Yep, you know me, I can’t keep a secret. And even beyond that, you might remember when we polled you all about exclusive handbags Adriana Castro would be designing for a huge giveaway! We are partnering with our friends at Luxholics again to co-host an unbelievable Adriana Castro giveaway!!! While I am not going to share all the details now, stay tuned… so much more to come in the next couple days!
Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami go hand in hand now. But it was only six years ago when they first collaborated on the spring-summer 2003 season. We continue to be excited by new Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami collaborations and wait anxiously to hear about the new additions. For your viewing pleasure, Takashi Murakami has created a film animation to follow his Superflat Monogram film from 2003. The new filmed is dubbed the Superflat First Love.
I immediately thought of Indiana Jones (Jane?) when I saw this convertible tote. Not him, really, but his rugged style- he always looks as though he’s ready to jump off a green army truck into some desert to fight some bad guys. Anyways, that is what I thought of while looking at this Jerome Dreyfuss Didier Convertible Backpack/Tote. There are both good and bad aspects to this bag.
I switched from carrying a backpack to using a tote for books when I went to college (late, I know) and I still remember how much lighter my load seemed in a backpack. This bag provides that functionality. Not carrying much? Use it at a tote. Suddenly you have to bring your computer and a bunch of books and papers across town? Simple, use it as a backpack. But on the down side, it’s Indiana Jones-y (not in a cute rugged kind of way, but in a real rugged kind of way). And unless you’re rockin’ that kind of safari attire, I think this looks a little rough to wear with summer wedges. Study abroad in Egypt, perhaps? Was $1095, but get it now through ShopBop for $766.50.
After the fiasco of Danielle’s former life on last week’s Real Housewives of New Jersey, it was going to be hard to top it with this week’s episode. And they didn’t really try – this week’s episode was calmer, centered around a trip that half of the housewives took to Atlantic City (’AC’ if you’re authentic Jersey) and Teresa’s quest for new and improved buhbbies. Gaudy casinos and breast implants – about par for the north Jersey course, don’t you think? Except it all seemed oddly reasonable, which is possibly proof that I’m now experiencing a weird sort of Stockholm syndrome with this crazy show. It has me, and if it’s wrong, I don’t want to be right.
The economy may be hurting world wide, but those that love Hermes are still buying. In fact, Hermes has resorted to breeding its own crocodiles on farms in Australia to meet the demand for its exotic bags. It is reported that Hermes makes around 3,000 crocodile bags every year and demand continues to grow while the crocodiles are not readily available to fill orders. It can take three to four crocodiles to make one Hermes bag, so the move to use their own farms makes sense.
While other brands are hurting, Hermes continues to churn sales increases. Along with their own crocodile farms in Australia, Hermes is also hiring an additional 50-100 leather workers to join the staff of 2,000 in Paris. What does this mean for us? An easier change to purchase a Hermes crocodile bag, if we have the funds to do so.
I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to see a bag in person quite as badly as I want to see the Zagliani Woven Python Art Shoulder Bag. This thing might be completely stunning and awesome, or it might be way overdone and gaudy, and I don’t think there’s really any way to decide right now. I would advise everyone to take a trip over to Luisa Via Roma and use the zoom feature on it, though, because I have a tentative theory about what this bag’s problem may be (if it has one).
I’m guessing that this might be one of those purses that misses the forest for the trees, so to speak. The up-close details are so beautiful and unexpected that I can’t help but stare at this bag’s close zoom-in shots. The further you get away from the bag, though, the more of a mess it appears to be. I want this bag to be breathtaking in person, but with the weaving and the triangular shape and the exotic skin and the combination of colors, it may just be too much all in one. And I like over-the-top, but this just might not work. It’s impossible to say without an in-person viewing, though, so have any of you ladies seen it? Buy through Luisaviaroma for $9,005.
Now, this is a patent leather bag done the right way. Yesterday, I wrote about the Stella McCartney Patent Rivet-Detail Clutch and how I wasn’t sure if I thought it was properly executed. However, the Gucci Crystal Evening Clutch definitely scores a hit in my book.
Of course you can’t really compare this clutch to the Stella McCartney clutch I covered yesterday but I think the one thing I found lacking isn’t lacking this time. This clutch is sleek, sophisticated and has just the right amount of detail. The horsebit ring buckle instantly caught my attention and had me wanting to hold this bag in my hand. Not only do I like this clutch, but in at a price quite a bit lower than the one I covered yesterday. Buy through Saks for $530.
Yesterday, Megs wrote about a Bottega Veneta-ish bag that Kim Cattrall was carrying. Seeing the woven leather re-sparked my Bottega Veneta interest. I’m not a BV owner, but one of these days, yes, one of these days I will be. The intrecciato weave that is used with BV bags is not only a signature feature but also absolutely timeless.
The Bottega Veneta Mini Woven Shoulder Bag is yet another BV bag put together seamlessly. Whether you prefer the bag in white or black woven leather, the goldtone hardware pops either way. The stand out piece I really like? It would have to be the 14½” shoulder strap. In addition to that, I love the top zipper closure. This bag is a bit different from other BV bags, and this is a good thing. It would be a great bag to grab, throw over your shoulder and just go. Buy through Saks for $720.
Remember back when Fendi Spy Bags were all the rage? Oh, the days of the “it” bag… anyways, enough reminiscing. Don’t fear, the Spy bag is still here! And though it’s still available in various styles, it’s this Fendi Violet Sequined Satin Small Spy Tote that jumps out at me. Why? First of all, it is gorgeous! I’m a huge fan of tiny sequined bags (or feathered bags like the Michael Teperson Feathered Flute Bag, if that tickles your fancy) that would be ideal for an elegant evening at an opera. But this Spy takes that concept and applies it to a larger, more rounded shape, which is what makes it so unique. You might be thinking, “But where would I wear such a bag? Certainly not at the opera!” To this I argue that this bag fits in a very small and specific niche of larger evening bags. Who hasn’t been frustrated that they could not fit everything into their minuscule clutches? That’s where this bag comes in- big enough for all your little necessities, but intricate and fancy enough for (sure, why not) the opera. And that’s why I love it. Buy through Bluefly for $2,020.
Rush over there now! For intricate clutches and crystal embellished pieces, there is a Judith Leiber Sale on Gilt Groupe as we speak. Grab your favorite Leiber piece far under retail from Gilt Groupe.
