Bloomingdale’s put together a collage featuring an assortment of the hottest trends for the spring and summer season in one lookbook guide; The Ultimate Accessory Wardrobe.
What I love about the lookbook is there’s something for everyone for whatever your fashion mood is.
* Browse through the ‘Brights’ for a selection of accessories to liven up your look with color popping hues.
* Jump into the ‘Athletic’ section if you are looking for sporty with a feminine twist.
* ‘Metallics’ aren’t just for the winter season anymore. It’s your moment to shimmer and shine with glimmering tones.
* Keep it ‘Romantic’ with sweet candy colored pastels.
* Check out the picks for the effortlessly stylish ‘Bohemian’ trend.
* Or if you’re looking for stylishly simple and classic, standout in some graphic high-contrast ‘Black and White’ print.
Seriously such a great selection in one guide. There are hundreds of items to discover! Here are a few of my top picks from the Bloomingdale’s Ultimate Accessory Lookbook.
This past year was filled with so many wonderful bags from so many wonderful designers. It is so difficult to choose just one as my all-time favorite for 2012. Lucky for me, I don’t have to. I was told I could have a list of my top picks. Admittedly, this was still somewhat difficult. But I think I managed to come up with four bags that are the best of the best. They are all something I think every bagista should consider adding to her collection. So check out my top picks below. They are listed in no particular order.
Rebecca Minkoff Studded Affair Bag. $425
I absolutely adore my Affair. It is such a sweet little shoulder bag. The pyramid shaped studs and classic flap closure design create the perfect balance between edge and sophistication. I also love the pairing of gold-tone hardware with soft black leather. It is such a great, updated look. This bag looks great with just about any ensemble, but personally I love it with a dressy top.
Do you remember your first designer handbag? There is just something so special about that moment when you hold it in your hands for the first time. First awe, then this overwhelming giddiness. It doesn’t matter how old you are when it happens, the feeling is the same! Recently though, it seems younger and younger girls are chasing after their dream bag. So why not make the bagista in training in your life happy this holiday season? There are tons of adorable options out there that are perfect for teens, tweens, and even younger! Need a little help? No problem! Check out these great styles below. There is a little something for everyone!
Juicy Couture Louisa Crossbody Bag. $88
Is your bagista in training a girlie girl? Nothing would please her more than pink and sequins. Luckily, this delightful piece has both! I love the pretty metallic pink and rectangular sequins. The look reminds me of a 1920s flapper dress. Plus the crossbody strap is perfect for the girl on the go.
What is it about the crossbody style that I love so much? I’m a huge fan of hands free. Whether I’m going to a concert or on a shopping binge, it’s a weekend favorite of mine.
Wondering what to look for? Bags that are crossbody should have an ideal length of 20″ + which all of these bags do.
1. Marc Jacobs Quilted Little Stam. $995
MJ Stam’s lil sister, the petite version is one of my favorite crossbody bags. It’s a popular style so it’s available in so many different colors. This bag has also been around for some time, so if you’re looking for a deal you can find the previous season for a great deal on eBay {Stams Page on eBay}.
2. WGACA Vintage Chanel Mini Bag. $2,730
Go vintage! I don’t have to tell you this, but Chanel is one of those labels that has looked amazing since the beginning. It’s passed the test of time. It’s a classic by every fashionista’s standards.
Just heard about this great summer sales that’s happening now over at Bluefly. Take an extra 20% off all regular priced items or 40% off items that are already reduced with the code FAMILY
Happy Shopping ~ here are some of my favs from the sale
BCBGMAXAZRIA Sequined Clutch
Available in black, sandalwood rose gold (pictured above), silver and gold.
The Deal: $77 (original $128)
Botkier Stella Convertible Crossbody
Available in black, white and coral (pictured above)
The Deal: $218 (original $358)
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..
It is never too early to start thinking about your holiday shopping list! Who is the most “difficult” person to buy for on your list? For some, it is the tween or teen on their list. After all, they are going through a very special time in their life when they change their mind every 10 seconds. Oddly enough, it is also a time when many girls start to take notice of handbags… and (gasp) designer handbags. But we all knew that! We were all tweens and teens ourselves at one time! So it only makes sense that the perfect gift just might be the perfect handbag. Below you will find some of my top handbag picks for tweens and teens. So whether you’ll be shopping for someone who falls into that category, or you happen to be a tween or teen yourself, then be sure to check them out!
1. Juicy Couture Sequin Crown Day Dreamer
You can never go wrong with the classic terry velour Day Dreamer! Plus it is available in a variety of colors. What I like about this bag is that it appeals to the younger crowd, but it isn’t too kiddie (just keep the colors neutral). So depending on how youthful you feel yourself, you might find yourself wanting to borrow this bag from your daughter/sister/niece/whatever!
Halloween is just around the corner! It is such a fun holiday, especially the dressing up part! But you don’t have to dress up to get into the spirit of this holiday. It is actually a great time to experiment. My suggestion? Give a Halloween-ish style handbag a try! What’s so fun about this idea is that you can carry something somewhat outside of your comfort zone without feeling silly. It is Halloween, after all! Need help finding something to fit the bill? Simply check out my list of suggestions below. There are four categories and an example for each one. Enjoy!
Halloween-ish Category #1 – Gothic-inspired
House of Harlow 1960 Rey Bag
What is more gorgeous than a bordeaux velvet pouch? I love the Victorian-esque flower pattern on the antiqued frame closure. Plus the extra-long chain strap is perfect for cross-body wear. Definitely gothic-inspired! But don’t worry, this piece is tame enough so that people won’t think you’ve been shopping at Hot Topic.
Halloween-ish Category #2 – Furry
Michael Kors Hutton Box Frame Bag
Still not feeling the fur trend that has invaded practically every nook and cranny this season? This cute little box frame bag is a great candidate for testing the waters! It sort of reminds me of a furry little monster on a chain, perfect for Halloween! I absolutely adore the box chain strap, it’s so unique!
I just attended my Alma Mater’s homecoming game. Getting dressed for it is always a chore as I’m not a big “fan” of team gear. I typically wear basics and add a spot of my team’s color. Ironically, I have very little of either color in my wardrobe. The second big fashion issue with attending these games is bag related. Taking my big satchel, hobo or other style I own in my closet invariably involves sitting the bag below my seat…or holding it the entire game. Neither is too appealing. With today’s abundance of small cross-body bags and color options, it should be a snap finding a suitable bag for these events! Here’s some great ones for you to consider on game day!
Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Karlie Bag
If your team is a mean green fighting machine, this is the bag for you! 9″ x 5.5″ x 1.5″ with credit card slots, will keep your belongings perfectly with ease for game day. Striking name plate on the front says you’re a fashionable fan. $258.
Rebecca Minkoff Mini Zip Clutch
Edgy zippered clutch with cross body strap measures 9″ x 7″ x 1″. It’s perfect to show you ar a seriously tough fan and it will take you into a night out as well! And it doesn’t break the bank either! $195.
The Work Bag:
The Beach Tote:
The Weekend Bag:
The Evening Clutch:
