I am beyond flattered. The Peabody Essex Museum turned my story on geriatric glamazon Iris Apfel into a tote bag, a purse, and a wristlet! You can pick up these well-written accessories at the museum's gift shop.

And just in case you can't get enough Iris (or missed her amazing talk with Isaac Mizrahi earlier this month), the Peabody Essex has another full weekend of Iris activities coming up in early December (find the full schedule in the extended entry), including a fashion session with Iris, a screening of Mizrahi's "Unzipped," and a talk with Iris, Pulitzer-Prize winning fashion writer Robin Givhan, and designer Michael Vollbracht.

If you haven't been to see this incredible exhibition of Apfel's wardrobe, I highly suggest a trip to Salem.

I realize a few of you break out into hives and feel the urge to cuddle with a Sara Lee pound cake at the mere thought of starting your holiday shopping. But here's a fun excuse to start. The Design Salon, a group of Boston-area designers and artists are holiding their second annual design sale on Saturday. You can find jewelery, art, stationary, and all sorts of locally created goodies.

Details? I thought you'd never ask!

Design Salon
2nd Annual Holiday Sale
Saturday, November 21
10am-5pm
Kingsley Montessori
26 Exeter Street (between Newbury and Commonwealth Avenue)

for a full list of participants, read the extended entry

Fanning — it's like fawning, get it? Excuse my reach. Let's get to the point: I want Dakota Fanning's Valentino dress from the LA premiere of "New Moon."

[AP Photo/Chris Pizzello]

It's mostly sweet and a little bit vampy — and the lacy neckline is so flattering. The sky-high platform heels are too much for my tastes, but hey, to each her own.

I also think the dress looks age-appropriate on Dakota (read: it covers all the places it should and doesn't show upper thigh), though there has been some debate around the Interweb on this point.

Please. Your worries and concern should be directed to Kristen Stewart. Stat. May I remind you that she refuses to play nice with showers and brushes? She wore a dress with sheer butt panels, for werewolf's sake!

This adorable mug from Bailey Doesn't Bark would make a good going-away gift for a dear friend or coworker, no?

Simply write your message with a porcelain pen and bake it in the oven for 35 minutes. Voilà! Your sentiments literally set in stone.

Coloring books? Good. Indie rock? Good. A coloring book inspired by indie rock that benefits the Yellow Bird Project and its affiliated charities? What's not to like? Illustrator and graphic designer Andy J. Miller (who's worked on "Yo Gabba Gabba") drew the fantastic, rocking images in the book: Find all the birds in Devendra Banhart's beard. Work your way through a Broken Social Scene maze. Revel in the psychedelic festivities at Clap Your Hands Say Yeah's carnival. Express yourself in wax and paper.

[Live the hipster dream for just $10!]

Cool bonus: Pierre de Reeder of Rilo Kiley penned the foreword.

We might just buy a new 120-count box of Crayolas to celebrate. Smells like school.

Valentino will be donating 10 percent of all sales from Nov. 4 to Nov. 8 to cancer research. And just in case that wasn't enough to motivate you Avril Graham, Harper's Bazaar executive fashion and beauty editor, will dispense style tips for shoppers on Nov. 4 from 6 to 9 p.m.

To get yourself in the mood for your feel-good shopping extravaganza, I recommend you pick up the DVD of "Valentino: The Last Emperor." If you haven't spent all of your money on Pugs and Puppy Chow by the end of the fashion doc, then by all means start scanning the racks at Valentino and get indulgent for charity.

South Shore T-shirt magnate Johnny Cupcakes is branching out into more formal attire. For kids who are ready to grow up (just a little), there are playful ties, plus this shirt/tie combo. Like all his goods, these are all limited edition. So if you like what you see, grab them quickly.

I know, you're thinking it's too soon for Christmas. I almost agree. However, in this case, I couldn't pass up these retro-licious Christmas cards from Darling Clementine. Christmas is now less than two months away, and given my tendency to put off sending cards until the last minute, I figured I should order them now. Especially since they're coming all the way from Norway.

You can find these cards on Etsy for $25 for six ($19, plus $6 for shipping). If you're on my holiday mailing list, just pretend that you didn't notice this blog entry... OK?

Stop holiday party stress before it starts. Hoof it to the Design Hive market this Sunday for the "Vintage Vixens" event. Punkystyle, Fidget Finds, Rick Walkers, Sweetwater, the Pigeon Chest, and other vintage sellers will show off unique, retro dresses and accessories perfect for company cocktail fetes and New Year's Eve soirees.

A few examples to whet your appetite:

[Graphic dress from Fidget Finds — imagine with a chunky statement necklace.]

[Purple pumps from Punkystyle. Pair with a sequined black mini.]

The action is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Maria Baldwin School in Cambridge. DJ Keith Jensen will be manning the turntables.

This has been a public service announcement from your favorite frugal Stylephiler.

Unless you've been living under a very unstylish rock for the past few weeks, you already know that flashy, fabulous pieces from Iris Apfel's closet are currently on view at the Peabody Essex Museum. The New York glamazon and shopaholic also stopped by the Northshore Mall to style Nordstrom's windows.

Here's the finished product:

Check out a video of the window styling process on Nordstrom's website and learn more about the pieces Apfel chose for the display. Now, if only we could find a pair of her trademark saucer eyeglasses...

or...

While we're mostly snoozing through this season of "Project Runway," here's a little something to think about: Does the reality show downplay its gay romances while playing up the hetero love? That's what Alison Kilkenny is thinking on her blog. What do you think 'Philers? And what do think of the current season?

Whenever I make my way to New York, I inevitably find myself taking refuge in one of Jonathan Adler's happy, retro-styled stores. I'm actually surprised I haven't been kicked out yet for drooling on the merchandise. Mr. Adler has finally opened a store in Newbury Street, and I suggest a field trip. At the very least you'll feel inspired. You can read my interview with Adler this Thursday in G. Until then, here's a look at the store.

Oh, how I love David Bowie. I was just listening to "Andy Warhol" and decided to search for my favorite glam rocker on Etsy.com (Why not?).

Bad idea, because now I want everything that comes up.

Like these:

["Pinups" Recycled Album Art Coasters, $35. From inoudidsattic.]

And this:

[David Bowie and his Orange Lightning Makeup Strike Again cotton tote, $12.99. From TrulySanctuary.]

And this:

[Red Shoes letterpress print, $15. From steedgriffin.]

And for all the young dudes in my life:

[The White Duke cuff links, $22.50. From VenusFlytrapJewels.]

To celebrate its opening on Newbury Street, the Ted Baker store (in the former Gap space) is handing out nearly 1,000 pairs of "Boston Ted Sox" this weekend We're not entirely sure what a Boston Ted Sock is, but since it's free, you really can't complain. And on the upside, it can't look any worse than Courtney's romper. Oh, I kid... sort of.

I did it. I bought a romper. I don't know if it was the lack of sleep, or the fact that the Cynthia Rowley boutique from Rue La La popped into my inbox at the precise moment I was feeling a bit spendy — but I bought it, and it arrived yesterday:

Now, imagine that the romper is black and ironed and that I have a big smile on my face. I must say, it looks fab with black patterned tights and suede ankle boots. Yet, the whole idea still gives me pause. A fancy shorts one-piece? Never, said I, just one short year ago. I don't know what got into me, but I'm glad I took a chance: this one's a keeper.

And, this one isn't:

Newsflash: Boots are in this season. Um, duh. Over-the-knee, ankle, flat, motorcycle — boots are everywhere. I love a nice pair of knee-highs as much as the next gal, but I have to admit, I'm getting a little bored with the same old garden leather varieties. Give me some details and we'll talk.

That's why I love what Daniblack is doing here:

[Indie boot in gray suede, $325]

The laser-cut designs add intrigue. I like that these slouchy boots change depending on your tights. A little pop of color or skin peeks through here and there.

Unfortunately, I just bought a Sgt. Pepper's style military jacket and some hot blue Wayfarers — so this fashionista will be waiting for the sales.

Just in case you missed local designer Daniela Corte's fun Boston Fashion Week show at the beginning of the month, here's a little Thursday afternoon fashion eye candy.

I end up spending a bit too much of my time and income on Gilt Group, which is one of those wonderful invite-only sample sale web sites that takes high end designer duds and marks them down to ridiculously low prices. Gilt Group has just started a special page for the well-dressed man, called Gilt Man (what were you expecting?). If you're curious about joining the site, the kind folks at the newly christened Gilt Man are offering a special code Stylephile readers. Just point your browser giltman.com/globe and sign up.

Shop at your own risk. The site is ridiculously addictive, so don't say I didn't warn you when you start spending like Kirstie Alley at Krispy Kreme.

You'll probably be hard at work this weekend coming up with the perfect Halloween costume, mulling cider, or starting work on your Thanksgiving centerpiece -- so Martha of you. But in case you have a few moments to spare, here's a little weekend fashion for you. It takes place at Bond in the Langham Hotel on Sunday at 10 p.m. (cocktails start at 9 sharp!). It's open to all of you stylish folks, just RSVP to KarenMillenFashion@gmail.com.

This woman took my breath away:

Oh, the perfection of the teal and chestnut printed dress against her tooled leather accessories!

It doesn't hurt that she's gorgeous.