Recently in Patent Leather Category

"Wake Me Up Before You Go Go" is stuck in my head because of this bag. I can't tell if I am in love with the bag itself or with the sentimentality of the 80's. I was in love with George Michael and was quite shocked when I learned that he played for the opposite team. Duh!! But I was not yet equipped with gaydar at 13 =) Michael Kors should have made a giant T-Shirt with bold black letters that says, "Choose Kors". How cool would that be? I would wear it with this clutch, I love the 80's high tech look and in acid yellow is obviously a bit tough to pull off on a daily basis, but in basic colors would be damn hot. But you would be surprised at how great a yellow clutch is, I have one and I wear it with black and white prints, blues and if I am in all gray, it turns sullen to happy instantly. At Neiman Marcus for $595.

Everyone slips up once in a while, even the great ones perched high in fashion kingdom. But when they fall, they fall even harder than others.  I love my Alexander McQueen houndstooth fitted jacket, it looks almost exactly like this bag.  Which makes me think this is one of the sample jackets spruced up with a bit of patent leather trim.  The entire bag is puzzling, what's with the cone shaped bra like bottoms?  A tribute to Madonna?  Some people like the idea of wooly fabric bags, but the contrasting pattern is dizzy and distracting not to mention EXPENSIVE-- $2,000 for left over scraps of fabric!?!?  A major thumbs down in snob world.  Check out Alexander McQueen Houndstooth Tote here.

I'm kind of on the fence about this clutch. My initial thoughts are that it is childish and contrived. A spiral notebook looking clutch? Ehh, too much of a shtick for YSL. Then thinking back of the zipper clutch, the same could be said about that but it was a wildly huge hit, especially among celebs. But this definitely does not have the same edge. It is an ingenious twist on hinging the flap, nobody has ever done this before and it works well - it flips completely back so when open, it stays open. I do like the proportions, it is 9 1/2" wide so you get the full effect of what this clutch is about, if it were tiny it would look stupid. And the price is just right, for a YSL at $395, it might be the flash you need in a black clutch that retires at the end of the season. At Saks Fifth Avenue.

Sometimes a girl just wants to be left alone and if a simple "NO" is not clear enough, a knuckle ring hardware clutch will come in real handy! Even a slap might be misconstrued as flirting but a backhand with this on your fingers gets the message across loud and clear!! Just dangling this in front of you with a raised eyebrow is pretty scary, I mean, look at those skulls, they're so aggro. But violence aside, this is a nice alternate way to carry a clutch, especially with the patent leather, you won't smear your fingerprints on it. I just hope the ring sizes are ample enough to fit most fingers, as that would be a problem. I think as a novelty, I might just get it. I don't have to shoo away men anymore but my husband does act up now and again =) Alexander McQueen Knuckle Duster Patent Clutch at Saks for $1595.

Longchamp is our go to brand for travel and beyond-- it's not often that you'll find the words "practical" and "chic" in one sentence but it really describes its bags! I do not pack without at least one of the foldable nylon totes (you never know when you'll shop too much and need luggage space!) and now think I need this Rodeo Luxe tote for travel as well. It's big but lightweight and held up the test at the mall the other day-- I put everything in there including my son's sippy cup-- it's lined in easy to clean canvas so I don't have to worry about mishaps while traveling. The zipped front pocket is perfect size for a passport and boarding pass while the interior has several zipped compartments as well. I'm loving the azure blue-- it reminds me of the pacific ocean and was the color of my old Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Volante (oh how I miss that car!).

Longchamp 'Rodeo Luxe' Shopper is 15" wide and cost a mere $845 at Nordstrom. Do not ask me how much the Aston Martin will set you back-- it's way obscene but it was my wedding gift from the hubby so how could I refuse?

I wasn't into the Histoire even though it seemed like the whole world went bonkers over it. There was too much going on, the thickly braided handles, the same braided detail on the many pockets, all the features we too big like a cartoon character. But of course it was Angelina Jolie who propelled it into instant "it bag" status with the matching miniature version for *Sahara. But this tote is way more my taste. It still has bold details and the bright fuchsia in patent certainly adds an aggressive punch that screams to be noticed. Plus, it is a giant bag at 17" x 15". The little bit of the braiding detail is all that is needed, and the scrunched sides held together by simple buckles are way more appealing. It is open on top and is held closed by the cinching of the sides. I'm actually seriously digging this bag, it is the ONLY Valentino that has ever stirred me up. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $1895. Also comes in black which is just as great, just less loud.

* Correction: Ooops, my bad. It's Zahara.

I used to go to concerts every week, it was my life - I loved the crowd, the loudness, the adrenaline and strangely now that I'm thinking back, I liked the grunge. Well, times have changed because these days, the last person you will see at a rock concert is me. My husband still loves it but he won't take me now because all I do is complain about the crowd, the loudness, the boredom and yes, the grunge. I think it's called age. And I think Michael Kors is aware of my generation of women who still have that girl in us but in reality the only thing we're interested in is going to a quiet dinner and talk about our wilder days. For those occasions and women like me, this patent leather hobo with subtle chain detail is all the Rock 'n Roll we can handle - it still has an edge and is uber sophisticated. Age and lifestyle appropriateness are the most important things to keep in mind when getting dressed. Michael Kors also has the Chain Tote but the chains on those are a bit too much, this hobo is way more subtle. At Neiman Marcus for $995.

A few years ago, this bag would have been viable. It is such a cool looking bag but it is unfortunately incredibly dysfunctional. It is heavy and a bit on the clunky side. No more are the frivolous buying days of having something just because you want it, even if it means keeping it in the closet for fun's sake. On the one hand, it is depressing that we have to start making hard choices but the positive side is that I am forced to edit and it has been cathartic and economical. I started asking myself why I want things, why I over indulge and if it in fact does make me feel better to have too much of a good thing. Once I realized that I don't need any of it and I am perfectly happy regardless, the real meaning of luxury began sinking in. The icing on the cake, the big bonus, the extra long bath at the end of a perfect day - these indulgences are only enjoyable when we have the time and means to indulge. Right now, this McQueen bag is a novelty only worthy of a quick look-see. At Net-a-Porter for $2395.

We all have those Goldilocks moments, Is this clutch too big? Is it too small? Is it too boring? Or is it too bright? Is it too trendy? Or is it totally 5 minutes ago? Is it too summery? Or not summery enough? This is the clutch you need that is just right. The clutch is 14" x 9" which is big for a clutch but perfect for day. The bright summery orange or yellow patent leather trim is all you need to mark the season while the straw keeps it nice and neutral. Anya Hindmarch bags are timeless, yet spot on when it comes to style. Like I said, we could all add this to our routine! This is the easiest clutch to pack for travel and while at home this touch of sunshine will make you feel like you're on vacation! At Anya Hindmarch for $525.

Karl Lagerfeld shot the latest catalog for the House of Chanel starring Jerry Hall and a much much younger guy. I'm all for the younger man/older woman thing but the male model they chose looks almost underage but hey-- not judging!

The Chanel Upside down bag ($2,675) in patent white leather is fun and sure to be a collector's item but I'd feel, well, upside down carrying it.  I already have the 2.55 in white patent so no need to repeat.
The Chanel 2.55 ($3,295) in tie dye pink lambskin, however, is super fabulous!  I love the ombre shades of pale pink; it's subtle, sexy and very youthful.  I think I've found my summer bag!  I always invest in Chanel bags, no matter the economic situation; they are timelessly chic.

Call Alexis at 214-520-1055 to order!

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