For Glamour’s “These Girls” event, Dianna Agron went retro glam with a beehive hairdo and ladylike A-line dress. The Glee star performed a monologue about her 11-year awkward phase (hard to believe!) – what better way to have the last laugh with her middle school bullies than in full Valentino?? The real showstopper is that amazing bag in her clutches – with a price tag of more than 5k, the Fall 2013 accessory is basically worth its weight in gold. The studded edges of the platino metal box clutch add serious edge to Dianna’s sweet, white dress. And if that weren’t enough, studded snakeskin pumps (at Nordstrom for $1,095) can always be relied upon to make a statement. Available at Valentino for $5,045.
I’ll admit it: I’m really just obsessed with that gazelle fur sticking up from the flap of this bag. Sometimes all it requires is a quirky and unexpected detail send a bag from “maybe” to “must.” That, and the contrasted effect of naturalistic fur against burgundy leather is so dreamy.
Fur on handbags is a tricky business, but not only did Chloé get it right (it’s just enough, not overkill), the injection saves the day. An addition like this is an amazing way to spruce up an otherwise bulky, unworthy bag. Because a tan-colored accordion gusset simply is not. I am even obliged to excuse the cumbersomeness of the double-up compartments. It goes to show: a great way with fur will take you far.
On Ssense for $3,595.
Pair with: The key to carrying this early in the season without looking inappropriate is in the pants. A white pair of skinny jeans, a la J Brand, will also pick up on the flap’s white tuft of fur.
At Neiman Marcus for $172.
The Dior lady is still very much a lady, but when it comes to her vacation time, she’s in demand of some edge. Raf Simons said he “wanted to start with the clichés of what we all think about when we think about cruise” and decided to toy with fabrics he’s not used to. Like lace! When Raf is ready to try something, you can bet he’s going full-throttle. Lace cropped amid metallic-paneled dresses, in abstract pastel tops, even bodysuits and bolero jackets. Resort also proved the ideal time for Christian Dior to invite some shock value into the mix. Peek-a-boo midriffs, deep-V necklines down to there (perfect for layering) and slits up to there (ditto), and unexpected injections of offbeat colors all brought a mischievous grin to my face.
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Once I’d gotten over those precious pink outfits on SJP’s twins, my eyes went straight to that LBB – little black bag (that is, after being distracted by the half rolled up jeans). The luxe combo of black leather and gold hardware immediately elevates any look, making it an on-the-go Mom Snob favorite. And since moms need to carry an arsenal of necessities at all times, the bag was just the right size. The question is who’s the designer?? Considering Sarah Jessica Parker is a bonafide Snob, you know it’s gotta be good. The simple saddlebag is perfect for navigating the streets of NYC in style. The flap protects your bag’s contents without making it into an all-out expedition to reach inside. So pull out your pens and paper – it’s Snob Quiz time! Let us know who you think Ms. Bradshaw is carrying.
While I’m not a fan of printed bags, there’s something about Carven’s charming designs that gets me every time. Even in gray, this safari roars to life, making you long for a trip to the savannah. I love the brand’s Paris print, too, and the etoile design on my Louboutin espadrilles (just not all of them worn at once!). The best summer bags are full of whimsy and easy, breezy features like the tote’s magnetized closure. Buckled beige straps add a little structure, pulling the tote in at the sides, yet at its heart, this bag is completely laid-back. It’s strictly for vacation (on safari, maybe?) or relaxing weekends. Clearly this isn’t an entirely sensible purchase – it’s an emotional one. Even if a bag won’t serve many purposes, as long as it makes you feel good, sometimes that’s just enough. Available on Ssense for $995.
Perusing Zink’s new collection of stingray clutches makes me feel like a kid in an ice cream shop – I want to try every flavor! The pebbly skin just has such an alluring, unique texture. Its stiffness makes stingray tough to work with, but designer Ben Freedland used that to his advantage by crafting it into a structured roll clutch that guarantees it’ll maintain its shape. The interior has a zip pouch the length of the clutch and three card slots (forcing you to keep it simple – the perfect summer mantra!), while the outside has a slit pocket for valet tickets and other little papers. I got the turquoise first – what could be more perfect for summering on the water than the shade of the waves themselves? All of the colors are equally delicious, though – which should I get next?? Available at Zink in turquoise, camel, coral, gray, lavender, and mint for $895 each.
