February 12, 2008

Forever21 Bags
Why am I not surprised? In this day in age it is not a shocker when you hear about a lower label replicating or inspiring their designs after a high-end designer’s work, especially when you are talking about Forever21.

There are other companies guilty as well, but by far Forever21 is up there as one of the top (popular) chains that mass produces cheaply made items that are highly similar if not identical, minus the designers logo, to that made by a designer. Clothes, jewelry, handbags, you name it. F21 copies it all.

F21 is recognized for their huge selection of inspired-by handbags and even been hit with a few lawsuits for copyright infringement. But is that slowing them down? No. Odd isn’t it? You would think that with all the lawsuits against the forever21 chain they would resist from copying other designers works. You would think. I wonder who buys these bags anyway. Is quality over quantity not in everyones best interest anymore? The plastic F21’s just seem like a waste of money and probably wont last more than 2 weeks of wear.

Anyway, here’s the latest inspired-by versions:

F21 does the Fendi Spy Satchel
This is no big surprise.. Ever since the Fendi Spy bag was declared an “IT bag” years ago, F21 added it to their interpretation to their product stock.

The F21 faux leather (plastic) hobo retails for $29.80. Which is still a waste of money. Right now you can find a couple Fendi Spy Satchel on sale over at bluefly.

F21 does the Marni Balloon Bag
Even the Balloon bag by designer Marni isn’t safe.

The F21 plastic sack retails for $31.80, while the Marni purse carries a retail price of $1,317 over at net-a-porter.

F21 does the Botkier Bianca Bag
On the right is a tacky plastic version of Botkier’s hit piece, the Bianca satchel.

The plastic F21 purse can be found for just under $20, while the Bianca over at Shopbop retails for $595.

F21 does the Tod’s Nylon Messenger Media Bag
Nooooo. Not my beloved Tod’s Media bag! I love the fashion brand Tod’s. Classic, been around for years and have never had a problem with knockoffs, well not nearly as bad as other designers.

The satin F21 version retails for $17.80. The real deal retails for $775. Find at eluxury.

January 29, 2008

Bag Trend: The canvas shoulder strap
A lot of designers this season are going through a sporty strap phase. Where instead of the usual leather or chain strap, the bags are topped off with a thick detachable cotton canvas shoulder strap. What do you guys think of it?

When it comes to comfort, I’m not complaining. Especially when it comes to a day bag that might be on my shoulder for 4+ hours. Like for instance when you’re out on a shopping trip, you don’t want to carry a bag that’s uncomfortable on your shoulder or that will keep you fidgeting every 5 minutes to keep from sliding down.

Pictured Above: Here we have a range of designer bags, which all come with this new comfy canvas strap accessory.

> Furla Elisabeth Medium Shoulder Bag – Impressive purple beauty by Furla. Comes in croc-embossed leather in a hobo-shape style with a detachable canvas shoulder strap.
Find it - $550

> Marc Jacobs Cecilia Bag – Liven up your day look with this vivid papaya colored Cecilia. Dressed in the signature MJ quilting with gold hardware and detachable canvas strap.
Find it - $1,2750

> Marni Balloon Tote – No matter what anybody says, the shiny patent leather trend is not dead. Discover Marni’s hit, the inflated-looking balloon day bag. Dressed in crinkle patent and features double handles as well as a removable canvas shoulder strap.
Find it - $1,260

> Coach Heritage Stripe Swingpack – Meet the newest collection to the Coach brand, the Heritage Stripe. The swingpack is perfect for the minimalist and ideal for the traveler. The petite purse features the Coach signature fabric with a shoulderstrap that’s long enough to be worn over the shoulder or crossbody.
Find it - $138

> Stella McCartney Appaloosa Shoulder Bag – For the animal-loving readers, check out the Appaloosa. It’s a great lightweight option that’s simple yet stylish for everyday wear. Comes in the color soft stone with gold hardware and a removable shoulderstrap.
Find it - $1,095

> Lambertson Truex Derby Leather Small Box Car Satchel – In need of some color in your work-wear? The latest from Lambertson is this sleek pebbled grain handbag in the yummy color tangerine.
Find it - $1,295

January 4, 2008

Top 10 Cruise Bags for 2008
Sick of winter? We hear you. As we count down the days to spring and we get closer and closer to tucking our winter bags in their sleeping sacks, here comes the Cruise collection.

Take a stroll on over to net-a-porter and take a glance at their latest stash of cruise purses. Collaged above are the top 10 (+1) beauties that recently hit the virtual store shelves of net-a-porter. Check ‘em out.

1) Anya Hindmarch Lulu Leather Clutch - The hammered metallic clutch with wooden ring detailing.
2) Bottega Veneta White Tote - The white canvas tote with chocolate handles.
3) Devi Kroell Satin Frame Clutch - The satin clutch with appliqué details.
4) Marc Jacobs Gennifer Leather Bag - The quilted tote with chain link shoulderstraps.
5) Jimmy Choo Chrissy Mesh - The metallic mesh oversized clutch.
6) Zac Posen Shoulder Bag - The woven leather drawstring shoulder tote.
7) Be & D Kan Kan Portfolio Purse - The ruffled leather shoulder bag with chain strap.
Miu Miu Matelassa Bag - The large Matelasse tote with a removable long strap.
9) Mulberry Mabel Snakeskin Bag - Large metallic Mabel with two large front pockets
10) Botkier Large Sasha Duffle - The large slouchy tote with long and short straps.
11) Marni Leather Balloon Tote - The distressed large leather balloon bag.

Discover the latest Cruise designer handbags, purses, wallets, totes, clutches and more at net-a-porter

September 28, 2007

Marni Mesh Balloon Bag
Marni’s Balloon isn’t looking so balloon-ish these days. The first Balloon bag looked something like a super sized blown up plastic bag. Then, last month they introduced the deflated version to the inflatable family. Now, take a glance above, it’s the new and improved balloon bag, dressed in a mesh-like web of canvas. I love the thick long shoulderstrap, it’s designed wide enough to rest comfortably on your shoulder without sliding off like those annoying thin straps. Plus if want to go shoulderstrap-less, then simply detach and tote along your balloon with the dual handles.

Discover the Marni Mesh Net Balloon Bag
Price: $1,368

August 29, 2007

Exclusive: Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton Teaming Up with Richard Prince
Now that Richard Prince is done collaborating with Marni to create those sketch print bags, rumor has it that he is making his way to Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton to join forces and create the next sensational hit. I am dying to see the result of what these two will come up with.

When will you be able to take a glance? The new line will be revealed at the S/S 2008 show at Paris Fashion week in October, but I’m sure pictures will surface much sooner before that date. Keep checking back…

August 24, 2007

Marni’s New Deflated Balloon Bag
No you are seeing this correctly. The Marni Balloon bag that flew off store shelves last summer has not been deflated, this is just a new addition to the inflatable purse family.

The Marni Balloon’s new sister, this patent leather tote shares similar features and then some. This version looks so much more appealing, for those of us who don’t like the walking around with the flat balloon look. The not-so-poofy body comes in a deep rich purple glossy patent body with slight pleating down the front, but not too much to make it look balloon-ey. The contrast dark brown leather straps and corner tabs are decorated with a couple stud details that add just the right touch to finish the look. The straps are the most important part because who wants to fidget like every 2 minutes because our bag keeps falling off. Well Marni tackles this concerns with the thin slightly-thick handle straps and removable canvas shoulder strap. Although the attached shorter straps on this bag are short enough for carrying by hand or on arm and just long enough to comfortably carry over the shoulder. I would un-clip or tuck-in the additional strap given. It would also look so much better without.

The deep dark purple version is my favorite but if you are looking for something with autumn hues then you may want to check out brownsfashion.com. They have a rhubarb-ish looking patent and also a dark dirt colored glossy patent version available.

Discover Marni’s New Deflated Balloon Bag
Price: $1,434

August 8, 2007

Marni Balloon Bag vs French Connection Polish Purse
In this day in age it is not a shocker when you hear about a lower label replicating their designs after a high-end designer’s work. Forever21 is recognized for their huge selection of inspired-by handbags and even been hit with lawsuits like crazy lately from Diane von Furstenberg clothing to Gwen’s Harajuku purse line. Now French Connection has been caught for inspiring their handbags after Marni’s hit, the Balloon purse. The bag, which by the way retails for only $100, was produced by the fashion brand for the fashionista who loves the look but can’t afford Marni’s $1,600 bag.

If I had to choose either or, my vote would go out to the Marni Balloon Bag. The French Connection one just looks cheap and tacky, especially in that black patent pvc dress. The quality just isn’t there, which is to be expected for a $100 bag. I mean how long do you think this pvc plastic bag is going to last without showing some wear. If you are saying in your head “well I like the idea of saving a few bucks for a inspired-by purse,” then I suggest first you check out what eBay has to offer. There are a few sellers with new and slightly used Marni Balloon’s at reasonable prices.

Discover the Marni Balloon Bag
Price: $1,605
*or check them out on sale at ebay

Discover the French Connection Polish Purse
Price: $100

April 15, 2007

Marni Balloon Handbag with Richard Prince Print
Sooo… do you have your Marni Balloon Bag yet? On Friday I went to a launch party for a nightlife Magazine, and I was amazed at how many Marni Balloon bags were out in the crowd. I would say easily 4. Everyone else was holding Chanel or Louis Vuitton (Riveting and Olympe Stratus!).

At first I didn’t like the Marni Balloon bag, well because, it looked like a giant balloon. But now I am in love – my favorite for spring-summer-days is the one pictured above. Dressed in nylon canvas and topped off with double straps (hand straps in two-toned acetate, detachable shoulder straps in ribbon with leather accents), this bag features a fun print by Richard Prince for Marni - Definitely a casual spring day bag. Price $1,100.

Random: When I first discovered the Marni Balloon bag I could not get this video out of my head. It is slightly long, approx 5 minutes, but it will surely add a smile to your face.
( ( don’t forget to turn the sound on ) )

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Date Added: March 13, 2007
Designer Handbag Alert for Winter 2008
Popular fashion analyst and trend spotter Candy Pratts (Executive Fashion Director) of Style.com has put together a photo gallery of stunning bags that are just the thing for Fall / Winter 2008.

Pictured below are a few of my favorites - of the handbags and purses or course.

Louis Vuitton The Shearling Touch - Winter bliss with Louis Vuitton. The new LV bag is designed with the Louis Vuitton signature monogram fabric featuring a cozy shearling trim and lining.
> Call Louis Vuitton for more details or to find the nearest Louis Vuitton boutique: 866.vuitton

Yves Saint Laurent The Crocodile Bag - Simple yet chic, this shoulder bag dressed in a textures smoky grey crocodile fabric.
> Visit ysl.com to get the number of your nearest Yves Saint Laurent boutique

Bottega Veneta The Python Bag - An oversized drawstring shoulder tote dressed up in decorative dyed python, ideal for the not so dressed up look.
> Call Bottega Veneta for more details or to find the nearest Bottega Veneta boutique: 646.292.5888

Burberry Prorsum The Studded Bag - Super shiny mirror bag! This studded newbie is pierced with hundreds of silver jewels on the silvery patent leather body.
> Call Burberry for more details or to find the nearest Burberry boutique: 866.589.0499

Emilio Pucci The Box Clutch - Pucci’s new solid box bag is collaged together with metal and wood panels on its framed solid.
> Call Emilio Pucci for more details or to find the nearest Emilio Pucci boutique: 39.055.26.18.41

Fendi The Color Block Bag - Brighten up your Fall outfit with Fendi’s new addition. This slouchy shoulder tote is dressed in a patchwork of vibrant colored leather pieces.
> Visit fendi.com to get the number of your nearest Fendi boutique

Marni The Techy Tote - For the leather-less bag lovers, Marni’s new tote is made of pvc fabric - This bag so beats the Chanel Cabas out of the “trash bag” race.
> Email Marni to get more details on this bag, or to locate your nearest Marni boutique: Info@marni.it

Missoni The Bright Hobo - This colorful leather hobo has a circular weight that works as well as a snap that flaps over to keep its mouth shut.
> Call the New York Missoni boutique for more details: 212.517.93 39

Tod’s The Logo Bag - Metallic is back for yet another season. Tod’s mirror bowling-doctor styled bag is covered in gold metallic leather fabric and topped off with Tod’s signature written boldly across the front.
> Visit tods.com to get the number of your nearest Tod’s boutique

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Bag Bliss the bag blog
Date Added: November 25, 2006

Marni | Patent Leather Clutch | View!
The Marni Patent Leather Clutch is dressed in shiny patent leather on a structured chic frame with a long decorative tortoiseshell and chain detail and topped off with the large eye catching tortoiseshell perspex clasp disc. The decorative, detachable strap with various sizes of gold oval links connected to large geometric shaped perspex links. Do note that the chain strap is for decorative purposes and should not be worn as a shoulder strap. The interior of this bag has dark brown canvas lining, an internal pocket and a large Marni logo on inside.

The of dedicated Marni crowd of fashionistia’s include Julia Roberts, Ashley Judd, Reese Witherspoon, Kirsten Dunst, Audrey Tatou, Monica Bellucci, Courteney Cox Arquette.

Finish the look with the matching black Milly ruffle silk aspirin dot sleeveless trapeze dress and a pair of Marni fabric covered pumps. The Milly dress retails for $445 and the Marni Pumps ring in (at almost an equal,) $405.

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