Who Did It Better?

The Anya Hindmarch ‘Sydney Plaited Leather Woven Barrel Bag’, $895

Or

The Brooks Brothers ‘Woven Leather Barrel Bag’, $199

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The Kale ‘Maverick’ - Chestnut, $685

Or

The Rebecca Minkoff ‘Morning After Mini’ - Almond, $440

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The Freddy & Ma ‘Bowler’, $340

Or

The Orla Kiely ‘Business Bag’ - Cranberry, £230.00

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The Ipa-Nima ‘Farrah Metallic Hobo’ - Multi, $180

Or

The Anthropologie ‘Brocade Bucket Bag’, $328

Takin’ Out the Trash

Since when does luxury look like trash? For Fall/Winter 2006 and 2007, Chanel bucked their traditionally chic, quilted bags for this oversized, vinyl, trash bag style tote.

This bag is so popular the New York Times even featured it, with a collage of pics of ladies (clones) on the street carrying different variations of it.

Apparently there is a lengthy waiting list to get one, which priced at $1,000, I don’t understand. Is it really that unique and exclusive, or is its popularity simply due to the interlocking C’s plastered on the front? Can this trash bag truly be the next ‘It’ bag?

Fashion Roadkill

Roadkill and fashion should never mix.

This shocking creature-covered creation is from the collection of Pontine Paus, a London-based handbag designer who designs some incredibly unique bags, with strange shapes, textures, materials, along with unusual names. The ‘Chinchilla Evening Bag’ is a sweet croc-embossed leather clutch made unsightly with a fur skin draped around it, like a fox stole thrown casually over the shoulders of some affluent socialite.

Yesterday’s dead animal is today’s evening bag. I guess in fashion, anything’s possible.

I’ve Got The Blues

Aside from their completely cool Flash website, the designers behind Kale Handbags stay away from flashiness. Simple shapes in bold colors are characteristic of the Kale brand. I came across two basic styles in such a gorgeous, extremely versatile bright blue that I immediately fell in love with.

The Tate Grande, $575, in Peacock Blue washed leather, is the perfect all year round satchel. The large body is great for work, toting your magazines, paperwork; even a change of clothes and shoes. The short trapunto-stitched handle is perfect to hand carry or in the crook of your arm. The front, oval-shaped slant pockets are a surprising twist. Tiny studs and a short studded tassel add to its overall beauty.

The Mercer, $455, also in Peacock Blue, is a mini satchel of sorts. It also has a trapunto-stitched strap, connected to a series of brass rings and studded straps. Tuck it into the Tate Grande during the day, and pull it out later for a small, stylish mini-bag.

The Haute List

Check out what’s new on Hauteness this week!

(Click image to see larger).

For more information visit Hauteness - The Handbag Magazine! Wanna be on the haute list? Sign up here for email updates!

Haute or Not: The Fendi Vanity Zucca Canvas and Leather Clutch/ Shoulder Bag

This is quite an interesting creation from Fendi, whose bags are always hit or miss. The shape is no doubt adorably unique, and I like the easy transition from clutch, to shoulder bag, and back again. However, the mismatched color palette of taupe and dark brown canvas mixed with vachetta and lavender leather is a messy melange of colors. At $1,170, it’s a tad pricey for a vanity purchase, which is what it is bound to be.

So, is the Fendi Vanity Zucca haute or not?

By the way, ‘What’s Haute’ will be away for Thanksgiving so have a happy holiday and do some haute shopping!

The Perfect Clutch for the LBD (Little Black Dress)

You’ve found the perfect holiday party dress. But your rugged Kooba hobo, Dior saddle bag, and Marc Jacobs’ satchel just won’t do. E.D.E. Studio has the perfect solution:

The Leather Clutch in Navy


It’s deep enough to pass as black at night. The pouch-y body is cleanly gathered by a top band, detailed with a mini leather contrasting ‘belt’, and gold doorknocker clasp. A leather exterior and suede interior make it even more glamorous.

Now if you can just find the perfect date…

Back to Basics

Ladies named Christina love the basics.

Christina Aguilera recently went ‘Back to Basics’ with her classic ballads on her new album. Another Christina is also going ‘Back to Basics’ - Christina Ribel, with her Luxury Basics line.

Ribel’s collection of basic black and white tees and tanks is extraordinary. The varieties of styles are also basic, but with a twist. The short and long-sleeved body-molding tops come in 18 styles, named after cities throughout Europe.

The ‘Reykjavik’ boasts a low, square-cut neck, for a flattering cleavage boost.

The ‘Oslo’ is a classic boatneck tee, with Ribel’s signature raw-edged sleeves, and body-hugging fit.

The ‘Copenhagen’ is another snug tee; with a high neck and extra long sleeves for classy sophistication.

Made of a high quality cotton/modal/elasthane blend, the buttery soft, stretchy tees are great for layering; 2 or 3 will suffice. Because they are basics, they can be paired up with skirts, trousers, underneath a blazer, and of course, with jeans. The tees are the perfect combination of comfort and luxury.

It’s time to get back to basics.

And the Prize Goes to…

Femme Sud knows how to do tongue-in-cheek.

Their debut, limited release, Ex-Libris collection consisted solely of book bags, not bookbags (like backpacks), but bags shaped like books. The clutches, titled ‘Fame & Fortune’, ‘The Birds and the Bees’, and ‘Yearbook’, to name a few, are made of embroidered lambskin, lined with satin ‘pages’ and accessorized with a make up mirror and coin purse.

The sassy ladies behind Femme Sud have returned with a new Spring line-the Grand Prix collection. The silk wristlets and calfskin tote bags resemble oversized prize ribbons. The book bags were adorable, but the ribbon totes are just a bit over the top. The prices of $245 and $495 are all you need to claim your prizes.

New York, New York

Aleya NY is a newcomer on the handbag scene but her designs suggest she’s a seasoned pro. The Wyoming Collection has two great Fall styles:

The Wendy Hobo, $412,

and the Sienna Satchel, $415

Both bags, made of sturdy Italian leather, are accented with braided rope straps, angled zip pockets, and a braided zipper pull attached to both ends. I love the look and functionality of the front pockets, the rich sheen of the leather, and the extravagance of the 22K gold-plated hardware. I also like the versatility of the bags-they’re not too trendy and moderately priced, so you’ll feel as if you’re making a good investment, without having buyer’s remorse.

Two New Blogs!

I love handbags-that’s a given. But I also love fashion as a whole. So I created a daily online shopping magazine, titled…you guessed it - What’s Haute. Five days a week you’ll be introduced to haute finds:

Monday - Apparel
Tuesday - Handbags
Wednesday - Beauty
Thursday - Footwear
Friday - Jewelry

I’m also a contributor for another blog called Four Corners of Fashion, with fellow bloggers Margarite Elaine, and Karina XOXO. We represent fashion from major corners of the world-New York, Los Angeles, and Australia. Check out our fashion finds from all over the world!

Live Life With Gustto

I’ve seen just about every combination of studded leather handbags, and frankly, I’m in the mood for something new. But this Gustto ‘Baca’ Bag draws me in, no matter how hard I try not to love it.

The cream color is neutral enough to wear all year round, the beige python trim is slightly trendy, but not overdone, and the super-sized studs are an unexpected surprise. The slouchy shape and long straps are also refreshing and eye-catching.

Like a gust-o’ wind, this bag is a breath of fresh air.

$737, Revolve

Out of the Box Design

Devi Kroell rose to fame several years back with her then innovative oversized python hobos, sprayed on the undersides with metallics silvers, pinks and golds. Kroell’s refined sense of style is apparent in the rest of her handbag and accessories collection as well. Most of her line incorporates an unusual list of materials, including karung, astrakhan, bull’s belly, and Nile perch. A bit less exotic are her wooden, box-shaped minaudieres, bejeweled with multicolored crystals. The petite size is ideal for an evening out, while the wood dresses down the pretentiously priced clutch.

If you’ve got $1390 to spare, pick one up at DeviKroell.com

Who Did it Better?

Andrea Brueckner
Medium Saddle Bag, $425

OR

DKNY

Nappa Leather Hobo, $395

Haute or Not: Candela NYC Handbag

I adore handbags, I love Latin-flavor, and I like ponchos. But all in one? I’m not sure.

The square shape of this hobo is refreshingly unique, and the chocolate brown leather against the Southwest-inspired color scheme is rich. However, the overall look is slightly dated, and the oversized belt closure is distracting. So what do you think: haute or not?

($363, Girlshop.com)

The Haute List

What’s new on Hauteness this week:

For more information visit Hauteness - The Handbag Magazine! Wanna be on the haute list? Sign up here for email updates!

Candy Striper

I love colorfully sweet bags to accent the blandness of a fall wardrobe. When the cold weather sets in, various shades of blacks, browns and greys will abound on the streets of Manhattan, in the form of sweaters, pea coats and leather jackets.

The Swirl Leather Two Pocket Double Handle Bag by Paul Smith packs a powerful punch of cheery color to brighten up your outfit and your day. Its both practical-a large body and two front button pockets, and pretty-a neutral background overlaid with Paul Smith’s signature candy stripes.

Pick one up at eLuxury.com

LAST CHANCE TO WIN A LOLLI BAG!

Lolli handbags, named after the lollipop for their wide range of flavors (colors), are the preferred arm candy of choice, by celebs and fashionistas alike. Moderately priced, and fashionably designed, Lolli bags have been the perfect choice for those who want a luxurious leather bag.

Win this bag - the Adjustable Lolli British Tan Hobo (a $350 value)! Visit Hauteness for more information.

Get Beyonce’s Bag

Beyonce Knowles is a celebrity fashionista. She’s got her own clothing line, fabulously styled looks, and tons of haute handbags. She was recently spotted at the Nice Airport toting this House of Dereon bag, which she also gifted to Tyra Banks on her show.

Now you too can get a haute handbag like Beyonce’s. Sondra Roberts “Leather & Canvas Caged Hobo” is very simliar to Beyonce’s bag, with leather panels forming a crescent, cradling a canvas body. At $149.48, you too can have star style for a steal.

What’s Haute in the UK

The weather’s beginning to get colder (ish) now, so us here in the United Kingdom are starting to wrap up a bit more and throw on a couple of extra clothes to fight off the chill. After all, this Winter is predicted to drop to -14! I don’t do layering too well, it really doesn’t suit me, it makes me look like a boy, so I stick to chunky knitted cardigans instead. Their warm, cozy and comfortable, and they don’t swamp my petite frame like a normal coat would. I’ve already bought one from Gap, so here are some for you guys, just pick the amount of coverage you want and your budget:

River Island Chunky hooded cardi, £34.99

FCUK Cable long cardi £95

Net-a-Porter Catherine Malandrino double-breasted mohair cardigan £370

Net-a-Porter Vanessa Bruno Mohair cable cardigan £320

Who Did it Better?

Anna Corinna - Mini City Tote, $345 at Luna Boston

Corto Maltedo - Large Leather Bag, $1,024 at YOOX

Salvatore Ferragamo - Gancio Tote, $1,450 at Neiman Marcus