To think that one of the fashion industries well known designers would be inspired by the game of good ole’ American football seems quite strange, but is indeed true. Attention football addicts/bagista’s, meet the Brady Football Clutch by Alexander Wang. So Wang was months short of making this clutches debut during the actual season, and although you might have no football parties to attend to at the moment, you can always add this to your ‘gear’ collection for next season. So why a clutch resembling a football? Either Alexander holds a passion for the game, or he just wanted to call out to the sports ladies.
Jimmy Choo is known as the designer brand that makes women drool over beautiful shoes. Everytime I see a Jimmy Choo shoe my heart skips a beat. The shoes are gorgeous, but every now and then the designer brand has some beautiful looking handbags.
When I came across the, Jimmy Choo “Pep” Glazed Canvas Tote I was surprised! When I think of Jimmy Choo, I think of a designer brand that is classy and sophisticated looking. To see that the “Pep” Glazed Tote was made by Jimmy Choo was appalling and shocking at the same time.
I do not like anything about this bag. To me, this bag looks like an absolute mess. You got flags, jewels, lips, and even shoes featured on the bag. If you examine the bag, it really does look like magazine cut outs. The bag is all over the place, and I don’t understand the theme of it at all.
I’m not sure who would actually carry this tote around. I suppose those who love edgy fashion might have an appreciation for this handbag. All I know is that, my wardrobe is edgy for the most part and I despise this bag. I could never see myself using this bag, but of course that is just my opinion. If you happen to love this bag, then rock it out because I know I never could.
The Jimmy Choo “Pep” Glazed Canvas Tote can be purchased at Nordstrom for $995, which I think is ridiculous for this bag. The bag is not cute at all, and the price is way too high. I would think this bag would cost $400 at the most, but when you’re dealing with Jimmy Choo you can never expect a low price. Sorry Jimmy Choo, but this bag get an F in my book.
See the Jimmy Choo “Pep” Glazed Canvas Tote at: Nordstrom
end note: Jimmy Choo will donate 25% of net sales from the Project PEP collection to the Simelela Rape Centre in South Africa.
The Chat: project pep!
There’s another designer with a passion for owl critters on their designs. Upon viewing the Sherwood Owl Handbag by Kate Spade, it took me by surprise. What an unattractive handbag Spade created this season. I’ve seen critter accessories, and most are cute with head turning designs, but this top handle tote will turn heads in a not-so-great way.
The strong details and mixture of different textured leathers is admirable, but I wouldn’t want to carry around a tote sporting a vicious looking owl on it. It starts with those evil yellow eyes, and continues with that sharp metal beak. Grommets at each feather and those tiny-clawed owl feet at the base give me the creeps. Why so gloomy and serious, not cute and cuddly? We may never know. At least I’ll be passing by this piece at my local shops with no considerations for it at all.
Although its not my cup of tea, it might be the perfect find for the lady who can’t get enough animal prints on her handbags and clothing, and we all know somebody like that!
This funky Kate Spade tote can be purchased through: Saks Fifth Avenue for $425.
More reasons to shop at SAKS:
• Spend $150+ and receive a year’s subscription of Harpers Bazaar with code: BAZAAR
• Free shipping on orders of $250+ with code: FALLSHIP9
The Chat: Sherwood Owl!
Alexander Wang is a newcomer to the world of handbags. In fact, his accessories line was launched just last year, one year after his full line of womens ready-to-wear made its debut. And, to my surprise, the man behind the designs is only 25 years old. I knew he was young, but… wow. Alexander Wang’s designs join edgy and modern with sexy and luxurious. They are all about having that street-smart, tough-girl vibe.
So with everything I know about Alexander Wang, I suppose it was no surprise to see this bag I have pictured above. Meet the Alexander Wang Bianca Vest Bag. Yep, you heard that right. This bag is actually a vest. Of course, when one thinks of tough-girl chic, they often think of leather vests and jackets. The problem for me, however, is that this piece has taken things just a wee bit too far. In my opinion, leather vests and handbags were not meant to be one in the same. But if you’re a hardcore fan of leather clothing or if you think a handbag will put a damper on your tough outward appearance, then perhaps this vest/handbag combo would be just the thing for you! Whatcha think girls? Would you wear this?
The Alexander Wang Bianca Vest Bag is composed of super soft lambskin. It features a front zip closure, long adjustable shoulder straps (I guess that means “one size fits all”), and a multitude of zippered pockets. It can currently be found in Black at LUISAVIAROMA
The Chat: Wang Vest!
November 4, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: bRs
Marc by Marc Jacobs Party Girl Fringe Purse
I’d like to thank my good buddy JessLR for bringing this… um… interesting MBMJ bag to my attention. The sight of it was just so hilarious, that I didn’t want all of you ladies at Bag Bliss to miss out. Introducing the Marc by Marc Jacobs Party Girl Fringe Purse. It’s small, cross-bodied, and covered in colorful fringe. And the best part? It has multicolored appliques spelling out the words “Marc Jacobs”. To be honest, this bag looks like a summer camp craft workshop reject. And the fact that the letters are all jumbled up doesn’t help matters much either. Hmm, better yet, it reminds me of stuff I tried to sew back when I was in middle school. Home-economics class anyone? But I do have to hand it to Marc. After all, he designed this bag on a rather small scale. Perhaps a young girl would find it amusing, even adorable. Maybe all it needs are some buttons with hippie sayings stuck on it. Like one of those “Be Happy” ones. As for me, I think I’ll pass on this one. Unless, of course, I really want to freak out my bagista friends with it!
The Marc by Marc Jacobs Party Girl Fringe Purse features an extra long strap meant for cross-body wear. It is small, measuring 9″ x 9.5″ (Think swing pack!). Find it over at ShopBop, where it retails for $398.
November 1, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Deysa
GUCCI Nylon “Beach” Tote
Look at what I found today! If it weren’t for the title letting you know that this piece is by Gucci, I bet you would have never guessed it yourself. Hmm… a nylon tote sporting colorful kiddy designs and leather trimming, does Dooney & Bourke ring a bell? Among the clutter you will find stars, fish, florals, mermaids, waves, shells, birds, butterflies, BEACH, and this list can keep on going… Umm… I don’t know what to say to this. This is upsetting coming from the House of Gucci. With designs like these, I can’t help but wonder if Gucci recruited some Dooney & Bourke “geniuses” to work for them. This is tacky, juvenile, and definitely something I would not want to carry this fall/winter season. One simple leather shoulder strap and logoed identification tags can be found on this tote as well. A $795 price tag for a brand new Gucci sounds fantastic, but in reference to this silly piece, $795 is extremely over exaggerating when Dooney & Bourke offers similar pieces for more than half of Gucci’s asking price. What do you Bagista’s have to say over this tote, and most importantly, would you wear this?
Chat Now: GUCCI Nylon “Beach” Tote
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)
August 8, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: BrS
See by Chloe Patent Let’s Party Clutch
Is it a dog’s head? Or maybe a wooden shoe? Nope, it’s the See by Chloe Patent Let’s Party Clutch. And you know what? Whether it looks like a dog’s head or reminds you of a wooden shoe, this clutch is actually pretty cool. It features a unique flap closure where the flaps come down over the top in opposite directions. And the fun part is, if you just need to fish something out that is on one side, then you can simply open up the corresponding flap. Plus this clutch is both roomy and functional (check out the stuff inside!), so you may actually be able to carry some stuff along with you to that party (or hot date!). Best of all, it comes in this delicious dark purple, the most sought after color for Fall 08. So how does everyone feel about the See by Chloe Patent Let’s Party Clutch? Personally, I think it’s a little bit weird. But I also think it’s pretty nifty. I would definitely carry this clutch!
The See by Chloe Patent Let’s Party Clutch measures 10″ x 5″ x 1.5″ and it retails for $325. The interior features a dividing zippered compartment and eight credit card slots. The clutch comes complete with a kiss-lock coin purse and little mirror. It is available in dark purple and black (both patent leather).
August 6, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: BrS
Zambos & Siega Umbrella Purse
Ingenious invention or utter catastrophe? I was browsing over at Shop Bop the other day and I came across this… um… “interesting” looking handbag. Meet the Zambos & Siega Umbrella Purse. Why do they call it the Umbrella Purse? Because this particular handbag comes complete with an umbrella caddy on it’s side (and an umbrella to go in it). One might argue that it is practical — finally a place to keep that pesky umbrella. Unfortunately, it looks absolutely ridiculous. I mean, the umbrella is mounted on the side of the bag like a sword in a sheath. Frankly, I would feel like Mary Poppins if I were toting this around.
Another problem that I see with the Zambos & Siega Umbrella Purse is the fact that this bag is constructed of wrinkled patent leather. The umbrella holder is simply a sheath of leather attached to the front of the bag. My concern is, what happens if your umbrella is wet? Everyone knows that water is a handbag’s worst enemy. You’d be sunk as soon as that sudden downpour was over, leaving you to question exactly how practical this design really is.
The Zambos & Siega Umbrella Purse measures 11″ x 16″ x 4″, meaning it could probably hold a laptop along with some other work-related materials. The main compartment opens up wide with its 37″ zipper. If it wasn’t for that umbrella on the side, it actually might have made a decent work bag.
You can find it over at shopbop.com, where it retails for $825.
[ Continue the chat in The Bag Forum: Zambos & Siega Umbrella Purse ]
The Work Bag:
The Beach Tote:
The Weekend Bag:
The Evening Clutch:
