Archive for August, 2011

Perhaps it’s because I’m a fan of the Sprouse

Thursday, August 18th, 2011

I know that the Stephen Sprouse collections have been a bit controversial among the Louis Vuitton crowd, but for some reason, I can’t help but like them. Perhaps it’s because I’m a fan of the Sprouse aesthetic in general, or maybe because my generation is probably the target audience for pop-art fashion, or maybe it’s just because my personal taste can, at times, venture to the ridiculous. For whatever reason, I wish I had unlimited funds and a reason to own something like the Louis Vuitton Monogram Graffiti Neverfull GM. As with all Neverfulls, I wish the strap was thicker, and if it was it would make a perfect school bag for a college kid that has everything (and I knew one or two of those during my undergrad years). Because of the utter ridiculousness of the bag – orange writing over brown and tan monogram – it’s one of those bags that you really wouldn’t need to try and match to anything. It’s iconic enough on it’s own that the only thing I would seriously advise against wearing it with would be another bold pattern. Replica Hermes The PurseBlog team will be taking tomorrow off to spend Thanksgiving with our families, so barring any purse-related breaking news, y’all are on your own Turkey Day. It seems to me, though, that our separate celebrations shouldn’t mean that we can’t share with each other about the things that make us thankful. I’m talking, of course, about handbag things. Most of us probably have to come up with a serious list before we’re rationed our part of the turkey, but since I don’t have any giant roasted poultry to give out, feel free to give me a slightly more fashionable version of that list. For instance, mine starts with Marc Jacobs.

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. Top Replica I continue to find myself checking out the most elegant evening bags, despite the fact that I typically have no where to wear them. But I keep craving a new structured evening bag. Why? I have no idea. I must subconsciously be telling myself to let my hair down, put on a long dress, and go out somewhere fancy (meaning that the casual appeal of Florida has completely set in and thus far I am living a casual chic life). But coming back from Key West, where no shirt and no shoes really is no problem, opting for a new classy clutch is like night and day. The new clutch on the red carpets is the Louis Vuitton Monogram Motard Clutch, being carried by tall, lean, model types and all other lovers of Louis Vuitton. This is one of the ideal clutches that calls to me; structured, elegant, and classic. The outside is designed with monogram-embroidered silk satin, which is perfect for those of you who are not super keen on the LV monogram. The structured frame-top body is designed with shiny golden brass hardware. There are two other major perks, including the removable long link chain shoulder strap and golden lambskin lining. Small clutches transformed into shoulder bags do not look great on everyone (unless you are super tall and super lean, I am talking about myself too), but it is a great plus. And the luxurious leather lining really is a nice finishing touch, seeing that many LV bags are lined with canvas

While the preppy nova check pattern is

Thursday, August 18th, 2011

Burberry handbags may be actively trying to get away from their signature nova check image, well, sort of. While the preppy nova check pattern is recognizable from miles away, the brand has been striving to bring something new to the table, and attempting to revamp the brand and give the younger, hipper crowd something to swoon over. That is precisely what the Burberry Warrior Bag was supposed to do, but it ended up causing a ruckus with a struggle between love and hate. People either absolutely loved the edgy and funky style or absolutely abhorred it all. To be honest, I loved the bag, but refused to buy it at the price. So I am Warrior-less Hermes Bag Marc Jacobs’s bag line is so big that it’s hard to ensure that you get a glimpse of all the different styles every season. His designs generally range from whimsical to tailored in a single collection, but as logic would dictate, the furry, sequined and tassel’d offerings sometimes overshadow those on the other end of the spectrum. The Marc Jacobs Camille Satchel, in all of its chocolate-brown glory, is here to remind us that Jacobs hasn’t forgotten the women who actually buy his clothes – urbane, sophisticated and desirous of high-end, high-style objets for use in everyday life. And that’s exactly what this bag is: a beautiful piece for a woman whose bag needs to function in the real world.

Hey, are you looking for something new to begin a brand new year? You do not have to spend thousands of money on a designer handbag or a ready-to-wear. One has to be economic with the economy glooming. But I guess a chic Gucci Scarf will be ok with your planned budget. You might like this Gucci Tartan Pattern Carre featuring fringe. After all, the Gucci Carre is not that pricy. It is chic and it is available at a price of $350.00. This Tartan pattern carre exists in two colors, one is a combination of midnight blue, sky blue and red and the other mixes taupe and dark brown together. Personally I like the blue and red very much. It is really cheering. The stole is a combination of 70% cashmere and 30% silk. Such a stole would be of course comfortable and warm and supple for wearing. The Carre measures 47.2 inches long and 47.2 inches wide. It can be folded to be worn in many styles. Choose one for you. The tartan pattern is timeless for wearing. Replica Gucci 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

And even better are the

Wednesday, August 17th, 2011

For your daughter that yearns for a designer handbag, but you refuse do shell out thousands for a young child, the Prada Nylon line is perfect. And even better are the nylon bags being offered in funky and vibrant colors, such as turquoise and aquamarine. I absolutely adore the Prada Vela Small Crossbody Satchel which offers a cute option for a messenger bag. There is a canvas crossbody strap and a zip top closure. The bag touts a designer name, gives a chic little style, and a price that is very reasonable. My parents would have jumped at this opportunity when I was in 7th grade begging for my first designer handbag. Because it is still expensive for a young child, but it is not the price that you can not and will not do because it makes absolutely zero sense. Absolutely cute and perfect gift for under the tree Replica Handbags Over the weekend, LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA, the world’s largest luxury goods conglomerate, announced that it would increase its share in family-owned leather giant Hermes 14.2%, to a total of 17.1% stock ownership. LVMH, which owns such famous labels as Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Givenchy and Fendi, claims that it will not seek control of Hermes or board representation, but news of the sharp increase in the conglomerate’s ownership of the brand has many wondering if that will remain true for long. Luxury isn’t just a lifestyle, it’s also big business, and Hermes has been among the most profitable properties on the high-end mass market through the recent economic downturn. Part of the Hermes allure for many clients stems from the fact that the Hermes family still runs the company, even in this day of corporate fashion and massive conglomeration. LVMH doesn’t just buy up shares of luxury brands for fun, and although owning a chunk of Hermes stock is certainly a strong bet in today’s luxury market, one can’t help but wonder about LVMH’s larger goals. Although the company’s spokespeople claim that LVMH merely has its sights on being a longterm Hermes stockholder, luxury watchers would be advised to take that with a proverbial grain of salt.

We are big Marc Jacobs fan-girls here at PurseBlog. But it has been a little while since I ran into a Marc Jacobs bag that I truly found myself wanting. Don’t get me wrong, there are many beautiful designs, but I like to see a bag that I don’t just want but can justify ‘needing’. This bag comes the closest to ‘needing’ that I have felt in a while from Marc. A black tote is a staple piece for a handbag wardrobe and the Marc Jacobs Amber Corner Zip Tote should be considered as a potential option. Top Replica Handbags Back in 2006, Prada made lots of waves among handbag aficionados with their ruched Gaufré handbags. Rendered in super-supple lambskin, the design was a great example of how texture can be achieved through clever design, even within the sometimes austere Prada aesthetic. The bags were neutral but still interesting to look at, and the combination made them some of my favorites that the brand has ever produced. Gaufré’s initial production run was only a few season, but now they’re back in new colors and shapes for Fall/Winter 2010. We’ve seen several “old favorites” from the past five years make a return to production in recent months, and this line is the only one whose return brings me any sort of genuine excitement. Are you excited for the Gaufré’s return?

Please? Because I feel like you people

Wednesday, August 17th, 2011

Don’t make fun of me for this one. Please? Because I feel like you people are going to make fun of me for this one. I genuinely like it, though, so give it a chance. The Prada Tessuto S Tote is, in my mind, totally adorable. It’s frilly and girly but in a somber black nylon that makes it more wearable than if it were, say, pink suede. For some reason, it reminds me of flamenco dancers and fun costumes and all sorts of over-the-top femininity, and although its price might be a bit steep for nylon, Prada’s Tessuto bags are known to wear extremely well. The one problem that I’ve always had with them, though, is that they’re so austere and unisex-looking; this particular ultra-femme tote certainly doesn’t have that problem. Replica Hermes A few days ago I once posted an article about Gucci Sigrid High Heel Platform Sandals which left me the impression of Transformers. This time comes another accessory share the similar features. This Gucci Purse named Techno Horsebit Large Tote is characterized with the metal and leather ornaments to create the image of Transformers at front of the bag. This Gucci Bag is coated in white neoprene GG and trimmed with white leather. All white bag should reveal some elegance but it will go wrong with this purse. As mentioned at beginning, the metal and leather ornaments make it a little weird as well as tough, but also bring us a distinctive bag. At the same time, the tassels with bamboo detail at side add a touch of sophistication into the whole design and the functional yet fashionable double woven leather handles with 9.8 inches drop complete its unique appearance. With the measurement of 15.3″L x 6.7″W x 14.6″H, this Gucci Techno Horsebit Large Tote has the fine cotton linen lining, inside zip, cell phone and pda pockets to complete its function. And the bottom feet are ingeniously designed to provide extra protection for its appearance. Its versatile looking enables it to go well with most outfits, thus such a special purse must weigh a hefty price, $2790

Does anyone else notice that the shape of this handbag closely resemble the Gucci Indy? It is public knowledge that I am not a fan of the Indy, but the idea behind the shape of the bag is fine. The Burberry Hoxton Quilted Hobo features quilted black leather with a buckle detailed adjustable shoulder strap. There is golden hardware and a zip top closure. The shape would fit perfectly under the arm without rubbing or chaffing. Now I am not jumping to the conclusion that I love the Gucci Indy because I think this bag is cute, but nevertheless the shape of this handbag is catchy. Dimensions are 17″W X 13½”H X 2″D. Gucci Replica Apparently heiress and celebutante Paris Hilton, like, just now heard about this whole World Cup thingy that’s going on over in Africa or wherever. Paris doesn’t appear to understand exactly what the World Cup entails, since she thinks it requires her to bring every piece of Louis Vuitton luggage on the planet (presumably to hold all of her rhinestone-encrusted vuvuzelas), but she’s going anyway. Has anyone told her that the US was already eliminated? I know that Paris doesn’t seem all that quick on the uptake, so it doesn’t particularly surprise me that it took her over two weeks to figure out that, hey, there’s a world event going on! A lot of cameras are there! It’s sort of like Cannes, but with balls! [Insert Paris Hilton/balls joke here.] Ok, maybe I’m just jealous. Of her trip to the World Cup AND her Louis Vuitton luggage. And also, her proximity to hot soccer players. Yes, that’s what stings the most.

This time comes another accessory share the similar features

Tuesday, August 16th, 2011

A few days ago I once posted an article about Gucci Sigrid High Heel Platform Sandals which left me the impression of Transformers. This time comes another accessory share the similar features. This Gucci Purse named Techno Horsebit Large Tote is characterized with the metal and leather ornaments to create the image of Transformers at front of the bag. This Gucci Bag is coated in white neoprene GG and trimmed with white leather. All white bag should reveal some elegance but it will go wrong with this purse. As mentioned at beginning, the metal and leather ornaments make it a little weird as well as tough, but also bring us a distinctive bag. At the same time, the tassels with bamboo detail at side add a touch of sophistication into the whole design and the functional yet fashionable double woven leather handles with 9.8 inches drop complete its unique appearance. With the measurement of 15.3″L x 6.7″W x 14.6″H, this Gucci Techno Horsebit Large Tote has the fine cotton linen lining, inside zip, cell phone and pda pockets to complete its function. And the bottom feet are ingeniously designed to provide extra protection for its appearance. Its versatile looking enables it to go well with most outfits, thus such a special purse must weigh a hefty price, $2790 Gucci Replica My love for the Burberry check pattern ended a few years ago. I went from love love loving it, to just thinking it was ok, to not liking it much at all. There are a few reasons, one being that it gets old fast. Another being that similar to the LV Monogram, the Burberry Nova Check pattern is counterfeited very often. Be wary of Burberry bag deals, many will be fakes. Recently I fell head of heels in love with the Burberry Belted Leather Tote and that got my thought pattern back on checking our Burberry Bags. And as much as the check pattern is so over for me, I also am still drawn to it when Burberry can reinvent it some. That is precisely why I love the Burberry Shimmer Tote which is overhauled with the classic plaid pattern in shades of gray cotton with a touch of Lurex shimmer. The bag is quite simple, just cotton trimmed with leather. But it is such a great fall bag. Actually, it has me thinking of fall outfits so much that I am intensely missing having four seasons rather than sunshine year round. The other perk is the double top handles or detachable shoulder strap, which you all know I love the option of the two. There is a zip top and one large inside pocket and a cell phone and PDA pocket.

In the fashion industry (and, increasingly, in any industry), the phrase “Chinese craftsmanship” is usually an implied pejorative. Fairly or unfairly, things that are made in China are generally assumed to be less well-made than those made in Europe or the US, and much has been made over a handful of Chinese product recalls that have been announced for deadly dog food and baby formula or lead-filled toothpaste. So when Hermes says that they’re going to launch a Chinese-designed, Chinese-manufactured luxury brand, surely they jest, correct? Wrong. Hermes never jests. According to Women’s Wear Daily, the new brand, Shang Xia, will be helmed by a head designer from the Chinese mainland, feature products made from Chinese materials and techniques and be autonomous from the design influence of its legendary parent company. All things considered, is it time to reevaluate our preconceived notions about Chinese-made goods? Replica Gucci Louis Vuitton may not be known for their small array of exotic handbags, but they should not be ignored. One of the most exciting parts of visiting our favorite Louis Vuitton boutique at the Bal Harbour shops in Miami is seeing what exotic bags they have on display. I have never owned one but I have always coveted them. And why wouldn’t I? Some of the most classic Louis Vuitton designs are re-vamped in exotic skin touches, adding an extra level of allure and luxury. Right now the Louis Vuitton Python Artsy is luring me. Available in both gris and noir, the Artsy is a double threat because of its classic hobo shape and design.

If you like Prada’s quirky retro-futurisim,

Tuesday, August 16th, 2011

To fully judge the bags from Prada Fall 2011, I strongly urge you to look at the collection as a whole. If you like Prada’s quirky retro-futurisim, you will love the 60s mod quasi-innocence of what Miuccia put together, and in the context of fall’s Prada girl, the bags make perfect sense. The highly textured collection lends itself to simple, single-material bags; after all, if your ensemble already has fur, paillettes and a pair of glitter and python boots, you probably don’t need a handbag that competes for attention. That being said, I wonder how the bags will sell when removed from the spectacular clothing that provided them with a backdrop for them during the runway show. They’re simple and luxurious, but they lose some of the magic of the mod look when considered on their own. Still, Prada’s overall output for fall is easily my favorite of the season thus far, so I wouldn’t worry too much for the company’s coffers. Gucci Replica While shoe shopping yesterday, I encountered a sales associate that very much wanted to tell me all about the trends for Fall 2010. I worked retail in college, so I never mind letting someone do their sales spiel without interruption, even if I already know what it’s going to contain. This time, though, I had to stop the poor guy when he got to the part about studs. I’m so over studs. When I told him that, he made a face like I had just kicked his puppy and sounded appalled that I would make such a bold declaration. I hadn’t given much specific thought to whether or not I still thought studs were cool, but when the sales associate was waving a pyramid-covered combat boot in my face that I had no intention of ever trying on, let alone buying, it became clear – I’m done with them. But is fashion done with the trend, and more importantly, are you? With the appearance of this Burberry Studded Leather Travel Bag on Net-a-Porter yesterday morning, it looks like some retailers hope we’ll buy in to heavy metal for at least a few months longer.

Unfortunately, when it comes to midseason collections, most designers don’t see fit to throw accessory-lovers a photographic bone. Because the shows aren’t held together with any type of unifying event, brands release their own media images instead of allowing outside photographers, and outside photographers almost always do a better job of showing us the bags and shoes. We end up getting the short shrift when all media outlets are given the same photo set. Because Louis Vuitton is a company founded on leather goods, though, it does a better job than most at making sure that its bags are front and center. We have all of the bags from Louis Vuitton’s Pre-Fall 2011 collection, plus two ornate feather fans that probably aren’t bags but I will continue hope might be until expressly told otherwise. Hermes Bag I love when Prada sticks to what it is good at: clean lines, great leather and fabulous color. I have to say, I came across the Prada Saffiano Lux Tote today and let out a sigh of relief. Actually, I’ve seen this bag before, but I forgot about it. So, when I came across it again, all I can say is BRAVO Prada, BRAVO! Unfortunately, I’ve come across too many Prada bags that have missed the mark lately. In fact, they’ve missed the mark so much that I virtually stopped looking at them. Today folks, today is a different day.

Based on the responses I read,

Friday, August 12th, 2011

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. Replica Handbags I am not a child anymore and I do not have a child, so I should be able to care for a white bag. Although I hardly ever drip or spill, I *always* drip or spill on anything that says “dry clean only” or will give me the most difficult time to clean up. Yet I vow to own a white bag for this spring/summer and keep it clean. Word on the street is that Lv is releasing a White Epi line, including a White Epi Alma, which has my name all over it. But for a laid back possible messenger style bag, this Prada Leather Tote has my heart fluttering. It is simple, only adding braided leather handles to an all together white leather bag. It is practical, adding a detachable shoulder strap which can also allow the bag to be worn as a messenger. It is a great size, a perfect 11¾”H X 12½”L X 5″W. This bag will give my doesn’t-know-it-yet-future White Epi Alma a run for its money.

First of all: oops. I goofed. Between having surgery and trying to keep up with the various global Fashion Weeks for a month, I forgot to write about one of the biggest handbag brands in the world, Prada. My bad. So let’s pretend like we’re still in the thick of Milan Fashion Week and discuss went went on at the Prada show, ok? Please, no one tell Miuccia that we’re late. I’m always relatively down on Prada bags, mostly because I think that the brand makes enough money and has enough creative ability to do way better. They make great basics, but beyond that, things tend to go a little off the rails. I’d link you to some of those examples, but you probably already know what I’m talking about all too well. Well, it looks like I’m going to be a lot happier with the brand in six months’ time, and hopefully that means that you all will be too. Gucci Replica I’m so split on Prada‘s Fall 2009 collection. I’ve seen some bags from it that look great – a bit boring, but made of nice materials and stylish enough to appeal to a lot of people. And then I’ve seen some bags that are apparently slightly more ‘conceptual,’ and most of those don’t work as well. A new entry on that list is the Prada Velluto Jacquard Tote. It looks like what Prada was going for here was a modern-day carpet bag, this time made of nylon and velvet instead of more old-fashioned materials. I guess they partially succeeded, since it’s possible to see their goal in the finished product, but it’s hard to look at pictures of the bag and go, “Yes, exactly, this is exactly what a modern carpet bag should be.” The pattern looks vaguely like a cult logo, and I’m not paying $1500 for mustard-colored nylon that labels me as part of the Dharma Initiative.

I do, however, have the Internet, which

Friday, August 12th, 2011

Ciao bella, come stai? So, I may have not retained a great deal of the Italian that I took in college, and I certainly didn’t learn anymore last week since I, sadly, I did not go to Milan fashion week. I do, however, have the Internet, which means that my lack of Italian (and lack of Italian vacation) is NOT going to stop me from telling you guys about Milan Fashion Week, starting with Gucci. I know that many have criticized the post-Tom Ford era at the brand as less exciting and less innovative, but I’ve got a soft spot in my heart for Frida Giannini’s (pictured left) reign – I think her subdued sex appeal and color choice is often brilliant, even if it’s not as aggressive. The clothes aren’t overly high-concept, but they are exceedingly wearable and have a great deal of influence on what ends up in the stores that you and I frequent. So what did Frida give us? Continue Reading Replica Handbags 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.

Could we go as far as to label this Prada bag a bag deal? I don’t see why not. As much as many Prada bags go a bit too far, are a bit too overpriced, are simply bags with the Prada logo, this wristlet is cute and perfect for so many occasions. The Prada Tessuto Wristlet is a winning design for many reasons, namely the look is chic, the materials will last, and the price is ideal. As much as I prefer leather, the nylon will make this bag perfect for a night out with friends and really ideal for a bar. No worries about party fouls, because you can just wipe this wristlet and move on. And then comes into play the fact that there is a strap, which I adore. There are not many clutches out there with wrist straps anymore, but there should be. Hands free is the way to go and it is hard to come by. There is a zipper closure and Prada jacquard lining. Measurements are 8¾”W X 10″H X 1″D. But the real deal sealer? Top 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

I am much more of a

Thursday, August 11th, 2011

I am a lover of metallics, but I am picky about which metallic colors I like. I am much more of a pewter lover than a silver lover and more of a copper lover than a gold lover. The deeper hues are sultry, sexy, and elegant in metallics. Just much more my style. And with the Prada Nappa Mordore Hobo it is as if Prada came to me, asked me what I thought, and then proceeded to carry out my wants and desires. Why thank you Prada for taking my likings into account. And even more of my likings are on this handbag. The overall design is nothing amazing, but the hobo stands out with the leather pieces which are stitched together to create a stripe pattern. But this bag does it for me. I don’t need all the extras on my bags, just a bag that does its job but still stands out and grabs attention. And you know what this bag does, it adds that slight shine and glimmer that makes for a perfect metallic bag. There is a snap closure and two inside pockets. Available in anthracite and copper; if I were buying this bag I would most likely opt for copper. Replica Gucci My family is very health-conscious. When I was growing up, not one kid in the lunch room ever wanted to trade lunch items with me. Why? Because they had a Twinkie and I had cut up green pepper sticks. I was that kid, but I didn’t care. Except on Christmas morning, when I would run to find my stocking and open it, I’m not going to lie I was a bit disappointed. The bottom of my stocking would be an orange, I would have some organic dark chocolate, and that was it food wise. I wanted all that bad stuff. Give me Hersey’s Kisses, Butterfinger Bells, REESE’S Peanut Butter Cup Trees. What I would take at the bottom of my stocking this year in place of an organic orange is this Gucci Mouse Purse because it is all kinds of awesome. No need to take life too seriously, and this coin purse showcases exactly that: HAVE FUN.

I have never been much of a fan of Prada. Not for any particular reason; they’re just not my thing, but I can understand why others are so passionate about them. The leather is usually supple and beautiful and I’ve heard wonderful things about their quality and construction. Nice leather, classic shapes, and durability – you can’t ask for a whole lot more than that, even if they don’t exactly tickle my fancy. Which is why I can very much respect that a lot of people will love the Prada Cervo Shine Hobo, even though it’s not absolutely wowing me. It has a ton of factors working in its favor – buttery soft deerskin leather, accessible outside pockets, and a functional and wearable shape that would be great for work or play. I think what’s stopping me from being more enthusiastic is the color. I’m not much for tan, and if they gave me this in a grape-y purple or a slate grey, I’d probably be turning cartwheels right now. But for those of you out there that love tan, I may have found your new favorite everyday bag. Hermes Bag No one knows exactly how long the mini crossbody trend will last, but put me on the record as hoping that this shape stays around as a wardrobe staple for years to come. Not only are minibags delightfully functional, but they’re easily modified to embody nearly any style from hippie to industrial. In this case, the mood of the Gucci 1973 Small Shoulder Bag is clear – it’s all about the retro throwback. This bag comes as no surprise to anyone that saw the looks from Gucci’s Fall 2010 runway show – I would have pegged the look as more late 60s than early 70s, but the retro shapes and color palette were omnipresent throughout the bags featured in the show. The altered Gucci logo is the touch that really completes the look.

Hermes is a house of rich

Thursday, August 11th, 2011

It’s only been one collection for new Hermes creative director Christophe Lemaire, but I already miss ousted designer Jean Paul Gaultier. Hermes is a house of rich tradition and history, and mining those archives should provide more than enough inspiration to avoid gimmickry on the runway. Sadly, Hermes Fall 2011 fell into that trap from time to time. Having a model parade down a catwalk with a falcon on her arm didn’t distract me from the fact that the collection featured few of the brand’s bread-and-butter handbags, and I doubt it fooled anyone else, either. Although Hermes’ ready-to-wear absolutely has a customer base, it’s a company built on the luxury world’s love for leather goods. You wouldn’t know it from the show, though; the accessories didn’t include a single Birkin or Kelly that I was able to find among the available pictures, and except for a few nice hand-held bags and one luscious dark chocolate duffle, the emphasis was on odd, tasseled canteens worn around the neck. Hermes shows almost always rise to the level of handbag pornography, but there was relatively little after which to lust this season. Replica Gucci My eyes are not deceiving me. This is indeed the Gucci Papillon Evening Bag that has caught my attention. There are a few reasons that this is a great evening bag. First is the price; which is by no means super cheap, but in the world of handbag lovers $750 for a bag from a huge designer house and with exotics is relatively inexpensive. Second, the look of the bag is alluring. It mixes the bamboo detail to give it the tropical resort feel, but doing so in black keeps it classy for evening wear. The bags body is designed with black satin and the flap is designed with black ayers (snake skin). Dimensions are 9½”W X 4½”H X ½”D. This is a great evening bag for resort wear and especially great for the lucky ones that live in the tropics.

Louis Vuitton’s Fall Winter 2010/2011 collection was beyond words in its glamor, elegance, and beauty. In fact, there is no way to properly give justice to the ladylike functionality implemented into each design. Marc Jacobs is pure genius. Louis Vuitton Advertising campaigns never let me down either. The creative vision of the Louis Vuitton Fall Winter 2010/2011 campaign feels like a fairytale world of luxurious perfection. I am entirely envious of the women in these photos, they appear as if they have fascinating stories to tell. How could I leave out the ladylike Cuir Cinema bag that immediately catches one’s attention? The soft rose color on the structured calf leather bag flows seamlessly in the photo [$4450 via Louis Vuitton September 1st]. Talented artist Kathryn Elyse of PaperFashion illustrated this campaign photo in two different finishes. Both are simply stunning and match perfectly with the feminine timeless appeal of the collection. Top Replica The PurseBlog team will be taking tomorrow off to spend Thanksgiving with our families, so barring any purse-related breaking news, y’all are on your own Turkey Day. It seems to me, though, that our separate celebrations shouldn’t mean that we can’t share with each other about the things that make us thankful. I’m talking, of course, about handbag things. Most of us probably have to come up with a serious list before we’re rationed our part of the turkey, but since I don’t have any giant roasted poultry to give out, feel free to give me a slightly more fashionable version of that list. For instance, mine starts with Marc Jacobs.