TGIF! I've had the longest and most confusing week trying to recuperate from my overseas trip. There was a lot of cooking at my house (by me) to appease a sulking boy (not the 5 year old) for my absence. I'm looking forward to a weekend of fun with friends (4 birthday parties!) and thought i should feature a fun clutch in case you're in the mood for something different. This Blue Gioia Feather Clutch is like a piece of art, made of pearlized lamb suede-- it has a grille inspired by a traditional Japanese screen crafted from 18K gold-plated brass set over bright blue peacock feathers. Fabulous? With a capital F! Has detachable chain, flap closure and is 8"× 4 ½". Made by by Raven Kauffman for $1,395.00 (not bad for such a unique accessory!) At Vivre.com Have a lovely weekend, everyone!
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So for my next trip, I'm downsizing (by at least half, hey it's an improvement!). Am contemplating this ingenius MEZZO Folding Shopper tote in black natural gloss python from our friend Sang A-- it's large enough by day for my small laptop and folded in half, it's the perfect oversized clutch! Sang A is really in tune with what modern women juggling multiple roles as wife/mother/career girl need cuz she is one herself. Her bags are never fussy-- chicness and simplicity rule, as do functionality. It comes in multiple colors and skins but I prefer the black/white combos-- very sophisticated and will be easy to use while traveling. 12.5" x 9" (folded is 6.25"x9")-- $2,500.00 for the BLACK NATURAL GLOSS PYTHON Here. And $1,800 for the COOL WHITE VINTAGE PATENT LEATHER version.
It was a bit of a Bagsnob reunion in Beverly Hills last Thursday, as Tina and Kelly (fresh back from Asia) and Liza (fresh back from the grocery store) convened at Bottega Veneta on Rodeo to check out the trunk show for Spring 2010. Liza spent much of her time in the dressing room trying to wrestle her way into samples of the chalky silk, Karate-influenced dresses (which were gorgeous, inventive and ingeniously constructed), but from what she could see through cracks in the doors, Tina and Kelly found plenty to add to their ever-growing Bottega wish lists. Of note: An insanely beautiful, bright blue crocodile doctor's bag ($24,000). Made from impeccable skin, the color strikes an ideal balance of electric vibration and aquatic depth. To ground the brightness, the bag is structured, simple, timeless, with a rigid top and double handles. The overall effect pulls focus from fifty feet away but somehow remains serene, drawing the eye with an almost centrifugal force. There are no images of the bag in that color, so you'll have to go see it in person for yourself (or jump to see the Twitter shot Tina took).
The Orchid Esperanza Ayers clutch (above left- $1,980), with brightly contrasting chartreuse zipper pull lends lightheartedness to the usual Bottega sophistication. The Ebano Intreccio Nuance Bag (above right--$1,480) is reminiscent of the Hermes Picotin, but much more supple and intricate with functional interior pockets. There is a larger size in perky yellow and white (Tina's note: but we think the smaller is much cuter).
The signature Cabat bags (which, in the large size, are truly ample enough to carry a large baby or medium-sized dog) come this season in a light straw color leather (Paille shiny calf $7,800) which was ingeniously treated by leather craftsman to sound (crinkles and crackles to the touch) and feel like... straw (except it's leather, kind of the reverse Stella thing). Come spring, it will be a nice stand-in on those days when you just don't feel like taking your Birkin to the farmer's market. Call Bottega in BH to order- 310-858-6533! Bottega bags also available at Net-a-Porter.com
I am in red carpet mode - I went to the premiere of "Precious" at the Grauman's Chinese Theater last night. It was the most memorable premiere I have been to (and I go to a lot of these!) for the star power but mainly because of the movie. It was painful and hard to watch but it will stay with me forever to remind me that the power of love and hope can help the human spirit overcome even the most unimaginable horrors of abuse and isolation.
I was standing next to Mariah Carey (I talked to her!!) at the after party watching Mary J. Blige perform at the lobby of Chateau Marmont. Oprah, Russell Simmons, Will Smith, Tyler Perry, Nick Cannon, Macy Gray, Gayle King and Sidney Poitier were all standing a few feet from me because this room was the size of a living room. Mo'Nique was mind blowing as Precious' abusive mother, she brought such rage to my soul that I feared I might punch her if I saw her, good thing I didn't run into her at the party! Mark my words, she will win an Oscar for her performance. And since I have to tie this bag in to my rantings here, Mo'Nique had on a gorgeous gold gown that would have been perfect with this Celestina copper filigree clutch. At Net-a-Porter for $1325.
The Purse Dress (modeled by Kara's daughter Avery) is a one-of-a-kind felted studded "Purse" dress made with CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements. The couture garment will be featured in the 5th Avenue window of Henri Bendel.
Weird as it may look, you have to admit the Purse Dress is damn ingenius from a creative standpoint. Kara Ross created a dress with Swarovski crystallized Nox bag sewn into the side for her SS10 collection. Starting today, November 2nd, Kara Ross and her team will be at her Pop Up Shop at Henri Bendel. There will also be a 5ft by 8ft Nox bag made completely out of broken glass pieces in the window display.
Please stop by Henri Bendel this week and check out the Kara Ross goodies!
I discovered Lara Bohinc through my new friend and former Bergdorf buyer, Stephanie Kuo, over ice cream cocktails at La Luz in Taipei (so yummy that the owner's wife, Charlotte Kuo, claims you won't even know you're drunk until it's too late!).
Check Lara Bohinc site for stores.
If you love Derek Lam's Elsa clutch, this Albertine clutch is a no brainer. If the Elsa was a bit too fussy for you, then here is your match. It has the same asymmetrical cut but with a streamlined design. Actually, this is more for me, just enough "something" to catch the eye but not so crazy that it becomes dysfunctional. The foldover part with zipper has a large compartment but its the frame with push lock closure that will come in handy for going out. The tassel might seem big, but I totally dig it, gives it some dimension and fanciness. At Barneys for $690.
I have been just hanging on to my love for YSL these last 2 seasons, pretending to "love" bags that were just ok. Now this clutch has totally rejuvenated the lust worthy-ness that is YSL to me. This clutch is freaking amazing - the clever use of the logo while being utterly subtle, the color and the textured treatment of the leather. OK, there is one thing you have to overlook here, this is "eel-embossed" leather and why anyone would emboss leather to look like eel is beyond me. Just ignore that part because the effect is actually cooler than eel, it looks like tree bark or something. Anyway, the look is cool and the shape is extraordinary. And the price, even better!! I am getting mine now so don't wait until you have to go on a list for this clutch! At Bergdorf Goodman for $575.
Quiet luxury is what VBH is all about but sometimes even the quiet beauties need to pipe up and stand out for all to see. This envelope clutch has crystal details along the seams, a perfect way to show it's true grace. But it is still modest while making a statement. Too much bling is gaudy and tacky! The pewter python will go with just about everything making this the perfect all around clutch for all your cocktail and formal events. At Brown's Fashion for $2767.
