Marchesa's Debut Handbag Collection!!!

Our New York correspondent, Jeannine, attended the Marchesa Trunk Show at Bergdorf Goodman last week and got the scoop on their debut handbag collection for Fall. The relatively new label has quickly become a go-to design house for red carpet gowns that make a statement, and the show-stopping minaudières are no exception. These floral clutches are my favorite pieces from the collection. They're quintessentially Marchesa; ultra luxe and glamorous without a logo in site. I'm obsessed with the fuchsia color and the quartz clasp on the metallic gold variation adds the perfect touch of elegance. Marchesa handbags range in price from $1500 to $3900 and are available for preorder at Bergdorf Goodman (212-872-2872). 

It Bag Alert: New Michael Kors!!!

I never thought I'd say this, but forget about the Proenza Schouler PS1 and the Mulberry Alexa. There's a new bag in town and it's fierce! Michael Kors has been creating stylish, timeless handbags for years now, but not until this season has he turned out a drool-worthy "it" bag that will undoubtedly be on every woman's must-have list. The classic, utilitarian shape of this satchel has been updated with quite a bit of aged brass hardware that gives the bag an overall military inspired look. The cognac pebbled leather is gorgeous and neutral, but I can't wait to see what other colors are available. This satchel bag will hit Michael Kors boutiques this Fall for the unbelievable price of $995. Shop the Spring Michael Kors handbag collection now!

Khirma Eliazov Cha Cha Bag

Our New York correspondent, Jeannine, attended the Khirma Eliazov Trunk Show last week at Henri Bendel and immediately fell in love with the Cha Cha Bag. It was created for and named after Eliazov's friend who carried her whole life in her bag. Yep...sounds like Jeannine to me! This bag is quite sizeable at 14" x 17" x 12" so you can even bring your laptop to work. The Italian calf leather is buttery-soft and it comes in a myriad of color options as well as python embossed leather. My favorite feature of this bag is the shagrin front panel pocket. Not only will it come in handy for grab-and-go storage, but the stingray adds a certain je ne sais quoi.  Rarely do you find a handbag that marries function and style as flawlessly as the Khirma Eliazov Cha Cha Bag. Purchase directly on her site for $1395. The python embossed version that was recently spotted on the style icon, Jennifer Lopez, will cost you an extra $100. My vote goes to the black leather version. I thinks it's the most sophisticated as well as timeless and it provides a perfect backdrop for the breathtaking shagrin. Shop Kirma Eliazov handbags now!

Weekly Fashion Roundup!

Seth Aaron won this season of Project Runway. I'm just glad it's over! The finale collections were mediocre at best and more importantly I wasn't particularly fond of the attitudes displayed by the final three designers.

April was all about celebrities in fashion mags! Kirsten Dunst brings back old Hollywood glamour in V, Justin Beiber looks as cute as a button in VMan, and Zoe Saldana is showing the real models how to werq a photo in Wonderland.   

Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler look absolutely ridiculous in W! Seriously, what is going on here? Is she a hooker? Is he a retired gay porn star? I just don't get it.

  

My favorite supermodel, Naomi Campbell, is in trouble again! Actor and activist, Mia Farrow, claims former Liberian president, Charles Taylor, gave Naomi a ginormous blood diamond at Nelson Mandela's South African home in 1997. When confronted with the accusation by ABC News, Naomi politiely declined to answer any questions and proceeded to take out her frustrations on a cameraman.     

Hervé Léger Geometric Clutch

I'm always skeptical when design houses known for making clothing delve in to the wonderful world of accessories, but this bag is beautiful! The Hervé Léger elements that we all know and love, such as structure and geometric shapes, are all exhibited in this canvas clutch. The cording detail that completely envelopes the exterior is quintessentially Hervé Léger. I can definitely see the inspiration from their signature bandage dresses. While you may only see young ladies rockin' the Hervé Léger sculpted silhouette dresses, this clutch comes with no age biases. Anyone can feel stylish and sexy wearing either the black or white version of this clutch. Hurry HERE to snatch one up for $498 because there are only a few left!

Chloé Mavis Shoulder Bag

I'm obsessed with Chloé handbags, mostly due to the Marcie collection and the python Paraty. However, when I saw the Mavis shoulder bag online a couple of weeks ago, I wasn't so sure about it. It just seemed unremarkable verging on bland to me. However, I spotted it this weekend at the Intermix in Georgetown and boy was I wrong. It's gorgeous as well as super functional! First and foremost, the pebbled leather is extraordinarily sumptuous and it comes in two neutral colors, bark and beige. The beige is my favorite because it's perfect for Spring and it embraces the safari trend that's so hot right now. After unsnapping the flap closure, an incredibly spacious interior with five separate sections (two slip pockets, one zip pocket, and a partitioned main compartment) is revealed. Clearly, there's no reason not to be organized with this bag and you'll never have to leave any essentials at home. The most exciting revelation about this bag is the 11" double handle, which will fit comfortably over EVERY woman's shoulder. They will also come in handy when this sizeable bag is filled to capacity and you need the extra reinforcement. What's more, the double handles can actually be converted into a single 22" shoulder strap for cross-body action. Yep, this shoulder bag doubles as a messenger! Purchase the Mavis shoulder bag for $1,345. Shop Chloé bags at Net-a-Porter.com.     

Oscar de la Renta Embroidered Pochette

When I spotted this embroidered pochette on the runway in Oscar de la Renta's Spring collection, I immediately fell in lust with the color. It's the most breathtaking cerulean blue that I've ever seen. Add a touch of elegance and glamour with crystal brooches and I'm in love! The silk features minimal pleated detailing and it's slightly lighter in real life than it appeared on the runway. The brooches easily could have gone overboard, but Oscar de la Renta truly understands the importance of editing in design. Purchase directly from Oscar de la Renta for $390. Now, that's what I call affordable luxury! Need some shoes to go with your new clutch?

Nancy Gonzalez Trunk Show: Pleated Crocodile Tote

Ever wanted to have your own one-of-a-kind Nancy Gonzalez handbag? Well, you're in luck! Nancy Gonzalez is having a trunk show at Neiman Marcus until April 25. All of the pieces are absolutely beautiful, but one bag literally took my breath away. The pleated crocodile tote is a real show-stopper. I'm obsessed with the origami pleated detailing and the ladylike shape ensures that this bag will never go out of style. The royal blue version is stunning, but the light gray option is more neutral and it's $850 less. You really can't go wrong either way. Shop the Nancy Gonzalez Trunk Show now!   

Weekly Fashion Roundup!

Until I receive an official apology, Harper's Bazaar lost me as a subscriber when photos were released earlier this week from their Jersey Shore spread in the May issue. The editorial features our favorite Jersey Shore castmates attending Charm School led by none other than Tinsley Mortimer. After watching the first couple episodes of High Society, I can truly say that Tinsley Mortimer, her mother and their Upper East Side brethren can only aspire to be as dignified as the Jersey Shore girls.

Not to be outdone, the Jersey Shore boys were shot by Terry Richardson for Interview. Bar Rafaeli, best known as Leonardo DiCaprio's girlfriend, is featured in the spread as well. Those jeans as well as the misogynistic undertones are disappointing to say the least.     

America's real next top model, Karlie Kloss, is on the May cover of Teen Vogue. Jane Keltner really dug deep into Karlie's personal life and uncovered some groundbreaking information. She wants to attend medical school. Her favorite pastimes are making snow angels and baking cookies. Repulsed yet? Well let me add that her ideal boyfriend is Tom Brady. Wow! She really is the girl next door... if you happen to live in the most boring neighborhood in the world. 

Since unretouched is the new curvy, in a desperate attempt to get attention, Britney Spears demanded that her new Candie's ads be made available to the public both pre and post photoshop. I have to say, she looks a lot better in the before pics than I thought she would, but nothing about this ad would inspire me to buy shoes.        

Not only has Saks Fifth Avenue issued a press release stating that "no more than 20" of their stores will be closing, but one of my favorite high end department stores in NYC, Takashimaya, is going out of business after experiencing a net profit loss of 34.4% this year.  :-(

Lockheart Lizette Convertible Bag

When it comes to convertible bags, I usually fall in love with the concept online and in real life, I'm let down by the lack of functionality. Fortunately, that was not the case with the Lockheart Lizette. The high-quality glazed goatskin is buttery-soft and the zipper detailing adds just the right amount of edge to an otherwise timeless, everyday bag. This bag is perfect for anyone who wears a mostly casual wardrobe and has a copious amount of daily essentials. Best of all, it's so chic as a messenger, but it looks equally as stylish as a tote! The Lockheart Lizette is available in black at Saks for $575. It also comes in a gorgeous green color at Neimans that is perfect for summer as well as neutral tan and chocolate shades that will go with everything and transition flawlessly into fall.

Mar y Sol Straw Clutch

I couldn't take my eyes off of this clutch when I first saw it. This beautifully crafted bag is bold and ideal for sunny Spring and Summer days. Although it's pretty small, I can compromise the size for the bold color and three-dimensional flower that decorates the clasp closure. The fact that this bag is handmade and imported from Madagascar using fair trade practices is what really sold me! Mar y Sol clutches come with a human story that allows bag lovers to use their love of fashion to help with global development. Blending African designs with western aesthetics, the Mar y Sol company imports bags from Kenya and Madagascar in efforts to showcase the talent of artisans in those areas and promote sustainable growth through product sales. The sale of the pieces allow families to gain economic independence and also promotes environmental conservation. And at only $58, you can pick up a couple of these bags in different colors. My faves are pink, orange and natural, but it comes in virtually every color in the rainbow, all of which are irresistible.

Tory Burch Channing Tote

I don't know how it happened, but every bag that we're featuring this week is well under $1000. I recently decided that I don't like the word cheap, so from this point on I will be referring to inexpensive, high-quality bags as affordable luxuries. I'm not Tory Burch's biggest fan, so when I saw the Channing Tote over the weekend, I was shocked by how simple and chic it was. The oversized tassel, chain links and braided straps immediately caught my eye. They give this tote just the right amount of detail without being over the top. This is one of those bags that will age beautifully over the years because the sumptuous pebbled leather has a slightly glazed effect that hides imperfections and embraces the oils from your skin. The neutral color palettes will go with everything in your summer wardrobe and best of all...that silly logo of hers is hardly detectable!  Purchase in black, tan (my fave), or brown for only $435. Pair any of these color options with a crisp white shirt and dark denim and you're out the door in effortless style. Shop Tory Burch bags at Net-a-Porter.com. 

Weekly Fashion Roundup

The new Sex and City movie is coming, and I am...relatively excited! I have to admit that the first flick was boring, but after watching the show for years, I feel obligated to know what happens next. In the newly released trailor, Samantha is channeling Rihanna in this bright red Abu Dhabi spiked shoulder little number. A lot of bloggers are hating, but I love it. Samantha is ageless!   

Jessica Simpson is on the new cover of Marie Claire wearing mineral foundation, eyeliner, mascara, blush, and lip gloss without a stitch of makeup or retouching. Wow...she has three wrinkles and two freckles!

Anna Wintour is auctioning off a week at Vogue for charity. The bidding starts at $1000. How much would you pay to be abused by Anna for seven days? Kelly Cutrone is claiming that her assistants may start out at $30K, but in four or five years, their salaries can skyrocket up to $150K. Sounds fair to me after seeing Kell on Earth. Her staff have absolutely no life outside of the office!  

Good Housekeeping retouched Michelle Obama beyond recognition! Am I the only person who thinks she looks much better in real life?

Can we talk for a moment about the new Coca-Cola Light ad? Baptiste Giabiconi looks so retro and Coco Rocha is wearing Karl Lagerfeld's actual accessories! Now moms have something chic to drink at their kids' games.

Trend Alert: Nude is the New Hue

I'm obsessed with the Ivy flap bag from Stella McCartney! It's simple and chic design is flawlessly executed and the lightly hued coated canvas is so fresh for Spring. My favorite aspect of this bag is the graduated chain link strap. For so many designers, the strap is merely an afterthought, but the large links and clasp take center stage due to the cream enamel detailing. Pick it up at Matches Fashion for £595.

I always love to see what new styles Balenciaga will come up with and in the Fall of 2008, it was all about the Pompon. The roomy interior and casual styling makes it the ideal grab-and-go bag for weekends. I'll never grow tired of the buttery-soft wrinkled Italian lambskin and the Sahara color is perfect for Summer. It's available at Barneys for $1495.

I know this is the second Valentino bag that I've featured this week, but I just can't get over how breathtakingly beautiful they are. The exquisite craftsmanship is incomparable and they're so luxurious. This clutch is enveloped in ruffled eggshell tulle that has been adorned with just the right amount of bling. Even the metal frame is encrusted with Swarovski crystals. It's the perfect go-to clutch for black-tie galas and fundraisers as well as weddings. Purchase at Net-a-Porter for £2,030...yikes!    

Pharrell's Louis Vuitton Backpack

Pharrell is one of the few male celebs who actually gets any attention for his style. I mean, how many guys do you know who would rock a 50cm purple alligator Hermès HAC? However, we're not so sure about this Louis Vuitton multicolored monstrosity that he wore to a Levi's event in London last week. Sure we could make an argument against the monogram or the feminine color palette, but we feel that it's more important to talk about the fact that he's wearing a backpack. According to Glamour Magazine, they're making a major comeback, but we think they're whack. While they do force you to stand up straight, backpacks are just not attractive. They always look casual and immature, no matter how you style them.

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Trend Alert: Textured Bags

Am I the only person that cried watching Valentino: The Last Emperor?. I don't know what was more beautiful, the couture gowns or the 45 year relationship between the designer and his partner, Giancarlo Giammetti. While the clothes may be suffering from Valentino's retirement, the handbags just keep getting better. The Alice Glam Feathers Tote is my pick for the most breathtaking bag for Spring. You have to see it in person to truly appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship. The supple gray leather is completely enveloped in tonal feathers, silver beading, and sparkling crystals. There's just one little problem with this gorgeous top-handle. It's 5 GRAND at Stanley Korshak...ouch!  

Jimmy Choo is quickly becoming one of my favorite go-to designers this season. I'm so obsessed with the Daphne Clutch that I placed an order for the black version and now the Cristina Flap Bag is tickling my fancy. The ruffled strips of pleated, multicolored leather create a flawless Summer palette that will go great with your LWDs and tribal prints. The double chain handle will come in handy for Moms on the go, but since it's detachable, you have the option to werq this bag as an oversized clutch. It's available at Net-a-Porter for £1,255.  

When you're not quite sure if you like a trend, but you want to give it a try, go with a neutral shade and try not to spend more than $1000. The Tourist Fringe large frame bag features subtle navy blue raffia. Purchase at Barneys for only $350.

Aseef Vaza Pagoda Clutch

What's the first thing that you notice about this Vogue Italia cover? For me it was Nicole Richie, because I love her style and laid back personality. But right after her, that gorgeous white clutch immediately grabbed my attention. I needed to know who designed it and how did he achieve such chic perfection? Allow me to introduce you to the designer, Aseef Vaza!

When? & Where?

I stumbled upon my design signature while assisting at Carven, one of Paris’ oldest haute couture houses. I was asked to design two clutches to accessorize some of the maison’s couture designs. Little did I know that this would be the start of my own business just a few years later.

Why?

For me, the clutch is ultimately more valuable than the oversized ‘It’ bag. Oversized bags overpower you, while clutches empower you.

What?

Initially when I started designing VAZA, I found lizard and ostrich skin in raw crust form very rigid and card-like. This is great for my architectural deco pieces. I still use these materials, however, I am also drawn towards plastics, corks, shark skin, metal, Bakelite and other amazing materials.

How?

To achieve the shapes, I work with card and sculpt the pieces. My signature trademark vertical pleats across the body of the clutch give the piece shape/structure/proportion - important aspects in executing a good design. The bags are ergonomically designed to sit in the crease of a palm.

The Pagoda clutch was inspired by Wallis Simpson and her time spent in Shanghai. It comes in a multitude of different color and skin variations, my favorite being the black patent leather and ostrich leg combination. Purchase at Wolf and Badger, as soon as stocks are replenished. For more information about VAZA, check out their facebook page.  

Maison Martin Margiela Candy Clutch

Happy Easter everybody! We're celebrating Spring with a new layout. We loved our old one, but it was time for something lighter and more appropriate for the season. Hope you like it! Today is all about arm candy, so of course we have to review the Candy Clutch from Maison Martin Margiela. This bag is truly an oversized candy wrapper. Margiela didn't stop at the rectangular shape and ribbed zigzag edges. He also included a bar code and even the weight measurements! I would recommend only wearing this clutch at night, because you could blind someone with the reflecting rays of the sun bouncing off of the metallic gold polyurethane. If your wardrobe is in desperate need of some fun, pick up the Maison Martin Margiela Candy Clutch at La Garçonne for $850.  

Elie Tahari Beverly Tote

Elie Tahari's first foray into the wonderful world of handbag design has finally hit stores and I'm already in lust! The quiet sophistication that we've come to expect from Elie Tahari ready-to-wear is exemplified in the Beverly tote. I'm obsessed with the sumptuous gathered leather! It forms a zigzag pattern that takes on an almost woven appearance in person. Chain handles are all the rage this season and they add the perfect touch of edge. With a sizeable brightly hued interior, plenty of pockets, and a magnetic snap closure, this is the quintessential grab-and-go bag. Purchase the Beverly tote HERE for $602. Now that's what I call affordable luxury!

Ralph Lauren Ricky Lizard Clutch

I am loving the way that tie-dye is being used on bags this Spring. I never thought that a tie-dye effect on a lizard skin clutch would be aesthetically pleasing, but to my surprise it works wonderfully on this bag. The color transition from blue and green to white appears seamless and allows for a flawless blend of complimentary shades that is bound to look great with anything. The brass lock closure on the front flap is definitely a beautifully crafted component. Lock closures are nothing new, but I like the fact that this one not overbearing. The brass juxtaposed with the white background gives the lock a subtle appearance and does not make it stand out too much. What is not visible on the bag is the interior calfskin lining. It's always nice to slip your hand into your clutch when its lined with supple leather. I have absolutely no complaints about this piece. It's chic and elegant and can be purchased from Ralph Lauren for $2195.