Archive for October, 2009

I really love discovering new and upcoming designers! And Tylie Malibu definitely hasn’t failed to impress me! I think I’m in love! So who is this Tylie Malibu? The company, which was launched in early 2000, is the brainchild of Lisa Izad. Based out of California, this designer is all about combining that laid back Californian attitude with a feeling of luxury and glamor. Izad says she is inspired by the natural textures of leather and the colors of nature that surround her. What I find most appealing, however, is that the production process for these handbags is all carried out in a single workshop located in Santa Monica, California.

Now all that’s left is to pick a favorite style! Introducing the Tylie Malibu Runaway Rose Suede Hobo! It’s not exactly what I would call a hobo, but there is no doubt that this is one lovely bag! The soft suede gives this bag such a soft look, like something you’ve been treasuring for many years. I love the pyramid studs that cover the front flap pocket and the thin double straps. Plus it is available in a wide range of colors, all perfect for Fall! Be sure to check out the wine, it’s super yummy!

The Tylie Malibu Runaway Rose Suede Hobo is available in Black, Moss, Smokey Gray (shown), Navy, Violet, or Wine (shown). It measures 18″ x 9″ x 3″ and it retails for only $395! Check it out at Nordstrom!

The Chat: malibu!

55 Secret Street weighs in on Newsweek’s Zahara Jolie Pitt hair controversy and wants to know,  “Are We All Really “Team Zahara?”.

eye4style has the scoop on what’s next for New York City’s legendary Limelight (hint: it involves shopping!).

I’m usually one for only satchel like handbags. In fact, most of my handbags are satchels from Michael Kors and Louis Vuitton. I’ve never been one to like shoulder bags. For some reason, they always seemed to hurt or fall off my shoulder. My shoulder may be in trouble though, because I’ve been drooling over lots of shoulder bag lately.

One of the shoulder bags that I’m in love with is the Versace “New Couture” Leather hobo. This handbag is stunning, and kind of reminds me of the discontinued “Griet” bag. I always loved the “Griet”, but I couldn’t purchase it at the time. Now the “Griet” is sold out world wide, and it’s so great to see a bag that kind of resembles it.

I love the quilted leather, and snap-tab closure featured on the bag. Even the gold hardware goes amazing with the white leather. I think this would make such a beautiful handbag to use in the Spring. White handbags do take a lot of work to keep clean, but when a bag is this beautiful it may be worth the extra maintenance.

If you don’t like this handbag in white, or you’re just simply scared to spend that much money on a handbag that could get dirty never fear because it also comes in black and green. I personally don’t like the green color at all, but the black is stunning. In all honesty, this handbag probably looks more beautiful in black than white. The price is extremely high, so it’s probably better to purchase this bag in black anyways. To spend thousands on a bag that may get filthy isn’t worth it. Well at least to me it isn’t.

The Versace “New Couture” Leather Hobo can be purchased at Nordstrom for $2,295. The bag is stunning, but I think the price is way too high for it. If I’m going to spend that much on a bag, I’d probably put it towards an Hermes “Birkin“. A “Birkin” costs much more than that, but it would be a good amount to start a “bag fund” with.

See the Versace “New Couture” Leather Hobo at: Nordstrom

The Chat: couture!

Jimmy Choo is known as the designer brand that makes women drool over beautiful shoes. Everytime I see a Jimmy Choo shoe my heart skips a beat. The shoes are gorgeous, but every now and then the designer brand has some beautiful looking handbags.

When I came across the, Jimmy Choo “Pep” Glazed Canvas Tote I was surprised! When I think of Jimmy Choo, I think of a designer brand that is classy and sophisticated looking. To see that the “Pep” Glazed Tote was made by Jimmy Choo was appalling and shocking at the same time.

I do not like anything about this bag. To me, this bag looks like an absolute mess. You got flags, jewels, lips, and even shoes featured on the bag. If you examine the bag, it really does look like magazine cut outs. The bag is all over the place, and I don’t understand the theme of it at all.

I’m not sure who would actually carry this tote around. I suppose those who love edgy fashion might have an appreciation for this handbag. All I know is that, my wardrobe is edgy for the most part and I despise this bag. I could never see myself using this bag, but of course that is just my opinion. If you happen to love this bag, then rock it out because I know I never could.

The Jimmy Choo “Pep” Glazed Canvas Tote can be purchased at Nordstrom for $995, which I think is ridiculous for this bag. The bag is not cute at all, and the price is way too high. I would think this bag would cost $400 at the most, but when you’re dealing with Jimmy Choo you can never expect a low price. Sorry Jimmy Choo, but this bag get an F in my book.

See the Jimmy Choo “Pep” Glazed Canvas Tote at: Nordstrom

end note: Jimmy Choo will donate 25% of net sales from the Project PEP collection to the Simelela Rape Centre in South Africa.

The Chat: project pep!

There’s something about the color yellow that has me eyeing everything found in that shade. Of course I mean accessory wise, and more than anything, I want a great leather bag in sunny yellow this season.

Designers such as Yves Saint Laurent (check out the Muse in Topaz) and now Gucci have released cheery shades of yellow handbags for their fall collections.

Gucci’s version is the New Pelham Large Shoulder Bag, and although you can find yellow leather on it, the majority of this tote is made out of natural straw. That’s a pretty strange decision for a Fall/Winter bag if you ask me, but regardless, it’s still pretty.

It’s more natural than yellow tone isn’t necessarily what I’m looking for to feed my crave, but I still have to give it up to it’s comfortable looking design which carries a low key horse bit detail on it.

This tote bag features double rolled shoulder straps, polished brass hardware, and feet at the base to protect your straw. Perhaps the cold winter season isn’t the best time around to take a straw handbag out, but you can always store this pretty in your closet as you anticipate the arrival of Spring.

Shop Gucci leather goods and accessories online at: Saks Fifth Avenue

The Chat: pelham!

Michael Kors has came out with some beautiful handbags recently, and one of them is the “Uptown” Astor Shoulder Bag. I’m a huge fan of the “Uptown” collection. The colors and the golden hardware featured on the bags is absolutely stunning.

I currently own the “Uptown” Astor Shoulder Tote, and I’m craving to buy the matching satchel. When I came across the shoulder bag on Nordstrom, I was in awe. The Michael Kors stores and website do not currently sell the “Uptown” Astor Shoulder Bag, so it was a surprise to see another bag added to this collection.

The “Uptown” Astor collection comes in four different colors: Amethyst, Black, Lapis, and Luggage. I love the shoulder tote and satchel in black, but I have to admit that I’m liking the shoulder bag in luggage. The “luggage” color really gives the shoulder bag a sophisticated look. I could see a fashionista carrying this bag around all year long, and using it for an everyday bag.

Being that “luggage” is like a tan color, it makes the bag so neutal. You can pair this bag with some many different color outfit and shoes, which already makes it a great handbag to add to any collection.

The MICHAEL Michael Kors “Uptown” Astor Shoulder Bag can be purchased at Nordstrom for $378, which is an amazing price for this bag. The shoulder tote retails for $448, and the satchel is priced at $398. For such a beautiful bag, I’d say the price tag is worth every penny!

See the MICHAEL Michael Kors Uptown Astor Shoulder Bag at: Nordstrom

The Chat: astor!

What do you get when you combine a kiss-lock frame and a resin bow? The answer is… Cute! I stumbled across this adorable clutch today and I just couldn’t take my eyes off it.

Introducing the Felix Rey Grace Bow Clutch. This little cutie is shaped like a kiss-lock coin purse, with gentle pleats accenting the front and back. Sitting on top is a resin bow-shaped clasp.

The style is so feminine and whimsical, perfect for accompanying a short party dress. You know, the ones with the puffy skirts? I really like the gold sequined version, especially for occasions where you’re wanting to add a little pop. It would be perfect for all those holiday parties coming up.

The black leather version, however, has it’s charm as well. Plus I think it would be a little more versatile. You could probably get away with wearing it any time during the year. Felix Rey is known for offering a fresh take on ladylike vintage, without being over-the-top gaudy. And these clutches definitely fit the bill! So if you’re looking to add some old-fashioned glam to your look, be sure to pick one of these babies up!

The Felix Rey Grace Bow Clutch is available in Gold Sequin or Black Leather. And don’t let the pictures fool you, this clutch measures 11″ x 7.5″ x 2″. It ranges in price from $290 to $320, depending on which style you choose. Check it out at Shopbop.com!

The Chat: grace!

It’s been quite some time since somebody has mentioned Versace around here; as a matter of fact, talk over the luxury brand has been pretty calm. What has Versace headquarters been up to? Or more like, why haven’t I kept up with them. I’m not too fond of the designer brand, I mean, they’re Versace, so I applaud them, but other than that, the brand has never done much for my likings.

One of their latest releases for the Fall/Winter Collection is the Logo-Trim Metallic Shoulder Bag. Once I spotted this handbag, I wasn’t surprised at its appearance; actually, it was just what I expected out of Versace. As usual, there’s logo designs, chains, oversized studs, and lots and lots of gold… everywhere! Coated canvas and pvc makes up this handbag and that’ll be a slight difference to the designers popular choice of stiff sheer leather. I could work with coated canvas, it’s quite durable actually, but even if I was to consider this handbag, I dislike its silhouette so badly. Its trapezoidal figure isn’t too pleasant, plus it looks really uncomfortable as well.

This Versace bag retails for $1370, and would make a great addition to the girl who isn’t afraid of a lot of bling.

Shop the Versace Collection over at: Saks Fifth Avenue

The Chat: metallica!

Well, doesn’t Hilary look lovely? Here she is leaving the Ken Paves Salon in West Hollywood this last Thursday, not too long after returning from New York where she has been filming for her now movie titled The Business of Falling in Love. The actress was sporting a light colored tunic top paired with black leggings and black leather boots. And since the Fall season has arrived in California, she has on what looks like a black sweater jacket and a large brown/tan camouflage scarf. Peeking out from under her golden locks are a pair of medallion-like earrings. And to complete her look, Hilary chose to carry her Givenchy Nightingale Bag. This classic style looks really nice with her modern outfit. Her particular version features the textured (wrinkled) leather, gold hardware, and corset chain accent. All of these features seem to really help tie the bag into her overall look! Kudos to you Hilary!

Hilary’s bag appears to be the large-sized Nightingale. However, you can find a similar bag in the medium size at LUISAVIAROMA!

Image: people