Happy Halloween!

Think a black cat crossing your path on Halloween is unlucky? Then press your luck carrying this original from James Piatt’s Sundae Best line. The $175 ‘Tinkerbell’ tote is the most appropriate bag for this ‘day of the dead’. Though it’s sure to draw many stares, or scares, it seems to be highly impractical, and not the most stylish bag I’ve ever seen. However, this leather and Lucite creation is just roomy to carry your Halloween candy, or any other tricks or treats you collect on Halloween night.

Spread the Love

Samantha, Callie and Chloe Beckerman are a trio of designing sisters, whose eponymous label and whimsical creations lately have been at the center of much media attention. Their collections range from Madonna-esque 80’s looks to colorful, floral modern vintage pieces. The best pieces of the collection, however, are the Beckerman ‘Lovebags’. These structured satchels combine the Beckerman’s whimsy with a unique take on the satchel–with multicolored leather, a front zip pocket, a front saddle–style flap pocket, and stud detail, topped off with a leather heart cut–out on the front and back sides. The bags are available in both lambskin and silk. I think I’m in love.

Lucky Shops Giveaway

Another haute giveaway:

What’s Haute in the UK

Right now, people in the UK love to revamp their wardrobe for Fall, unlike you lucky people in the all-year sunny parts of the US! We can’t get enough of boots, coats, scarves, gloves…you name it! Double-breasted coats are extremely fashionable this month, and I’m adoring this French Connection Flame Coat at £140 (about $263).

But if you don’t happen to have a spare £140 lying around, then I saw this lovely Dorothy Perkins Red button wool coat in the store window yesterday for a fraction of the price at only £75! That’s $141 for all you Americans, by the way.

Haute or Not: Socoley Bucket Bag

Socoley is one of the hottest new emerging handbag designers. Their styles include everyday basics jazzed up with unusual details, and a signature flower buckle displayed on each bag. This Bucket Bag is a different take on the traditional, with the body vertically ruched, instead of standard horizontal ruching. Though the design is ambitious, the ruching makes the circumference of the bag appear to be smaller than it is.

So haute, or just so-so?

Minnie Mouse Couture

Fellow fashion blogger Kristopher Dukes and I have a shared love for the petite purse, commonly called the ‘clutch’. I adore this one that she found: the Miss Sixty Chainmail Bag, where Disney world meets the bright lights of Broadway. I call it Minnie Mouse Couture, as it conjures up images of the ever popular character, but all glammed up. I believe Mickey would approve.

The Haute List

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Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Ever since Reed Krakoff was appointed the Creative Director of Coach, the traditional leathergood brand’s handbags have taken a new direction, becoming more youthful and colorful. I can’t decide whether or not I find this Coach Katy Travel Tote haute or not. The classic shape is classic Coach style, and the bronze leather trim is rich, but the striped fabric is questionable. Has Coach gone too far?

$398, Coach.com

Project Runway Picks a Winner!

I must be psychic. I mean, just a week ago I blogged about Jeffrey Sebelia’s Fashion Week collection (ok, his striped bag and dress). And tonight he was crowned the winner. I must admit that I’m a bit disappointed-I was rooting for Michael Knight throughout the entire season, and despised Jeffrey’s condescending and demeaning behavior towards everyone. But I have to admit, his collection was versatile, cohesive, and gorgeous. Here are some of my faves:

Want to see more of Jeffrey’s final collection? Visit BravoTV.com.

Who do you think should have won?

Be a ‘Haute’ Chick

In a sea of oversized bags, the clutch is starting to make a comeback. I like nothing better than petite purses, and of course I love anything that pays homage to my Haute Girl moniker. This Tanner Krolle bag combines my two loves: a cutesy clutch in all my favorite colors, and a ‘Hot Chick’ logo plate emblazoned on the front. It’s a cool alternative to the name belts of yesteryear, and it’s a bit more couture.

Get one for $125.84 at Overstock.com.

Haute off Project Runway

I love to hate Jeffrey Sebelia. He’s rude, crude and raw. He’s rubbed everyone the wrong way, on the runway and off. But the rock and roll vibe of his designs and his rockstar aesthetic is always fabulous. From his final collection for Project Runway comes this gorgeous cream and green striped bag he created. It comes from fabric he used for other pieces in his collection, including the dress below. The fabric is perfectly complemented with a yellow zipper, piped around the edges. As usual, Jeffrey takes a feminine look (the fabric and shape of the bag), and adds an edge (the zipper) to punk it up a notch.

I love rock and roll.

What’s Haute in the UK

A certain O’Neill bikini that is owned by a certain blogger…

…AND a certain Britain’s Next Top Model competitor!

Janet Jackson’s ‘It’ Bag

‘It’ girls always carry ‘it’ bags - it’s the unwritten law of the fashion universe. Superstar Janet Jackson was spotted leaving the Louis Vuitton fashion show during Paris Fashion Week, carrying this incredible, oversized metallic gold Louis Vuitton Alma satchel. Louis Vuitton Luv shows off another blinged-out style, the Papillon, in metallic gold. I’m not sure where you can purchase one, but if you’re on the ‘It’ list, I’m pretty sure you’ll be sporting one soon.

Hauteness

New on Hauteness this week:

Haute Pink - Haute pink handbags to benefit breast cancer research
New Haute Bag of the Week
New Featured Designer
New Haute Pick + Haute Look

Plus, exclusive discounts and events!

I’m in the process of launching some handbag giveaways so sign up for the Haute List to be the first to know!

What’s Haute in the UK

I sincerely apologise to all of you readers (and especially to Haute girl) for my lack of posts recently, as some of you will know I’ve been off to the hospital a couple of times recently and it’s hard to keep up with blogging when they keep sticking needles in you all the time! *Mutters darkly*

Anyway, lately I’ve definitely had my eyes on these pumps from Nine West at Debenhams, their £65 at Debenhams in the UK or you can order them from the American website for $79. They remind me so much of Louboutins! They come in patent black, green, white and red and suede brown and red, and here they are! (I’m lusting for the red, black and white patents!)

Betseyville

Hey Ladies,

So sorry-I’ve been really sick for the past few days so I haven’t posted. (Thanks for noticing Karina!) Back to the bags!

What’s not to love about Betsey Johnson? Her clothes are always colorful and fun, she’s got personality for days, and her signature cartwheels down the runway add spirit to every one of her fashion shows. This Betseyville Metallic Convertible Satchel ($138.95) is not the type of bag that I’d normally rock, but there’s something about the metallic fuschia, miscellaneous appliqués, and chain and braided straps that draws me to it. I love the ability of the bag to switch from hand–carry satchel to shoulder bag. And it has the all the sentiments of Hello Kitty–meets–rock star.

Luxe Life

Malini Murjani lives a luxurious life, and her handbags evoke feelings of luxury as well. Her collection includes a wide array of precious stones, embossed leathers, and exotic skins. I live this petite python clutch. The sculpted, hump–shaped top is impeccably detailed with whip stitching, and the subtle ruching adds a classy appeal. The tassel lends a perfect complement to this utterly opulent clutch.

Check out more of Malini Murjani’s luxury handbags on this week’s Hauteness – Featured Designer!