I am working on a story, to run in early November, about stores that have stood “the test of time.”

These are shops that have managed to keep their merchandise fresh, retain and add to their customer base and remain forces in their communities — for decades.

For the story, I spent some time with Maria Luisa Whittingham, who is marking the 20th anniversary of the Maria Luisa Boutique in Nyack. As we spoke, she mentioned that she had trained at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

I have to admit that I have a special affection for FIT. One of my sisters went there, and ever since I found The Museum at FIT, I’ve been hooked.

It’s one of my favorite museums — they have such a flair for presentation and I mean come on, who wouldn’t love a museum devoted to all things fashionable?

Over the years, I’ve lusted over shoes there, giggled at vintage ads, admired the cut of 1930s evening coats and daydreamed of wearing the 19th-century ball gowns. It’s not just a visual treat, though, as they put the fashions of the day (any day in history) in context.

I always make a point to check out their exhibitions (often there are several at a time, filling each of their gallery spaces).

Last week, I went to my first lecture at FIT — something you should really look into. It was a free event, held in the evening in an auditorium on campus.

Wonder what caught my attention? How about an evening devoted to accessories!

Yes, Clare Sauro, assistant curator of accessories at The Museum at FIT, was to speak about something that fascinates me, to be sure. I mean even the simple description in a mailer from FIT had me ready to go:

“From ‘it’ bags to designer stilettos, accessories have become the driving force behind contemporary fashion.”

Hmm… something I’d agree with.

And Sauro certainly knows her stuff. For a little more than an hour, she offered a wonderful walk through history — as seen through the museum’s accessories collection. She touched on bonnets and Chanel suits, Fendi bags and Balenciaga booties, Lily Daché hats and tulle-wrapped pearls from Lanvin.

As someone known to have once gotten off a bus to run back to look at a pocketbook spied from the window, I was loving this presentation. She spoke about the dependence of fashion houses on the success of their accessory lines; of the way society “rules” dictated fashion in the past; on the ability of accessories to change the feel of an entire outfit… and so much more.

And among her final thoughts?
“We can be certain accessories will continue to play a very active role in fashion and a very active way in how we present ourselves to the world.”

Sounds good to me!

For more details on upcoming events at FIT and the museum’s exhibits, stop by the Web site. (I had a chance to re-visit “Luxury,” which continues through Nov. 10 — and to see “Chic Chicago: Couture Treasures from the Chicago History Museum,” which is on through Jan. 5. You’ll want to catch both!).