Alexander McQueen’s Skull-shaped clasp Clutch

Wow, Halloween bags have gotten a lot more chic! Whether you’re going out trick-or-treating or partying the night away, in costume or out, the Alexander McQueen Skull Clasp Clutch is the perfect accessory. This petite black box-shaped bag is made of palatial leather and crowned with a signature Alexander McQueen skull-shaped clasp closure adorned with genuine Swarovski^® crystals. It’s tiny (5.5″ x 3.5″) so it doesn’t hold much – just your credit cards, money, lipstick and a few treats, but with its luxe suede lining, you won’t want to store much inside anyway.

$999, at Zappos Couture

Have a Happy Halloween!

Goldenbleu Delilah Bag

The Goldenbleu Delilah Bag certainly lives up to its name. This red-hot bag is equal parts sultry, sexy and, tempting, and like Delilah, is sure to lure you in. The hobo is made of shiny dark red snake-embossed leather with tonal bright red patent trim. There’s a center zipper down the front flanked by ruching and multi-toned handle accents, with gold buckle detail on the sides. The double rolled handles are also made of tonal red patent and measure 10 inches long so there’s plenty of room to swing it over your shoulder with ease.

Nicci Deerskin Bag

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw this Nicci Deerskin Bag priced at only $475. You may think that’s a lot for a lesser known designer but take a closer look at the bag and you’ll agree it’s a steal. This rounded 11 1/4″ x 16″ hobo is made of luxe chocolate brown deerskin and the leather looks soft to the touch, yet because it’s deerskin, you know it’s a sturdy bag. The body is simple but the real beauty of the bag is the cutout handle made from genuine alligator crestle. Sure it looks a little bit Flinstones-esque, but I love it. Alligator, deerskin and a beautiful design for only $475? I’m sold. How about you?

Celeb Spotting: Halle Berry with the Cartier Marcello Bag

Ah, the girl who has it all – beauty, talent, a hot model boyfriend, an adorable baby and an enviable wardrobe complete with a new accessory for every day. Halle Berry’s latest piece of arm candy (aside from Gabriel Aubry) is the Cartier Marcello bag, designed by former Calvin Klein designer Marlin Yuson. She was spotted out shopping/going to yoga (her daily routine it seems) with the black buffalo version. Cartier follows in the footsteps of other luxury brands in doing a double lettered logo, which the Marcello proudly boasts across the front. A double “C” logo insignia is prominently topstitched on the face of the bag which is triangular shaped with a square base. The double handled bag is available with gold or platinum hardware and can be customized through bespoke kits at Cartier stores. The Marcello is available in small, medium and large sizes, and current colors and fabrics include tobacco calfskin, night blue glazed goatskin, pink glazed goatskin, furry calfskin, black or beige crocodile, rabbit fur, petrol blue or black cowhide and burgundy glazed or furry goatskin, and black buffalo leather. For all of these options and luxe materials, the bags aren’t even that pricey – from just over $1000 for a small, $1600 and up for a large, and $2000 and up for custom. So you can have Halle Berry’s arm candy. Too bad you can’t have Gabe too…

Felix Rey Emma Zip Top Clutch

I usually like to write about bags that are season-appropriate since that’s most likely when you’ll be buying them! However, this bag is so adorable that I couldn’t resist telling you about it, even though with this horrible rainy weather, this is the absolute worst time to buy a light pink nylon clutch! The Felix Rey Emma Zip Top Clutch is such a pretty little thing. A 5.5″ x 9″ strip of pink nylon is wrapped up in its own big bow which spans across the front. A trio of gold pyramid studs makes its way down both sides of the front of the clutch to add a bit of edge to the otherwise ultra-feminine bag. It has a top zipper closure and detachable wrist strap pull. Like I said, its impractical for this time of year but oh-so-cute!

Haute or Not: Matthew Williamson Geometric Print Tote

The Matthew Williamson Geometric print tote is one of the worst bags I’ve seen in a while. It’s being sold on Net-a-Porter and described as “a lively printed large tote with an on-trend geometric pattern.” On-trend? Really? I think I must have missed this trend. I didn’t realize that geometric cross-stitch and needlepoint graphics were hot for fall. And why is this tote $775? It looks like something created at a knitting circle and not at all a luxury bag worth that ridiculous price.

I already know the answer but what’s your take? Haute or not?

Win a Goody Bag and more in Lucky Magazine’s Denim Transformation Challenge!

Guess what I love just as much as handbags? Goody bags! And I’ve got three to give away to you! And all you have to do is show off your personal style.

Lucky’s Style Spotter is running a contest where you simply show us how you style your jeans for a haute night out and you could win your own feature in Lucky Magazine, plus a chance to style a professional photo shoot for Lucky Brand jeans! All you have to do is send in a photo of yourself wearing your own jeans in a very unique way. Dress them up with some chic accessories or add some edge with a leather jacket and killer shoes. However you do it, it must be absolutely fabulous! The readers with the three hottest looks will each win a sweet Lucky Magazine goody bag, worth $250 each, and will get the chance to appear in the mag! For more information and details on the contest, visit the Lucky Style Spotter website.

Instructions: please post a link to your photo in the comments section or email your photo to editor (at) whatshaute.com.

See by Chloe Daytripper Round Shoulder Bag

I’m a fan of glitzy and glammy rock star stuff, and I’m a huge David Bowie fan, especially from the Ziggy Stardust days. I don’t mind the cleaned up version of Bowie of present, but I love the heavy eye makeup/painted face/shiny silver outfitted Bowie much, much more. So when I saw this See by Chloe Daytripper Round Shoulder Bag it immediately made me reminisce of the old David Bowie and 70’s rock music. The ‘Daytripper‘ is a more adventurous Chloe design but that’s what the See by Chloe line represents. Chloe brings back the slouchy bag silhouette, made of silver metallic, perforated leather. The rounded shape boasts two pleated front pockets, each with a multi-toned zipper banded across the center, with dangling charms on either end. Large magnetic patch pockets make up the front and most of the back of the bag for quick and easy storage. Contrast black banding and double rolled leather handles accentuate the bags curves and add to the rock star aura. I know Ziggy Stardust would approve.

Tory Burch Signature Katherine Tote

I love the fun and funky Tory Burch wth ‘T’s emblazoned and logoed all over everything. But sometimes I’m also in need of a more grown-up bag. Actually, all of Burch’s creations are work-worthy but this one in particular screams ‘corporate’ to me (in a really good way). The Tory Burch Signature Katherine Tote is incredibly posh and chic, and the color scheme is fresh and fun but still oh-so-classy. I adore big bags that don’t look bulky and totes that have a different design than the usual and this one fits all my needs. The contrast of the tan, camel and yellow pebbled leathers are perfect for fall tones, yet not too obvious. The gold hardware is perfectly placed and isn’t overwhelming. And the size is great - 15″ x 18″ x 6″ with a 9″ strap drop. I love longer straps on totes and other handbags because in the fall, it’s always nice to be able to put it over the shoulder of your coat. This bag is the ideal tote with it’s huge size and maturity in design.

Martine Sitbon Colorblock Clutch

It’s really difficult to create a multi-textured bag without it looking cheap. But Martine Sitbon succeeds amazingly. The Martine Sitbon Colorblock Clutch is a trio of sumptuous materials – white and brown patent, and bronze-colored pebbled, metallic leather that work together beautifully. This glamorous clutch is made mostly of the bronze crackled metallic leather with a fold-over front flap featuring a colorblock patchwork pattern of the other colors and materials. The positioning of the white patent in the center and on the edges, accompanied by the brown patent and bronze pebbled leather, really makes the clutch stand out. And the tasteful logo stamp on the white leather is quite chic. Also, the bag, unlike most fold-over clutches that have a simple magnetic snap, has both a zipper and hinged pocket under the fold, which makes it even more remarkable!

Botkier Kika North/South Satchel

I’m feeling overwhelmed because there’s so much going on, on this bag, I don’t know where to begin describing it. The Botkier Kika North/South Satchel is made of reptile-stamped shimmering lambskin with contrasting solid metallic leather trim. On top of that, the bag’s design includes multiple straps and bands of leather throughout the exterior, a leather bow at the bottom of one of the front handles and a charm dangling from the other. The shape is a simple boxy satchel but the leather is ruched at the bottom of the bag, adding to the large level of detail. But surprisingly, with all of the bags bells and whistles, it’s not as tacky as it might sound. The bag looks sturdy yet pretty and has the usual Botkier charm.

Yves St. Laurent Palma Patent Leather Tote

It’s clear - Yves St. Laurent makes some chic tote bags. And it seems the key to that is not straying too far from the formula that works well for them. The Palma Patent Leather Tote may look an awful lot like the Patent Tribute Flat Tote because it has the same characteristics that we’ve come to expect and love from YSL, like crocodile-embossed patent leather and gold hardware. This boxy tote has a top band which holds the handles that are accented by extra large gold grommets for a unique look, and there are feet on the bottom so it stands upright. Double shoulder straps drop 7″ for comfortable carrying and there’s a center zip compartment in the 11½” X 13¼” X 5¾” body. YSL handbags are known for their simplistic style and this one is just the latest addition.

Marc Jacobs is Intent on Making Me Fall in Love with the ‘Stam’

The Marc Jacobs Stam is one of those bags that I just could not get into, no matter how many celebrities, models and fashionistas loved it. I just didn’t get it. The shape was odd, that huge chunky chain strap looked heavy and painful and the quilting was just too granny-like. But slowly MJ started to wear me down. Recently Christina Milian was spotted with a hot pink version which I ruefully admitted to liking. But this one, I am absolutely in love with. When I first saw it, it left me breathless. Seriously. The Marc Jacobs Stam ostrich tote is utterly dreamy. It’s a much daintier version of the Stam, with its pink ostrich leather, detachable silver link chain strap and pink ostrich-wrapped double handles. The skin is pieced together in such a way that it creates a design, like rays of ostrich beaming out from the top of the bag, which also has an adorable logo clasp. In short, it’s beautiful. Thank you Marc. I’m finally sold.

Tales from my Bag Crypt - the Hayden Harnett Lido Quilted Leather Hobo

One of my most favorite handbag purchases is the Hayden Harnett Lido Quilted Leather Hobo. When I first saw it on the HH website, I knew I had to have it. It looked absolutely stunning and is part of Hayden Harnett’s Paule Marrot collection. The honeycomb quilted pattern first drew me in; then the liquid metallic leather. I purchased the ‘Lead’ color but also drooled heavily over the gold and black patent versions too. The bag is loosely triangular shaped so the inside is incredibly roomy, and has a foldover flap closure at the top with a magnetic closure and turnlock detail. The front of the bag has a large front zipper pocket that is also quite roomy. The chain strap handle has a thick leather band that fits comfortably over the shoulder. The interior also features a honeycomb-patterned lining in a Paule Marrot print, along with two interior PDA/mobile pockets and a zipper pocket. And best of all, the bags are a limited edition of 50 so it’s nice to know it’s not mass-produced, which is what I also love about Hayden-Harnett!

About Paule Marrott (from the Hayden Harnett website):

Born in 1902, Marrot grew up in the Alsace region of France, and studied painting as a youth under the tutelage of Pierre-August Renoir, Raoul Dufy, and Maurice Denis. She quickly blossomed as a print designer, producing a staggering array of modern prints that captivated many across the globe, including Jackie Kennedy. Visit the website to learn more at Paule Marrot.

CC Skye Kenzie Satchel

CC Skye’s transition from jewelry designer to handbag designer came off flawlessly since she incorporates a jewelry feel into all of her bags. The Kenzie Satchel itself looks like a gem with its vibrant purple patent leather material and shiny gold hardware. It’s an adorable bag with tons of practical pockets, on the front and sides, and has dual handles along with a detachable shoulder strap. The top has a flap with a gold closure and a wide and flat top zip closure meaning the bag is probably pretty roomy, despite it’s petite exterior appearance. Buy now at 80spurple.com Online Clothing Boutique.

I Love New York…and the Tory Burch ‘T’ Tote

One thing I love about living in New York is the endless fashion parade that my eyes are bombarded with every day. On the streets and on the train, there are fashionable women everywhere and of course you know I am observing all of it, especially the bags. Last week I saw a woman on the train with a gorgeous honey-brown colored leather Tory Burch T Tote. Tory Burch’s handbags have just the right balance of trendiness and classic style. The T Tote boasts the Tory Burch logo on the front but in a simple, understated way, as a perforation in the leather. When I saw it, I immediately went online to search for it and pick up one for myself, but the closest one I could find is the Tory Burch ‘T’ Perforated Suede Tote. It’s the same T tote but in a supple brown suede. It’s such a practical yet hip tote. The suede is great for fall and the brown color is a perfect match for any outfit, and the size (17″ x 17″ x 9 1/2″) is wonderful to fit everything you need to schlep around the city - work stuff, gym clothes, magazines, an extra pair of shoes, etc. This is the most stylish tote that you need in your wardrobe!

LC Really Loves Her Chanel Bags!

Lauren Conrad has become a household name over the past few years thanks to Laguna Beach and The Hills, but despite her access to any designer she wants, still she doesn’t venture out much in the accessories category. She does seem to really love her Chanel purses, as she’s often spotted with the Chanel Classic Caviar Jumbo Flap, the Chanel Black Quilted Caviar Handbag, and this one, the Chanel Classic Caviar Small Flap bag. This bag is a classic, (it’s part of the Timeless Classic Ligne), so it’s easy to see why it’s a fave of LC’s! The lambskin leather looks a bit like eelskin, with small, textural patterns and ridges that resemble caviar. This bag is smart and classy, just like Lauren.

If you don’t have a few grand to shell out, rent this bag from Bag Borrow or Steal

Lacroix/WireImage

Celeb Spotting: Jennifer Garner with Hamptons Vintage Leather Hobo

Jennifer Garner’s not letting her pregnancy slow her down! She was spotted out on multiple occasions with daughter Violet and toting her fave fall handbag, the Coach Hamptons Vintage Leather Hobo. (I see she shares my love for grey Coach bags). The Hamptons Vintage Leather Hobo has multiple outside pockets - an open back pocket, a front zip pocket and two small zip pockets under a turnlock closure. As usual, the exterior boasts sturdy but lightweight vintage leather and chunky brass hardware.

Shop Coach’s fall handbag collection online at Nordstrom.com or Coach.com.

Lacroix/Wireimage

Orla Kiely Women’s Tonal Patent Leather Handbag

Orla Kiely’s 70’s-retro style of handbags have been replaced with a smoother, sleeker, more mod version, like this Tonal Patent Leather Handbag in Dusk. The bag still has a retro feel with it’s colorblock style and color scheme. The top has a metal frame closure and dual leather handles. There’s a small front slit pocket with large buckle detail. If you still want the Orla Kiely classic retro feel, look inside for the cotton stem print lining, along with extras like a small zip and mobile pockets and a key chain.

Available at 80spurple.com Online Clothing Boutique

Lauren Merkin’s Exclusive Molly Clutch for The Starter Wife

The latest chick–lit book–turned–TV show is Gigi Levangie Grazer’s The Starter Wife. The show, airing on the USA Network, stars Debra Messing as Molly Kagan, a former “Hollywood Wife”, making a new life for herself post-divorce. I love these types of shows because while the premise is interesting, the focus is really on the fashion. Because of this, the network partnered with various designers and online e-tailers to design/highlight Molly’s looks. Handbag designer Lauren Merkin worked with Debra Messing to design the “Molly” custom clutch, inspired by, and named after Messing’s character on the show. The “Molly” is like most of Merkin’s other clutches – small and sleek yet bold and full of personality. It’s made of croc-embossed patent leather with satin trimmed edges, both in Amethyst, a rich purple hue. The envelope style is quite chic with its hexagonal flap that highlights the topstitched satin. And the detachable strap gives you the option of toting it as a clutch or on the shoulder.

Purchase Lauren Merkin handbags and other The Starter Wife looks at shopbop.com
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Fashion Inspiration Comes From Everywhere: the R.&Y. Augousti Spangled Clutch

When I first laid eyes on this clutch, I immediately thought of Project Runway Season 2 finalist Santino Rice’s dress covered in gold pailettes. It looked like a fish out of water. And so does this bag. But despite the over-embellished body, I love it. The Spangled Clutch by R. & Y. Augousti looks medieval and scaly, as if some sea creature put on a coat of arms and gold jewels. The center circular detail even resembles a fish eye, which would be creepy if the clutch weren’t so cute. The textural feel comes from the bronzed eel skin, chocolate brown sun snake and brushed brass spangles, with single-line beading on the back. If you love a bag that sets you apart and makes you stand out from the others, be sure to get this one!

Image via TV Squad

MICHAEL Michael Kors Grommet Haircalf Shoulder Bag

The MICHAEL Michael Kors Grommet Shoulder Bag style has been around for months now and while I liked it, I never felt the design was compelling enough for me to feature. But the Grommet Haircalf Shoulder Bag is much more interesting. The bag is the same: hobo–style with two lines of silver grommets on the face, with patent-leather lace-up detail. But the hair calf skin is silky smooth and sumptuous and gives the otherwise basic bag a more luxurious feel. The hair calf skin kicks up the glam factor several notches and makes it look like an entirely new, luxe bag!

Jimmy Choo Elsa Heavy Kid Tote

I’ve heard many women say that while they adore Jimmy Choo shoes, they’re not huge fans of the handbags. I admit I’ve seen a few duds but mostly I think the handbags are pretty fab. The Elsa Heavy Kid Tote is one such stunner. The kelly green color is more than perfect for autumn and the gold hardware, gold ’snake’ bands on both sides and contrast green top-stitching keeps it fresh and chic. At 18″ X 11¾” X 8¾”, it’s just the right size for a day bag. And with a large interior, two outside open pockets and three inside open and one zip pocket, it’s hugely practical. I’m a fan!

Celeb bag spotting: Jessica Simpson and Lala Vasquez with the Yves Saint Laurent ‘Mombasa’ Purse

Would you ever guess that Jessica Simpson and MTV VJ Lala Vasquez would have something in common? Yeah, me neither. But the language of fashion is a universal one that unites the most interesting combinations of people. Both ladies were both spotted toting the Yves Saint Laurent Mombasa Purse in gold metallic. Jessica wore it last year out to dinner with Vivica Fox, and Lala wore it out recently with fiancé Carmelo Anthony. The leather hobo bag features an authentic deer horn handle which, unsurprisingly, caused a stir with PETA. But the bag is stunning - you can’t debate that. The gold metallic version has an interesting patterned body that loosely resembles a disco ball, with thick leather side trim, brass hardware and a large horn handle. The good news is that you won’t see every woman carrying one. The bad news? Good luck finding the gold metallic version! Shop the Mombasa and more bags at YSL.com.

Haute or Not: The D&G by Dolce & Gabbana Lily Patent Leather Satchel in Combo

D&G is the more casual, fun line of Dolce & Gabbana so this bag definitely fits the brand, but the D&G by Dolce & Gabbana Lily Patent Leather Satchel in Combo is hit or miss. At first glance it’s definitely interesting. The brown leather satchel is simple and basic but the surprise is the row of seven multicolored zippers making up the opening of the bag. Green, blue, purple, orange and brown patent strips accent the zippers and the inner compartments. The good thing about this bag is that it’ll match virtually anything; the bad thing is that the colors and zippers just may be a bit too much. And the zipper compartment is so wide that it makes it difficult to put the dual shoulder straps on your shoulders.

So what do you think of this bag? Is it impractical or covetable? Haute or not?

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