October 30, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa
James Piatt, the creative handbag designer
When I first volunteered to write about James Piatt, I must admit I had no idea who he was or that he was a designer. While browsing the handbags on Mr. Piatt’s website I was appalled but also very intrigued. His handbags were very different and nothing that I have ever seen before. To make it short, James Piatt’s handbags are very unique all on their own.

James Piatt has been designing handbags for the past 4 years in Los Angeles, California and it’s no surprise that, in his own words, he is most recognized for “creating controversial work.” Mr. Piatt created and designed his first handbag in 2004 as a gift. The unique handbag was called the Peacekeeper and it is still being produced today. The latest version of the Peacekeeper is called the Peacekeeper 400, and it may just make your jaw drop. The Peacekeeper 400 does not have a strap for you carry on your shoulder or handles for you to carry it with your hand. The handle on the Peacekeeper 400 is brass knuckles. When I think of brass knuckles gangs, and someone very violent comes to mind, so to see brass knuckles on a handbag is very different but also very unique. When was the last time you can say you saw brass knuckles on a handbag, never I’m sure. Mr. Piatt told us his reasoning for putting brass knuckles on a handbag was because, “He felt it was unexpected” and indeed was he right.

The Peacekeeper 400 is not the only bag James Piatt has designed. Other names of Mr. Piatt’s handbag collection include: The Persuader; Chesterton; and lastly Tinkerbell. The most shocking of them all in the handbag named Tinkerbell, which was inspired by the way Paris Hilton treats her pets. To me the handbag looks like you are carrying a dead dog, but there is more of a message to this handbag. “This design capitalizes on the trend of carrying a small dog as a fashion accessory”, which was quoted straight from Mr. Piatt’s website. When you read the actual message for the handbag, you realize that it is actually quite humorous. The other handbags in Mr. Piatt’s collection are also very unique. The Persuader mimics a machine-gun, and the Chesterton is a roomy handbag that has no stitching and was constructed by interlocking laser cut leather. If you have an artistic and unique way of thinking you will definitely be craving one of James Piatt’s handbags.

Overall, James Piatt is a very creative and unique handbag designer. Mr. Piatt’s handbags are the kinds of bags that you will either love or loathe them. The Tinkerbell handbag may be a little overwhelming at first but, once you realize the real message of the handbag, it’s quite the hilarity. Mr. Piatt’s other handbags are just as unique. The Peacekeeper 400, Persuader, and Chesterton all have their own style and are very different from each other. Like them, or hate them there is no doubt that if you carry one of these handbags all eyes will be fixated on you.

Here is a look of the James Piatt handbags:
All photo’s courtesy of James Piatt
The Peacekeeper 400 (available in Black and Red)

The Pursuader (available in Pink and Silver)

The Chesterton (available in Black and Pink)

The Tinkerbell (available in Black)

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October 30, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Deysa

Gucci Tribeca Medium Shoulder Bag
Let’s go back in time to the 60’s with Gucci! Ok… maybe that wasn’t their intention with this new fall edition, but seriously, take at look at the Tribeca Medium Shoulder Bag. Umm… what was Gucci thinking? I understand they seek the vintage boho look for the season, but this scheme is done so wrong! Recently, Gucci has been found guilty in throwing odd “stuff” onto their designs. Can you recall their strange Babouska line and the flower-picking rabbits they recently presented to the fashion world this season? The only likes I find on this piece would be the rich smooth leather and the fact that this is Gucci. I dislike the tassels, the heart-shaped crest; and the messenger style of this particular design is boring. Unfortunately, the $1,395 price tag is nowhere near convincing, either. In reference to the tattoo, did Gucci get inspired off of artist and fashion designer Ed Hardy? I haven’t heard of any inked goods and accessories craze other than for Mr. Hardy, and to be honest, I’m not impressed with Gucci’s tattoo design. Ladies, what’s your input on the Tribeca Shoulder Bag, and most importantly, would you wear this?

Shop authentic Gucci goods at: Saks.com

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October 30, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa

Chanel Black Quilted Patent Leather Wristlet
I have never seen a wrislet that I would even consider wearing until I saw the Chanel Black Quilted Patent Leather Wristlet. It’s cute, patent and totally stylish. I love the Chanel Black Quilted Patent Leather Wristlet because it resembles a little purse and great for those days you don’t feel like carrying much. The wristlet literally looks like a mini Chanel handbag that would be held by a child. I’m not too fond of the Chanel quilted leather but I think it looks quite adorable on this wristlet. The Chanel Black Quilted Patent Leather Wristlet is also very versatile as it can be worn on the wrist or even ankle. Only downfall about the wristlet is that you can’t fit much in it but it would be great for a night out on the town when holding a huge purse would just be an inconvience. If you love carrying only your cell phone, compact, lip gloss, and a little wallet then this wristlet would be great for you. Everything about this wristlet is stunning but the price.

The Chanel Black Quilted Patent Leather Wristlet is usually priced at $1,350 but is currently for sale on bluefly for $1,080. If you are not in love with the black patent leather the wristlet it is also available is red, red/white and gold. My favorite is the black patent leather but you can’t go wrong with any of the colors. Yes, the Chanel Black Quilted Patent Leather Wristlet is a little pricey for a wristlet but no one can deny it is quite gorgeous for a little accessory.

See the Chanel Black Quilted Patent Leather Wristlet at bluefly

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October 30, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Deysa

Marc by Marc Jacobs Chipped Staples & Studs Pouch
When I hear the name Marc Jacobs with a $188 price tag, my first reaction is to bust out the debit card and buy it, ASAP! I’m not really proud of that since in my case, designer pieces purchased at super discount prices, tend to be repentant purchases for me. I found this piece over at ShopBop (dot com), it’s called the Chipped Staples and Studs Rock It Pouch by Marc by Marc Jacobs. You might be familiar with this piece as its older sister was mentioned a while back ago, (Marc by Marc Jacobs Staples & Studs Large Satchel). Upon viewing details found on this pouch, I thought to myself, “Forget it… I’ll never wear this”! Studs, staples, and tassels are quite different to me, so for that reason I know I cant pull this off. With staples running down the middle of this bag, this literally looks like some freak project Mr. Marc put together in his designer laboratory. Chipped hardware on designer handbags is a big “NO” in my book, and on this pouch, you can find purposely worn out hardware. These little Marc pouches can be found in your choice of Way (WAY) Fluoro Pink or Metallic Silver. Ladies, what’s your input on this piece, would you rock this?

Shop MbMJ, here: shopbop.com

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October 28, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: bRs

Mulberry Roxanne A4 Tote
What’s this I see? Is that really a new style from Mulberry? Okay, I admit, I don’t really know if this is truly a new style or not. But I can safely say that I have never seen it before. It looks similar to the well-known Roxanne Bag, but it is different. The Mulberry Roxanne A4 Tote has been stretched vertically to make it look more like a tote, rather than a satchel. Otherwise it still has the same front pockets and buckled strap running down the middle. And since Mulberry is considered Britain’s first “lifestyle” brand, I think I can safely say that this version of the Roxanne Bag is probably the more functional one of the two. This bag could go just about anywhere and hold just about anything. And although I have never been a huge fan of the Mulberry Roxanne bag, I think this newer version has some potential. So eat your hearts out Mulberry fans! You can now have the look of the Roxanne Bag with the convenience of a tote! But for people like me, that aren’t head-over-heels in love with Mulberry, it may be better to instead pick up a bag like the new Marc Jacobs Jen Bag if you’re looking for something classic and black. It retails for about the same amount, but it isn’t covered with all that hardware.

The Mulberry Roxanne A4 Tote measures 17″ x 15.5″ x 6″. Constructed of Italian leather, this bag retails for $745.

Check it out at shopjake.com.

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October 28, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa

Chanel Pink Quilted Jersey Bag
Every bagista will probably want to hit me with their handbag when I say, I have never liked Chanel. Chanel has always come across to me as tacky. In my opinion though, Chanel seems like it’s more of a bag for an older, sophisticated crowd. I’m not sure why I don’t care for Chanel handbags, perhaps it’s because I have always seen the quilted pattern since I was a little girl and still do till this day. I must say though, while browsing bluefly the other day, I came across a Chanel handbag that intrigued me. The handbag is called the Chanel Pink Quilted Jersey Shoulder bag, and it is beautiful. Knowing me, I probably fell in love with it because of the color but if I had the extra money I would definitely snatch this Chanel handbag up in a heart beat. I love the color, shape and style of the handbag but I’m not loving the chain. The chain is what I dislike most about Chanel handbags but I think I could deal with the chain for this particular handbag. Only downside about this handbag is that it is made with fabric and not leather. If you could be extra careful with the Chanel Pink Quilted Jersey Shoulder Bag it would be a lovely addition to any handbag collection.

The Chanel Pink Quilted Jersey Shoulder Bag regularly retails for $3,450 but bluefly is currently selling it for $2,760. Yes, the price is still pretty steep but is an improvement from its previous price. I suggest if you have the money to grab this handbag quick because I’m sure it won’t be on bluefly much longer.

See the Chanel Pink Quilted Jersey Shoulder Bag at bluefly

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October 27, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: bRs

Dior Leather Mosaic Tote
Normally, fall is a season filled with warm and fuzzy thoughts about colorful leaves and pumpkin-picking. But so far, this fall season has been nothing but rainy and gloomy. In fact, it has been raining where I live for the last 3 days… practically nonstop. Yep, it has definitely been a downer. So what can a girl do to cure her case of the fall blues? How about a REALLY brightly colored handbag to add some spring to your step? So whip out those sunglasses ladies and prepare to be dazzled. Introducing the Dior Leather Mosaic Tote. Now I’m not the kind of girl that typically goes for bags with beads on them, but that isn’t what made this bag catch my eye. Nope, it was that insanely bright shade of pink that did. This bag is so pink that it practically hurts your eyes just looking at it — hence the sunglasses. And even though this bag is not something I could ever see myself wearing, I do think it has the potential to add an extra pop of color to a brave woman’s look. Simply make sure the bag has the center stage by pairing it with a more subdued outfit. As for the beads, I suppose they sort of work for this bag in their own, quirky way. But I think a handbag in an eye-popping shade such as this one is best left unadorned. In other words, let the color speak for itself.

The Dior Leather Mosaic Tote measures 15.75″ x 11.75″ x 7.5″ and is available in Shocking Pink. The front is adorned with colored glass beads, creating the impression of a mosaic. It retails for a jaw-dropping $3,200 (Wow! Those beads better be gemstones, not glass!).

Find it at Vivre Online Store and Catalog.

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