Recently in Beaded/Embellished Category

I am aghast at what they've done to the gorgeous 360 bag in black sequins!!!  Why does it need a tuxedo? And a flowered one at that!?  All that extra embellishing has made a glamorous bag into a garish one.  I'm embarrassed for the bag and I'm certain the bag is embarrassed for itself.  The only consolation is that it's slightly less expensive than the all black version but it's so atrocious I don't recommend showing up in public with it.  Valentino Shining Flower Tux Tote $4495 at Neiman Marcus.

Had Gabrielle Chanel (aka Coco) ran away with the circus instead of becoming a cabaret singer perhaps the Chanel classic flap bag would have resembled something like the Miu Miu Stage bags (Resort 2010) instead.  Yes yes, a little embellishment never hurt anyone but very large, very cheap looking, and very ugly rhinestones are total eyesores and my heart actually aches for the brand.  I don't know what happened to Miu Miu bags, I used to covet its bag each season but overnight (specifically Spring 2008) the bags just went way south of hideous.  Stores stopped carrying the line and it all but dropped off my radar until these showed up.  Nothing wrong with paying homage to Chanel bags but let's try not to insult them, either.  What do you think?  Snob or Slob?

Either I'm getting old or Judith Leiber bags are getting hip. I find myself gravitating to the line of sparkling beaded bags lately.  Yes, I still abhor the stupid animal and cupcake shaped clutches but am in love with this architecturally inspired Sunburst clutch.  The art deco influenced design reminds me of one of my favorite books, Atlas Shrugged.  If you stare at it long enough you will find the pattern becomes 3 dimensional.  Or maybe it's just that I need glasses.  Judith Leiber Sunburst crystal-embellished clutch ($2295-- still very expensive, will need to ask about that when I meet the 85 year old iconic designer next month!) at Net-a-porter.com

Totally surprised that this elegant clutch is from Temperley.  The sleek art deco influenced silhouette is a huge departure from her usual fussiness.  At first I thought the golden arches were metal but upon closer inspection, it's actually strategically placed beads and sequins on black satin.  I am off to meet my cabinet maker to discuss my new bag closet right now, we are dedicating an entire wall to display my clutches.  Would love to add this to my collection but I don't think Temperley warrants a four figure beaded clutch, that's what I'm willing to pay for a well made exotic clutch but a beaded satin clutch that could fall apart in a few years?  Beautiful it may be, I'll have to pass.  Temperley London Ophelia Evening Clutch $1350  What about you?  Do you think it's worth it?

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

PEPE LE PEW
Do you smell something?  Oh right, it's Halloween!  And that's when the crazies come out to play.  And really the only time the skunk, otherwise known as the Curella de Ville look, would be cool and fun.  FENDI SKUNK FUR PEEKABOO ROLL BAG at Saks Fifth Avenue for $1970.

MUST HAVE ACCESSORY FOR YOUR MICHAEL JACKSON COSTUME

You know you're dressing up as Michael Jackson this year.  Everyone else is.  But you will be the real MJ, not that red leather jacket with excessive zippers MJ.  Deep down he was a true Balmain man.  Respect him.  Balmain Punk Sueded Stud Bag at Net-a-Porter for $3925.

Left: Mat quilted leather bag ($1,915) Right: Leo embellished shoulder bag ($2,920),

We have been waiting to share these photos with you for weeks! BALMAIN bags will launch on Net-a-porter.com on Monday, October 19th but we have the exclusive photos now so you can choose what you want and buy the minute they appear on the site!  My faves are the Mat quilted bag and Leo embellished bag above.  If you look closely-- the Mat quilting is not symmetrical, giving the classic quilt pattern a modern twist and at $1,915 it's not that unreasonable (though not cheap either).  I have to admit I was expecting 5 figure bags considering the cost of Balmain RTW but the bag prices (for the most part) are acceptable.  The suede punk rock studded bag below left is the star of the collection at a whooping $3,925 but the workmanship is amazing!  I'm not usually a fan of multi hued studs but this one is strategically designed and feels very haute couture, detailing that Decarnin is known for.  The original leather bag (white) has to be seen in person to be appreciated, the whimsical fringes add fun and pizazz to the simple shoulder bag.   

BALMAIN Bags at Net-a-porter.com on Monday morning!  Happy weekend, all!  I'm still home in Asia and having a blast.  Lots of new photos to share with you soon!

Left: Punk suede shoulder bag($3,925) Right: Original leather shoulder bag($2,315)

Big sparkly clutch, a la Judith Leiber, I am not into, but something subtle and tasteful like this jeweled chain evening bag from Darby Scott is divine. You don't even have to be attending a Southern Gala with big hair to wear it, if you are having a nice lunch, this will dress up a simple dress. But if you are going a glitterazzi event, this embroidered bag with quiet embellishments will set you apart. These top handle little bags are making a huge comeback, thanks to Mad Men and the mad styles that I am craving. Well, I'm mostly craving the comeback of full body curvy women. Hello, how did that sexy trend ever go out?? Floral Embroidered Mini Evening Clutch in silk chiffon and grey agate toplock and brazilian stone in chain handle at Darby Scott for $1950.

I finally watched Valentino: The Last Emperor and I was moved to tears.  Valentino, you get me and all women... WE JUST WANT TO FEEL BEAUTIFUL!  I'd like to forget all of my rules of functionality and practicality for a moment and just follow my heart. I want a bag to thrill me, excite me and to put a smile on my face every time I look at it. I don't need it to carry toys, sippy cups, iPhones or any of the things that I'm boggled with in my daily life. I just want it to be fabulous!  Impractical if necessary but as long as it is beautiful, I don't care! I know the Emperor is no longer at the helm but this bag, the 360 bag covered in embroidered sequins, represents to me everything that is Valentino, wrapped up in one glittery and glamorous bag. Even the giant bow is insanely fab, like the topping to a delicious cake. At Valentino boutiques worldwide. Retail price $4,895 (crazy expensive but the workmanship of each embroidered sequin is something to be seen!)

Call 214-750-5707 to order. Valentino also available at Saks.

Marchesa showed their Spring 2010 gowns with a new clutch collection! As well as drop dead to-die-for jewelry from Garrard, which you can see on the hands of the models. Garrard is the English jeweler who makes the Crown Jewels for the English Royal family. Fancy! They showed 9 clutches, all evening of course, and absolutely stunning. I loved that they did a presentation so that I can go up close and personal to inspect the intricate details of each clutch. And the models are so nice and cooperative - they held them out for me as I ogled each one. All are box clutches in satin with pleats and flowers, all over beaded and one in alligator. The closures are like jewelry, either one giant piece of crystal or crystal embellished hardware clasps.

Go to the jump page to see all the pictures.

Wow, where do I even begin? First of all, believe it or not, this is Prada. The rest of Fall so far has been really great, back to basic and NORMAL. I guess Fall 2 is where they let Miuccia loose and allow her to do whatever she wants as a reward for designing boring bags that sell. This feedbag looking thing is crackled leather with fringes adorned with studs and beads. The Lone Ranger uses this as a snack bag for Tonto. Unless you own a horse, miniature horse are ok too, I really hope you don't strap this around your wrist and show up to happy hour. At Barneys New York, for...are you ready for this second offense...$1395.