October 2008 Archives

Dressing up for Halloween is not just for people anymore - designer bags get in on the fun as well. At least that is the only plausible explanation for some of these bags. In the spirit of ghastly fun, here are some of my favorites.

JIMMY CHOO SAVANNAH AS POCAHONTAS

I love Pocahontas, I have an obsession with Native Americans, but still, I would rather buy an authentic "Savannah" bag at a reservation than this from Jimmy Choo for $1650. At Net a Porter.

FABSUGAR: Which Vogue Front Row Shoe Is Most Fab?

55 Secret Street discovers her SoleMates - discreet high heel protection for everything from cobblestone walks to the mean sidewalks on New York City.

A Few Goody GumDrops has just ordered the ultimate Digital Goody from Vivienne Tam!

Stiletto Jungle names the best jeans for pear-shaped women.

Allie is Wired has the first pictures of Gwen Stefani's new baby, Zuma Nesta Rock Rossdale.

Beauty Snob glows with Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer!

KRISTOPHER is wanting, wearing, hating Jimmy Choo clutches.

Vintage Marc Jacobs (1991) auctioned off, Papierblog is in lust.

In this economy pretty much anything is negotiable. Second City Style offers tips how to bargain for a better deal.

StyleBakery went on a recession-proof shopping spree and found must-haves to wear now and forever

The Shoe Goddess ponders the practicality of 6-inch heels. How high will you go?

Sparkle all year long in the palladium metallic Elaphe by JIMMY CHOO! I will never tire of metallic or exotic so this is a classic in my book. It's all about buying wisely right now my friends, we need choose investments pieces that will last beyond the current season.

The distressed python will patina beautifully and you'll find yourself using this through spring and summer. The delicate chain adds just the right touch of contrast and balances the gold bar closure. Toned down with the black front flap which makes it daytime ready as well but tuck the chain in at night and you're ready to rock with a fabulous clutch. Who can't use a bag for day, for night, for always? Especially when lunches sometimes run into cocktail hour to dinner to late night (I had an 8 hour lunch with Heidi the other day, I could have used this bag when it turned dark outside!)

The metallic snakeskin Elaphe retails for $2,195 but for you budget minded frugal snobs, there is a gold leather version on Jimmychoo.com for $1,450. I'd pony up the extra $600 for the exotic though, but that's just me. Have a good weekend all!

Image courtesy of Jimmy Choo

I had the chance to interview handbag guru Rebecca Minkoff who is one of the few designers who has mastered designing beautiful handbags in the $500-600 range and besides giving some insight into her style and what the fashionista totes around in her handbag, I found-out that come Spring 2009 clothing will be added to the mix! The San Diego-born designer actually began her foray into fashion by designing clothing and she launched her own line in 2001. It wasn't until her friend and actress Jenna Elfman asked her to design a handbag for her next movie that the 'Morning After Bag' was born! Of course now, we've all seen the likes of Jessica Alba, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Debra Messing in her bags, but I can't wait for RM to venture back into clothing in the upcoming seasons! See what she had to say below! How would you describe your aesthetic? Modern Vintage What you favorite Rebecca Minkhoff handbag to date? Devotte stud tote. Can you tell us about your current fall collection? It was really inspired by travel with a French theme. More after the jump!

Over the weekend I came across Georgia Durante's autobiography "The Company She Keeps" and have not been able to put it down-- I took it with me everywhere until I finished it last night. Georgia Durante (aka The Godmother) was one of the most photographed models in America in the 70s (some of you may remember her as the 1969 Kodak girl), but her glorious smile and beautiful face hid the tumultuous life she led as a Mafia wife. I have never read a more compelling and honest memoir; her story is both inspiring and captivating. How she managed to not only survive but succeed in life after all that she went through is beyond me. Georgia is a courageous woman we should all learn from. I highly recommend you all (women and men) to get a copy of this book, like NOW. It is one of those stories that you will remember for a lifetime. More riveting than any fiction I've read, it's now one of my top 5 favorite books! Buy The Company She Keeps here. I plan on buying one for each of my girlfriends as a stocking stuffer!

Georgia is a busy lady these days, she owns several businesses in addition to raising her granddaughter, Angela. Check out Georgia's websites below for more details!

I am obsessed with bold color again. After a couple of months of carrying my black bags, I'm back to my colorful self. Who cares if the economy is black, gloom and doom-- fashion is about fun and color! (At least for me!) In keeping with election year, designers from both continents are offering us yummy options in Red, White and Blue.  I don't know about you but I am a total patriotic American; being an immigrant who became an American citizen in my 20's-- I do not take my rights for granted!  But let's not get political here, you came to read about bags, right?!?!?

Let's start with the Skorpio tote from Michael Kors-- the cheery shade will keep the wintery blues at bay!  A bright colored bag is a statement in itself but add the hand braided leather shoulder straps and you've got the mediterranean chic of Jackie O. $1,295 at Neiman Marcus.

Fendi is gaining love from me with the bright red version of its popular Dr. B hobo. The color is what they call lipstick red and will spice up any boring outfit! $1,560 at Neiman Marcus.com.  Forget the rules of white after Labor Day, winter white is perfectly appropriate during the snowy months!  American designer Michael Kors has the best of the white bunch with the Beverly drawstring satchel-- the brushed gold hardware is seasonless and timeless.  On sale at Net-a-porter.com for $897!

Show me a woman who says she doesn't need more shoes or bags and I'll show you a woman who is out of her mind. There are a few things in life you can never have enough of; especially shoes and bags! Saks has a special Shoe and Handbag gift card event at Saks 10.30.08-11.02.08! Go shop now, no need to feel guilty-- you're actually saving money!

By Catherine Deneuve, Audrey Tautou

Goyard is auctioning off 21 one of a kind bags that have been personalized by 21 French personalities, including Catherine Deneuve, Audrey Tautou and Vanessa Paradis to benefit cancer research. All the bags are in black or orange, the colors of L'Institut Curie which all proceeds will benefit. The organization "continues, according to the will of Marie Curie, a mission of treatment and research against cancer." The "Luggage For Life, Luggage for Curie" bags will be auctioned on Monday Nov. 17th, 7pm at Christies and will be on display at La Maison Goyard in Paris 233 Saint-Honore from Nov. 3rd to 15th. The same campaign in 2006 raised 120,000 euros.

The Croisiere by Audrey Marnay; The Croisiere by Vanessa Paradis

We previewed the Ziggy Python Satchel back in April but promised Anya we'd wait for for Fall to feature it (mostly due to copyright issues). But now that we're well into the season, I can describe to you every little delicious detail on this bag! I have to admit some of my favorite Anya bags are a bit heavy but this one, this heavenly and supple python skin is ultra lightweight! Trimmed in just a touch of metallic with a contrasting python panel at the flap and tortoise shell clasp; the bag reminds me of something my young aunts would have carried in the '70s. Mine is black with a dark olive python trim and black suede interior-- luscious! The version above is chocolate python, equally yummy with camel and gold trim (it's almost Halloween and I'm obsessing over anything chocolate!). The size is 35cm (just under 14") but it doesn't feel big because the bag is slouchy and drapes on the body perfectly. I love this funky yet timeless bag and $2,295 for a large python bag is quite reasonable don't you agree?!?! I plan to use it to stash candy this Friday with my 4 year old son when we go trick or treating (yes, I confiscate candy I feel are inappropriate for him! Luckily I love candy so nothing goes to waste!)Anya Hindmarch Ziggy Python At Anya Hindmarch.com

Couture Snob Heidi and I are obsessed with Pierre Hardy shoes and bags (he also designs shoes and jewelry for Hermes in addition to shoes for Balenciaga). When we first saw his now iconic bag two years ago we called all over the world to get our hands on one-- Heidi successfully got one direct from the Paris boutique but I had to pass, it was just too big for me. Like Goldilocks, I tried the satchel but found that too small. But fast forward to 2008 and Pierre has finally answered my prayers! A fabulous new version for Fall that is just right for everyone! Named the "New Square Bag"-- it is 13"x13" (which will hold my laptop!!!) with straps that fit flat on the shoulders so you can tuck the bag squarely beneath your arm- perfect, right? The contrasting leather trim is also wider on this bag, which lends a 60's mod vibe. But what color? I love them all! The blue suede with navy trim is divine but the purple is jumping out at me. I will have to think about this some more, which do you prefer? $1,485 at Barneys New York. Call Pam or Cory at 469-221-4807 to order!

Image courtesy of Pierre Hardy Paris