VBH Spring 2012 is utterly lovely, of course

Images via Moda Operandi

VBH bags, much like Hermes, are the kind of designs that I don’t really need to review. The brand turns out functional ultra-luxury masterpieces that are consistently breathtaking, and if you’re a fan of the classics, you’re probably a fan of what VBH does. If you’re not, you’ve probably stopped reading already anyway, if you even started. With that in mind, I’m going to skip the “Are these good, or do they suck?” portion of my standard spiel.

So let’s just say that VBH’s Spring 2012 Moda Operandi pre-sale is happening through November 4th, with bags ranging from $1800 for a clutch to $17500 for a pristine white crocodile satchel. As always, Moda Operandi is members-only, but we’ve got the full gallery of presale offerings after the jump so that even non-members can start planning their upcoming purchases (or, you know, just drool over the pretty stuff).

Read more

Are you ready for the return of the Fendi Baguette?

Fendi Cracked Suede Baguette, $990 in blue or silver via Bergdorf Goodman

For an entire generation of women (of which I’m a part), the Fendi Baguette was the first It Bag to penetrate our collective consciousness. Indeed, many fashion people count its popularity as the dawn of the entire It Bag concept, and I probably have its existence to credit, at least in small part, to my current employment. In handbag history, the role of this little Fendi bag can’t be overstated.

Like anything, though, the heady days of Sex and the City passed and the Baguette fell out of favor to make way for the Chloe Paddington, the Fendi Spy and all the other must-have, “ungettable get” bags that followed. The fashion industry is endlessly cyclical, though, and eventually everything old is new again. Nearly 15 years after its launch, is it time for the Fendi Baguette’s second act?

Read more

Shop Rue La La’s Hermes Selection

Chevre de Coromandel – Black Crocodile Birkin 35cm GHW – Turquoise Swift Birkin 30cm PHW Be still my heart. Some of the promotions I work on are both sheer joy and total temptation, and the Madison Avenue Couture Hermes Rue La La boutique is a perfect example of this. Starting today at 11 AM EST, … Read more

Lanvin makes its own version of the Celine Luggage Tote

Lanvin Gypsie Straw and Snakeskin Tote, $2190 via Bergdorf Goodman

When a bag is as popular as the Celine Luggage Tote, it’s only logical that other brands will try to stand in the reflected glow of the design’s success by debuting bags that share certain characteristics with the one that everyone wants. This practice is as old as time, and it’s how trends in size, shape and color start. As long as the reinterpretation is reasonably original, it generally doesn’t bother me as a consumer.

Even with that in mind, though, I was surprised to see the Lanvin Gypsie Straw and Snakeskin Tote in the Resort 2012 pre-orders at Bergdorf Goodman. Lanvin tends to be a brand that shirks most trends in favor of its own brand of Parisian chic, so even though I don’t have a philosophical problem with the existence of this bag, I didn’t think I’d ever see it.

Read more

Prada’s Resort 2012 ads have handbags galore

Images via Fashionista.com

Handbag lovers often get the shaft on the runway, but when it comes time to move some product and keep the company in the black (namely, ad season), brands are all about giving us lots of pretty pictures of exactly what we want to see. If you needed any convincing of that fact, just take a look at Prada‘s new Resort 2012 ads from the lovely ladies of Fashionista.com.

The shots, featuring model Lea Seydoux, at times literally feature more clutches than one person can hold. There’s great variety among the bags too – bright exotics, ruched leather flap bags, bejeweled box clutches. If you don’t look closely, you might miss a great piece, but don’t stop at the bags. Prada’s brand new jewelry line, launching next month, is also represented heavily. And are those a couple of Prada Bear Bag Tricks that I see? More photos and a behind-the-scenes video, after the jump.

Read more

The Six Best Bags of Halloween


Halloween is, by far, my favorite holiday. Everything about it – the brightly colored wigs, the over-the-top makeup, the elaborate costumes, the slutty hosiery and shoes – appeals to my inner drag queen, and ladies, my inner drag queen is especially glittery. When you combine those tendencies with my penchant for black and my preexisting love of fun size candy, Halloween and I are like a match made costume-closet heaven.

I still have no idea what I’m going to wear this year (I have a green wig. Give me ideas based on that in the comments. This is a serious request.), but I do have a few ideas on what everyone should be carrying in order to properly embrace the Halloween spirit. Whether you’re attending a swanky costume ball (I wish) or a kegger at your friend’s sketchy apartment (slightly closer to reality), I have assembled a group of bags to keep your hands and arms occupied, both on Halloween and well beyond.

Read more

Ferragamo challenges one of the last great fashion taboos

Salvatore Ferragamo Calfskin Tote, $2751 via Luis Via Roma

“You can’t wear white after Labor Day or before Easter!”

Is there actually anyone out there who believes that anymore? I mean, besides little old ladies. Even I, as a daughter of the South and a woman introduced to pearls, slips and “proper dressing” at a young age, think this rule is beyond tired. Winter white is a beautiful thing, and if you’re not entirely convinced, this gorgeous Salvatore Ferragamo Calfskin Tote is here to talk some sense into you. When Ferragamo speaks, you listen.

Read more

Coach Spring 2012 Preview

Yesterday, Vlad, Amanda and I headed west to what seemed like the end of the world, aka the Hudson River. (Geography for anyone living in Manhattan is utterly skewed.) I would gladly walk 6 avenues any day for the chance to preview Coach‘s upcoming collection of bags and accessories, especially when hosted in the Archive at the Coach Carriage House. While we were there to focus on Spring 2012, my eyes continuously wandered to case after case of Coach staples from the past. But that will come another day; today is all about the upcoming collection.

Read more

Marc Jacobs Resort 2012 now available for pre-order via Bergdorfs

Marc Jacobs Python Contrast Tote, $3795 via Bergdorf Goodman

Although I wasn’t a huge fan of Marc Jacobs’ Spring 2012 runway bags, his Resort 2012 collection has been on my radar for months. The mid-season line has some of Jacobs’ chicest designs in quite a while, mostly because the bags are without gimmicks. Instead, what you’ll find is clean lines and supple leather in the kinds of color combinations that feel very current.

The other notable thing about these bags is the return of the Marc Jacobs Venetia, but in an altered state. Back in the mid-2000s, the Venetia and its iconic buckled pockets were a staple of Marc’s in-demand accessories line, and now the shape is back, without its pockets, for a second tour of duty through the handbag wars. Check out more of the bags after the jump and let us know if any of them tickle your fancy.

Read more