Author Archives: Guest Blogger

Along with his continual throwback to the’60s this spring, Marc by Marc Jacobs again channels color blocking in a clever combination of hues. The “R Special Color block” collection palette reminds me of the circa 1962 Eero Saarinen designed terminal at JFK. Or at least the colors of the very chic flight attendants of that era. Very retro, in a sophisticated kind of way. It may not be for everyone, but the graphic sensibility of a color blocked handbag really appeals to me. Definitely pair these bags for a casual downtown look. Think distressed boyfriend jeans and a cozy slouchy cashmere cardigan sweater. This summer wear it with flowy puffy sleeved a-line mini dresses and gladiator sandals. I am looking forward to NYFW in February to see what MJ has up his sleeve for us in Fall 2010!

Here are three bags from the Marc by Marc Jacobs R Special Colorblock group. First the roomy
Marc by Marc Jacobs R Special Colorblock tote (top, $478 at Endless.com). The simple shopper tote’s angular design touts supple like buttah leather on its colorblocked leather body. The Marc by Marc Jacobs R Special Derby (bottom left, $168 at Endless.com) is petite, but packs a punch with a cross body strap so that you can do the cross-body look with a strap included. Peek inside and you’ll find an M by MJ logoed lining. The sophisticated Marc by Marc Jacobs Envelope leather clutch ($180 at Net-a-Porter) has a fold-over flap and M by MJ embossed logo medallion on the front and the zipped back pocket is lined in Marc by Marc Jacobs signature logo twill.

Via The Find

The trend toward chain link totes seems like an obvious choice this season. Although totes are somewhat on the practical side of the handbag spectrum, the addition of chains to ordinary totes makes them into something special. These totes featured are far from your generic 9-to-5 envelope tote and are just as adept at toting around loads of stuff during your busy weekdays. Or they would also serve a practical purpose on weekend getaways.

Chain straps do add a few extra ounces of weight to a handbag, so they are not for everyone. I know that when I overpack a tote I feel the strain on my shoulders at the end of the day. If you are looking for just a touch of chain link on your bag for added glam then there are also styles such as the Burberry Barbed wire that feature just a touch of chain as an accent.

Stella McCartney’s Falabella Tote (upper left, $1,145.00 at Neiman Marcus) is surrounded on four corners with chains that merge at the top into a set of double straps. I do think the price is a bit outrageous for black coated cotton. This bag is also a bit floppy and sloppy and I’m no so keen on this style.

From Dior is the Le 30 Medium Tote (upper right, $2600 at Saks) which is made of a handstitched cannage lambskin leather and accented with silvertone hardware and double chain-link shoulder straps. A Dior logo tag is attached and inside you’ll find one zippered and two open pockets. The Dior chain link tote chain straps are secured by a leather strap which offsets the chain digging into your shoulder.

If you are a Burberry fan but are looking for an edge, the Burberry Barbed Wire Check Tote (bottom right, $1695 at Neiman Marcus) is for you. If you look closely you’ll find barbed wire (yes barbed wire!) accenting this otherwise ordinary Burberry signature plaid top handled tote.

Be&D gets its links on with the Ludlow Studded Leather Tote (bottom left, $795.00 at Bloomingdales). This studded leather and obviously moto trend inspired tote has a detachable chainlink strap to lend a glam-rock edge. Wear it as either a shoulder bag or carry it as a top handled tote. Inside you’ll find interior zip, cell phone and additional pockets and key ring enclosed by a top magnetic closure to keep your essentials organized.

via The Find

Not only does a new year bring a fresh start, but it reveals an interest in fresher brighter hues as we inch our way towards spring. The recent trend of colorful rainbow hue handbags feels just right, like a breath of fresh air as we say au revoir to 2009. These candy colored bags are decadent treat, satisfying the handbag lover’s craving for wit and whimsy. They also have an ulterior motive, as they will coordinate with a myriad of outfits. With at least three colors shown on each bag, there are many opportunities to mix and match with most of the items in your closet. Multi colored bags also pair perfectly with black or white for an instant dash of springtime freshness.

Kicking off the color explosion trend, Diane von Furstenberg is expert at infusing pop art inspired accents into her bags with the zest and energy that she brings to all her collections. The Diane von Furstenberg “Stephanie” Woven Leather Clutch in Sunset Metallic ($395 at Net-a-Porter) is a soft sided woven leather clutch made of multicolored metallic leather adorned with a large tassel and wristlet strap. The top closure is secured by a zipper and has a mesh lining.

The Italians love color with a sophisticated edge, and the Fendi Forever Boston Satchel ($855 at Saks) is no exception. This petite satchel is swathed in a rainbow of double F Fendi logos. The coated canvas body is topped with double handles and reveals a roomy interior. Another colorful clutch from DVF is the Hayworth ($425 at Net-a-Porter). The off-white leather clutch has multicolored patent stitching at the sides and edges. On the body is a geometric hole punched design as well as pewter tone screw hardware details. From the prince of pop culture himself, Marc Jacobs’ Fluorescent Tweed Bag ($395 at Net-a-Porter) is pure ’80’s excess. Go for the bold with this cheeky tweed paneled bag embellished with gold splashed multi-colored neon stone studs. This particular MJ bag may not be for the fashionably faint at heart. But we do know that it will be definitely turn heads with the right outfit. Pair with a primarily black outfit and some sky high wedges and you’ll be the ultimate statement maker on the streets this spring.

via The Find

If you are in search of a unique evening bag for your holiday and New Years celebrations consider the Lanvin Aumoniere satin pochette ($750 at Net-a-Porter). This adorable petite bag has a very vintage inspired look to it. This bag could have been your grandmother’s and looks just as modern today as it might have fifty years ago. Translated as “little pocket” the Lanvin Aumoniere is made of classic black satin and features satin drawstring handles which gather up to close the bag. There is also an optional gold-tone metal chain strap which I think detracts from the elegant simplicity for of the Lanvin Aumoniere satin pochette. Inside you’ll find a small pouch pocket with just enough space for keeping your keys and cel phone in place. The expandable sack-like shape of this bag, although small is perfect for toting your evening essentials as you welcome in 2010!

In addition to the charming functionality of this pouch handbag the fuchsia fabric flower embellishment adds a dash of fashionista style. Rather than carrying an all black evening bag consider the Lanvin Aumoniere satin pochette for this reason alone. Perhaps pair your perfect LBD with this bag and a ginormous cocktail ring infused with some fuchsia toned baubles. To maintain a powerful statement look dress in all black and from head to toe. Keep it elegant with a perfectly proportioned tuxedo suit, cocktail dress or floor length gown. One benefit of the dual satin strap handle is that it can be worn around your wrist as you toast your glass of bubbly to ring in the New Year.

via The Find

Alexander Wang’s Coco duffle has been one of the most sought after bags of the season. Congrats to you if you can get your hands on one. It is sure to become a future classic. Wang’s relaxed, clean lined modern style has set the ball in motion for more handbag designs such as this slouchy shoulder bag ($780 at Net-a-Porter). Exclusive to Net-a-Porter, this Alexander Wang handbag is perfect for those of you on the wall as to whether you covet the blue denim printed suede or black stamped leather. Now you can have the best of both worlds – black leather and blue suede denim in one handbag. I am also on the fence about this bag, in one sense it is over-sized and unstructured which I love. I also am excited about the dual straps which open on either side instead of a single strap.

If you were to categorize this bag as a tote then it is more appealing, then it would worn in a more casual sense such as weekends. The shape kind of reminds me of those nylon travel totes used for grocery shopping. Not so appealing. If this bag were in the black stamped leather on both sides then I would definitely buy one. Now with the two-toned blue suede I am not so sure. It does look durable though and could hold lots and lots of essentials and perhaps even work as a weekender bag. That is if you are a strategic packer. What do you think of this bag and will you be ordering one from Net-a-Porter?

via The Find

Believe it or not the house of Lanvin is 120 years old! In the past few years the brand has enjoyed a renewed popularity amongst fashionistas, and we couldn’t be happier. Of course we are fans of the house of Lanvin inspired by the Impressionists and founded by Jeanne Lanvin in 1889. The brand is famous for its pretty delicate palette, detailed trimmings, embroideries and embellishments. Lanvin’s designs experienced a wide popularity in the 1920’s and ’30s and became an icon of roaring ’20s feminine Parisian chic. Today designer Alber Elbaz’s modern touches to the house of Lanvin bring a luxurious edge to its trendsetting designs.

That is why we love these anniversary totes from Lanvin. Celebrating 120 years, the sketches on each tote represent the porcelain figurine dolls created as a special collectible. The Miss Lanvin doll shown here is a limited edition and is adorned with a mini pearl necklace and jumps out of a crystal encrusted cake. The Miss Lanvin 17″ doll is £325.00 from Browns London.

There are three”120 years” printed Lanvin tote bags, each with a different sketched design and embellished by a pretty grosgrain ribbon handle. The printed design is on both the front and back of each tote and is lined with a coordinating fabric to match the ribbon. Inside you’ll also find a zippered pocket. It comes in three designs including: 120 years printed tote, ‘Love You’ printed tote and the 120th’ Birthday printed tote. All are priced at $800 at Net-a-Porter.

via The Find

What would be more becoming at a holiday party than a decadent gold metallic clutch paired with these dramatic DKNY “Dotty” snake print metallic gold sandals and your favorite little black dress? The accessories can make or break your look.

An eye catching evening clutch for a holiday party will definitely put you in a party mood. Add some sparkle, just a touch. Moderation is the key to not looking like you are trying too hard. Pair the gold accessories with solid colors such as black, charcoal gray or perhaps even fuchsia if you dare. But most of all, have fun with it and rotate your gold toned accessories with various outfits, perhaps add some classics to your handbag collection in shades that are hot right now, including a shiny metallic gold, an antiqued gold and even a bronze finish. This would make a great statement piece though!

First up is the sweetly dramatic Giuseppe Zanotti gold leather gathered stone convertible clutch (top, $930 on Bluefly.com). I love the red stone and the gathering detail, but am not so sure about the little ties hanging out at the bottom of the purse? Or if you are a fan of python, what do you think of Kara Ross’s “Nero” python clutch (middle, $795 at Net-a-Porter). The metallic finish python is exquisite, but the silver toned plate on front seems a bit irrelevant and unnecessary. But my favorite is the Rafe New York Washed Metallic Flap Clutch (bottom, $354 at Zappos). The distressed metallic leather clutch is sized generously at 13-inches long and 8-inches high. This curved envelope clutch features a top flap with a subtle push lock closure. On the inside you’ll find a pocket to hold your essentials for a night on the town.

via The Find

Marc Jacobs has combined two of the season’s top trends into one compact clutch. The Marc Jacobs Python Thrash Clutch ($1895 at Barneys) touts a python quilted and embellished with studs. The quilting AND studs seem to be a bit of texture overdose on this very petite bag. But somehow the angular shape of the diamond shaped studs combined in a criss cross pattern of quilted stitching seems to unify the design. Although, I am a bit confused about the metal padlock which seems to be dangling without a purpose in the middle of the bag.

Overall, the Marc Jacobs Thrash Clutch does have the important rocker glam appeal which is so important this season. You can see Lady GaGa here at the front row of MJ’s Spring Summer 2010 show wearing the Thrash Clutch standing next to Madonna. It is a fun little bag and goes well with Lady GaGa’s eccentric style. I would wear the Marc Jacobs Thrasher clutch with a my pair of Rich and Skinny black jeans and a super cool Rick Owens cut away leather black jacket. This is definitely one of the more unique and eye-catching studded clutches out there this season. The quilted design makes it a bit more classic than trendy, not sure how many seasons this look will last though. What do you think of the Marc Jacobs Thrash Clutch?

via The Find

As an ode to the iconic 2.55 Chanel handbag there are a number of handbags incorporating this the quilting trend. Quilted handbags feature various patterns primarily stitched onto leather. Many of the Marc Jacobs handbags incorporate quilting into the styling of the bag as well.

Quilting can also be seen on accessories like this Stella McCartney Wide Quilted Waist Belt (upper left on model, $525 at Net-a-Porter) and of course winter puffer jackets. Embroidered patterns are laid out in vertical and horizontal patterns overlap to create diamond or other patterns that add dimension and texture.

We’ve spotted some of our favorite styles that incorporate the quilting trend. Juicy Couture’s Serena Quilted Duffel Tote (upper right, $198.00 at ShopBop.com) is constructed of nylon and has plenty of room to store your essentials inside 3 zip front pockets and two interior patch pockets. The double rolled handles; ruffled banding and Juicy Couture logo charm give this bag a youthful appeal.

Already on its way to becoming a classic, the Marc Jacobs Women’s Quilted Bruna Satchel (middle right, $1,295.00 at Bloomingdales.com) is shown in black leather and features double handles and gold tone accent hardware. This quilted handbag is tied up with a front belt accent, Marc Jacobs logo, zips closed and is embellished with a faux gold tone turnlock.

Balmain’s runway looks continue their influential appeal with this Mat quilted leather bag (bottom right, $1,915 at Net-a-Porter), which is quilted in Italy and assembled by hand in France. Tory Burch’s wearable modern classics are inspired by the designer’s globetrotter adventures. The Tory Burch Quilted Nico Tote, (bottom left, $295.00 at ToryBurch.com) is made of coated quilted poplin. Options for handles include both cross body and dual leather handles. Inside you’ll find two pockets and one side zip pocket just the right size for stashing your keys, phone and other essentials.

via The Find

Get your sparkle on this fall. It seems Swarovski crystals are one of the fiercest trends of the season. With the influence of Swarovski crystals by Balmain on everything from boots, to handbags and jeans, the tiny bits of Austrian sparkle are not just for jewelry any more. We love a bit of glitz now and then and all taken in moderation.

Beginning with a touch of Swarovski on our favorite jeans. Take your ordinary denim to the next level of luxury with True Religion ‘Julie – Disco Big T’ Skinny Stretch Jeans, (upper left, $297.00 at Nordstrom.com). These are not your everyday skinnies; they are adorned with while black-colored Swarovski crystal buttons. The dark crystal buttons on the front and back add just the right hint of subtle chic to these rocker glam inspired jeans. Balmain’s Leo Swarovski crystal bag (upper right, $2,920 at Net-a-Porter) sports a Swarovski crystal animal-print pattern as well as silver tone hardware and a fold over flap. This bag is definitely a statement maker, especially if worn with a moto jacket and skinny black jeans. Next up are Giuseppe Zanotti’s Swarovski-embellished sandals, (middle right, $1,150 at Net-a-Porter). These sandals are spooky and sparkly at the same time, the perfect shoe for a glamorous Halloween ball. Paint your toes with Chanel Vernis Black Satin to complete the sinister look. The sparkly and sweet Chloe Bow Clutch (bottom right, $1,095.00 at MadisonLosAngeles.com) features just the right amount of crystal embellishment upon an oversized bow. Inside is a small patch pocket. Lastly, Judith Leiber’s Snowy Owl (bottom left, $3,800.00 at RobertsFineShoes.com) is creepy cute as well. I’m not a fan of these animal themed bags, but it could be just the right accent to your favorite Little Black Dress.