March 2007 Archives

The Kaiser showed another stellar collection for Chanel Fall 2007. Classic tweeds were updated in checks and stripes and tartan in his hands looked fresh and chic. I love the direction he's taken Chanel Ready to Wear the last two seasons, it's a younger look that apeals to my age group, not old enough to dress like my grandmother but not young enough to dress like a teenager. The classic Chanel 2.55 bag was re-worked in bright hues and lux skins, not the splash we'd hoped for but we'll take boring basic anyday over insanely hideous. I love the white crocodile chain bag and shiny black croc clutch, very modern yet very Chanel.

I am not proclaiming this to be an "it" bag on our list, but there are reasons this will move certain people. Metallic of course is the big thing now, as if you haven't noticed, but the tassels with the bamboo is an interesting contrast and is a much better use of bamboo than as a handle, although this handle is SOOOO heavy and WAYYYY uncomfortable. The metal plates give this hobo a futuristic twist but not in a robotic kind of way but again, makes this bag SOOOO heavy. It is eye catching, it caught my eye in passing and I think that's what people want when they spend $2000 on a bag. It looks great when someone else is carrying it but let me tell you, they are suffering for their cause because this is one of the hardest bags to keep on your arm (and forget shoulder, that handle is solid and cuts right into your bone and did I mention HEAVY?? And forget the shoulder strap, it looks lame). At Saks for $1990.

Flirty and showing a little of what you have underneath is sexy, if you do it the right away but having a bag that looks like your underwear is the Paris Hilton way of doing it. This LV monogram with 18th century lace and lurex embroidery makes no sense the same way that Britney Spears makes no sense, or that Marc Jacobs still has a job at LV makes no sense. Does this look nice or cute to anyone? At least colorful cartoon flowers with smiley faces were cute, this is just embarrassingly stupid. Combine that with a chunky crackly gold chain for the full effect of a perfect representation of our society today. You take a normal bag, embroider cocaine all over it, show off parts that are suggestive of the hoo-hoo and dangle it with the ostentatious money of stardom and you get the Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Richie and Mischa Barton of bags. $1750 by special order at LV.

USA Today article Here.

The Paris shows are always highly anticipated by us and the Hermes Fall 2007 show did not disappoint. JPG showed luxurious and supple leather coats (full length crocodile coat anyone?) with sumptious cashmere separates and rich tweedy suits, all Hermes classics elegantly interpreted by Gaultier. As for bags, remember the muff clutch in Milan from Prada? The look continues on the Paris runways (and yes, the French did it better), I must say after running around New York today with bone chilling 5 below wind nipping at my face and hands, these crocodile kelly muffs look quite warm and inviting.

Craig from Hermes called me about a 35cm Graphite crocodile birkin and as much as I adore the color, I am going to hold out for a 30cm or 25cm. I can not stand the sight of petite women (especially if they're 5' tall and 97 lbs like me) lugging around bags bigger than they are. We talk about age appropriate bags all the time but size appropriateness is also important. Check out the fabulous black croc Kelly shown on the runway, it looks ladylike and elegant, the way Hermes bags are meant to be.

Looking at this bag makes me want to jump on the plane and head to one of the Maldives Islands. Every summer I am tempted by the straw bag because it is quintessentially summer and equates to warm fun days. Well, what can be more fun that this clutch with chunky turquoise embellishment that will be showing up everywhere this summer (yeah, I know, as in all summers but trust me turquoise is really really in this year). The quality of natural straw gives the rich texture and color variance on this dainty frame clutch so you can leave the beach and head to a she-she-fru-fru luncheon without feeling like I do when I show up in flip flps and everyone else is in Jimmy Choos. At Vivre for $275. Get free shipping with coupon code: BSBVIV.

Fall 2007
London-based Zufi Alexander, whose funky handbag and small leather goods collection is a hit in Europe and Asia, has her sights on the global market. A fave of fashion icons like Cate Blanchett & Kate Moss, Zufi’s whimsical yet luxurious bags are individually handcrafted in Milan of richly colored leathers and exotics. One of our favorites is this sensational gold python clutch that combines two of our favorite elements, metallic and exotic! I love the signature Zufi Alexander touch on this python stunner, the exquisite detailing of the gathered top with ball clasp makes it very feminine, flirty, and fun. Available this Fall at retailers around the world, check Zufi's website for one near you.

(source: WWD)

Still think croc is too mature of a look? This Nancy Gonzalez tote, in hip and young white and turquoise in 2 sizes will sure change your mind in a hurry. We are not usually impressed with her too plain uninspired basic shapes but this fabulous use of croc where you still get to see the croc in full panels but in an updated round shape with cut-out handles has us changing our tunes. This will make my mother in law happy since she went to school with Nancy Gonzalez in Colombia where they are both from. The large tote (shown in white) is 16" x 9" for $3250 and smaller tote (in turquoise) is 11" x 6" for $1750, both at Vivre.com. Get free shipping with coupon code: BSBVIV.

There is too much detail and then there is just boringly plain but a true designer in the sense that he/she is an artist knows just how much to put in and when to stop. Here is an example of a bag with a distinct look but is refreshing because of the lack of clutter. This is also one of those all around great bags for those who are looking for the bag, the one bag that will serve many purposes. Joy Gryson was the one behind Marc Jacobs when his bags caused women all around the world to act like little children at the toy store and the "it" factor we loved about MJ back then is clearly demonstrated in her new collection. And remember when MJ's were less than $1000? Well, Joy knows her market, this bag is $995 at Bergdorf Goodman.

If you think the era of personal customer service is over, you haven't dealt with Gryson yet. Joy and her husband Peter really understand the needy nature of customers in the luxury market and have stepped up and well over the plate to accommodate. Read an email we received after the jump.

Congratulations to Carol Colvin of Brookfield, IL! She is our winner of the Poppie Couture Foldover clutch. She will be hot in this chic and sleek clutch even though we understand it is quite chilly where she is. Thanks to everyone who participated, especially to Poppie Harris for making this possible! We will have another bag to give away in April that you'll be wanting to win!