Haute or Not: Maloles Andrea Clutch

Have you ever visited the art museum and saw a piece of art (or maybe even a few) that made you question the artist’s thinking but you were drawn to it anyway? It’s that way sometimes in fashion too - you see a canvas of colors that you just don’t get but there’s something about it that you still admire. Like this
Maloles Andrea Clutch
. It screams hideousness but still I can’t stop looking at it. How can something so unattractive be so appealing? The color combination is totally off. The mauve suede is pretty but the metallic gold leather and black trim are too harsh against it. The shape is weird - sort of a bow that is depressed in the middle with that ‘interesting’ two toned flap. The resin turnlock closure is dainty and adorable but the embossed ‘Maloles’ logo above it seems to throw it off. But despite everything about this clutch being so wrong, it still just feels so right. I really can’t explain why I’m so drawn to this clutch but I want it nevertheless. I guess that’s the sign of a good artists, or designer in this case. What do you think - do you love it or hate it?

Naomi Watts spotted with the Mulberry Mabel bag

There seems to be two popular accessories in Hollywood right now - the baby bump and a designer handbag. Naomi Watts was spotted with her expanding baby belly and her beloved Mulberry Mabel bag. The actress looked casual and laid back in a blue raw silk dress with a silver bag. The Mabel is one of my favorites from the Mulberry handbag collection. The large shoulder satchel features double handles, two front zip pockets, large side compartments and a top zip, with that characteristic vertical belt down the center.

Shop more Mulberry and other Bags at NET-A-PORTER

Tulah Ray Zip Split Satchel

Every woman needs a biker bag for those days when she’s feeling edgy, fearless and a bit reckless. A good biker bag should be black leather, of course, with some tough hardware - think studs, zippers, chains. The Tulah Ray Zip Split Satchel strikes the perfect balance between biker chic and practicality. A center zip opens all the way around the satchel to expand the bag and meets at the top along with a double top zip closure. The exterior also features pintucked leather trim and a removable leather strap. The hardware is sufficient to provide the biker feel but not too busy or flashy. It’s a sturdy bag but has enough sass to satisfy your the tastes of any badass chick.

Guess Katie Holmes’ Bag!

*UPDATE* Katie’s bag is the Chloe Paraty in python. Thanks Melissa!

I don’t know what is up with celebrities wearing day scarves in the summer. It’s hot outside - save the scarves for winter! Maybe Katie’s covering up some weird alien pods that have something to do with her crazy Scientologist of a husband, Tom Cruise. Ok, that’s a stretch but Tom is weird and alien-like these days. But Katie’s dress code has improved significantly since becoming Mrs. Cruise so I’ll ignore the summer scarf slip-up and just focus on her haute bag. She’s carrying a cute black shoulder bag with double handles and dangling flap detail. Any guesses on the handbag designer?

Devaney/WireImage

Chloe’s on the Comeback!

Last year Chloé was producing bags most of us would be embarrassed to carry but this year they’ve really stepped up their design game! This lovely hobo is so uniquely designed and just the bag you want gracing your arm. The Chloe Large Milton Hobo is really a cross between a hobo and a shoulder bag - the bottom is flat and the top curves upward in a delicate crescent shape. Four outside pockets are punctuated by metal accents that meet in the middle of the bag. A long chain is suspended by a leather shoulder strap and the bag closes with a top zip. Besides the design of the bag, the leather is a stunning shade of blue; midnight blue to be exact; which has the shimmer of metallic lambskin without the flash. Pre-order now at Saks.

Celeb bag spotting: Beyonce with the Sergio Rossi Python ‘Gisele’

Ah, if only I could have a closet like Beyonce’s…I swear every time I see a picture of her she’s carrying a haute new handbag! One of the new additions to her handbag collection is the python Sergio Rossi Giselle Hobo (Giselle also happens to be Beyonce’s middle name). The ‘Giselle’ is a python shoulder bag with double rolled shoulder straps and two front flap pockets. It’s simple yet oh-so-elegant and the neutral python tone blends well with anything. I typically don’t like bags that don’t have a top closure, preferably a zip closure, but the top of the bag almost reaches up right under your arm so your things are kept safely tucked away.

Celebrity bag spotting: Jessica Simpson with the Gucci Boston bag

It’s a shame when you can’t tell the difference between a luxury bag and a cheap, celebrity-licensed brand but that’s really not my fault. It’s Gucci’s fault for designing a bag so hideous. I’m sure anyone would have guessed this bag was from the Jessica Simpson accessory collection and not the new Gucci ‘Babouska’ Large Boston Bag. The tomato-red leather, overused hardware, and front gold heart crest just spell ‘D-I-S-C-O-U-N-T’. I’m not sure what is going on at the design house of Gucci these days but since I’ve boycotted Gucci, it really doesn’t matter. When quality and design go down the drain, it’s a wrap!

Lacroix/Wireimage

Anya Hindmarch Perry patchwork bag

There’s no doubt that fall is quickly approaching. Despite it being August, it’s been chilly the past few days in New York so that means it’s time to start thinking about fall fashion. (As if I needed an excuse!). And of course fall bags are already available for purchase, or at least pre-order so get your credit cards ready! The Anya Hindmarch Perry patchwork bag is a great fall handbag - really, Anya Hindmarch’s bags are great for every season. The bag is a multicolored patchwork pattern that has a mod look which makes it a pretty patchwork instead of the usual tacky patchwork patterns. The tan and camel leather is set against black ponyskin panels, kicking up the luxe factor. It has a roomy body, shoulder strap and magnetic closure. The vintage vibe makes it very sophisticated and the only bag you’ll need - though you’ll always want more!

Chloe keeps it simple with the Joan shoulder bag

Chloe has, in the past, deserved a ‘KISS’ (Keep it Simple Stupid). Their attempts at designing ‘dazzling‘ bags failed miserably so they returned to simplicity which works much better. The Chloe Joan shoulder bag is reminiscent of drawstring Coach bags circa the nineties but I like it nonetheless. This tri-color bag has the perfect range of tones for fall - chocolate brown, black and kelly green. A bag doesn’t have to be over-the-top to be eye-catching and Chloe finally understands that.

The Joan is a relaxed, slightly slouchy drawstring bag. It has a gold clasp which fastens a belt around the top. The tri-color-block bag is accented with chunky ‘equestrian-inspired hardware’, a tassel pull and a front, slighlty hidden horizontal zippered pocket. It’s simple but a great day bag for the Fall - perfect for the woman who likes a classic bag that can easily transcend season to season. Kudos, Chloe!

Get Your Fashion and Accessories Fix with the new SoapNet.com!

To everyone who entered, please email info@whatshaute.com with your email address so I can contact the winner. Thanks!

For me, shopping is escapism. Buying new stuff makes me feel so relaxed and free. Same goes for soap operas. Yes, I am a soap addict as much as I’m a handbag addict. I especially love new episodes of daytime soaps like Days of Our Lives, and reruns of primetime classics like Melrose Place and 90210, so SoapNet naturally is one of my favorite stations. And now they’ve got a new website - with the same great soaps and now beauty, fashion and entertainment news! The new SoapNet is “a one-stop destination to indulge your passion for television drama, celebrity life, glamour and style.”

To celebrate the launch of the new site, SoapNet has partnered with What’s Haute to give away some cool stuff including:

-a Marc Jacobs wallet
-Barney’s Co-Op giftcards
-iTunes giftcards
-Pinkberry giftcards
-SoapNet T shirts

Want to win? Here’s what you need to do:

-Visit the new SoapNet.com
-Leave a comment about the new SoapNet or about your favorite soap in the comments section below!

Winners will be randomly selected. Contest ends 11:59 pm, August 31, 2008.

Muxo launch at Kitson Studios

Model and designer Camila Alves, along with baby daddy Matthew McConaughey and baby were at the Kitson Studio in Los Angeles to unveil her Muxo handbag line. Muxo, which means “Goddess of the Water” is a collection of fairly nice, handcrafted leather bags but that one on her shoulder is hideous. Leather fringe is one of those horrible trends that many designers seem desperate to resurrect but this is clear evidence and proof on why that just should not happen. Alves ruined a perfectly fab white dress with thie stringy mess of a bag on her shoulder. I mean really, was that meant to be a joke - some sort of gag bag? Personally I like the rest of the Muxo handbag collection. Luckily Camila’s fugly bag isn’t part of it.

Haute or Not: Botkier Morgan Satchel

Botkier has been on top of the handbag game for years. But I’m not sure how I feel about this fringed Botkier Morgan Satchel. The pros: I love the rich purple color which is returning for this fall. The shape is unique, the long handles are incredibly practical and the top rounded zip is cute! The single center pleat is a nice added touch. BUT…what’s up with the fringe? The bag looks way too modern to have retro fringe spilling out of the sides, and framing the zippers at that! It just seems so out of place on this bag. What was that Chanel quote…something like, “When accessorizing, take off the last thing you put on”? Hmmm…

The Many Bags of Beyoncé

Over the course of her career, Beyoncé Knowles has transformed into quite the fashionista. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that every designer wants her wearing their clothes and carrying their handbags! Though her style is ‘haute’, her bags are even hotter. Here’s a look at some of the many bags of Beyoncé:

Beyoncé’s white Valentino Satchel perks up her colorful sundress. She shows off her A-list status with the limited-edition Louis Vuitton Tribute, and a custom made white Bracher Emden Breast Bag. Beyoncé the fashion designer always promotes her own line, House of Dereon, with her favorite bag from the line, and shows off her red patent Jimmy Choo Mahala Leather Tote.

Beyoncé is a trendsetter, so she was one of the first celebs to carry the Shanghai Tang Jade Hobo. For a casual day out, she loves to carry the BE&D Ava Hobo, but when she’s all glammed up, the Jimmy Choo Buckle Clutch will do. And what would any celebrity fashionista be without some of the most coveted bags; the Miu Miu Matelasse Hobo, the Fendi B. Mix Satchel and Zac Posen’s Beatrice Quilted Bag.

Shop Beyoncé’s bag style:

Zac Posen Alexia Frame Bag

Fendi B. Mix Large Cork Bag

Zac Posen Pumpkin Tote 

Fendi B. Fendi Lamé Pleated Medium Bag 

Zac Posen Olivia Woven Leather Satchel

Fendi B. Fendi Multicolored Forever Boston Bag

What’s In at TJ Maxx

I’ve always said that no matter how much money I have, I will still do bargain shopping. Don’t get me wrong, I am a high fashion girl - always have been and always will be, but I also love looking for deals. Call it the sport of shopping.

So I visited TJ Maxx last weekend just browsing around and I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw this Katherine Kwei ‘Donna’ metallic lambskin clutch. At TJ Maxx? Really? It was in perfect condition, beautifully crafted, and mine mine mine! I also grabbed an Emilio Pucci coin purse, and a Michael Kors wallet. Total cost: $260. Unbelievable.

What haute deals have you found lately?

End of Season Sale at Vivre!

I love Vivre for their unique selection of handbags. You can shop well-known designers like Anya Hindmarch and Michael Kors alongside newcomers like Antrobus and Kotur. Also, every bag has a resort feel, with materials like canvas, jute, cork and lucite as well as python and croc. Another reason I love Vivre? They have great sales. Shop some of the bags on sale now:

Clockwise from top left:
Antik Batik Fringed Suede Tote, was: $375, now: $150!

Anya Hindmarch Gold Clutch, was: $895, now: $350!

Martine Sitbon Silver Large Sac Bag, was: $525, now: $210!

Gold Michael Kors Metallic Python Hinge Clutch, was: $995, now: $398!

Navy is the New Black

Always thinking ahead to the next season, I started looking for a new bag, of course. But my go-to colors for Fall have always been brown and black so I wanted something different. I never really considered navy as an option but the more I thought about it, the more I realized how perfect it was! I bought a gorgeous navy leather bag that I’ll share with you later this week. Now I am obsessed with navy colored bags. I stumbled upon the Pringle of Scotland Large Edie tote that is just stunning! This large tote is made of midnight blue distressed patent leather with two corner panels edged in gold studs. It has two top handles, a top press stud closure and an interior zipped pocket. Get one now to carry through the Fall!

Marc by Marc Jacobs Lil Riz shoulder bag

Neon colors haven’t really been popular since the 80’s, mostly because they were tacky! But neon & fluorescent accessories seem to be making a comeback and I’ve been drawn to this Marc by Marc Jacobs Lil Riz shoulder bag ever since I first saw it. It’s an obnoxious neon green (Fluro menta) color that is not for you shy, conservative accessory types, but for someone who loves to be flashy and make a statement. This slouchy leather single-strap shoulder bag has a large Marc by Marc Jacobs logo plate on the front, a top fold and ruching, buckle detail down the center and magnetic closure. $430 at Net-a-Porter.