Rihanna's Lizard Skin Balenciaga Clutch!

Just when I thought I had enough of Rihanna, she decided to strut the streets of New York, working a fabulous pair of Giuseppe Zanotti boots, the Love Hate sunglasses that I featured a couple of weeks ago and one of my favorite bags for summer! I actually ordered this clutch and let me tell you that it is absolutely breathtaking. The mix of lizard and crocodile skin combined with the rocker chick silver hardware is beyond amazing. Unfortunately, I had to return it because it was WAY too small for me. Okay...enough hints! Tell me what design house this bag is from and you'll win my undying love and admiration. Did you really think we were having a giveaway? We haven't even been around for two months! ;)

UPDATE: Wow...this one must have been too easy! As most of you already know this is the Balenciaga Brilliant Pouchette Bague. Purchase this clutch from www.barneys.com for $2675. Click the title of this post to check out Rihanna's Alexander Wang Daphne duffel!

Deja Vu: Juliette Jake Crocodile Wrap Clutch

When I first laid eyes on the Juliette Fake...I mean Juliette Jake Crocodile Wrap Clutch I thought to myself...what a cute bag! My second thought was...where have I seen it before? Literally a millisecond of time elapsed before I realized that it looked eerily similar to the B. Romanek Rock Star. Okay so it's beyond similar...it's a complete knockoff! Purchase the B. Romanek Rock Star for $2150 from www.barneys.com!

UPDATE: Lala Vasquez was spotted wearing the Juliette Jake Crocodile Wrap Clutch and I have to admit that it's growing on me. I think I might have to get the black version, simply because I never got my hands on a B. Romanek Rock Star and it's $1655 cheaper! If you like exotic bags, click the title of this post to check out a fabulous Judith Leiber python clutch!

New Zagliani Bags!!!

We officially have 5000 hits! I want to thank all of our faithful readers for checking out our blog, leaving comments, becoming a follower and of course CLICKING ON OUR ADS...lol. What better way to celebrate than new exotic bags from Zagliani? I'll never forget the first time I laid eyes on a Zagliani bag. I was standing in Saks Fifth Avenue and I spotted a white crocodile weekender from across the room. I've been hooked ever since! The craftsmanship and attention to detail is unparalleled in handbag design. Believe it or not, the bags have been shot with silicone...that's right ladies and gentlemen...botox! And the result is the softest crocodile and python skin you will ever get your hands on. The shape of the khaki puffy bag is nothing new from Zagliani...why mess with perfection? But the satchel has been updated with a beautiful muddy greenish-brown color that I personally love because it's reminiscent of actual crocodile skin...or at least the ones I used to eat growing up in New Orleans! It retails for £9,958.00, which I'm well aware is quite a bit of money, but it's an investment that can be worn for years to come as well as passed down to your children and grandkids. The grey python hobo is significantly less expensive and can be purchased for £2,218.00 from www.matchesfashion.com. The chain handles really set this bag apart from your typical run of the mill slouchy python hobo. I just can't get enough of it, but the only bag that has me ready to whip out my credit card is the black crocodile shopper. It retails for £9,678.00 and would add a touch of luxe to any wardrobe! This is seriously too much for me...I need to lie down! Click the title of this post to check out Shana London's gorgeous exotic bags!

The Red Lip Effect

I think we can technically consider lip stick as an accessory. Actually...the ultimate accessory. Classic red lips have made a grand comeback and pushed lip gloss out of the way for a minute. Everyone has the perfect red lipstick or is at least looking for one. I put together my top picks above and I love that there is a wide spectrum in the prices. Its pretty hard to find the perfect red for your skin tone but once you find it, its worth the buy.

Rihanna and Scarlet Johanson never hit the streets without their red lips. Rihanna was seen on the red carpet with this fabulous layered pearl necklace and of course the red lips. I admit..her look is an acquired taste...but i like it. Scarlet on the other hand keeps it classy all the time. Her sophisticated style is well complimented by her red lips. Her picture below is from the Dolce and Gabbana cosmetics ad. Purchase your fave at www.sephora.com. Click the title of this post to check out Rihanna's lizard skin Balenciaga clutch!

Weekly Fashion Roundup

• Ana won The Fashion Show! Yay...I guess...I was rooting for James Paul but I didn't vote so whatever! Speaking of horrible fashion designers trying to get exposure through reality TV...Project Runway is back and it's worse than ever! The preview for the show is set in L.A. and it features Lindsay Lohan...nuff said!
  
• The new Naomi Campbell...Jourdan Dunn is preggers?!? Isn't she like 18? Whatever...she can afford it, but who's the baby daddy (did I just say that?)? She will be missed at Fashion Week in September. :(
  
• Barney's New York unveiled a window display featuring bloody mannequins...and then took it down due to complaints from dramatic reporters/shoppers/New Yawkers?!? I'm disappointed! Simon Doonan, a man who is famous for putting bedazzled rats in a window display in 1977 London, suddenly has limitations!
  
• I love these supermodel skateboards...check out my girl Lara Stone in those animal print booties!

Click the title of this post to find out more information pertaining to the Model as Muse Exhibit!

See by Chloe Studded Strap Flat Boots

Rugged boots are a must have this fall. The See by Chloe studded boot is an upgrade on the traditional flat boot. The embellished leather belt that wraps around the shoe gives it the rocker chic look that is hot for fall. The loose layered belt covers the lace up front which will probably save you from bending down to tie your shoes every two seconds. After a summer filled with stilettos, wedges, and pumps...I think we can all use some flat boots. Rugged boots have been recently seen on Keri Hilson, Rihanna, and Beyonce's lil' sister Solange, but I think the See by Chloe boots are much sexier. Buy these for $498.00 from www.intermixonline.com. Click the title of this post to access Lindsay Lohan's python Chloe Paraty!

Keri Hilson

Novella Royale Mister Studded Handbag

Designers are shoving studded detailing down our throats, whether we like it or not. I personally love the rocker look, but I don't think that such a trendy item should be an investment purchase. Nor would I want to be wearing the same studded bag as everyone else. That's why I haven't featured the Alexander Wang coco duffel! It's overpriced, overpublicized and the leather is low quality. Quite a few of you liked the Tory Burch studded messenger bag that I posted last week, but commented on the fact that it wasn't ideal for evenings and weekends. Good news...I was flipping through the August issue of Elle Magazine today and I spotted an amazing studded satchel from a new designer...Novella Royale! The Mister bag is on trend with the oversized black on black studs and it's actually affordable at $584. Did I mention that this bag is green? Yep...each satchel is made out of recycled leather jackets and they're lined in organic cotton. Preorder the Novella Royale Mister Studded Handbag at www.pinkmascara.com. Click the title of this post to access some fierce over-the-knee boots to go with your new Mister bag!

Christy Turlington is Back!!!

Christy Turlington is one of my favorite supermodels! So you can imagine my utter excitement when I received August's issue of Vogue in the mail this week and she was on the cover. In addition to being gorgeous at 40, she's getting a master's degree at Nina's alma mater, Columbia University, and she's making a documentary on the risks of maternity in developing countries! She also has a new YSL ad campaign...

...and a Bally ad campaign!

Is there anything that she can't do? Check out the August issue of American Vogue's feature story on Christy Turlington at www.vogue.com! Click the title of this post to access Mr. Big's new spread in Harper's Bazaar!

Lindsay Lohan's Python Chloé Paraty

What has Lindsay Lohan been up to lately? In case you haven't heard her acting career is completely over, best exemplified by the fact that her most recent film, Labor Pains, is skipping theaters and going straight to TV! I know I'm probably alone here, but I'm actually rooting for her music career. I loved Rumors, Confessions of a Broken Heart and Bossy and she said her new album is "kind of Kylie Minogue meets Rihanna." Hellz Yea! Anyway, I have always loved her style and this blue python Chloé Paraty is perfection! It's a "must have" addition to any urban luxe wardrobe. The oversized python scales are on trend, while the shape and size of the shopper will transition flawlessly from season to season. Purchase the python Chloé Paraty in grey and/or tan at http://www.matchesfashion.com/ for £2,389.00 ($3,392.38).

Lindsay Lohan's fashion credibility is on the rise with her new Fornarina ads. Is it just me or has she been photoshopped within an inch of her life?!? Click the title of this post to check out Lindsay Lohan's hawt fedora!

Balenciaga Arena Saddle Messenger Bag

Balenciaga has created yet another boring bag that will undoubtedly come in a thousand different colors. I know the "clackers" can't get enough of their City and Work totes, but I quite frankly have lost interest. Don't get me wrong, the Italian wrinkled lambskin is luscious and these bags are beautiful, but don't you find them a bit mundane? Anyhoo the Arena Saddle Classic messenger bag has finally arrived at www.barneys.com. It comes in three colors that we rarely see in handbag design. My favorite is mandarin (it's sort of a burnt orange or rust color). Praline is the most neutral and will transition seamlessly into fall, while the bleu layette is a little too "it's a boy" blue for my personal taste. Despite my lack of enthusiasm about these bags, I actually find them quite appealing. They just aren't interesting! Purchase the Balenciaga Arena Saddle messenger bag from www.barneys.com for $995. Click the title to check out Rihanna's new Balenciaga bag!

New Valentino Bags for Fall

Bergdorf Goodman sent me an email pertaining to the "hottest" Valentino handbags for fall, but there must have been a mistake because...well...just see for yourself!





Paris Hilton replaced "that's hot" with "huge." But she neglected to inform the public that "hot" now means "fugly?" To add insult to injury, these atrocities range in price from $1245-$2695. Here's the only two bags in the collection that don't test my gag reflex.

The black patent leather Maison hard tote was featured on Gossip Girl and retails for $1795. The red leather Vertigo Satchel is $1995. Check out the rest of Valentino's fall collection at www.bergdorfgoodman.com. Click on the title of this post to access some majorly fug Michael Kors' fur coats!

Irina Volkonskii Clutch

While in France, I picked up this Irina Volkonskii clutch and I absolutely love it. Irina Volkonskii is a famous fashion and jewellery designer in Paris. This bag was part of the Irina Volkonskii for Sephora line. I got my hands on the one of the last bags left from the line that she created exclusively for Sephora last year for only 5 Euros. The bag was so cute and so cheap I couldn't believe it. The statement on the bag "L'affaire est dans le sac" translates to "Business in the bag," which I just love because it sounds so snobby. I wore this bag out the other day and saw some chicks with some bag envy...I was like..don't hate!

Irina Volkonskii also known as the "Red Russian" has worked with Jean-Charles De Castelbajac and creates artistic jewellery and accessories. Below is Irina with one of her more unique creations on top of her head. If you like my bag, I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for something similar that you can get your hands on in the states. Click the title of this post to access an amazingly cheap and chic clutch!

Givenchy Ombre Tassel Messenger Bag

Was that Givenchy couture show amazing or what? I mean, every single piece got either an "oh" or an "ah" out of me. Unfortunately, Givenchy bags have taken me a lot longer to warm up to. I like the Nightingale, but the shape is odd to say the least. This messenger is my favorite bag so far and it's a huge step in the right direction for Givenchy. The bag evokes images of the way women dress in Italy...very simplistic chic...with a bit of an edge. The supple Italian grained leather comes in bronze or black. Your wallet and cell phone will fit perfectly in the sizable zipper pocket. The piece de resistance is the ginormous tassel, which gives this bag that little something extra that makes it special. Purchase the Givenchy Ombre Tassel Messenger Bag through www.barneys.com for $1385. Click the title of this post to check out the perfect statement necklaces to go with this bag!

Shana London Bags!

Since launching her handbag collection in fall 2004, exclusively at Harrod's London, Shana London bags have made their way into the pages of Vogue and Harper's Bazaar, the hands of celebrities and jet-setters and the shelves of high-end department stores and luxury boutiques all over the world. Her handbags, or should I say creations, are crafted from the finest enamel, python, silk and even mink. She has created an accessories line that can be worn with "both denim and diamonds...from daytime to evening chic." Her bags are available for purchase at www.shanalondon.com. My favorites are the 16" black Ruby python satchel (£1800) and the 12" beige Melon python clutch (£960). If you like exotic bags, click the title of this post to see the new Zagliani collection!

Bag TV!!!

All of you that are as addicted to NYC Prep as I am are gonna love this bag. It has a TV in it! Now you don't have to miss a second of PC's rants about the upper east side den of iniquity that bores him to tears. Who is this...Peter Casey? He lives in the greatest city in the U.S., he's got more money than God and yet he's always complaining! Anyway, back to the bag! It has seven different color combinations and with the removable flap that covers the 7" LCD screen, you can pass it off as work appropriate...as soon as you get to your office...close the door...and tune in to The View. The battery life is about 2.5 hours and you can play DVD's, MP3's or even a slideshow of images pulled from your PC. Run out and get yours today for a mere $436!

THIS POST IS A JOKE! IF ANY OF YOU ACTUALLY THINK THAT I WOULD ENDORSE TOTING AROUND A BAG WITH A TV IN IT, THEN "THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITCHA, THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITCHA!" --KIMORA LEE SIMMONS

Click the title of the post to see which bag you should be getting with that kind of money!

Devi Kroell Evening Bag

How many times have you walked into a function and half of the women are wearing Hermes and Chanel bags? You can either play follow-the-leader or be an individual and make a statement when you enter a room. I've been a fan of Devi Kroell for about a year now and I love these evening bags. They're the quintessential "grown-up" bag for events, parties and fundraisers. The size is perfect for your evening essentials (lip gloss, credit card, mascara, I-d). It has a box chain, which I personally wouldn't use, but it could come in handy. Purchase the raspberry patent ostrich evening bag for $1300 from www.devikroell.com. Click the title of this post to see more exotic evening bags!

"Coco Before Chanel" Movie

I can hardly wait for the new movie on Coco Chanel's life titled "Coco Before Chanel." Although the movie is scheduled for release on July 31, 2009 in the UK, but us Americans have to wait till September 25, 2009 for it. I'm ecstatic that a major motion picture on Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel's life is finally coming to the big screen. The woman is a household name yet many people know absolutely nothing about her life so this should be both entertaining and educational. Actress Audrey Tautou plays Coco Chanel and costumes in the film are made by famous costume designer Catherine Leterrier. Some Chanel pieces from the Chanel Conservatory will also be featured in the film. According to British Vogue, when art director of Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld saw pictures of Audrey Tautou, he told Leterrier that "she [Tautou] was the only true Chanel." Karl Lagerfeld doesn't bullshit around so you know this has got to be true. The movie is in French and will have subtitles in English (any reason to practice my french is always great for me). I haven't been to the movies allllll year. Why? American movies have gotten so bad. I mean has Hollywood run out of ideas? These days a movie has to be orgasmic for me to get up and hit the theater. I'm more than ready to run to the theater for this Chanel movie. View the costumes from the movie on www.vogue.co.uk and check out the movie trailer below. Click the title of this post to see our reviews of The Proposal and Confessions of a Shopaholic!

Miu Miu Beret

Im backkkkkkkkkk!!!!! Ok, my vacation was hella long, but I'm finally back to the states from Europe. I went to France and London and had sooooooo much fun. Ok..so first up, while in France I bought an authentic French beret (that basically means that its made in France). Berets are timeless. You cant go wrong with them...their especially fabulous for the fall. I love classic wool berets in the winter. The best part about berets is that you can easily mold them to look the way you want and it can make anybody look sophisticated..seriously.

If you cant get your hands on a French made beret from the streets of Paris, well Miu Miu's Pre-Fall 2009 Collection features a fabulous beret that is just as good. The beret (pictured above) is black angora and only $120 from www.netaporter.com. Yeah its plain..but who wants to buy a crazy embellished beret that they can only wear once a year? I love to be unique but I always have to have a classic in the closet and this Miu Miu option is too good to be true. If you need a little glitz and glam on your head, I suggest the Searle beret that is on sale for $103.60 at www.searlenyc.com (pictured below). The great prices for berets means that there is no excuse to having one in your closet.

And who can forget Ms. Janet Jackson's fabulous look at Micheal Jackson's funeral with her beret? It was such a sad event..I actually shed some tears, but I can't help but to give Ms. Jackson some recognition for her stylish beret. Her beret definitely complimented her classy, confident, and strong demeanor even through the hard times. Click the title of this post to access our special farewell to Michael Jackson!

Searle wool beret with velvet flower

Janet Jackson looking beret fab at MJ's funeral

Dooney & Bourke Zebra Tear Drop Hobo

I've never been a big fan of animal prints or Dooney & Bourke, but this bag works for me on so many levels. First off, the fact that the zebra skin is brown and white, makes it look more subtle and realistic. The size is perfect without being overdone. Designers have truly gotten carried away with the oversized trend. Some women look like their carrying travel bags around town. The cell phone pocket and shoulder strap make it ideal for the mom on the go. If you like this bag, may I suggest the red leather trim because it pops against the zebra skin. Purchase the Zebra Tear Drop Hobo for $335 at www.dooney.com. Click the title of this post to see what happens when animal print goes all wrong!

Subversive Jewelry

If you haven't heard of the eco-lux jewelry brand, Subversive, then you need to get your life together. Designer and artist, Justin Guinta doesn't follow trends. He sets them. His handcrafted pieces are made out of green, vintage materials. Guinta's "more is more" philosophy is best exemplified by the Cabaret Feather Necklace ($2200). It features a green feather wrapped with antique chain and yellow agate beads in brass hexagons. I'm catching a mild case of Chanel fever from the Pearl and Smoke Lei Necklace ($1400), featuring clusters of pearls connected to lava beads. Click the title of this post to check out some ultra fab statement rings!

Preen Quatro Bag: Cheap (Kinda) and Chic

I can't get enough of the Preen by Thornton Bregazzi Quatro Bag. When I first saw it I thought that it would be perfect for college students with the exception of the price, which is why I didn't feature it. But now that it's on sale, it's actually affordable for those of you who were lucky enough to get summer jobs in this economy. The buttery-soft robin's egg blue leather is stunning and this bag has so many details that will come in handy for students. The shoulder strap is ideal when you're lugging a bunch of crap around campus. The zip around design is perfect for sliding laptops and textbooks in and out with ease. And the bag features multiple zippered pockets that offer easy access to your lip gloss, sunglasses, etc. Purchase the Preen Quatro Bag from ASOS Woman for $632.70. Click the title of this post if you need some cool boots to go with this bag!

Lizzie Fortunato Jewelry

Lizzie Fortunato Jewelry is so beautiful and distinctive. You won't see anything like it from any other jewelry designer. I love the fall collection because it's inspired by the textures and patterns of the American West. Although I'm a city boy, I love the mountains and canyons of the west coast and my favorite family vacation while I was growing up was a trip to the Grand Canyon. The Native American influences are evident in practically every piece and my personal favorite is the Desert Wedding Necklace. Nothing epitomizes the Lizzie Fortunato philosophy that "high-end jewelry is not limited to diamonds" quite like their handmade fabric pieces. Speaking of which, I love the Electric Koolaid Necklace from the spring/summer collection. It's just so youthful and fun! Check out the rest of the collection at www.lizziefortunatojewels.com. If you like these pieces, you NEED to see Subversive Jewelry by clicking on the title of this post!

New Gucci Bags!!!

I love Gucci menswear, but I have not been impressed by their handbags in years. So you can imagine my shock and sheer excitement about some truly amazing Gucci bags for fall. I cannot get enough of the Icon Bit Boston Bag. First off, it's Gucci, so you know the leather is of the highest quality. It has a rocker edge, which is so in right now and it reminds me of the good old days when Tom Ford was the HBIC. The horse bits are traditional Gucci, but the bag has been updated in a major way with the chain detailing. Preorder the Icon Bit Boston Bag for $1950 at www.bergdorfgoodman.com. But wait Ron...there's more! The Galaxy Top Handle Bag is even hotter! The ruched leather, the braided handles...even the interlocking G's are fabulous because they're plexiglass. This is the first bag for fall that has officially made my pussy wet and, therefore, NEEDS to be preordered from www.bergdorfgoodman.com for $2995. What do you think? Am I overreacting because I've come to expect so little from Gucci, or are these bags fucking awesome?!? Click the title of this post to see which Bottega Veneta bag my mom's getting for her birthday!

Raphael Young Shoes

Raphael Young's fall 09 collection is practically tailor made for Lady Gaga. It's beyond rocker chic. It's futuristic fabulous! Young was inspired by the year 2079, "when women have taken over the world." (www.elle.com) If this golden beauty is any indication, then I can't wait to turn 93. The spring/summer 09 collection is outrageous! Young states, “All the shoes from this collection bear samurai names as feudal Japan was my inspiration. I wanted the shoes to be a feminine interpretation of traditional armors.” My favorite shoe is The Bizen (pictured below). If you like these shoes, then you NEED to click the title of this post to see what Alexander McQueen has in store for us this fall!