Louis Vuitton Handbags and Purses (Page 15)

Finally a new Louis Vuitton line that men can get really excited about. I know I am. Vuitton debuts the Damier Graphite line of accessories in the attempt to revive, redo and revisit the traditional, checkered Damier design. Discreet, yet wonderfully masculine, the new canvas spans across classics, such as the Keepall 55, the Grimaud or the Cabas. Adding to the fine range of travel bags, LV reveals the new Roadster, a 24h-sport bag with a wide zippered flap for easy access. Even a Damier Graphite Motorcycle Helmet is available for enthusiasts who insist on sporting the ultimate in chic whilst cruising cross Roma on their Vespas.

The new line is available in Louis Vuitton boutiques worldwide starting this weekend, soon to be available through eLuxury as well.

I’ve been a casual watcher (although, admittedly, not buyer) of Louis Vuitton jewelry for several years now. My thoughts are normally mixed; they have some very chic, very wearable designs, but I’m not entirely sure that I’d want to buy a piece of obviously branded jewelry (this goes, as well, for Chanel’s beautiful but logo-clad costume jewelry line). I particularly like their resin bracelets as a cute pick-me-up to an otherwise basic casual outfit without piling on an inappropriate amount of bling.

I always try to be on top of the latest release and the newest bags. But I must say, the members of the Purse Forum are always a step ahead when it comes to Louis Vuitton. If there is a super secret bag about to be released, they know before Marc Jacobs even designs it. My level of exaggeration is only small. When I first saw a sneak peak of the Louis Vuitton Watercolor Speedy I knew I had to have it!!

But there was this problem, called a wait list. A long a tiresome wait list. A time line that was uncertain about when the bag would arrive and who would be able to get their hands on it. Luckily, I know the best staff of Louis Vuitton sale associates from LV Bal Harbour, who secured me a spot and had my Watercolor Speedy ready for me with the first shipment. Can I tell you that I love this bag? I am in LVOE with it! I am now back in South Florida and this bag could not be more perfect even if I asked it to be. The colors are perfection; light and whimsical.

And if you kept waiting and are not near and LV store and thought you would never gets your hands on this bag, I have good news. eLuxury is now carrying the Louis Vuitton Aquarelle Speedy 35 (as we call it the Watercolor). I assure you that the bag will not be there very long, in fact I would not be surprised if by the time I publish this post it is gone. But it is worth a shot to check it out. $1,270 through eLuxury.

*In fact, just as I posted this the bag is out of stock. Told you it would happen! Continue to check back as eLuxury is known to re-stock bags.

Louis Vuitton Mini Monogram Multicolore Kate Clutch

The allure and tradition of Louis Vuitton has not faded, but with the counterfeit market the curbside appeal of the Monogram canvas has wavered. The major problem for a brand like Louis Vuitton is the blatant knock-offs that are sold for a mere Andrew Jackson, $20, all over the world. But there are positive steps forward for the company, like the recent case where eBay had to pay LVMH $61 million in damages. As the crack down on counterfeit goods tightens, we can slowly start to love the monogram canvas from brands like Louis Vuitton, which is one of the most replicated patterns in the world.

When I go for a LV monogram, I try to find something that adds a tad different touch so as not to be the #1 copied pattern from the company (like the monogram Speedy which is counterfeited incessantly). Between my clutch obsession and the colorful mini monogram pattern, the Louis Vuitton Mini Monogram Multicolore Kate Clutch breaks out of the easily copied mold and works perfectly for my summer nights out. The long, east/west clutch sports the Mini Monogram Multicolore canvas, one of my favorites from the house because it ties together the LV logo with pizazz. The clutch is trimmed with metallic calf leather and accented with shiny golden brass hardware. There is a flat golden leather wristlet with a clasp attachment, which makes the wristlet removable if you would just like the clutch handheld. But I find the wrist strap a selling point, being able to offer a little better grip and really offer you both hands on the dance floor, when getting drinks, or just walking around. The inside is lined with red microfiber and there is an interior patch pocket. The more lush lining is precisely what I want in all of my LV bags, and I adore that this chic little clutch has this. Measurements are 9.4″x 3.7″x 1″. Now, this may be a selling point (or buzz kill for some), the clutch is named after supermodel Kate Moss. She is, after all, one of the most recognizable faces today. Buy through eLuxury for $560.

Louis Vuitton Monogram Motard Clutch

I continue to find myself checking out the most elegant evening bags, despite the fact that I typically have no where to wear them. But I keep craving a new structured evening bag. Why? I have no idea. I must subconsciously be telling myself to let my hair down, put on a long dress, and go out somewhere fancy (meaning that the casual appeal of Florida has completely set in and thus far I am living a casual chic life). But coming back from Key West, where no shirt and no shoes really is no problem, opting for a new classy clutch is like night and day.

The new clutch on the red carpets is the Louis Vuitton Monogram Motard Clutch, being carried by tall, lean, model types and all other lovers of Louis Vuitton. This is one of the ideal clutches that calls to me; structured, elegant, and classic. The outside is designed with monogram-embroidered silk satin, which is perfect for those of you who are not super keen on the LV monogram. The structured frame-top body is designed with shiny golden brass hardware. There are two other major perks, including the removable long link chain shoulder strap and golden lambskin lining. Small clutches transformed into shoulder bags do not look great on everyone (unless you are super tall and super lean, I am talking about myself too), but it is a great plus. And the luxurious leather lining really is a nice finishing touch, seeing that many LV bags are lined with canvas. Buy through eLuxury for $1,470.

Louis Vuitton Epi Alma

I have never denied or hidden the fact that I am a huge fan of Louis Vuitton. While the monogram line does not always tickle my fancy, I find Louis Vuitton to be one of the longstanding luxury brands left designing bags. Not every bag is a homerun, but there are plenty of great options every season. But if you do not want the glitz and glam, opt for the Louis Vuitton Epi Line. I have brought up the Epi line often, speaking of its ease of cleaning, lack of logos, and overall likability. The Alma comes in a classic shape, is light-weight, and available in an array of colors from the Epi line. Cassis, Ivoire, Black, Red, and Grenade are the colors available in the Louis Vuitton Epi Alma, the textured hand-held carryall which is a staple of the house. The bag is named after the Place de l’Alma, the grand Paris square at the end of Avenue Montaigne. The Alma features textured leather and is trimmed with smooth leather. The inside is lined with Alcantara lining (which is precisely what Vlad goes gaga over in his favorite luxury cars). Buy through eLuxury for $1,240.

New for Spring/Summer 2008 is the Louis Vuitton Watercolor Speedy 35. This unique line is the iconic House’s newest take on the classic Speedy shape, releasing the beautiful color palette on canvas just last Thursday. More expensive exotic bags with the print had been out since mid-March, from the best of my knowledge.

Meaghan had been on the waiting list for a while, thanks to the wonderful staff at Louis Vuitton Bal Harbour, FL, I was able to pick up this gorgeous bag for her while she’s out touring through Spain. I attached my trusty 60mm Micro Nikkor to the D300 body, and we had ourselves a cozy photo shoot in the back yard by the pool. The colors of the watercolor printed canvas complement the Florida weather well, today’s sunshine really made the colors stand out. I am sure my fiancee will enjoy the Speedy thoroughly after getting back from Europe!

Sadly, this special edition Speedy runs for a whole lot more than the regular Monogram canvas version: $1,270.00. However, it represents a “financially responsible” alternative to LV limited editions without having to dash out many thousands for an exotic bag. If interested, inquire at your local LV boutique to have your name entered on the waiting list.