StylePad Purse & Bag Group

Coach Hamptons Weekend Watercolor Stripe Bags

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 07:56:22 PDT

Going along with Coach's Hamptons Watercolor Stripe collection, the hobo is a perfect alternative to the tote shaped bag. This hobo is crescent shaped and it relaxes against one's body. Measuring at 17 1/2 (L) x 10 (H) with a 15 1/2" strap, it features an inside zip pocket and a ring to clip key chains and key FOBs or charms to. It is fully lined and has an outside open pocket and a zip-top closure. This is priced at $198 before taxes. The demi satchel is a smaller alternative to the totes and hobos. Measuring at 10 (L) x 5 (H) x 4 1/2 (W) with a 13" strap and a 6 1/2" drop, it features an inside zip pocket, a cellphone/multi-function pocket, and a ring to clip key chains and key FOBs or charms to. It has a front zip pocket, a back open pocket, and a zip-top closure. This bag is fully lined, features leather and suede trim and is priced at $178 before taxes.

Another cute, small alternative to the larger bags in this collection is the top handle pouch. Measuring at 8 (L) x 6 (H) x 3 3/4 (W) with a 10" handle, this can also be used as a cosmetic case. It is fully lined and features a zip-top closure with leather and suede trim. This is conveniently priced at $98 before taxes.

The swingpack is perfect for those that are on the go. This slim bag measures 7 (L) x 8 1/2 (H) with a 44" adjustable strap and 22 1/2" drop. It can be worn on the shoulder or cross body. It has a front zip pocket and features a zip-top closure. This retails for $128 before taxes.

All bags in this collection can be purchased at Coach boutiques, on Coach.com and in select department stores.

Coach Hamptons Weekend Watercolor Stripe Totes

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 12:21:52 PDT

One of the newer releases Coach has made is the Watercolor Stripe Collection. This fun and whimsical collection showcases fun, colorful, striped print that resembles strokes made with watercolors in art. Any item from this collection is perfect for the summer season.

First up is the watercolor stripe tote. This tote comes in 2 different sizes and priced at $198 and $168 before taxes. The larger size measures 13 3/4 (L) x 9 1/8 (H) x 5 1/2 (W) and it comes with 22" handles with an 8" drop. The smaller one measures 11 (L) x 7 1/2 (H) x 4 3/4 (W) and it comes with 15" handles with a 5 1/2” drop. Both comes with an inside zip pocket, a cellphone/multi-function pocket and a ring clip for key chains and key FOBs or charms. The bag is fully lined and has a zip top closure.

There is a much larger bag in this particular collection. Measuring 19 (L) x 12 (H) x 5 1/2 (W) with a 60” adjustable cotton webbing strap, 22" handle straps with a 10 1/2” drop, the weekend watercolor stripe multifunction tote is one roomy bag that can be used a baby bag, beach bag or just as a huge tote. Priced at $348 before taxes, this tote is fully lined and features two inside zip pockets, a cellphone/gusseted multi-function pocket, a ring clip for key chains and key FOBs or charms, and a diaper changing pad for when being used as a baby bag. This tote also had front and back zipper pockets as well as two side open pockets for many storage options.

Both kinds of totes are available in Coach stores, online at Coach.com and in select department stores.

Roberto Cavalli Metallic Clutch

Tue, 10 Apr 2007 20:20:55 PDT

This laser clutch is absolutely unbelievable. Check out the complex dragon theme and lasered mural. I have no idea how Cavalli did this, but it does look very unique and may actually be work the $1,015 price tag.

If I had this clutch, I would make excuses to go out at night and show it off. To view this on Eluxury, click here.

Spotlight on Isabella Fiore Handbags

Tue, 10 Apr 2007 20:09:14 PDT

I'm in love....with Isabella Fiore 07 handbags that is. Each piece on Eluxury is absolutely divine.

Let's take a look, shall we?

The Delfina Handheld Leather bag has a lovely leave cutout surrounded by very detailed beading along the edges. This just spells femininity.

Don't like the bamboo handle. The Toni features the same gorgeous leavework but has a leather shoulder strap.

Lastly, the Terry frame bag has brilliant brass hardward to form a nice trim. I love the kiss lock pearled clasp and girly design.

Wicker Handbags

Tue, 10 Apr 2007 17:01:43 PDT

It is finally spring time and the weather is actually cooperating. Wouldn't it be fun to go on a picnic with one of these wicker handbags!

Kate Spade Monaco roll wicker basket handbag

Isabella Fiore Pretty Picnic Wicker Bag

Salvatore Ferragamo Wicker & Leather Clutch

Do these handbags whet your apetite, here are more affordable versions to satisfy your appetite.

Oversized clutches

Tue, 10 Apr 2007 16:48:24 PDT

I've divided on oversized clutches. One one hand, I definitely like the extra room available but the flip side is that clutches are meant to be grasp and I can't imagine my arms and small hands being able to hold onto a large clutch for very long. What are you thoughts?

Cole Haan Vivian clutch from Saks

Decadent Clutch

Tue, 3 Apr 2007 16:58:23 PDT

Isn\'t this Jilly designs clutch simply decadent and divine? I love the simple lines. In fact, this mocha clutch reminds me of a chocolate cake. Yum.

And if mocha isn\\\'t to your liking, perhaps french vanilla is your cup of tea.

kate spade WW2 satchel

Sat, 24 Mar 2007 20:43:19 PDT

The latest bag in kate spade’s spotlight is the WW2 painted satchel. These bags follow the history of WW2 soldiers painting their bags to be easily identified. Each bag from kate spade is hand-painted and unique. It is made of cotton canvas with waxed vachetta trim and has a double buckle closure. It has exterior side pockets and an interior zip pocket. The hardware is rusted antiqued and it has a 6.8” handle drop. This bag measures 11.6” x 12” x 1.5” and retails for $395 before taxes. It comes in two prints and is available on katespade.com, in kate spade boutiques, and in department stores.

Coach Hamptons Weekend Patchwork Line

Sat, 24 Mar 2007 17:27:58 PDT

I have written many entries about Coach bags I like. This time, I’m writing about a particular line for 2007 that I do NOT like at all. In enters Coach’s Hamptons Weekend Patchwork 2007 line. I loved last year’s patchwork line and this year’s was extremely disappointing in my opinion. The colors are all over the place and does not complement as a whole at all.

The tote features and inside zip pocket, a cell phone pocket, another small inside pocket, an inside ring to clip your keys or key FOBs and charms to, and a front zip pocket. The bag has a zip-top closure and the inside is fully lined. The tote has a 22” webbing handles that features an 8” drop and measures 13 ¾” x 9 1/8” x 5 ¼”. The price tag? $278 before taxes. A smaller version of this tote measuring 11” x 17 ½” x 4 ¾” is available also for $258 before taxes.

Another bag in this line is the satchel. With a 45” long, detachable strap and measures 12 5/8” x 7 1/8” x 6 ¾”, this is available for $288 before taxes.

The hobo is probably the best looking one out of this line, provided that the front pocket of the bag bears the same print as the stock photo shown. The bag measures 17 ½” x 10” and has a 15 ½” cotton webbing strap with dogleash clip. This retails for $258 before taxes.

A smaller bag in this line is the demi. Measuring at 10” x 5” x 4 ½” with a 13” cotton webbing strap with dogleash clip, this retails for $258 before taxes.

For more economical options, there is the top handle pouch, the hip bag, and the swing pack. These retails for $138, $188, and $158 before taxes respectively. All these bags can be purchased online at Coach.com, through Coach’s 1-800 number, in Coach retail stores, and other department stores.

Coach Hamptons Weekend Hip Bag & Accessories

Sun, 18 Mar 2007 21:01:04 PDT

The last bag I am reviewing from Coach’s current scribble line is the hip bag. This smaller sized bag is a must-have spring essential. It has the fun and whimsical scribble pattern. It has an inside zip pocket, a front zip pocket and a front open pocket. It has a zip-top closure and a 31” adjustable cotton webbing waist strap. It measures 11” x 6 ½” and retails for $158 before taxes. You can get this functional piece at Coach.com, in Coach stores, through Coach’s 1-800 number or at certain department stores.

Another must-have accessory that can also be used as a clutch bag is Coach’s Hampton Weekend Scribble Medium Beauty Case. It has an inside open pocket to hold small things separate from the main compartment of the case and it features a zip-top closure. The inside is fully lined and it measures 7” x 3” x 3”. This retails for $68 before taxes.

Another accessory from this line is the Hamptons Weekend Scribble Wristlet. It features a zip-top closure and a 12" strap with clip for attaching it to something else or just to loop around one's wrist. This piece measures 7" x 4" and retails for $78 before taxes.

A cheaper accessory would be the mini skinny from this line. Measuring at 4 1/4" x 3", this retails for $38 before taxes.

All Proceeds from Saks Peace Bag Collection are donated

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 20:47:15 PDT

Do you have too many handbags but can't seem to stop buying more? Feel a little less guilty when you purchase any of these lovely The Sak's handbags since 100% of the sale will go to a charity organization called Seeds of Peace.

About Seeds of Peace:

a non-profit organization whose mission is to develop and empower young leaders from regions of conflict to work towards peace through coexistence and conflict resolution. When people get to know people, mutual respect, understanding and friendship bloom.

What's really great about these leather handbags are the peace and dove hardware. I also like the braided leader straps and the overall clean lines on these handbags.

Handbags are priced from $199-$239 and can be purchased here.

Emilio Pucci Blue Shopper

Mon, 12 Mar 2007 21:40:32 PDT

Spring is finally in the air and what better way to celebrate than with this Emilio Pucci Shopper. The circular prints and textile mosaic on the straps make for a really fun design.

Unfortunately, this will break your piggy bank since it is priced at $590 on eLuxury

Coach Weekend Hamptons Scribble Pouch & Demi

Sun, 11 Mar 2007 09:37:03 PDT

Following this year Coach’s Hamptons Weekend Scribble line, a cheaper option to the tote would be a smaller bag that’s just as cute but still fun and flirty at the same time. Enter the Hamptons Weekend Scribble Top Handle Pouch. It is the perfect size for a nice day out in the spring or summer. It features this year’s whimsical scribble print and has a zip-top closure. It is leather trimmed and the inside is fully lined. It measures 8” x 6” x 3 ¾” with a 10” handle. It comes with the affordable price tag of $98 before taxes.

Another option would be the Hamptons Weekend Scribble Demi Satchel. This bag features the scribble print and has an inside zip pocket. It also has a cell phone/multi-function pocket and a ring clip inside to attach any small accessories or charms. It has a front zip pocket and an open back pocket on the outside of the bag. The bag has a zip-top closure, is fully lined and has suede and leather trim. It has a 13” cotton webbing strap with dogleash clip and it measures 10” x 5” x 4 ½” with a 6 ½” handle drop. This bag retails for $198 before taxes.

Both of these are available in Coach stores, on Coach.com, through Coach’s 1-800 number and in participating department stores.

Coach Hamptons Weekend Scribble Tote

Sat, 10 Mar 2007 14:52:55 PST

The time of the year has come again for Coach to release its scribble line. Last year’s pastel was pretty and subtle. This year, Coach did not disappoint. The scribble pattern is fun, flirty and somewhat whimsical almost. The scribble tote is roomy enough for your everyday needs or a weekend getaway. It has an inside zip pocket, a cell phone pocket, another small pocket beside the cell phone pocket and an inside ring to clip your keys or charms to. It has a zip-top closure and a front zip pocket for the things you want easy access to. The scribble pattern almost reminds me of drawings with colored pencils. The bag has suede and leather trim. It measures 13 ¾” x 9 1/8” x 5 ¼” with a 8" handle drop. This retails for $218 before taxes.

For those that prefer a slightly smaller tote in the same line, it comes in a smaller size measuring 11” 7 ½” x 4 ¾” with a 5 ½” handle drop. This retails for $178 before taxes.

My gut says that it will sell fast. Girls have been talking about this season’s scribble print for a while so grab one when you can. It is available in Coach stores, department stores, Coach online and though Coach’s 1-800 number.

kate spade two tone canvas medium baby bag

Sun, 4 Mar 2007 14:29:01 PST

Everyone around me is having babies these days. The joy and tribulations of pregnancy and motherhood deserves more than just a bowl of ice cream in the middle of the night. A perfect baby bag is a must-have. What can be more stylish and functional than kate spade’s two tone canvas medium baby bag?

This roomy bag is made of 100% canvas and has webbed nylon shoulder straps. It fits snugly over the shoulder and has a grosgrain tie closure. Inside the bag are two bottle holder pockets, interior double slide pockets and a zip pocket. The easy-to-clean lining is green with white dots. A changing pad is also included and the bag measures 11”h x 15.6”w x 5.7”d with an 8.8” drop in strap length.

This bag comes in two color combinations: natural/chocolate and natural/green. It retails for $195 plus tax.

kate spade wedding adelaide

Sun, 4 Mar 2007 10:39:39 PST

Weddings happen all-year round. The search for the perfect clutch may seem easy to many but only those that have actually done this can vouch for the difficulty of this task. I would like to shed some light on one of the few wedding clutches that have caught my eye.

This is the kate spade wedding adelaide from kate spade’s wedding collection. The material is a silk satin blend and is available in two colors: snow and ivory. It is a pinched frame clutch and has gentle pleats in the body of the clutch. It has an inside pocket to hold small things that one wants tucked away in a specific place and it is fully lined on the inside with the kate spade gold larabee dot pattern in Italian poly sateen. The bag is made in Italy and measures 3.8”h x 7.7”w x 2.2”d. It features light gold plated hardware and retails for $275 plus tax. One may think that this may be quite the pricey clutch but it’s for one of the most special days in a bride’s life. So is it worth it? I definitely think so.

Coach Madison Lurex Kisslock Frame Wristlets

Sun, 4 Mar 2007 09:12:28 PST

Outlets are always the place to find great deals. My latest deal that I got was scoring these Coach Madison lurex kisslock frame wristlets. These framed wristlets are just the right size for a cute night out or even a quick walk to the park. The leather loop hooks around your wrist so you can have both hands free. The frame wristlets features silver hardware, Coach’s signature optic pattern and it comes with a Coach hang tag. This is available in three colors: black, pink and gold.

This baby retails for $128 plus tax. I scored mine at the outlets for $56 plus tax.

Other items I picked out in this same trip include accessories from the same line. The wristlets are roomy and big enough to carry credit cards, cash and maybe even a thin cell phone. It has a leather wrist loop to hook around the wrist and it features a sip top closure. This retails for $58 plus tax. I got mine at the outlets for $36 plus tax. The mini skinny has a key ring where one can attach keys and key charms. It is big enough for some cash and loose change. It also has an outer pocket to hold a few cards that one wants easy access to. This retails for $48 plus tax. I scored mine at the outlets for $20 plus tax.

Prada Fall 2007 Oversized Clutches

Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:16:23 PST

Appealing in a bizarre sort of way, I'm a fan of Prada's new clutches. Looks like an inventive way to keep the clutch intact (I know that mine have slipped out of hands many an occassion).

Also, the extra leather might actually keep the hands warm in the winter.

Coach Pink Scarf Print Zoe Clutch

Tue, 20 Feb 2007 18:30:37 PST

This wonderful piece brings a smile to just about every girl’s face. This was part of my Valentine’s Day gift from my very loving significant other. After hearing about all the other girls ogling over this piece, I had to call the nearest outlets to see if they still have it. They did and I placed it on hold before it all sold out. I managed to swing by the outlets over the weekend and it was packed. Everything I had placed on hold was not out on the shelves anymore. I consider my timing a blessing.

The item I am speaking of is Coach’s Pink Scarf Print Zoe Clutch. The beautiful pink, purple and white signature print in such a classy clutch is every girl’s dream. It features an inner zipped pocket, silver hardware and a turnlock closure. It has a strap on the size to hook it around your wrist and hold it as a clutch. You can also hide the strap in the clutch and hold it by the body itself.

The material is easy to take care of and clean. All it requires is mild soap and warm water and it will look good as new. I scored mine at the outlets for $98 not including tax. The print also comes in the Madison Flap and matching wristlet. The scarf print collection is always limited edition and the colors change with each release so go hunt them down while there are a couple still floating around the outlets.

Marc Jacobs Fall 2007 Collection

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 20:59:09 PST

Looks like Marc Jacobs is experimenting with alligator and ostrich in his Fall 2007 collection. While I'm not a fan of the oversized clutch and mustard yellow bag, I do love the pale blue ostrish and blue purse. Sigh, I can't wait for fall.

Coach Signature Stripe Demi and Pouch

Sat, 17 Feb 2007 17:38:51 PST

For those looking for a cheaper alternative to the Coach Reversible Signature Stripe Tote, the demi or pouch version of this bag might be a good choice. For $158 or $128, you can sport the look and feel of Coach’s Signature Stripe Collection without breaking the bank.

The demi features the signature jacquard print with a colorful stripe across the body of the bag. It has a front zip pocket and zip-top closure. The inside is fully lined and it has a ring clip for accessories or keyfobs. This bag measures 10 ¼” X 5 ½” X 1” and comes in various colors. This is ready to order online or can be purchased in stores.

The pouch is a small-sized bag meant to carry one’s make-up but can double up as a small bag to hold just the essentials. It has a zip-top closure and inside fabric lining. It has a 10” handle and measures 7” X 6” X 3 ¾”. This comes in various colors as well and is available both online and in stores.

Coach Punch Signature Stripe Accessories

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 19:16:35 PST

Today, some lucky ladies would have received a bag from Coach’s Reversible Signature Stripe collection in punch. But what about accessories? Surely, a new wallet or belt that matches the bag would make their Valentine’s gift even sweeter.

This signature stripe beauty case will hold all of your beauty needs and fits perfectly in the signature stripe tote. This case has an inside zip pocket and zip-top closure. The inside of the bag is lined with fabric. One can also use this beauty case as a handheld pouch bag on days when you want to leave the tote bag behind. The large sized beauty case retails for $88 while the medium one is $68.

The signature stripe accordian zip-around wallet is a perfect checkbook sized wallet that can hold a lot in its frame. It has twelve credit card compartments, two full-length bill compartments, two inside multi-function pockets, and an inside zip coin compartment. It has a zip-around closure and fabric lining. This beauty retails for $198 in stores.

This signature stripe wristlet is perfect for nights out where one does not want to tote a bag or clutch around. It is perfect to take to the bars or clubs. It is classy and small but big enough to hold all your essentials. It has a zip-top closure and fabric lining with a 12” strap that clips around to form a wrist strap or you can attach it to the inside ring of the tote. This very functional piece retails for $58.

The signature stripe mini skinny is perfect to hold your keys and credit cards or cash. It has an outside pocket too to hold cards that one wants to separate from the contents inside. It has a zip-top closure and fabric lining. This small piece retails for $42.

This signature stripe belt would add color and flair to any outfit. It is stylish and timeless. It has a brass buckle and retails for $168.

The signature stripe oblong scarf is made of imported silk. It coordinates perfectly with all the bags and other accessories in the signature stripe collection. It retails in stores for $68.

Coach Signature Reversible Stripe Tote

Sun, 11 Feb 2007 13:51:34 PST

With Valentine’s Day only a few days away, what is the perfect bag for this special occasion? Whether it is a gift for someone or a treat for oneself, a new bag will definitely make the day of hearts a little bit sweeter.

The bag that comes to mind is the Coach Signature Reversible Stripe Tote. It is a bag that is very roomy and versatile. It suits just about any kind of lifestyle and it can be carried by the hand, on the crook of the arm or over the shoulder. It features an inside zip pocket and an inside ring clip to hold your keys or any other small accessory. It has a dogleash closure that gives you enough room to dig in the bag without having everything hanging out from the tote. The tote comes with a luggage tag and features either leather or patent leather trim.

Available colors featured on Coach.com are punch, white, black, chocolate and pale blue. The tote comes in three different sizes and there are various other matching accessories to choose from. With a gift like this, you can’t go wrong!

Light up purse

Sun, 4 Feb 2007 00:18:52 PST

Ever found yourself fumbling around your purse for your keys, cell phone, or wallet? This happens to me all too often in a dark movie theatre and when I'm looking for my car keys. Well, it seems like there truly is light at the end of this dark tunnel Solas Fashion by Kara Kurcz has designed stylish handbags which look like typical handbags on the outside. What is really neat is that her entire line has neon lights hidden on the inside of their handbags.

Available at Amazon.com for 100-200 depending on the handbag style

Be Mine - Pomme d Amour

Sat, 3 Feb 2007 18:07:11 PST

WIth Valentine's Day right around the corner, Louis Vuitton has released a new color for their Monogram Vernis line. It is called Pomme d' Amour. Translation in english means apples of love. For someone looking to really reward that special lady in your life, I'm sure you'll be the apple of her eye with this handbag.

Available online exclusively through Eluxury

Coach Fuchsia Soho Leather Hobo

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 18:52:44 PST

Going along with Coach\\\'s Soho Leather line, I pulled out my large leather hobo for a quick cleaning session. A quick wipe down with a slightly damp cloth is all that it needs. The leather is vachetta leather that has been pretreated so there is no need for any additional conditioning of the bag. It is supple and smooth. The bag is very durable and a great size for those of us who likes to carry more than just the essentials with us.

The fuchsia/hot pink color of the bag will make you pop out of the crowd and will match just about any outfit. The leather strap drop is adjustable with the side silver buckle hardware. The bag features a zipper close and light pink stitching that blends in the bag. There is an inner zipped compartment on one side and two inner pockets (one for the cell phone) on the other side.

This color is no longer available thru Coach.com or at the Coach stores as it was a past season release but it is available in other colors as Coach changes the colors but release the same bag style each season. I got mine at TJMaxx last year for about $160.

Coach Soho Leather Cosmetic Pouch

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 18:50:38 PST

Sometimes we all just need to downsize. The same goes for me with my bags. There are just some days when I do not want to take everything I want with me but only what I need. I want something small, something cutesy almost. In comes Coach\\\'s soho leather cosmetic pouch.

In my opinion, this small pouch is one of Coach\\\'s best products. Sure, the name indicates that it is not meant to use as a handbag but who cares? I have seen many lovely ladies sporting Coach\\\'s cosmetic pouches from their various lines over the past few seasons. The ones I own are from the Soho Leather line.

This tiny firecracker is small enough to carry your essentials so you can leave the rest at home. It is made of Coach\\\'s leather and is lined beautifully with their signature fabric logo. Care for this particular bag is relatively easy. A quick wipe down and occasional leather moisturizing will keep it in tip-top condition for years to come.

The great thing about this bag aside from the size is the fact that this is an all-year round and all weather bag that you can tote around. Coach releases these bags every year but the colors may change. When I was last at the outlets, I recall seeing a camel colored leather cosmetic pouch on display. They are relatively affordable too compared to other Coach bags. I scored the black and hot pink one at the outlets for approximately $50 last year.

Truly a "Lovely" Dior Handbag

Thu, 25 Jan 2007 21:48:12 PST

Spring time is right around the corner and I'm really happy that there are so many pastel colored handbags being introduced. One such bag is the aptly named "Lovely" Dior tote. This pink tote makes me feel so girly. I'm going to dig out my spring dresses.

Description:

• Dior Lovely Style priced at $690 .
• Choose pink (shown) or black (see below) logo jacquard.
• Tonal leather trim.
• Silver-tone hardware.
• Top handles with rings; open top.
• Metal plate on front with logo charms.
• Front flap pockets with buckled extended tabs.
• Made in Italy

Tod's Miky Easy Media Bag

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 05:48:38 PST

I find this Tod's bag quite appealing. The design is simple, smooth, and elegant. What I like best is the baby blue color. It has been rather cloudy lately and I find that the sky blue color reminds me of sunny days and cheers me up.

Coach Silver Satin Frame Clutch

Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:26:26 PST

There are some days when I pick what bag to use based on the weather. The next few days will be those kind of days. As the weather gets colder and threatens to bring a heap of snow, I decided to reach into my bag collection and see what pops out to me to match how I feel for the change in weather. I reached in deep and pulled out my Coach silver satin frame clutch.

The silver color of the clutch makes me think of snow and cold weather. It is a great substitute to a hand held bag on days when I bulk up in clothing and wish not to lug around a regular-sized bag. It is very simple and chic. It has a loop that I can use to hook around my wrist for ease in carrying it with me in case I need an extra hand sometimes.

The satin material is soft and the pleats on the clutch give it a subtle sophisticated feel. The kisslock close on the frame makes me think of classy ladies in ballroom gowns with their clutches. It is easy to clean and take care of too. All it needs is a quick wipe down with a damp cloth to remove dust.

I got this at the outlets not too long ago for about $80. There are surely some still floating around at the outlets still so grab one when you can!

New Hayden Harnett Styles, Colors for Spring

Sat, 20 Jan 2007 20:41:32 PST

When I lost my Hayden-Harnett virginity to this bag , I began to understand why there is such a fan following. In essence, I have become a H&H groupie myself and when I received an email today from H&H announcing new styles and colors for spring, I was positively estatic.

Let me introduce you to my new lusts.

1) Suki Laybag

The front turnlock pocket is perfect for my cell phone or my kleenex. The framing is nice and I'm sure the leather is like all their handbags - soft and supple. Alas, the only thing I don't love is the price tag. At $520 so this makes it one of the more expensive handbags from H&H.

2)Barnard Crossbody

If I were a student again, I would totally be into Barnard. This bag looks casual enough for school and looks like it fits snugly across the shoulder and rests perfectly at the hips. The adjustable strap has nice, western inspired stiching detail. Price is $395.

3) Lorca Flap Demi in Blush

I own this in chocolate, but the blush color is a softer color and perfect for spring.

Coach Black Quilted Ski Wristlet with Fur Trim

Thu, 18 Jan 2007 21:57:43 PST

As the cold weather starts to kick in around my area, I start to wear more layers of clothing and find big bags that I used to love carrying quite too bulky for me to use at the moment. I then turn to something smaller, attempting to go to a more simplistic route. I therefore chose a wristlet.

Wristlets can be fun and definitely eliminates the hassle of lugging around something big as compared to a typical bag that one carries. It is big enough to hold all that one may possibly need such as credit cards, IDs, keys, cash and even a cell phone. Alone by itself, it can hold a slim digital camera along with a few credit cards and IDs. You can carry this with the loop around the wrist and clutching the body of the wrist on your hand and you can actually let it go and let the body of the wristlet hang around your wrist when you need a free hand.

This wristlet is made of the quilted nylon fabric and features a fancy rabbit fur trim. It is easy to take care of and easy to clean. A quick wipe with a damp cloth occasionally is all that it needs.

This wristlet was released in the Winter 2005 Coach line but I snagged this at a Nordstrom Rack recently last year. Some others have spotted this wristlet, along with other items from the same line, at the outlets last year as well. The Coach quilted ski line featured bags and accessories in black, white, hot pink, plum and brown.

Coach Mini Signature Lurex Top Handle

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:12:28 PST

One of the few lines that I look forward to each year from Coach is the lurex line. This is the Coach mini signature lurex top handle. There is something about lurex line that appeals to me. The lurex signature fabric brings a subtle metallic shine to the bag that brings a smile to my face. One can dress up or down with bags and accessories from this line. It can be used all-year round too but it definitely suits the winter season more.

This bag is made of the signature fabric with lurex and dusted suede. It has four bottom silver feet to give the bag some form of protection from scuffing and it gives it a firm shape to stand on its own on surfaces. The rhinestone studded buckle is a nice feature to the bag. It provides a sparkle that makes the bag stand out from the crowd. The size of the bag is big enough to carry one’s essentials such as a cell phone, small wallet, small make-up kit and keys. There is an inside zip pocket and the bag snaps close with a magnetic closure underneath where the buckle is.

This line is featured in three colors: gold, pink and black. There are other styles and accessories featured in this line such as a kisslock clutch, wristlets and mini skinnys. I scored the top handle bags at the outlets recently for around $150 before taxes.

Gucci Summer Bags - Mirror Evening Bag

Mon, 15 Jan 2007 14:50:18 PST

With all the metal plate details, these clutches look like they would be coming straight out of a Terminator movie. Instead, the Gucci Evening Bag is entitled a "summer" handbag. Looks rather cold to me.

Gucci Mirror Evening Bag $995

I need a little shut eye from the Ellen Tracy East-West Front Bag

Sun, 14 Jan 2007 21:25:27 PST

Handbags take all forms of shapes and sizes. However, I must say this is the first handbag to take the form of two eyes. I'm just waiting for one of the eyes to open or twink at me. Boy, this handbag is scaring me quite a bit.

Purchase the Ellen Tracy East-West Front Bag at Bloomies for $189.

kate spade rose travis

Sat, 13 Jan 2007 22:25:07 PST

Every girl has an oddly shaped handbag. One that looks different or unique. One that makes heads turn for a second look. This is probably what I consider one of my larger handbags. It is the kate spade large leather travis in rose. The very boxy shape of the bag makes carrying it quite a task if you are only used to carrying shoulder bags. This bag cannot be carried over the shoulder at all. I carry it either by the straps on my hand or by the crook of my arm.

The shape and size of the bag can also make it difficult to navigate in shops and everywhere else as it is quite large overall. In small shops where displays and shelves are quite narrow, one will have problems getting around in the store. I make sure to check first if I will have any difficulty moving around with the bag before stepping into the store.

The bag is easy to take care of. It is made of premium pebbled leather and one has to just wipe it down quick with a damp cloth occasionally. The inside of the bag is lined with striped pattern suede. The bag has a unique closure. It closes first with snap buttons then over again with a zipper. The silver detailing is subtle and features the kate spade logo.

Coach Resort Signature Denim Tote

Sun, 7 Jan 2007 19:37:13 PST

Everyone needs to get away sometimes. With the weather so blah these days, why not take a mini vacation somewhere? The perfect bag to tote around for that is Coach’s Resort Signature Denim Weekend Tote. Measuring at 14 ¼ X 13 X 7, this tote will surely hold everything that you would need for your mini getaway.

This tote features the popular signature print in denim and details of the Legacy collection such as the turnlock closure. The signature poly satin scarf at the sides gives the tote a natural flair. The rope handles provide a good drop of 20” so it can be carried over the shoulder as well as on the hand or the hook of your arm.

The only concern would be the white leather trim of the bag as in my opinion, white leather is not easy to keep clean. The bag does, however, have feet at the bottom to prevent any scuffing. The perfect accessory for this tote would be the matching Photoprint Scarf featured below.

Before taxes, the tote retails for $698 while the scarf retails for $58.

Coach Carly bags

Sun, 7 Jan 2007 19:20:21 PST

Everybody has been talking about the Carly bag lately. At first glance, nothing about it appealed to me. After seeing the leather one in person however I actually like it! The Carly bag comes in leather, signature fabric or suede material. The bag has minor detailing such as the turnlocks and dogleash clip.

The only thing I do not like that much is how the bag looks when it is being carried. I personally do not like the look of the slouch. However, the Carly is not the first Coach bag having a slouch. Some of Coach hobo bags have this but I must say that the slouch on the Carly looks much better than those of the other Coach hobo bags.

For $398 before tax, you can get the leather one. The signature fabric is priced at $348 and both feature a larger size. For more economical options, the leather and signature fabric top handle pouch retails at $198 and $178 before taxes respectively.

Meet Gucci's Peggy Top Handle Bag

Sun, 7 Jan 2007 16:55:28 PST

In a nice departure from the metallic handbags that are the "It" bags of the spring season, I would like to introduce you to Gucci's Peggy canvas handbag. My two favorite features of Peggy are the bamboo handle (though I'm sure it would leave marks on my delicate shoulders for me to remember the handbag by) and the nice canvas. I really like the fuschia/hot pink canvas. It's so feminine and girly that I can imagine taking it out on a nice outdoor stroll.

Lest we forgot that this bag is afterall, a Gucci bag and why we would be paying 1450 for a bag, the canvas has rather subtle Gucci logos interfaced with the floral print.

Prada Tassel Bag

Sat, 6 Jan 2007 15:31:19 PST

Okay, I'm starting to feel bad because it seems like this blog is becoming it's own version of Go Fug Yourself. I'm really trying NOT to be so negative of about everything, I really do love fashion, but even high end can go a little bit over the top at times. Case and point...this Prada bag. I don't even know what it's called, heck I don't WANT to know. All I know is it is featured in the new issue of Uk Vogue and it is HANDS DOWN the ugliest garment I have ever seen in my life. Personally, I don't want a purse that is going to make my stomach turn every time I look at it. I don't want a purse that will scare me in the middle of the night when I'm half a sleep. And I definitely don't want a purse that looks like it has mold and weeds growing out of it. My guess is that's not the look the folks over at Prada were going for.

I bet if it were Louis Vuitton folks would eat it up.

I'll stop, I promise.

Gucci Cruise Line

Tue, 2 Jan 2007 21:30:41 PST

I've never been a big fan of Gucci, but I've always associated their fashions with style and a bit of sophistication. This new bag, a part of thei 2007 cruise collection, is completely deviod of any style OR sophistication. Honestly, I'm shocked that any big name fashion house would put out a bowling bag?? Didn't Juicy Couture basically KILL this style back in 2005? And with that writing splashed across it, I would quickly assume this bag was purchased for about $15 down in the garment district (which is LA's well known secret for finding knockoffs). Basically to sum things up: the bag is just cheesy!

Now with all that said, they DID get something right....these shoes are gorgeous!

Coach Hamptons Stripe Collection

Fri, 29 Dec 2006 17:03:57 PST

I haven't been a big fan of Coach's last few collections but the new Hamptons Stripe Collection has perked my interest. They are just the right size for everyday use for various professions. The following bags are priced at $398 before taxes. The dilemma would be in the decision-making on which particular bag to purchase.

Coach Hamptons Signature Stripe Satchel

Coach Hamptons Leather Stripe Satchel

Coach Hamptons Signature Stripe Carryall

Coach Hamptons Leather Stripe Carryall

For those that find the price tag hard to swallow but would love the look, there is a slightly more affordable option from this collection. Priced at $148 before taxes, these pouches make a cute alternative to the larger and bulkier bags in this collection.

Coach Hamptons Signature Stripe Top Handle Pouch

Coach Hamptons Leather Stripe Top Handle Pouch

Please note that the items featured may come in other color combinations. Please refer to Coach.com or the Coach boutiques for more detailed information.

Coach Black Signature Snakeskin Flap

Fri, 29 Dec 2006 16:06:09 PST

When people think of reptile leather or animal fur, they associate it with exoticness. One of the few bags I own that I feel gives off an air of exoticness is the Coach black signature snakeskin flap. The handle and buckle flap of the bag utilizes a silverish gray snakeskin and the silver hardware of the bag complements it. It goes very well with the black signature print of the bag.

The flap bag is just big enough to hold all of one's essentials for everyday use such as a cell phone, a small wallet, gum, lip gloss or lip balm, and maybe even a small vial of perfume. It even has an inside compartment that one can slip thin items in such as business cards or even a slim cell phone.

The signature fabric is easy to take care of and would not show much wear due to the color being black. For any other color of the signature fabric, Coach has made a cleaner specifically to aid with the care of bags made with such material. Do note that items from Coach's exotics collection requires special care such as making sure it is not exposed to water or moisture. A quick wipe down with the direction of the scares should be observed to avoid damaging it.

Tumi Laptop bag / Briefcase

Thu, 28 Dec 2006 14:35:11 PST

Happy Belated Holidays! Hope everyone had a great Xmas.

Now that the holidays are rapidly winding down, it's time to shift my focus back to work....or at least an accessory for work. I used to have a Samsonite laptop bag which I wore out and the strap literally fell off the seams. Ever since, I've been carrying a Jansport backpack from my high school days around work. Functional, but I suspect that it may look a bit unprofessional, especially since I was once asked by someone in the elevator what department I was interning for!

Tumi seems to be having a sale on some of their discontinued lines. I like the simplicity of this briefcase. Looks sturdy but it won't hold my Franklin planner. I know, I should have a pda, but I don't think I'll ever move onto the electronic age and carry a palm.

The black version of the slim brief as, as Tumi puts it "add-on capability" which allows you to slip the bag over luggage handles. Is that what the vents are for? I had that in my Samsonite and always thought it strange to have a pocket with holes.

This laptop carrier is only 89 (good price for Tumi) and I love the purple shade. It's girly yet not too outlandish for work. This one has the same problem as the brief above, not enough width for my planner.

This Tumi messenger bag might not have enough padding in case I drop the bag, but it looks like it'll hold my planner. On sale for $99. Ah, the dilemma's I have in life. Should I go for one of these or wait until I find the perfect bag?

Merry Christmas To Me

Thu, 28 Dec 2006 11:42:01 PST

I've been searching for a new purse for months now. Maybe even an entire year. My old one is huge, brown, dilapidated (on purpose) with a bunch of grommets all over it. In other words...it's UGLY. Please don't ask me why I bought it, it was good for the moment (and a good price). I would've bought myself a new purse sooner but it seems that everytime I get money in my hands it goes towards a new top or....a new top. This is why you can always see me in the same shoes, or the same jeans, or the same ratty old coat, but my tops are always fabulous. Anyways, thats a different blog post entirely.

I took advantage of Christmas and asked my mom for a designer purse. She agreed, and as soon as she realized what kind of pricetage came along with the words "designer" she changed her mind. Then she told me she would get me a designer purse that is no more than $40. Okay, obviously at this point it became clear to me that my mother had no idea what the words "designer" really meant. A $40 purse? Good luck finding something cute at that price. Keep in mind this is coming from the same woman who has hung SO MANY purses on the back of my door that it can only open wide enough for me to shimmy through. Her purse collection is marvelous; with inexpensive pieces ranging from Kathy Van Zeeland to XOXO, to more sophisticated leather pieces.....most of which still have the price tag attatched and have been sitting there for months. My mother and I have very different outlooks when it comes to handbags. I would rather spend a couple hundred on one I love and wear all the time; she would rather spend a couple hundred on several to add to her "collection" (and of course, eventually lock me out of my room).

But eventually we came to an agreement over this Sondra Robertson purse I found at one of the high end boutiques here in town. The price: $64. Not shabby at all! And the purse itself is perfect; it's large enough to fit everything in it, but no cumbersome like my old one. The color matches most of my wardrobe, and the quilting adds "texture" to my outfits. And most importantly, it's stylish, young, and fun, just the way I like them!

And for all of that I have to say, thanks, Mom.

Coach Silver Soho Dusted Suede Metallic Flap

Mon, 25 Dec 2006 08:26:46 PST

Staying on the metallic theme, the perfect silver bag one can ever ask for is this Coach dusted suede flap. The slight shimmer and look of dusted suede is perfect for those cold winter days. The silver hardware complements the material of the bag.

Some owners of pieces from Coach's dusted suede line may argue that the material is hard to take care of or maintain. However with careful use and regularly rotating the use of different bags will avoid this issue. I have several pieces from Coach's dusted suede line and have had no problems of wear at all. The wear commonly associated with this line is the rubbing off of the suede material in spots that it comes in contact with other materials (such as one's clothing) constantly. Is the bag worth all the extra care it requires? I personally think so. If you're looking for an everyday throw around bag though, this is not the right bag for it.

This particular bag and some others from the same line are still floating around in the outlets for a decent price.

kate spade gold metallic wristlet

Sat, 23 Dec 2006 19:28:08 PST

Metallics are still in for this holiday season. Surprised? Not really. To me, it will always be a classic and never a trend. Its popularity comes in bursts but it is always there one way or the other. One does not want to overdo the whole metallic thing though. This is why for this holiday season my metallic accessory of choice for holding all my essentials is the kate spade gold leather wristlet.

The leather is very soft and supple. The sheen of the metallic gold color is not too flashy or blinding. It complements just about any kind of outfit whether you're trying to dress up or down for the occasion. The wristlet strap is removable so one can choose to use it strictly as a clutch. The hardware is gold in color and the zipper area shows some pink, a nice contrast to the gold. It is a great size, just roomy enough to carry your credit cards or cash, digital camera, cell phone, keys and maybe a small emergency make-up kit or so.

Louis Vuitton Nomade Lockit

Tue, 19 Dec 2006 19:27:39 PST

Louis Vuitton has high profile names working for them at the moment; first Scarlett Johannson, now supermodel Gemma Ward. I mean, it's not like it's HARD fo them to sell these things! Anyways, most people really prefer these ads to the ones Scarlett did. I've gotta disagree...I think these are a tad bit boring, and the bags themselves are pretty plain and matronly for my taste. But I DO like them a lot better than those super shiny bags, or even the multicolored logo bags LV has put out in the past (sorry for not knowing the proper names!). Enjoy:

Coach Bordeax Suede Wave Wristlet

Sun, 17 Dec 2006 19:04:27 PST

Going with my previous entry, red is the color of the holiday season. If you ever decide not to go with the traditional bold red color, a different shade might work for you. Like say, a burgundy or wine color instead.

This Coach bordeaux suede wave wristlet provides a quick fix for the need of red in one's wardrobe for this winter season. The suede material is perfect for the winter weather and the color would complement just about any color one would have in their wardrobe. It fits all the necessary things one would need for a night out in the club or bar. Women always have the dilemma of what bag or purse to bring to a club or bar, as they do not wish to carry something big and bulky. Why not a wristlet then? It is just big enough for all your IDs, credit cards, cash, small make-up kits or lip gloss and cell phone. A wristlet is certainly a must-have for every woman on the go.

I scored mine at the outlets a few months ago for a little over $25. You may still catch it on eBay now and then for a slightly higher price but let me tell you, it's worth it.

Louis Vuitton Miroir Collection

Sat, 16 Dec 2006 10:14:38 PST

I'm a bit behind on this, but the new LV Miroir line launched earlier this month on December 1. The collection consists of classic Louis Vuitton bags such as the Alma, Speedy, etc. in metallic gold and silver. Supposedly, this is a limited edition line and people are desperate to get their hands on one.

Now, I know that metallics are supposed to be "in" this season, but I must confess that I am not fashion forward enough and will pass on this trend. There is simply too much bling bling.

I Don't Like Louis Vuitton

Wed, 13 Dec 2006 20:20:19 PST

I really feel the need to vent a little bit here, although I know my headline will read as blasphemous from other fashion fans. A fashionista who doesn't like LV? Yup, in the flesh. My feelings of dislike for the company came up agan when a friend and I were discussing the new ads for the company, featuring actress Scarlett Johannson, another one of my loathes but that's a different story. Believe it or not I actually like the ad pictured above. Sure, her face is all kinds of wrong, but there's something about the colors and the styling that appeal to me. It's all very springy, ethereal and almost fairy like.

Anyways, back on the subject. Why do I hate Louis Vuitton? Classic overexposure. Everyone and their momma has the brown and gold LV handbag, or atleast a pretty decent looking knockoff. I'm sick of seeing it, and I think it's one of the ugliest bags I've ever seen in my life with those putrid colors that aren't entirely appealing together. Don't even get me started on those cheesy multi colored bags that were all the rage a few years back; it still amazes me that anyone outside of Jr. High bought one.

With all that said, that Love bag is kind of catching my eye....

Blondie Tote

Wed, 13 Dec 2006 06:08:54 PST

When I saw this I freaked. I love totes. I use them to hold my books for class never as a purse. But this is sooo cute. Its really inexpensive. Its from Target.

Coach Cardinal Signature Large Duffle

Tue, 12 Dec 2006 19:12:59 PST

Christmas means something red. One of my favorite bags is the Coach signature duffle in cardinal. The red color is oh-so-rich and the shape is quite unique as it is nothing compared to any of the other bags in my collection. The best feature of this bag is the convertible strap. Apparently, one can adjust it to use it in five different ways giving it five different lengths that would match any look and any outfit. The suede bottom is soft and luscious while the buckle details at the side gives the bag a distinct look. The slimness of the bag melts with your body and conforms to it quite well. The only disadvantage to this is it is not relatively easy to slip one's belongings in and out of the bag. It does have a wide zipper opening but one will have to arrange items to carry in the bag so as not to distort the shape of the bag.

I scored mine at the outlets back in April for $120 plus tax. However, I did spot a couple of them at the outlets during Black Friday for around the same price I got it for a couple months ago. Still a good deal as Coach changes the colors of their signature collection every season or so.

Scarlett Johansson in the Spring 2007 Louis Vuitton ads

Mon, 11 Dec 2006 20:27:55 PST

Scarlett Johansson returns to the Spring 2007 LV Ads in a set of romantic, coy ads. From the newly released set of ads, my favorite is the one featuring the LOVE tote.

Gwen Stefani: LAMB Collection

Sun, 10 Dec 2006 20:33:43 PST

I was checking out Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. handbag collection at Nordies and found a few interesting pieces.

From the "signature" line is the Montego bowler multicolor tote. It's got a simple design and would match a lot of my winter clothes but alas, there doesn't seem to be enough interior pockets for me. (I have an issue with a too cluttered handbag - unless of course the handbag is gorgeous, then I will sacrifice practically for style.

This one is a bit tame for Gwen, but I like that Gwen actually wears stuff from her own collection unlike a lot of other celebrities we know.

My favorite item from the collection has to be the L.A.M.B. Love Venezia Satchel. From the logo blue stripe to the gold trimming and the padlock, I can imagine owning this.

On a separate note, doesn't baby Kingston look adorable in his bear outfit?

Coach Black Satin Madison Pleated Hobo

Sun, 10 Dec 2006 13:11:35 PST

It's the holidays again. Time of the year to attend Christmas parties and fuzzy family gatherings. What better bag to celebrate that spirit of the holidays in style than Coach's satin pleated madison hobo?

The smooth sleek satin surface gives off a glossy shine and the rhinestone detail in front gives it the sparkle suited for the holiday season. It is a small evening bag good enough to hold the bare essentials for a quick make-up touch up, keys and a cell phone. The strap drop is a good length that gives you the option to carry the bag on your shoulder or hold it by the strap.

Capacious bags: Now coming with a surgeon general's warning

Thu, 7 Dec 2006 21:01:51 PST

I loved the caption under this picture on today's NYT article, "Ouch! My bag is killing me!" It read:

" Manhattan women shoulder capacious bags as they make their daily rounds."

I had to laugh because that woman right there? That could totally be me. With shorter, redder hair, but nevertheless, schlepping around with a 50-lb, 4'x4' tote affixed to my shoulder.

I LUUURV big bags--can't get enough of them; and in fact, I let my purchases be dictated by whether they can fit my laptop in or not. In all honesty, my laptop is sleek and slender, 3.5 lbs ThinkPad, so slim in fact that it's usually not a problem for me to fit it in any of my bags. And you all know that a girl can't live without her laptop. I also carry aorund a folder, a book or two, and then the usual suspects--wallet, keys, cell, lip balm, gloves and/or sunglasses, bottle of water, small purchases, my Palm, MP3 player, a Scrabble board, a change of clothes and shoes, several bowling balls, a few hangers, 2 small cockapoos, you know, the usual suspects. Ok, I'm kidding about a thing or two, but you get the gist.

The other reason I love big bags is that I'm a big girl--all 5'10" of me, and pretty muscular at that. In other words, I can pull my own weight, metaphorically speaking--and I can certainly lug around any bag, of whatever size, no matter what.

But not all women are like me; in fact, the article reminds us that women's fragile constitutions makes them prone to a constellation of symptoms (migraines, neck pains, etc.) that are triggered by their carrying the oh-so-big bags so in fashion these days. We should find a catchy name for this--Big Bag Syndrome (BBS) or perhaps, Big Bad Bag (BBB, even better!).

At any rate--go read, it's hilarious.

Coach Ombre Signature Frame Clutch with Gold Python Trim

Thu, 7 Dec 2006 20:32:47 PST

This was my latest acquisition. What a beauty I must say! The Ombre line is very versatile as it matches with other colors well. Wear it with a black top and jeans for a casual look of a cream pantsuit for a sophisticated look. It can be dressed up or down for any occasion. The gold python trim with the jeweled kisslock clutch gives it a touch of exoticness. Although the price may be steep, you may still be able to snag one at the outlets for a much lower price (and with luck, it may qualify for additional percentage off from the already slashed prices).

Rafe for Target® Small Beaded Bag - Black

Tue, 5 Dec 2006 23:18:06 PST

Noticed this just in time for the holiday season. I've been on the lookout for a nice, small party purse to wear to one of the 2 Christmas parties that I will be attending. However, I am also trying to save my pennies since I do have a rather extensive list of friends and family to shop for. Besides, tis the season of giving.

I was delighed to find this RAFE beaded purse. It allows me to spend on myself without going over my holiday budget. Rafe has handbags priced around the $500+ range but now you can own this very chic floral beaded bag for a very affordable $19.99 at Target.

All I want for Christmas is the Marc Jacobs Party Girl Clutch

Mon, 4 Dec 2006 21:52:04 PST

All I want for Christmas is this Marc Jacobs Party Girl Clutch. I love the rich burgundy tones of this clutch. I can almost feel the velvet fabric on my fingers. There is also this lovely ribbon that is interlaces with golden Marc embossed tabs.

Available at NM for $328

Mulberry Brook shoulder bag

Mon, 4 Dec 2006 14:39:58 PST

For casual quality, Mulberry is one of my favorite handbag designers. I have a tooled Bayswater and a Roxanne and both have lasted admirably through quite a bit of wear. The Mulberry Brook bag is one of my favorite new season Mulberrys, and at $595, I'm looking for flaws! Fortunately for us, there don't seem to be any. Look at that gorgeous bronze pebbled leather and that hip but not too flashy chain. And feast your eyes on those widely spaced buckles and the adorable side pockets. Why is this bag so much cheaper than other Mulberrys? Maybe because of its size. It IS small, but I find that rather endearing. Anyway, it's a mystery, but you might as well get out your credit card while you're trying to solve it. Grab yours at net-a-porter now.

Coach pink rabbit fur trim ski hobo

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 20:40:38 PST

Who says winter has to be all cold and drab?

Say hello to my Coach pink rabbit fur trim ski hobo! I know it's from last year's collection but who cares? Time to break it out from my personal collection. The color is a bright fuchsia and will make you pop out of the crowd this winter season. It will match almost anything you wear! I swear!

It's a nice hobo bag with braided handles; a very nice touch to the whole look of the bag. The rabbit fur is so smooth, soft and sleek. It is very easy to take care of and clean. It can hold all the essentials and much more! I scored mine at the outlets back in April and I don't regret it one bit.

So what's your winter bag?

Followup Blog: Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Turenne PM

Sun, 26 Nov 2006 20:30:55 PST

A few weeks ago I blogged about my boyfriend buying his mom the LV Epi Leather Turenne in Cannelle. As a followup to that blog, here is her purse. I managed to snag these photos over Thanksgiving dinner while I was capturing picts of the magnificent Thxgiving feast (really, my main goal was to cover the dinner, not the purse!).

For Xmas, I'm having a hard time deciding what to get her. What do you think? Should I go with the Epi Koala Wallet or Epi Tresor wallet?

DKNY purse: To be seen, but not worn?

Sat, 25 Nov 2006 02:01:56 PST

Ms. Kathy Rose blogged about her first purse love and it really rang a bell. I'd like to showcase my first love....a DKNY evening bag. Now, this is by far not the most expensive purse in my collection (if it were, then I would be a whole lot richer and probably not as stylish) but it is one of my first designer pieces. Besides being one of the first, it was also given to me by my very dear aunt as a present around the time that I graduated from high school, which was many moons again.

I must confess that I have never used this DKNY bag except in the comfort of my own home. First, it is a hard color to wear or match with my clothes. Secondly, I am a little OCD and would hate there to be any dirt marks on this purse. So I have resigned myself to only use it on that special occasion. Like Kathy Rose (what a strange coincidence), I have also thought this would be a great piece to wear to a wedding but have always kept it my little secret thought. Nevertheless, in the spirit of sharing, I wanted to show you my bag.

Coach gold pleated mosaic hobo

Sat, 25 Nov 2006 00:09:42 PST

So what has everyone snagged on Black Friday?

This year, I talked my long-time BF into taking me to the outlets at midnight for Black Friday. He agreed, thinking it would be a great alternative to waking up at 6 AM to get to the Early Bird specials in the mall and other shopping centers. We both figured that instead of sleeping late and groggily waking up to beat the crowds for deals, we'd go straight to the outlets instead. We were both very wrong.

The traffic was awful. We had 13 more miles to go to the exit to the outlets when the cars slowed down to a complete stop and started a bug crawl. When we finally got a glimpse of the exit we were supposed to take, BF pointed out the other side of the highway - same scenario, cars crawling to get to the same exit. It was crazy. There were cars parked everywhere from restaurant parking lots to gas stations. I dreaded that this trip would not be worth it. BF pulled into the parking lot, just a bit short of road rage, and I jumped out and started walking to the Coach outlet. With my hazy vision, I spotted it and just barged right in.

It was packed. Wall to wall, people were trying to get by in both directions. I made a quick look over around the whole store and grabbed what I could see that caught my eye that was in the price I was willing to pay. From 12 midnight to 8 AM, all purchases receive an extra 10% off on top of the stated % off labeled on the shelves. As soon as BF came in, I dumped what I have collected as he jumped in to stand in line for the register. The line was by the front door at this point, snaking from the register to the back then to the front. I made another 2 rounds around the whole store until I was satisfied with what I have chosen and stood in line with my BF. By the time I stepped in line with my BF, the line had snaked around the store from the register to the back then to the front and then to the back again. If you're the last person to get in line, you'd be waiting at least an hour to get to the register.

The bag that made my trip all worthwhile is the Coach gold pleated mosaic hobo. It was from last year and I have been looking for it for almost a whole year. I even tried eBay but I either have missed the ending of the auction or the price went up too high. It was the first thing I saw that I grabbed and never let go. BF was just relieved that I got something I really loved and it made him feel better about this long trip to the outlets.

We didn't score anything else in the other stores but I did manage to get a couple other wristlets that I really liked there. For almost $80 including tax, this bag originally marked at a retail of $358 is a bargain. It is small yet roomy enough for the essentials such as your cell phone, a make-up kit, gum, small wallet and with a little bit more room to spare for other things. The inside lilac satin lining is so soft and provides a nice contrast to the gold and bronze parts of the bag. The mosaic part on front of the bag consists of patches of material from the bags made in the same season last year when this was released. I think it's a very cool, classy bag for the holiday season.

Would I do this again next year? Definitely not. But at least I have this bag and a couple of wristlets that I really love to show for on this year's Black Friday experience. Next year, we're going back to the old plan - waking up early for the deals in the mall and other shopping centers.

G'Day Mate: B. Romanek Crocodile Rockstar Clutch

Fri, 24 Nov 2006 21:17:05 PST

Taking a departure from classic handbag styling for a refreshing and modern look comes the Crocodile Rockstar Clutch from B. Romanek. The designer has taken crocodile skin, including the tail, to create a very versatile and unique clutch. As seen by celebrities such as Ashlee Simpson, Ashley Oslen, and Eve Mendes, this clutch can be worn on both casual and formal clothing.

The purdy Rockstar Clutch doesn't come cheap though. You'll need to hang over $1,950 to buy the unit at Vivre (available in black or red) or $2,195 at Barneys.

kate spade pink satin amanda - my first bag love

Thu, 23 Nov 2006 15:30:08 PST

Happy Turkey Day to all first and foremost! I have chosen the first day in the week to blog about my first and favorite designer bag, a kate spade pink satin amanda.

Every girl has their first love with a bag. Mine was three years ago in the kate spade store in the King of Prussia Mall in PA. There it was, on the top shelf - calling to me. I could not resist. I asked for the sales associate to see it and I gasped and marveled at its beauty. The satin is so soft and the pink could not be any more perfect than it already is. The gold handles gives it the finishing touch of elegance and sophistication. The bag has snakeskin piping and trim and it only adds to its exquisite beauty. But alas! The price gave me what we would know as a "sticker shock" moment. I had to leave it behind.

About a year later, I was browsing online about kate spade bags and remembered my first love. I decided to Google it and it led me to Bluefly. Without even thinking twice, I charged it to my first credit card. My heart was beating fast; this was to be the most expensive thing that I don't need charged on my card. And a few days later, it was mine. The waiting was heart-wrenching as I didn't know if I would regret purchasing it or not. All the fears have washed away once I have it in my hands and marveled at its beauty. It was stunning.

No, I have not used it yet up to this day. I am reserving it for a very special occasion where I'd want this particular bag to be there to share that wonderful memory. I always thought maybe it would be at my wedding but who knows? Everyone has a favorite bag and everyone remembers their first bag love. What's yours?

Marc Jacobs Leather Stam - as seen on Jennifer Lopez

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 22:28:09 PST

When you know that all eyes will be upon you, what handbag do you choose?

Well, we all know that Jennifer Lopez is known for her excellent fashion taste and recent photos of her leaving the Ciampino airport after attending the TomKat celebrity wedding of the century prove it. JLo is seen accessoried with the Marc Jacobs Leather Stam. I love the detachable gold chain.

This purse can be had on Net-a-porter for $1,275. There are a number of colors available. I'm also dying to know who the designer of JLo's jacket is. The detailing on the sleeve is so beautiful

Wristlets, why every woman/girl should have a bunch!

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 16:23:16 PST

I think that wristlets are a great idea and a must have for any true fashionista. I got a dooney and bourke from a friend as a birthday present a few years back, and I love it. All of my girl friends have them, from juicy couture, coach, burberry you name it. It is a good way to show you have style at a fraction of the cost, not to mention a super convinient accessory. We all know what a drag it can be to bring a purse to a nightclub/bar/restaurant etc. Its also tough to fit the necessities into your pockets, if you have them, and how many skirts do you know with pockets? The wristlet fits the essentials, a credit card, your license, car/house keys, some cash, and any cosmetics you might need to touch yourself up during night, trial sized perfumes can fit right in, even a tampon and you are ready to go. They slip onto your wrist so your hand is readily available to be held, to hold onto that wine glass, to dance or whatever you want to do. These wristlets are very reasonable. The Juicy Couture one pictured goes for around 75.00 probably less if you find one you love at the Wrentham outlets, check out Burberry and Juicy Couture. A must have!

A plea for color

Tue, 14 Nov 2006 11:06:03 PST

I have a few friends who suffer from what I call color-phobia. I'm sure you have some friends like that, too. You know the ones: they who will always gravitate towards safe, tried and true colors (or non-colors, for that matter), colors that blend perfectly with the tedium of everyday drudgery and thus, apparently, make said tedium more bearable. Young women who day after day after day will choose the comfort of blacks, grays, browns, and navy, paired usually with white or some muted pastel color that meets the minimum requirements for contrast while successfully managing not to draw attention to itself.

And hey, I completely understand that there are situations when a woman does not want to draw attention to her wardrobe. The last thing you want when you present that annual report is for your boss to be squinting into the purple lace bra trim peeking out of that tight bright lime green top. That's not what I'm talking about. It's hard enough for a woman to be taken seriously in the business place as it is. Nor am I saying that there’s something wrong with wearing classic, muted colors—far from it.

I’m just puzzled that there are women in my life who will resist a dash of bright color with every fiber of their being irrespective of the context—business, casual, fun. And they’re even more resistant when it comes to shoes and bags, which MUST ALWAYS BE BLACK OR BROWN, NO EXCEPTIONS, THANK YOU. That, in particular, drives me crazy, because, as much as love these girls, I can’t go shopping with them. It pains me to see them pick up yet another gray T-shirt or yet another pair of brown shoes. Seriously. There is a place and time for everything, and there should be a saturation limit of drab colors in one’s wardrobe. We’re young women, full of life and energy: shouldn’t we celebrate that life with a little more than that?

This Spartan taste for colors extends to textures and accessories: anything velvet, jacquard, patent, gold, silver, shiny or sparkly in any way is verboten. In other words, anything remotely suggestive of fashionable fun.

Of course, you don’t want to dress like the Bozo the Clown or wear a mauve plaid gaucho suit for the sake of color. Again, that’s not what I’m saying. Let me explain.

Look around you—look at nature in all its glory. Observe it in one of the moments in which it makes you happiest, which makes you bosom swell with unexplained joy and you can hear faintly angel choirs in the background. Chances are that nature at its best will exhibit an explosion of colors: the sky is light blue or turquoise, the leaves are bright green, flowers of all colors imaginable are in full bloom. Nature celebrates with color. Even in its descent into winter, it will blind you with a symphony of yellows and oranges that simply cannot be ignored.

So, if you, like me, have friends who are color-shy, ask them, why would they ignore the clues of nature?

Let them understand that you’re not asking them to be gaudy: nobody wants them to be Mimi from the Drew Carey Show. But a little color goes a long way, even if it’s just a splash of red or orange on an otherwise neutral outfit. Color makes you happier. More confident. Bolder. Brings a smile on other people’s faces. You know, the good, happy kind of smile.

I understand this kind of reticence because until a few years ago I was one of those girls, too. Sure, I would occasionally wear a touch of pink or of pine green and even light blue, but in general, I stayed as far as I could from primary, vibrant colors. I didn’t think I could pull it off, you know. It wasn’t “my style,” I would say to myself. I’m a serious type of gal. Gray and black and navy were safe, and worked for me in the past, so I’d better stick with them.

Until, in one fell swoop, I went through a pretty devastating break-up and moved some 1500 miles to the north, where nobody knew me, to start graduate school. I remember distinctly the moment I bought my first two very colorful pieces: a purple cardigan and a bright orange turtleneck, to brave the Nordic climate. For some reason, all of a sudden I felt free. I wasn’t afraid of color anymore. Match it with muted tones and you’ve got a stylish, colorful, distinctive outfit that makes you stand out and gives you more confidence. At least, that’s what that immersion in color felt like for me.

I’m not saying that one has to go through some life-changing moments to realize that color isn’t evil, after all. Indeed, I wish I had discovered color a long time before that. I think it would have made me a happier—and more stylish—person.

My mother-in-law is a beige type of woman. Mostly everything she wears is toned down, and there is a LOT of beige and brown in her wardrobe. She confessed to me that she hated anything other than black or brown shoes (indeed, that’s all she has in her wardrobe), but hastily congratulated me on “pulling it off”—that refers to the fact that 80% of my shoes come in colors OTHER than black or brown. Imagine her horror when a couple of years ago, while browsing through stores in the Green Village, I came upon the bag you see on the left (large tote, in black leather and dyed pony hair). I of course delighted immediately to see this splendid creation: it was one of a kind, bright, colorful, bold, energetic, vital, with the added bonus of being big enough to carry my laptop AND a moderately-sized portable library (if I so wanted). Of course, it was too expensive (about $400) and I just admired it longingly, not failing to verbalize my admiration to my very beige and slightly nonplussed MIL.

To my delight, that Christmas she bought the bag for me as a gift. “I went back to the store [The Village Tannery] and it grew on me,” she said, modestly. “Of course,” she swiftly added, “I could never pull it off.”

Oh, but she could. So could you and those friends I’m talking about, if they were more open to color. We can all pull it off—as long as, of course, we don’t go overboard with it.

The beauty of fashion is that it allows us to explore colors, textures, and shapes, and perhaps lift our spirits—even if for just a tiny bit. Color is good for the soul. Wear it with confidence. Wear it and be happy!

Hayden-Harnett, I'm so glad to finally meet you

Fri, 10 Nov 2006 21:44:00 PST

I am a recent subscriber to a variety of fashion magazines (got a 4 pack deal from some online mag company). Anyways, while perusing these magazines to help me lose track of time at the gym and make the workout easier, I noticed a common theme. Nearly all of the handbags that I had made a mental note to "window shop" for were by the same designer....a Hayden-Harnett. Well, one sweaty night from the gym I went online to do some research on HH. Wow - where have a been? There is a huge following for Hayden-Harnett (including myself now) . Apparently, HH consists of a super cool New Yorkers couple(Brooklyn to be exact). The duo have created the next must lust for in handbags. While researching, I came across their Myspace page (how cool and connected are they?) announcing their first ever online sample sale. So, after drooling on their sample sale site for a bit (wish I had more money because it was so hard to pick just one), I bought the Lorca Flap Demi in Chocolate along with a tassel (see all the pictures).

Fast forward to a few days later....UPS man has arrived with my first Hayden-Harnett purchase. Now, I\'m a hard person to impressed and I have to say, even I was totally blown away. The leather was so soft. I had to run my hard over it and pet it a few times. The attention to detail was AMAZING. Besides the sig HH logo in the suede lining, most of the brass hardware also had the HH adorned (again, see photos). Also, this bag was so stylish, I took it out for a spin and couldn\'t get over the number of compliments. Price - probably the best bargain I\'ve ever got considering the quality, style, and detail. FInally, because I haven\'t said enough about Hayden-Harnett, this bag was, gasp, very functional. How rare is that for a stylish bag? There are two outer pockets which are a perfect fit for my chapstick and cell phone. Inside is a zip pocket and two open pockets which are perfect for kleenex (one should always be prepared) and anything else. I was able to fit my ring of keys, sunglasses, and medium sized wallet. Thank you Toni, Ben, and Py for designing such functional handbags.

Incidentally, if you are interested in checking out HH\'s line, here is their official website to purchase their fab purses.

Besides the aforementioned Myspace page, check out their online blog. I really love reading about their daily inspirations and activities. They are so in touch with their fans.

Fendi Mink Spy Bag -- Too Expensive, but Too Cute

Sun, 5 Nov 2006 22:22:16 PST

This one is described by Fendi itself as "Over-The-Top". Plush mink hugs this satin-lined pink bag. Nevermind the fact it will run you close to $10,000 (after tax), this bag is just too cute to not post about. The fold-over flap closure with wristlet accent and dual top handles in silvertone mesh metal will make this the envy of any crowd.

Fendi Canvas & Metallic Large B Bag

Sun, 5 Nov 2006 22:17:18 PST

Nevermind that the two large buckes on the front of this Fendi bag look like door knockers, very expensive door knockers for that matter. This Fendi Canvas/Metallic Large B Bag i made out of canvas and calfskin, has a large logo tab with chain links accents, double shoulder straps and canvas lining. A nice bag indeed.

Prada - Arctic Nappa Gauffre Tote

Sun, 5 Nov 2006 21:31:37 PST

This antic detailed, military green quilted tote is a beautiful bag. We found this tote at Saks Fifth Avenue and decided it was a must have. $1500+ but worth every penny. Available in both black and militare.

Prada Daino Zip Top Hobo

Sun, 5 Nov 2006 21:25:55 PST

A night on the town would not be complete without this Prada Daino Zip Top Hobo, lead colored leather with a classy buckle detailed shoulder strap. The Prada logo is subtly detailed in a gold tone signature on the front of the bag, making this one of the holiday season's must-haves.

Balenciaga - Part Time Bag

Sun, 5 Nov 2006 21:21:45 PST

The Hilton sisters are know to carry this bag, along with the rumored 25 other Balenciaga bags in their collection. The grainy leather and signature Balenciaga rivets make this as beautiful as imported Italian marble.

Balenciaga - Matelasse Bag

Sun, 5 Nov 2006 21:17:16 PST

This is simply a gorgeous bag. I especially love the subtle lacing on the handles and the outer pouch. Elegant and great to carry to any occasion. Part of the new Balenciaga collection. If you could get your hands on one of these (and not a fake), you are more resourceful than I.

The Louis Vuitton Speedy 30

Sun, 5 Nov 2006 21:04:50 PST

I'm not one to go for the circus colors, in fact I usually shy away from bags that advertise a name-brand so loudly. But LV's new Speedy 30 designed by Takashi Murakami does it right. The outer pocket and gold brass corners adds a level of depth and classic sturdiness good enough for any urbanite. Part of the new Fall Catalog.

Louis Vuitton Stephen Bag

Sun, 5 Nov 2006 20:54:26 PST

I recently visited the LV store in Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, and came across this new slant on an LV classic. This bag is created by Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton, and a cute version of the classic Louis Vuitton monogram canvas. The black strap and 3-link shoulder strap are a nice accent to this new bag.

Who Wears it best? Rachel Zoe Cleopatra Clutch

Sun, 15 Oct 2006 12:07:39 PDT

Rachel Zoe, celebrity stylist, has adorn each of clients with her new collaborative creation with Judith Leiber, the Cleopatra Clutch. Which of her "stars" do you think wears the clutch the best?

Mischa Barton
Lindsay Lohan
Nicole Richie

***Update: This is now available for $7,995 on the Judith Leiber website.

Rachel Bilson’s Zach Posen Aurora Bag

Sat, 14 Oct 2006 23:41:49 PDT

Cutie pie Rachel Bilson effectively demonstrates that the Aurorabag can be worn both up (Formal at the Teen Choice Awards 2006) or down (Casual with jeans). I also love the purple on black trim.

Unfortunately, I couldn't find the color or style available anywhere online. The next best options is the Zach Posen Flag bag, available in white at NM for $990.