Brazilian Beauty

Like a caramel latte, this bag is rich, creamy and smooth.

The Small Studded Belt Hobo is a hand crafted creation by Brazilian designer, Elisa Atheniense. With its strategically placed straps and studs, the simple shape in soft leather, and bright caramel color, this bag displays subtle opulence.

Just another beauty from Brazil.

What’s Haute in the UK

Tights, footless tights, knee socks and leggings are the word! But not just boring black, this season they have to be bright, bold and printed! Go wild! Wear tights with shorts for an extreme injection of style into your outfit, footless tights if you don’t like the feel of the seams (like me), knee socks if you don’t like the pantyhose feel and leggings if you want to keep a little warmer!

Haute or Not: Tano "Lhasa Apso" Handbag

I can’t figure out whether or not a bag named after a fluffy dog is a good or bag thing, especially when that bag is not a pet carrier. Anyway, this Lhasa Apso Hobo from Tano Handbags is available in a variety of colors. Created from glazed, distressed leather, it’s rich in color and in shape, and embellished with numerous oversized eyelets.

I can’t decide whether the adornments complement the simplicity of the bag, or if it makes complete use of its name, Lhasa Apso. You be the judge.

Handbag du Jour

I couldn’t have thought of a more appropriate name for this wondrous piece of arm candy.

The Fendi De Jour Hair-Calf Satchel ($1,840) is a fashionista’s dream. The rich chocolate color, sturdy Italian leather and brushed calf hair all come together to create this triple threat – a large, luscious, and luxe bag. The perfect transition from summer to fall.

Now if I could just fork up the funds for Fendi.

Fendi De Jour Hair-Calf Satchel (via Haute Gossip)

The Haute List - Week Ending 8/26

The top ten fashion picks of the week, compiled by Haute Girl and Frapp!
(Click on images to see larger.)

1. Hayden Harnett – Mercer Clutch, $253

2. Accessorize – 2x Velvet Bow Shoe Clips, £4

3. Urban Outfitters – Lux Sleeveless Printed Frock, £35

4. Baby Phat – Belted Sweater, $98

5. Dorothy Perkins – Red Tartan Mini Skirt, £15

1. Safe by Rebecca Turbow – Circle Mini Dress, $180

2. HER Design – Lily Purse, $128

3. Warehouse – Pleated Batwing Top, £40

4. Dior – 5-colour Palette Eye Shadow in Flower Blossom, £32

5. Sky – Brown Kimono Dress, $132

In Fashion, You Don’t Always Have to ‘Conphorm’

Though I rock the double G’s (Gucci), appreciate the bourgeois browns (Louis Vuitton), and even fawn over the double F’s (Fendi), I can’t help but long for something simple and logo-free.

Enter Conphorm. Designer Josh Jakus, a former architect, combined sensibility with a minimal design aesthetic and created a chic, unadorned collection of pressed wool felt carry-alls.

Not only are their shapes sophisticated, but their bags cleverly unzip and lay flat, saving space when not in use. Finally, fashion that is truly functional. Not a bad concept.

Project Runway - Week 6 & 7 Recaps

Week 7
The designers had to create an outfit for the “Everyday woman”. Surprise! There was a new set of models this week – the designer’s mothers and sisters. However, they could not design for their own family member, but had to select another. The designers stumbled over having to design for a woman over size 6. Jeffrey continued to alienate the other designers, and even disrespected Angela’s mom, who he was designing a dress for.

End result:
Vincent surprisingly pulled out a win with his oversized collared dress for Uli’s mom. It wasn’t particularly fabulous, but compared to the other yards of draped fabric called outfits, it wasn’t all that bad. Robert Best was finally let go after showing boring creation after creation, week after week. His red and black design was overly simple and draped poorly on Vincent’s sister.

Week 6
Designers took a trip to the dumpster (read: recycling center) to create custom couture out of trash. Paper, plastic wrap and peanuts were the fabrics of choice. (Not much of a choice). Jeffery managed to piss of Laura, who also argued with Kayne, and later, Vincent.

End result:
Most of the designers made the most of it and created stunning outfits. Jeffrey Sebelia, though irritatingly arrogant, created, in my opinion, the best outfit – a dress constructed from recycled newspapers and painted bright yellow and blue. However, I was please to see Michael take home his second win (two weeks in a row!). Alison Kelly was eliminated due to her poor construction of paper and the Minnie Mouse-like hairdo she selected for her model.

See the other creations at Bravotv.com

What’s Haute in the UK

It has to be Miss Selfridge. I LOVE Miss Selfridge, they sell such unique, one-of-a-kind pieces but they also sell basic items, too. If you ask me their the new Topshop! And I know how much you Americans envy our Topshops! (Especially our three-storey one in London!) I mean take a look at their opening model shot:

Gorgeous or what? Check them out on www.missselfridge.co.uk

Haute or Not: Jana Feifer Silver Chain Hobo

Jana Feifer burst onto the handbag scene a mere 3 years ago, with her JAM by Jana Feifer initial bags. Celebrities like Oprah and Halle Berry were sported toting her bags, her line became an instant success. Jana Feifer has also become known for incorporating chain mail in her bags, like the Silver Chain Hobo ($395, pictured above). The matte silver leather is like muted foil, while the chain detail adds a twist to the classic crescent hobo. Is the silver hardware on silver leather too cute or too much?

The Haute List (Week ending 8/19)

The Haute List is a new weekly roundup, exclusive to What’s Haute, featuring the top ten haute items of the week! From apparel, to accessories; home goods to nightlife, we know what’s haute. Check back weekly to see what else makes the Haute List!

1. Bijou Boutique – Tough Chick Necklace from the Rebellious Collection ($41, Bijou Boutique)

2. Babee D. – Rodeo Crescent Hobo ($378.95, Zappos.com)

3. Just Cavalli – Noda 11 Pumps ($428.95, Zappos.com)

4. Nfy – Dark Skinny Jeans with Skulls ($209, Shopbop.com)

5. Forever 21 – Striped Spaghetti Dress ($34.80, Forever 21)

6. Paul & Joe Kimono Dress, Ebony ($29.99, Target)

7. Pegah Anvarian – Twist Short Short ($242, Couture Candy)

8. Thomas Wylde – Plum St. Paul’s Leather Jacket ($3,210, Electric Ladyland)

9. Botkier – Essex Small Shoulder Bag ($735, Botkier)

10. Lipstick Killers Umbrella, ($14, Mini Mini Market)

D.I.Y. Design

Want to be a fashion designer? Break into the competitive world of fashion design the easy way – design your product online.

Various sites now offer the chance for you to unleash your inner designer. Brother and sister handbag line, Freddy & Ma, allows you to create thousands of original handbag designs. B’s Purses also offers numerous fabric and style choices, and upon completion of your design, the site congratulates you on becoming a “B’s Expert Purse Designer”.

Shoe designer Steve Madden has his own DYO (Design Your Own) Collection, allowing customization of 3 styles: the DYO Lalo, DYO Lusta, and DYO Lamore.

1154 Lill Studio also allows online customization of handbags. Unlike the other sites, you can’t see the customization in process but you can view similar bags throughout the site.

Pictured (Clockwise, L to R): Freddy & Ma Hobo, B’s Purses Wristlet ($85), Steve Madden DYO Lalo ($129.95), Lucy ($90)

What’s Haute in the UK

I want to try this scent so much it hurts! Even if it isn’t that nice, I’d buy it just for the damn gorgeousness of the bottle! It’s limited edition only in Miss Selfridge, so if you want it, you’d better hurry!

Kate Spade Sample Sale

Haute or Not: Fur Louis Vuitton Bags

The infamous Louis Vuitton logo has been replicated in numerous forms – on the traditional brown canvas, imprinted on denim, graffitied, embossed patent leather, painted with original pop art, and now on fur. The Fall 2006 Collection features the Monogram Multicolore style imprinted on fur. Louis Vuitton is fast becoming the Donald Trump of the accessories world, plastering the brand’s name and logo on every possible item. What do you think of these bags? Haute couture or haute mess?

Project Runway - Week 5 Recap

The tables are turned and models get to choose designer. The designers are then given a photo of a style icon they are to create a modern look for. Icons range from Madonna to Diana Ross, to Marilyn Monroe. The winner of the challenge will win a TreSemme ad in Elle magazine featuring both the designer and model.

End result:
Most succeed in creating a chic, modern outfit, while a few totally miss the mark. Michael Knight (and model Nazri) wins the challenge with his hot-pink Pam Grier number. Bradley Baumkirchner is Auf’d due to his poor re-creation of Cher, which “looks like a cheap Halloween costume you pick up in a mall.” (via Heidi Klum)

Who do you think should have been Auf’d?

What’s Haute in the UK

What’s really Haute right now is Topshop! They’ve just got their Fall items in and I’m loving their leopard prints and Victorian blouses! Here are three of my favourite items:

Satchels and the City

Carrie Bradshaw would approve. I can see her sporting one of these rhinestone-studded City Satchels around the big city. Whether having lunch with the girls, trying on Manolos, or drinking Cosmos at some exclusive club, this unassuming bag would allow her to be both stylish and practical. And priced at only $24, it would leave her extra money to purchase those Manolos. I imagine her wearing one wrapped around her wrist, leaving her little finger free for Mr. Big.

Haute or Not: Bracher Emden

Saddle shape, structured leather, unexpected color pairings, and a hefty price tag ($1095) – it’s all in the Able 02 Medium Breast Bag by Bracher Emden. The line boasts a celebrity following including Beyonce Knowles and Eva Longoria, but the handbags are an acquired taste. Adorned in leather, crystals, whipstitching, buckles and bells, the bags can be perceived as innovatively trendy or simply accessory overload. So what do you think – haute or not?

Project Runway - Week 4 Recap

So Keith Michael was Auf’d! Not for the alleged “Sketchgate” (via “Blogging Project Runway”), as many suspected, but for keeping in his possession fashion patternmaking books and also for leaving the production to use the Internet. So maybe his fabulous dresses were so fabulous thanks to his helpful guides. The world may never know…

On to the challenge-designers worked in teams of three to create a 3-piece outfit for INC, Macy’s private label. The winning design will be mass-produced for all of America to wear. Angela continued to irritate people with her obsession with rosettes.

End result: Ironically, Angela’s design won. Her rosette details were limited to a select few, thanks to Laura and Michael, and her outfit was for once, wearable. The winning design was place in the window of Macy’s in NYC.

Though they lost their team leader, Alison and Jeffrey came in a close second. Bonnie was given the final Auf Wiedershen thanks to her frumpy cowl neck top and polyester pants, most despised by Nina Garcia.

What do you think of the Keith Michael mess?

Born to be Wild

This bag is not for the faint of heart. The unexpected pairing of multicolored leathers and quilted wool, the fall color scheme, and assorted details all make this bag interesting. The glossy leather is a stark contrast to the matte wool, which makes it versatile. Its edginess and long-term wearability make it almost worth the $498 price tag. Almost. If you want to live life in the fast lane, race over to Anthroplogie.com.

FYI: While you’re there, check out huge sale at Anthropologie Home, discovered by Margarite Elaine.

What’s Haute in the UK

Urban Outfitters have finally launched an online UK store! For those of you who don’t know, Urban Outfitters sell a lot of girlie vintage-looking pieces (one look at their website homepage and you know what their about). Their prices aren’t the lowest, but neither is the quality! My favourite piece is this white empire line jacket at £35 (a real bargain) for a play on the top heavy trend, it’d look great worn with skinny jeans. I also love this Skull & swords tee at £25, skulls are still going to be huge come Fall. Happy shopping!

Welcome Frapp!

What’s Haute is pleased to announce that Frapp Fashion has joined the team to bring you “What’s Haute in the U.K.”! Frapp will share with you her haute finds from the United Kingdom. I am happy to have Frapp on board and hope you enjoy her musings of all items fashionably haute!

Oh Boy!

As you may have heard, 80’s pop star Boy George has been ordered to do community service in NYC. While the rest of us are sitting comfortably in our air conditioned offices, BG will be out in the sweltering heat, sweeping the streets. So, as a tribute to him, I have selected a few fashion items that that reference him or his music. Do your own community service and get one of these items now. (And keep your head up George.)

Allison Burns – George Messenger Bag, $594

(Win an Allison Burns bag! See sidebar for more info.)

B Rude (Boy George’s Clothing line)– Butterfly Tee, $40

Stylesse – Karma Chameleon Clutch, On Sale Now for $100