Recently in Beaded/Embellished Category

Like the stud trend but not enough to invest in an entire bag? The trend is continuing into Fall so it's not too late if you do want a studded bag. But if you're unsure, this cute little coin purse has just the right amount of non-committal studs you want! If you are feeling bored with your favorite bag, this is a fun way to change things up a bit by accessorizing your accessory! Remember those Prada fobs that were so addicting? I spent way too much money on way too many of them! My favorite was the flame with skull and cross bones. At least this coin purse has a function other than just as a danglie. Keep your keys and a few bucks in there and you can detach this to run out for coffee. At Net-a-Porter for $225.

Zagliani is known for innovation in material and skin so it is entirely appropriate for them to do a novelty bag like this one with lace detail. Look at the intricacy and precision of how the leather is folded and turned and sewn to get the perfect lace effect. I mean, as a whole, the bag is a bit too busy and frou frou for my taste but it is incredibly impressive to look at. Like a museum piece, you ohh and ahh but wouldn't exactly have the need to take home a marble statue of a naked man (but that's just me). I just can't believe the technical craftsmanship of this bag! At first I surely thought it would be actual lace! But of course it would fall apart if you got it caught on something. Even with this one though, you should probably heed extreme caution when using it. At Browns Fashion for $5,875.

This bag give me hope that decadence will once again reign. Not that this bag is particularly fabulous or to die for but a giant bag encrusted with sparkling stones for 3 grand can only mean one thing - disposable income. And lots of it. Everything for fall is all about over indulgence and glamour and to me, that is pure joy and optimism. I prefer the frame, it makes more sense going over the top with a smaller evening look. Kaleido Tote for $2995 and Gemme Frame for $2980. Both at Bergdorf Goodman. I also want to pay tribute to Michael Jackson with a bag that is representative of his aesthetic of flash and fantasy. And a flash he was, he is gone before his time. He will be missed but he left us with a lot of memories and incredible music that has been the soundtrack to many of our lives.

Don't crucify me for featuring Louis Vuitton monogram bags, I'm just the messenger-- this showed up in my inbox and had to share! Wow, did they really bedazzle each logo with sequins?  Imagine the labor... I'm tired just thinking about it.  The Speedy Gold above is $2,160 (hefty!) and love the new handles. The Alma Eclipse ($2,470) in black sequins is quite eye catching.  You have to admit they are getting really creative with the iconic monogram. MJ said he was inspired by Parisian muses of great creators.

"... The Victorie de Castellane, the Loulou de la Falaise, the Betty Catroux... all these people that I remember that were just about the joy of getting dressed. The joy of being a woman, the joy of being a girl, the rebellion of saying "I don't care what's going on, "I'm just going to have a good time. Maybe it's a little Marie Antoinette too."

Marc Jacobs played with fabric on the bags just as he did with the RTW (which I'm obsessed with by the way, LV ready to wear is friggin' hot!). What do you think of the Speedy Gold Sequin? Snob or Slob? (Update: just added the Alma Eclipse, what do ya think?)

The Fall/Winter Trunk show is heading to Neiman Marcus North Park this weekend-- jump for details!

All this talk of "tea bagging" in congress apparently has inspired Mark and James to make a tea bag bag but in a literal way. It is in the hip and cool disco beads but why this shape? All it needs is a tag at the end of the strap for the full effect. It is not that bad but still, you'll walk around looking like you're looking for a big pot of hot water. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $465.

I previewed one of the most exquisite Chanel collections I have ever laid eyes on at the Fall 09 trunk show yesterday. It was an elaborate celebration of culture, art and fashion-- one that only the Kaiser (and the Mademoiselle herself) could have executed so perfectly. The Paris-Moscow collection is a collector's dream-- many pieces are by custom order only (three month delivery) which make them even more collectable. Glittering jewels, exaggerated pearl/beaded belts, embellished leather motorcycle jackets, embroidered cashmere coats, ornate dresses, handpainted and laser cut leather bags, matryoshka doll minaudieres-- everything was fit for a Tsarina!   The Paris-Moscow collection will be one remembered as the moment Chanel brought luxury back!

Beyond the theatrics, however, there were more than a few gorgeous and very functional bags.  I ordered the "Portobello" tote in black below (also available in grey and brown).  The zipper detail is not merely decorative-- it has two uses- to zip up the front pocket and to use as adjustable strap!  It's around 32cm and will be my daily easy tote!  (jump for more!)

(The must have bag from Chanel Fall 09-- The Portobello-a distressed lambskin tote that may be buttoned into a lady like bag or left open and casual. $2,375 call Alexis 214-520-1055 to order)

I have no words for Louis Vuitton's python-interior embroidered denim bag with multi-beaded handle (and are those feathers I see dangling nonchalantly?!?!?).  I guess one could use it inside out and pretend it's really a python bag lined in denim. I mean it would make more sense but then you'd lose out on the kaleidoscope of logos in rainbow colors and we all know LV fans love their logos!   This actually makes me sad; after touring Louis Vuitton's home and atelier I'd developed a newfound respect for the brand, but this-- this makes no sense whatsoever (though it could have been made purely for editorial purposes, or for Beyonce).  What do you think?  SNOB or SLOB?
Buy Louis Vuitton here. Photo source: Elle.com

I appreciate Stella McCartney's stance against the use of leather in fashion and I like her designs but sometimes the prices are just a bit... high. Take this gem embellished champagne twill clutch for example-- it's very cutsey (and not my cup of tea) but I'm sure many of you will find it appealing, especially with Prom season coming up. But if you are shopping for a prom clutch for yourself or your daughter, I doubt you'll want to shell out a grand for it. So here are some options for you to DIY.  Start with this J. Furmani champagne colored satin clutch (11" wide) for $31.50 and add a few crystal flower pins on it ($15.95 each). For under $100 you'll have a similar look plus you can choose the colors to coordinate with your gown.

Of course some of our bag snobs may want the Stella version-- here it is for $995 at Net-a-Porter.com.  What do you think?  DIY or go for the Stella?

I can't wait for the Fall bag collection from DVF, especially this lovely clutch. It is a must have for sure!! Pink metallic with studs??!!! Hello! It was as if Diane herself consulted with us to come up with such a to-die-for clutch. It is a simple, functional foldover, of course functional since that is what she's all about. This speaks to all our many and sometimes contradicting sides - girly, sassy, tough, flirty, and glamorous. You don't, and probably shouldn't, get all rocked out when wearing this, this is perfect for my sporty casual look as well as the feminine flouncy dress with strappy stilettos. DVF is getting serious with her bags, if she continues in this direction, my ENTIRE wardrobe including bags will be nothing but DVF! At Shopbop for $595.

I am still feeling cool rocking my Rock 'n Roll get ups, it makes me feel young again which just tells me that I am actually old. It's still fun now but by the end of the season you will be looking to turn it down from eleven, even if this is your first time around this head banging trend. For AW 2009 Jimmy Choo has their classic Tube clutch in lace laid over satin and topped off with studs for the ultimate dichotomous juxtaposition (fancy, like this clutch!). It allows the frilly girls with tough exteriors to show their full personalities =) You know who you are! Designers understand our finickiness more than anyone (it is their jobs!) so what they do is they blow out a trend and then follow it up the next season with some subtle versions. But Jimmy Choo is still offering very strong Rock themes for Fall, including an all over studded hobo with a giant eagle. Choices, nothing better than choices! Available in July/August for $2700, which means those frilly girls with tough exteriors probably have pretty good jobs.