It is easy to consume fashion, but much harder to understand style. With endless commentary from magazines, newspapers, blogs (even this one) and television reports about what one needs to buy in order to be 'fashionable', it is frustrating that no one ever discusses the notion that 'style' cannot be bought. Unlike being trendy, style is more complex-- it is all about absorbing the lay of the fashion landscape, and choosing clothing that can be personalized with one's own take on proportion, color, and detail. Essentially, it is about understanding fashion “rules,” but then breaking them—which not only demonstrates one's ability to define oneself, but to show that there is a greater art to dressing than simply coordinating colors.

It would seem, then, that having 'style' is possessing equal parts refinement, but also rebelliousness. Occasionally a piece will come along--for example, a superbly tailored coat or a pair of perfectly proportioned pants—that also boasts these seemingly contradictory qualities. When worn, this piece becomes an instant representation of the way in which fashion and style is all about the peaceful coexistence of seemingly opposing forces. For Fall 2007, StyleChronicles has identified three quintessentially stylish pieces that may lend sophistication and slight subversion to your wardrobe. Each piece will be profiled in a separate article. The first installment begins with StyleChronicles' latest fixation: the Dylan Quilted handbags from Linea Pelle.

The Handbag. Crucial to completing an outfit, but sometimes serves as the piece upon which an entire outfit is based. We adore Linea Pelle's new line of quilted handbags for the fall, as they embody the dueling qualities of refinement and rebelliousness.

Linea Pelle, the Los Angeles-based brand that came into focus last spring as the handbag of choice for Lauren Conrad on MTV's "The Hills," combines refined quilting with edgier details this season to create a line of bags that are not only well made, but eye-catching.

According to Linea Pelle's Creative Director Andrew Cotton, “LP is all about color and washed leather right now.” In addition to the quilted tote that debuted recently, Linea Pelle is also spicing things up using another texture with the new Dylan Reptile line. The new offerings in material, as well as deep autumnal colors, are right in step with a return to more luxurious pieces shown for Fall 2007. According to Mr. Cotton, the edgy trend will continue for Linea Pelle well into its Spring and Summer 2008 lines using the company's signature metal hardware. In addition, there will be continued emphasis on the use of color to soften the look of the hard-edged details. Linea Pelle will also continue to feature roomier silhouettes for handbags, a direct acknowledgment that today's handbag is not only crucial to the completion of an outfit, but absolutely necessary for toting daily essentials.

Recently, Linea Pelle was kind enough to let us check out the new quilted Dylan Tote. Quilted bags have been around for a while--think Chanel's classic quilted purses--but for some time was not considered as "modern" as other patterns. That was not the end of the quilted handbag, though. As the luxury handbag market grew in the late 1990s, the famous Chanel quilted handbags were then carried by a younger generation in an irreverant nod to the perception that Chanel was only for the mature, "ladies who lunch" set. When Marc Jacobs released his line of quilted handbags a few years back, it was official that 'quilted' was once again fashionable. Still, as life-long Chanel owners will tell you, the look of these handbags never really went out of style due to their classic lines. Perhaps what makes the quilted look so timeless--whether by Chanel, Marc Jacobs, or Linea Pelle--is the fact that these bags possess what was discussed earlier: equal parts refinement and rebelliousness. Although few would describe Chanel the brand as "rebellious," the design of their iconic quilted bag is--soft, supple leather paired with a metal chain strap. In short, it features that peaceful coexistence of opposing forces referenced earlier.

Linea Pelle plays on that same sort of iconic opposition with its own design, but modernizes the look--instead of simply a metal chain shoulder strap, Linea Pelle designers adorn their quilted handbag with hard-edged metal details. With its sumptuous leather and double-needle stitching, it is perfect for day or night. The leather is not rigid, and the shape of the tote conforms to your body, so it is easy to carry. Another bonus is that the shoulder straps are extremely comfortable, no matter what you are carrying around. Whatever you decide to fill your purse with, the cool thing about the Dylan Tote is that it retains its shape no matter what you put inside of the bag—and you may most definitely carry all of your essentials. The interior features a large zip pocket, and three additional pockets for miscellaneous items. Another excellent design feature is that you can put things you reach for all of the time in one of the two exterior pockets, so you can easily stash your keys, cell, and BlackBerry right in the front of your bag-- no more digging through your bag to find them. Totally functional.

The Dylan Quilted Line features multiple pieces, so if the Tote does not work for you, there is definitely another piece that will meet your needs. Linea Pelle is offering StyleChronicles readers free ground shipping AND 15% off all orders over $250 using the code STYLE08!