June 2009 - Page 2

Celestina Roseanne Blacklip Clutch

Jan 4, 2011Jun 26, 2009 by Amanda Mull

I’ve made no secret that I’m a huge and adoring fan of almost every clutch that Celestina has ever made. The materials used are those that are rarely found in such abundance in other clutches, and they’re used to amazing effect. The level of intricacy is unbelievably high on everything that they make, and they … Read more

Karl Lagerfeld: Karl Who? Bag

Jun 28, 2009Jun 25, 2009 by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Karl Lagerfeld is a fashion guru, a mastermind and creative genius in his own right. I can not imagine what sort of thoughts go through his head. To sit down with Karl Lagerfeld would be a dream come true for most. What has the internet buzzing recently is a handbag Karl Lagerfeld has been seen … Read more

Christian Louboutin Leopard-Print Pony Fur Clutch

Sep 23, 2009Jun 25, 2009 by Anna Cooperberg

This is an interesting one. Now, I’m not a big fan of animal prints, save for my tiny soft spot for zebra, nor do I consider myself a fan of furry bags, which inevitably bring up images of those gift bags with pink fur; yikes. But when I saw this Christian Louboutin Leopard-Print Clutch in … Read more

Alexander McQueen Knuckle Buster Clutch

Sep 29, 2009Jun 25, 2009 by Amanda Mull

I think that this clutch is just about the coolest thing I’ve ever seen, but I realize that it’s hardly everyone’s taste. I have a very particular look for things that I tend to buy – I sent Megs a link to a pair of Chloe motorcycle boots that I loved recently, and her reaction … Read more

Valentino Rose Vertigo Shopper

Jun 25, 2009 by Amanda Mull

If you’re a regular PurseBlog reader, then you know we’ve covered the Valentino Rose Vertigo Shopper in the past. I gave it a rave back then in a shade of Barbie pink, and I thought it was worth a revisit for fall. We don’t normally revisit bags, but this bag demonstrates better than any other … Read more

Jimmy Choo Cara Suede Evening Bag

Jun 24, 2009 by Amanda Mull

There’s nothing that spices up a normal, boring evening bag quite like a little bit of fun and games with texture. And sometimes, when you’ve seen as many handbags over the years as the average purse enthusiast, unexpected textural touches are the last frontier of interesting things that can be done to a bag. Let’s … Read more

Judith Leiber Owl Crystal Embellished Clutch

Jun 24, 2009 by Megs Mahoney Dusil

I have always had an affinity for Judith Leiber pieces. While her box clutches are stunning, it is always the animals and other objects that catches my undivided attention. To be honest, I have no event in the near future to wear one of these clutches too. But I so badly want to find a … Read more

Marc Jacobs Stardust Stam

Jun 24, 2009 by Amanda Mull

I said not too long ago that I was experiencing some ennui in regards to the Marc Jacobs Stam, but as it turns out, I was wrong. That’s right, I’m a big, fat liar. Because I’m in love with the Stam again, and this time it’s because of the Marc Jacobs Stardust Stam. If this … Read more

Tods G-Bag Bauletto Piccolo Satchel

Jun 24, 2009Jun 23, 2009 by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Saks has a section on their site that tells you the best sellers in handbags and shoes for the previous week. They do this for most of their categories. Almost always the Tory Burch Reva Ballet flats are on the list along with a slew of handbags that are typically predictable and many times a … Read more

Miu Miu Oversized Satin Clutch

Jun 23, 2009 by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Yesterday temperatures reached a balmy 100 degrees here with humidity that made stepping outside feel like stepping into a sauna. Then from the wee hours of the morning until a few hours ago I was reminded that Hurricane season has begun as the storm that hit knocked out power for hours and took down internet. Nevertheless we are back up!

I was having a DÃ©jÃ vu this morning when I popped onto Net A Porter. There sat a cute oversized clutch, which showed a bit of gathering in an otherwise simple yet likable design. And then it occurred to me that while this clutch said it was made by Miu Miu I have seen a nearly identical design from Prada. It should be no major surprise, as Miu Miu and Prada are sister brands. But why pay a bit more for Prada when you can have Miu Miu? I suppose it all comes down to the name.

What happens when high-end goes down-market?

Jun 23, 2009Jun 23, 2009 by Amanda Mull

What are we buying when we buy a luxury good? Are we buying a brand name, a well-made product, or an item to ensure that others think a certain way about us when they see it? For most high-end consumers, it’s probably some combination of those options.

Many customers would claim that they buy only for the quality that these products provide, but the reaction of some customers to the recent announcement of Jimmy Choo’s collaboration with H&M seems to run contrary to those claims. Some people were excited to see what the partnership would create, but many Choo loyalists voiced the opinion that the brand was losing something by creating a temporary line for a low-end retailer.

Choo’s fans aren’t the first to scowl at the idea of their favorite label creating an inexpensive product line, and they’ll be far from the last. What seems to be unique about this occasion, though, is that Jimmy Choo is the most broadly known brand yet to dabble in mass-market, low-price retail. So far, many small or independent designers have used the tactic as a way to broaden their name recognition and, potentially, their customer base. Choo, though, is a brand with a pretty clear image in the minds of most women with any sort of fashion consciousness or desire for expensive shoes.

So what happens when a brand with a large following and a seemingly healthy business decides that they want to dabble in the desires of Middle America? Well, according to Robin Givhan of the Washington Post, it means that luxury as we know it is dead.

Buzz Worthy: Matt & Nat Handbags

Jun 22, 2009 by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Last week we brought you the information that Hermes would have its own farm to breed crocodiles in Australia. PETA did not like that and neither did many of you. It only seems fitting that today we feature a socially responsible vegan line.