Trend Alert: NEON!!!

Neon is literally everywhere. It's in every store, strutting down every runway...and it should be in everyone's closet! The key is to wear this trend in small doses. Take this fabulous Dannijo statement ring I spotted at Intermix for just $120. It will add the perfect splash of color to a black rocker chick outfit. For those of you that are more daring, check out this Bottega Veneta 2010 cruise collection knot clutch. Not only is it florescent yellow, pink or orange...but it's ring lizard skin! Purchase through BV stores next spring for $1980.  

My favorite way to rock this trend is with a hot pair of neon sunglasses. It's such an easy and inexpensive way to add a little LA chic into your life. Speaking of which, The Hills is back! Are you excited? I'm loving the drama that Kristen is serving up, but The City literally put me to sleep. Both of these Ray-Bans are available here for $109.95 with FREE shipping!

Click the title of this post for some of my favorite celeb shades!

Janet Jackson's Zagliani Bag

A lot of people are hating on Janet's new look, but I absolutely love it! I think she looks age appropriate and tres tres chic! Not to mention the fact that any woman who wears Zagliani is a girl after my own heart. We've already discussed why Zagliani is so amazing so I'm gonna get right down to business. First and foremost, it has a gold-tone chain shoulder strap that has been intertwined with crocodile skin for comfort and aesthetics. Clearly, we all need to get a flap bag with a chain strap...it is the "must have" handbag trend for fall. The khaki crocodile skin is the perfect neutral. You can dress it up...you can dress it down. It goes with whites, greys, browns, blues...I could go on and on. But if you don't have approximately 15K lying around, check out the metallic black python version! It's Zagliani, so you know that it has been injected with Botox, resulting in sumptuous scales that will never curl. It's double the luxury and half the price of any lambskin Chanel flap bag and it's more youthful. Purchase through Matches Fashion for £1,028.00 ($1,665.36).

Click the title of this post to swoon over my favorite Zagliani bag...EVER!

Trend Alert: Green Croc Bags!!!

UPDATE: Check out this STUNNING 35cm Porosus crocodile Hermes Birkin with gold hardware. The color is called Vert Force and it's available at my favorite vintage store in LA, Decades!

I've been keeping a really close eye on this trend because I love the color green and it suits crocodile skin beautifully! It's the perfect combination for fall, as green adds a splash of color to greys, browns and black, without looking inappropriately bright for the season.




The Quentin Mackay Persia is, hands down, my favorite handbag for fall. First and foremost, it's alligator skin and we've already talked about why that's superior to crocodile skin. The flawless scales are hand-dyed with the most gorgeous deep forest green that I have ever seen on a bag. The gold plated ball and claw closures give this bag a vintage feel and will undoubtedly turn heads. It's well worth the investment of £13,995.00 ($22,106.50) at Browns Fashion, because you will literally be able to wear this bag for the rest of your life and pass it down to your grandkids. If you're looking for something a bit more contemporary, may I present you with the Sang A Large River Tote?

You already know how much I adore this bag and in emerald green vintage finish alligator skin paired with the gold tone geometric detailing...IIII DIE! Purchase through Sang A for $15998.00. If you're young...you probably just want to have fun and aren't in the market for an uber expensive heirloom bag. Don't worry, I got your back...check out this Sang A Flash!

It's a dark green crocodile parallelogram...nuff said! The Flash retails for $1846 at Sang A and if you add yourself to their mailing list, they keep you abreast of all the sales. I only buy Sang A at 20% off! Click the title of this post for more green exotic clutches.

Rebecca Minkoff Stud Devote

Guess who just invited me to her Spring 2010 presentation at New York fashion week? Rebecca Minkoff! We'll be sending our New York correspondent to cover the event, and of course we're going to share it with all of you. No one does simple and chic quite like Rebecca. I loved the Nikki Hobo I posted a couple of weeks ago, but I am addicted to the Stud Devote! It's definitely Rebecca's "it" bag for fall. The slouchy shape and hand-plated stud detailing gives this bag a casual L.A. vibe. Purchase the Stud Devote in black, grey, or plum from shopbop.com for $695 $486.50. That's 30% off!

Here's Whit Whit from The City rockin' her Stud Devote! Wait a minute...she's still dating whatshisface?!? Are you excited about season 2 of The City? I'm not...that shiz was so boring! And what do you think about someone that dresses like this having a clothing line debuting at New York fashion week?

Nina Ricci Embroidery Clutch

I have to admit that I have been hesitant to feature Nina Ricci bags because they all look the same...thanks to that matronly wreath that they insist on attaching to EVERYTHING! The Embroidery Clutch completely changed my opinion. It's just so unique! The woven horseshoe detail and the mix of textures (leather, suede, and embroidery) actually looks fresh. It comes in black and my favorite color for fall...purple. The measurements are 10.5" x 7" x 4" and it retails for $1250 at Barneys. It looks like Nina Ricci bags are finally starting to catch up with their RTW. Click the title of this post for the perfect jackets to go with this bag.

New Lanvin Python Bags!!!

I am really digging Lanvin's fall lineup! The Medium Green Amalia Mat Python Bag is my favorite! It's official...if you don't own at least one bag with a chain strap, then you're not ready for fall! What I really love about this chain in particular is that it features python handles, which will definitely be more comfortable on the shoulder. I also love the signature Lanvin ribbon detailing. It's quite large at 8" x 14" x 4" and it retails for $2788 at Barneys. Is there anything more versatile than a neutral daytime clutch? The Moutarde Bergamot Python Pouchette is breathtaking and the antiqued turn-lock gives it a vintage feel! It measures 7" x 11.5" x 1.75" and it's available at Barneys for $2375.

Click the title of this post for the perfect jackets to wear with these bags!

ASK BAGPOOR: Comfy Heels?!?

Hi Mr Saint James,

I am looking for a cute pair of shoes to wear to work. I am on my feet all day, and flats just dont look cute with my skirts and dresses. Please can you find me some shoes that are COMFORTABLE, yet will have all my co-workers envious.

Thanks- Miss corn and bunion free and I would like to stay that way



You're in luck Miss corn and bunion free... lol. Kenneth Cole just released a collection of shoes specifically for that purpose. The entire line features his patented 925 Technology. I know right...what the hell is that? Let me break it down for you...

• unique flaxseed pillow in arch molds to the shape of your foot
• two layers of Poron foam for shock absorption
• cork and bonded cellulose comfort layers
• supple, breathable sheepskin lining
• soft, flexible rubber sole
• impact-resistant nylon heel lift

It's amazing how scientific we can get on this site sometimes. The Silver Belles are my faves. They're your basic 4" patent leather pumps and they come in three neutral colors (black, dark ash, and ink) that will certainly go with everything. Best of all, they're only $160! If you're looking for something more appropriate for winter, check out these boots.



The 4" Silver Spoon booties are $195 and the 3" Dream Date knee high boots are $275. All of these shoes are limited editions and they're available exclusively through Kenneth Cole stores and his website. No one walks more than New York City women and they are literally lining up around the block just to get their hands on a pair of these amazing shoes. See for yourself.

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Weekly Fashion Roundup!

• Amber Rose looked HUGE and miserable while shuffling down the runway at Celestino!
  
• Blake Lively wore booty shorts to Marchesa and she looks awful!
  
• Fashion's Night Out wasn't successful for retailers! Barneys creative director, Simon Doonan, stated that the night was "not incredible from a business point of view, but just from an energy point of view it was fabulous." What don't these people understand about the word recession? A big party isn't going to convince unemployed people to shop!


• I'm sure you all know that Lindsay Lohan has been named the artistic advisor to Emanuel Ungaro's new designer, Estrella Archs. But you probably weren't aware that Madonna and Paris Hilton were also considered for the position. Seems like they were just looking for publicity to me!

Click here to see a fab outfit that Raygon of Mid-Week Makeover styled for me and click the title of this post for more fashion news!

When Studs Go Too Far!

Okay...so you all know how much I LOVE the explosion of studded detailing that has taken over the globe, but sometimes even I have to admit that too much of a good thing is still too dayum much! Take these Proenza Schouler studded ankle boots for example. Every square centimeter of this heinous black suede shoe is covered in studs...and to add insult to injury it's $1055 at Kirna Zabete! Shameful...on to the next offender.

Anyone who has been following this blog for a while knows that I LOVE Lindsay...but why on Earth is she wearing this Sonia Rykiel studded flap bag?!? Was there a fire sale on silver studs? For those of you who are interested, it's $998 at Intermix. BTW, what is going on with Lindsay's ginormous lips?!? She's such a train wreck...but I can't look away! Click the title of this post for more Lindsay!

Yummy Chanel Fall 2009 Bags!!!

I've been slacking on the bag reviews this week, but I'm back and better than ever. Chanel has some new exotic skinned bags for fall and they are absolutely stunning. Take this metallic lizard flap bag for instance. It's a work of art!




The turn-lock is so subtle and the metal chain adds a rocker edge to the flawless metallic lizard skin, which is so underrated by the way! It's my favorite reptile skin, yet all I ever see in stores is python and crocodile?!? But I digress...check out this matte alligator bag.




It appeals to a more traditional, sophisticated aesthetic with the classic interlocking CC closure and interlaced chain. The alligator skin speaks for itself...it's perfect! That's actually the difference between alligators and crocodiles. Crocodiles have integument sense organs, which look like dots on the corner of each scale, but I'm sure that's way more information than you wanted to know. For those of you that don't have $40,000 lying around, I decided to post some bags that achieve the same look for significantly less $$$. I'll start with this breathtaking Yves Saint Laurent lizard skin bag.



It's just as decadent as the Chanel bags, but it only costs a fraction of the price at £950.00 ($1,569.69) from Browns Fashion. If crocodile is more your thing, you must see what Nancy Gonzalez has created for fall.

At first, I thought that it was just a fab crocodile fold-over bag, but after careful inspection, I came to the realization that the chain shoulder strap is actually crocodile skin! Nancy G. never ceases to amaze me. This bag is available in olive or black at Stanley Korshak for $2625. Click the title of this post for lust-worthy bags from Bottega Veneta!

Christian Louboutin Love Flats

I have honestly been falling asleep on Louboutin this fall until I saw these hawt flats. Don't get me wrong, Loubou's are great, but I haven't been awed with their merchandise lately. These "Love" flats on the other hand literally have me out of my chair. Interestingly enough, the patent leather kicks can be credited for starting Christian Louboutin's label. This exclusive gold version was actually inspired by Princess Diana as Louboutin offered that he "wanted her to always have love at her feet." Now you can have love at your feet too when you purchase these flats from Netaporter for $595. I never thought I'd say this, but give your heels a break because these flats are absolutely adorable and so much more comfortable! Click the title to see the perfect bag to rock with the Love Flats.

Rebecca Minkoff Spring Presentation

Our event editor, Shannan, had way too much fun at Rebecca Minkoff's Spring 2010 Presentation! She's a reality TV whore so you can imagine her excitement when she saw LC from The Hills, Danielle from the Real Housewives of New Jersey and Nnenna from America's Next Top Model. As for the showing...the handbags were quintessentially Rebecca...simple, fun and fabulous! She played it safe with the ready to wear but it was chic none-the-less. First and foremost I have to give a shout out to some fab chicas we met in line while waiting for the show to start!

Here's a few of my favorite pieces from the presentation!

Click the title of this post for more fashion week events!

Ask BAGPOOR: Celeb Shades!

Hey Michael,

Love your blog! I'm obsessed with all of the sunglasses that I see celebrities wearing, but I can never find them in stores. Any suggestions?

Amy


I've got the perfect store for you Amy...Patricia Field! Pat is known for carrying impossible to find pieces in her trendy downtown Manhattan boutique. In fact, I blogged about Rihanna's Love/Hate shades being there a couple of months ago. And she already has Carrie Bradshaw's Mykita & Bernhard Willhelm Limited Edition sunglasses. Side note - How excited are all of you that Sex and City 2 started filming!?! I'm thrilled beyond belief...can't wait to find out what happens next to Carrie and Samantha (my fave). Anyway, back to the sunglasses...they're awesome! Willhelm teamed up with Mykita to create cool shades to pair with his ski suits, resulting in super lightweight gold mirrored sunglasses with sheet metal frames. They're $525, but mark my words...they will be a "must have" item next summer after the movie hits theaters.

I'm sure you remember Rihanna's A-Morir Barracuda shades from Jay Z's Run This Town video. They're completely covered in hand-painted and hand-distressed pyramid studs. And don't worry...you can see through them! So hawt and they're slightly less expensive at $350. Check out Risha's more affordable celeb sunglasses at Stylish Babe.

Weekly Fashion Roundup!

• Naomi Campbell spoke out recently against the racism within the fashion industry. She stated that "in the panic of recession, people don't dare to put a girl of color in their campaign. I don't see any black women, or of any other race, in big advertising campaigns." Personally, I think we're heading in the right direction with the recent progress that black models, like Chanel Iman, Jourdan Dunn, Arlenis and Sessilee, have made. See the footage from their i-D September cover above.

• Men's Vogue, which was recently cut back to two issues per year, refused to feature a Marc Jacobs ad showcasing a gay kiss! Who the hell do they think is reading the magazine?!?

• Victoria Beckham looks stunning on the October cover of Elle Magazine!

• Snuggie will be debuting their spring 2010 collection at New York Fashion Week! Other shows that will undoubtedly lead to the demise of the fashion industry include Whitney Eve (Whitney Port's fashion line) and She by Sheree.
  

Ask BAGPOOR: Laptop Case!

Hello Michael,

I loved those python work totes that you found for Rebecca and I was wondering if you could find me a stylish laptop case. I have been searching for months, but they always look really boring or immature. I'll be back at University soon, so I need to find one ASAP.

Thanks,
Lisa

Got it Lisa...sometimes you want to carry around your notebook case instead of a bag. And if you're anything like me...you wouldn't be caught dead toting around the cheap case that came with your computer. Seriously, I was mortified when Dell mailed me that tacky laptop bag! But I digress. I am in love with this Natalia Brilli Laptop Case! The high quality lambskin features an embossed keyboard print. It's cute without being corny. Let's not forget about the true purpose of a laptop case...to protect your computer silly. The suede lining and foam protection will certainly keep your notebook safe and secure.

This Natalia Brilli 15" Laptop Case retails for €364.00 ($254.22) at Studio Homme. Hope this helps Lisa! If y'all ever have any questions, comments, suggestions or concerns for the BAGPOOR team, contact us at bagpoor@gmail.com.

Padma's New Jewelry Collection!!!

I love Bravo, so you know I watch Top Chef, and over the years I have become enamored with Padma! She's just so gorgeous, her wardrobe is simple and chic, and did I mention that she was stunning?!? Anyway, Padma has a new jewelry collection and I really wanted to love it, but I just...don't. All of the pieces are uninspired, overpriced and kind of...dare I say it...gaudy! Take these dangle fringe earrings, for example. I could see a retired drag queen running out of the house to snatch these beauties up, but unfortunately she's probably not going to have $1220 lying around.

And look at this $750 citrine upper armband that would make even Padma's arms look fat. This is clearly just another one of those "pseudo-celebrity" jewelry lines, where some tacky manufacturer uses a desperate celebs name to sell expensive garbage to the masses. The entire collection is available for preorder at Bergdorfs if anyone is interested in decked out costume jewelry.

Side note: What's going on with Padma? She will do anything for a buck lately! Pantene commercials and a tacky jewelry collection are one thing, but Hardee's!!! I'd rather starve to death!

Diane Von Furstenberg Gallianet Pom Pom Hats

In case you missed yesterday's episode of The Rachel Zoe Project...Rachel and Brad stopped by Diane Von Furstenberg to obsess over her Nomad inspired fall collection. These cosy wool pom pom hats were one of the many "must have" items! They were inspired by "huge Kazakhstan fur hats," but DvF wanted to do a PETA friendly version. Here they are on a few models right before the runway show in New York.



They're already available for purchase at Matches Fashion. And unlike many designers who seem to be taking a "let them eat cake" philosophy this season...DvF is well aware of the global financial crisis and she has priced her collection accordingly. These hats are only £170.00 ($275.40)! I'm officially getting the black one!

Click the title of this post to see my favorite Diane Von Furstenberg bag from the fall collection!

Zagliani Large Art Bag!!!

I can't remember the last time that I was this excited about a bag! In a world where designers are spending way too much time following trends, creating knockoffs and playing it safe, Zagliani continues to break all of the rules. The Large Art bag is just that...a work of art! This bold, statement bag can add a fun burst of color to any drab daytime look. The handles are gold tone chains intertwined with green suede and the lining is a supple light khaki suede. The piece de resistance is the multicolored exterior of the bag. It appears to be layer upon layer of colored strips of suede. I can't imagine the amount of man hours that went into crafting this bag. The Zagliani Large Art bag is definitely an investment piece at £3,998 ($6,476.76) from Matches Fashion, but as far as I'm concerned it's well worth it.