Archive for December, 2011

Who is my Bag Designer of the Year? I have so many favorite individual bags but do any of those translate to the comprehensive title? One great bag doesn’t make the cut there has to be multiple bags in a collection. There are designers who have multiple style that I love but aren’t necessarily new designs. I think the designer of the year has to be a trendsetter and have a collection of bags that I covet. It could also be a newer face on the bag scene that is making a splash. So, who makes me want to max out my credit cards??

My frontrunners for Bag Designer of the Year:

Tods. My first designer bag was a Tods and they have really upped their designs this year with fresh styles and shapes, new leathers and a modern edge to classic shapes that will be a staple of a wardrobe for years to come. The Shopper Tote, the Ivy, D-Bauletto, Ava so many amazing bags. Beautiful everyday handbag styles but what about a clutch? for $1300.00
♥ Tod’s AGJ Media Bag available at Saks Fifth Avenue!

Yves Saint Laurent: Always beautiful, quality handbags and I’ve been infatuated with the Roady hobo bag for more than a year now. The Muse is a must have for any fashionista…but what’s new? This Muse Two combines the colorblock trend with a satchel in fun red, linen and navy shades. $1895.
♥ Yves Saint Laurent Muse Two at NET-A-PORTER!

Celine: The Trapeze and Luggage Totes are arguably the most coveted bags of the year. Worn by major models and celebrities, these bags are striking in their chic design and new shapes. But, Celine is very limited in availability. New styles are pretty much limited to in-store shopping at some of the most upscale boutiques and department stores in extremely limited quantities. Availability is definitely an issue. The black calfskin portfolio can be found on Bluefly on sale for $2430.
♥ Celine calfskin portfolio at Bluefly!

Reed Krakoff: One of the newest designers to make a huge splash on the bag scene. Reed Krakoff is the designer behind the most successful brand purchased by everyone from college girls to celebrities. The new line launched with huge success. I also love many of the designs and the bags are great quality too. The Boxer Tote is a beautiful new style and I still covet the mini-crossbody in black. Check out this beautiful red Boxer on mytheresa for $990.00
♥ Reed Krakoff BOXER at My Theresa

Alexander McQueen: You know I adore the clutches. The skull box clutch and De Manta clutches are my absolute favorites, but I’ve yet to see a satchel, hobo or shoulder bag that elevates the entire line above others.
The ocelot printed De Manta is striking and reasonably priced on sale for $367.99
♥ Alexander McQueen De Manta at Zappos!

Fendi: I remember Fendi as a huge line from the late 80s and hadn’t seen much innovation over the years. But this year was special. The Silvana and Chameleon were major successes and the new striped bags are fun and fashion forward. $2300 at Saks in multicolor tote in cobalt blue.
♥ Fendi Silvana at Saks

And the Winner is..

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Consumers know that there are numerous amounts of places to shop online. Each unique and customer friendly in its own way, but what makes one more appealing than another? Variety, availability or even shipping costs play significant roles. There’s one shop above all that stands out to me the most. It’s appealing to my style, my budget and its available products seems to frequently change, so there’s always something new and desirable to add to my wish list. The wonderful fashion retail Shopbop makes my pick for my favorite boutique of 2011. Not only did I make the most purchases off that site within the year but also to this date, I’ve been very content with every single transaction. If there is one aspect Shopbop has that other fashion sites may lack is that Shopbop offers fantastic shopping experience, hence, its recognition as “the best customer service” by The Wall Street Journal. An extra plus that’s extra nice is the exemption of sales tax in most states and free shipping/returns within the United States. Other boutiques definitely can’t compete with that, therefore Shopbop shoppers always seem to go back. Products range from different price ranges and the selection of designer names is vast. You can find pocket friendly gifts, emerging newbie’s, as well as lust over some of the fashion industries top designer products.
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I don’t think I could ever stop loving my Foley + Corinna Mini City Tote! Not only is it one of my favorite colors (fuchsia), it is a versatile style that is perfect for everyday. Its unusual design seems to grab some attention around here as well. As much as I love my Mini City Tote though, I haven’t been paying too close attention to Foley + Corinna lately. So what has this designer been up to? What I found was pretty darn impressive… although I may be a bit partial considering I love my own bag from this designer so much! Here’s what I found though. Meet the Foley + Corinna Parcel Clutch!

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I’ve always been into reading about the Zodiac, especially when it comes to my sign. I’m a Leo and I think it’s fun to read what astrologers read about our signs. Some facts are always right on target and some are so off that it makes me wonder if the zodiac is even real?

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When asked to pick my favorite handbag designer for 2011, I found myself wondering how I could possibly pick just one. There are so many beautiful handbags out there and so many wonderful designers. You can certainly see my dilemma here! But if I must pick one, then I will pick Alexander Wang. Hands down, he is one of the most loved designers this past year. His designs are well known for their urban street vibe. They are edgy, yet sophisticated and chic.

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Michael Kors has truly emerged over the past few seasons. He’s gained so much popularity amongst fashion addicts and bagista’s. Just the other day, I was picking up last minute Christmas gifts at my local mall and it was evident that the Michael Kors bug has bitten a vast amount of shoppers. Sparkly watches and trendy handbags were spotted on the arms of women of all ages.

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A few years ago I saw a picture of Kristin Cavallari carrying a gorgeous satchel. It was either white or pink but it was stunning. I remember she was wearing sweats but the bag was the star of the picture. It was a bag that really caught your eye. I searched high and low trying to find out who the designer was and one day I saw a thread on the forum about the Rebecca Minkoff “Morning After” Bag. Talk about falling in love so quickly with a designer I had never heard of before. Unfortunately, the bag was out of my price range but it was on my wish list for quite sometime.

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Last year around this time, I had the honor to interview, Kooba founder, Abbe Held. I went to college for Journalism, so I’ve interviewed quite a few people before but never a designer. Let alone, a known and highly successful designer. I remember before the interview I was so nervous! Not because I was afraid to mess up but because I was about to talk to someone who founded one of the most popular designer handbag brands. It was one of the biggest interviews I had ever done, so I think it’s natural nerves would set in. Ms. Held was lovely to talk to and made me feel very at ease. It was as if I was talking to a great friend and now I can see why her brand is so successful. Good things happen to good people. Karma blesses those who are kind, and Ms. Held was definitely kind to me.

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This year sure went by fast and along with it; I take with me a mental collage of some of my favorite leather goods and accessories from throughout the seasons. Us bagista’s know which designers were hot, which weren’t, the ones who drastically emerged and the ones who had the nerve to copy some other House’s original designs. When it comes to my favorite designer of 2011, my preference goes to the designs of someone who perhaps isn’t classified as being a Couture House and to one who carries accessories ranging in different styles, colors, price ranges and personalities.

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