Moncler’s Haute Couture Soccer Ball

What is this? Is it a soccer ball or a handbag? Or is it a handbag dressed as a soccer ball? It is Halloween, after all. This is definitely one of the most hideous bags I’ve ever seen. The top handles and frame have a classic appeal, but then you go lower and see the rest of this atrocity. This bag is stuffed with 100% duvet which makes it way too bulky even without anything inside it; imagine filling it up with stuff - how awful would it look then? It really does look like a slighty deflated ball…I don’t know whether to carry it or kick it!

Moncler Large Padded Bag, £545.00, Brown’s

Bags to Make You Blush

It’s no surprise that I love beautiful bags. As an artist and designer, I truly appreciate gorgeous design and inspired pieces that are reminiscent of fine art. Blush B-lush is a London-based handbag line designed by Tara Gelpey, and the creations are luxe and absolutely gorgeous. You can see both Tara’s experience as a costume designer incorporated into her bags and floral details in the appliqué work on her bags (since she also derives inspiration from nature). Her handcrafted designs are beautifully constructed and have a slightly costume-y feel to them, without going over the top. Here are my favorites:

Lula Loops in Black and Gold ($530)

Filigree Cavalier in Choc/Gold ($735)

Filigree Evening ($435)

Simply gorgeous.

And here’s a fitting quote from the designer:
“Everyone needs a bag: you carry your life in it so why not make it beautiful.”
-Tara Gelpey

Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll

When I think of Rock & Republic, of course I think of rock and roll - edgy leather, zippers, and metallics, and metal hardware. The Rock & Republic Metallic Olive Zipper Hobo in Pewter ($950) perfectly fits the image of Rock & Republic, and if I was a rock star, I’d definitely be carrying it! Ok, reality check - I’m not a rock star, but I still think it’s a haute bag that I’m seriously thinking about rockin’. It’s a metallic snakeskin-printed leather hobo with multiple silver zippers on the front, back, sides and bottom to expand the bag. The top handle is a step above the typical flat shoulder strap - I like that it’s a single rolled handle, with polished silver hardware on both ends, and the silver monogram on the front is truly rockin’. Ok, enough with the ‘rock’ references. If you wanna get noticed, you must buy this bag!

Weekly Fashion Blog Bazaar

Chanel’s ‘Guilt-Free’ Quilted Croc Bag

Why buy a real croc bag when you can buy a simulated one? Chanel’s new, hot “most-wanted” bag is the Quilted Croc, which uses the brand’s traditional quilting in a crocodile pattern. It’s a lovely twist on the original, and you won’t feel any guilt toting it around! It comes in a bunch of delicious colors - cotton candy pink, turquoise, purple and coral, and it’s thin and sleek, with a chain shoulder strap. It’s expensively priced at $2250-$3850, but then it is a Chanel.

To order, call (800) 550-0005

Señora Cartera On Hauteness - The Handbag Magazine

What’s Haute is pleased to announce that Señora Cartera (a.k.a. Dania Padron) is the newest contributor to Hauteness - The Handbag Magazine! If you love her amazing handbag reviews on her blog, then you’ll definitely love reading her feature – the ‘Haute Bag of the Week’! Check out Dania’s inaugural post, and be sure to check out Señora Cartera for even more haute handbags!

Chloe - No Longer A Luxury Casualty

Since the Paddington, I’ve pretty much given up on Chloe’s bags. In fact, they’ve been pretty awful over the past few seasons, like the Chloe Bracelet Bag with details like horrible hanging gemstones and the Chloe Aubrey Leather Wristlet Hobo with hideous dangling pailettes covering the bags. I was just about to give up on Chloe, and write off the brand as the latest casualty in luxury design when I came across the Chloe Kerala shoulder bag. It’s such a simple, basic black bag but the simplicity is what I’m attracted to (along with the affordable price tag: $580). It has an equestrian feel which is always in style - a chunky front clasp, horse and horseshoe charms, and a basic shape with a shoulder strap and shoulder panel. It reminds me of a classic Coach with its sturdy leather and clean shape, and it’s overall a chic bag that’s definitely worth buying this Fall.

What A Joke!

The luxury houses seem to be on a downward spiral. Fendi is producing nothing buy fugly bags, and Louis Vuitton seems to be competing with them for the title. LV collaborated with controversial painter Richard Prince to create the ‘Joke’ Bag for it’s Spring ‘08 runway show. This hideous python-trimmed bag, along with others from the show, feature a combination of Prince’s spray-painting technique and jokes from comedian Henny Youngman.

Here’s a few of the jokes on the bag:

My wife is always asking for money. $200 one day, $150 the next, $125 after that. “That’s crazy”, my friend said. “What does she do with it? “I don’t know”, I said. “I never gave her any.”

Every time I meet a girl who can cook like my mother…She looks like my father.

My wife went to the beauty shop and got a mud pack. For two days she looked beautiful. Then the mud fell off.

I’ve been married for thirty years and I’m still in love with the same woman. If my wife ever finds out, she’ll kill me.

I say if you buy it, the joke’s on you. What do you think of this bag - haute or not?

Check out some of the other jokes bags from the Spring 2008 collection:

Source

Trick But No Treat - The Thomas Wylde Fairground Tote

As Halloween approaches, stores are filled with frightening costumes and haunted houses and horror movies are everywhere. But one of the scariest things I’ve seen is the Thomas Wylde Fairground Tote. This loud bag is not for the faint of heart. Canvas material is covered with the Thomas Wylde signature skull and the bag is trimmed in black patent leather with gunmetal logoplates on the face of the bag, as well as on the zipper pulls. Double rolled handles measure 5.5″ to be carried on your shoulder or in the crook of your arm. I’m not sure if this bag was designed solely for everyday wear, but it’s too much, even with the simplest of outfits. But if you have $990 to spare, you can treat yourself to this bag for Halloween, but the ‘trick’ may be on you.

Weekly Fashion Blog Bazaar

Elite Choice brings us the latest stylish men’s trenchcoat from London-based Oliver Spencer.

The Tivi Zebra Clutch is just the kind of bag Style Talk wants.

GLAM & TONIC found fun t-shirts from LaFraise that will spruce up any pair of jeans.

Read all about Randolph Duke’s triumphant return to the runway at L.A. Fashion Week courtesy of Spork Fashion.

Attention all brides-to-be with large feet! Designer Tips has all the details on where to clad your tootsies for the big day.

Bridal jewelry you can wear after the happy occasion? Lifestyle Buzz has found just that.

Designer Sense is intrigued by the forest-inspired Pyrrha Flora and Fauna Necklace. Find out why.

The Beauty Counter spotlights the handmade candles, bath and body care products from Shebas Secrets.

Fashionably Cute hearts the adorable pig-themed products found by new FC contributing editor, Wendy Brandes.

Are you a fashionista in need of a posh diaper bag? Look no further than The Kiddie Fashionista to find out what’s “IN”.

Find out what your “destiny” is with Lancome’s Destiny Cube at Diva In A Carry On.

Pink Rock Candy has the scoop on Isaac Mizrahi’s latest TV project. This is a must-read for every fashionista.

Designer Planet has fallen for the charms Oscar de la Renta’s Embroidered Mules.

Señora Cartera has found the premier online retailer for emerging designers and exotic handbags.

Check out the latest silver fashions causing a sensation at Fashion Fling.

Poppie Couture’s Exclusive Clutches

When you’ve designed a hit bag that becomes so popular you’ve got celebs like Jennifer Aniston clamoring for ten of them, what do you do next? Well designer Poppie Harris created a higher-end line of the bag that catapulted her to handbag designer fame - the Foldover Clutch.

Oversized clutches are already hot this season, and the new clutch by Poppie Couture is the one that’s got everyone talking. This new high end line is exclusive to Bergdorf Goodman’s 5F (BG’s new fifth floor department full of ‘what’s hot right now’ designers).

Fill it up or pare it down - it’s full on the bottom but looks clean and slim when folded over, and it packs completely flat when traveling so you don’t have to worry about space. It measures at 13″ tall x 11″ wide x 3″ deep with an exterior pleated pocket, antique ‘pop’ frame closure, and lined in silk for a vintage feel, and available in red patent, black croc, silver, and platinum. Prices range from $400-500.

To purchase these hot clutches, call Bergdorf Goodman at 1-800-558-1855, or if you’re in the NYC area, call (212) 872-8901.

Go for the Gold, and Win a Bag from Nikki Chu!

Marion Jones may have been stripped of her gold, but you can still carry yours proudly. Gold never gets old, and it’s once again an ‘It’ colors again this Fall. Gold handbags look great with everything - it gives basic blacks and browns a much needed color boost, pops against primary colors like red, blue and green, and looks regal against purple and plum. Accessory and interior designer Nikki Chu has a haute new line of leather bags that are sure to give you a (gold) rush:

The ‘Tisha’ is a hot mini bowling bag available in a white and black leather duo and a gold and black leather combo. Although it’s a classic shape, it’s perfect for when you want to break out of the mold.

The ‘Tam’ ($335) is a gorgeous liquid leather shopper. It’s an oversized gold bag (also available in black), with gold and black ribbon trim, to give a casual, sporty feel. Remove the detachable shoulder strap and carry it with the top double handles, or put it back on and sling it over your shoulder when you pack it to the gills!

The ‘Celeste’ ($220) is an adorable evening bag. It’s a clutch with gold link mini handles, a mini faceplate and twin tassels. Teardrop-shaped ruched sides give it a bit of a tough-chick edge.

The ‘Afiya’ ($440) is my favorite - a large leather satchel available in plain white embossed lambskin and gold lambskin but highly detailed with gold studs lining the bottom front, a gold faceplate, braided handles, stud detail and side tassels. And you can win it, courtesy of Nikki Chu! Just email contests@whatshaute.com with the correct answers to the questions below. Hint: you’ll have to visit nikkichu.com and nikkichubags.com to find the answers. Good luck!

-Where was Nikki Chu born and raised?

-Besides a handbag line, what else does Nikki Chu Design Corporation do?

-What celebrities has Nikki Chu worked with (name at least 2)?

-What design shows has Nikki Chu appeared on?

-What section of nikkichubags.com would a traveling business woman most prefer?

What’s Haute gives a special thanks to Nikki Chu for sponsoring this giveaway! Contest ends 12:00 am ET on November 1, 2007.

A Bag for Work and Play

Sometimes I want just one bag to carry to work, to lug all of my papers, personal items, lunch and whatever else I can fit inside. But I usually wind up carrying a basic black nylon bag alongside my handbag du jour. I just found a bag that satisfies all of my practical needs, and looks quite stylish too!

The Premium Patchwork Leather Shopper is the ideal bag for both work and play. It’s a large suede and leather patchworked bag, available in two colors, black and tan. The top handles let you carry it like a shopper, and it also has a cross body strap for easy wear. Fold it over and carry it across your body, or you can even remove the strap and carry it like an over-sized envelope clutch (so haute this season).

It’s available for a steal - only £55.00 at Asos, the U.K.’s largest online shopping destination!

Lucky Shops

One of my favorite fashion magazines is Lucky - it doesn’t waste time with a slew of high fashion editorials - it gets straight to the point telling you what hot, what to buy and where to buy it. It’s like an online shopping magazine, but in print! So of course one of my favorite events of the year is Lucky Shops, where you can shop your favorite designers you’ve seen on the pages of Lucky, but for a steal! Shop handbags from Botkier and Marc Jacobs, clothing from Charlotte Ronson and Chloé, and denim at the LYCRA^® Denim Bar! For all you vintage-ista’s, check out the Love, Recycled^® Shop for vintage Chanel and YSL. And don’t forget that free goodie bag worth over $100! With all of this, I know I’ll be shopping Lucky Shops. How about you?

To buy tickets, and for more information visit luckyshops.com, or call 866-4LUCKYU.

Weekly Fashion Blog Bazaar

Fashion Fling spotlights the many designs available at Petunias of Naples.

Elite Choice always finds the most luxurious and expensive jewelry for all of us to lust after. Feast your eyes on their latest discovery.

Style Talk brings us Alexander McQueen’s fitting fashion tribute to his muse, patron and friend, Isabella Blow.

What’s black and white and red all over? How about the most fabulous, frugalicious fashions courtesy of So Frugalicious.

What is Designer Tips enamored with as of late? None other than the stylish and sophisticated creations from designer Barbara Bui.

The buzz from Chanel’s spring collection is all about unique designs. Head over to Lifestyle Buzz to view these interesting creations.

Designer Sense marvels at the fashion forward designs from Riccardo Tisci’s spring collection for Givenchy.

The Beauty Counter has put together a round up of fabulous products from funky bath & beauty e-tailer Spa Cadet.

A dress that flatters every body type? It’s just part of Mal Sirrah’s spring/summer 2008 collection brought to you by Fashionably Cute.

Which fashionable coats will mom’s-to-be wear this coming season? Find out at The Kiddie Fashionista.

A big “thank you” to Diva In A Carry On for unearthing a weapon to aid everyone that battles against combination skin.

Calling all designers! Dr. Martens wants you to design their next pair of boots. Pink Rock Candy has all the details.

Witness the chic designs from Stella McCartney’s spring collection straight from Paris Fashion Week via Designer Planet.

Señora Cartera reports on the handbag trends to emerge from Milan and Paris Fashion Week.

And The Fendi Fug Goes On…

One thing I can always count on is my love hate affair with Fendi. Fendi always gets me up, and then always lets me down. I so long for the days when ‘Fendi’ wasn’t synonymous with ‘fugly’; the days of the classic double F’s, the simple striped shoulder bags, and high quality leather. Now it seems Fendi is on a quest to outdo itself with ugly bags, season after season. Here’s what I found for Fall:

Clockwise from top left
To You Embellished Convertible Bag, $5,040
Large Sequin Spy Bag, $4,890
Raffia Chef Bag, $880
Forever Sequined Borsa, $760

Are you kidding with these bags Fendi? As a handbag designer/buyer/addict and Fendi owner, I am so disappointed with these pieces of scrap leather and fabric you call luxury handbags. And I can’t even believe you expect anyone to pay these prices for such non-luxurious items. I continue to ask, what has become of Fendi and what will become of Fendi? I can’t imagine that anyone in their right mind would find any of this crap appealing enough to buy, let alone carry, but I guess a bag is a bag, so if you build it give it away, they will carry it:

Bags for Breast Cancer

It’s October - time to ‘think pink’ and save lives. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and tons of retailers are donating a portion of proceeds of the sale of pink products to breast cancer research foundations. I’ve gathered up a few haute pink items for you to buy, to support breast cancer research and look haute for the Fall!

The Limited Edition Canvas Tory Tote, ($195) by Tory Burch. It’s a haute, hot pink bag with metallic silver trim, with dimensions of 12″ x 16″ x 7″. 10% of all online sales of this bag benefit the Light One Little Candle Foundation.

Rebecca Minkoff teamed up with Bag Trends to design the exclusive pink crocodile Kiss & Make-Up Clutch, ($115). A petite patent clutch looks pretty on the outside, and appears deceivingly small but has a large interior. 75% of sales of this clutch will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Elaine Turner’s Clutch Wallet, ($168) is a chic choice for breast cancer awareness. A simple clutch with contrast topstiching is practical and perfect for your essentials, and 100% of proceeds of this and other pink products benefits the Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center.

And if bags aren’t your thing, check out these other haute finds to fight breast cancer:

Exclusive, limited edition Juicy Couture ‘Key to the Cure’ T-Shirt, ($35). All proceeds benefit the Entertainment Industry Foundation Women’s Cancer Research Fund.

Breast Cancer Research Foundation Heart Charm, ($38). 20% of the proceeds from each charm sale will support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Haute Off the Runway: Valentino’s Spring 2008 Collection

When you go out, you should go out with a bang! Valentino’s last hurrah was the ultimate in haute Spring fashion. Valentino the trendsetter took us to the candy shop with a collection chock full of candied colors. This Spring, expect to see lots of pastel colors mixed with brights - cotton candy pinks and blues, canary yellows, varying shades of purple (the current ‘It’ color), and of course, metallics - muted gold, bronze, and colored metallics. Valentino mixed up classic suits and dresses with edgy, trendy accessories. Shoes consisted of multicolored ribboned straps alongside polka dot stilettos and metallic gold flowered heels. Handbags were primarily large satchels in solid brights and multicolored numbers that consisted of color block, patchwork and prints. The 60’s and 70’s eras are making a strong comeback in fashion this Spring.

Sex and the Fugly City: Jennifer Hudson’s Chanel Tweed Flap Bag

The blogosphere is buzzing away with news of the much anticipated Sex and the City movie, and I’m personally excited to see it since I haven’t had my SATC fix since the show went off the air! (I’m dying to know what happens with Carrie and Big…) I was lucky enough to see them filming a scene on Friday night - I saw Sarah Jessica Parker and Cynthia Nixon trying on Halloween costumes with costume designer Patricia Field in tow, preparing for a scene in Duane Reade!

Anyway, the latest news surrounding the movie is Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson joining the cast as Carrie Bradshaw’s assistant. I love J-Hud and also usually love Patricia Field’s styling choices but this particular look is dripping with ugly. And I blame Karl Lagerfeld. Look at this combo from the Chanel website:

Tweed alone is potentially ugly, but when added with jewels, buckles and brooches, it’s even worse. The bag looks like a character from Sesame Street and the boot looks like Cookie Monster took a few bites out of it! If this is considered high fashion and what’s hot for Fall, I’ll pass. I just hope I won’t be subjected to more aesthetically unpleasing fashion like this when the movie comes out. Are you listening Patricia Field?

Bulga’s Sample Sale

Bulga’s having a sample sale! The designer of the famous ‘Butterfly’ bag is offering up to 75% off all items, starting tomorrow! Here are some additional details:

New York based Bulga Handbags presents a sample sale featuring its popular handbags. 50-75% off retail prices plus preview the spring/summer ’08 handbag and denim collection.

WHEN: October 8-12, 2007, 9am-7pm
WHERE: 208 West 29th Street, New York, NY 10001
INFO: 212.334.9119

Here are a few bags I’m hoping to buy:
The Bulga Ruched Handbag

It’s the cutest tough girl bag. The slouchy black leather shows its girly side with dual front ruched pockets but the squared handles give it an edge. It comes with a detachable shoulder strap. 10″H x 17″L x 8″D.5″ strap drop.

The Bulga Patent Tote

A large camel-toned bag is just what I need for Fall - it looks great with chocolate brown (my fave Fall color) and the patent finish gives it a bit of trendiness without taking away from the simple, classic shape. 14″H x 15″L x 9″D.9″ strap drop.

Happy shopping! If you go, be sure to let me know what you bought!

Weekly Fashion Blog Bazaar

Find out what fabulous handbags the girls from Sex and the City will be toting in their new film on Señora Cartera.

Fashion Fling is going nuts - in a good way! Sign up for their daily a Kaponga Nuts Crème de Parfum giveaway before time runs out.

Elite Choice brings us Oscar de la Renta’s embroidered cashmere cardigan along with its’ hefty price tag.

Style Talk focuses on the pirate-like fashions from Jean Paul Gaultier’s spring collection.

GLAM & TONIC discovered a fabulous bit of fashion photography every fashionista will enjoy.

Couture for the cost conscious! Who else but So Frugalicious can find designer looks at a fraction of the cost.

Spork Fashion shows us that baby booties need not be cute and pastel. Stylish red and black is what all the stylish babies are wearing.

Designer Tips shows us the colorful fashions from Robert Normand at Paris Fashion Week.

Tsumori Chisato’s creative designs shine at Paris Fashion Week. Lifestyle Buzz tells us why.

Dice Kayek’s Paris Fashion Week outing was a spectacular display of structured silhouettes. Get all the details at Designer Sense.

The Beauty Counter wants you to know what’s ON SALE at the Beauty Bar.

Fashionably Cute shares the latest Christian Louboutin heels with us. You must see them to believe them.

Diva In A Carry On brings us the most stylish carry on bag no fashionable traveler can live without.

Find out which pair of fierce-looking footwear gave Pink Rock Candy a shoegasm!

Vivienne Westwood continues her love affair with eccentric fashion design at Paris Fashion Week. Designer Planet has all the details.

The Little Mermaid

It’s not too often that you find the perfect bag but I think I’ve found one! I absolutely adore this Paul & Joe Mermaid Bag ($458), and it’s a gorgeous bag for Fall. The color is great - not your typical metallic gold, silver or bronze, but a slight combination of all three which makes it much more versatile, and it will blend well with anything you wear. I love that the distressed leather is both glossy and edgy, but the front pleated knot adds a feminine touch. A double rolled shoulder strap drops 14″ so you can carry it now, and as the weather gets colder, it can fit on your shoulder over a large coat. Also, it’s 14″ x 16″ so you can pack it to the gills, but because the exterior has such a dainty quality, it will never look bulky.

Get it now at shopbop.com!

Haute Off the Runway - Fendi’s Frocks and Fug Bags

Source: Style.com

Camenae’s Fashionable & (Truly) Functional Leather Bags

Most handbag lines boast ‘fashion’ and ‘fucntion’ but one line I recently discovered actually lives up to its claims. Camenae is a line of Italian leather handbags with innovative interchangeable straps. Camenae’s signature is a ‘3-part C-lock’ system - a two-part lock with a key that allows you to change your strap to fit your body, your handbag, your belt, and even your mood!

I immediately fell in love with the idea of interchangeable straps, but also the Aphrodite and Nymph bags. The Aphrodite Tote ($1590) and the Nymph Bag ($980) are soft, unstructured leather bags that come in three colors - ‘Sabbia’ (sand) with ‘vintage champagne’ accents, ‘Nero’ (black), and ‘Mogano’ (mahogony brown) with ‘metallic bronze’ accents, and have removable leather fringe detail. Each bag is sold with its ‘original’ strap, and the pivot shoulder straps are interchangeable with other Camenae straps. These are sturdy, basic leather bags that you can alter yourself to fit your outfit or your mood. It’s like having several bags for the price of one!

Check out these bags and more at Camenae-Group.com