Archive for January, 2012
When I first saw the fringed bags in the
It’s funny how six months to get used to the idea of a handbag changes things. When I first saw the fringed bags in the Marc Jacobs Spring 2010 runway show, I was a little unsure. Given more time acquaint myself with the design, however, I sort of love the bags. I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve merely become resigned to their existence or because I have actual affection for them, but I’m going to go with the latter. The most prototypical example of this collection is the Marc Jacobs Boho Woven Hobo, and I think it’s also the strongest. I think I may have been correct when I predicted in my initial review of the bags that the fringe would be somewhat shortened for retail, and that allows the bag’s illusion of basketry to take center stage without the hanging leather creating too much of a distraction. Louis Vuitton Handbags For a dressy clutch without an absurd price, the Prada Raso Silver Clutch is a definite contender. While browsing Saks last week I saw this clutch in person and both Vlad and I absolutely loved it. The pleated silver satin is the perfect swoon-worthy gray color. The dimensions were perfect to have this be hand held, measuring 11″W X 6″H X 1″D. Yet for the life of me I could not figure out how to open this clutch. I pressed, pulled, shook, shimmied, and snapped, but nothing. Finally an SA came over and trying to make a sale told me it was very easy to open; “there is a side clasp that is easy to use”. That was a huge lie. It was not easy to use at first nor easy to find. But this does mean the clutch will not be bursting open easily or letting any of your goods slip out. The price is right and the design is beautiful.
Frankly speaking, it is seldom seen so bright palette from Gucci for years. In this spring, its Techno Tag Medium Boston Bag really gives us a big surprise. Just in my first sight of magenta color, I feel warm air and fresh scene in a time of renewal. I even can see a stylish girl toting striking Gucci bag ambling along the tree-shaded path with dazzling sunshine in a quiet afternoon. Picked magenta neoprene GG going harmoniously with magenta leather trim, it keeps original Gucci Boston silhouette accented with nickel hardware offering totally creative effect among its spring/summer 2010 collection which must capture youth vote. Magenta color exudes full femininity and girlish roguishness making a loud statement of vividness and adorability. For traveling using, it provides huge dimension of 13″L×6.7″W×8.4″H to hold even thousands belongings. In addition, three multi-functional pockets featuring Gucci crest lining guarantee convenient catching for small essentials in the roomy capacity. Replica Hermes Last night, as I was getting Baby B ready for bed, I realized that spit up is my nemesis. Sure, it is natural and there are no hard feelings toward the baby, but boy does the spit up stink and boy is it hard to clean up! After 3 onesies in a period of 1 hour, I realized ease of cleaning it the most important aspect when buying baby products. The Prada Nylon line is known for practicality, which makes the Prada Tessuto Baby Bag the perfect baby bag. The nylon can be wiped up with a wet cloth, and this bag has a high usability factor, with a front and side zippered pockets, a changing pad, and a cross body strap. Dimensions are 13″W X 11½”H X 4½”W. Throw in a change of clothes (or two or three), diapers, wipes, cream, and you are on your way. This is one of those great baby bags, that can be thrown around, spilled on, spit up on, and still make it through the storm
And when I say “they,” I’m not
This right here, folks, is why they hate us. And when I say “they,” I’m not talking about terrorists. I’m talking about everyone. Because there are few things more imminently hateable than a $450 beach towel. The Louis Vuitton Ipanema Beach Towel, to be specific. And I totally get that’s it’s all in good fun and totally hilarious and kitschy, but seriously, a beach towel? Something made specifically for putting on the ground and messing up with Corona, sunscreen, and sand? At this point, all it elicited from me was a serious eye-roll. I know that people with money to spend will spend it as they please, as well they should, but I think we may be beginning to stretch the bounds of reasonableness. Maybe I just feel like that because of the price, however – if this was $150, I probably just would have chuckled and moved on, and wouldn’t even be writing about it right now. But it’s not, it’s three times that, and that’s not a typo. Cheap Belts The tassels and bamboo details are frequently used in Gucci Handbags designs. Gucci continuously innovated the bohemian fashion style, for instance, this Gucci Techno Horsebit Large Shoulder Flap Bag is a typical boho styling purse which would create a sumptuous yet casual fashon statement to your façade. I love it most when a bag is simple yet it still manages to keep such chic bohemian look. That said, this Gucci Techno Horsebit Large Shoulder Flap Bag then defines it all. It is obviously very simple and it would remain totally plain if not for the signature horsebit detail and tassels with bamboo detail. This is made from plain leather with tonal topstitching that gives this gucci bags some paneling. The horsebit detail is present on the flap with a magnetic snap closure. This opens to show the interior with zipper, cell phone and PDA pockets. This Gucci Techno Horsebit Large Shoulder Flap Bag is definitely large at 15¾ x 11¾ x 6¾ inches, enough to hold your daily necessities. For carrying option, a single handle with 7-inch drop and a detachable shoulder strap with 8-inch drop are present.
The Internet and luxury have always been sort of mutually exclusive. The Internet is broad, democratic, and welcomes all kinds; it has changed the way that consumers interact with corporations in fundamental ways that are constantly evolving. Luxury brands are narrow, elitist, and target a very specific clientele. They require a bit of mystery and aloofness in order to be aspirational and make their traditional brand identities work, and they’re generally not interested in changing how their companies interact with…well, anyone. “The way it has always been done” is idealized and worshiped in an almost religious way, and even though many below-the-surface practices have evolved in recent years (most notably, manufacturing), the way that brands want you to perceive them has remained largely untouched for decades. But the problem with this whole Internet thingamabob is that it’s kind of insidious and it’s changing the way that people of a variety of incomes and social standings shop and inform themselves about potential purchases. Fashion shows are no longer private events for an elite group of celebrities, editors, and clients; they’re presentations of goods that can often be seen in their entirety by average customers within minutes of their completion. There may be exclusivity left in the invitation to attend a show, but not in the information that one gains by attending. www.top-replicahandbags.co Any other day this review would belong on PurseBlog Savvy, but today it is going right here. Why you ask? Because I love French Bulldogs. I love bulldogs in general (Vlad and I will own an English Bulldog sometime in the near future, they are our love). The little quirky Miss Marc looks all kinds of awkward on the nylon Marc by Marc Jacobs Miss Marc Packables Pouch surrounded by her French Bulldog friends. I would use this pouch for makeup and toss it in my handbag. Then I would pull this pouch out, and explain to everyone around me my love of bulldogs. It would get to the point of being so annoying that only Amanda and Vlad would listen (they both love bulldogs too). So maybe, I should just buy this, and then while I blog all day I can stare at it myself and smile. Thereby keeping all of you out of my bulldog-loving-long-winded-speech-path
Their lineage of creating trunks
The Louis Vuitton name has become ubiquitous with the art of travel. Their lineage of creating trunks and luggage for travelers traces back to 1854, when Louis Vuitton began offering elegant and pragmatic trunks. Since then, the House of Vuitton made trunks for explorers, adventurers, princes, elegant ladies, and artists. Over time the trunks have evolved and this month Louis Vuitton is releasing their book: Louis Vuitton: 100 Legendary Trunks. I prefer picture heavy books, and this is precisely what is being presented. The book showcases some of the most beautiful creations from the House with over eight hundred photographs. This way you can see many of the trunks over time, whether it be a trunk-bed, steamer, caviar box, circus trunk, or a toiletry kit to name a few. The book also delves into the process of how Louis Vuitton makes their trunks. Hermes Replica I’ve heaped much praise on Burberry for their most recent collection and today, I’d like to take a little bit of it back. A lot of their stuff? Really good. The Burberry Raffia Shopper? Not nearly as good. What I can’t decide, though, is if the bag itself is bad or if this is just an epically bad choice of color and texture combination. The bag, of course is made out of raffia straw. But when you dye it blue-grey and fade it, then fray it around the edges and stitch it together in a patchwork formation…it just looks like someone cut up my old jeans. And not in a good way. The color is definitely what makes it so obvious, but the tan version looks like frayed denim from a distance as well. I like the shape and the idea of patchwork raffia, but I think it’s lacking in execution. Patchwork denim isn’t a good look on anyone, even if it isn’t really denim
This week I found it hard to find a new IT bag because there are so many but the Gucci Belt Bag is a classic IT bag. I think this bag should be called Madonna because its re-invented itself so much. Gucci have re-invented it again for their Cruise line with bright vibrant colors blue and pink. I know that lots of tPF members favour this bag and I myself have it in denim from a few seasons back. I love just walking around not having to hold anything. It is such a popular bag that you have to have one, I bought mine after seeing Carrie from Sex and the City with hers. It can even be worn across your back like a messenger. I find it useful for everyday use and think its a steal at $395 for the smaller version. The Gucci belt bag has Front pocket with Velcro flap closure, front pocket with zip closure, rear zip pocket and adjustable waist or shoulder strap Cheap Belts It’s funny how six months to get used to the idea of a handbag changes things. When I first saw the fringed bags in the Marc Jacobs Spring 2010 runway show, I was a little unsure. Given more time acquaint myself with the design, however, I sort of love the bags. I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve merely become resigned to their existence or because I have actual affection for them, but I’m going to go with the latter. The most prototypical example of this collection is the Marc Jacobs Boho Woven Hobo, and I think it’s also the strongest. I think I may have been correct when I predicted in my initial review of the bags that the fringe would be somewhat shortened for retail, and that allows the bag’s illusion of basketry to take center stage without the hanging leather creating too much of a distraction.
I’m sure also remember from
I’m sure you’ve been taught about the early ancestors of the modern homo sapiens sapiens either in biology or later by watching the Discovery Channel. I’m sure also remember from Kubrick’s 2001 the 35 minute intro where the ape people eventually discovered the true functionality of large and heavy animal bones – to beat the others to pulp. There is a point that I am trying to make, so bear with me. You see, sometimes there is just that one bag that I can imagine awakens any female’s primal instincts, specifically the most basic of them all – gaining the edge over the next woman and showing her who’s the boss! Thou shalt not covet anything that is thy neighbor’s.? Screw the bitch, gimme my bag. Beat it for what it’s worth! Either way, my point is that I can see many of you ladies just going ape sh*t over the Gucci Logo Weave Shoulder Bag. Yes, this is the bag that makes you disregard potential jail time! luoecon.sport.fr The Gucci Tribeca Medium Shoulder Bag is a disaster. Of epic proportions. And that’s coming from someone that normally really likes Gucci, even when they get a bit wacky with their designs. I usually understand what they’re up to, but here…there just are no words. It’s a big bag with a skinny, tiny strap – bad proportions! It’s got a textured heart inset placed randomly on the front – icky! And it’s got a big ol’ tattoo design in the tradition of the geniuses (and I say that facetiously) over at Ed Hardy right smack dab in the middle. Eww. I’ve heard rumblings of unhappiness with the Cruise collection over in our Gucci section on the forum, but I figured it would still have some redeeming qualities to most of the bags. Some of them aren’t so bad, but this? This is bad. I say this out of love, Gucci. I want you to make beautiful things. So please, for Spring, try harder
Let’s get one thing cleared up before we begin: if the whole Marc Jacobs/Chanel “resemblance” issue over the past several years makes you have a rage blackout, this might not be the post (or the bag) for you. If the appropriation of quilted leather and chains strikes you as more of a winking homage than an out-and-out ripoff, then keep reading. Either way, if you get to the end of this post and are feeling a little stabby, don’t say I didn’t warn you. For those of you that dig Jacobs’ Chanel-reminiscent handbags, the news that he’s now making the ever-popular “The Single” minibag in not-so-mini sizes is probably welcome news. One of those new bags is the Marc Jacobs The XL Quilting Shoulder Bag, and as the name would imply, it’s supersized for ease of day-to-day use. Oh, another thing to point out: it costs a couple of grand less than a Chanel Jumbo Classic Flap. luoecon.uwcblog.com I have a hard time putting into words the excitement I felt when I received the press release on the latest Louis Vuitton Core Values campaign. As with the previous campaigns featuring outstanding personalities like Sean Connery, Michail Gorbachev, Keith Richards and the famous astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Jim Lovell and Sally Ride, the latest campaign could not have chosen better Core Values icons.
I was a freshman in college and remember
One of my very first designer purchases was a Burberry scarf. I was a freshman in college and remember being frugal for a month so I could use my typical entertainment money for a Burberry scarf without my dad realizing it. Number one, he realized it and number two, the scarf was totally worth it. The classic check pattern from Burberry is as recognizable as the Louis Vuittton signature monogram. Burberry is are widely counterfeited as well, so you be aware of what you are buying and from where. Continue Reading Top Replica Handbags This week we will be bringing you a variety of bags that make perfect Valentine’s Day presents. And just in time for this Hallmark Holiday, Burberry has been releasing a line of heart print bags. The line of bags ranges from totes to small shoulder bags. There is still the quintessential nova check pattern that can be seen on each item. The hearts then take over the foreground of each item, which gives us a splash of love.
Over the weekend we took a trip to Brooklyn to see our favorite Real Housewives of New York couple (look for their feature this Friday on PurseBlog!). After a delightful meet-up, we headed to brunch and then to explore Brooklyn. Here are a few things I learned: spring has only pretended to arrive because I was freezing, Brooklyn is much calmer than Manhattan, and you can see the most amazing views of NYC from Brooklyn. Obviously there is so much more to Brooklyn, but those three things stuck with me the most and clearly the most obvious. I hopped out of the car to have Vlad snap a photo of me with my black Hermes Birkin. I love this bag. It is the 35cm size so I can really fit a ton of items in there and it the epitome of casual meets chic. This is one of the bags in my collection that works with every outfit and literally can do no fashion wrong. Replica Hermes Handbags With cold weather approaching (it’ll get here eventually, I know it will, even if it doesn’t seem that way right now), most of us have started planning our winter wardrobes and maybe even amassing our favorite fall pieces to make sure we get our hands on them before they sell out. Almost all of the stuff I’ve acquired is black or dark grey, which reminds me: I need some winter white. Winter white (which is just a warm tone of ivory, but we’ll go with the season-appropriate name) came around as a trend a couple of years ago and never really went away, and it’s a nice alternative to not only the dark colors of fall dressing, but also the outdated rule that one shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day. If any of the people who still subscribe to that notion can look at the Burberry Quilted Patent Tote and tell me truthfully that it wouldn’t be beautiful with a charcoal sweater and dark denim, I’ll be very surprised.
A plethora of silver metallic can
Racy and modern is the theme behind the Gucci Spring/Summer handbag line. A plethora of silver metallic can be found on many of the Gucci bags. The Gucci Race Medium Top Handle Handbag features metal plate details but is not immersed in silver. I am completely neutral about the bag, but am totally loathing the tassel details on either side. Tassels belong at the bottom of curtains and on many bags just look annoying. Black suede is the basis of the bag, which if offset by purple and red piping and metal plate detailing. Is it s a good thing or a bad thing that I am really just indifferent? Don’t love it, don’t hate it, just makes me say Ehhhh. Measurements are 9 2/5″H x 20 1/2″W x 6 1/3″D. Gucci Replica Not long ago, Megs ran an informal poll of our wonderful Twitter followers to find out what trends they thought were so five minutes ago. Based on the responses I read, fringe was an overwhelming favorite (if you can legitimately refer to something everyone wishes would go away forever as a “favorite” in any context), but don’t tell that to the fine folks at Prada. I’ve been very up on the brand recently, as my previous posts about Prada’s Fall/Winter 2010 collection would indicate, but the Prada Vitello Shine Fringe Satchel makes me feel like 2008 just came back and hit me in the face.
We arrived in New York yesterday and were greeted with a cold, wet New York day. Really, I did not bring an umbrella as I assumed The Big Apple would be thrilled we are here and would cease all stormy weather. Today again, more rain. After a great day yesterday (lots of pictures and an interview to follow), today is another day we are looking forward to. I made Vlad go to Duane Reade to grab us some umbrellas, just cheap black ones that keep the rain off. When I look outside our window I see mostly black specs of umbrellas briskly walking the streets of New York, intermittent with some Burberry Check pattern ones. We have not covered Burberry handbags in a while, so I find it fitting to cover one today. I spotted the Burberry Check Net Drawstring Bag which redesigns the classic check into a net drawstring bag. This is a great resort bag, especially with the drawstring top giving it such a beach vibe. The nova net is trimmed with leather and the top handles are also leather (which drop 11.5″ at their longest). One thing I am not keen on is the lack of pockets, but the dimensions are still great for a beach tote, 15″W X 17″H X 6″D. Are you a fan or is this bag a waste? Top Replica Handbags I’ve been having an animal print moment lately, and I’m not sure why. Maybe it started several months ago when I saw that gorgeous Stephen Sprouse for Louis Vuitton leopard print scarf, or maybe some innate part of me just wants to spruce up the sheer enormity of my collection of black clothes (last count of black day dresses: over a dozen). I recently bought a pair of leopard print flats from Nordstrom to replace a boring pair of black office shoes that had finally met their maker (seriously, they smelled like feet) and today I find myself strangely entranced by the Prada Leopard Calf Hair Large Bowler Bag. The shape is very simple, the trim and hardware are almost nonexistant, and it’s all done in print. It’s not leather, so normally I’d keep right on looking for something interesting to write about, but today, I think I could use a little calf-hair leopard in my life.
For some reason this Designer Baby Carrier caused quite
It is back! Remember the infamous Gucci Baby Carrier that I covered in 2005? And if you do not remember, it is most likely because you had no idea this site existed, and that makes perfect sense since our traffic was minuscule compared to what it is now. For some reason this Designer Baby Carrier caused quite the ruckus! Some loved it, some hated it, some hated those that loved it and vice versa. In fact, I was baffled at the comments that post received. And then I revived it showing Gwen Stefani carry baby Kingston in her Gucci Baby Carrier. Gwen pulls off the Gucci baby carrier magnificently, she looks so effortlessly chic, per usual. But should we trust the Gucci Baby Carrier to be the safest mode of transport for our young ones? That question is ultimately up to you, but I do question if this carrier puts style in front of safety. Replica Hermes Just when temperatures begin their nosedive to frigidity in most areas of the northern hemisphere, we get a nice, fat reminder that none of us are going anywhere interesting for vacation this holiday season: Resort collections. And when I say that “none of us” are, I mean that I’m not. It’s sort of like the “royal we,” but with no people. It’s the “royal none of us.” But for all those people that are taking the chillier weather as a sign to get the heck out of Dodge and down to the St. Barts, designers see fit to give you your very own between-collections collection of clothes and accessories that are appropriate for warm weather. These are often my favorite things of the year – it’s warm in my neck of the woods for such a huge proportion of time that I get a lot more use out of things suited for high temperatures than low ones. Still, seeing something like the Gucci Jackie Raffia Shoulder Bag at this time of year is more than a bit startling.
For all of you out there who are considered to be the handbag expert within your circle of friends, how often do you hear, “what would you say is the ‘IT’ bag of the moment”? When Megs first really started to follow fashion and handbags I would *always* go to her for advice. Now that I work with her, I find people asking me the same kind of questions I used to ask her. Personally, I don’t think there is ever just one “IT” bag at a given time. However, it is undeniable that right now, top handle bags are making a run for that coveted title. As always, as I looked around there were top handle bags I despised and others I found myself instantly drawn to. Well, the Gucci Small Hysteria Top Handle Bag is without a doubt, a handbag I was drawn to. As you might remember, we’ve posted about Gucci Hysteria bags before, in particular you might recall the ginormous price tag associated to the the Gucci Crocodile Hysteria Bag. Luckily, the Small Hysteria Top Handle Bag has a much smaller price tag. Although saving money, I love how the lightly gathered lamé patent leather, with side tie accents and a metal Gucci crest show off the bag’s elegance. There is a zip-top closure, inside zip, cell phone and PDA pockets, not to mention plenty of storage space! And of course, double top handles. Top Replica Handbags I just realized that I actually do not own a Burberry handbag. Gasp! I own some scarves, a coat, and some other little accessories but no bag. Whether or not it makes sense, I would love to own at least one bag from all of the big designers. I just chuckled out loud thinking what my father or any other rational person would say to this. Oh well. If I were going for a Burberry bag, I think I found a very cute one that is a bit different from the rest. The Burberry Plaid Canvas Tote reminds me of spring and picnics. I can just see myself wearing this more vibrant plaid print with its bright leather trim to the park or out in the country with Vlad. Ahh the thoughts of warm weather and butterflies makes me happy. This tote has double top handles, two outside pockets with drawstrings, two inside compartments with dividers along with zip pockets, and measures 12″H X 16″L X 8″W. I can see not everyone liking the crayon colored plaid pattern
To have a collection of over one
To own one Hermes Birkin is a feat in and of itself. To have a collection of over one hundred Hermes Bags is mind blowing. This is said to be accomplished by Victoria Beckham, as if it is even an accomplishment, who has spent over $2 million dollars at Hermes. Most recently, Victoria sported one of her most casual looks, of course paired with a White Hermes Birkin. Her outfit is made up of white skinny jeans, a blue tank, a blue and white striped cropped jacket, Christian Louboutin pumps, and of course her must-have designer handbag. I must admit I am partial to the white Hermes leathers (pictures of my beautiful new addition to come later), which are stark stunning and crisp on their intricately crafted bags, but worry about any spec of dirt getting on the bag. The very light shades, especially white, must be sent to the mother ship, in Paris, and will take 6 months to be cleaned. Lucky for Victoria, she has about 99 other Hermes bags to tote while waiting. www.top-replicahandbag.com I always try to be on top of the latest release and the newest bags. But I must say, the members of the Purse Forum are always a step ahead when it comes to Louis Vuitton. If there is a super secret bag about to be released, they know before Marc Jacobs even designs it. My level of exaggeration is only small. When I first saw a sneak peak of the Louis Vuitton Watercolor Speedy I knew I had to have it!! But there was this problem, called a wait list. A long a tiresome wait list. A time line that was uncertain about when the bag would arrive and who would be able to get their hands on it. Luckily, I know the best staff of Louis Vuitton sale associates from LV Bal Harbour, who secured me a spot and had my Watercolor Speedy ready for me with the first shipment. Can I tell you that I love this bag? I am in LVOE with it! I am now back in South Florida and this bag could not be more perfect even if I asked it to be. The colors are perfection; light and whimsical.
The house of Gucci has only had me cringing the past few seasons. It is unfortunate to walk by a luxury store and literally walk as far away as possible. Then, when I feel a little bad, I go into the store and peer around. But the end result is the same, I am bored and ultimately not drawn to anything. Even a few weeks ago when we were in NYC there was a celeb in Gucci. We were allowed in to look around (more like look to see who was there), yet it was so painful to be in the store that we left and could not have done so quick enough. But their cruise ’08 line has a handful of bags that I actually am liking, well so far they are ok. The shape on the Gucci Pop Bamboo Handle Bag works great if you need to lug a large amount of goods around and offers a removable shoulder strap for ease of use. Like the name says, there is a bamboo handle top, which makes this bag great for cruise collections but not easy to wear year around (unless you live in the tropics). Gucci is banking on this shape being a hit, hence they have designed three versions of this bag for everyone to choose from. clicabo.com/ice99632854 One thing that I’ve always appreciated about Marc Jacobs is the sheer breadth of aesthetic choices that can be contained within his eponymous line at any given time. His clothes and accessories range from the somewhat classic and conservative to the utterly wild, often in the span of a single season, and I suppose that this is the point where I should say “variety is the spice of life” and all that. Fresh off the metallic parachute bags and foot-long fringe from last season, Jacobs has decided to make a 180-degree turn and go for something entirely different: retro, ladylike handbags. The Marc Jacobs Gene Satchel in particular is strongly reminiscent of the accessories from the Louis Vuitton fall line, which is also under Jacobs’s stewardship. Is that a good thing? In this case, absolutely.