Accessories

While I know this is the Purse Blog, I also know seeing a few new accessories here and there can’t hurt. And by accessories, I mean shoes. Some of the most sought after shoes are the Blahnik’s. With impeccable detail, style, and appeal, Manolo’s shoes are nothing less than extraordinary. Their price is also just that. A brand new design is the Manolo Blahnik Printed d’Orsay. Made of gold fabric with a dark red abstract print, these shoes will be drawing much attention to the lady whose feet is gracefully wearing them. There is also metallic gold leather tipping, insole, and a covered buckle on an adjustable front strap. The heel is covered, but the size of the heel is not given (bummer. I always need to know heel size so I don’t begin to tower over 6 ft and Vlad). Sizes 5.5-11 are available for this one-of-a-kind beauty. The shoes can be yours if you wallet can splurge out $565. Via Bergdorf Goodman.

You’ve made it in this world if you have a Louis Vuitton bag named after you. I guess I can stop believing that I have made it in this world, because there surely isn’t an LV named after me (I’d like to think that in the future there will be someday?!). The new Louis Vuitton Audra is named after an iconic Broadway singer, Audra McDonald, which gives a new appeal to the Monogram Multicolore canvas line. Best part of the bag for me is the heavy golden metallic hardware and links which gives way to the natural cowhide handles. The shape is also alluring, being not square but triangular. The canvas is the Monogram Multicolore with natural cowhide trim and golden metal hardware, which was of course designed by Takashi Murakami. The inside is lined in Ruby alcantara and has two compartments to hold goodies. I guess the day that I have a high end bag from a classic designer like Louis Vuitton named after me, it means I’m golden. Until then, I’ll be an insignificant bump on a log. If you want to wear another’s fame and fortune in a bag, the Audra is available for $1250 via eLuxury.

What better way to pair up a new bag than with new shoes? Now for me personally, LV bags haven’t been my favorite, for the mere reason (to some it may sound stupid) that the fakes keep being made and are so bad. But the shoes, I have always had a liking of. The Louis Vuitton Multicolore Open-Toe Mule is a sexy shoe with an unbelievably cute style. The shoe is trimmed with natural cowhide which is underlined by fuchsia patent leather. This of course matches the insoles, which are made of fuchsia suede goat leather and are accented with yellow topstitching. Some of my favorite parts are the violet velvet bow, and the angular heel which is 2″. You know why that heel is amazing, because it is short! Try being 5′10.5 and finding shoes that don’t make you tower over every man around you. Luckily Vlad is 6′3 so I’d be set with these heels. These shoes could make any outfit right for $490 through eLuxury.

How many times has it been impossible for you to shop for your dad or any other guy for that matter? For me, it’s constant. I don’t know what to get, what size, what color, what thing- I don’t know anything. All I ever think of for my dad is a tie. Birthday time- my dad, “Oo a new tie”. Christmas time- my dad, “Oo a new tie”. Father’s Day time- my dad, “Oo a new tie”. You name the holiday, it’s been pretty much guaranteed that I have bought my dad a tie. But for his birthday coming up, I have something so new and so original (ok that was partially sarcastic). How about a tie case? Ah yes, a holder for the tie. The Brunelleschi Black Italian Leather Tie Case is crafted from beautiful Italian leather and is sure to make any dad wonder “What the hell do I need this for??”. I love that reaction from gift giving- it’s always the best. I guess some working man decided it was time to protect his ties from wrinkles and creases when he traveled, so now there is a piece of leather that can hold it in place for you. The inside contains four leather snap straps to hold the ties in place for the turbulent plane rides. The case measures (in inches) 6.30 x 15.75 x 0.98. For only $158 via Forzieri this impractical case can be yours!

Who would have ever thought that quilted would be ‘in’? I guess I always had a stereotypical view of quilts. Quilts remind me of an old-lady past time. But with age I learned a bit of sophistication when it comes to fashion. I may not remember all of my calculus and derivatives, but I sure as heck remember styles that come and go and what makes it. Now do keep in mind that Chanel has been using the classic quilt pattern for quite some time- which is both timeless and elegant. So why not have some other designers take on the quilts? Well Marc Jacobs has decided to do just that. The Marc Jacobs Collection Quilted contains 3 numbers that I’m head over heels for.

First, the big momma of them all is the Marc Jacobs Collection Quilted Venetia. This bag (above) is a new way to look at the renowned Venetia bag with an added flair from the quilted Nappa leather and boisterous brass hardware. Both of the outside pockets show off Marc’s signature push-locks while the large brass pull with brass-tipped leather ties gives way to the top zipper closure. The inside of the bag is lined with soft suede and has a zipped pocket. I love this bag in Pearl but it is also available in Black. Whichever of these meets your fancy can be yours for $1200 through eLuxury.

Next we venture into the world of quilted clutches. Seems a little un-ordinary- that’s because it is. Clutches are a fashion must now-a-days (if you don’t own a cute clutch- please go buy one, and then nod your head with me about how it is a must). The Marc Jacobs Collection Quilted Zip Clutch infuses retro-modern with contemporary classic. Seems like an oxymoron- what it really is- is bea-uuuu-tiful! The clutch is made of grained, quilted leather, a bold placement of polished brass hardware, 2 signature push clasp pockets in the front,over sized signature zippers with leather pull tabs, and has a long zip top. The inside is quite a treat for any girl’s needs. The suede lined interior contains a divided center pocket, 2 slender side pockets, and 6 slots for credit cards or IDs. Humm… only 6??? Jk guys! As much as $450 is quite a bit of money, this clutch is well worth it. {via eLuxury}

How ’bout a somewhat pointless accessory?? Yea! Actually before I begin, I have a question: Which of you own a key holder- and for those of you who do, do you find it handy- and even more pointless of a question, does it just hold a key?? Ok on with the last of the quilted series. This Marc Jacobs Collection Quilted Key Pouch is also made of grained, quilted leather, has a zippered top with signature push clasp closure, features polished brass hardware, is lined in suede, and contains an interior key ring with a leather leash. A leash for your key… are you going to walk it? So this is what I call a “pointless purchase” but if you think it may complete your quilted series- then go for it. This pouch can be purchased for $195 through eLuxury.

For Labor Day, I’ll try something new here at our blog. Our frequent reader Chemlex suggested that we should not only focus on handbags per se, but also feature shoe accessories that would complement the bag when worn out. Great idea me thinks, and she’s right when she says that it certainly ain’t no requirement to match up bag and shoe anymore, but it’s still great to see what today’s top designers match up. If the feedback is right, we’ll continue doing so, but if the crowd agrees that we should stick strictly to the bags — we shall.

Our first touple to be critically evaluated are the Valentino Mink-Trim Metallic Bag and Slides. First impression: vurrry chic, indeed. After all, we don’t do much ugly and crappy junk here. The combo strikes with pure luxury, the mink contrasts fantastically with the metallic gold leather. The handbag sports a black trim and gold metallic double straps, attached via golden hardware. A croc-embossed tab with a studded keeper, and lots more golden studs across the bag’s body extend the luxe indefinitely. The bag’s here for pre-order via Bergdorf Goodman for $2,200.

Valentino’s Mink-Trim Metallic Slides are the perfect match for the bag, giving a vibe of pure luxury just as much as their shoulder companion. The shoes feature a brown mink flower with jeweled alligator-embossed leather leaves on a gathered upper. The Italian made slides go for $540, also via Bergdorf Goodman.

What do ya’ll think?

While you are reading this, I’ll be sitting on an airplane with a numb arse eating my peanuts and wondering how much longer the 9 hour flight will be. You can instead enjoy the comfort of your home/office/wherever and admire this set of two hair cubes. Ah yes. The Louis Vuitton Hair Cubes Strass is proving to us that hair scrunchies and hair ties are soo HOT! You can choose from a set of Pink/blue or Brown/beige. I bet this is what you all have been dreaming about. Lucky us, they are finally here. Unfortunately, I will not be buying these. These cubes remind me of the car dice that hang from the rear view window- and that is a bad thing! Right now there is no word on the pricing- but if you really want to inquire just call your local LV boutique or check them out online. Actually when I think about it again, these could possibly be pulled off by some girls (or guys ), but I’m not sure if I can see that person being me.

The world has become hands-free. We have hands free phones, hands free computer typing (for the very lazy), hands free drinking with straws, and maybe someday our entire lives will be hands free — driving cars and all aspects of technology and work. Yikes. But sometimes hands-free is oh-so-necessary. For instance, when you go to a bar or a club, and you want to dance the night away. Dance with both hands in the air, not just one hand since the other is holding your beloved purse. For times like these, hands-free would be quite useful. This is why the Bisadora Hip Purses may just be the new on the go bag for you.

These handy little bags could be the very thing that you have been looking for. When I go to a club or out to dance, I really do hate carrying my purse securely under my shoulder. How many of you have had some sort of alcohol poured all over you before by some obnoxious drunk? Well, I bet you didn’t have the time to slap him because you were holding on to your purse! (maybe that’s a long shot, but it was worth a try!) Here are some reasons this handy little Hip Purse would be, well, so handy: they have a unique patented self-closing mechanism, the bag holds ID, makeup, keys, credit cards & money (which is all the necessities), you can chose the chain belt which you wear the bag on around your waist, it makes you and your valuables more secure, best to be used with travel, nightclubs, shopping, and best of all– gives you back the power of both of your hands! These hip bags are offered in a variety of colors and materials and you can even choose your chain belt. For very reasonable pricing (around $20), you can buy yours via Bisadora.

I’m lost. There are some things designed in this world that just don’t make sense to me. I am not claiming to be the ‘all-knowing’ fashion goddess, but I think I know a little bit about it (ok a lot ). But this, this has me really groveling at it. Versace is known for being one of the leading high end fashion designers. It is lovely that they make jewelry. I like jewelry. But who would pay $298 for a safety pin? Any of you? The Versace Safety Pin is made of polished gold metal (notice not solid gold) and shows off dangling charm letters that spell out V-E-R-S-A-C-E. Keep in mind the crystal rhinestones are not on the letters R-A-C. Hum, rac- is there any deeper meaning there? Jk guys.

The eLuxury website, where it is available for $298 (might as well just add the $2 to make it $300) says this:

In signature ultra-glam style, Versace’s oversized safety pin glimmers with jewel-cut crystals on polished gold metal. Rhinestone-encrusted letter charms dangle from the pin spelling Versace, creating a glittering accessory that celebrates extravagant style.

What is there to be celebrating? Maybe the birth of your new child who you would like to use this safety pin on his or her diaper to keep it together. Lovely use of money. I guess my biggest problem is where would you put this thing? Possibly on a black bag and use this to accessorize, but wouldn’t each person that looked at the bag and the pin think to themselves, ‘What are they trying to prove??’ So now I’m asking all of you what you think, I’m really curious to know.

Just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Apple, DC Shoes and Incase have teamed up and created this special edition folio-style iPod case. The white case is sized for the regular iPod and features a traditional pink awareness ribbon print across its front. Best part is that 50% of the $40 go straight to B4BC, a non-profit, youth-focused education and fundraising foundation, whose goal it is to increase awareness about breast cancer, the importance of early detection and the value of a healthy lifestyle.

Megs and I say “thumbs up”, we love it when big dogs step up to the plate and run specials for a good cause. The cases will hit the Apple stores in September, make sure you pick a few up for yourself and whoever may own iPods in your immediate circle of trust. Afterall, Xmas season is coming closer by the day, and these cases sure are a fine gift to give.

via TUAW

There are plenty of iPod and iPod Mini Cases out there. Expensive ones, cheap ones, chic ones, ugly ones, you know the drill. But what about the cute little iPod shuffle (which I personally love to use to work out because I swear it is barely there)? There was the infamous Hermes Lipstick/Gum case, which I believe would and could hold an iPod shuffle, but there would not be easy access to the controls. So as much as many of you may despise Juicy Couture, try to hear me out. This little Juicy Couture MP3 Case/iPod Shuffle Case is a simple and cute little outfit. There are two colors to choose from: socialite (light pink) leather with pewter hardware (my fav) or black/golden. The chain strap shows off decorative chains with logo charms that hang from the left side, yet they do not overpower it. The last perk to this little case is the price. I am sure many of you could spare the $38 via Neiman Marcus.