Long Live the Queen

As if it wasn’t enough to inject bags with Botox, Zagliani designer Mauro Orietti-Carella is now infusing his luxury ‘It’ bags with 18 karat gold! The aptly named ‘Queen of Barcelona‘ bag is a luxury lover’s dream. This slouchy satchel has python leather infused with 18 karat gold, is fully lined in suede, with wrapped rolled top handles and a puffy, quilted center panel. This bag reminds me of Devi Kroell’s innovative technique of spraying the undersides of her skins with metallics, except in this case, the gold metal is fused right into the skin! Expect to see celebrities clamoring for this bag in 2008!

And in case you were wondering whether or not the metallic trend was here to stay, this bag is the answer!

£1,265.00, Harvey Nichols

Guess Her Bag and Win Some Swag - Revealed!

Congrats to Minnie Z. from New Jersey who correctly identified Jennifer’s bag as the Valentino Couture Bag!

Jennifer Hudson is quickly becoming a fashionista (starring in the Sex & the City movie helps I’m sure) to watch. While her fashion choices aren’t always on point, she does take risks and isn’t that what fashion is all about? Here she is spotted by the ‘razzi casually walking down the street dressed in a grey cowl-neck sweater dress, poncho-style jacket, haute boots and an even hotter couture bag. Can you guess what bag it is and who designed it? Email your guess to contests (at) whatshaute.com and win some swag (it’s a surprise!) from What’s Haute! First correct guess wins!

No Strings Attached…

Rebecca Minkoff is a girl after my own heart. Her debut bag was called “The Morning After” Bag - who hasn’t been there and needed one of those? Now she’s back with this hot two-toned creation, the “No Strings” Nikki. A mix of whitewash leather and metallic gold trim, the “No Strings” looks just as carefree as the name implies. I love slouchy bags like this one that have a bit of structure to the shape, and it also has strategically placed pyramidal studs that add an edginess factor. The center ruched patent leather is nicely framed by a large, keyhole shaped cutout. The shoulder strap lets you sling it over your arm, but for those of you who don’t like to commit (to one style that is), the bag also converts to a satchel with a crossbody strap.

$625, Luna Boston

Weekly Fashion Blog Bazaar

So Frugalicious has compiled the Secret Santa List of fashionable jewelry under $5.

Diva In A Carry On has found the ultimate rolling carry on that meets the needs of every traveling fashionista.

Style Talk unleashes the inner style freak and marvels at the chic wooden clutches by Pucci.

Designer Tips shares the names of the participants of the New Gen shows at the London Fashion Week.

Throw a party with Designer Sense parading a cool metallic Kate Spade bag.

Stand out of from office crowd with the Miu Miu Metallic A-Line Skirt, suggests Lifestyle Buzz .

Elite Choice is smitten with the luxurious Bottega Venetta Lizard Clutch.

Spice up your New Year Party outfit with the wild and glossy Jonathan Kesley Metallic Shoe Bootie discovered by Designer Planet.

Looking for a job in the fashion industry? Pink Rock Candy shows you how to dress for the interview.

Choose between the Classics, the Bombshells and the Ladies to figure out your handbag style with the help of Señora Cartera.

Enjoy the sweetest Christmas themed eye candy from Flickr at Fashionably Cute.

Find out how you can plant a tree by buying Green & Gorgeous eco-friendly bag, courtesy of Fashion Fling.

The Beauty Counter spotlights the refreshing Island Michael Kors Capri collection. Perfect for a cruise around Italy!

Glam & Tonic becomes a fan of Nicole Kidman after seeing her stunning outfits in the Golden Compass.

Spork Fashion talks to Twisted Silver jewelry designer Debra Mitchell about her inspiration, favorite pieces and plans for the future.

Renaud Pellegrino’s Paris / New York Tote

Ok, I know the Fall Winter fashion season is almost over and everyone is looking forward to Spring, but this is one Fall Winter bag that is still a must-have. The Renaud Pellegrino Paris/New York Tote is a velvety purple suede satchel with buckled front pouched pockets, hidden side zip pockets and a slouchy shape. I love the richness of the color - it looks so regal - and the lush suede looks soft to the touch. The price is high, $2,060, but the shape, color and style are so timeless that you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.

A See-Through Goldenbleu

I’m not sure how I feel about transparent bags, but I do like this one from Goldenbleu. The Rebecca Transparent Bag, $335, is a charcoal gray tinted vinyl shoulder bag with patent leather trim on the edges and handles. At first glance, you can barely tell this bag is see-through. It almost looks like an entirely patent leather bag. I like the fact that it’s a darker color as opposed to the standard clear vinyl, so you can conceal your things a bit more. The grey color almost gives it an air of mystery! It’s probably best to carry this bag at night though. I also like the shape of the bag - it’s a bit odd with the long, contoured body and longer top handles but the center ruching is a pleasant distraction. Measures 13.75″ x 6.5″ x 7.5″.

Discuss this post in the Haute Forum.

Haute or Not - Stella McCartney Metallic Patent Patchwork Tote

I’m typically not a huge fan of patchwork bags because they’re usually hideously ugly like this one and this one. But there’s something about this Metallic Patent Patchwork Tote ($1,195) by Stella McCartney that I kinda like. This flat tote has a cool mix of navy patent, blue, and metallic light and dark denim patches making up the body of the bag. The shape is a rounded tote with double rolled handles, curvy, overlaid top/side zippered pockets and dangling SM charms. I love the glossy sheen of the bag, and the fact that it is eco-friendly is an added bonus. The more I look at it, the more I love it.

What do you think? Haute or not?

Discuss this post in the Haute Forum.

More Leopard Print Cavalli. But It’s Not at H&M…

You might be mad that you missed out on all the Roberto Cavalli goodies at H&M but you can still score some leopard-print Cavalli, at regular prices, of course. The Roberto Cavalli Canvas leopard shopper ($975) will satisfy your Cavalli and animal print fixes for a long time. Leopard print canvas is trimmed in dark leather with double rolled handles, top zip closure and a gold and crystal RC logo. This bag is very Euro chic. It’s the perfect day bag - a very classic shape matched with a very trendy print, and it gives me the feeling of traveling along the Amalfi Coast with oversized sunglasses, an airy tunic, and the sea breeze blowing through your hair. If you’re lucky enough to travel during resort season, this is the perfect bag to accompany you.

However, if you’re still craving the goods from H&M, there’s always eBay!

Guess Her Bag & Win Some Swag!

Jennifer Hudson is quickly becoming a fashionista (starring in the Sex & the City movie helps I’m sure) to watch. While her fashion choices aren’t always on point, she does take risks and isn’t that what fashion is all about? Here she is spotted by the ‘razzi casually walking down the street dressed in a grey cowl-neck sweater dress, poncho-style jacket, haute boots and an even hotter couture bag. Can you guess what bag it is and who designed it? Email your guess to contests (at) whatshaute.com and win some swag (it’s a surprise!) from What’s Haute! First correct guess wins!

Haute Handbags at Hayden Harnett

Hayden Harnett has been one of my favorite designers for the simple fact that they seem to churn out new handbag designs at an incredible rate! Every time I check out the site, I see about three or four new bags I want to buy! But I also love HH because their bags are always amazingly well-designed and well-made. Their bags always have that cool modern vintage feel and seem to evoke the reaction of “Ooh, I want that one! And that one! And that one!” And really, is there anything wrong with having a closet full of HH bags?

Here are three that I’m lusting over right now:

The Beatrice Printed Linen Satchel, in Harlequin, $485, is a large sacthel with chunky brass hardware and a cool retro printed linen panel (from famous textile designer Paule Marrot) down the center.

The Limited Edition Lido Quilted Leather Hobo, in Lead, $485, is the coolest leather shoulder bag, with honeycomb quilting on the body and the muted metallic leather. I love the unique flap turnlock closures and the vintage ’40’s-inspired feel.

The Mosaique Hobo in Black, $450, is a sexy and unique black hobo with a mod geometric print applique.

Share my love for hayden Harnett? Discuss it in the Haute Forum.

Kate Spade’s Modern Classic ‘Belle Isle Francis’ Handbag

If you prefer handbags that stray away from fleeting trends and stick to classic design, then Kate Spade’s bags are perfect for you. But the Belle Isle Francis ($825) is an atypical Kate Spade bag and I absolutely love it. It’s a particularly gorgeous hobo made of suede with a metallic stone print overlay. The unstructured shape is great for those who carry a lot (like me), but the short strap keeps it looking chic. And doesn’t this bag just look like the perfect party purse? The suede metallic overlay gives it a disco ball effect (without the club strobelights), and the 14 karat gold-plated hardware looks rich. I love that it incorporates the metallic trend yet still maintains Kate’s classic design sensibility, making it a modern classic.

Pucci’s Got Wood

I’m not a huge fan of wood paneling since it conjures up tacky images of the 70’s and Chrysler Minivans, but I’m in love with these Wood Clutches from Pucci. From the Fall/Winter 2007 collection, designer Matthew Williamson continues his ‘return to the ’70s’ theme with wood accents in the Pucci accessories line. Anyway, back to these clutches - how cute are they for Fall? I like that the geometric clutches have metal detail which makes them less retro and slightly more modern and edgy instead of earthy. The round clutch is my favorite - it would look great dressed up or down!

The wood and plexi clutches are also tres modern - the black plexi is a great party clutch since it’s sleek, sturdy and small. The wood/plexi combo clutches are also very chic and can be paired up with a more casual look.

Weekly Fashion Blog Bazaar

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Who knew Little Red Riding Hood was such a popular fashionista? Fashionably Cute did.

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Marvel at the exquisite Valentino Patent Histoire Bag and its’ hefty price tag at Elite Choice.

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Christian Louboutin’s Metallic ‘Kangaroo’ Bag

If you can’t get enough of Christian Louboutin shoes, then you will definitely love his handbags! Most designers excel at either shoe design or handbag design, (usually not both), but Louboutin’s handbags do not disappoint. Just as luxurious as his signature footwear, Christian Louboutin’s Metallic ‘Kangaroo’ Bag (which is such a weird name for such a lustworthy bag!) is a black and gold treated pony hair hobo with black and gold metallic trim. The pony hair is so smooth it almost looks like lambskin! The bag is an edgy hobo shape gets with its zippered side pockets, leather-covered chain strap and middle drop, which is so practical since it fits perfectly underneath your arm. There’s also a removable logo charm and simple tab snap closure. The price is steep at $2,027 but it’s a great holiday splurge for the true bagaholic.

Want more? Buy Christian Louboutin at NET-A-PORTER

Have A Heart

Even though I prefer luxury, I love finding adorable and inexpensive bags that are chic enough to satisfy a handbag elitist like myself. Erin Fetherston’s Heart Handbag is one of those. Direct from her new line at Target, Fetherston’s bag is whimsical and feminine, much like her design sensibility. It’s not necessarily meant to be carried as an ‘everyday’ bag, but it is a cute addition to your bag wardrobe, and for $29.99 it’s a steal! (Also available in cream).

I’m Fuming Over Fendi

Fendi B. Mix Large Selleria Bag, $4,292

I really think Fendi continues to create crap just to piss me off. How many times do I have to ask “what the Fendi?” This bag looks like an explosion of confetti, reptile, Fendi jacquard, and paint scrapings. Someone please tell me why Fendi continues to:

Haute or Not: Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B. / Louis Vuitton Lookalike Bag

I’ve always loved Gwen Stefani’s style, from back in the days of pink hair and skateboard chic to her present look of modern day Jean Harlow. The ALWAYS fashionable rockstar was seen out and about with her gorgeous family (Gavin and Kingston), and her new L.A.M.B. handbag which suspiciously resembles another bag I’ve seen: I love the Damier Speedy so naturally I also love the L.A.M.B. bag since they almost look like identical twins! I like the classic feel of the Speedy, but Gwen’s bag has a bit of ‘rockstar’ mixed in. The black and white checkerboard pattern looks great with the multicolored stripe down the middle - not too busy and just the right amount of ‘edge’. Also, the vachetta leather contrast trim and front pocket breaks up the pattern and adds some practicality to the otherwise trendy tote. What do you think? Haute or not?

L.A.M.B. online at eLUXURY.com!

Emporio Armani Bags on Sale!

I love this time of the year thanks to all the great sales! Of course it’s just more stuff for me to spend my money on but who doesn’t love to shop? I discovered a fabulous sale at Emporio Armani where everything is marked down, up to 50% off, but you know the only thing I am concerned with are the handbags! And they’ve got a bunch to choose from at amazing prices. Here are a few that I am drooling over:

The Large Glossy Crocodile Hobo was $925, now $555. What a chic bag! I love the glossy crocodile embossed calfskin with lambskin lacing up the sides and the brass logo medallion on the front flap. It’s quite mature but still not your mom’s handbag!

The Patent and Pony Box Bag is the ultimate in luxurious shoulder bags. The body is 100% calfskin (patent leather and calf hair) and isaccented with gold hardware, top handles and zip closure. Marked down from $105 to $538. (This is a steal!)

The Stamped Lizard Metallic Clutch is the perfect clutch for after work dinner and drinks. It’s made of 100% lizard skin and has a nice structured shape with a cut-out handle rivet accents and a snap frame closure. Now on sale for $448, down from $595.

Weekly Fashion Blog Bazaar

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Pink Rock Candy brings us news of Target’s latest designer collaboration.

Feast your eyes on Estee Lauder’s exotic Butterfly Compact over at Designer Planet.

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Shop Adasa’s massive sale courtesy of Fashion Fling.

Elite Choice spotlights Cartier’s stunning and very expensive Anne Moen Bullitt royal diamond necklace.

Discover the unique Dior Python Babe Bag at Style Talk.

So Frugalicious shows us how to be frugal and look fabulous for the upcoming holiday party season.

Find out how to get the “Charlotte Ronson” look at GLAM & TONIC.

Spork Fashion reviews The Tokyo Look Book. Find out if this selection is worth your time and money.