Month: January 2010
Mulberry Alexa Bag and Clutch
Last week Amanda formally introduced you to the Mulberry Alexa, a sought design from Mulberry named after Alexa Chung. The Alexa has been popping up in a slew of different sites and now Net A Porter is carrying the Alexa in a bright yellow leather along with a pink leopard print Alexa clutch.
MICHAEL Michael Kors Camden Leather Hobo
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: MICHAEL Michael Kors gives buyers some of the best bang for their buck on the high-end bag market. The brand uses good materials in neutral colors that will incorporate easily into the average wardrobe, and they pair them with shapes that will give their buyers plenty of opportunity to wear them.
Having said all that, I do have a few criticisms of the MICHAEL Michael Kors Camden Leather Hobo, but I don’t think that they’re enough to mark the bag off of anyone’s potential to-buy list.
Hermes to launch new Chinese brand
In the fashion industry (and, increasingly, in any industry), the phrase “Chinese craftsmanship” is usually an implied pejorative. Fairly or unfairly, things that are made in China are generally assumed to be less well-made than those made in Europe or the US, and much has been made over a handful of Chinese product recalls that have been announced for deadly dog food and baby formula or lead-filled toothpaste.
So when Hermes says that they’re going to launch a Chinese-designed, Chinese-manufactured luxury brand, surely they jest, correct? Wrong. Hermes never jests. According to Women’s Wear Daily, the new brand, Shang Xia, will be helmed by a head designer from the Chinese mainland, feature products made from Chinese materials and techniques and be autonomous from the design influence of its legendary parent company. All things considered, is it time to reevaluate our preconceived notions about Chinese-made goods?
Alert: Lead Found in Women’s Handbags
When it came to realization that the levels of lead being used in children’s toys was off the charts, everyone became very aware of the toys they were buying. High lead levels have been found in other household products including paint and blinds as well. ABC broke the story that researches found extremely alarming levels of lead in some handbags from top retailers. This means it is time to be conscious of the handbags we are buying for other reasons that just the price tag.
For the most part, genuine leather bags are not the problem. It is the bags made with PVC, polyvinyl chloride, which may contain lead. Manufacturers find PVC useful when making a synthetic handbag, as it gives the bag pliability and can help brighten colors as it is used in pigment.
The Center for Environmental Health went to 100 top retailers, including Target, Macy’s, and WalMart to buy purses and have the bags tested for lead at an independent lab. They used two tests, one was to wipe the bag to see if lead would simply rub off and the other was testing the bag for overall lead content.
What they found was truly frightening.
Nancy Gonzalez Navy Croc Tote
It’s been a while since I’ve had the pleasure of writing about a Nancy Gonzalez handbag, and I think I’ve figured out why: I can never tell when they’re new. I don’t mean to say that they all look alike, but…a lot of them look alike. Although I guess if a design isn’t broken, you don’t fix it.
The Nancy Gonzalez Navy Croc Tote surely isn’t broken. In fact, it looks like a completely functional yet totally elegant answer to most women’s need for an everyday bag. Plus, because it’s Nancy Gonzalez, it’s also and exotic at a relatively reasonable price.
Marc by Marc Jacobs R Special Colorblock Collection
Along with his continual throwback to the’60s this spring, Marc by Marc Jacobs again channels color blocking in a clever combination of hues. The “R Special Color block” collection palette reminds me of the circa 1962 Eero Saarinen designed terminal at JFK. Or at least the colors of the very chic flight attendants of that era. Very retro, in a sophisticated kind of way. It may not be for everyone, but the graphic sensibility of a color blocked handbag really appeals to me. Definitely pair these bags for a casual downtown look. Think distressed boyfriend jeans and a cozy slouchy cashmere cardigan sweater. This summer wear it with flowy puffy sleeved a-line mini dresses and gladiator sandals. I am looking forward to NYFW in February to see what MJ has up his sleeve for us in Fall 2010!
Along with his continual throwback to the’60s this spring, Zagliani Multicolored Puffy Python Bag
I love Zagliani handbags. This designer knows how to execute exotic handbags perfectly. Each exotic that I’ve seen is gorgeous, well thought-out and completely drool-worthy. The Zagliani Multicolored Puffy Python Bag is no exception.
I love Zagliani handbags. This designer knows how to execute exotic handbags perfectly. Each exotic that I’ve seen is gorgeous, well thought-out and completely drool-worthy. The Zagliani Multicolored Puffy Python Bag is no exception. This isn’t the first time that we’ve seen this shape and design. I covered the Zagliani Medium Python Puffy Bag a while back. Just as I thought that bag was gorgeous, so is this one. In fact, I think I like this one even better due to the multicolored color scheme. This classic style has two top handles and is constructed using pleated python.
Chanel Rubber Effect Python Signature Tote
Before we go any further, does Chanel‘s website make anyone else sort of dizzy and motion sick, or am I just way too sensitive to that sort of thing? Websites where brands make their bags run frantically from side to side make my head spin, and that website structure makes me find something else to look at almost immediately.
In this case, however, I persevered in order to find the Chanel Rubber Effect Python Signature Tote. Was my nausea worth it? I think it was, but then again, I do have an unnatural affinity for everything black.
Win Rebecca Minkoff Bags at Bloomingdale’s!
Who doesn’t love free stuff? I know that I absolutely do, and free handbags are one of the best free things that I can think of.
Well, Bloomingdale’s wants to give you a whole set of free Rebecca Minkoff handbags, plus a few cute little accessories too. The contest runs through January 31, and there’s no purchase required to enter! So what are you waiting for?
Zara Terez Bleecker Flap Shoulder Bag
A few months back I covered the launch party of Zara Terez Handbags in LA. The event was amazing and so were all the bags. So, when I heard that Zara Terez handbags were going to be found in some of our favorite retail stores, like Bluefly, I was ecstatic.
A few months back I covered the launch party of Zara Terez handbags are on the cutting edge of trendy. Some may push the envelope a bit more than others, but there is definitely a time and a place for all of her bags. While this is true, I was so happy to see a bag that could be used daily and by so many different people with so many senses of style.
Marc Jacobs Love Bird Leather Tote
Help me out folks. Would you pay $1295 for this tote? I realize it is a Marc Jacobs design, but still, I really can’t get passed this price tag. This price has me shaking my head with each stroke on my keyboard.
Alright, enough of my disbelief and onto the bag itself. This Marc Jacobs Love Bird Leather Tote is a bright and cheery tote that will add quite a bit of color to just about any outfit you might want to pair it with.
