Weekly WTF??!! Michael Kors Beverly Gator Watch Clutch

I know this bag isn’t new but it was so tacky I didn’t feel compelled to write about it before. But now that I’ve introduced the Weekly WTF category on What’s Haute, I think it’s worhy to discuss. Michael Kors must be out of his mind. He’s charging $3,000 for a Seiko watch band strapped to some gator skin? The Beverly Gator Watch Clutch is one of the worst bags I’ve seen in a while, and designers are getting bolder and bolder, thinking that the buying public is foolish enough to pay almost four grand for a joke like this. There’s really not much more to say…this bag speaks for itself.

Salvatore Ferragamo Origami Kid Air Satchel

Salvatore Ferragamo is one of those brands that has completely mastered leather goods design and development, so there are very few, if any disappointments. The Origami Kid Air Satchel ($1590) is a shining example. The brushed tan leather has a hint of metallic, with metallic leather trim on the edges. The braided straps look handmade and seem to appear out of nowhere, and there’s a hanging signature ‘Gancini’ charm dangling from the strap. But what I love most are the ‘winged’ side flaps that are turned down at the corners giving an otherwise classic bag an instant edge! Although the bag doesn’t appear to hold much due to the low zip closure, it doesn’t matter much because it is such a beautiful bag!!!

Badgley Mischka’s Scarlet Tote

Purple has been the reigning color for the past two Fall seasons and now it’s carrying over into Spring too. And Badgley Mischka, the reigning red-carpet-couture-gown-design-duo has entered the handbag market and designed a gorgeous purple bag that I want this Spring. The Scarlet Tote comes in a bunch of lovely colors but I’m addicted to this luscious grape color. The purple is rich, the leather is luxe and the bag is haute! The bag is almost completely flat so it may be impractical for someone like me who likes to overstuff my bags but fashion isn’t really about practicality anyway. The color, double front vertical zippers and chain/leather strap have got me hooked. And the price is the cincher - I’d expect to shell out a grand or more for Badgley Mischka but it’s only $375! There are less prestigious brands selling bags for more than that!

B2E by Bracher Emden

Bracher Emden Toreuma Clutch $970
B2E by Bracher Emden Suede & Leather Clutch (Metallic Multi), $300

I recently reported that British luxury handbag brand Bracher Emden is now selling a lower priced handbag line called B2E on HSN.com. Typically I would never buy bags from the Home Shopping Network but the images of the B2E line are finally up and I have to admit that I’m pretty impressed with the collection! The styles are handcrafted and bear a strong resemblance to the original collection of Bracher Emden bags; odd shapes made of leather, suede, and snakeskin with all the bells and whistles like whipstitching, colored rhinestones, buckles and chain detail. And when compared to the originals, it’s almost not worth it to shell out the extra money when you can get basically the same bag for less than half the price!

Bracher Emden Gemmaria Pointer $1150
B2E by Bracher Emden Petite Suede & Leather Bag (Pink), $475

Bracher Emden Hormiphora Pointer $1070
B2E by Bracher Emden Snakeskin Handbag (Blue Multi), $425

DVF Wrap Bag

Since the 1970’s, the DvF wraparound dress has been a best-seller and has become an iconic staple in every woman’s wardrobe. So the logical next step was for Diane Von Furstenberg to design a companion wraparound handbag. The DvF “Wrap” bag ($900) is a bucket-shaped hobo made from rich Italian leather with an adjustable strap that wraps around each bag, thus the name. Each bag comes with a detachable change purse that can double as a clutch, perfect for those of you like me who like to have options. The bag comes in ‘olive’ (green), ‘denim’ (powder blue), and ‘tabac’ (tan), and large and bold sizes.

Furla’s Mighty Afrodite

Trendy bags are great but a nice classic bag is necessary to have in your wardrobe as well. Furla is one of those brands known for its simplicity and great quality leather bags. I love this Furla Afrodite shopper. The style and size makes it versatile; you can carry it as a work bag, overnight bag, or travel bag. And the color is not quite tan, not quite orange, but the perfect neutral mix of the two. The color is somewhat Spring-like but not too much so that you can’t wear it all year long, and the leather is a soft full grain. It has such a classic simplicity and durability that makes it worth the $795 price tag.

Fashion Fridays - Bandage Dresses

Herve Leger by Max Azria has dominated celebrity red carpets over the past year with the brands signature skin-tight bandage dresses. Victoria Beckham, Lindsay Lohan, Joss Stone and Hayden Pannetierre prefer the striped and halter and tank versions, while Cassie and Rihanna go for solid strapless styles.

Whether horizontally striped, multicolored, or solid, these body-hugging dresses are chic, fresh takes on evening wear. You may or may not be willing to shell out a grand or more for Herve Leger, but here are a few bandage style dresses at every price point, in mini, midi or maxi lengths, for day or night:

L to r, top to bottom (click pic for larger)


Rachel Pally Banded Tube Dress, $220, shopbop.com

Josh Goot Doubleknit Colorblock One Shoulder Dress, $760, Intermix

Catherine Malandrino Tempo Dress, $556.50, shopbop.com

Pencey Cummerbund Dress, $380, shopbop.com

Herve Leger Ariele Striped Halter Dress, $860, Intermix

Lipsy Metallic Halter Bandage Dress, £25.00, Asos

BCBGMAXAZRIA Laser Cut Dress, $288

Calvin Klein Silk bandeau dress, $1515, Net-A-Porter

Bailey 44 ‘Shutter’ Strapless Dress, $173, Nordstrom

The Many Faces of Jimmy Choo

Forward-looking faces on paintings kinda scare me (don’t you feel the eyes following you around the room?) but on this bag I love them. Inspired by the New York-based artist Richard Phillips, the Jimmy Choo Polly glazed canvas bag incorporates several of Phillips’ paintings chosen by himself and Tamara Mellon, which he says “completed a perfect conceptual ellipse where the painted image traveled in and out of fashion and then back again.” The bag is a multicolored glazed canvas print tote with black straps and a zip closure. If a tote’s not your style, then check out the vintage-look limited edition Richard Phillips/Jimmy Choo clutch.

Kara Ross Ring Lizard and Seafoam Ostrich Clutches

When Kara Ross first debuted her line of clutches, I have to admit, I wasn’t a fan. But her Spring 2008 clutch collection caught my eye. These are some of the most gorgeous Spring clutches I’ve seen! The bags are made of
Ring Lizard and Seafoam Ostrich with resin and small stone details. The main part of the bag has an interesting effect with off-white on the edges and grey in the center, and the flap closure comes in multiple colors of ostrich skin. With the skins and stones, it may sound like a lot’s going on with the bag but the result is absolutely stunning.

Botkier ‘Gladiator’ Snakeskin Embossed Tote

Right now I’m so addicted to snakeskin, python and anaconda. I love the luxe look of snake skins and the feel of the materials. This bag Botkier ‘Gladiator’ Snakeskin Embossed Tote combines those loves with a snake embossed sheep skin and a sleek, tonal color, which makes the skin almost look like a textured linen fabric. The style is quintessential Botkier - sturdy but pretty with discreet gold hardware and tons of essential pockets the brand became famous for. If you’re looking for an essential tote bag for Spring, this one is perfect because it’s a great size and the neutral color will complement anything you wear. It’s available in limited quantities so pre-order yours now for $695 at NORDSTROM.com!

Weekly WTF: Chloe Multicolor Saskia Clutch

Zagliani’s Next Hit Bag! The Lotus Python Clutch

It always amazes me to see that a simple design and the right color can equal an incredible bag. Zagliani first won me over with their Puffy Python Metallic Bag, and then with their Queen of Barcelona Bag, and now this, the Lotus Python Clutch. This clutch is so dainty and so pretty I could carry it all Spring and Summer! The lilac python skin is gorgeous and ultrafeminine, and the brown trim and top-stitched seams are a nice contrast. Zagliani truly knows how to transform python skin into beautiful luxury investments.

A Great Gray Clutch

Gray might typically look bland but can be surprisingly chic, like this clutch. The MARC BY MARC JACOBS ‘Dr. Q. Patchwork’ Convertible Clutch is a sleek tonal patchwork clutch with a metal Marc Jacobs logo tag on the front. The pebbled leather actually looks soft to the touch and the hidden patchwork seams are smooth. The bag actually converts to a shoulder bag with a detachable strap and the interior has a hidden magnetic closure allowing it to expanding into 3 compartments. You get several bags in one and at $328, it’s worth it!

Miu Miu Coffer Matelasse

I really cannot get enough of slouchy bags. I love bags that sort of look like you’re not trying too hard (even if you are!). The Miu Miu Coffer Matelasse (€790) is the slouchiest, wrinkly gorgeous leather bag. If you’re going to do a leather bag in black or white, the design, details and construction better be amazing, and this one is. Between the ruched leather handle, quilted body and striking gold hardware, this bag is to die for! Ok, maybe not, but I’m dying to get it!

Even the bottom of the bag is amazing!

Sobella ‘Siena’ Metallic Satchel

I love when warm weather starts to roll around because I feel that you can get away with so much more, in terms of color. This hot pink metallic bag is just what I want for Spring and Summer. Look at how the color pops against her white shirt! I’ve always been a fan of Sobella, especially their early collection with the detachable bracelet straps made of semi-precious stones. But I was shocked to discover that this was a Sobella bag! It’s such an unexpected color for the brand but I love it! The Sobella ‘Siena’ Metallic Satchel ($298) is made of magenta foil leather that is not for the faint of heart. But the boxy satchel shape makes it practical enough for anyone. And the gold hardware adds a glamorous balance to the shiny skin.

Available at Nordstrom.

Fashion Inspiration Comes From Everywhere: Yves St. Laurent

Is it just me or does this YSL tote closely resemble Mariah Carey’s spray-painted abs? Just a little fashion food for thought…

Yves Saint Laurent Overseas Medium Leather Tote, $1,895, Saks Fifth Avenue

Tracey Reese Colorblocked Satchel

Colorblock and patchwork are those styles that are always either hit or miss, no in between. So when you see it, either you’re immediately disgusted or you immediately love it. I’m in the latter group on this bag. The Tracy Reese Colorblocked Shoulder Satchel is a mishmash of colors and shapes, but surprisingly, it works! The multiple colors (in both bags) blend very well together and the colorblock is done in such a way that it’s not overpowering or hideously ugly, but rather edgy and and glam. The yellow, black and brown is a great ‘transition into Spring’ bag and the blue, green and white is perfect for Summer. And at $425, you can afford both! Oh, and besiders being oh-so-cute, the bags are totally practical - with a roomy body, top zip and bridge closure, multiple zippered pockets inside and out and an 8″ strap drop so when the crook of your arm gets tired you can just swing it on your shoulder and go!

3.1 Phillip Lim’s Love-Inducing Bags

OMG, I’m in love…

Right now I’m lusting for, drooling over and simply coveting these bags that are so gorgeous you’ll want to spend your entire paycheck on them. Phillip Lim, of 3.1 Phillip Lim has a new collection of bags at eLUXURY that rival his amazing clothes.

The 3.1 Phillip Lim Gigi Woven Clutch is one of the most gorgeous, summery clutches I’ve seen in a while. The body is beautifully woven and well-made, and the yellow, balck and white colors combined just pop! The black flap closure adds a really nice contrast to the yellow and it’s truly a versatile clutch.

The dome shape of the 3.1 Phillip Lim Wendy Expandable Weekender is perfect since it can expand without looking stuffed or bulky like many big bags. The clean lines are very characteristic of Phillip Lim. It’s such a basic and practical bag but it has a sophisticated appeal to it.

Ruching is one of those trends that never seems to get old, especially on a bag like this 3.1 Phillip Lim Omai Pleated Shoulder Bag. I like that the front pocket is ruched rather than the bag itself. And the camel leather looks so buttery soft yet structured so you get the best of both worlds.

Check out more 3.1 Phillip Lim at eLUXURY.com!

Who Did It Better? BE&D vs. Ziordia

Ruffles are the ultimate girly accent. The Be & D Kan Kan ruffle tote is a great bag that incorporates this trend, and has already been seen on the arms of Hollywood’s A-listers, including Eva Longoria Parker. But newcomer Ziordia also incorporates cutesy ruffles into it’s ‘Brielle‘ bag.

Who do you think did it better?

Weekly Fashion Blog Bazaar

The Tarte Health Couture Set is what the beauty doctor has ordered at a price that won’t raise your blood pressure at Fashion Fling.
So Frugalicious says that Valentine’s Day may be over, but pink is here all spring.
Check out Gucci’s latest limited edition handbag and accessories collection dedicated to the Big Apple at Senora Cartera.
Pink Rock Candy has a bone to pick with new IT model, Karlie Kloss.
See which designers screwed up and screwed over What’s Haute.
Get red carpet ready with SkinStore’s A-List beauty picks at The Beauty Counter + get a free red velvet clutch with $75+.

Fashion Fridays - London Fashion Week

I’ve barely recovered from the whirlwind of New York Fashion Week and now we’re already on to the next! The fashion’s seen on London’s runways are a lot more cutting-edge and fashion forward. A standout trend that I noticed from the last few days’ shows was exaggerated shoulders. Many of London’s fashion designers incorporated modern shoulder padded looks into their Fall 2008 collections. Here’s an example:

Source

And here are a few ready-to-wear pieces that also incorporate the trend:

(L to R, top to bottom)
1. Diane von Furstenberg Ramira Jacket
2. ADAM Ruffled Shift Dress
3. Doo.Ri Khaki Trench Coat
4. Robert Rodriguez Silk Blouson Sleeve Blouse
5. Jovovich-Hawk Florance Dress
6. Acne Jeans Blow Print Blouse

What do you think of the exaggerated shoulders trend? Haute to rock or not?

Chloe Transitions Color Block Bag

Chloe couldn’t have given this bag a better name because obviously the brand is going through some transitions themselves. What is this acid-trip, rainbow connection excuse for a bag? There is nothing cute about the pleating, the confetti colors and post-it-note strip fabric pieces on the bag. Even the brown leather trim looks cheap. If I had to find something nice to say, I guess it would be the shape and the strap which converts the bag from a shoulder bag to a satchel. Oh, and the $3575 price tag. (Yeah, right).

Tory Burch - The Queen of JetSet

This weekend I finally bought a pair of the Tory Burch ‘Serena’ ballet flats. I know I’m about two years late but I kept thinking they were a fad that would be over in a season but two years later they’re still going strong! These have to be some of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned. And they look absolutely gorgeous with the two colors and now iconic logoplate on the toe. I love them so much that now I’m a Tory Burch addict. I want another pair of her shoes, preferably the Laurel flats, some of her jet-set separates, and of course a few of her bags. I’m so in love with the Tory Burch ‘T’ Nylon Satchel with Croc Trim, in blue and yellow. I love the sharp contrast between nylon and crocodile. It’s so unexpected yet so chic. The body is mostly nylon with an exaggerated croc ‘T’ shape down the center of the bag. It’s a big bag, perfect for daily use and for jet-setting across the country too! Both fabrics look rich and luxurious, but the price of $550 is very affordable for such a stylish bag. You’ll want to buy them all! I sure do. Pre-order yours now!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I hope you get all the hugs and kisses (and bags) you want!

Charm and Luck Butter Hugs and Kisses Satchel, $438

WTF, WTF, WTF??? A DIY Fendi Baguette

Wow. A Fendi that has left me absolutely speechless. Perhaps the folks at Fendi have been reading What’s Haute and my thoughts on their awful design so they’ve decided to leave the designing up to us. I guess a Fendi I paint myself would look a lot better than most of their recent creations, but honestly, didn’t we stop the paint-by-number activities at age five? And I thought Color-Me-Mine was only for kids birthday parties and retirees, not luxury handbag shoppers. So Fendi, a luxury house mind you, thought it was a brilliant idea to create a do-it-yourself bag. The Fendi Artist Baguette is literally a blank canvas baguette that comes with a paint set for the arts-and-crafter in you. But why does Fendi think that anyone in their right mind would pay $1300 for an artists canvas you can buy for $19.99 at Michael’s? The Fendi fug train just keeps getting worse and worse. Who’s making the artistic decisions over there? Come on Fendi…stop the madness!

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