Gustto ‘Parina’ Drawstring Leather Shopper

When I go shopping around the holidays, I usually spend almost the entire weekend at the mall so I hate carrying a bag that’s uncomfortable. I want something roomy, of course, so I can carry everything I need for the day; something comfortable because there’s nothing worse than having a bag slip off your shoulder every five minutes; and something eye-catching, of course. I mean what’s the point of carrying a boring bag? Luckily for me, this Gustto ‘Parina’ Drawstring Leather Shopper is just what I need. A shopper is the perfect shape for a day of, what else, shopping? The bright yellow butter-soft lambskin is gorgeous with its eye-catching color. It has an exterior zip pocket and a thin drawstring looping around the top. The 10″ shoulder strap is the right size to fit over your shoulder, and the dimensions (15″ x 17″ x 4″) are large so you can carry the essentials plus any small gifts you purchase that you can tuck safely inside!

Botkier ‘Layla’ Pleated Pocket Satchel

I’m a fan of basic, no-frills bags for every day use, but I love even better the ones with just a hint of frills. The Botkier ‘Layla’ Pleated Pocket Satchel is your basic Botkier satchel, with multiple pockets and zip compartments, but with a bit of jazz in the front detailed rows of stitched-down box pleats, which add a nice touch to the overall simplicity. The gunmetal leather adds the perfect balance to the simple shape.

$625, Nordstrom

Weekly Shopping and Goodies

A Few Goody Gumdrops invites you to enter a giveaway to lift your Butt !

Be Seen In Hollywood catches music’s biggest stars at the red carpet including Miley Cyrus,Jonas Brothers, Ne-yo and Rhianna at the 2008 American Music Awards

Couture in the City Silk scarf giveaway with Whitehorn from the UK

Ma Petite Chou is sharing awesome sales and coupon code from Net-a-Porter and Shopbop

Puppies and Worms found Ed Hardy special edition electric helicopters for Christmas gifts

Shopping and Info found some great black leather motorcycle jackets

The Bare Skinny wants to know if you’re into the “thong bootie”

The Fashionable Gal is drooling over the NARS Holiday 2008 Makeup Collection

The Well-Heeled Society is giving you a chance to win a pair of $375 OliviaRoseTal heels !

What’s Haute is impressed with 7 for All Mankind’s handbags !

diva in a carry on is on board with the revolution….are you?

Haute or Not: Badgley Mischka Platinum Label Connie Hobo Bag

Design is like a form of art where everyone has a different point of view, and what could be viewed as a masterpiece by some could also be viewed as an amateur attempt by others. And it’s a shame because most artists and designers mean well and produce lots of ‘hits’, but every now and then there’s a huge ‘miss’. Like this Badgley Mischka Platinum Label Connie Hobo Bag. Honestly, I would expect much more from the brand. The designing duo of Mark Badgely and James Mischka have been churning out incredible handcrafted evening gowns for years. The level of detail that they put into their red carpet creations is always nothing short of phenomenal. So I expected their foray into handbag design to have at least some of the same glitz and glamour and attention to detail. But they came up short. And for a line labeled ‘Platinum Label’, they really missed the mark. The Connie Hobo is what I would expect from a first time designer, not a duo with years of design experience. Not only is it an amateur bag, it is poorly designed. I mean really, that front pocket looks like an oversized coin purse slapped on to the front of the bag. The slouchiness of the leather is not sturdy enough to support the size of the turnlock pocket, and the overall bag isn’t necessarily bad, just unimpressive, coming from Badgely Mischka. But what’s your take? Do you think it’s haute or not?

$345 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Versace ‘Kiss Print’ Shopper

Just last week I applauded Versace for re-building its brand, by toning down the tacky and designing more mature and chic handbags and accessories. It appears I spoke too soon. I just came across the most tacky Versace item I have seen in a while – the Versace ‘Kiss Print’ Shopper. As much as the original Versace Kiss Crocodile Shopper was a beauty, the print version is absolutely horrid. This bag sent Versace back a good ten, twenty years. This is something I would have expected in the 80’s maybe, even into the 90’s when tacky was still taking over the fashion world. But in 2008? I don’t think so. Obviously, while everyone else’s taste levels have gone up, Versace still remains in the past. The fabric on the bag, which makes up most of the body, is printed with an array of scenes from Italy, making it look more like one of those Mona Lisa reproduction print totes you would find in the Italian airport gift shop and not at all from a high-end Italian luxury brand. The hot pink leather trim is screaming at me and mixed with the print it is all too much. Nordstrom describes it as ‘a statement-making shopper’. Yeah, and that statement would be ‘I have bad taste!’ Ugh!

Cartagena Satchel by 7 For All Mankind

When I first heard that a popular denim brand was branching out into handbags, I was concerned. Just because you can make hot jeans doesn’t necessarily mean that can translate into handbags. But the Cartagena Satchel by 7 For All Mankind is definitely a bag I’d carry, and better yet, one that I’d buy. This canvas and patent leather satchel is just gorgeous. The structured body is constructed of natural canvas with grey patent leather trim – on the sides and borders of the bag, at the top, plus on the handles. A red zig-zag print weaves itself into the grey patent on the handles and side borders, giving the appearance of a whip stitch design. In addition to the stunning design and color palette, the bag has much-needed practicality: front and back slit pockets, inside pockets and plenty of room – it measures 10.2″ x 15.9″ x 4.7″. 7 for All Mankind proves that its design sensibility can cross all borders.

Jimmy Choo Dylan beach bag

I’m not sure I’d ever pay $1,050 for a beach bag but one as eye-catching as this might make me reconsider. Who cares about your swimsuit if you’re carrying this fabulous Jimmy Choo Dylan beach bag? Though transparent, it’s a popping shade of neon pink that just dares you to turn away. Made of PVC, this oversized tote bag boasts a zipped front pouch pocket, red and pink leather trim and gold Jimmy Choo embossed hardware. You’ll definitely make a splash and stand out at the beach with this bag.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Patent Mag Bag

With the economy in a slump, buying luxury designer handbags is probably the last thing on most people’s minds. But when you come across such a fabulous steal, you can’t pass it up, no matter what your finances are like. The Marc by Marc Jacobs Patent Mag Bag is a striking high-fashion and luxury handbag at a surprisingly discounted price. The Patent Mag Bag is a stunner – a black patent leather satchel/shoulder bag with silver hardware, a removable across-the-body strap, a front pouch pocket with a turn lock closure and double top handles. Marc Jacobs is known for his high-caliber accessories at luxury prices and even his lower-priced line, Marc by Marc Jacobs, has been somewhat pricey too. But the Patent Mag Bag comes in at $400, much less than it is actually worth. It’s an absolute steal!

Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale

The best thing about New York is, hands down, the shopping. There is always a store within your reach so if you’re a shopaholic like me, this is both a blessing and a curse. The second best thing about New York is the surprise factor it brings - there’s always something going on and surprises around every corner. Literally. Today, just strolling around the city, I stumbled upon Rebecca Minkoff’s sample sale. Morning After Bags, Nikki Hobos and Rendezvous Clutches galore! Nothing was priced over $350 and there was plenty to choose from so if you’re in New York this weekend, and love handbags (you must be if you’re reading this blog!), then read the details below and shop away!

What: Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale

Where: 33 W. 17th Street (btw. 5th and 6th avenues)

When: Thursday, November 20 - 9:30 am - 8 pm

Friday, November 21 - 9:30 am - 8 pm

Saturday, November 22 - 11 am - 6 pm

Sunday, November 23 - 11 am - 6 pm

All sales are final.

(Pictured above, clockwise from left: Clutch, Stripe Rendezvous Clutch, Nikki Bag, Quilted Morning After Mini Tote)

Moschino Cheap and Chic bag

The holidays always make me think of shiny, glitzy, sparkly things. And as always, I’m on the hunt for the ideal holiday bag, for all the holiday parties I’m sure I’ll be invited to! Despite its large size, this Moschino Cheap and Chic bag fits the bill. The dark grey metallic patent leather is shiny, glitzy and sparkly so it spells h-o-l-i-d-a-y. But it also has a practical element – the camel colored contrast leather trim. This dual-handled bag is ruched in the center by a band of solid leather, which gives the bag the appearance of a big, fat shiny bow! What better gift could you receive?

Measures 12″ x 2 1/2″ x 7″

Fashion Inspiration Comes From Everywhere…Karl Lagerfeld on a Chanel

On Chanel’s recent show in Paris, models walked down the runway toting handbags sporting the likeness of Karl Lagerfeld on the front, like a mask. The ‘Kaiser’ Karl is known for saying some inane things and designing some questionable things, (like the recent Chanel ‘Miami Vice’ Gun shoes) but this is the most narcissistic act of fashion ever. What do you think of these bags? Do you love the man behind the brand enough to carry his portrait around on your bag?

Source

Weekly Shopping and Goodies

A Few Goody GumDrops is drooling over the all diamond necklace from Mauboussin!

Be Seen In Hollywood Miley Cyrus and John Travolta Walt Disney Bolt

Couture in the City is getting the little black dress ready for the Holidays with Degree!

Ma Petite Chou picks out some gorgeous cocktail dresses, shoes and jewelry from RevolveClothing and shares a 30% off coupon.

Puppies and Worms found is bartering for new clothes

Raging Rouge has started posting holiday product reviews, kicking off the season with MAC Adoring Carmine a limited-edition holiday gift collection.

Shopping and Info found great holiday jewelry on sale

The Well-Heeled Society shows you the stylish way to give someone the boot.

What’s Haute will give you some swag if you guess Alicia Keys’ bag!

Miu Miu Coral stones embellished bag

Though Miu Miu’s clothes are typically brightly colored and interestingly designed, the design team tends to prefer using solid earth tones and basic designs in their handbags. But despite the neutral palettes and silhouettes, Miu Miu has the knack for making its bags really special standout pieces. The Miu Miu Coral stones embellished bag is one of Miu Miu’s standout designs. This flat, square-shaped shoulder bag is made of deep, chocolate brown leather that looks slightly weathered and perfectly aged. It has a long shoulder strap in addition to a shorter, leather wrapped shoulder handle accompanied by twin coral stones on either side of the handle that add a special quality and a feminine touch to this otherwise slightly rugged bag.

$1,550, NET-A-PORTER.COM

Haute or Not: Coach Madison Fringed Tote

Coach just unveiled its Holiday Collection and the Madison Fringed Tote really caught my eye. Layers of multicolored fringe of different lengths make up the outside of the bag. The bags are available in a rich plum color with several hues of purple suede, newport leather and crinkled patent leather, and a hot metallic version consisting of gold, bronze and silver dusted suede, textured, metallic calfskin, and metallic tanned cowhide with dusted suede trim. I love the looks of both bags, but I just think that fringe needs to kept in moderation. A tote full of colored fringe, no matter how well designed, can be a little too much. And the fringe gives the bags a party feel but the size of the bags are too bag to carry to any party. So really it’s a work bag on the inside and a party bag outside, therefore I can’t decide whether it’s haute or not.

Do you love it or hate it?

Gustto Metallic Vando Bag

I’m usually a huge fan of Gustto but every now and then they create a bag that makes me shake my head. No, Gustto! What is this? It looks like some sort of strange carrying contraption. The odd straps on the Gustto Metallic Vando Bag look like tentacles, as if aliens descended on Earth and invaded Gustto’s design studio. I always find it odd when a bag’s handles are bigger than the actual bag - it messes up the fashion equilibrium or something. It’s too bad because the bag itself is actually adorable, but it’s hard to see past those weird handles. Better luck next time Gustto.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Lil Riz Bag

Sometimes viewing a bag online just doesn’t do it justice. I recently saw this Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Lil Riz Bag swinging from a woman’s shoulder and just gushed over it. The bag looks a bit flat online but in person it actually balloons out quite a bit. It’s big but not too big and the perfect size for a hobo (14″ x 15″ x 4″), and the shoulder strap consists of a single rolled handle that fits easily and comfortably over the shoulder. The body looks kinda slouchy online but actually is pretty sturdy, as expected from Marc Jacobs bags. And there is a youthful element to the bag, with the top pleating, center vertical strap detail, and front logo plate that keeps it from looking too basic and boring.

$428, shopbop

Celebrity Handbag Spotting: Katie Holmes with the Roger Vivier Flat Mikado Bag

It’s still hard for me to believe that Katie Holmes, who once played frumpy tomboy Joey Potter, is now a Hollywood ‘It’ girl/fashionista/celebrity style trendsetter. But Katie is all about fashion now, and all about her ‘It’ bags. Her latest is the Roger Vivier Flat Mikado Bag in black python from the fall/winter 2008-2009 collection. Katie’s been a fan of the brand, so much so that she dresses her daughter Suri in Roger Vivier shoes! The bag is what it says - flat and python. It’s a simple messenger style and can be purchased for $2275 (for the large version) and $1325 (for the small).

Be & D’s Handbags & Shoes Seasonal Sample Sale!

Be & D is having a sample sale and for the first time Be & D’s seasonal sample sale offers shoes to the public! (Sizes 36-40).

Who: Be & D

What: 30-75% off BE&D shoes and handbags

When: Wednesday, November 19 - Thursday, November 20th
9am-7pm

Where: Be & D Showroom
35 West 36th Street
10th Floor
between 5th/6th Avenue
New York City

Examples:
Jessica Alba favorite BE&D Perry White Calfkskin Satchel - orig. $895; now $375
Mena Suvari’s BE&D Beatty Black/Champagne wedges - orig. $485; now $195
BE&D Belafonte Pump: orig. $585; now $275
BE&D Georgia Satchel - orig. $795; now $295
BE&D Cosette Red Plush - orig. $995; now $495

SALE WILL ALSO BE HELD CONCURRENTLY FOR MEMBERS OF HAUTELOOK.COM

Anya Hindmarch Warehouse Moving Sale in NYC

If you love Anya Hindmarch (and I know you do), and live in or around New York City, you won’t want to miss this! Anya Hindmarch is hosting a warehouse moving sale on Tuesday November 18^th and she’s selling everything from handbags, small leather accessories, luggage, shoes, kaftans & jackets starting at 60% off!

Click here to RSVP.

Happy Shopping!

Guess Alicia Keys’ Bag and Win Some Swag!

Alicia Keys was recently spotted en route to the Late Show with David Letterman looking utterly fabulous. Who says you can’t wear white in the winter? But then again, Alicia doesn’t play by the typical fashion rules. Sporting a white oversized cape, black pants and a turtleneck, white designer watch and ‘geek’ glasses, she looked simply stunning. Add to that her fabulous bag - an oversized white leather clutch with turned-down edges featuring silver sequins - any guesses on the designer? First correct guess wins some swag!

J. Ufberg/WireImage

Cynthia Rowley Rapture Tote

With all the rainstorms lately, (and more to come I’m sure), it’s nice to have a bag that stands up to the weather. The Cynthia Rowley Rapture Tote does double duty, in protecting your things from wetness, and looking quite fashionable while doing so. Contrasting purple jewel-toned patchwork nylon and pebbled leather mix in a unique pattern. Two tiny studs accent the cutout handles, and when you want to keep your hands free, just attach the adjustable, detachable shoulder strap.

Now on sale for $206.50 over at shopbop.com.

Celebrity Handbag Spotting: Rihanna with the Gucci Medium Babouska Heart Tote

Being the spokeswoman for and face of Gucci definitely has its perks. Rihanna was spotted in the airport in Perth, Australia with boy toy friend Chris Brown toting her latest bag from Gucci’s fall collection. Gucci has been all about fringe and Western-inspired details this season and her Medium Babouska Heart Tote is one of the most coveted pieces in the collection. The leather top-handled satchel is accented with a heart-shaped Gucci crest in the center, small and large antique brass studs throughout and fringe detail with suede trim.

Matt Jelonek/Wireimage

Weekly Shopping and Goodies

Shopping and Info found someMike & Chris leather jackets on sale

A Few Goody Gumdrops is passionate for her purple Paris/New York Tote.

Be Seen In Hollywood Hollywood Stars shine closing night gala AFI Fest 2008

Clumps of Mascarais in love with nail polishes. FOTD Friday: Nail Edition

Ma Petite Chou is giving away a Sothys at Home Spa Kit!

From dark chocolate to pale champagne, Raging Rouge writes about the products that help achieve the perfect neutral eye.

What’s Haute Blog takes a look at Jimmy Choo’s ‘Monna’ Medium Tote - from the 2009 resort collection!

diva in a carry on finds the perfect load-lightener for your travels.

Versace ‘Kiss’ Crocodile Embossed Shopper

I used to love the glitz and glam of the Versace brand, back in the early 2000’s, when celebrities were wearing shiny suits with Versace shades or Versace silk tops. And let’s not forget about the famous Jennifer Lopez Versace Grammy dress. Everything Versace branded was shiny and happy and sexy and silky until it all became slightly tacky. So it’s nice to see Versace redeem itself by re-building the brand, toning down the high gloss in exchange for simplistic chic. The textured Versace ‘Kiss’ Crocodile Embossed Shopper is the epitome of the new Versace – classy but cheeky, understated luxury. This 16″ x 12″ x 7 1/2″ large bag is constructed of striking red croc-embossed leather, which is layered to resemble a kiss. It is an incredibly beautiful and skillfully constructed bag, and with its adjustable, removable shoulder strap, you can easily transition from day to night; work or play. Though bright red, it is still quite modest, and the only evidence that this is a Versace bag are the gold intertwined chain handles and logo plate, which perfectly accent the size and color of the bag. This bag still has the glamorousness and glitziness of Versace, but updated to fit the modern woman.

Zimmermann Stud Bag

I can’t decide whether or not this Zimmermann Stud Bag bag looks like some sort of Woodstock-inspired wrecking ball, or an S&M torture device, or just a really cool bag. Honestly, it looks like it should be attached to a stick and used to swing around and beat someone with, but there’s something about it that also makes me want to swing it on my shoulder. Maybe it’s the silk tie-dyed fabric peeking out from behind the cover of crisscrossed leather banding interspersed with studs. Or maybe it’s the ball-shaped body and long swingy handle. Or maybe it’s the overall cool factor of this Australian-styled, edgy bag that can also double as a weapon. Whatever it is, the uniqueness just can’t be beat. (Pun intended).

Next Page »