No Longer a Little L.A.M.B.

Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B. line grows up. Her debut line of handbags and apparel were definitely cute, but had that trendy, Gwen Stefani rock star-style - with plenty of rasta colors, camouflage, prints and stripes and plastered L.A.M.B. logos.

Now, L.A.M.B. bags are trending toward simpler shapes and colors. I love the L.A.M.B. Sutton Satchel. It’s a great Fall bag, as well as a great convertible bag. For those of you who don’t like to spend a lot of money on a trend piece, the Sutton is a great investment.

It’s a shoulder bag made of distressed brown leather, with a bit of shine to jazz up any outfit. Minimal hardware keeps it looking clean, and practical buckled flap pockets on both sides of the bag let you store extra stuff. I like that it also has two side handles, that don’t make the bag look awkward, but are also very practical, so you can carry it in a variety of ways. This is definitely something the more mature Gwen Stefani would design, and wear.

Now, if she would just work on those L.A.M.B. shoes…

It’s a Mod, Mod World

Simplicity in design mixed with sculptural shapes and very little hardware are characteristics of Kaia Peterka’s bags. Her collection ranges from clutches to shoulder bags, to cross body bags, and consist of colorful leathers, soft silks and brocades. I adore the simplicity of the entire collection but the standout piece is the Zhivago top handle bag.

This mod, square shaped black bag is given a modern twist with a geometric square white handle, which allows you to carry it by hand, or you can just drop the handle, attach the optional strap and sport it on your shoulder. The white brings a shot of contrasting color to the bag and is perfect for Fall, since black and white never go out of style. An outer pocket makes it practical as well.

$460, Kaia Peterka

Kristen Lee’s Haute Hobo

I prefer satin as a great material for evening bags and cool clutches but never really imagine it as the material of choice for something larger. But this satin hobo by Kristen Lee ($297) looks totally practical and, is, in Shopbop’s words, “utterly beautiful”.


Kristen Lee Handbags Satin Hobo

A super-sized “V”-shaped slouchy hobo gets a makeover with luxurious yellow satin, with double rolled handles, top ruching, and a snap closure. It’s a bright, bold, color that will add punch to your Fall wardrobe - pair it up with neutrals like browns, blacks and greys for an unexpected color rush. It also doubles as a day bag or oversized evening tote.

Halle’s (Baby) Bag

Is Halle pregnant? Her big, flowy dresses seem to be suspiciously hiding a baby bump. We’ll find out soon enough, but if she is preggers, she’s got a great new bag to tote Baby Berry’s stuff in. One of the hottest new bags for Fall 2007 is the Yves St. Laurent Patent Tribute Medium Flat Tote. This double-handle tote’s quilted patent leather resembles a luxe crocodile skin, and has a top-snap closure and side zippers for additional interior access. It may not be a traditional diaper bag, but it’s large, packs flat, and is chic enough for any celebrity baby’s belongings!

Get Halle’s haute style for $1,195 at Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue.

Photo source: YBF

Haute or Not - Juicy Couture Georgia Patchwork Hobo

Juicy Couture bags have come a long way since terry cloth companions to the once ubiquitous sweatsuits. Lately, they’ve been much more toned down - simple leather satchels, hobos and totes, with a few Juicy details, like chains or charms. In my opinion, Juicy bags may never reach ‘It’ status, but the designs have been good enough to justify a purchase.

However, this atrocity, the Georgia Patchwork Hobo, should never be seen in public. At least, not on anyone’s arm. This bag represents Juicy at its absolute worst. Brown, tan, cream and black leather pieces are slapped patch-worked together and centered with the ugliest crest I have ever seen. The wrapped shoulder strap has contrasting pieces of cream and tan leather at each end to further the ugly.

The price is even more atrocious - $395.

What’s your take? Haute or not?

My Dream Job

I’ve been obsessed with handbags for as long as I can remember but I never thought an opportunity like this would come along, for me to share my handbag obsession with the world!

Bag Borrow or Steal is searching for “America’s Ultimate Bagaholic” and will hold the job of Chief Bag Officer. (Am I dreaming?) If selected, you’ll win a bagaholic’s dream - you’ll get to carry six of the hautest handbags for Fall 2007, get a year’s worth of luxury handbag borrowing privileges, for free!

Here’s what you need to do to enter:
• Submit a photo + up to 100 words describing why
you love handbags. Share a shot of your favorite bag,
your collections of bags, you and your bag, etc.
• Submit a video-nothing fancy is required, you can
use the video feature on a digital camera!

Entries must be submitted by September 4, 2007.
The Grand Prize winner will be announced September 18th.

Check out this sample video:

And just for entering the contest you’ll get 20% off any handbag you’d like to borrow. Check out Bag Borrow or Steal for more information on this contest and to shop for haute bags!

The New Sophistication of Dior

Christian Dior bags have, in the past few years, transitioned from cute and trendy (saddle bags), to young and ubiquitous (girly bags), and now back to classic style. The new Fall collection boasts some striking pieces that reflect Dior’s return to sophistication. The Dior Samourai 1947 Knot Frame Bag is simply haute, and if you can afford it, so worth the $3,600 price tag. This is the type of bag that can stop traffic, or at the very least, will make people stop and ask you where you got it.

Elaborate Japanese hair knots adorn the outside of this lambskin bag, while the knotted shoulder strap hangs from serpent detailed-hooks. A top snap closure hides an interior zip pocket and Japanese fabric lining. And because it’s a limited edition (and so ridiculously expensive), you know you’ll be one of the few toting this luxurious piece of arm candy.

Another addition to Dior’s new sophisticated handbag line is the Jeanne Ziptop Shoulder Bag. If you dig the simplicity and lavishness and large size of the YSL Muse, you’ll love this bag. Rich and smooth prune leather is trimmed with plum suede, basic brass hardware and sleek top handles. It’s the bag for Fall. ($1990)

The Dior Samourai 1947 Woven Frame Bag ($3900) draws inspiration from Japanese basket weaving, with its intricate hand-woven layers throughout the body and strap. The serpent detail and hardware conjure up images of ancient samurai fighters and period art.

Dior has really stepped up its designs quite a few notches this season.

The Little Black Clutch

Who says black is boring? Although summer is a great time to spice up your wardrobe with lots of juicy colors, every now and then there’s a black accessory that’s a must-have. This clutch by Malini Murjani is one of those must-haves.

The Resin Billyette Clutch is a modern ‘mod’ clutch - think modern art meets 60’s style. The bag is expandable, lined in leather, and is utterly cool. It’s meant to be an evening bag but I think it’s great for day too. It works well with a conservative look for all you corporate types (myself included), and it’s chic enough to wear with jeans and a tank too. And it’s a steal at $275. I love the versatility of this piece and can imagine carrying it for years. It’s one of those modern vintage bags that you’ll be clamoring for in a few years. Get yours now. (Also available in red, white and yellow at malinim.com).