‘Tis the Season for…Cruise

Forget Fall and Winter - it’s all about Cruise right now! While us ‘regular’ people are buying holiday gifts for friends and family, the rich are shopping for Resort season - think the beaches of St. Bart’s and San Tropez, or winters in Aspen. Want to shop like the rich? Well check out these top-10 picks (plus a bonus pick) for the hottest Cruise bags of the season, selected by NET-A-PORTER.COM:

1. Anya Hindmarch Lulu leather clutch

2. Bottega Veneta Plaited handle canvas shopper

3. Devi Kroell Small Framed Silk Explosion Clutch

4. Marc Jacobs Patchwork Gennifer Bag

5. Jimmy Choo Celeste Metal Mesh and Watersnake Clutch

6. Zac Posen Pumpkin Bag

7. Be & D Kan Kan ruffle tote

8. Miu Miu Leather matelasse large tote

9. Mulberry Mabel in Gold Metallic

10. Botkier Large Sasha duffle tote

11. Marni Large leather tote (aka The Marni Balloon Bag)

Zac Posen’s ‘Hot Dog’ Handbag

Why oh why did a brilliant designer like Zac Posen create this hideous bag? He’s the king of brilliantly draped dresses and one of the few designers whose entire debut handbag line impressed me, and now he has ruined it all with this! Is it a hot dog or a handbag? The bag might actually be cute if it were a wristlet or even a handheld clutch, but the oversized handles throw it off completely. And the patent strap that comes over the bag is also way too long - it almost wraps around the entire bag! The proportions are totally off and for a designer who seems to understand body proportions so well, I am extremely disappointed with this purse. The price for this hot dog handbag: $1,100!!! My advice is take the money and go buy some Zac Posen ready-to-wear now available at eLUXURY.com.

Check out more Zac Posen Handbags online at eLUXURY.com

Elaine Turner’s ‘Alice’ Clutch - Yet Another Hot Heavy Metal Handbag

There’s something about oversized clutches that’s so impractical but I love them anyway. I’m really digging the Elaine Turner ‘Alice’ Clutch in Silver Embossed Croc (but I’m in love with all the other colors as well). If you haven’t noticed, I’m obsessed with metallic bags this season and this is just another bag to add to my lust list! The ‘Alice’ is a two-toned clutch made of shiny silver croc-embossed leather and muted silver metallic trim. There’s a removable chain shoulder strap (which makes it slightly more practical), flap closure, an engraved bamboo clasp and Turner’s signature pink crown logo lining.

$325, Elaine Turner

Valentino Side Bow Zip Top Satchel

Only Valentino could manage to take such a large boxy-shaped bag and make it ultrafeminine! The Valentino Side Bow Zip Top Satchel is a gorgeous girly bag. The problem with most satchels is that the larger they get, the less ‘cutesy’ they become, but this one has endless feminine appeal with its top ruching and oversized bow detail. The bag measures 10″ x 14.5″ x 5″, and is available in two colors - walnut leather which is more practical for Fall, and red leather which is also beautiful.

Even though the bow may not appeal to everyone, I think the way it is constructed makes it amazingly pretty and despite it, the bag manages to maintain its ‘maturity’. The price range slightly on the higher end ($1,795) but when you consider the fact that it’s a Valentino and the fact that it’s beautiful and well-made, it’s worth it.

Furla’s Eye-Popping Patent Tote

I’m totally living in the wrong climate because all I can think about right now are bright colored bags! In New York it’s not quite winter yet, but the weather is getting colder and the skies are getting grayer so there’s no better time to buy an eye-popping bag. If you need one that’s both bright and big, the Furla Loto Patent Tote is just what you’re looking for. I love that this bag is the perfect size to tote all your stuff and the top zip helps to keep the elements out. The patent leather is ideal for winter weather because the rain and snow slide right off and the red ‘candy-paint’ color pops and shines despite your drab surroundings. The best part is you can carry it right into Spring and Summer too!

$625, Saks Fifth Avenue

Julia Cocco’s Round Metallic Totes

Metallic Gold Pebbled Leather Round Tote Bag - Julia Cocco’

I’m in love with metallics right now and even more in love with these bags from Italian designer Julia Cocco. Her Metallic Pebbled Leather Round Tote Bags are utterly adorable. I love that they look like hanging metal discs! The straps are nice and long (8″) so there’s enough room between your arm and the top of the bag, and the bag itself is roomy, measuring 10.63″ x 10.63″ x 4.33″. The front of the bag features a round zip pocket with a stamped logo and a hanging luggage tag adds a cutesy touch. And the best part is it’s only $249 so you can afford one of each!

Metallic Silver Pebbled Leather Round Tote Bag - Julia Cocco’

Viktor & Rolf’s New Handbag Line

Quirky design duo Viktor & Rolf have recently announced their entry into the handbag market. This Spring they will launch their inaugural collection consisting of five handbag styles made from silk satin, patent leather, raffia, lizard and kidskin, in neutral colors like black, brown white and pink.

Named by the designers to ‘mimic conversations’, the line consists of bags with names like ‘Just A Moment’ and ‘What’s Up’. The ‘Good Evening Bag’ is a pale pink shoulder bag, with feminine pleating on the bottom and a circular Viktor & Rolf stamped logo on the upper portion of the bag. The ‘I’m Fine’ bag is a sleek black patent leather bucket with chain detail and a dangling gold V&R logo medallion.

The bags look pretty conservative for such a peculiar pair of designers, but I’m impressed so far and can’t wait to see the rest of the collection.

Prices range from $600 to $1,000.

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Haute Bag Round-Up

bGlam’s handbag of the week is the Lamb Signature Oxford Tote

FabSugar’s not a fan of Hilary Duff’s Louis Vuitton Dentelle Speedy

Senora Cartera previews Jimmy Choo’s Cruise/Resort Collection

All About Style is on the search for the perfect bag

Fashion Plate loves the amazing gold color of the Barnie Double Flap handbag by Shih

What’s the future of the ‘It’ bag? In My Bag takes a look.

Bag Bliss is drooling over the Knox Roan Weekend Handbag

PurseBlog introduces Cate Adair Handbags

Guess Her Bag & Win Some Swag - Revealed!

Melissa T. uncovered the mystery bag that Halle is carrying! It’s the Michael Kors Large Patent Satchel, ($1,195). I absolutely love this bag - it’s so sleek and chic. Made of distressed patent leather, this bowler-shaped satchel has a patent leather belt encircling the bag and brushed gold buckle detail in the front. The top closes with a double zipper while metal feet protect the bottom of the bag. It’s classic Michael Kors - simple and understated but classic American luxury all the same.

Carry On…

I just had to say that, in honor of Project Runway! I’ve been craving my fix of Tim Gunn-ism’s, Michael Kors and Nina Garcia’s snarky criticism, and real-time design (sort of), and tonight the show has returned for its fourth season!

Honestly, this post really has nothing to do with Project Runway, but in honor of Tim Gunn’s mantra, ‘Carry on’, I thought I’d feature a great carry-on bag. The ‘Holiday’ carry-on duffel bag by LuLA is the best bag for your holiday travel because it’s large and roomy but oh-so-chic! Made of brown cracked leather, the ‘Holiday’ has designer Angelica Cota’s signature leather trim on both sides, and her signature metal LuLA heart clasp closure. The weathered leather will only look better with time, and it’s sturdy enough to endure your holiday travels, even if you don’t!

$473, LuLA by Angelica Cota

Barney’s Blanket Bucket Satchel

When you shop at a high-end store like Barney’s, you tend to have high-end expectations, right? I would think that if Barney’s chose to create private label handbags, they’d be so fabulous you’d think they were handmade creations designed by some premier Italian designer. So when I saw this Barney’s branded creation that looks ‘inspired’ by Bert from Sesame Street and a British fire bucket, I was, to say the least, highly disgusted. The Blanket Bucket Satchel is one of the ugliest excuses for a bag that I’ve ever seen. If curiosity is your thing and you want to know more about this fug bag, click the link. Otherwise, if you’re as disgusted as me, don’t even waste your time.

$595, Barneys.com

Hogan’s Camel & Brown Suede and Leather Hobo

I think it’s great to carry a colorful bag in the Fall since the weather is beginning to get so dreary you sometimes need a pop of color as a pick-me-up. But on the other hand, when I think of Fall, I think of brown tones like tan, chocolate, camel, and other warm shades, and so I look for that in a bag. The Camel & Brown Suede and Leather Hobo Bag - Hogan is the perfect bag to fit my Fall needs. It’s a rich suede hobo made from contrasting camel and chocolate brown suede with gold metallic leather trim. There is a front zip pocket trimmed in metallic leather which separates the dark and light brown suede, giving it a nice aesthetic balance, and I like that the shoulder strap is somewhat asymmetrical in that one side is stitched to the bag, and the other is attached by a large gold o-ring.

$519, Forzieri.com

Angelina’s Knockout Clutch

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It’s hard to notice Angelina Jolie’s accessories, between hottie Brad Pitt on one arm and her ever-growing gang of kids on the other. But this is definitely one handbag worth noticing. The ‘Knockout’ Clutch by Seril is a hot, edgy, trendsetting bag - perfect for a hot, edgy, trendsetting woman like Angelina! Holes are cut out of the top of the bag creating finger holes for easy carrying, and the wrinkled leather gives it even more of a tough edge. Seril’s handbag line represents “Tough Chic” glamour so you can rock it on the streets as well as the red carpet. Though you might not be able to snag Brad, this is one of Angelina’s accessories you can own.

$545, Pink Caviar Boutique

Burberry ‘Heather’ Limited Edition Tote

I really love the classic chic that is Burberry. I was growing tired of the plaid and thought the Fall collection was refreshing, but the check is back for Spring and I love the way it is incorporated into this new tote. Hot off the Spring 2008 collection is the Burberry ‘Heather’ Tote. Following the metallic bags trend, the ‘Heather’ is made of metallic mesh leather imprinted with the traditional Burberry check pattern. The bag has double handles, a removable shoulder strap (which I really love on big bags, so you can carry it without your arms getting tired), and measures 13 3/4″W x 4″H x 2″D. The price tag is hefty at $3,295.00 but it is available in limited quantities so you won’t see every other woman on the street carrying your bag! Pre-order now!

Guess Her Bag and Win Some Swag!

A very pregnant Halle Berry was recently spotted toting one of her many haute handbags. It’s amazing how fabulously stylish she continues to look throughout her pregnancy! Anyway, the bag she’s carrying is a black patent leather satchel with cross body straps and gold belt buckle detail. Hint: The designer is one of my favorites, famous for classic design! Can you guess who/what it is? Enter your guess in the comments section and win some surprise swag from What’s Haute! First correct guess wins!

Weekly Fashion Blog Bazaar

Spork Fashion snagged an interview with actress Shannyn Sossamon!

Designer Tips found a unique safety pin necklace from designer Vivienne Westwood that is priced to deplete your bank account.

Fall in love with the Stella McCartney Patent Ring Clutch at Lifestyle Buzz.

Designer Sense focuses on the Christian Louboutin Striped Ankle Boot.

The Beauty Counter is ready to start holiday shopping early with LUSH bath treats.

Fashionably Cute features Louis Vuitton-inspired kawaii accessories.

Gear up for the holidays with fab mommy-to-be fashions at The Kiddie Fashionista.

Diva In A carry On found a way to keep your ‘top-half assets’ from falling out for all to see.

Rock-n-roll legend CBGB is re-born thanks to designer John Varvatos. Get the scoop at Pink Rock Candy.

Who loved the Coach Carly Leather Hobo Bag? Designer Planet does. Find out why.

Celebrate the Fendi Baguette’s 10th Anniversary at Señora Cartera.

Save while you shop the latest styles from e-tailer Shop Barbara courtesy of Fashion Fling.

Elite Choice showcases the world’s most expensive sandals.

Style Talk discovered an exquisite interchangeable bracelet/necklace that’s both unique and chic.

So Frugalicious takes the work out of sale shopping with the help of Savvy Circle.

Snakeskin for a Steal!

Ok, so it’s not really snakeskin but it is snake embossed leather and it is Calvin Klein, and it is only $178. I’m all about metallic bags these days and for good reason. They shine, make you stand out in the crowd, and they’re what’s hot right now. I’ve always loved Klein’s clean lines in his design aesthetic and this Calvin Klein Metallic Snakeskin-Embossed Medium Shopper is no different. It’s a sleek, simple shopper with a cinched belted ‘waist’, top magnetic closure and double rolled handles measuring 8″ long. This roomy bag measures 12.5″ x 12″ x 5.5″. Get this posh shopper before it slithers away!

Marc by Marc Jacobs Holiday Party Clutch

Since it’s the holiday season, it’s never too soon to start shopping. For yourself that is. Ok, not to sound selfish, but you know you’ve got tons of holiday parties and events to attend, so what else is a fashionista to do? You’ve gotta to stock up on a few new party dresses, some sexy shoes and of course, arm candy. The Marc by Marc Jacobs Crazy Jewels Clutch is a great start to your holiday shopping. The taupe leather has a slight sheen and is trimmed in gold metallic, and there’s a cluster of multifaceted rhinestones surrounding a larger rhinestone surrounded by an even larger logo-engraved ring. There’s a leather wrist strap and zip-top closure so when the party starts going, your stuff stays safely put, and the bag measures 9.25″x 4.75″x 0.75″ so it’s the perfect size for your party essentials (money, cell phone, breath mints, vial of perfume, etc.). The best part is its only $218, and it looks great with a LBD!

If this bag doesn’t get you in the party mood, I don’t know what will!

Haute deal:
Marc by Marc Jacobs Gift with Purchase at eLUXURY.com!

Chloe’s Craft Project

I learned how to crochet in 5th grade in my home economics class and thought it was the coolest thing to make granny squares (yes that once was cool). But that was then, and this is 2007. Are granny squares really what’s haute right now? The Chloe Katie embroidered bag looks like a craft project you find in some old bin in your grandmother’s attic, except that this craft project costs $1,670.

The body of the bag is actually leather, but you can’t see it because it’s covered with that hideous wool embroidery on the front and back, and the shoulder strap is a long chain strap doesn’t even match the ugly exterior of the bag. Nothing about this bag makes it worth buying, not even the Chloé nameplate on the front.

Puff Mommy

J. Lo’s yet the latest celeb to try to hide her pregnancy by diverting attention to her haute handbag. Ummmm, note to Jenny….the jig is up!

Update: The worst-kept secret is out!

Anyway, J. Lo once loved Puff Daddy, but now she loves her Puffy Python Metallic Bag by Zagliani, the ‘It’ bag of the Fall season. Designed by a former dermatologist, the crocodile skin bags are injected with Botox and silicone to make the skins “butter soft”. The top of the bag is made of a structured frame with belt detail, and pleated croc forms the ‘puffy’ bottom of the bag. The bag measures 14″x18″ and when expanded, the sides measure 5″ or more.

Get this bag before it sells out! $2,865, Intermix

Acne’s Three in One Bag for All Seasons

I’ve always wondered why a clothing line would be named after a disgusting skin condition but then I just figured people were running out of clever names to use. So when I saw the Acne Jeans Season Bag, I almost clicked past it just out of sheer disgust over the name. But my curiosity got the better of me. Then I discovered that Acne isn’t referring to that nasty skin condition after all, but it stands for “Ambition to Create Novel Expression”. Oh. Well anyway, the bag is really cool. Even though it’s quilted, it’s anti-Chanel style quilting - large and irregularly done. The bag is large - 19″x10″x18″, and has not one, not two, but three handle options - short, medium and long giving you a wristlet, tote bag and messenger all in one. I wouldn’t normally recommend a non-leather bag for the price of $299, but think of it as three bags in one!

Get it at Tobi

Weekly Fashion Blog Bazaar

So Frugalicious has a fabulous idea - green as the new black! Become green with envy at all their frugal fashion finds.

Uncover the big, bold and beautiful creations from jewelry designer Ninaki Priddy at Spork Fashion.

Wonder at the beauty of an exquisite and expensive citrine necklace via Designer Tips.

Lifestyle Buzz has the interesting details behind Amanda Jaron’s Coke Bottle Bracelet.

Discover the sweet scent from designer Marc Jacobs courtesy of Designer Sense.

Fashionably Cute features the kawaii-inspired accessories of San-X.

Diva In A Carry On discovered the ultimate multi-functional footwear worthy of any traveling diva.

Attention Project Runway fans! Pink Rock Candy has all the details on how to win the successful series’ season 3 DVD set.

Designer Planet features eclectic designer jewelry fit for any discerning fashionista.

Señora Cartera showcases the celebrity style of Christina Ricci and her Louis Vuitton Monogram Satin Aumônière.

Colorful and costly corsets for charity are on display at Elite Choice.

Style Talk is rockin’ with Rock & Republic’s Metallic Olive Zipper Hobo.

Going Ga-Ga for Grey

When I’m shopping for bags, or even clothes and shoes, and I’m looking for base colors, I tend to think of black and brown, because you can pair those colors up with just about anything. But grey is quickly becoming another hot base color, for Fall and all year round, for it’s ability to look glam and gorgeous but tonal at the same time. I discovered some grey handbags that should definitely be on your arm (and mine) right now!

Aaneta’s
Muddy Small in Grey
($306) is a sturdy grey hobo with a chunky braided handle, gold bands, and a top-flap with zip closure. The shape is girly, while the grey/gold contrast is a nice touch.

Possé New York’s
Carolina in Grey
($535) is a medium-sized two-toned duffel, large enough for nightly sleepovers or for use as a carry-on bag, but maintains its chic for everyday wear too.

The
Dylan Shoulder Bag in Iron
by Linea Pelle ($475) is a large everyday satchel; just what I like to carry. The double rolled-top handles are long, so that it can fit comfortably on your shoulder without slipping, and there’s a useful yet cute front zip pocket. The minimal stud detail is perfect - ornamental but not overdone.

And the Winner Is…

Shakirra M. of New York! Congratulations, you are the winner of the Afiya Tote, courtesy of Nikki Chu!

Thank you to everyone who entered, and a special thanks to Nikki Chu Bags for sponsoring this giveaway!

Stay tuned to What’s Haute for even more haute handbags and giveaways!