotton. There’s a zip pocket on the inside and one the outside, and the top of the bag closes with a magnetic snap.

What I love most about the Somerset Tote are the little thoughtful details – the mulberry-tree medallion on the front is echoed on the front zipper pull and even on the buttons for the side straps. The antique brass hardware gives this bag the look of an old and dear friend, but the sophisticated shape makes it just as sweet in the big city as it would be roaming the beautiful countryside of Somerset. If you would like to take Ms. Somerset on your own adventure, or even just to work and back, you can find her online at Mulberry.com.