Fendi Multicolored Patch Baguette

Fendi’s back at it. Creating fugly bags, that is. The latest piece of Fendi fug is this Multicolored Patch Baguette. Is it a bag or a ransom note? Or is it colored chalk on a chalkboard? I’m really not sure. What I am sure of is that it is hideous. Fendi seems to do hideous pretty well. It’s like they don’t even care about design anymore - they just keep using the same baguette silhouette and throwing different colors and stitching at it and see who’s dumb enough to buy it. And at $1,400, you’d have to be pretty dumb to buy or wear this.

If you happen to like it, you can buy it at Saks Fifth Avenue. Go ahead and click. We won’t judge.

Haute vs. Hot - Gucci or Perlina?

The new Gucci Large Jockey Python Hobo Bag is sure to be a hit amongst fashionistas. Celebs love Gucci, python, and typically anything expensive and exclusive! The hobo is made of genuine python in a cool black color. Sturdy leather trim and signature brass Gucci horsebit studs complete the sleek look. Sure it’s an amazing bag but don’t we all have a better way to spend $3,295? So what’s a recessionista to do? Shop just-as-haute alternatives. Perlina offers up a fab Snake Embossed Pleated Satchel which rivals the Gucci hobo in looks, function and overall style. Pearlescent snake-textured leather shines up this ruched and pleated hobo. And at $168, you can snap up all four colors (black, purple, off white and yellow) and major style points, and still have money to spare for more important things.

Gucci Large Jockey Python Hobo Bag: measures 18¼”W X 14½”H X 4½”D
Perlina Snake Embossed Pleated Satchel: measures 19″W x 9″H x 8″D.

See by Chloé Night Out Bag

I really can’t remember the last time I had a night out so I know I must be getting old! There was a time, not too long ago that I’d go out almost every night, and boy I miss those days…So, maybe I can’t re-live my youth but I can get a fabulous ‘going out’ bag, just in case I stir up my social life again. And there’s no bag more perfect than the See by Chloé Night Out Bag. Most ‘going out’ bags are just clutches, which can get annoying to hold in one hand when you’ve got a drink in the other. And if you feel like dancing - forget it! I prefer shoulder bags when I go out, but most of them are too bulky or look more like day/work bags. But See by Chloé’s bag is such a glamorous and ladylike bag. Made of wrinkled patent leather, the bag has scalloped metal banding on the edge of the front flap, resembling dual front pockets. An embossed logo letters the banding and there’s a magnetic-snap closure at the front flap. The adjustable handle features a double-snap closure so you can adjust it for whatever you need - shortened over the shoulder for drinks and dancing, and longer if you need it that way. Measures 10″H x 9″L x 3″D with a 7″ strap drop.

$495, shopbop.com

Miu Miu Oversized metallic clutch

Miu Miu bags always manage to make me melt. I’m always amazed at how such simplicity can look so stunning. The Miu Miu Oversized metallic clutch is a must-have. The gold leather is not too metallic-y and trendy so it can transcend all seasons. In spring and summer it’s the perfect complement to pastels or a crisp white outfit, and it works equally well into the fall and winter, complementing earth tones or all black looks. The rounded, pouchy shape has folds and pleats in all the right places, characteristic of Prada’s perfect draping techniques, and the tonal topstitching lends a nice touch. The small flap closure has a gold Miu Miu logo and is just the right proportion to the rest of the bag, closing with a concealed press stud. This bag is absolutely worth its $850 price tag because you’ll want to wear it forever. It is bellissima!

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Lauren Merkin Quilted Edie Bag

I have to admit that I’m a huge fan of The Hills, The City and Gossip Girl. It’s just for the fashion - I swear! But just watching these high-paid girls flounce around in high end designers makes my wallet hurt. Especially during these recessionary times. So while LC, Whitney, and Blake Lively sport their pricey Chanel Flap purses, I’m checking out the Quilted Edie Bag by Lauren Merkin. It has the same chic sophistication as Chanel’s with quilting, foldover flap and gold hardware. It also has an adjustable, detachable strap and magnetic closure at the main compartment and an interior zipper pocket. At $450, it’s a price I can handle and makes much more sense for the everyday woman. After all, we’re not getting paid $100 grand an episode to shop, party and fake dramatic moments. I wish!

Buy the Quilted Edie Bag at shopbop.com

Kanye West and Friends in Paris

I will ignore the obvious jokes in this photo and let you make the comments yourselves. But can we focus on the fabulous handbags and luggage carried by Kanye and his ‘crew’? The rapper and his questionably fashionable friends were spotted at the Paris shows carrying a wide array of designer bags and some interesting designer gear. I spotted a Louis Vuitton briefcase, an MCM shoulder bag, Goyard luggage and is that a Hermes Mr. Bentley? And these are men with this enviable collection! I guess men carrying women’s bags is the new black. Or something…

Image via Jak and Jil blog

Salvatore Ferragamo Nappa Bucket Tote

Salvatore Ferragamo is the king of quiet, understated luxury. His bags, in particular are beautifully designed and free of fuss - just classic designs with a slight touch like a hint of exotic material, sumptuous leather and that signature horseshoe logo. A recent example is the Salvatore Ferragamo Nappa Bucket Tote. Even if the design didn’t lure me in, the material definitely would. The bronze metallic lambskin has gunmetal silver undertones and a sueded finish. I haven’t seen too many designers attempt this bucket style in a while but Ferragamo executed it perfectly. The rounded shape gives you tons of room but the external grid/quilted design draws your eye away from the hugeness and keeps it looking quite stylish. A simple, rolled leather handle is attached by contrast silver hardware. And I love that unlike most bucket bags, it doesn’t have a tacky drawstring closure or even worse, no closure at all! A simple magnet keeps your stuff concealed inside this beautiful bag. Buy it at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Lanvin Gourmet 22 Faubourg Tote

Of all the places in the world that I’ve traveled, Paris, France still ranks #1 on my list! The scenery, the food and of course the shopping have me hooked and since my first visit, I’ve made plans to return almost every year - I love it that much! My first time in Paris was during the winter and it was pretty cold and gloomy so my next trip will definitely be during a much warmer time so I can enjoy it that much more. This multicolored Lanvin Gourmet 22 Faubourg tote with its French print and vibrant colors makes me think of Paris in the Spring, (although it’s emblazoned with the words “Lanvin Toute L’année - Collection Été 2009″ (loosely translated to read “Lanvin All year long - Winter Collection 2009″). This waxed canvas printed tote has two top handles and an open pouch pocket on the inside. The print is part cartoonish, part impressionist and part kitschy, and tres chic. I’m not too sure how I feel about the $680 price but it’s a unique bag that inspires me to revisit the city I so adore! Buy at NET-A-PORTER.COM.

The Many Bags of Blake Lively

It’s no surprise every designer wants to dress Blake Lively and outfit her with the hottest clothes, shoes, and bags to carry both on and off the set of her hit show, Gossip Girl. It’s not just because the show meets the drama- and fashion-filled needs of women that was lost when Sex and the City ended. It’s because Blake exhibits such an effortless style that no matter what she wears or carries, it’s bound to become a hit! Heck out some of the bags that have graced Blake’s arm – both on set and off:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(L to r): While strolling around Manhattan with real-life boyfriend and Gossip Girl co-star, Penn Badgeley, Blake carries the classic Chanel Flap bag in navy blue. Blake seems to love more practical, larger totes like the Tod’s Goa Messenger Media Bag in Coffee, the Miu Miu Shine Bi-Colour Bowler Bag, the black Chanel tote bag and the white, pintucked Valentino Maison Bag. Blake also loves her multicolor Chloe Saskia shoulder bag, and her white and yellow canvas and leather Coach Legacy Multi-Turnlock Satchel. (And that cute little puppy she’s toting everywhere!)

(L to r): Blake proves that wearing a uniform every day on the set of Gossip Girl doesn’t have to be, well, uniform. Though all the young ladies at the Constance Billard School for Girls have to dress in a plaid skirt and blazer, Blake’s character, Serena van der Woodsen, always manages to express her unique style through chic outwear, stunning shoes and boots, and covetable accessories. Here she is pictured in a leather jacket and boots with the Katherine Kwei Zara Tote in watersnake and lambskin. On another school day, Serena wears a necktie with her uniform and carries the punchy violet-colored Bryna Nicole Loyola satchel. While hanging out with boyfriend Dan Humphrey on the weekend, Serena prefers a laid back look and the Loeffler Randall Bedelia D Ring Satchel. Back at school, Serena switches up between her Burberry ‘Mini Warrior’ Studded Hobo, black and white Gucci Indy hobo, and the Celine Watch Me Work bag. On another casual day, Serena maintains her trendsetter status with the blue patent leather Chanel Puzzle Tote.

Shop Blake Lively’s handbags:
Burberry ‘Mini Warrior’ Studded Hobo	Chloe Saskia square tote	Coach Legacy Signature Zip Satchel	Loeffler Randall Bedelia D Ring Satchel	Miu Miu Shine Colour Bowler Bag	Valentino Maison Bag

Bulga ‘The July Bag’ in White

Although it’s January, I’m already looking forward to summer! The cold weather and unpredictable precipitation is enough to turn me off and long for sunnier, warmer days! And of course I love summer fashion - it’s so much more fun than being covered up in a standard uniform of a wool pea coat and UGG or riding boots. And then there’s the bags. I know the fashion rules have changed so that you can now wear white all year long but no one really wants to carry a white bag in the winter. I mean, what’s the point? But a white leather bag looks fresh against the backdrop of a summer outfit. And Bulga’s The July Bag is the perfect accompaniment.

The bag has Bulga’s standard simple but structural design with soft leather to create the perfect balance. The July Bag is a standout due to its extra large piping around the edges that meet up to form the top handles of the bag. The boxy shape is accented with a geometric flap closure, complete with a gold turnlock clasp. Measures approximately 14″W x 9″H x 3″D.

On sale for $160, down from $640!

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Marc Jacobs Celebrates Launch of Stephen Sprouse-inspired Louis Vuitton Graffiti & Rose Collection

I swear it seems like a new Louis Vuitton style comes out every week! The good thing is most are available in limited editions but the designs are more of a fun fad and don’t transcend the seasons. The latest LV bags, apparel and accessories are from the Graffiti and Rose Collection.

Marc Jacobs and Stephen Sprouse first collaborated in 2001 to create the iconic Louis Vuitton Graffiti collection. Now the designer pays homage to Sprouse (who passed away in 2004) with the 2009 Graffiti and Rose Collection.

The new designs feature the same Sprouse-style graffiti – this time in not for the faint of heart Day-Glo colored graffiti (think neon pink, orange and green), overlaid on top of the Louis Vuitton Monogram print. The designs are on classic LV bags like the Speedy, Neverfull tote, and the large Keepall, as well as on sneakers, pumps, ballerina flats, leggings and scarves, bracelets and keychains.

Marc Jacobs’ said that the collection is actually not identical to the 2001 graffiti collection:

“I tried to take what Stephen had done at Vuitton and then kind of flip it in my head, and make it Vuitton’s work for Stephen, not Stephen’s work for Vuitton,” Jacobs said. “I just felt it was a funny way to play with it, to pretend to be Sprouse for a bit, and use the work that he did, and then bring it back to the work that he did before I collaborated with him.” - Marc Jacobs

Louis Vuitton’s new Graffiti and Rose Collection is already available in Louis Vuitton stores worldwide. Marc Jacobs recently appeared in Harper’s Bazaar January 2009 issue shot by Terry Richardson wearing nothing but Grafitti and the bags from the new collection.

Do you love the Louis Vuitton Graffiti redux? Are you planning to buy one of the pieces?

Images via WWD, Photographer: Terry Richardson

L.A.M.B Rouse Clutch

Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B. line has definitely grown up and grown on me. And this L.A.M.B Rouse Clutch in it’s shocking shade of orange is growing on me too. This neon colorblock clutch is uniquely suited for the L.A.M.B. girl. It blends rockstar attitude in the multicolored orange and yellow patent, with sensible camel colored pebbled leather trim. The bag features front pleating, lamb logo, and contrast enamel-inlaid studs at either side. It’s a practically impractical bag but if you love to take chances, pair this baby up with a little black dress or simple khaki trench and jeans and let your wild side show! Measures 7″H x 15″L x 3″D.

Rebecca Minkoff Tie Dye Morning After Mini Tote

It looks like 2009 is off to a colorful start. Retailers typically start pushing their Spring goods on us right after the Christmas season ends and this year is no different. Along with the incredible sales (thanks economy), there’s a ton of new haute designer bags to sort through and I plan to show you all of them. But let’s start with this one - the Rebecca Minkoff Tie Dye Morning After Mini Tote. It’s the classic MAB (Morning After Bag) silhouette that never gets old but with a fresh coat of multicolored tie dye giving it a modern bohemian touch. Tie-dye canvas is trimmed in supple turquoise leather with a front zipper pocket and side spring clasp detail. Measures 8″H x 12.5″L x 7″D with a 6″ strap drop.

$450, at shopbop.com

Happy New Year!

Ok, so I’m a bit late but I wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year from What’s Haute! New Year’s resolutions are in full swing - the salad lines at Hale & Hearty and Just Salad have been out of control with everyone trying to eat healthy, which should last no more than a month or so. Anyway, I’m skipping the lose weight/join a gym/stop smoking style resolutions and just resolving to discover and uncover plenty of haute designer handbags and fashion accessories this year, both for you and myself!

What are your New Year’s fashion resolutions?