If there's one thing today's Carnivale proves, it's that fashion is more than skinny Russian post-teens, backstabbing behavior, and luxury-priced apparel. Although we love all that too.

Tribunal Of Good Taste gave us a wonderful post on growing up and into fashion. My flannel-wearing "looking good is shallow" 18-year-old self identifies completely.

Shoelover grew up like we all did - awkwardly, and a little red-faced - in the absence of her mum.

The Fashionable Kiffen also grew up, through the transformative power of high heels.

Bag Snob have the admirable sentiment that all of their fashion purchases are significant, but talk about one (stunning) recent purchase.

FiftyRx3, a member of what my sister and I call my blog sewing circle of sustainability, picks two items out of the many that have meant so much.

Almost Girl tells a story about Conde Nast and a pair of Prada pumps. Interested yet?

The Space Between My Peers bounced back from the always dreaded experience of being dressed inappropriately.

Coquette is a woman after my own heart, with a story about hardship and the pleasure of shoes.

Finding her engagement ring was pivotal to Jewelry Weblog.

Marriage was also a factor over at The Bling Blog, this time in the form of an elopement dress (!).

The Runway Scoop had a Dorothy-in-Oz moment that pushed her into technicolor.

There were also a few thoughtful and worthwhile submissions from readers located in the comment sections here (my blog) and here (Manolo's blog).

I thank everyone who participated in this, as it's been elucidating and rewarding. I'll post stragglers later today, so check back.