I myself fell victim of a black sequined skinny scarf; it’s cute, can get uncomfortable every once in a while, but I can see myself hanging it up after winter for the next year to come. But what about a sequined handbag, could it possibly last you the season plus the following year? I’d say yes, especially since I’d say the glimmery trend is to wear every so often, not necessarily everyday.

I ran into the attractive Sequined Shoulder Bag by Marni through Net-A-Porter today and frankly, I like it. I’d have to say the sparkly color combination are what drew my attention to this vertically elongated evening bag.

Black, green, and amber stripes of sequins create a glimmery Ombre effect and gold toned hardware fits into the theme nicely. Brown leather wouldn’t be my first choice to apply to this handbag, but surprisingly, it came out quite lovely. Plus that thick shoulder strap does look pretty comfy as well.

This little pouch arrives with a pretty steep price tag of $935 and can be purchased online via: NET-A-PORTER

The Chat: marni!

In handbags, I admire any with soft smooshy leather on them, the slouchier they come, the better! Just take a look at the texture of the leather found on this Marni, it’s as if it were made out of Play-Dough or something. Its crescent shaped design is playful; dress this up with cute summer dresses or pair this with your favorite pair of denim jeans.

Like most Marni accessories, this is cheerful, eye-catching and looks like a great year round piece. Found on this shoulder bag is silver toned hardware, a turn lock fastening at the top of the single handle, and a large zip top opening. This measures in at 14” x 9” x 6” and currently carries a four digit price tag of $1,410. Ladies what’s your input on this Marni, do you like this?

You can find Marni goods and accessories at: NET-A-PORTER.COM

The Chat: Marni Grape

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.

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

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

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

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…

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

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

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.

[googlevideo]5648772194444950602[/googlevideo]
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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