Zac Posen’s Pleated Perfection

If virtual drooling were at all possible, it would be happening right now as a result of adoring this amazing Zac Posen Rose Pleated Leather Clutch ($950 at shopbop.com). This is one of those bags that at first glance leaves you speechless. It’s beautifully constructed, which is Zac Posen’s forte. The quilted tan leather flap provides a perfect contrast to the soft, pleated, glazed leather body. To add to the luxuriousness, the front flap has trapunto logo detail and the bag is lined in suede. There aren’t many clutches that I’d drop almost $1000 on but this one is definitely worth the price. It’s beautiful, extraordinarily unique, and made by Zac Posen!

Celebrities love Michael Kors’ Sutton Clutch

Women love Michael Kors, especially his handbags since the styles are classic and clean, much like his clothes. The Michael Kors Sutton Clutch is the ‘It’ clutch for summer, already having been carried by celebrities, including Eva Longoria (pictured above with friend, rapper Eve with her Zagliani Flash Python Clutch). The clutch comes in a variety of colors, including the color for summer, yellow, along with royal blue, white, red, and black patent leather, and gold metallic and coral kidskin. It’s fastened with an oversized gold buckle that adds some flash while staying simple and understated. At $395 each, you can pick up a few for the Spring and Summer! Paired with a dress, suit or tank top and jeans, the Sutton clutch adds class to any look.

Louis Vuitton in Paris!

After spending 5 days in Paris chowing down on delicious croissants, crepes and wine, shopping in hip Parisian boutiques and of course taking in all of the art and gorgeous sights I could see, I almost didn’t return to NYC! But I’m back to blog about my new love, Paris, and my longtime love, handbags!

All over Paris I spotted women (and men!) with very haute handbags (and manbags!) and chic footwear, mainly boots. But I have to say I was surprised to see only a handful of Louis Vuitton bags gracing the arms of Parisian women. In fact, I believe the only women carrying LV bags were tourists! Being a tourist myself and Louis Vuitton lover and handbag addict, I dragged my sister to the LV store on the the Ave. des Champs Elysees. (She thought I was crazy to take a picture of the store!) Anyway, I found two bags that I completely fell in love with but didn’t buy in France thanks to the Euro completely crushing the US dollar! Check them out:

The new Monogram Canvas Tulum PM (available for $1240 at eLUXURY) is my favorite bag shape, the hobo, and has a cute front flap pocket with a twist lock closure and roomy interior with a top zipper. It’s named after a ‘beautiful’ Mayan city in Mexico and the bag is absolutely beautiful in person as well. The monogram canvas is softer than usual, while the natural cowhide leather strap is strong and sturdy.

The Monogram Canvas Saumur (available for $980 at eLUXURY) is just lovely! It may look like nothing special but in person it’s an haute saddle-style bag with two compartments separated by an adjustable shoulder strap and held together by side buckles. You have to see it in person to really get the full effect but trust me, it’s stunning!

Louis Vuitton available online at eLUXURY.com

What’s Haute is Off to Paris!

Ooh la la, I’m taking a much needed vacation to Paris and I can’t wait to see the Eiffel Tower! Oh, who am I kidding - I can’t wait to go shopping for bags and haute Parisian fashion! Paris is the second fashion capital of the world (you may disagree but hey, I’m a New Yorker so I’m biased!), so I can’t wait to see what’s in the stores so I can blow all my money on gorgeous French designer handbags, shoes and clothes and then come back to share my finds with all of you! What’s Haute will be away until next Tuesday but in the meantime you can enjoy the archives, catch up on Hauteness and What’s Haute Magazines and shop some haute bags!

Pictured, clockwise from top left:
Louis Vuitton Monogram Tissé Sac Rayure PM, eLUXURY
Hermes Crocodile Birkin bag, Hermes
Givenchy Medium Metallic Nightingale, Barney’s
Yves St. Laurent Medium Majorelle, YSL

Balenciaga’s Flower Power

Ah, March. It’s around this time of year where I start feeling antsy about Spring, because despite the rain, I know it’s just around the corner! I can’t wait to start my Spring shopping. Ok, I admit I’ve already started but then all you can do is stare at the clothes until the weather gets warm! But it’s never too soon for Spring bags! These floral Balenciaga bags get me right in the mood for Spring. The Balenciaga giant brief leather and printed cotton bag and giant seau leather and printed cotton bag are the perfect mix of Balenciaga styling with vibrant, bright flower prints. They may be a little too bold for your taste but wear them with a monochrome look, like a black or white dress for an amazing effect.

Lanvin Metallic Bowler

I don’t know why but I’m drawn to this Lanvin Metallic Bowler. But I’m biased because I really have a thing for metallic leather bags! The silver and gold metallic colors could have made it gaudy but the simple shape gives it some class and the chain link handles are a nice alternative to the typical rolled leather handles. It’s the perfect travel bag or gym bag - when you want something different than a boring black duffel or canvas tote and prefer something flashy, like I do! It’s stylish, eye-catching and very well-made, as you would expect from Lanvin.

Weekly Haute Bag Round-Up

Fabsugar rounds up the hottest snakeskin handbags.

Bag Bliss balks at the Fendi XL Fringed Zebra Baguette Tote.

NY Spender suggests carrying a bag in a bag for all you big bag ladies

Luxist loves the deerskin Prada Fairy Bag and Clutch.

Handbag Designer 101 can’t wait to see the Spring/Summer 2008 Louis Vuitton ads featuring supermodels like Stephanie Seymour, Naomi Campbell, and Eva Herzigova.

Haute Mimi highlights Kaia Peterka’s haute new handbags.

Shoeblog discovers a ‘noteworthy detail’ on the Christian Loboutin Loubette bag.

Givenchy Wrinkled Patent Nightingale in Salmon Pink

The Givenchy Nightingale isn’t anything new but this classic bag is always worth writing about, especially this salmon pink hued, wrinkled patent leather version. If you’re looking for a timeless Spring bag, then this is it! The pastel patent has just the right amount of pop but is neutral enough to mix and match with all your Spring wardrobe pieces. The size is perfect - 13″ x 14″ with a 6.5″ handle drop, and it’s a convertible bag so it’s got my seal of approval! Sport it as a satchel on your arm, or a shoulder bag. Either way it’s a beauty!

$1,395 at Barney’s

Thomas Wylde Colossus Scorpion Bag

There’s something about certain clothes and accessories that just scream S-E-X! Like a slinky black dress or a pair of killer stilettos, or this bag. The Thomas Wylde Colossus Scorpion Bag, White is one hot, sexy bag. Thomas Wylde handbags are always distinctly edgy yet exude a certain femininity. The soft lambskin leather is distressed and has that aged look while still looking sharp and new. The antiqued gold metal hardware consists of a chunky chain strap with metal bars throughout and large pointed stud detail on the sides. The body of the bag is huge, measuring 20″x 15″x 4.5″, and is decorated with jewels and studs making up two large scorpions. All the celebs will be rockin this one this summer. This is one edgy, sexy, hardcore bag, not for the faint of heart or play-it-safe’rs!

Fendi Shopping Tote

I think I’m obsessed with Fendi. As much as I’ve hated on their bags, I can’t help but stop looking at them and writing about them. And now, once again, buying them. I actually really like this Fendi Shopping Tote. Except for the Fendi Multicolored Doctor B Bag it’s been a long time since I’ve had a strong urge to buy a Fendi due to their many recent disappointments. But this bag reminds me of vintage Fendi (and when I say vintage, I mean bags from when I was young!), with the simple shapes and the inverted FF logo (the zucca) as the only decoration. But it’s the simplicity that I love. This chic tote has a zip top closure, leather zucca applique and a completely pointless lock and key that’s oh so adorable regardless.

€275 @ Trendora

Zac Posen Handbags on sale!

I’ve been drooling over all of Zac Posen’s bags…I mean really, what woman hasn’t? But when bags hit price points over $1,000, I start to get really selective and picky and can’t decide what ones to invest in. Because at $1,000 or more, they are truly investment pieces. So lucky for me, and you, Zac Posen bags are now on sale at Bloomingdale’s! I especially love the Zac Posen Abbey Satchel that Rihanna also shares my love for. It’s been marked down to $899! This bag, like all of Zac Posen’s bags have the feel of old school glamour but with a modernity that makes them wearable and not old lady-ish. The Zac Posen Austyn and Aurora Frame Satchels share the same structured classic look as the Abbey, and are regularly priced under $1,000. What a steal!

Fendi Multicolored Doctor B Bag

Doesn’t this bag just make you long for warmer weather? Since daylight savings time came this weekend, we now have more ‘day’ and less ‘night’ (yay!), but the weather’s still not quite there yet. I’m longing to wear my short sleeved shirts, Spring-y dresses, sandals and colored bags. Even though you don’t have to wait for Spring to wear colorful bags (I’m all for wearing a bright red bag in the middle of winter), this Fendi Multicolored Doctor B Bag has Spring/Summer written all over it! This ombre, rainbow sherbert, ‘Acid Multi’ colored leather hobo has a frame top with magnetic closure, and ‘winged’ panels on each end that expand due to the side buckled bands. It’s the essential Spring/Summer bag - you won’t need any other! But if you want one, start saving now - the price is hefty - $1,840. But I’m so glad the Fendi designers finally got over adding that ridiculous buckle to every ‘B’ bag! This ‘B’ bag boasts simplicity but the color grading and surprise details gives it that ‘It’ factor. Glad to see your design aesthetic on the comeback Fendi.

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Pharrell’s Hermes Haut Au Corrois in Purple Croc

Ooh la la, I think I’m in love…

No, not with Pharrell Williams (though I do love his beats). But I’m in love with his (man?) bag, the huge, highly coveted Hermes HAC (Haut à Courroies), aka the original Birkin. Pharrell had two of them custom made at the Hermes factory in Paris, one in orange/tan, and the other the purple crocodile version. Katie Holmes was recently spotted with the red Hermes HAC…(new ‘It’ bag alert?) Though it’s much more appropriate for women, it takes a big man to carry a purple handbag, and an even bigger man to carry a purple crocodile bag. Kudos Pharrell, you’re a big man. With a really big bag.

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Stuart Weitzman ‘Chelsea’ Vinyl Satchel

Unlike Paris/Britney/Lindsay, I’m not big on showing my ‘privates’ to the world. That is, my private stuff I carry inside my bag. But designers insist on bringing back the vinyl bag trend and I found one I actually love. The
Stuart Weitzman - Chelsea (Silver Nappa) - Handbags
is a structured vinyl satchel with metallic silver nappa leather trim and silver hardware. It measures 13.5″ x 12.5″ x 10″ so there’s tons of room, and it comes with a removable coin purse to hide your most personal items. The bag is atypical Stuart Weitzman, whose shoes and bags are usually of the glitzy, glossy and glam red carpet variety. Nevertheless, it is beautifully constructed and perfect for the hopefully soon-to-be-coming warm weather!

Also available in vinyl with white calf, black patent and red patent (red available at NORDSTROM.com)

Marc Jacobs Collection Small Woven Hutton Clutch

Just as essential as the LBD (little black dress) and basic black pumps is the little black clutch. There are so many clutches to choose from but a select few stand out from the crowd. The Marc Jacobs Collection Small Woven Hutton Clutch is one of those standout pieces, especially since weaving and oversized clutches are hot trends this year. The grained leather body of the clutch has large weave detail with a smooth leather flap closure. The gold logo-etched turnlock closure and front and back pleating gives it a fun touch.

Keith Richards - the New Face of Louis Vuitton? New Bag Alert!

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Apparently in an attempt to reach the rock-star, alcohol-soaked, grungy luxury-lover, Louis Vuitton has chosen Rolling Stone-r Keith Richards to model for its ‘Core Values’ campaign. Shot by Annie Leibovitz, the ad features a somber Richards with a guitar and LV luggage case with the tag line: “Some journeys cannot be put into words.” Um, yeah.

In other Louis Vuitton news, the line just launched a new and affordable(!) bag, the Monogram Canvas Montorgueil GM. The bag, inspired by “a lively pedestrian street in the center of Paris” is a rounded satchel with double handles, a top zip closure, and full of Louis Vuitton charm. I have been thinking about buying a Speedy but didn’t want to lug around a bag with short top handles, so the Montorgueil is a nice alternative. It’s roomy (16.5″x 9.4″x 7″) and luxe so therefore perfect!

$805 at eLUXURY

louis vuitton

Christian Louboutin Studded Leather Tote

Like many, I’m a huge fan of Christian Louboutin stiletto heels. The beauty of his shoes lies not only in the fabulous design, but also in that signature red sole. So when I saw this bag with the peek-a-boo red lining, I was immediately sold. It’s like having those coveted shoes, but in bag form! The Christian Louboutin Studded Leather Tote black leather bag is accented with gold hardware, including pyramid-shaped studs, two front zips (revealing the lining), and dangling stiletto zipper charms.

Best of all, it’s actually two bags in one. The long strap gives you the look and feel of a hobo, but drop the strap and the two top handles make it a large duffel. If you read What’s Haute, you know I have a love for convertible bags, and this one amazingly converts into two stylish bags, making it well worth the reasonable price tag of $1650, and even more reason to own one! Pre-order now at Neiman Marcus.

Gryson at Target

The next great handbag designer to hit the racks at Target has been revealed…and it’s Joy Gryson! The former Marc Jacobs designer is set to launch the Gryson for Target collection consisting of luxe but functional handbags. I loved the Devi Kroell/Target collaboration, and was less than impressed with the Loeffler Randall/Target shoes and bags, but the Gryson/Target line looks promising. If you love the Gryson classic design and can stomach PVC, they’ve got a nice collection of affordable bags for you. The bags consist of white, black, slate blue and forest green hues, and have the woven detail and braided strap handles that Gryson has become known for. The collection hits stores on April 6th and you can check out the rest of the collection here.

But in the meantime, there are some great Gryson bags on sale at eLuxury, like this Gryson Skye Woven Handbag:

And this Gryson Jasper Woven Handbag: