Recently in Pochette Category

To say I am disappointed in Halston bags would be an understatement.  I don't know why I had such high expectations but I guess I fell for the hype and it's really my own fault but still, am disappointed.  When I hear Halston-- images of glamourous girls in silky lightweight jersey gowns and flowing hair comes to mind.  I was hoping to see some rockin' bags worthy of these girls; something with attitude, panache, style,,,, anything-- but this saggy lump of a sack called the Zai ($2,495) and the Jimmy Choo knock off chain style bag called the Hannah ($1,895 is the same price for the Chanel Lady Braid in purple-- I suggest you go for that instead!).  These bags are not terrible but they are not the sophisticated creations I have been hoping for (and all in suede?  Yuck!  I only like suede as accents on my bag, it just looks cheap when it is all suede!).  I mean if you are a casual college student or an intern at a fashion house I can see the messenger bag working but $2,495 for a no shape no style sack?  I have a dreary feeling about the revival of this brand... already besieged with rumors of strife and fighting (Rachel Zoe supposedly forced the departure of Creative Director Marco Zanini), I am wondering who's collection will walk down the September runways (his?  Or Zoe's interpretation?)  What do you guys think?  Are these bags worthy of the Halston name? Halston Zai messenger bag
Halston Hannah bag

YSL Marjorelle $1395, Lanvin Python Pochette $1830
Bottega Venta $2780, Miu Miu Matelasse $1590

Are you ready for summer? Well, first things first, you gotta get your white bags on! Here are our favorite bags in white for the summer. And who says you can't wear white after Labor Day? Total non-sense, especially when we are talking about fabulous classic bags that are appropriate for all seasons and occasions. The YSL Marjorelle has become one of my favorite bags this season (I have the blue but now am wishing I had waited for this white!!). The Lanvin pochette in python is a steal for $1830 and is the perfect bag for your tiny summer dresses or even a hot evening out with a tropical cocktail, umbrella and all. For the practical gals, the tri-compartment Bottega Veneta breezes from work to weekends. And if you are in between hip and pragmatic, the Miu Miu is genius for all events in your life. It has stood the test of time so even though it is a trend bag, you will be able to use it for many seasons to come. Like with everything else, before anything can get started, you must first have the perfect bag!

By the way, the Lanvin and Miu Miu is 40% off at Barneys Dallas for one day only! Call Pam or Cory at 469-221-4807

This lilac python from the Cruise collection is giving me heart palpitations from lust and sheer joy from seeing something so incredibly beautiful and perfect. I seriously must have this and what a smart investment it will be, Chanel is eternally classic and the flap style in python is worthy of the snobbiest of snobs. I love that the double C clasp is also python instead of plain silver hardware, it totally makes up for the fact that the C's are bigger than normal. And the color, oh my, can you just die? It was made in white, light grey (that would have been super fab), dark blue, purple and black but the stores only picked it up in lilac and with good reason. Other than the light grey, this would just be another Chanel flap but this color is so special it's something you build your wardrobe around. This is of course perfect for Spring/Summer but you should also wear this with darker colors to bring out the soft delicate hue. Last year their python bags were $2500, should have would have could have but I didn't, but now even at $3250 it is still an incredibly good buy compared to other random soon to be obsolete bags out there. Plus this is limited quantity so you won't encounter the shame of having the exact same bag every other girl on the street has (i.e. Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs). And this will never go on sale so you won't be kicking and cursing at yourself when your full priced purchase is now an additional 30% off at Neimans. Surely all this is worth a few hundred dollars more. But most importantly you will have an estate piece that will be treasured for life and beyond. By order only, call Chanel at 800-550-0005 to have the nearest boutique that is carrying this bag contact you. I made sure to wait until mine was secured before I dished about it! Selfish, I know, but a girls got to do what a girls got to do to get the good bags!!

I can not remember the last time I saw a Chloe bag that was half decent and did not make me cringe (actually, it was probably before Phoebe Philo's departure). Anyway, here is a semi-decent, though not fabulous bag from Chloe. The Eddie is a small bag at 7 inches wide but has a long 20 inch drop from shoulder straps which seems to be quite popular with the club hopping underwear-less crowd. I do like the taupe color and the clasp is interesting, I just wish it was slightly larger to balance the heavy chain and thick strap. I am still waiting for Paulo Melim Andersson to find his groove because I refuse to give up the vision that was Chloe as created by Gaby Aghion and interpreted so brilliantly by Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney and Phoebe Philo. Chloe Eddie leather shoulder bag $1525.

Neiman Marcus exclusive

I am really into brightly colored bags, bold color feels so fresh after years of metallic and from the looks of the Spring 2008 runways, color is back in a big bold way (not that I am going to give up my metallic bags just yet!). Kooba Natasha and Penelope clutch are great pieces to ease into the look, lipstick red is timeless and classic and will brighten your winter wardrobe! Kooba bags are easy on the eyes and the pocketbook; the Penelope clutch is only $295, what other fabulous bag can you get your paws on for less than $300? The limited edition red patent Natasha bag is $625 and will be available only through Neiman Marcus.

I went to the Chanel Resort trunk show last week and was impressed yet again over the many creative incarnations they manage come up with each season of the classic 2.55 bag. There were so many great bags to choose from but the "Ice Cube" caught our eye because it's so different and fun (okay, we really picked it because we loved the name)! (My assistant of the day was my beautiful friend Christine Handy who patiently took notes on style names and prices on all the bags I liked. We had a lunch and shop date but ended up working with no lunch. Thanks honey, I owe you one! My friends all know they may be called into action at a moment's notice and they all comply without complaint!)

Made of clear vinyl "cubes" placed on metallic lambskin leather to resemble the iconic Chanel quilting, the "Ice Cube" manages to maintain the classic flavor of the 2.55 bag while being completely modern and charming. On any other bag the look risks being absurd and tacky but on Chanel, it works. For Chanel addicts who crave something young and fun, the "Ice Cube" is it! The price is also budget friendly (for a Chanel bag that is!) at $1,650. Call Alexis, our fave Chanel SA at 214-520-1055 to order.

The Fendi Baguette (with the help of Carrie Bradshaw) singlehandedly launched the "it" bag phenom 10 years ago so it is fitting that we pay tribute to "it" on its 10th anniversary. I still love my Fendi baguettes and take them out once in a while to admire or use; beaded, whip stitched or embellished, I have several that I will never give up! The shape is just so perfect, fits right under the arm and holds anything and everything you need for a proper night out or a lunch with the girls. It is one of the all time greatest bags! From Fendi's Spring Runways, several modern incarnations of the baguette appeared in squishy oversized clutch versions which are no less fabulous than the original. With the Sex and the City movie currently being filmed, don't be surprised to see Carrie reunited with her beloved baguettes as well.