Hottest Bags of 2009!!!

10. Bottega Veneta Neon Lizard Knot Clutches

9. Versace Socialite Satchel

8. Bottega Veneta Grape Alligator Cocco Glace

7. Alexander McQueen Python Faithful Tote

6. Valentino Paillette Tote

5. Chloe Marcie Hobo

4. Quentin Mackay Alligator Persia

3. Chloe Python Paraty

2. Balenciaga Crocodile Clutch

1. Zagliani Large Art Bag

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Jil Sander Oversized Frame Bag

I'm obsessed with this Jil Sander bag from the spring/summer 2010 collection. The simple, sleek lines and oversized framed structure evoke a quiet sophistication that epitomizes the Jil Sander design aesthetic. Even the logo hanging tag is understated and chic. The combination of sumptuous tan leather and light gold-tone hardware creates the perfect neutral for summer, but it will undoubtedly come in a variety of color options. The shoulder strap will certainly come in handy when you take advantage of the large capacity. Purchase at Jil Sander boutiques and Barneys New York for $1795. Additionally this bag was featured in the January issue of Vogue Magazine!

   

Henri Bendel Glam Punk'd Bag

Christmas is over and I'm officially thinking about holiday parties! Hence, the over the top Henri Bendel Glam Punk'd Bag. It's just fun! The supple Italian nappa leather has been accented with silver and gold stitch detailing and a trendy oversized bow. I'm obsessed with chain straps right now and the Swarovski encrusted pavé ball is adorable. Inject a little glamour and elegance into any holiday look with the Glam Punk'd Bag from Henri Bendel for only $695. Okay ladies and gentlemen, I have a favor to ask of you. My goal for 2009 is to have 40,000 hits so if you love this blog...spread the word. Please and Thank you! ;)  

Christmas in Washington DC!!!

I hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas! Nothing beats celebrating the holidays with family and friends in one of your favorite cities. I had a wonderful time in DC! The Madison Hotel featured well appointed rooms and the location was ideal. Not to mention the fact that it was 30% off! I stopped by the National Geographic Museum to see the Terra Cotta Warriors exhibit. It was awe-inspiring to be able to witness clay figures that were built over 2000 years ago to protect the tomb of China's first and most powerful emperor, Qin Shihuangdi.

I ate at some of the best restaurants in the city and absolutely must recommend Central Michel Richard. It's at the intersection of 11th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. The lobster burger, macaroni and cheese, and bread and butter pudding were some of the best dishes that I've ever had...in my life. Other restaurants that definitely deserve an honorable mention include Rasika (sensational tandoori salmon), Chef Geoff, and Old Ebbitt Grill.

Avatar was a fantastic film. The plot was thought-provoking and the 3D technology was incomparable.

The ultimate family fun activity was ICE! at Gaylord National. I had a blast! The room was 9 degrees so we had to move pretty rapidly, but the ice sculptures were breathtaking. Unfortunately they made us wear these ridiculous parkas so you won't see any pictures of me. ;)

   Lastly, I visited the American Indian Museum.

 

 Isn't it beautiful?

We were greeted by this statue on the way in. Check out how high the snow was!

Once inside, these colorful painted skulls caught my attention. They're still used today during the Day of the Dead celebration in Mexico.

 

Anyone who knows me could tell you that I would wear this feather neck ornament in a minute.

But not even I could pull off these turkey feather moccasins.

Geronimooooooo.

Of course I had to finish with the bags! Love this beaded top handle.

And I would totally wear this messenger. Happy Holidays!

Abaco Yasmine Leather Bag

The words simple and chic immediately came to mind when I first spotted this Abaco bag. Small bags like this one have been catching my attention lately. I think I finally realized that the bigger the bag, the more junk I pile into it. This bag in particular was appealing to me because of the distressed leather and link chains. The minimal studded detailing on the front flap adds more personality to the bag. Perhaps the most exciting aspect of this bag are the colors. While I love the coral, the green version is stunning. The Yasmine bag can go with virtually any outfit and it's perfect for days when you're feeling casual. You can pick it up for only $510.30 at Matches Fashion. Now that's what I call cheap and chic. Happy Holidays!

Michael Kors Skorpios Large Hobo

I NEVER thought I'd say this, especially about a Michael Kors bag, but I think this hobo is underpriced. It epitomizes the beach chic style that Kors is known for and even gives me a Bottega Veneta vibe. This buttery-soft Italian leather hobo is available in parchment (my fave) and coffee. The parchment features contrasting woven leather trim, while the coffee version is monochromatic. Both bags boast an understated woven leather handle and dangling logo plate. This hobo is quite large, but the slouchy shape prevents it from looking too oversized. The shiny gold-tone hardware and magnetic snap closure complete the classic look. Purchase the Skorpios hobo for only $1,095. Is it just me or does that seem like a sale price? Not that I'm complaining or anything, but I'd pay over $1,500 for this bag. Shop Michael Kors at Net-a-Porter.com.   

Oscar de la Renta Clutches

I never thought that I would find a cork bag appealing, but Oscar de la Renta can make anything look beautiful. Cork provides a neutral backdrop for the embroidered mosaic, which is comprised of brightly hued grosgrain ribbon and colorful gems. Purchase through Oscar's website for $895. For something a bit more elegant, check out this gorgeous natural gold python clutch with ornate gold-tone hardware. It's on sale for only $695 at Oscar's website. Both roll clutches feature a classic rounded shape that fits perfectly in the hand as well as a luxurious satin silk lining and detachable shoulder strap.  

Chanel Resort 2010 Tote Bag

I have been obsessed with this bag ever since I saw Milana Keller werq it on the runway in the resort 2010 show. Sure it isn't timeless or neutral, but the economy is turning around and we can finally get back to having some fun with fashion. Nautical is one of the biggest resort trends on the runway and what better way to embrace that style than with a striped Chanel tote? The navy blue and crisp white strips are accented by the traditional red interlocking C's and gold-tone chain strap with intertwined navy blue canvas. It's quite sizeable and will undoubtedly hold all of your cruise essentials. This tote will be available at Chanel boutiques in the Spring for the retail price of $2195.     

VBH Manila Crocodile Clutch

No one does timeless luxury handbags quite like V. Bruce Hoeksema. The Manila envelope clutch is my favorite design. This one in particular is flawless black crocodile skin and of course it features the three silver-tone bars that have evolved into Hoeksema's signature over the years. It's lined in supple suede and measures 11" X 4½". Purchase from Stanley Korshak for $5950. Don't worry if you don't have that kind of money lying around. I found a few on sale! 

 

These breathtaking rose and lilac crocodile Manila clutches are available at Portero.com for $2756 and $2394 respectively. That's more than half off!

Givenchy Melancholia Shoulder Bag

At first glance, I thought that the Givenchy Melancholia was an awfully small shoulder bag. But in reality, it's a really cute clutch...after you remove the ridiculous shoulder strap. Who wants to have a bag shoved up their armpit? The buttery-soft pebbled Italian leather is accented with light gold-tone hardware and the simple Givenchy logo that I personally love, mostly because only fashionistas will know what you're wearing. It's quite large, but shallow in depth so the capacity is minimal. The Givenchy Melancholia is available in black or beige for $1430 at Barneys.

Katherine Fleming Loewy Ostrich Bag

I'm drooling over this bag. I know...I'm such a f*cking lady huh? But really, I have nothing negative to say about this Katherine Fleming beauty. Ostrich is my favorite exotic skin and this bag gives me more of a reason to obsess over it. I get tired of seeing ostrich skin bags that are conservative and to put it bluntly - a complete and utter bore. This bag, on the other hand, shows that ostrich skin can be fun and bold without compromising quality. The metallic silver design on the front makes the bag pop and the link chain handle is on trend and so chic. I must admit that I almost overlooked the Mini Loewy bag because of the grey color palette, but after a second glance, my eyes were glued to the carefully thought-out monochromatic color scheme. This bag definitely needs to be worn with a colorful outfit so that it can get the attention it deserves. The only thing left to say is "thank you Ms. Katherine Fleming for doing more with ostrich!" Purchase this Mini Loewy bag from openingceremony.us for $2500.

Horse+Nail Charlie Bag

I love bags that work for different seasons and this Horse+Nail hobo certainly fits the bill. The dark brown wrinkled leather can go with a beautiful winter white coat or even a bohemian inspired summer dress. The tassel is definitely a favorite this season, but the great thing is...it's detachable! So if you're either not feeling the tassel effect or would prefer not to wear it all the time, you can just take it off. How wonderful is that? The silver hardware, especially the hanging link chain adds an edge to an otherwise basic neutral hobo. And for easy access, the bag has a magnetic-snap closure.

Horse+Nail bags are exclusively handcrafted by designer and Parsons grad Lindsey Hufnagel. Her bags are known for their quality leather and fabulous details. I am loving this hobo and will certainly be looking out for more designs from Horse+Nail in the future. For only $1200.00, you can purchase this beauty from shopbop.com.

Chanel Pink Alligator 2.55 Bag

Do my eyes deceive me or is this the ever elusive Chanel 2.55 flap bag in pink alligator skin? This bag is so unbelievably rare. I think I've only seen it available for purchase once before and it certainly wasn't this affordable. The pink alligator skin has a slight iridescent sheen that glistens when it hits the light. A sizeable pink leather interior as well as a plethora of pockets will keep you organized in style. The 9" shoulder drop will accommodate any woman and the gold-tone chain is intertwined with pink leather for comfort.

This is one of those bags that will surely get you noticed in the office, at a restaurant, in the grocery store... everywhere you go. Little will they know that you got the deal of a lifetime. A pink alligator Chanel 2.55 in excellent condition for $11,939. That's over $7,000 off of the retail price. Purchase at Portero.com.

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