September 2008 Archives

I have not seen a Chloe bag as exciting as the Paraty since the Paddington (yes-- I still love them, I have two but they are stored away).  I first noticed it in an ad over the summer in Paris-- I made a mental note to find out more to report to you but upon arriving home, the tabloids beat me.  The Paraty has been seen on everyone from Katie Holmes to Mary Kate and I usually don't want bags that the celebs are carrying but this one beckons me and I can't resist! 

I love the shape and the minimal hardware.  My one complaint of the Paddington was that heavy lock but we don't have to worry about that with the Paraty!  The rolled leather detail is also amazing-- it gives the illusion of a structured bag but this is in fact as soft and slouchy as they come.

The leather versions retail for $1,910 but it's the luscious python version at $3,820 with brushed gold hardware that I am dreaming of.  I say dreaming because I can't bring myself to buy another bag right now-- even one as fabulous as this.  If you are up for a new python lovely, call Chloe at (212) 717-8220 and get yourself on the waitlist TODAY!  I just spoke to the Chloe rep and they are expecting a new order and are taking names for the list!!!  Chloe Bags also at Net-a-porter.com

Image: Courtesy of Chloe

Couture Snob wants to know what you would give up for fashion!?
Beauty Snob is obsessed with lush lashes!
Tot Snob is giving away a Macy's Gift Card worth $150!
Purse Blog- Amanda can't get enough of Gossip Girl!
Fab Sugar Freaky or Fabulous? Rick Owens caps and flippers.

Ferragamo has a brand new designer and HELLO, isn't it totally obvious? Cristina Ortiz replaced Graeme Black last season and this her first collection. Although it seems curious as to how this translates to the usual Ferragamo customer, I for one can overlook the old lady classic aesthetic that the brand is known for and dive right in to a bag that I love, even if it is the only thing in the entire collection worth looking at (although that is not true because I picked up a raw edge thick crocodile belt that is astonishingly hip and rockin'). The detailing on this is so unusual and eye catching, it was the first thing that I zeroed in on - and I saw it in black so it wasn't even this brilliant and dazzling bronze metallic. The entire bag is covered with little leather squares that dangle like confetti. It is also quite big, even the smaller version is about 18" across at the bottom. The larger size looks like a carry on and is extremely heavy. Which leads me to my next point. This bag is extremely heavy. All those little leather confettis really add up and it is also lined in leather so it is like the weight of 3 bags. The foldover edges mixes things up a bit, which I like so it isn't all one thing all over, it also gives contrast so you can appreciate the detailing. The weight of the bag makes it slouch at the bottom but I totally love that, it loosens up the overly "done" design and gives it the girl-on-the-go look. Aside from the weight, you're not going to like the price either, it is a whopping $3450. Maybe a few more seasons Cristina will understand her customer better as well as learn how to design with price points in mind. I mean, it is the job of the designer to make us buy and pricing is a huge part of that. Available at the Ferragamo boutiques, call Jimmie Enciso at the Rodeo Dr store, 310 273 9990.

While America waits with bated breath on the big bail out bill; it's clear we're entering a new era. I've always been a secret Target addict and am so excited about the line Anya Hindmarch designed for them- I've never purchased any bags there but look how cute these are! The bags look similar to her designer collection, but at a tiny, I mean eensy beensy, fraction of the price. Love the Shirley but can't fork out the dough? Check out the Target version for $44.95!

See the preview now on Anya's site. The collection launches on October 12th-- I have a nice, new and shiny Target near me and I'll be grabbing some of these to send to my friends overseas who are Target obsessed!

Emma Hill introduces her first collection for Mulberry Spring 2009-- and we are in love! Hill stepped in just at the right time (as much as we love the Bayswater, we are ready for something new!) and punched up the collection with gorgeous new bags and a ready to wear collection that Kate Moss will surely be snapping up. New hardware, new shapes, a whole new perspective! There is also a metro sexual worthy menswear line including ultra chic man bags-- how exciting for our male readers! I am so excited about the new direction Mulberry is taking with Emma Hill. I ranted on the Maggie clutch for fall (not by Hill) and am so pleased to see that there will be plenty to praise in 2009. (Jump for more!)

Yeah, we all know Chanel can do classic but there is more than one customer out there and they know it. In an attempt to do cute and funky they ended up with child-like and furry. Let's start with the child-like bag which is actually named "Candy-like". Through astute observation, they see that their core shoppers act like kids in a candy store at their boutiques, but they are taking this a little too literally. Observations need to be analyzed and processed not just regurgitated. We act like kids in a candy store but we don't actually want "candy". Even for the sake of the argument, let's say we do - this arm "candy" does not at all function well or is remotely cute. The chain is attached to one corner so it dangles oddly at your side, hanging like a giant Christmas ornament from your wrist, all the while spinning uncontrollably as you walk. When you put it on your shoulder, the pyramid / triangular shape does not conform to a human figure whatsoever and just sits away from you with nowhere for your arm to go. It comes in 2 sizes, the larger is $1295 and is about 12" at the base of the triangle, the smaller is $1150 and is around 8".

It appears Spring 2009 will be the season of Fendi bags! I am as shocked as you that I love these bags but I do. Style.com called it the "kangaroo pouch" and WWD called it the "undone birkin"-- but I call it "Tina's spring bag purchase". Fendi's new lovely comes in every color and material imaginable; crisp white crocodile, black patent, textured lace, woven toile, and what appears to be lizard-- each with a contrasting interior. I love the carefree and effortless look of the bag; the side pouches may be left undone as shown on the runway or pulled up and attached to the turn lock. To me, the only resemblance to the birkin is the square shape; the top and hardware is completely different and a refreshing change from Fendi's usual. The peekaboo see thru woven clutches are also incredibly chic and subtly sexy. I can't wait for the Spring look book to be sent to me. Thanks to reader Man bag for alerting me of the collection!

images: Style.com

As promised, here are some of the bags seen at the Emmy Awards. I am glad to see that they aren't run of the mill - it looks as though celebs decided to show their independent style in their bags rather than in their gowns. Maybe there was a compromise with their stylists and publicists?

Even I opted for the statement bag and kept the dress simple (I wore this DVF dress). Not knowing the popularity of Romanek at the Emmy's, it seems like I was on the cutting edge with this Yvette feather trim clutch!! It is way out there and a total editorial piece, completely impractical for everyday life, which is why I chose it! It doubled as a fan, which came in handy during arrivals (the show started at 5pm which meant we were outside in the hot sun at 3pm).