Archive for January, 2011

I currently am in love with Tory Burch. To me the brand oozes classic sophisticated fashion which is totally my style right now. I still have no purchased a lap top case for my new Mac Book Pro which is probably not a good thing. An Apple computer is more like an investment and the fact that I’m not protecting properly is the worst thing someone can do.

On a good note, I think I just found a laptop case that I’m in love with! The Tory Burch “Alice” Quilted Laptop Case is gorgeous and fashionable all wrapped into one. It may look like a normal case to a person who doesn’t know fashion but to me this is one classically beautiful bag! It almost looks like a purse. In fact if you own a black Tory Burch bag it would most likely match perfectly!

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Alexander McQueen’s legacy continues with beautiful, opulent prints and stylings in womenswear and accessories. McQueen designs are luxurious but always maintain a bit of edge to keep it interesting. The printed Samurai canvas tote is a wonderful example of this edgy luxury.

An opulent and highly coveted samurai print on the canvas material is accented by a little gold skull chain that is removable, an intricate rope detail is rusty red all framed with a beautiful leather trim. The front of the bag features a subtle embossed “AMQ”. Taller double top handles with an 8″ drop make this tote useful as a shoulder bag as well. A clever hidden buckle strap keeps the roomy bag from falling open and spilling out the contents.

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Lately, I’ve had an obsession with clutches. Small, Normal or even oversized I love clutches. I love the fact that I can just put them under my arm or carry them in my hand and I go on my way. Sometimes it does get annoying carrying my big heavy bags around and with a clutch I can carry my essentials and thats it.

The first thing that caught my eye about the Bryna Nicole “Bay Stingray” Cross Body Bag/Clutch was the name! I think stingrays are one of the most beautiful in marine life so I instantly had to check the bag out when I read the name.

What I also liked about the bag is that from the picture it looks as if the bag is adorned in crystals, which is not the case. I would love to see in person if from far away if it looks like crystals also. Definitely an obstacle illusion in the stock photo.

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Does this duffle shaped handbag look familiar to you? If not, it’ll be the distinguishable padlock that’ll give this bags designer name away. In case you’re still stumped, this is a fresh top handle design by the House of Chloé. The Chloé Paddington is one of those past “It” bag that we can’t really see making a comeback anytime soon, but the Aurore Top Handle leather bag looks like a classier improvement to the Paddington that can withstand the time of fashion.

For one, we have a far more comfortable piece here. With a simple alteration of the oversized metal padlock to the more fun-sized version that’s found on this satchel, Chloé not only conserves its consumers from back problems or injuries to the crook of the arm, but also allows this investment to be a reasonable fit for everyday wear. Smooth leather with a few amounts of metal accents keeps this look minimal yet eye-catching.

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New bags in stock over at our favorite designer boutique, net-a-porter!

Three times a week, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Net-a-Porter gets a fresh batch of designer bags, clothing, shoes and accessories -it’s three days a week that you want to get there as soon as you can to check out the selection, because on some occasions the items do sell out really fast.

Just in today, Monday the 17th:

Proenza Schouler PS1 Suede Satchel – $1,595
In dusty rose suede! A fresh feminine makeover for spring. I absolutely love the style and color. Simply gorgeous. Find her in the Proenza Schouler Boutique!

Diane von Furstenberg Philomena Clutch – $425
The philomena is phenomenal! Dressed in snake-print leather with irregular gold studs.
Shop the DVF Boutique

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I like it when a designer goes beyond their typical style by feeding the consumer something that’s noticeably out of the ordinary such as the House of Prada accounts for with their latest design; meet the Denim Hobo.

Prada had to be aware that this particular piece would get people talking as it’s too unusual for it not to spark a conversation in the world of fashion. In case you’re wondering what exactly is going on here, the Italian house presents your typical hobo bag silhouette lined with a textile that isn’t necessarily their first, second or third most popular choice.

What you see there is denim that arrives in a true shade of bright French Blue. This is most definitely the most casual handbag they’ve created in a while. You’re bound to either love this or hate it, and if you’re a fan, this can effortlessly be your casual weekend accessory. The problem is that a handbag for such informal measures shouldn’t carry a price tag of $1,450.

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Typically, I am not a fan of color-blocking. Sometimes it’s just too retro. Others, too bold to wear with any frequency, but the Diane von Furstenberg Laragh Hobo is something special. Diane again proves she is the queen of prints.

This bag is reminiscent of the Op Art of the 60s and 70s but maintains a modern feel that makes it current. It’s clean, geometric design is perfect for today’s minimalist styles. From daywear to beach, there are so many opportunities to make a statement with this bag. The pattern of the bag is a perfect compliment to the overall shape.

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I have always thought that classic black and white looks chic on a handbag! It is a great way to make a bold statement without the use of flashy colors. So of course, the Marc Jacobs JJ Patent Leather Clutch was going to grab my attention! What I didn’t expect, however, is what I saw when I went in for a closer look!

Instead of that modern look you see with most black and white handbags, the Marc Jacobs JJ Patent Leather Clutch has a really vintage-y feel to it. Just look at that black acrylic starburst embellishment perched neatly on the flap closure! Resembling an over-sized brooch, it sort of reminds me of my grandmother’s costume jewelry. Interestingly, the look was softened a little bit with a woven ribbon-like embellishment that serves as an anchor for the acrylic starburst.

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Let’s face it, most of us shop based on want rather than need. Frankly, I deplore shopping for something that I NEED. It usually involves a hyper search through websites and local stores looking for something that I love an want to fill a basic need.

So, how do you assess what you really need? It’s really a process of evaluation and elimination. What do you have? What do you use? What needs repair? What need to go? Answering these essential questions, will help you figure out what you need and keep you focused on a goal rather than being distracted by all the beautiful an fun bags out there.

I’ll use myself as an example. My larger bags include a few that are beginning to see some wear and tear so it’s time to make decisions on what I repair or remove from my options. Every wardrobe needs a black, metallic, tan/brown and a pop of color at minimum in my opinion. I have these, but the tan/brown options are truly in need of repair or removal. With spring coming up soon, I feel I need to focus on this area as I will be using it the most. So, in a few simple observations, I’ve drilled down to my need: a brown toned medium to larger size bag with handles.

After that, it still isn’t easy to decide. Do I want dark brown to light tan? Do I want gold or silver-tone hardware (if any)? Cross-body, shoulder, top-handle? There are still dozens of choices to make. The brown bag I’ve carried the most is a Katherine Kwei double-top-handled Edna bag that I’ve practically destroyed, yet still gets compliments.

I’ve narrowed it down to these few options. The final stage of this courtship will be in-store actually putting it on, feeling the comfort an weight of the bag. Tell me what you think?

The Proenza Schuler PS11 is one of the hottest handbags right now. (bagbliss post: the new it bag?) In fact, getting my hands on one would be very difficult, but I’m drawn to it anyway! I love the richness of the brown leather and the structured design and beautiful hardware make it very attractive. The shoulder strap would be comfortable for both shoulder or even cross body carrying. It’s 11″ x 7″ x 4″ so it would carry everything I need, but it is a bit smaller than my typical day bags. Perhaps it is time to downsize? $1850
Proenza Schouler Boutique at Net-a-Porter

The Fendi Calfskin Silvana Tote is a lovely lay-bag that has such fine craftsmanship. It’s another flap bag an I haven’t owned one in a long time! I love the top handles and the long handle option. The leather is so rich looking and it has an interesting pebble grain on the sides of the bag to contrast with the smooth grain. Minimal hardware provides just the right accent. Not too dressy an not too casual. It’s $2090
Find here at LUISAVIAROMA

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