February 2008 Archives

UPDATE- I just received confirmation from MULBERRY, this is indeed a Mulberry bespoke Bayswater bag in green Alligator (priced at £7,000 pounds or $13,895 USD). Told you so :)

LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP TO WIN!!!

It's red carpet season (or so we hope) so we thought we'd give you your own red carpet moment with this minaudiere hand set with Swarovski crystals from Kotur as our February giveaway. The Astier D'Abo has a retail value of $1318 and will be something you cherish and use for life. Everyone needs something like this in their closet for that swanky occasion and knock them dead gown. We love the infusion of exotic influences Fiona Kotur brings to her bags. Her travels have inspired her and her bags in turn have inspired us to get creative with our own wardrobes. Her bags have been spotted on big name celebrities like Renee Zellweger, Gwyneth Paltrow and Tory Burch (you know you're doing something right when your following includes other designers).

To enter, simply sign up for our weekly newsletter. If you are having trouble or have any questions please email me. The last day to enter is February 29th at 11:59 EST. We will pick one lucky winner through a random drawing of all entrants on March 1st and announce the winner by March 7th. One entry per person and US residents only, please. Good luck everyone!

A great big thanks to Kotur for sponsoring this sweepstakes!

ENTER NOW!!!

Happy Leap Year! To celebrate, here is a bag that is out of the norm. This Maison Martin Margiela bag is indicative of their aesthetic, it is out there and unstructured. I'm all for interesting and unique styles but when it comes to bags, it still needs to function like one. The look and feel of this bag is so modern and romantic, it looks amazing on the body since it is totally soft so it contours. The handle is woven leather which is a great contract. This bright sunny yellow is fab and it comes in gray which is also amazing. But .... the satin is slippery and floppy so when you try to go in the bag to look for something, it's like you are wrapped up in your drapes. There is a really big and heavy hardware clasp that holds the top of the bag together but it is way too heavy and just gets in the way as you dig and dig. In concept, it is cool but bags do afterall serve a function and this it does not. $745 at eluxury. There are those that love what they love and throw caution and practicality to the wind so we'd like you to weigh in on this one.

Tina in Oscar de la Renta/Ashley in The Row

I attended a party for Ashley Olsen last week where she debuted the Fall collection of The Row, the ready to wear line she launched with twin Mary Kate last year. At the party, I introduced myself and was surprised at how open and friendly she was. We discussed her line and other fashion issues and she could not have been more sincere and warm. There were no false airs nor haughtiness from this adorable actress/mogul/fashion designer! After meeting her, I now understand her popularity and endurance in an industry that most do not last a few years in let alone a lifetime.

The dashing Cameron Silver called me today about a gorgeous white birkin he has for sale at Decades, his vintage boutique on Melrose. He knew I would want to know and I know you would want to know about this very rare 30cm Taurillon Clemence birkin from Hermes! As some of you know, Hermes stopped production on white bags for a few years and just recently resumed (don't ask me why they do that- to drive us crazy?) so even if you have your name on a list for one, it will be 3-5 years before you get it. Seeing how summer is just around the corner, wouldn't you like to have one, like today? Email Decades or call for further details. 323-655-0223

OK, here is a Fendi clutch you can stomach and actually love. See how we do not play favorites with designer? Fendi has reinvented their classic baguette by making it into a uber trendy giant clutch. Totally brilliant! They did everything you could possibly imagine with the old baguette and honestly, who isn't tired of it already? I mean, it's been a decade since it was most hip and as classic as it is, the change is a welcome minty breath of fresh air. No need to reiterate but I am not a patchwork fan so it is quite shocking that I find this multi color patch clutch a delight! I love the colors, it is unofficially called the Rainbow Pastel Baguette which is so fitting because the colors remind me of rainbow sherbet and it is just as sweet and yummy! The soft leather scrunches as you hold it near and dear which gives it life and character. I am totally getting one of these, they come in various colors and are $1950. They will be available at Net a Porter as well as Fendi boutiques in March (so any day now!).

Spring is here! Or at least spring bags are and all the soft shades are making me very happy. This jade patent Tod's is so cool and refreshing, like an apple martini at the beginning of a good balmy night (although this color is more minty but it still makes me think of a cocktail). The tote is very practical and very Tod's but it is not my most favorite, it is a bit big and clunky and the double handles look like a lot of straps to me (shoulder strap is removable). The outer pocket is great in function but it bulges out too much. But I just love the color!! And the crinkled patent in this shade makes it modern and young. A simple Tod's in this exact color and patent leather will be absolutely amazing and perfect! We'll look out for it as the season continues. Tod's New Eight Due Manici Media is $1,750 at eluxury.

I am all for creativity and self expression but this is really just an insult to our intelligence. Let's see, make a cheap bag out of canvas (cost: $10 for bag+$3 for markers), mark it up 1000%, and call it artistic! Fendi has run out of ideas and is now asking us to do their work, and pay for it!?!?!? Don't get me wrong, I adore the Fendi Baguette and still have several in my collection I will never part with. A beaded one, a natural cowhide with stone clasp and white stitching, and a shimmering metallic one with embellished details. My point is, I love my Baguettes for their unique design and beauty. And even if I had Pollack induced fantasies of creating psychic chaos, I certainly wouldn't do it on a canvas bag with magic markers (okay, they're "Pantone" markers, whatever!) and I definitely would not pay $1,300 for the "privilege". Actually, I would only buy this if Karl himself would agree to do a caricature of me on the bag titled "Bag Snob". There, I've put it out there, someone call the Kaiser and ask him if he's game. At Neiman Marcus for Pre-Order. No need to rush, this won't sell out anytime soon. But enough of what I think. What about you? Any urges to Color Me Mine?

I know this bag will spark heated debate amongst our Chanel fans and I can't wait to read what you guys think of it! Some of you will see this as a refreshing take on the classic quilted pattern and some may find it too trendy for Chanel. I will vote just like the rest of you and do not want to influence your vote but I must say that color blue is amazing! And remember, Coco Chanel was a risk taker and loved stirring up trouble and I can see her delighting in this interpretation of the Chanel Bag. I am, however, disturbed by its resemblance to the Henry Cuir Puzzle Bag but that could be purely coincidental.

Coco's Puzzle Bags are made of crackled patent calfskin with light gold metal in the following styles and sizes: Call Alexis to order- 214-520-1055

$2,325 Large tote 13"wx11"h - White, Red, Dark Blue, Black
$3,095 Classic flap bag 10"wx6"h- Red, Dark blue, Dark Navy, Black
$2,650 Drawstring, Red 18"wx16.5"h- Dark blue, Black
$2,725 Small tote with flap- 12"wx8"w- White and Black