Archive for December, 2005

Bag Bliss the bag blog
Date Added: January 1, 2006

Juicy Couture | English School Girl Medium Velour Pet Carrier
We accessorize with designer bags, ipod or mp3 player cases, scarves, jewelry, shoes, etc. now our pups or even kittens can get some of that attention and travel in the Juicy Couture way.

This pink velour bag with black leather trim and shiny gold metal hardware is embroidered on the front of the bag with “Couture Mon Amour”, detailed in rhinestones and shiny metal studs. Dangling in front of the double zipper opening is the signature polished metal chain with P&J charms. Additional important features of this pet carrier is the soft Juicy Couture signature cotton twill interior, side mesh vents, four protective feet on the leather bottom, and a separate gusseted zipper compartment with two patch pockets for all your essentials. The measurements of this bag are 13.5″ length x 10″ height x 7.75″ width.

I don’t have a dog but I have a cat. I have seen people carrying their cats around in these carriers, but the poor little kittens weren’t happy campers. This adorable velour pet carrier will match perfectly with the ‘It’s Raining Couture’ motif umbrella (below).

At eLUXURY this Juicy Couture English School Girl Medium Velour Pet Carrier is $295.00

Date Added: December 30, 2005

Kooba | Sienna Handbag
This lovely Kooba line intensely echoes the contemporary vintage trend that dominated the runaway. Bohemian inspiration is combined with luxury style to create this roomy, nicely structured bag. The measurements of this bag are 14″ length x 9″ height x 6″ width with 11″ drop whipstitched leather handles. Additional features of this leather Sienna bag are the antique brass hardware, suede interior, and the two exterior easy access pockets. Kooba is widely recognized for their always-changing gorgeous designs while still maintaining their classic signature techniques and vintage retro-like inspiration.

I saw this Sienna bag by Kooba on the Bag Borrow or Steal site. This Kooba bag is on eLUXURY for $595 or if you are on the post-holiday budget then you can get this same bag on the Bag Borrow or Steal site. I have seen and heard mixed reviews and opinions on this new service that makes it possible to carry the latest “must have handbags”. Honestly though, I have never heard anything bad from their service from people who have actually tried it. Only those who have heard of this service and give their opinion on whether or not they would try it and why. This service isn’t for everyone. I personally would choose to purchase the bag from the store, just so my money goes towards something that I will own. I guess you can consider this renting handbag service on the same level as any other service, like paying rent for example. You pay to use this handbag service for a monthly fee like you would pay rent. With both services you don’t keep what you are paying for. Also if you damage the property (handbags or a house) then you have to pay a fee.

Basically there are 3 different levels Trendsetter, Princess, and Diva.

Closet (1 bag) – Trendsetter $19.95 per month, Princess $49.95, Diva $99.95
Deluxe (up to 2 bags) – Trendsetter for $34.95, Princess for $87.95, Diva for $174.95

Designers: Listed below are a few of the designers that are available to the membership package. Keep in mind this is a small list. They offer hundreds of designers.

Trendsetter – Baby Phat, Cynthia Rowley, Guess, The Sak, Dooney and Bourke, Elliott Lucca, Jlo, UGG, Charles David, Cuffz, etc. handbags

Princess – BCBG, Betsey Johnson, Celine, Chloe, Coach, Kate Spade, Cynthia Rowley, Lulu Guinness, Juicy Couture, Michael Kors, Moschino, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Cole Haan, etc handbags

Diva – Hermes, Gucci, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Fendi, Jimmy Choo, Botkier, Bulga, Burberry, Chanel, Luella, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Isabella Fiore, Judith Leiber, Tod’s, Mulberry, Yves Saint Laurent, Versace, etc. handbags

To get this bag you would have to join the Diva membership. If you fall in love with this bag then you can steal it. Not literally steal it though, they have your credit card information. You do have the option of purchasing it for the price that they quote you.
eLUXURY for $595.
or check out Bag Borrow or Steal for less!

Date Added: December 29, 2005

Courtney | Guitar Strap Bag
This bag isn’t infamous because Brittney Spears sports one, but for the simple fact that these bags combine creative design with distinctive qualities. Inexpensive chic design and material all bundled up to create this quality bag.

You have those bags that are ridiculously priced such as Hermes; the bags that are highly priced such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Prada, Chloe; the bags that are moderately priced like Coach and Dooney; the inexpensive bags such as this one that are generally under hundred. When I say inexpensive I’m trying not to imply this bag as being low or of horrible quality. Obviously though when you purchase a bag for $60.00 you are not going to be getting the same quality for your buck if you get a Hermes bag for $20,000

So if you are in the market for new accessories but want to save a few dollars after the Christmas holiday, then tryout this limited edition Loop NYC bag from fredflare. Bags range from highly priced to inexpensive, the amount often varies considerably when it comes down to the designer that produced it and quality. In my opinion you are getting what you pay for. For only $60.00 you’re getting this ‘in the moment’ bag that is perfect to match the wordrobe of a fashionista on a budget.

If you are the type of person who doesn’t care if it’s a designer piece, then try this bag out. However, if you only buy exceptional quality designer goods then this bag is not for you. To me this bag looks like one that you would see at local fashion or trunk show. Decorated with faux leather and an english rose pattern and ornamented with a studded metallic guitar strap and zipper pulls with pink streamers.

This limited edition Courtney Guitar Strap Bag by Loop NYC is 16″ length x 14″ height and goes for $59.99 at fredflare

Date Added: December 28, 2005

Coach | Poppy Signature Wristlet
While hunting for a the latest fashionable yet not too expensive accessories I came across Coach’s stylish new wristlet collection. The vibrant poppy motif would be a wonderful new addition to freshen up your accessory wardrobe for this up and coming spring season. Even though this hot new number is part of the newly released spring items, there is nothing more appealing than a flower-patterned applique on a cute wristlet during the winter season.

The sensational new poppy pattern comes on your choice of either the classic signature ‘C’ pattern or a more complimentary simple classic white. This wristlet’s interior is lined with silk and satin lining and ornamented with brass hardware. Another feature of this bag is the 12″ strap with clip for attaching to the inside of a large bag, or to form a wrist strap.

I noticed that I don’t buy as many Coach bags as I use to. Maybe it’s just my bad luck, since whenever I purchase a bag from Macy’s it’s usually marked down the next week. Coach routinely changes their styles to satisfy their demanding customers, which is a good thing for it allows for trendy variety of styles. Constantly reinventing their signature designs means constant markdowns, unlike more classic labels such as LV. You will probably see this bag at Macy’s department store in a couple months in the mark down section.

For a minimal $98. you can get this Coach Poppy Signature wristlet (7″ length x 4″ height) which is available at coach.com or at most coach retailers.
Other Poppy bags that you might enjoy are
Gallery Tote 11 3/4″ length x 8 3/4″ height x 4 1/4″ width, with white background for $398.
Duffle 10 3/4″ length x 10 3/4″ height, with signature pattern for $368.
Demi 8 1/2″ length x 5″ height x 2 3/8″ width, with a white or signature background for $228.

Accessories can totally transform an outfit. Why not brighten up your look with this matching new Poppy Bandana headscarf. For only $68. you can get this 18″ x 18″ white silk headscarf. I’m a fan of little decretive scarves. If you want to update the look of one of your bags that you don’t find yourself wearing, then tie on one of these scarves. This scarf would look fantastic on a simple solid colored bag. If looking for a neckscarf, for $10. and 11″ more you get this similar scarf that’s also available on the signature ‘C’ fabric, that can be worn loosely around your neck.

Date Added: December 26, 2005

Prada | Nylon and Leather
I’m in a simple mood to tell you about a straightforward bag. This is a classic Prada handbag in black nylon and leather. Combining the simple traditional style and function for everyday wear and tear together make this bag a signature mark of Prada’s bags. What I really like about this shoulder accessory is I can use it as a school bag since it requires little to no care, and is very durable. No need to be concerned about dropping it on the ground thanks to the four protective studs on the bottom. Also no need to worry if the seems will tear from heavy book, thanks to the quality Prada nylon fabric. Another addition feature I must make a note of is the structured shape of this bag. It’s like a mini briefcase with hard sides that holds papers, books, or other materials for business or school.

I remember I almost bought a Prada Tote, similar to this one less than a year ago on Overstock. I also remember it being around only $250. I should have bought it then. Overstock usually gets their hands on some nifty Prada left overs from the previous season. So if you don’t want to pay bucket loads of money at full price, you should browse their site sometime, they have some good deals. You can get Prada Handbags for 55% off! I spotted this bag and other awesome Italian Leather Goods at Forzieri.com

This nylon bag is very popular in the counterfeit replica market. Prada has this simple durable line that counterfeiter take advantage of. They produce similar yet not as quality nylon bags with an upside down imitation prada label tag. To be honest, at times it’s hard to tell the difference between a fake and authentic nylon Prada bag!

If you like these bags don’t hesitate to get one, there are only a few of these left. This hot Prada bag in classic black is 10.83″ width x 9.06″ height x 4.33″ depth and goes for a steep $998. at the FORZIERI Outlet

Date Added: December 24, 2005

Chloe | Leather Paddington Bag
While looking though the latest Chloe collections for the new season of spring summer 2006, I couldn’t help but fall in love with updated chic bags. I absolutely love Chloe bags, I wish there was a Chloe boutique, or authorized dealer around Seattle. Oh the Internet is wonderful isn’t it? I think I would be stranded with out it.

My favorite Chloe of the new spring season is light blue leather Paddington bag with brass colored hardware toped off with an oversized padlock. This hot glamorous bag has two handles with brass rings decorated on both sides. There are so many additional glossy features that raise this bag to ultimate levels. A few important traits are the two-slit style pockets either side of bag and C shaped buckle details on either end, the Chloe inscribed brass padlock that secures the silver zipper on the top, finished off with the dangling key attached to the handle to complete this look. Also I most not forget to mention this Paddington bag is lined in canvas with an interior zipper pocket and has small feet on base.

These Chloe Paddington bags are perfect for the everyday casual, ideal size to carry around all your daily necessities. Keep in mind that Neiman Marcus has their Chloe lover shoppers on a budget. Due to high demand, a customer may order no more than three units of a single Chloe bag every thirty days.

These Paddington measurements are 7.5″ depth x 7.5″ height x 14.5″ width. At this time, this bag comes in whiskey, chocolate, dark gray and my favorite the light blue. The approximate price for this bag is $1,500

Date Added: December 24, 2005

Dior | Wicker and Raffia Handbag
Wonderful pretty and oh so lovely new glamorous bags are finally here. I went shopping online today like everyday, but it’s not everyday that I spot my future bag. I came across this new Dior Wicker and Raffia Large tote. I realized at that moment this tote is a perfect way to rev up that plain outfit by adding this offbeat sequined and beaded raffia flower tote. The woven wicker is a cool contrast to the bouquet of vintage embroidered raffia flowers.

I simply adore this new floral embroidery pattern, which also happens to be one of the fabulous trends of January 2006 in Lucky Magazine. In the Editor’s pick section they say “nothing is more alluring than lush floral embroidery in the dead of winter”.

I completely adore this vintage style tote, it just tickles me on the inside with excitement. I was down in California about a month ago and I visited the Dior boutique, which is when I first spotted this bag. I didn’t like it at first but now I’m hooked. When I tried it on it felt like it was made for my shoulder. It’s comfortable enough to wear over the shoulder and light enough to wear on the arm. I am very picky when I shop for large totes, I prefer ones that don’t make my arm feel like it’s going to fall off. Surprisingly this picture makes this bag look heavier then it actually is. It’s fairly lightweight but I guess that mostly depends on what you stuff in your bag.

This bag like most other Dior Handbags are a bit on the pricey side. For $1,500 you can get this marvelous woven wicker tote 13″ height x 10″ length x 5″ width at the highly trusted eLUXURY boutique.

Date Added: December 24, 2005

Sogni D’Arte | Green Leaves Applique
If you love tropical green plants, then you will love this bag! In my opinion it sort of looks like a plush feather duster. This is a new bag that is ornamented with handmade green leaves appliques by Italian designer Sogni D’Arte.

I was browsing around on Forzieri.com when I came across this unusual exhibit of an evening bag. When I first laid eyes on this bag it reminded me of that hot pink flamingo feather mini dress that Christia Aguilera wore to MTV’s 20th Video Music Awards. Most of you know what I am talking about. Linda Stasi of the New York Post “Talk about taste – or lack of it, in Aguilera’s case? Instead of just coming as, say, a parrot, Aguilera went the whole cycle – and turned up as a feather duster.” Humm, this bag and that dress have something in common. They both resemble a feather duster.

I must give credit to the designer, this bag is different and very creative. She is a new designer from Southern Italy who has opened her own boutique and created this brand called ‘Sogni d’Arte’ that means Art Dreams. This designer just came out with this bag and a few other unique purses that are part of her new collection. The front of this cotton handbag is covered by an appliqu� of synthetic green leaves. The green handles fit around the wrist and have a drop of 3.9″.

If you like this bag by Sogni D’Arte then you can get it for $95. Or you can get it to use as a super fashionable feather duster.
Sogni D’Arte Handmade Green Leaves Applique Handbag

Date Added: December 22, 2005

Burberry | Metallic MP3 Case
Willy Wanka I found the golden ticket! Not exactly, it looks pretty close to the golden ticket wrap used in the Scrumdidilyumptious Bars. I am sorry to say though, only Burberry, not the Oompa Loompas, mass-produced this golden ticket illustration of an MP3 player.

This MP3 player comes in holiday-like festive metallic hues for you to carry around during the Christmas and New Year celebration. It’s available to you in your choice of metallic gold or metallic red. Very Christmas-like colors. The mini MP3 player is 4″H x 2″W x 1/2″D and at most retailers for $150. A step up is the standard regular size MP3 player ist 4 1/2″H x 2 1/2″W x 1″D and at most retailers for $160.

How many times have you seen a replicated Burberry check pattern on fake ipod or cell phone cases? I mean really, they are so ugly but everywhere. Who are buying these things? I went to a Cingular Kiosk a few days ago, and they had them there. I walked past a street vendor, there was a sign that read “Perfect Holiday Gift, Authentic Burberry Cases”. Well, I am agreeing with them there. A Burberry Case would make an excellent gift, however not from an untrustworthy street vendor. The pattern that Burberry uses is check-embossed on distressed leather. This is Burberry’s attempt to make the process more difficult to replicate.