You’d think you were getting a glimpse of items from the closet of a movie star – flashy jewels, plush fur coats, sparkling jewelry. But actually it’s the bounty found in police property rooms.
And those rooms are open to you to snatch up some criminal bargains, courtesy of online virtual access.

Had I not recently splurged on a pair of fantabulous purple snow boots, we probably would have had significant winter weather this season. But we haven't. And I've been a little peeved. After receiving the umpteenth Lands' End catalog, this southern belle has started to dig ski fashion.

With each YEAR that passes, it seems our time is eaten up with ever-increasing responsibilities and distractions. So maybe it’s time for less primping and for more priming. Numerous beauty and personal-care innovations will shave time off your regimen yet keep you looking professionally polished. These are my faves, 100 percent tried and true:
 
T3 Featherweight Luxe blow dryer

Several of the trends from the fall fashion forecast have really taken off. It's time for some of them to be reeled in. My take:

I love shopping, and I love saving money. But not shopping just for the sake of it. It's not compelling to me to camp out at big-box stores for Black Friday specials only to get the same thing that a thousand other folks want.
Get a life - or, more accurately, get to a thrift.
You won't have to fight to find bargains. There are plenty of stores and surprising finds at each.

NORFOLK Of all the accomplished designers at Virginia Fashion Week, Michael Taylor would have the most allowance for being haughty.

Small in stature, he cut through the maze of the New York fashion arena and made a name for himself in couture and custom designs. Models have lauded his teaching style and credited his high caliber as inspiration for elevating their ethic.

NORFOLK

Here’s an excuse to get out and look fabulous. Virginia Fashion Week continues tonight through Sunday at Waterside. Tonight’s activities are from 6-9 and include the emerging designer competition, Bra-ha-ha “Live” on the runway and a Virginia Hall of Fashion presentation to couture designer Michael Taylor.

NORFOLK With her slightly tousled blond hair, snakeskin-print pants and red-rimmed glasses, Ann Leister looks as if she could be the lead of a rock group. She's at Waterside in Norfolk this October day to meet with her backup team. I like to think of them as The Go-Gos.

Catching up on a few notes while style-watching in Florida... Apparel bargains can be found in some unexpected places. While out for lunch recently and looking for an aeration machine, I came upon a clothing clearinghouse recently added to Sears Outlet Store in Chesapeake.

Hampton Roads recently got a live look at some of the most popular styles for fall. The 16th annual Fall and Holiday Fashion Show featured attire and accessories from Lili's of Ghent. The much-anticipated event at the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club opened to a full house. It is a benefit presented by the Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital Auxiliary.