Living in Cali affords us quite a few perks — such as driving to San Francisco whenever we please, having a mountain in our backyard and walking on the beach in November. So we really shouldn’t complain that as California residents, we can’t legally buy python without leaving the state. And we wouldn’t, if only scrumptious fall bag, shoe and belt offerings from the likes of Prada, Valentino and Gucci didn’t happen to be swathed in contraband snakeskin.

Since having to weekend in Vegas to buy Prada’s oversize python clutch would drain our oversized python clutch budget (and , uh, our rent fund), we’re sticking to python-esque accessory choices this season that don’t break any laws.

Here are six options that have a python feel but can still be ordered and purchased in our great Golden State:

Gap faux snakeskin belt, $24.99. Gap.com

Raven Kauffman rubber vegan Stella clutch, $395. vivre.com

Jimmy Choo Folly elaphe snake wedges, $795. net-a-porter.com

Halston Heritage Susan watersnake clutch, $136.50. shopbop.com

Steve Madden Koool flats, $69.95. stevemadden.com

Milly embossed leather bucket bag, $595. neimanmarcus.com

Photo, top: A bevy of Prada python. 

Five days into the new year and I’m already ready for the spring collections.  Despite the fact that there are two months of chilly temperatures ahead, I’m over the sweaters, jackets and vests I was obsessed with mere months ago. And one of the spring “trends” that makes me yearn for the season ahead is the classic white shirt. Michael Kors, Jil Sander and Preen are just a few of the boldfaced fashion names showing stark, minimalist button downs for spring. Classic white button downs are always in style but I really love ones in luxe silks and playful cuts. Here are a few of my favorite updated versions of the white oxford, which I fully plan on wearing long before the weather turns warm.

Row one: Elizabeth and James Marion blouse, $295, Levi’s repair shirt, $78, Seine box blouse, $44

Row two: J.Crew Blythe blouse, $98, The Row Eva blouse, $675, Queen’s Wardrobe ruffle blouse, $65

Clockwise from upper left, Alexander Wang velvet cape, $695. Vintage wool cape, $295. Cynthia Steffe Keegan cape, $475. Double Duty cape, $248. Free People plaid cape, $198. Rebecca Taylor military cape, $625.

You may not peg Los Angeles as the ideal city to wear a cape (unless you’re starring in the next Batman movie), especially one made of wool or velvet. But we think the crusader-esque piece is just right for the cool “winter” nights that lie ahead (or, uh, are already here). Not to mention that capes are a fresh, feminine alternative to the tough leather jackets around every corner.

And there are capes a’plenty on the market in all price ranges. I love the tie-waist detail of the Rebecca Taylor one above. And for a modern take, look no further than Alexander Wang. I’m drooling over his velvet version with a black leather belt. From trendy to classic, there is a cape to complete any woman’s closet.

Make that Superwoman’s closet.

Fall is all about the desert boot. And though I’m not trying to knock the Clarks original, it is clearly made for a man, not a woman. Luckily this season, a bevy of designers have created great, feminine interpretations of the masculine classic featuring wedges and heels. I see them paired with everything from skinny jeans to knee-skimming skirts and a pair of thick tights.

Here are some good bets if you’re in the market for a pair of desert boots of your own.

From upper left corner:

1. 3.1 Phillip Lim Willow wedge, $495. barneys.com

2. J Crew MacAlister wedge boots, $198. jcrew.com

3. Steve Madden Dessertt boot, $109.95. stevemadden.com

Second row, from left:

4. Sam Edelman Effie suede wedge booties, $130. shopbop.com

5. Rag and Bone Odval desert suede wedge boots, $450. net-a-porter.com

6. Mango Crepe wedge ankle boots, $134.80. asos.com

Third row, from left:

7. Dolce Vita Asher lace-up booties, $187. shopdolcevita.com

8. Prada suede lace-up ankle boots, $575. saksfifthavenue.com

9. Opening Ceremony w5 wedge desert boot, $515. openingceremony.us

Saddle Bags are one of the “it” bag styles for fall. And luckily, this utilitarian style is easy to wear and a classic addition to your closet. Many designers are creating smaller styles that make refreshing alternatives to structured bags. Here are my favorite chic satchels inspired by the practical saddle bag.

IRO Amy Cross Body Bag, $248. www.shopbop.com

Topshop Small Leather Satchel, $55. us.topshop.com

Jas MB Small Bullet Shoulder Bag, $350. www.barneys.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs Saddlery Striped Perfect Purse Mini Bag, $258. www.saksfifthavenue.com

Swedish Hasbeens Small Saddle Bag, $265. www.urbanoutfitters.com

Rachel Comey Saddle Bag, $518. www.lagarconne.com

I am not ashamed to admit it — I adore fur. Rabbit, mink, raccoon, you name it, I’ll wear it. But I do understand that many ladies choose not to buy or wear fur. Luckily there are a plethora of non-animal options that allow wearers the same fuzzy feeling minus the blood shed. Whatever your opinion, a fur vest — faux or real — is a great transitional piece for the onset of cooler temperatures.

These are some of our favorites.

Alice and Olivia Aspen Mongolian Fur Vest , $495. aliceandolivia.com

This multi-toned vest is made 100% of Mongolian lamb fur. It is super soft and has a great shape. The front is slightly shorter than the back with an ultra flattering cut.

BB Dakota Ashland Fur Vest , $68. karmaloop.com

BB Dakota is a well-priced line of trendy pieces that is made with a quality that looks expensive (think $100 and under items). This faux fur vest is detailed with a toggle-closure and faux leather accents.

Anna Sui Rabbit Bolero, $520. net-a-porter.com

This cropped vest is perfect for dressing up. It is made of grey and white rabbit fur and I can only dream about how soft it is.

The Battalion Munrow Veggie Fur Vest, $275. singer22.com

The Battalion is known for its vegan clothing that is actually high fashion. This longer faux fur vest is made of recycled PET. So cool. This piece is a best seller so I suggest you purchase early.

Adrienne Landau Cropped Fur Vest , $495.  intermixonline.com

The best feature of this fox fur vest is the deep black color. This is a more sophisticated take on the fur vest yet still versatile enough to wear with jeans.

Antik Batik Clava Rabbit Gilet, $660. 25park.com

French company Antik Batik nails the feminine, bohemian look. This grey rabbit fur vest with a draped front is a star in the Fall 2010 collection.

LaROK LUXE “Shagadelic” Fur Vest, $448. bloomingdales.com

The name says it all. The Shagadelic lamb fur vest from LaROK steals the show. It is an outfit all in itself.

When it comes to clothes, I believe in quality over quantity. So when it comes to leather you have to be prepared to make an investment. Cheap leather is a very bad thing (unless you enjoy being picked out of a crowd based on smell alone). But the good news is that a great pair of high quality leather pants will last years. And as an added bonus, they get better with age. This fall, leather pants and even leather shorts are emerging as a major trend. And though they can seem a little scary for first time owners, leather is a very versatile material that looks smokin’ for both casual and dressy occasions alike.

Here are a few of my favorite leather pieces for fall that are definitely worth the splurge.

Current/Elliot Leather Legging Pants, $795. Saks.com

Current/Elliot translates their flair for denim into an ideal leather pant. They are manufactured like a jean, but made of 100% lambskin leather. Just like your favorite denim, wear them day or night.

Helmut Lang Skinny leather Pants , $875. shopbop.com

Although this style is nothing new for Helmut Lang, they fit perfectly into the trend forecast of fall 2010. With butter-soft leather, an elastic waist and a smooth silhouette courtesy of faux pockets, you may never want to take off these ultra-flattering pants.

Isabel Marant Shun Cropped Skinny leather pants, $1,860. net-a-porter.com

French designer Isabel Marant has a serious cult following in the States. And since few retailers carry the line or keep it in stock, Marant’s pieces feel extra exclusive. These cropped leather  and cotton-lined pants are the epitome of Marant’s edgy take on femininity. And their shorter length makes them unique.

Alice & Olivia Leather-Paneled Riding Pants, $495. neimanmarcus.com

Alice and Olivia’s equestrian-inspired paneled riding pants are a great way to incorporate leather into your wardrobe if you’re a bit faint of heart. While less subdued than a full on black leather pant, they’re just as cool and feature a front zipper and a cool army green color that is perfect for autumn.

Vanessa Bruno Lambskin Short, $552. lagarconne.com

Vanessa Bruno knows how to make women look their best – chic, slender and feminine. And these lambskin shorts are a great twist on the current leather trend. Unlike their 1980s-inspired, high waist counterparts seen at hipster concerts all over town, these feel modern with their structured, tailored vibe. They work with a simple sweater and flats or heels and a chiffon blouse. Versatile and super-stylish.

Yesterday, Neiman Marcus presented their favorite fall trends at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills. Over a delicious breakfast, Neiman’s unveiled their list of what we should be wearing come autumn — the color green, strands of pearls and structured bags included. Needless to say, we want everything.

Here are some of our favorite pieces that, according to Neiman Marcus’ trend report, should fill your fall closets:

GREEN: The go-to-color this season, green is back in action in every shade imaginable. We love the ease and comfort of this olive-hued Tulle Trim Cardigan by Jason Wu. ($450)

FUR: To each his own when it comes to fur. We personally opt for the faux version and this Alice + Olivia Metallic Faux-Fur Jacket is perfect for dressing up casual outfits for nighttime. ($396)

PANTSUITS: Even if your work uniform consists of a bathrobe, having a solid structured pantsuit is a must-have for important meetings, job interviews or for days when you feel like dressing like a grown up. We love the feminine take on the menswear classic in this See by Chloe Puff-Shoulder Tuxedo Suit. Complete the look with a billowy blouse and sleek hair (Jacket $695 & Pants $485)

PEARLS: Pearls can transform even the grungiest gal into a classic chick. Whether they’re by Chanel or passed down from Grandma, pearls can tie together any look. And Neiman’s brilliant twist is to take a long, hip-length necklace and wear it in a crossbody fashion. Umm, genius. We love this Ippolita strand of fresh water stunners. ($895)

STRUCTURED HANDBAGS: Gone are the bulky hobos. This season is not only about structure with suits, but structure with your handbags. In keeping with our downsizing motto we brought you last month we suggest the Tory Burch Halma Studded Mini Bag ($350)

LACE: A touch of girlish delight, we love glimpses of this fabric with a modern L.A. twist. This Versus Lace-Insert Top is perfect over jeans or a pencil skirt ($325)

FEATHERS: Feathers on accessories can be sweet, but feathers on the body can be tricky (visions of being called Big Bird are flashing through our head). That’s why we adore this Elizabeth and James Plume Tube Dress. The straight cut and ruched bodice would look fantastic on any figure and won’t make you look like a muppet. Yay. ($545)

BOOTS: As we presented to you yesterday, spots are back…and they attached to boots. Whether you choose to go with ankle, knee or over-the-knee, boots — as usual — are in full swing this season. We love these way-out-of-our-budget Fendi Leopard-Print Cutout Booties. Hey, a girl can dream ($1,015)

CAPES, PONCHOS, VESTS: We love the cozy look of this White + Warren Hand-Knit Cable Vest. It’s perfect for a mild California fall day spent outdoors or snuggled up on the couch. ($200)

MILITARY: Burberry has the best trench coats bar none. And now we are in love with their dark olive military coat tied by an all too lux brown leather belt with logo-embossed coin buckle ($1,495)

Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills, 9700 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. (310) 550-5900. neimanmarcus.com

Leopard is showing up everywhere this autumn. And though we saw glimpses of the trend last season in both faux and real fur, leopard is out in full force for fall. But there is no reason to overdo it — you’re not trying to dress like an exotic cat on Halloween, after all. We personally like the trend in small doses — think accent pieces like footwear and scarves.

Here are some of our favorites at price points for all budgets:

Lanvin Mini Pop Leopard-Print Bag, $1555. net-a-porter.com

Hunter Leopard Cuff Welly Socks, $40. shopbop.com

Elegantly Waisted Miley Belt , $86. shopbop.com

Camilla and Marc Long Leopard Scarf , $220. shoplesnouvelles.com

Loeffler Randal Louis Booties, $550. barneys.com

La La Leopard Clutch, $52. chicandyoushallfind.com

Giuseppe Zanotti Leopard-Print Pony Hair Ankle Boots, $1075. saks.com

Lauren Merkin Eve Clutch, $165. laurenmerkin.com

J. Crew Leopard Patent Belt, $39. jcrew.com

Eugenia Kim “Maxine 6” Leopard Hat, $311. shopdiavolina.com

It may be the dead of summer but most women are already preparing their wardrobes for fall. So I’m dedicating August to the most talked-about trends of the season — from leopard print accessories to black leather — and, today, military inspired jackets. Designers including Vanessa Bruno (who just opened an L.A. store), Andrew Gn and Junya Watanabe showed the look on their fall runways. But it is also one of the most wearable aspects of going army without actually enlisting. Here are some of our favorites:

Veda Jones Jacket, $396. shopbop.com

Veda, a fairly young label that launched in 2008, is known for great leather jackets and vests. And I’m certain this leather-accented piece will be one of the “it” jackets for fall. I am obsessed with the 100% black leather sleeves because they add enough of an edge without the intensity of a full leather jacket. In other words, you won’t look like a dominatrix when pairing it with a leather boot or pant.

Topshop Overhead Parka, $125. topshop.com

There are loads of military jackets out there but I haven’t seen any that are pullover style. And I love its lightweight, doubles-as-a-top design because I don’t have to take it off immediately upon arriving at a destination. The drawstring waist also makes it flattering for all body types, a major plus.

Burberry Prorsum Wool and Silk-Blend Military Jacket , $1,995. net-a-porter.com

Burberry makes the best tailored pieces. And this silk and wool jacket is no exception. It’s dressier than many of the military jackets on the market, but stand out details including posture-correcting raised-shoulders and a ruffled back make this piece perfect for the office (pair it with a pencil skirt) and beyond (with skinny jeans and over the knee boots).

Marc by Marc Jacobs Fur Collar Twill Jacket , $598. saks.com

Granted a parka is not the most useful item to have in Southern California, but a parka with a coyote-fur collar is worth sweating over. This twill coat adds ease to dressier outfits and panache to leggings and a T-shirt. And with a hidden drawstring waist, it can easily skim a figure.

Barbour Beadnell Jacket , $379, bestgear.com

John Barbour started making durable wax-coated jackets in 1894. And in the past few years the iconic company has made an imprint in the fashion world by collaborating with Opening Ceremony on a collection of coats that were pretty terrific. I personally love classic jackets and nothing is more classic than the Beadnell, coated in the brand’s famous Thornproof wax. This particular jacket is a medium weight and comes with a removable lining. And it will likely literally last forever.

Photo at top: Fall 2010 runway looks by, from left, Andrew Gn, Junya Watanabe and Vanessa Bruno. Courtesy Style.com