Prada, haven’t we had this discussion before? The one about sticking random crap on bags? I feel like we have. And I just saw the Prada Pitone Pietre Shoulder Bag, so it looks like we’re going to have to have it again. I won’t say that I would have loved the bag without the random stones affixed to it; it would have been a fairly boring, small snakeskin handbag, and one that wouldn’t have been worth the money that I’m sure you would have been asking for it. At 16″ wide, you could have done so many more interesting things with that much python. It creates a beautiful pattern on its own, and there’s no need for you to obscure it with some ill-advised bedazzling. So, Prada, please stop and think the next time the urge to glue stuff to your bag strikes. Replica Hermes It has been a tad slow around here for 2 reasons. First, Vlad is off in Germany and second I have the sinus infection from hell. I am pretty confident that this sinus infection came from my past two years of being healthy and letting everyone else know how great my immune system has been. Either way, i am still in bed (literally) and moping around the house. To perk me up, a bit of hot metallic handbags may be able to do the trick, or will they? The folks at Fab Sugar provide us with a roundup for 3 metallic bags that really are a hit or miss. If I were to chose one of the bags that I actually see being ok to wear out, it would be the Gucci Peggy Large Shoulder Bag. This large shoulder bag could be seen as overly ornate with copper python, copper leather trim and tassel detail yet the copper color choice is subtle with out being gaudily tacky.

It has been quite a while since I last discussed a Gucci bag with you. The problem for me is that lately every single Gucci bag has been heinous. I really despise the Gucci Monogram pattern, while I am not much of a monogram fan in general, the Gucci monogram makes me cringe for some reason. Luckily, there is finally a little accessory I do not have to click the X out button really quick on. Purple or black patent leather pulled tight make the Gucci Crystal Evening Bag a stunning accessory. I absolutely love the purple patent leather. The color reminds me of fresh juicy grapes right off the vine. There is a Gucci script detail in the bottom left coroner which is the perfect touch. Another surprising factor is this evening bag is affordable in the world of designer handbags. Wholesale Scarves To print or not to print, that is the question. With the Gucci Spring ’06 Cruise Line being released we see the use of patterns and prints to take over and give off some tropical flair. While I love the shape of this bag, I don’t find it very practical. Gucci wants to welcome spring with the Gucci Spring ’06 Medium Shoulder Bag. The tropical print you find of this Gucci bag is labeled the pigna print which looks like pineapples and bananas, but in a sort of abstract art. Yes, my description is lacking a bit, but nevertheless you understand what I mean (and if not you can see what I mean through the picture). The shape of this bag lured me in when I was recently in the Gucci store. Brown leather trim and braided handles set the patterned body off nicely along with goldtone hardware. If you are one of the ladies, much like my mom, who likes a bag to hang comfortably on the shoulder and not “ride up”, then this bag will suit you well. Measuring 13″H X 17″L X 4 ¾”W, this bag is cute for spring but to me isn’t completely practical.

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. www.top-replicahandbags.co 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.

To print or not to print, that is the question. With the Gucci Spring ’06 Cruise Line being released we see the use of patterns and prints to take over and give off some tropical flair. While I love the shape of this bag, I don’t find it very practical. Gucci wants to welcome spring with the Gucci Spring ’06 Medium Shoulder Bag. The tropical print you find of this Gucci bag is labeled the pigna print which looks like pineapples and bananas, but in a sort of abstract art. Yes, my description is lacking a bit, but nevertheless you understand what I mean (and if not you can see what I mean through the picture). The shape of this bag lured me in when I was recently in the Gucci store. Brown leather trim and braided handles set the patterned body off nicely along with goldtone hardware. If you are one of the ladies, much like my mom, who likes a bag to hang comfortably on the shoulder and not “ride up”, then this bag will suit you well. Measuring 13″H X 17″L X 4 ¾”W, this bag is cute for spring but to me isn’t completely practical. Hermes Replica Bag Ladies, I have to tell you, I had a great weekend. I was lucky enough to get to meet about a dozen of our wonderful Atlanta-area (and beyond!) Purse Forum members this past Sunday, and I couldn’t ask for a group of nicer, more awesome handbag-loving ladies. We all had a wonderful lunch, and then a few of us ventured over to Saks for some shopping (or, in my case, drooling – I left everything but money for lunch at home to stave off temptation), and we hit the jackpot inside the Saks Louis Vuitton boutique. The first rare treasure that I saw was the trend-setting Louis Vuitton Stephen Sprouse leopard print cashmere-silk stole. When I saw this online when it first came out, I couldn’t help but think, “Uh, it’s…just a scarf. Kind of a big scarf, but for $725, I’m going to need miles of scarf.” Well, sometimes, things just don’t show up as glorious online as they do in person, because this thing is beautiful. It’s much wider than the average pashmina, and it lit up my outfit of black empire-waist top and skinny jeans as soon as I wrapped it around my neck. It felt lush and luxurious, like I would happily wrap it around myself every single cold day of the year.

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. LV Bags It’s easy to become price-blind when you spend your days hunting down and discussing designer accessories, but sometimes life has a way of reminding you just how much a dollar is actually worth. I experienced that recently when trying to buy my first set of post-college, post-Ikea Big Girl furniture and found that I could decorate my bedroom rather elaborately for the same amount of money that I’ve been contemplating spending on a crocodile-embossed Celine Phantom Luggage Tote this fall. For real croc, like the Gucci New Bamboo Crocodile Shoulder Bag? I could probably do a whole one-bedroom apartment, including a nice TV. At fifteen inches wide, this is a generously sized bag for the sort of structure it employs, but $14,000 means something different for me now than it did last week. Would you ever pay that much for a bag?

I wrote about the Gucci Sukey Large Tote a few months ago, and when I saw it available for pre-order in a new trim color on Saks.com today, I thought it might be worth revisiting. Because, to be honest, the climate for logo bags has changed, as has the climate for anything obviously expensive, since the first incarnation of this bag came out. Since then, the US (and much of the world) economy has imploded, millions are out of jobs, and many have seen their retirements shrink to nearly nothing. So…why in the world do I still like this bag? Because I do. A lot. Even though I hate logo bags in general, and have for quite some time, I still have a small place in my heart for Gucci’s signature fabric. And I still think this bag is well-designed, despite the logos. The lines are simple, it’s functional, but it still has a bit of subtle chicness to it. Plus it’s a bag from a major designer for under a grand. Not too bad, even if it’s not really a recession must-have. Gucci Replica Handbags 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.

Marc Jacobs is doing something quirky and cool with his spring bag collection and we are loving it! Last night I posted on our Twitter and Facebook asking people what handbag they have passed up recently and regret it. While I could think of a few, I had this nagging image in the back of my mind, of a totally off-the-wall Marc Jacobs bag that somehow is speaking to me. Do you remember the Marc Jacobs Fluorescent Tweed Bag? It is completely tacky, over-done, and lovely. Yes, I said lovely. Why am I feeling so drawn to this crazy mish-mash of tweed, patent leather, and colorful baubbles? I don’t know. But I adore that bag. www.top-replicahandbag.com In hindsight, perhaps last season’s demure, ladylike Louis Vuitton show should have tipped us off that Louis Vuitton Spring 2011 would be a wild, colorful ride through safari and Asian kitsch. Creative director Marc Jacobs doesn’t like to go in any one direction for more than a few moments at a time, and a collection with a strong point of view is always a good indication that the next collection will be just as strong, but in the opposite direction. Instead of last season’s dozens of neutral variations on the classic Speedy theme, Vuitton gave us loud, colorblocked clutches and small shoulder bags that screamed in artfully clashing technicolor. Logos were visible (this is Louis Vuitton, after all), but other than a few clutches that proclaimed VUITTON in all capitals, the famous monogram was less obtrusive than it usually is in the average LV collection. These bags will surely leave some heads shaking, particularly among clients who saw Fall 2010 as a possible return to the brand’s roots, but they’re exactly on trend and so cheerful that I can’t help but like them.

The pint sized Eva Longoria Parker packs quite a bubbly punch. When I see her, she usually makes me smile. Then again, if I stood next to her I would probably cry. If you have seen pictures of her next to a ‘normal’ sized person, she looks like she comes from a completely different planet. She is tiny tiny, and full of energy, and always smiles. That is the kind of person you love and hate at times (just jealousy). If I would have been asked the perfect Hermes Birkin for Eva Longoria I would have named something bright, fun, and charismatic, in other words, a bag that perfectly fits her personality. Looks like Eva is able to figure out what suits her fancy without me though, as she has been seen carrying the perfect Eva Longoria Birkin; a Hermes 30 cm Fuchsia Croc Birkin with Palladium Hardware. This Birkin radiates beauty and I am sure if we got to see it in person it would put a smile on our faces. It is too bad the photogs were so consumed just snapping Eva and focusing on her face, because they were not able to capture the true beauty of her handbag. But we know it is stunning, it is a hue of pink only Hermes can pull off. And in porosus (shiny croc), the color just pops out and grabs your attention. Replica Sunglass 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.

If you are a loyal Gucci fan, you may have noticed that Gucci has turned its fashion antenna to the Bohemian bag style, which is mainly illustrated by the tassels and bamboo detail. It is hard to predicate how long Gucci will stick to this pattern, but I can assure you that it is unique Gucci style. Perhaps you would also like this luxurious hobo style—the Gucci Techno Horsebit Large Shoulder Flap Bag. 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 bag 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. Available in black and brown, this Gucci Techno Horsebit Large Shoulder Flap Bag can be yours for $1,695 via Saks. Replica Gucci The most recognized shape from Louis Vuitton is their Speedy, a very iconic bag to the brand. And following the Speedy in popularity is the classic Louis Vuitton Alma. The Alma is one of my favorite bags from Louis Vuitton. The shape is as distinctive as they come in the handbag world. It is a true handheld bag which is perfect for the working woman or the trendy gal. Per usual, the Alma has been recreated in every rendition possible, from tacky to stunning. While the Vernis line has not been a line from LV that I covet, it is a coveted line

A designer beauty case is necessary to these fashion ladies whether for daily using or on business. You will have to pack all the cosmetic bottles and jars, bits and ends together conveniently. Nobody would like to have the precious designer bag colored and stained. Such a Gucci Beauty Case would save all your troubles. It is to meet your needs of both functionality and fashion. Tired of seeing too many brown GG fabric bags, I like the light blue beige and ebony GG made Gucci Beauty Case especially. The GG fabric is discreetly stitched with dark brown leather trim, as you can see from the above image. The fabric is timeless and endurable for seasons or years. The Gucci Beauty case is very functional. It has interior elastic holder that can tight at least five bottles and jars; it has an inside ruches pockets at the bag side and a zip pocket on the back of its cover. The case itself measures 31 x 22 x 21 cm, which is a pretty large capacity as cosmetic case is concerned. The designer case features top handle and adjustable detachable shoulder strap. That is to say you can either hold the case individually or slip it inside your luggage. How do you like it? The case is presented in Gucci’s 2010 Cruise Collection. Designer Replica Belts Honestly, I am nothing but grateful that paparazzi do not follow me around and photograph me. Because I guarantee you that I look nothing like Victoria Beckham arriving at any airport, ever. I won’t lie, my attempt to travel in style across the ocean usually involves stretched-out-size-too-big-jeans, a nice sweater, and sneakers. And even if Victoria Beckham changes while on board into something more comfy, I still feel badly for her. Here Victoria Beckham was spotted arriving in London at Heathrow airport over the weekend sporting her beautiful Hermes Tricolor Kelly. Victoria Beckham is a huge fan of the Hermes Kelly style, as we have seen her carrying many of the versions, including: Hermes Kelly Longue, Hermes Kelly Pochette, Hermes Kelly Lizard Pochette, Black Kelly, and a white Hermes Kelly with orange piping. And while many are not huge fans of VB, I really love her coat with this tricolor Kelly and her Louboutins.

Honestly, I am nothing but grateful that paparazzi do not follow me around and photograph me. Because I guarantee you that I look nothing like Victoria Beckham arriving at any airport, ever. I won’t lie, my attempt to travel in style across the ocean usually involves stretched-out-size-too-big-jeans, a nice sweater, and sneakers. And even if Victoria Beckham changes while on board into something more comfy, I still feel badly for her. Here Victoria Beckham was spotted arriving in London at Heathrow airport over the weekend sporting her beautiful Hermes Tricolor Kelly. Victoria Beckham is a huge fan of the Hermes Kelly style, as we have seen her carrying many of the versions, including: Hermes Kelly Longue, Hermes Kelly Pochette, Hermes Kelly Lizard Pochette, Black Kelly, and a white Hermes Kelly with orange piping. And while many are not huge fans of VB, I really love her coat with this tricolor Kelly and her Louboutins. Replica Sunglass I wrote about the Gucci Sukey Large Tote a few months ago, and when I saw it available for pre-order in a new trim color on Saks.com today, I thought it might be worth revisiting. Because, to be honest, the climate for logo bags has changed, as has the climate for anything obviously expensive, since the first incarnation of this bag came out. Since then, the US (and much of the world) economy has imploded, millions are out of jobs, and many have seen their retirements shrink to nearly nothing. So…why in the world do I still like this bag? Because I do. A lot. Even though I hate logo bags in general, and have for quite some time, I still have a small place in my heart for Gucci’s signature fabric. And I still think this bag is well-designed, despite the logos. The lines are simple, it’s functional, but it still has a bit of subtle chicness to it. Plus it’s a bag from a major designer for under a grand. Not too bad, even if it’s not really a recession must-have.

Natural materials are the latest trend of this spring, so fashion houses are desperate to jump onto the eco-friendly bandwagon with a variety of unconventional materials such as the Gucci Straw Large Tote. Unlike other bags with similar material, this Gucci Bag manages to underwhelm the natural properties of the material and keep their sophisticated pattern. This Gucci Handbag is done in natural straw design and in woven detailing throughout, which is a classic and definitely very popular for the spring and summer. This is then trimmed in smooth contrasting white leather and the same leather material goes with the handle and with the embossed logo tag on the center front. Contrast white stitching is as well present to give this an additional design and style. Measuring about 14 x 11 x 6 inches, this gucci bags should indeed carry your vacation essentials. Inside are zipped and cell phone pockets for more storage. The handles then have six inches of drop, enough to carry it over the shoulders. Wholesale Scarves 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.

In Milan in September, the Prada runway show was a buzz with Miuccia filling the runway with silk-printed tunics, cropped flared trousers, and nymph and fairy prints. The backdrop looked as if it was from a girls imagination of doodles and drawings while daydreaming. Miuccia’s focus was “about trying to find a new creativity.” The fairy print is the iconic print for the Spring season and is seen on their handbags, clothing, and even their shoe boxes. The handbag that has our forum buzzing is the Prada Fairy Bag. The Prada Fairies Bag is available in two sizes and is said to be a limited edition. How limited is yet to be known, but Prada is staying that the boutiques will receive a limited number of the bags and pre-orders are not an option. The smaller version retails for $2290 and the larger for $2490. Call your local Prada boutique to inquire and be put on the wait list. After showing you two horrible prints/patterns on handbags for Spring, I am ending your week with an absolutely stunning piece. This Prada Bag is majestic and enchanting. The deerskin leather is said to have a slight sparkle to it. This bag is absolutely gorgeous, just takes my breath away! Wholesale Scarves Once again Gucci has used the bamboo decoration detail in making handbags, and this time the bamboo embellishment element is trimmed on the grey crocodile handbag. You could imagine the high-tech crafted bamboo and wild crocodile leather combined bag to be extremely hefty. Surely it is only available at a price of $15500. The Gucci “New Bamboo” top handle bag with tassels and bamboo detail is made from grey crocodile and cotton linen lining and over the crocodile is trimmed with grey leather and nickel hardware. I like this medium sized handbag very much. It measures 14.2 inches long, 6.3 inches wide and 8.7 inches high. The medium sized handbag is very suitable for daily carrying. The Gucci bag has inside zip and snap pocket and inside mirror with Gucci script logo. It features exquisite flap and bamboo turn-lock closure. By the way, the bag can be worn in two styles one is hand carried via single bamboo handle with 5 inches drop, the other is shouldered with one of the two detachable shoulder straps in plain leather and braided leather with metal chain. The 17.7 inches drop strap surely would be long enough for shouldering.

Have you ever experienced that you spend a great sum of money on a pair of shoes, but when you go home, you discover the gorgeous shoes are hard to match with your most outfits? If so, I bet the Gucci Jungle High Heel Open-toe Booties will not make you regret investing your cash on them. Taking the first glance on them has already told that they are surely classic accessories which can accompany you for years to come as well as easily go along with any of your choice of wardrobe. Made of the supple and sexy black suede, this Gucci Booties bring us the go-with-everything looking but still try to create an elegant yet stylish looking for someone who wears them. The embellishment of bamboo ring detail and nickel hardware indeed shows a luxurious neutral combination while the open-toe design is modern and suitable for the spring and summer times. The Gucci Jungle High Heel Open-toe Booties have the 4.1 inches heel which is also covered with black suede and the leather sole ensure its anti-skidding and comfort. As to its price, the tag of $895 is also reasonable for such a feminine and fabulous pair of booties. LV Bags 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.

Marc Jacobs is almost inarguably the king of New York Fashion Week, and his Marc Jacobs Collection show is always the most sought-after invitation of them all (at least stateside). This year, the show livestreamed online to thousands of fans while the editors and buyers looked on in Manhattan, and what a splendid show Marc created to kick off the digital age at his company – if you like a good 70s reference in your spring wardrobe, that is. Jacobs will also join us in the 21st century by launching online retail at MarcJacobs.com today, but you’ll have to wait until next year if you want to scoop up the collection’s fabulously wearable printed dresses and (slightly less fabulous) shiny pantsuits in a palette of plum, pumpkin and raspberry. While you wait patiently, we have photos of the best looks to entice you, after the jump. Oh, and the bags! How could I forget the bags? Jacobs took a refreshing turn back to normalcy this season, and the richly hued day clutch seems to be his bag of choice for spring. From his runway to God’s ears, as they say Top Replica Handbags 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.

If you’re a fan of the Hermes Birkin (or simply not a fan of Lady Gaga), gird your loins for this one. When her Monster Ball tour landed recently in Tokyo, La Gagita was seen in the airport carrying a white Hermes Birkin inscribed with a message that loosely translates to “I love small monster. Toyko love.” In case you’re not familiar with the Gaga vernacular, “little monsters” is the name that she uses to refer to her fans, so her Birkin message was a shout-out to those that would be attending her Japanese shows. Using accessories and the paparazzi to communicate – clever, or not so much? Regular readers of the blog will know that I’m a huge Lady Gaga fangirl, so I think it’s fairly clever. It’s not the most interesting thing she’s ever done, but playing with fashion and blurring the lines of social acceptability are two things that are integral to her public image, and not only does a Sharpie’d Birkin combine those things effectively, but it has managed set tongues wagging all over the internet. LV Bags If you were hoping that military chic was going to go the way of the dodo bird sometime soon, well, prepare to be disappointed. Prada’s fall collection just started trickling out to online retailers, and the most obvious element of the line so far is its use of camouflage. Whether this is good or bad probably depends on your feelings about military chic, but despite being a fan of the trend, I’m not entirely convinced. I’ve always been of the opinion that camouflage is best left for actual troops and No Limit Soldiers only (ok, I admit that joke would have been funnier a few years ago, but I’ve been waiting forever for the right opportunity to use it and the waning cultural relevance of a particular hip hop crew is not going to stop me now) and I like my military-inspired looks to be more vintage-inspired than Iraq-inspired. With the Prada Large Saffiano Camouflage Tote, it appears that Miuccia does not agree with me. If you were hoping that military chic was going to go the way of the dodo bird sometime soon, well, prepare to be disappointed. Prada’s fall collection just started trickling out to online retailers, and the most obvious element of the line so far is its use of camouflage. Whether this is good or bad probably depends on your feelings about military chic, but despite being a fan of the trend, I’m not entirely convinced. I’ve always been of the opinion that camouflage is best left for actual troops and No Limit Soldiers only (ok, I admit that joke would have been funnier a few years ago, but I’ve been waiting forever for the right opportunity to use it and the waning cultural relevance of a particular hip hop crew is not going to stop me now) and I like my military-inspired looks to be more vintage-inspired than Iraq-inspired. With the Prada Large Saffiano Camouflage Tote, it appears that Miuccia does not agree with me.

Every brand uses exotics in a different way. Nancy Gonzalez crocodile looks different than Balenciaga crocodile. Chloe python looks different than Carlos Falchi python. And Gucci python is my favorite of all. Somehow, they manage to find skins that look somehow fuller and more touchable than some of their peers, and it’s always clear that their bags did indeed come from a living reptile. And I feel like it’s at least a bit more respectful to the animal to make a bag that really highlights the natural beauty of the skins that are used. And Gucci has maintained their history of beautiful python bags with the Gucci Galazy Python Hobo. Sometimes natural patterns can be hidden when they’re done in black, but the finish here has a bit of a shine to it, so it reflects enough light that the scale differentiation is easy to see. Some brands treat their bags in such a way that the python scales lay perfectly flat, which has clearly not been done here. I’m sure that that sort of treatment makes bags for durable, but it also makes it feel less luxurious to me, so I’d rather that part was left out, even if it means the bag won’t last quite as long. I’d rather have it be as beautiful as possible for as long as that look will hold up Gucci Replica Handbags It’s easy to become price-blind when you spend your days hunting down and discussing designer accessories, but sometimes life has a way of reminding you just how much a dollar is actually worth. I experienced that recently when trying to buy my first set of post-college, post-Ikea Big Girl furniture and found that I could decorate my bedroom rather elaborately for the same amount of money that I’ve been contemplating spending on a crocodile-embossed Celine Phantom Luggage Tote this fall. For real croc, like the Gucci New Bamboo Crocodile Shoulder Bag? I could probably do a whole one-bedroom apartment, including a nice TV. At fifteen inches wide, this is a generously sized bag for the sort of structure it employs, but $14,000 means something different for me now than it did last week. Would you ever pay that much for a bag?

Prada has been flying below the radar. Nothing exceptionally amazing and nothing on the other end of the spectrum, exceptionally awful (ok I take that back, remember the Visone tote?!). Nevertheless, for the most part we have been un-phased by Prada. While we appreciate all of the additions and imagination that goes into making stand apart bags, sometimes we simply want a great and practical staple. This is precisely what the Prada Soft Calf Hobo brings us, exceptional craftsmanship and supple calfskin leather. Wholesale Scarves I can’t decide if this news is counter-intuitive or not, but Forbes is reporting that Hermes will post an increase in sales during the first quarter of 2009, a time when many retailers and brands were feeling a big-time sales crunch. Why is that? Well, the sales increase isn’t worldwide. Sales fell modestly in Europe and experienced a double-digit decline in luxury-goods-obsessed Japan, but the brand saw increases large enough in non-Japanese Asia to more than make up for decreases elsewhere. The increases were seen mostly in South Korea and China, which many industry watchers regard as somewhat of a Last Frontier of luxury retail. So what does this tell us? First of all, we should all remember that signs of strength in the global economy probably mean good things for those of us in America. Our economy is incredibly interconnected with those of other nations, particularly China, and we can’t start to make a significant recovery without signs that are trading partners are also ready to move forward economically. Sales increases of luxury goods mean that consumers in other countries feel confident in the direction in which the economy is headed, and maybe a little bit of that consumer confidence will rub off on other markets. Lastly, it’s a good reminder to all businesses that there are still markets out there that are spending money. Finding them may be a challenge, but it can and will be done. So congratulations, Hermes, on a game well played.

Finally here comes Gucci 2010 spring summer handbags collection, which I have expected for months. If you also a Gucci Bag fan, then you should have a browse over the collection. It is gorgeous. As to me, I am especially like the Gucci “Techno Horsebit” Large Tote in white neoprene GG. White is an ideal choice for handbags to be carried in spring and summer, during which period you can wear all the eye-catching and colorful clothes. You won’t want the handbag to steal the wind from you. Therefore I prefer the kind of oversize light colored designer bag, just like this Gucci bag. This Gucci “Techno Horsebit” large tote features metal and leather ornaments and tassels with bamboo detail. As a whole, the bag reminds me of the unique design of robot. Just kind of feeling that can not be explained. No wander the bag is called “techno”. The white neoprene GG is discreetly stitched with white leather trim. The shining nickel hardware combines excellently with the white leather and neoprene GG. As the bag is sized at 15.3″L x 6.7″W x 14.6″H, it is even considered as a luggage bag. The bag features bottom feet, inside zip pockets for cell phone and PDA as well. LV Bags 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.

When I first saw the Burberry Cartridge Pleat Tote, I thought of gun cartridges. I’m not entirely sure that that’s what I was supposed to think of, and maybe it’s just indicative of my proximity to those that are, in fact, packin’ heat, but that’s what I thought of. And if that’s the picture that the folks at Burberry were trying to paint, then they did a pretty good job. Unlike the soft, ruffly Burberry tote that we featured a few days ago, the patent leather of this bag makes the rows neat and stuff, giving it the appearance of rows and rows of Rambo-like bullet straps. The handles, attachments, and optional shoulder strap are all in smooth leather of the same color, with juxtaposes nicely with the all-over pleating. I think it was wise to do the patent incarnation in a more structured shape than the soft leather, because patent is inherently more structured, and matching appropriate material with appropriate bag structure is one of the most important things a bag designer can do. I don’t like it as much as the soft leather hobo, but that’s just my personal taste – I’m still impressed with Burberry’s bags for this season. Top Replica Handbags After my first year of Girl Scouts (yes, I was a Girl Scout- Troop 76), we got to take an end of the year trip to go horse back riding. I was ecstatic. But a few little problems arose. First, my horse was by far the biggest horse out there since I was very tall. Secondly, my over-powering horse decided to get spooked and scared all the other horses- which in turn bucked some of the girls off of their horses. And thirdly, I was allergic to that sucker. But nevertheless, I loved the experience. I wanted my own horsey, like most little girls, and I would not give up on bugging my dad about getting one. I never did get that horse. I’m still a little bitter to this day. But since I never got that pony, I will allow my father to make it up to me by buying me this Gucci Large Boston Bag. This fall bag by Gucci is absolutely gorgeous. The bag is beige horsebit velvet with violet/mandarin/violet signature web and buckle detail. The horsebit detail in the velvet really makes the beauty of the bag’s design stand out and grab attention. The dimensions are 11″H x 16″W x 5 1/2″D. Being a Gucci bag, the price is of course a bit high.