Ever since the Plastic Bag Ban Law here in Seattle passed I have been stocking up on shopper totes. I remember a few years ago when Anya Hindmarch kicked off the anti-plastic bag trend with her stylish “I’m Not A Plastic Bag” and ever since then designers and even departments stores (love the Norstrom’s Tote!) jumped on trend creating their own reusable totes. I probably have over 50 basic ones that I use when I go to the grocery store, that I don’t really care too much about and toss in the washer every so often. They do need to be washed occasionally!! However when I walk down to Pike Place Market here in Seattle I usually opt for something more fashionable, like my Burberry Check Market Tote or my Jacobs by Marc Jacobs for Marc by Marc Jacobs in collaboration with Marc Jacobs for Marc by Marc Jacobs floral tote (yea, it’s a mouthful).
Here are a few of my favorite picks for reusable designer shopper totes. Featuring Foley + Corinna, KARL, Malene Birger and Marni.
Foley + Corinna Bon Voyage Additional Shopper. $82 (orig $165)
Oh my gersh you guys this one is on sale too. What I love about this Foley + Corinna reusable bag is that it folds up into a wristlet! Convenient.
I will admit, I don’t know a whole lot when it comes to Marni handbags. The styles are normally very plain and simple, but there will also be some weird pieces thrown into the mix without any sort of rhyme or reason. That is just speaking from my own personal experience, of course. So that is why I was surprised, but not REALLY surprised (if you know what I mean) when I saw the clutch you see pictured here. Introducing the Marni Jewel and Horn Embellished Clutch!
When I first saw the Marni Studded Tote, I thought how great it would look this fall slung over my shoulder. A great finishing touch with my new denim and boots! In reality, it’s much more versatile than that. Perfect paired with prepster, boho, casual chic or even office ready styles. This bag features, functionality, versatility and loads of straightforward personality.
It’s not too often that I can say a designer has thrown me for a loop. But I think, right at this very moment, Marni has done just that! Check out this Marni Goat Hair Bag and you will see what I mean. The bag features a black goat hair exterior, which is full length in the front and shaved in the back. Now I’m all for unique and unusual textures when it comes to handbags, but this bag looks downright shaggy.
I suppose though you could sport this bag if you were in the mood for something quirky. It is certainly something that would get heads turning in a crowded room. If you’re feeling brave enough to try pulling this baby off, then you don’t want to overdo it. Definitely pair this bag with an all-black outfit and let the texture of the bag do all the talking.
Finding the perfect handbag is one of those moments where your eyes gaze across the room and are captivated by a tantalizing stunner that immediately draws your attention and compels you to walk toward it so you can immediately try it on even though you KNOW you don’t NEED it, but you end up wanting it so….ok now….breathe!
As I was perusing some of the newer bags out there, I had that moment with this bag. It’s design is simple but striking. It’s textures soft and inviting. The versatility of black and brown together makes good financial sense for your wardrobe. The shiny silver studs aren’t too overly-edgy and contrast nicely against the soft black suede. The cross-body and top handle style provide functionality.
Tis’ the season to throw sequins onto pretty much everything you can get sequins onto. From ornaments to sweaters, you can buy all of your accessories and wants glamed and ready for the holidays.
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 am loving anything with bright bold colors for Spring, including the Slouchy Shoulder Bag by Marni which I totally adore at the moment. It’s the kind of handbag I typically wouldn’t carry, as I tend to stick to neutral and boring handbags instead. I just can’t help but admit how flirty and fun this piece looks.
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
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
The Work Bag:
The Beach Tote:
The Weekend Bag:
The Evening Clutch:
