It’s no secret I have a special affinity for Tod’s Bags. My first high-end designer bag was Tod’s and I still have it! It’s quite worn though and I’ve been looking for a replacement. 2012 will be the year I do just that.
If there’s one regret 2011 that I couldn’t achieve was not being able to obtain certain fashion pieces throughout the seasons. I’m leaving this year with more on my want list than on my acquired list. The good thing (or sometimes good thing) about the fashion world is that designers update their products instantaneously; hence with time, it’s impossible for your lust list to remain short. So my three favorite handbag selections, in random order, for the 2011-year were also three pieces that I unfortunately didn’t add to my collection, yet will carry over into the 2012-year.
There’s a new Couture House that kept the oversized studs fashionable and popular. Alexander Wang carried a distinctive collection of handbags that carried hardware in abundance. Hobos, satchels and my favorite, the Diego Bucket Bag; each arrived with a unique silhouette and a uniformed array of metal studs at the base.
Whenever I think of Juicy Couture, I envision accessories that are pink and very girly looking. If you’ve ever been to the Juicy Couture store, I’m sure you would agree with me when I say it’s a bubble gum pink boutique! The store kind of remind me of what a room in Barbie’s house would look like. I don’t own very many things by Juicy Couture but I can tell you that each piece is, pink!
While browsing on Shop Bop I came across the Juicy Couture “Eleanor” Neoprene Bag. At first glance I would of never of thought it was by Juicy Couture because it doesn’t look like something the brand would typically design. In fact I was shocked to see it was designed by Juicy Couture. It wasn’t pink, bubbly or loud. I thought it was actually quite classy.
Does anyone remember the Kate Spade New York Journal Newspaper Clutch? The one that looked like a rolled up newspaper? It has been a little while since it was seen in the pages of fashion magazines. I remember the short-lived frenzy. Everyone seemed to want it, but it was sold out everywhere. Shortly thereafter, Kate Spade produced a variety of book clutches. Each accordion-style framed clutch depicted the designer’s own interpretation of some classic novels’ book covers. Cute? Yes! But it seems Kate Spade was not the first to produce a series of clutches designed to look like books. Olympia Le-Tan has been producing dust jacket-inspired clutches since 2009.
I’m sure it comes as no surprise when I say I love black and white fashion. Accessories, shoes, handbags & clothes, if it’s black and white I most likely will love it. I see black and white fashion as sophisticated, classy and definitely stylish. Some people say I’m too close minded when it comes to my style, I say their too open minded. Everyone has their own tastes, right?
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..
Consumers know that there are numerous amounts of places to shop online. Each unique and customer friendly in its own way, but what makes one more appealing than another? Variety, availability or even shipping costs play significant roles. There’s one shop above all that stands out to me the most. It’s appealing to my style, my budget and its available products seems to frequently change, so there’s always something new and desirable to add to my wish list. The wonderful fashion retail Shopbop makes my pick for my favorite boutique of 2011. Not only did I make the most purchases off that site within the year but also to this date, I’ve been very content with every single transaction. If there is one aspect Shopbop has that other fashion sites may lack is that Shopbop offers fantastic shopping experience, hence, its recognition as “the best customer service” by The Wall Street Journal. An extra plus that’s extra nice is the exemption of sales tax in most states and free shipping/returns within the United States. Other boutiques definitely can’t compete with that, therefore Shopbop shoppers always seem to go back. Products range from different price ranges and the selection of designer names is vast. You can find pocket friendly gifts, emerging newbie’s, as well as lust over some of the fashion industries top designer products.
Continue Reading
