Charmed, I’m Sure

Juicy Couture’s ubiquitous popularity began with the launch of their terry–cloth tracksuits and totes. While it put them on the map, I am glad that they finally graduated from terry cloth totes to leather handbags. Their leather bags are much more sophisticated and definitely more versatile, but still have the spirit of the Juicy brand.

I love the Juicy Couture Charmed Clutch. It almost looks like two clutch bags superimposed over one another. The flap contains all the details of popular handbags, without being too busy. It has just enough ruching, just enough studs, and just enough hardware to qualify it as hip. The Juicy Couture charms added to the main strap qualify it as fun. And the $185 price tag qualifies it as mine!

Available at Bloomingdales.

Hauteness! The New Handbag Magazine

Hello Haute Readers!

I want to take a moment to introduce all of you to something I’ve been working on for the past month. Hauteness is a new handbag magazine and resource, brought to you by What’s Haute.

At Hauteness, you can feed your handbag addiction with frequently updated features, haute handbag picks and looks created around that bag, the haute bag of the week, featured handbag designers, the only comprehensive handbag designer directory, and more!

Head on over to Hauteness now to check it out!

Haute or Not: Cynthia Rowley "Ophelia" Satchel

Cynthia Rowley is known for her quirky design aesthetic. Her clothing and handbags typically have fun and youthful elements. But when I first laid eyes on this bag, the first word that came to mind was ‘Granny’. The old school vibe of the plum–colored leather along with the contrast white stitching, ruching, and overall shape of the bag all make me think of an old lady. Even the name, “Ophelia”, is enough to conjure images of an elderly woman out on a Sunday stroll.

The “Ophelia” Satchel, however, was named a must have in this week’s People Magazine Stylewatch. Also, the people at People apparently believe this bag is trendy enough for the hipster set, as it was one of the prizes given away this week via their Fall Style Giveaway.

So what do you think? Granny or glammy?

The "Master" of the Shoe

A great handbag can add to any outfit, whether you’re wearing Target or Tracey Reese. Here at What’s Haute, we certainly love the handbags. Just secondary to my affection for haute handbags are splendid shoes. So when I had the opportunity to meet an up and coming shoe designer, I jumped at the chance.

Some might call Faryl Robin Morse a pioneer. After all, she saw a gap in the footwear market at the mid–price point, and created a line of shoes to fill it. FarylRobin, is her 4 year old footwear line. She calls it “an honest brand”, as she has never gifted celebrities, test markets the shoes inside and outside of the office, and does not design her shoes to imitate popular styles of the moment. Her shoes are trendy enough to wear now, but are classically stylish enough, comfortable enough, and affordable enough to endure season after season.

The Fall 2006 line is aptly titled “The Masters” collection, as Faryl Robin has mastered the art of comfy cute footwear. The collection was “inspired by the 17th century Dutch painters and 21st century global artisans”. My favorites include:

The “Beth” flat – a slight wedge heel, in rich suede, accented with faux snakeskin trim.

The “Edie” – a leather knee–high boot.

The best things about her shoes are the three criteria she uses to design each pair. “A woman must be able to walk into a store and buy a shoe that looks good. She should be able to afford it. And, if she’s on the worst date ever, she should be able to get up and walk home.”

I’d say that last reason alone is enough to pick up a pair of your own!

All Chained Up

Well, Spring 2007 Fashion Week has come and gone, but the memories of it live on throughout the world wide web, with countless recaps, footage and photos. I found this interesting handbag from Heatherette. It’s a simple white hobo with Chanel-like chain straps. I’m only drawn to it because of the chain print, which I think jazzes up the simplicity of the bag. I have to admit it’s a bit plain in comparison to Heatherette’s typical styles, and the white leather looks a bit cheap, but I like it nevertheless.

What do you think of it?

What’s Haute in the UK

White, light, floaty Summer dresses. I know it’s not Summer anymore, but I still think their beautiful and could definitely be used in Spring next year. Here are a few from M&S and Debenhams:

The Grass is not Always Greener…

I’ve seen some pretty innovative materials incorporated into handbags, or standard materials made to appear innovative. Nevertheless, I can’t imagine a night on the town carrying this bag. The Fringed Evening Bag by Toos is simply too much. It appears as if someone mowed the lawn and strapped the excess grass and weeds to an evening bag. Despite the fact that it is made entirely of silk and satin, a price tag of $1475 is also too much.

Mirror, mirror on the wall

Which bag is the shiniest of them all? The Metallic Mirror Leather Tote by Alessandro Dell’Acqua. I have never seen a bag quite like this. The leather shines as if it were a mirror made of gold. As if it weren’t shiny enough, the bags is ornamented with gold metal tags, and gold leather trim. With all this gold, it just may be worth the $1400 price tag. Perfect for the narcissistic fashionista.

Haute or Not: Valentino Embellished Diva Bag

Valentino is a legend in luxury design, with his international fame, haute couture house, and distinctive brand recognition. That’s why I was confused when I saw this bag. Unlike anything Valentino, the Embellished Diva Bag is an explosion of sequins and satin, oversized jewels, and an outrageous Galliano style print. The only thing reminiscent of Valentino is the price ($2,450).

So is the bag tactfully done or just tacky?

What’s Haute in the UK

With the new term starting, it’s nice to go back looking even more fabulous than you left! Here’s what’s on my make-up and beauty wishlist:

Bobbi Brown Shadow Basics in Neutral

MAC Technakohl in Graphblack, Brownborder and Smoothblue (Shown above: Smoothblue)

Tommy Hilfiger: Tommy Girl for Women perfume

New Forum!!!

Hey loyal readers (and newbies)! What’s Haute now has a forum where you can post all your handbag, fashion and other related questions! Head on over to the What’s Haute forum and post away!

Turn on the Woodworks

I love to see ordinary materials transformed to give the illusion of unlikely pieces. Like the materials on this Isabella Fiore “Woodworks” Handheld Bag. Complementary leathers have been treated to resemble wood, and with the washed brass hardware, the result is a crisp, simple fall bag. It’s nice to see Isabella Fiore tone down their usual embellishments to do a simple purse.