Spring 2010 Couture Collections

Armani Privé was a little too literal for my taste. We get it Giorgio! You were inspired by space, but do half of the pieces in your collection really require a crescent moon brooch? Many of the remaining designs were so structured that it appeared as if they were created with the sole purpose of bringing Judy Jetson into the 21st century. 

  

Karl has done it again! This Chanel collection fulfilled all of my fashion fantasies. He gave us futuristic metallic romanticism and somehow managed to maintain the classic timeless appeal that Chanel is known for, without so much as one LBD.

  

Ohhh...Johnny baby...what happened? The Christian Dior collection was so overdesigned and outdated, with those tired equestrian looks and uber glamorous gowns that looked as if they were on loan from the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum.

 

A muted watercolor palette as well as figure-flattering shapes made for a completely beautiful, wearable and ethereal collection from Elie Saab. Unfortunately, it was also REALLY boring and didn't exactly look "couture."

Ricardo Tisci brought back the 70's with masculine tuxedos, ostrich feather detailing, paillette-embellished mosaic printed jumpsuits and glamorous gowns. The Givenchy collection inspired emotions deep within my soul that could only be tamed by boogieing to the Dreamgirls soundtrack and watching Saturday Night Fever.

 

Jean Paul Gaultier's collection was about as authentically Mexican as Jessica Alba. The tricked out sombrero's, bedazzled mom jeans and tacky tribal gowns were more Taco Bell than couture. 

 

Nothing about the Valentino collection looked like...well...Valentino. I would have guessed Balenciaga, Rodarte or even Ungaro, but definitely not Valentino. The tribal styling and modern draping definitely appeals to a younger demographic, but it completely isolates their existing clientele.   

Exquisite J Ombré Canvas Tote

As promised earlier this week, I'm finally featuring a cheap and chic tote. When it comes to fun in the sun, the first place I think of is South Beach, so of course I had to head on over to my favorite Miami boutique to find the perfect summer handbag. This Italian crafted Exquisite J bag is perfect for the beach. It's canvas so you don't have to worry about it getting wet or fading in the sun. The leather handles are durable and the large capacity (18 x 19") will certainly come in handy when you need to lug around all of your summer essentials. A drawstring closure helps the tote maintain a structured look and it keeps your belongings safe and secure. The ombré or gradient design gives the bag a splash of color. In addition to the yellow and blue options, this tote also comes in red and orange. Purchase from Tomas Maier for only $280. Functional, affordable and stylish! What more can you ask for? 

P.S. Don't forget that I'm selling my "urban glam" set for only $400 and it includes a fabulous Gucci canvas tote, two pairs of sunglasses and a bunch of other goodies!

Cecelia Convertible Chain Clutch

The Cecelia Convertible Chain Clutch (how about that for alliteration) is the first convertible bag, in which I find both options completely wearable and visually appealing. It's simple shape and design looks great as a slim clutch, but it's very L.A. chic as a flat tote. Obviously the exotic skins are what make these bags truly special. My personal favorites are the metallic python and ostrich versions, which retail for $790 and $595 respectively. Not bad...right? Check out the Cecelia Spring collection at Madison Los Angeles.

Christian Louboutin Talita Clutch

At first I was going to give this bag a total "What the Fug?" but after careful consideration, I don't hate it. I know, I know...but hear me out. Sure this bag is not visually appealing, but don't we have to give Christian Louboutin credit for trying something completely off the wall? I mean, this clutch is just so unique. Mixing taupe, coral, lilac and black patent leather with silver-tone spikes is unbelievably fugly and yet completely fierce all at the same time. Pair this clutch with an LBD and it might actually work. Believe it or not, the Christian Louboutin Talita Spiked Clutch is already sold out at Net-a-Porter, where it retails for £945. Who wudda thunk it?

Jimmy Choo Rahmyn Hobo

I have to admit that I haven't been the biggest Jimmy Choo fan over the years, but this bag has completely changed my mind about the brand. How much fun is this slouchy hobo? Nude is the perfect summer neutral and the turquoise version is a true statement piece, so you can't go wrong either way. The Italian leather has a beautiful snake-embossed finish with a slight iridescent sheen. A patent python leather print adorns the adjustable knotted shoulder strap and push-lock flap closure. Throw this beauty on with a basic pair of jeans and a white t-shirt, and you're out the door looking effortlessly chic. Purchase the Jimmy Choo Rahmyn Hobo for $1495. Shop Jimmy Choo bags at Net-a-Porter.com.   

P.S. Don't forget that I'm selling my snake-embossed John Varvatos travel bag for only $200!

ASK BAGPOOR: Beach Totes!!!

OMG you guys! I feel like such an idiot. I just figured out how to access my spam folder and I discovered so many emails from all of you. First and foremost I just want to say thank you for all of the support. This is still a relatively new blog and I need you to bear with me. I responded to everybody, but anyone who emailed me more than a month ago...please resend your request, because your email was automatically deleted. A couple of you asked me about beach totes and I'm so excited to share some of my favorites for Spring. Today I'll feature an expensive designer bag and later this week, I'll cover a cheap and chic tote.

First up is this gorgeous Balenciaga Paper Bag! I first discovered it in their Spring ad campaign and immediately fell in love. The size and shape mimics a shopping bag, so it's spacious and doesn't have a cumbersome closure...perfect for the beach. The smooth supple leather is to die for and the suede lining practically screams luxe. This is how you do casual with elegance and style. While the green and white versions will certainly add a fun pop of color to any daytime look, the brown and blue adaptations are more neutral and understated. Not to mention the fact that they're already available at Matches Fashion for £855.00 ($1,385.10).

P.S. Don't forget that I'm selling that glorious Balenciaga tote from my personal collection for only $500!  

Weekly Fashion Roundup!

It was all about the fellas this week in Milan and Paris. The Fall 2010 menswear collections are trickling in online and they're interesting to say the least. Of course John Galliano made a statement and I heard it loud and clear. "Don't leave home without a corset, but clothing is completely optional."

Screw you PETA! Fur is so in for fall that it's out. As if these looks from the Vivienne Westwood show weren't furtastic enough, you have to check out the Gianfranco Ferré collection. Almost every piece incorporated some form of an animal carcass.

 

In other furry news, Kanye West and his "girlfriend" Amber Rose attended the Louis Vuitton show wearing matching pimp length fur coats! Tacky much?

Johnny Depp was named the most stylish man in the world by GQ. The magazine also had the audacity to refer to him as "a unicorn — a really glamorous, one-of-a-kind eccentric." Johnny Depp...glamorous...ummm...okay?!?

Giorgio Armani is decrepit feuding with John Galliano because he was forced to move his Privé show back 90 minutes after Dior changed their time. Armani referred to the schedule change as "unexpected and unjustifiable" as well as "indicative of a lack of respect for other people’s time and labor." I guess even couture can get ugly.

Fendi Plexiglas Clutch

I'm obsessed with this clutch. It can take on so many different looks depending on your individual style and mood. Rihanna can rock it with a pair of handcuffs and some condoms, while Victoria Beckham can stuff it with her Hermès scarf collection. Wouldn't that be stunning? I would showcase my iPhone so I could watch it light up at night. Sure it's not practical, but does a clutch really need to be? It's fun and so versatile. The price isn't bad either. Purchase from Fendi boutiques this Spring for $910. What would you put in yours? My mom said she would fill hers with gummy bears! ;-)

Chloé Heloise Small Leather Bag

I have received your emails about featuring smaller bags for Spring and your prayers have been answered. In the midst of grossly oversized handbags, the Chloé 2010 cruise collection is bringing it back to basics with the simple and chic Heloise small shoulder bag. How many times have you left the house to run a couple errands and your huge YSL Muse is practically empty sans a wallet, keys and a cell phone? We've all done it... but not anymore! This bag is perfect for quick outings, especially in the Spring. Not only is it more functional, but it creates a more feminine silhouette, particularly on slimmer or petite women.

The sumptuous Italian leather comes in three gorgeous color options. Honey is sort of a saffron yellow, mastic is a grayish beige, and mocha is a deep rich chocolate. Obviously the latter two are more neutral, but the honey is my personal favorite. The pleated front and braided strap are just enough detailing without being over the top and the skinny detachable shoulder strap will certainly come in handy. Plus it looks fresh... very boho chic. The dimensions are 11"W x 7"H x 3"D, while the handle drop is 5" and the shoulder strap drop is 22"... perfect for cross-body action. Purchase the Heloise for only $695. Shop Chloé bags at Net-a-Porter.com.

Emilio Pucci Clutch

You know what I love about Pucci? The Fall collection is perfectly appropriate for Spring! That means that you can buy this clutch at 40% off and you don't have to wait a year to wear it. This bag features a gorgeous printed silk that practically screams Pucci. Both color options are absolutely breathtaking. The sky blue and pink version is my personal favorite, but the white and black adaptation is stunning as well. The pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the gold-plated hardware that envelops the clutch. This bag definitely makes a statement and the design is so original. It's made in Italy and measures 5.9"W x 2.7"H x 2.0"D. Purchase directly from Emilio Pucci for $2350 $1410.

Rebecca Minkoff Darling Hobo

It's cheap week here at Bag Poor and we're featuring lust-have bags with affordable price points. Of course we have to start with an adorable hobo from none other than Rebecca Minkoff. She just...gets it. High quality materials coupled with an edgy L.A. chic aesthetic have quickly made her a go-to handbag designer among young Hollywood's fashion elite. The Darling hobo is one of my favorite designs. The buttery-soft Italian leather comes in a fun teal (my fave) and neutral auburn. I love the wraparound zipper banding with push-lock closure detailing and hanging tassels. It's the perfect everyday bag at 10.5"h x 14"w x 5"d, providing enough room for your essentials without looking ginormous. The 12" shoulder drop is appropriate for all body types. Calling all moms...this hobo has three zippered pockets and two slip pockets...perfect for your electronic gadgets. Everyone's charging $495 for this bag, but we found it for less. Purchase the Rebecca Minkoff Darling Hobo HERE for only $449! Did I mention that shipping is FREE? Now that's what I call a steal!

On a much more serious note, today is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and I would like to honor him by pledging a $10 donation to the American Red Cross. You can donate $10 now by texting "HAITI" to 9-0-9-9-9. I also added a "Donate Now" icon to the sidebar, which will take you directly to the American Red Cross donation page.

Weekly Fashion Roundup!

Are you watching Project Runway? I decided to tune it to the premier. Let me recap it for you. Emilio's dress (shown above) was amazing and Anthony is hilarious.

In "fashionistas pretending to be designers" news, Sarah Jessica Parker will be designing for the Halston Heritage label and Kate Moss is set to launch a collection of bags for Longchamp. Whatevs...

Zac Posen released a lookbook of his Target collection. eh...

More fashion news after the jump...

Maison Martin Margiela Clutch

At first glance this Maison Martin Margiela clutch just looks like strips of leather woven together by an invisible seam...but c'mon now. The Bag Poor team doesn't settle for mediocrity. You're not going to believe this but you can actually weave your fingers between the leather bands. It's like having a Hervé Leger dress in the palm of your hand! Don't worry, this clutch is lined in black cotton so you won't lose any valuables while having a blast with the leather strips. This is definitely a go-to daytime clutch due to its large capacity (15 1/2"L x 8 1/2"H x 2"W) and a convenient wrist strap...perfect for effortlessly chic transport. Purchase the Strappy Clutch from one of my favorite boutiques, Joan Shepp, for $1090. Not bad for a truly unique clutch that can easily transition from day to night and is on trend without being trendy. Plus it's made in Italy!

UPDATE: The smaller version of this clutch is available in black and white at Saks for only $500!

Sang A Clap Clutch

Sang A is kicking 2010 off right with the Clap clutch. Let's just start with the rustic crocodile skin. Black and white with shades of gray creates an exquisite finish that highlights the exotic skin perfectly. These colors are more muted than the neon's that we saw for Fall, which is quite refreshing and more complimentary to the lighter tones of our Summer wardrobes. The oversized gunmetal chain handle makes this bag even more appealing. I'm a fan of jumbo chains, but this one is by far my favorite of all. Why? Well, its detachable! Imagine how many things you can do with the handle. It can easily transition into a necklace or bracelet whenever your heart desires. In addition, the bag transforms from a mini purse into a traditional clutch without the handle. A girl has got to have options. For $1,395.00 you can pick up the crocodile version at Kirna Zabete. It also comes in silver or aqua (shown below) lizard skin, which I'm sure Michael will love. They're certainly more affordable at only $895.00.

Bally Emerald Green Alligator Clutch

Excuse the really short post, but this bag speaks for itself! I'm enamored with the beautiful emerald green color, flawless alligator skin, ladylike size and shape, and even the PRICE. Believe it or not, this clutch will be available in Bally boutiques this Spring for merely $2995.

Dolce & Gabbana Miss Easyway Bag

Like most Dolce & Gabbana bags, the Miss Easyway Shoulder Bag had to grow on me. When I initially saw it in cream and brown, I liked it, but it was the red version that blew me away. The clean lines, classic structure and roomy interior make this a go-to bag for busy moms and career women alike. The front zip pocket will certainly come in handy when you need to quickly grab your cell phone or lip gloss. While the logo plaque is unnecessary, I'm not offended by it. The Dolce & Gabbana Miss Easyway Shoulder Bag is made in Italy and it measures 15"W x 14"H x 6"D. Purchase the 'Miss Easyway' bag for $1,495. Shop Dolce & Gabbana bags at Net-a-Porter.com

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Gucci Techno Horsebit Shoulder Bag

After Mary Jo featured this bag on Senora Cartera, I immediately began my harassment campaign to try and get more information about it. After weeks of badgering my SA at Gucci and stalking the official website, the Techno Horsebit Shoulder Bag has finally popped up online and I'm obsessed with it. The smooth Italian leather is accented with nickel and leather ornamentation, giving the bag a simultaneously tribal and nautical look. Two detachable shoulder straps will enable you to go hand's free in a flash. It measures 15.7"L x 6.3"W x 11.8"H...perfect for everyday use without being oversized. Preorder the white (my fave) or black version directly from Gucci for $2800. I can't wait to see this bag in real life. The design is just so original.

Weekly Fashion Roundup!

Karl Lagerfeld shot Miss Dirty Martini for V Magazine's Size Issue, which hits newsstands on January 14th. Not impressed! Didn't he just say that, "No one wants to see curvy women. You've got fat mothers with their bags of chips sitting in front of the television and saying that thin models are ugly." If there's one thing I hate more than a jerk, it's a trendy jerk.

Angelina Jolie has officially been replaced as the face of St. John because her fame eclipsed the brand's image. In an interview with WWD St. John's CEO states, “We wanted to make a clean break from actresses and steer away from blondes and cleanse the palette.” Hence the reddest redhead of them all, Karen Elson, will be the H.B.I.C. in the Spring 2010 campaign.

On January 6th, Weatherproof installed a billboard above the Red Lobster in Times Square featuring none other than President Obama! My first thought was ..."no he didn't"... and I was right. Weatherproof did not ask the White House for permission to use the photo and will most likely be forced to take it down in the near future.

Rachel Zoe looked frighteningly thin as she stepped out in a bikini while vacationing with her husband in St. Bart's on Thursday. Is she going to be the next Brittany Murphy?!?

And in completely unrelated news, Chanel is actually going to launch those temporary tattoo's that stole our attention at the Spring 2010 show in Paris. The transfer tattoo's will hit Chanel boutiques on March 1st. Are you gonna get one?

Jerome Dreyfuss Bob Hobo

Sorry Alexander Wang, Jerome Dreyfuss has officially replaced you as the "go-to" designer for achieving that model off duty look that is so hot right now. The Bob bag is my favorite piece in the Spring 2010 collection. Simplistic stitching, minimal stud detailing, an understated embossed logo, and matte brass hardware all reflect that edgy chic aesthetic that Jerome Dreyfuss has become known for. The supple pebbled lambskin comes in luscious cognac and dark moka chocolate. Both versions are neutrals that will never go out of style and can be paired with anything in your closet. Like most Jerome Dreyfuss bags, it has a multitude of pockets and a very large capacity, measuring 15"H x 18.5"L x 6.5W, perfect for women who can't leave home without the kitchen sink. Additionally, the 9" handle drop will accommodate any shoulder. The Bob bag was made in France and it's available at shopbop.com for $842.   

Lena Erziak Enzo Bag

Lena Erziak is a relatively new handbag line that is already making waves amongst industry insiders. Design duo, Leona and Hasna Erziak, caught my attention with their high quality materials and innovative designs. The Enzo bag is my favorite piece from the Spring 2010 collection! It epitomizes their refined luxury design aesthetic and high level Italian craftsmanship. The buttery-soft metallic gold leather and signature oversized tassel make a statement without being over the top. It's the perfect everyday bag at 16" x 8" x 8" and the adjustable buckles allow you to customize the size and shape. The Enzo bag also comes in crocodile embossed ecru leather. Both versions retail for $701 at Lena Erziak.