Recently in Quilted Category

Left: Mat quilted leather bag ($1,915) Right: Leo embellished shoulder bag ($2,920),

We have been waiting to share these photos with you for weeks! BALMAIN bags will launch on Net-a-porter.com on Monday, October 19th but we have the exclusive photos now so you can choose what you want and buy the minute they appear on the site!  My faves are the Mat quilted bag and Leo embellished bag above.  If you look closely-- the Mat quilting is not symmetrical, giving the classic quilt pattern a modern twist and at $1,915 it's not that unreasonable (though not cheap either).  I have to admit I was expecting 5 figure bags considering the cost of Balmain RTW but the bag prices (for the most part) are acceptable.  The suede punk rock studded bag below left is the star of the collection at a whooping $3,925 but the workmanship is amazing!  I'm not usually a fan of multi hued studs but this one is strategically designed and feels very haute couture, detailing that Decarnin is known for.  The original leather bag (white) has to be seen in person to be appreciated, the whimsical fringes add fun and pizazz to the simple shoulder bag.   

BALMAIN Bags at Net-a-porter.com on Monday morning!  Happy weekend, all!  I'm still home in Asia and having a blast.  Lots of new photos to share with you soon!

Left: Punk suede shoulder bag($3,925) Right: Original leather shoulder bag($2,315)

Anyone who has been living outside of a cave the last 10 years is now sick of "classic" Balenciaga bags. OK fine, they put grommets on the recent ones to update the look but they are essentially the same bag. Apparently, they are incapable of veering from that template because whenever they do, this happens. First of all, what is up with the overly poofy quilted bags? Chanel is on steroids with their quilting and obviously there is an epidemic. Especially with all the studs, all I can think about is a giant office couch, but its even too swollen to be good for that! It is also kind of big, almost 14" across. Think about how this will look tucked at your side? I never thought I could say this about a bag but I really think this would make you look fat. The price is OK, at Browns Fashion for $1900.

Is it me or is Lanvin losing its edge?  I just can't seem to get excited about the bags anymore.  I love Alber Elbaz and the ready to wear is still to die but the bags... not feeling it.  I mean there is nothing really wrong with this quilted bag but there is nothing great about it either.  I long for the days of whimsy from Elbaz, not days of safe marketing for consumption.  What about you?  Lanvin Quilted Leather bag for $2033.

Our Bag Snob Winner is Barbara N., Lexington, KY

Yes, that's right, we are giving away a Chanel to celebrate the start of Fashion Week!! One of our favorite options during this depressing economy is going to shops like Portero.com for authentic luxury bags that are pre-loved =) It is also a great way to sell your bags to get cash for new bags! Either way you cut it, it is a win-win. And for a real win-win, we are giving away a Chanel Jumbo 12" Classic Single Flap Bag with Silver Hardware in Black Caviar Leather (from 2002-2003) from Portero.com. It is in excellent condition and the retail value for this bag when new is $3,000. This bag has been authenticated and is certified to be the real deal.

Enter to win this most classic of all bags by signing up for our weekly newsletter. If you already receive our newsletter you will still need to sign up to be entered to this giveaway. Last day to enter is September 30 at 11:59pm EST. Only one entry per person please and make sure you give us a working email so that we can contact you when you win. ENTER NOW!

Thank you Portero.com for sponsoring this very special giveaway!

Miu Miu has been like, "Eh, whatever", for a couple of seasons. But this made me sit up and take notice! It is not super extraordinary but the quilting and the aubergine is good enough to eat! But what's really exciting is that it is a messenger and a clutch. I mean, the giant clutch trend is a bit out but clutches are all bigger now because of it so this proportion is perfectly acceptable (one caveat, you have to be tall to pull this off). A lot of clutches come with a strap and become a shoulder bag but this comes with a super long strap that can go cross body. Yeah, it's not exactly a "messenger", to me messengers are more square but the dimension on this (17" x 8") make it into a real shoulder bag instead of a make shift one. I also love the little flap, it makes the large size less overwhelming. And the price is great, at Net-a-Porter for $695.

I actually teared up when I saw this clutch. No, really, I did. My heart pounding, I wondered if I should click buy and call it an early "Happy Birthday to me" gift. It is the perfect combination of sophistication and edgy cool. A girl who has been pairing Chanel jackets with bad ass studded booties and distressed jeans since college. In other words, Tina. The skull is not as hideous as I used to think, it's grown on me and how fab are the tiny embellished crystals on it? The silver quilting really makes it for me, it's at once lady like and trendy. Love! I may need to take a cold shower to refrain from clicking clicking clicking. Alexander McQueen Quilted Skull Clutch at Browns Fashion here

Sale season is in full bloom and I think I destroyed any semblance of a savings last week with all my purchases. Maybe I am helping the macro economy but my personal micro economy is in jeopardy. Women literally go crazy during sales. Last week, Saks in Beverly Hills went 70% of everything, including bags and shoes!! I was next door at Neiman Marcus and talked to someone who came from Saks and witnessed a fist fight! An actual closed fist punching fight over a pair of shoes. Now these are fine Beverly Hills ladies so I am thinking this looked like the famous Dynasty Alexis and Krystle catfight. What I would give to have witnessed this in person!! I am trying to find out what these shoes were, like Louboutins for $200 bucks or something?? Anyway, Net-a-Porter just started their big sale today and it is GOOD!! It was really hard looking through all the bargains without getting itchy hands - I really should throw my credit card away to be safe.

Miu Miu Nappa patch leather bag $1012, 30% off

Miu Miu Paillette covered clutch $210, 50% off

Chloe Nicosi leather clutch $534, 40% off

Marc Jacobs Multipocket patent bag $805, 30% off

This new bag for Fall is a part of a special bag collection that is designed by Derek Lam for Tod's. Of course the entire Tod's collection, not only bags, is overseen by Derek Lam but there are a few select bags that has his special personal touch and you can tell which ones these are by the keychain letter blocks that spell out "Tod's". I understand that this is meant to be cute and kitschy but I don't like it. When I go and spend a couple grand on a bag, I don't want something on there that is meant to be a gag. I'm going to go ahead and say this because I know some of you are already thinking it, this is a total Asian thing. Every Asian person has some sort of dangling strap on their cell phones with their name on it (OK, I am guilty). It's fine and good for a cell phone but keep that away from my bags, please!! The bag itself is actually really cute and I like the departure from the classic old school Tod's. It has all the great detailings you'd expect from Tod's including convenient pockets and interior organization. The bowling style bags are back and the use of quilting and the distressed crinkly leather mixes a little bit of the old with the new. This is obviously meant for the younger crowd and is not a classic Tod's but this is one of those bags you can take out in 10 years and it will be cool and retro chic without looking at all dated (yes, in fact, I can predict the future). At Neiman Marcus for $1550.

Check out these pre Fall Chanel bags, does it not look like Chanel is copying Marc Jacobs' interpretation of Chanel's own classic quilted bags? Knocking off those who copied you is not only reverse flattery (as Coco Chanel herself said, imitation is the highest form of flattery!), it's totally brilliant- why let them make all the money off your ideas right? Copy them right back! Way to go Karl! Check it out, black out the CC zipper pulls and clasps on the quilted doctor bag and it looks like a Marc Jacobs(excuse the photo shopping, clearly I am not a Tech Snob but I so enjoy amusing myself!). The bowler on the left is very casual chic, again a Marc Jacobs signature and very un-Chanel-y. So my advice for those of you with two grand to blow, spend it on Chanel. As a dear friend of mine always says, "Hermes, Chanel and Diamonds- you can't go wrong". At Chanel boutique. Call Alexis to order 214-520-1055

Left: CHANEL Bowling Bag Right: Chanel Doctor Bag

Photos: Chanel