Balenciaga Classic Bag!

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Balenciaga can do no wrong! Let me introduce you to the Classic bag. I still can't figure out if it's a satchel, top handle, messenger or briefcase...and I don't care! Whatever it is...it's awesome! The geometric detailing has a futuristic vibe and the bright orange suede is so fun. Be advised that this bag is small and definitely won't work for the office. It's clearly a grab and go bag for quick evening and weekend excursions. For those of you that prefer a more subtle aesthetic, check out the black version. Both are available at Matches Fashion for £675.00 ($1,093.50).

Is it just me or has this bag incorporated my favorite trend for fall...the exaggerated shoulder!?! As Rachel Zoe would say...I DIE!

Weekly Fashion Roundup!

• Steven Meisel shot Sasha Pivovarova and Ash Stymest for the homeless-chic September cover of Italian Vogue. Rihanna looks amazing in Valentino on the cover of the couture supplement! Shot by Steven Klein.

• While relaxing at home, Andre Leon Talley pairs Uggs with Juicy Couture shorts and a Ralph Lauren polo. I, for one, am disappointed! I expected him to be chilling on his sofa in croc shorts, diamond encrusted loafers and a fitted chinchilla tee. Get it together ALT!

• America's favorite stylist, Rachel Zoe is not stopping with her QVC line of tacky faux furs and gaudy jewelry. She also wants her own fragrances, skin care products, candles, bedding, books, everything. Wait a minute...did she say skin care products?!? I don't want to be mean, but she has the worst skin on national television and that's post face lift.

• Chris March, the huge guy on Project Runway that slept all the time, except when he was sewing human hair onto blazers and laughing obnoxiously, is suing Thierry Mugler!!! Apparently, March and Mugler have been working together for seven years, including extensive work for Beyonce's I AM tour, which he still hasn't been payed for. March wants his money and he's not going to stop eating until he gets it!

Weekly Fashion Roundup!

• You MUST watch the Miss Universe pageant this Sunday at 9, because Andre Leon Talley himself will be a judge!!! That's not it ladies and gentlemen. Heidi Montag and Kelly Rowland are performing...YIKES!

• Creative Director of BAGPOOR, Michael St. James was MIA from his wildly popular fashion blog this week. He released a statement. "OMG...I broke my computer screen! I want to thank all of my followers for hanging in there this week and Nina Styles for holding down the fort!" James added, "BAGPOOR reached 10,000 hits...EOWWWW!"

• While Conde Nast is forcing magazines that no one reads (i.e. Glamour) to scale back spending during fashion week, Vogue's plans for covering the shows "are precisely as they have always been." Vogue staffers have every intention of staying at the most luxurious hotels, [not] eating at the world's most expensive restaurants, and sending an obnoxious amount of editors to every show!

• Jean Paul Gaultier will be stepping down as the creative director of Hermes after the spring 2010 show in Paris! I have no idea why anyone would chose to leave one of the few brands that has withstood this economic downturn.

• Was it just me or did Vogue's September Issue seem like a big Liya Kebede spread? Don't get me wrong, she's a beautiful woman, but did she really need to be on every page of the magazine? Not to mention the fact that she shared the May cover and she just had a solo shoot a couple of months ago. Spread the love Grace [Coddington]...spread the love.

• Keira Knightly has been photoshopped beyond recognition in her new Chanel fragrance campaign. Do I need to get my eyes checked or have they enhanced her bust as well?!?

Click the title of this post for more fashion news!

Bottega Veneta Manbags!!!

The Fume Arco Briefcase is beyond amazing...it's orgasmic! Not only is it handcrafted from the highest quality crocodile skin in the world, but it's navy blue! This briefcase is lined in nappa leather and the hardware is antiqued. It's available at Bottega Veneta for $16500. I wish that I was an attorney or businessman, just so that I would have an excuse, or at least the money, to get this bag!


This nero (black) waxed python portfolio is the only bag from the fall collection that I actually considered buying for myself. Admittedly, I don't really have a need for a portfolio, but it's beautiful! Because the python skin is waxed, it has a matte appearance. I LOVE the zig-zag seam detailing and the masculine, aged turn-lock hardware. The geometric flaps are the icing on the cake. Purchase this bag from Bottega Veneta for $4350.

I need your assistance! Click the title of this post in order to help me answer the eternal question that has plagued humanity since the beginning of time...To monogram or not to monogram?

Bottega Veneta Bags!!!

Bottega Veneta's fall bags are outrageous! Every piece is breathtaking. The Grape Cocco Glace is, by far, my favorite bag in the collection. The crocodile scales are symmetrically flawless. The ombre lavender color is gorgeous and unique. The woven handles are quintessentially Bottega Veneta and the seaming takes on a zig-zag pattern. Even the lining is lambskin. This bag epitimizes luxury and elegance! It's available at Bottega Veneta for a mere $26500. A girl can dream...can't she?


This shiny crocodile clutch debuted in fall 2007, but it's back and better than ever! The glossy crocodile scales are perfection and I LOVE the geometric detailing, which actually creates seperate compartments within the clutch. Purchase this bag in nero (black) for $7600 through Bottega Veneta.

Check back later today for Bottega Veneta's manbags, which I'm currently obsessing over, and click the title of this post to see more fabulous exotic bags for fall!

Alexander McQueen Jewelry

I'm still not sure how I feel about this jewelry?!? On one hand, I find it appealing, in a rocker chick sorta way and then on the other hand, I'm scared! The knuckle duster and ring are my favorite pieces in the collection. The silvertone brass has an antique feel and the signature Alexander McQueen skulls are tricked out in Swarovski crystals!




These earrings, however, scare the shit out of me. Seriously...I'm terrified! Purchase these pieces, if you dare, at Bergdorf Goodman. They range in price from $295 for the earrings to $550 for the knuckle duster.

Click the title of this post to check out the hottest Alexander McQueen boots for fall!

Alexander McQueen Faithful Tote

Happy Monday everybody! I hope you all had a great weekend. We have a lot in store for you this week, including an unprecedented number of bag posts and a response to our first email request from one of our favorite readers...Rebecca. Let's get started with a bag that I've been eyeing for a while...the Alexander McQueen Faithful Tote. I LOVE the audacity of this bag! It incorporates nearly every aspect of handbag design, yet it completely works. Here's the black leather version, available through zappos.com for $2299.



And the Oxblood Red, which retails for $2795 at Alexander McQueen.

And the drop dead stunningly gorgeous python version, available through Alexander McQueen for $7860.

And the majorly fugtastic smaller houndstooth version, available for $1995 through Saks Fifth Avenue.

One of our followers, Dania, is obsessed with this bag too. What do you think? Click the title of this post to see Alexander McQueen's most interesting clutch for fall! And come back later today for terrifying Alexander McQueen jewelry!

Weekly Fashion Roundup!

It's time for the weekly fashion roundup!

• Lady Gaga was shot by Out Magazine and the result is orgasmic!


• GAP's creative director Patrick Robinson has confirmed that Kanye West is not interning for GAP. Robinson explains "Kanye is a friend of mine, and he just likes to see what we do." He added “I keep telling him he should stick to music." We agree!


• Escada files for insolvency...which I guess is like bankruptcy?!? :(


• September's Harper's Bazaar is a must read! Some highlights include Naomi Campbell on location in Africa, Agyness Deyn as Michael Jackson, top American designers on Sesame Street, Chanel Iman in 1940's Harlem, and a spread devoted to shopaholics.

Are you enjoying 70's music week? Click the title of this post if you still haven't gotten your fashion fix!

Halle Berry's Louis Vuitton African Queen Clutch

Halle Berry is over 40 and positively glowing! Is it because of her beautiful baby daddy or that drop dead stunningly gorgeous Louis Vuitton African Queen Clutch? This bag is one of my favorite pieces from the spring/summer 2009 Steven Sprouse collection. The leopard printed lambskin has a sheen that enables it to transition flawlessly from day to night. The twisted drawstring with resin and metal pompoms is purely decorative as this clutch has a magnetic closure. However, if you tighten the drawstring, you can cinch in the bag and create a more dramatic shape. Marc Jacobs really does think of everything! Purchase the African Queen clutch for $2580 from Louis Vuitton. Click the title of this post for the perfect Stella McCartney over-the-knee boots to wear with this bag!

P.S. Neiman Marcus has just announced that leopard print is one of the hottest trends for fall!

Kelly Bensimon Jewelry

So Kelly Bensimon, you know the chick from "Real Housewives of New York," has finally released her jewelry to retailers. When I was watching "Housewives" I remember her jewelry line being mediocre but her new collection is really nice. I couldn't stand Kelly on the show...especially after she started hating on my girl Bethenny, but I gotta give her some credit for this jewelry. I love the earrings and ring above. Her pieces will add a little drama to your accessory collection. Full of white and colored crystals, the Kelly Bensimon jewelry collection is totally affordable, ranging in price from $88.00 to $165.00 at Intermix. She's definitely the only housewife whose business venture I can support. If you like bold jewelry, you NEED to click the title of this post to check out Lizzie Fortunato's pieces!

Kelly Bensimon

Rihanna's Alexander Wang Daphne Duffel

It's official...I have finally joined the Alexander Wang fanatics club! But before I tell you about the object of my obsession, check out this ridiculous Bianca vest bag!



It appears to be Wang's take on a fisherman's jacket?!? I don't get it, but it's perfect for someone that desperately needs attention, like Amber Rose. And to add insult to injury, it's $850! For just 40 more bucks, you can get Rihanna's absolutely fabulous Daphne duffel bag!

Of course, it's made out of the sumptuous pebbled leather that Wang is known for. I love the black version that RiRi is carrying, but an uber fash silver version is available on shopbop.com.

They're both gorgeous...I just can't decide which one to get! Speaking of Alexander Wang, click the title of this post to check out some outrageous boots in his fall lineup!

Weekly Fashion Roundup!

It's time for the weekly fashion roundup!

• The new Armani ads featuring Victoria Beckham have arrived! She looks flawless, but I wish they would have gone with a real model! What do you think? BTW Victoria Beckham has not renewed her contract with Armani because she wants to focus on her clothing line, which will debut this upcoming spring at New York fashion week.


• Rodarte's doing a line for Target! The collection will be comprised of 55 pieces, and will range from $9.99 for knee-highs to $79.99 for a leopard-print jacket. I can't wait until it hits stores on December 20th.


• The always annoying and overexposed creative director of Elle Magazine, Joe Zee, reported that the always annoying and overexposed Kanye West styled a spread for October's personal style issue. Rumor has it that the model for the shoot was the always annoying and overexposed Amber Rose!


• Jennifer Connelly (I know right...who???) poses awkwardly in the fall 2009 ads for Victoria's Secret...I mean Balenciaga. She looks like she's in a lot of pain. Her body is so contorted and she's trying way too hard to be sexy. BTW...Steven Meisel was the photographer...I'm thoroughly disappointed!

If you still haven't gotten your fashion fix, click the title of this post to access more fashion news!

Nancy Gonzalez Python Handbag

It's summer, so I know you all need a big bag to carry around the kid's suntan lotion, ipods, heck even laptops. But that's no excuse to grab a fugly canvas tote. Nancy Gonzalez has combined a white python hobo with a black crocodile handle. I know right...enough said, but let me give you a little more information. The bag is huge and can literally fit everything except the kitchen sink. The skins are sourced from privately controlled farms, so you know you're getting a high quality, durable bag. Nancy Gonzalez threw in a pale lemon suede lining with a phone compartment, so you won't have to worry about digging for you phone in a black, cheap nylon hole. If you can swing it, I would suggest picking this beauty up from www.couturelab.com for £1,980. It's the ultimate black and white summer hobo. Click the title of this post to check out an ultra fab Nancy Gonzalez crocodile bowler!

UPDATE: Did y'all see Kim from The Real Housewives of Atlanta hit her personal stylist with this bag? I love it even more now!

Lindsay Lohan's Fedora

Lindsay Lohan is back to blonde and she was spotted in Los Angeles werqing a fierce fedora! Hats are all the rage this summer, and fedoras in particular have been the accessory of choice for everyone from Diddy to Rihanna. I love Lindsay's but lets face it...you're not going to wear a fedora everyday...so why not get one that's a little more BAM...as NeNe from the Real Housewives of Atlanta would say! I live for this white Phoebe Price Fedora, available for $175 from www.madisonlosangeles.com. It's tricked out with a rhinestone encrusted flower as well as black and white feathers. Go ahead...add some swagger to your life...you know you want to. If you're in to hats, you MUST click the title of this post to check out Janet Jackson's beret that she wore to Michael Jackson's funeral!

The White Briefcase

Is it just me or is it nearly impossible to find an attractive manbag?!? Even designers that make some of the most beautiful and coveted handbags in the world, like Yves Saint Laurent and Bottega Veneta, create mediocre bags for men, that are obviously after-thoughts! Since we can't have cool designs...we can at least have fun with color. I am currently obsessed with white briefcases. The briefcase is the most traditional form of a manbag, but in white they have a certain je ne sais quoi. They're conservative enough to pass off as work appropriate, yet stylish enough to prevent yourself from dying of wardrobe boredom. In true Valextra fashion, the grained leather briefcase is simple and Italian chic. Pair it with a navy or black suit and you will be the talk of the office. It retails for $4360 through http://www.barneys.com/. For something a little more opulent, go with the Salvatore Ferragamo briefcase. This bag has all the features of the Valextra briefcase, but it's crafted out of ostrich skin! By purchasing this bag very gently used in pristine condition, you save 64%! It's only $3450 through Portero.com. Click the title of the post to check out some Louis Vuitton manbags that I'm currently obsessing over!

Christine J. Brandt Statement Rings

I love Christine J. Brandt jewelry! Her nature inspired statement rings are always innovative and certainly don't follow trends. All of her one-of-a-kind rings are hand carved from exotic woods and adorned with clusters of semi precious stones and minerals, both of which are left as close as possible to how they are found in nature. Christine J. Brandt jewelry is sold in luxury hotels and boutiques all over the world, from Mexico to Dubai! For purchasing information, you can contact her by phone (614-323-0993) or email (christine@christinejbrandt.com). Click the title of this post to check out the ultimate statement rings!

Gucci Anthracite Pelham Studded Hobo

About two years ago, my friend asked me to find her the perfect Gucci bag and after hours of exhaustive searching I only found one item that I loved enough to confidently recommend. It was the Gucci Pelham Studded Hobo, which at the time was only available in black and plum. I love the shape of this hobo and the ruching of the sumptuous leather adds to the gypsy aesthetic that was all the rage at Gucci a few years ago. The minimal studded detailing is perfect because it's on trend, but not overdone. That way...when studs are "so last year," you can still rock this bag! Lastly, I live for this color. It's called anthracite and it's sort of a slate grey...still a neutral that will go with everything for fall, but not the typical black or brown. You can preorder the refreshingly understated anthracite Gucci Pelham Studded Hobo for $1700 from www.neimanmarcus.com. Click the title of this post to see my favorite Gucci bags in the fall collection!

Crocodile Ralph Lauren Ricky: Revisited

As many of you already know, I am in love with the Ralph Lauren Ricky! The Ricky is the perfect Hermes alternative for women who could and/or would never spend $50,000 on a bag, but still want the look of an exotic Birkin. Previously I ranted and raved about the red version, but I have a new favorite color...taupe! This bag is perfect for women that are so over trends and are always on the prowl for classic, sophisticated investment pieces that can be worn for years to come. It screams opulence and luxury...from the stunning taupe crocodile skin and the glove leather lined interior to the removable nameplate for custom engraving! Purchase the Ricky bag for $16995 from www.ralphlauren.com. Check out the other versions of the Ricky bag by clicking the title of this post!

Beyonce's Yellow Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Sandals

Beyonce was spotted strutting her stuff in the streets of New York City and she looks fabulous! Usually I don't like her style because she has a tendency to be a little too "Las Vegas showgirl" for my taste, but she pulls off this understated summer casual look flawlessly! Okay so let's get down to business...THE SHOES! These yellow platforms are the Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Sandals! While the heels are dangerously high at 5.5", they're actually relatively comfortable because the platform is ginormous! These sandals will make any woman's legs look a mile long and although I love the yellow pair, I found one even hawter. Behold...the YSL leopard print Tribute sandals with black leather trim. These sexy platforms are on trend with the safari chic print and are well worth the investment at £735.00. Purchase these sandals through www.matchesfashion.com. Click the title for more affordable and equally as fab sandals!

Weekly Fashion Roundup!

It's time for the weekly fashion roundup!

• Beyonce and her tacky mother have released the ads for the fall debut collection of Sasha Fierce, a younger, more affordable line from the House of Dereon. I wanted to hate this line so much, but I actually like it. The Baby Phat consumer needs something new and fresh and they're not getting it from Kimora. A lot of these clothes remind me of what people at my high school (T.C. Williams...Go Titans) used to wear. It's fun, fabulous and has a sexy, urban edge.



• Guess who was spotted wearing flats this weekend in the Hamptons? Yep...Anna Wintour! NY Mag interviewed Vogue's Lauren Santo Domingo and she responded, "I wonder if that means we can wear flats to the office now." Vogue staffers can't wear flats? WTF?!?



• Louis Vuitton reported a 7% increase in sales for the first half of the year! Apparently Marc Jacobs whoring himself out to all things ghetto (i.e. Steven Sprouse and Kanye West) and those ads of Madonna photoshopped within an inch of her life have finally paid off.
  

If you still haven't gotten your fashion fix, click the title of this post for more fashion news!