What is Pashmina?

What's the first thing you'll want to scarf up on your next shopping trip? Make it a pashmina or wrap.

If you're wondering just what the heck pashmina is; it's time you catch up on your fashion lingo. Pashmina fiber is the finest cashmere derived from goats native to Himalaya who scale the mountains at 12,000 to 14,000 feet.

This particular cashmere is the fine hair underlying the thicker outer wool of the goat that gets woven into those silky scarves and shawls that have become all the rage with the fashion crowd. Its lightweight luxury is easily tucked into a handbag. Prada of course, maybe Louis Vuitton if you're really hip.

It's the one item you'll have to save up for. We're talking several hundred bucks at least.

But, if you'd like the look of pashmina, but not the price, wrap up with a few other options: cashmere or alpaca blends, mohair, flannel or boucle, real fur or faux fur. There are lots of oversize piano shawls with fringe; embellished and embroidered stoles; ponchos and shrugs. It may not matter what you wear underneath it at all. If you've got a choice, whatever your budget, go extra long.

Another must-have accessory this season is, of course, those handbags. Can't live with them, can't do without them. If you feel the need to lug around your life with you every day, then there are plenty of new ways to do it. The key word is flat - OK, at least you can try! It might help to clean out your wallet.

The flat pocket bag, mesh flap bags, cross-body bags, the molded bag - are all hanging around this season. Look for real and faux fur to dress up bags in embroidered flannels, sweater knits and tweeds.

There are lots of handbags that you'll want to touch for sure. Whether it's wool, pony or mohair, it's texture that talks. You'll want several - in bold colors like red or in a snazzy black-and-white animal print. If you're buying a basic bag, opt for gray.

So, you've got your scarf, your handbag and now you've got to have a new pair of boots. That's the big news. And while there are plenty of spiky stiletto styles available, most of us are going to shop for something a little closer to earth. However, boots which are mid-calf, ankle or knee-high are really rocking with the season's best boot-cut pants and longer skirts. And if you like shorter skirts, not to worry, you can wear those with boots, too.

Here area few more accessories you might want to splurge on this season:

• Pearls, multi-strand necklaces and bracelets.
• Long linear earrings with movement.
• Wire-wrapped crystals.
• Metal-mesh, crochet-metal jewelry.
• Pendants, spiritual symbols and icons.
• Millennium statement jewelry (Get your Christmas wish list in now!).
• The pocket belt with zippers, flaps and snaps.
• Textured gloves, mufflers and knit hats with ear-flaps.
• Bucket-shape hats, especially in gray flannel.
• Fur toque hats.
• Jeweled and beaded barrettes, headbands and hairpins.
• Diamond patterns on black opaque hosiery.