Crossbody bags - the answer to the clutch

Crossbody bags are the answer to the clutch. If you’re a gal who loves an itsy bitsy bag but can’t stand tucking it under your arm or switching hands all night, crossbody bags are for you. They’re the perfect marriage between the cuteness of the clutch and function of a shoulder bag.

Clockwise, from l to r: What would a bag closet be without a little Alexander Wang in it? The Alexander Wang Brenda Zip Bag ($725) is an edgier take on the crossbody. This street chic leather purse comes with two front zipper pockets and welt pockets. Made with the ‘downtown’ girl in mind, the bag features perforated banding on the sides and pockets with a zippered leather patch on the snake-chain strap.

The Mulberry Kristen Cross Body Bag ($295) is a hot little patent leather clutch that pops in neon pink with a logo plate and zip front pocket. It has a long, adjustable cross body shoulder strap.

BE & D Garbo Mini Bag ($495) in purple tie-dye is to die for. Made of tie-dye nubuck, this crossbody bag features a center pleat with a dark grey pebbled leather studded band at the top and a suede interior lining. It comes with a convertible chain strap that can be worn short, doubled, or long.

We can always count on Marc by Marc Jacobs for a little handbag fun. The Marc by Marc Jacobs New Q Derby Cross Body Bag ($188) comes in a juicy purple (prune) pebbled leather with a signature enameled logo plate and brass hardware. The bag also features an adjustable shoulder strap and is detailed with metal nuts and a resin logo bead on the tasseled zipper pull.

Cyber Monday handbag sale at Angel Handbags

Looking for the perfect bag to gift? Then look no further. Angel Handbags is having a super Cyber Monday sale - 30% off of everything, all day long. Just use Code: CM30. Angel Handbags sells handbags from both newer, up-and-coming designers like eenamaria and Limon Piel, to more established brands like Alexis Hudson and Lauren Merkin. Check them out!

Shop Cyber Monday and holiday sample sales

It’s Cyber Monday! Shop these incredible sales and deals from Gilt, Gilt Fuse, ideeli, Row Nine, Rue La La, Billion Dollar Babes, Editor’s Closet, Beyond the Rack, HauteLook, Jetsetter, Gilt Man, The Top Secret, The Skinny, and Rent the Runway. Just click on the links to sign up and shop!

Gilt Groupe
Sunday, 11/29/09: Tucker, Tocca, Bensoni, Melissa
Monday, 11/30/09: Miriam Salat Jewelry, Hello!Lucky, kate spade new york, Leslie Greene Jewelry, Jan Leslie Cufflinks for Him, Delman, The Spa at Equinox, S.T. Dupont, Erin Fetherston
Tuesday, 12/1/09: Furla, Christofle Frames, John Toole Ornaments, Fendi watches, Zero + Maria Cornejo, Jay Godfrey, Waterford Writing Instruments, M.C.L. Matthew Campbell Laurenza Jewelry
Wednesday, 12/2/09: Pratesi, Portolano Women’s, Serena & Lily, l’Autre Chose, Catherine Rapetti, Tory Burch, Lisa Perry, Geren Ford, Damiani Jewelry
Thursday, 12/3/09: Eva Solo, Dana Rebecca Jewelry, Christian Cota

Gilt Fuse
Monday, 11/30/09: Hello!Lucky, Holiday Party Dresses, Free People, Rosegold, Amrita Singh
Tuesday, 12/1/09: Kova & T
Wednesday, 12/2/09: R.J. Graziano Jewelry, BCBGMAXAZRIA Shoes, Kaylee Tankus, Hat Attack, BCBG Max Azria
Thursday, 12/3/09: Jessica Kagan Cushman

ideeli
Sign up to enter the ideeli ‘thanks a million’ giveaway
Monday, 11/30/09: LoveAppella, Hobo International, LaROK, L.A.M.B. watches, Jessica Simpson Collection, Susan Hanover, Free People tights and legwarmers, hats, gloves, intimates and scarves

Rue La La
Monday, 11/30/09: Cole Haan women’s and men’s, La Fiorentina, Toywatch, A. Link
Tuesday, 12/1/09: Nanette Lepore, Tumi, Nespresso, Lisa Hoffman, Lynn Chase Designs
Wednesday, 12/2/09: Via Spiga, Michael Stars, Hellmuth, Bellora Hospitality

HauteLook
Monday, 11/30/09: William Rast, Rachel Pally, Charriol, Evis MD, Breville
Tuesday, 12/1/09: Victorinox, Thomas Wylde, Duneier of New York, Chaiken, Peter Thomas Roth, Pur Cashmere
Wednesday, 12/2/09: American Vintage, Umi

Billion Dollar Babes
Monday, 11/30/09: MICHAEL Michael Kors, LAmade
Wednesday, 12/2/09: Arteriors, Heather Hawkins, MRE Jewelry
Friday, 12/4/2009: Carolina Amato, Invicta watches, Nola Singer, Rodial Skincare

Beyond the Rack (Personal invitation code NEH7308F05D)
Monday, 11/30/09: BCBGeneration, Stephanie B., Balenciaga, Body Wrap, Ginch Gonch
Tuesday, 12/1/09: One Life, Eugenia Kim, Seduka Jeans, Triple Five Soul, Christian Audigier
Wednesday, 12/2/09: Poli Tees, Kenneth Jay Lane, Collective Concepts, Valentino, Be Creative
Thursday, 12/3/09: Lauren Hansen, ABS Allen Schwartz

Editor’s Closet is a free, highly exclusive and invitation-only sample sale site. In order to join, please email me at editor (at) whatshaute (dot) com
Monday, 11/30/09: Lierac Paris
Tuesday, 12/1/09: Jenlari Jewelry
Wednesday, 12/2/09: Designer Sunglasses
Thursday, 12/3/09: Skagen Denmark
Friday, 12/4/2009: Carissima Bijoux

RowNine
Monday, 11/30/09: Mulholland Leather, The Ultimate Eyewear sale
Thursday, 12/3/09: Raymond Weil, Charriol

The Top Secret
Monday, 11/30/09: $25 and Under
Tuesday, 12/1/09: Thro
Wednesday, 12/2/09: Lacoste sunglasses
Thursday, 12/3/09: Voom by Joy Han, Alexandra Dillon

Gilt Jetsetter
Tuesday, 12/1/09: The Palihouse – L.A.: A stylish stay in West Hollywood; The Carlton – New York:
Beaux Arts Beauty in Manhattan’s Murray Hill

Gilt Man
Monday, 11/30/09: White + Warren, Leonello Borghi, S.T. Dupont, Helly Hansen, Jan Leslie Cufflinks, The Spa at Equinox
Tuesday, 12/1/09: John Toole Ornaments, PRO-Keds, Dakine, Waterford Writing Instruments, Christofle Frames, M.C.L. Matthew Campbell Laurenza Jewelry
Wednesday, 12/2/09: Pratesi, PF Flyers, Greg Norman Collection, John Varvatos Star USA, Steiner Sports
Thursday, 12/3/09: WeSC, Just Cavalli, Dana Rebecca Jewelry, Eva Solo Men’s, Task Essentials, Marc by Marc Jacobs

The Skinny
Monday, 11/30/09: 100% Pure

Rent the Runway is currently invitation-only. In order to join, please email me at editor (at) whatshaute (dot) com

Bag Lady: Blazing Satchels

Lately, I have been working past Barney’s shopping hours. By the time I get home, I realize that I should have stayed at work longer. I need to start taking my work home with me, but that would require me to bring a bag that would fit everything: work stuff, my wallet, books, makeup bag, and miscellaneous things. I need a satchel. My dearest friends would say that I would make any excuse to buy a new purse…and they’re right!

It was a toss-up between the Burberry Convertible Leather Satchel and the Salvatore Ferragamo Leather Satchel. Read more

One to watch (and gift!) – West/Feren Hudson and Joplin bags

We’ve been watching West/Feren for a few months now. The solid bright clutches with the Aztec print flaps initially caught our eye and we’ve been watching the brand ever since. Designer Alison Pawling’s collection of bags is named after both of her grandmothers (Mildred West and Feren), who inspired her fashion sense. We’re currently loving the West/Feren Hudson and West/Feren Joplinbags. These satchels look equal parts smart and trendy in tan pebbled leather with muted gold metallic trim and elephant grey. Read more

Shop this week’s online sample sales

Just click on the links to sign up and shop!

Rent the Runway is a free, highly exclusive and invitation-only site. In order to join, please email me at editor (at) whatshaute (dot) com

Gilt Groupe
Wednesday, 11/25/09: Valentino Pret-a-Porter, Frette, Jewelry by Isharya, Jonathan Kelsey
Thursday, 11/26/09: Chan Luu Jewelry, Vanessa Noel Cashmere, Kim Seybert Bar & Glassware, Stella McCartney
Friday, 11/27/09: KORS Michael Kors, Alice Ritter, iLUX, D.L. & Co., Lexon, Jewelry by Joanna Laura Constantine and Monica Vinader, Slane & Slane Jewelry
Saturday, 11/28/09: Egg by Susan Lazar, Joe’s Jeans children’s
Sunday, 11/29/09: Melissa, Tucker, Tocca and Bensoni

Gilt Fuse
Wednesday, 11/25/09: Walter, Matt & Nat, Nadri Jewelry, Nepali by TDM Design, Eryn Brinie
Thursday, 11/26/09: BB Dakota, Inge Christopher & Whiting & Davis, Jewelry by Tuleste Market & Jules Smith
Friday, 11/27/09: Juicy Couture Accessories, Eberjey, Cardigan

ideeli
Sign up now to be entered into the 1 million thanks giveaway, featuring prizes from ADAM, bliss, Greenjets, House of Blues, Morgans and Tumi!
Tuesday, 11/24/09: BCBG, Ed Hardy, Pink lotus, Evening essentials
Wednesday, 11/25/09: Rebecca Beeson, Martinez Valero, ideeli Red sale
Thursday, 11/26/09: Victorinox, MICHAEL Michael Kors, Heys Luggage
Friday, 11/27/09: Fendi, Multi-handbag sale, Lovely People, Linq, Premonition

Rue La La
Monday 11/23/09: ELLE: The little black dress boutique, Donald J Pliner, Barbara Barry
Tuesday, 11/24/09: Malo, Stephen Dweck, Christopher Radko, Department 56
Wednesday, 11/25/09: Robert Rodriguez, Judith Leiber, Mariposa
Thursday, 11/26/09: Hanky Panky, Tommy Bahama, Junior Drake, Jura-Capresso
Friday, 11/27/09: MICHAEL Michael Kors, Stuart Weitzman, Potolano, Di Modolo, Vineyard 29
Saturday, 11/28/09: 7 For All Mankind, Joseph Abboud, Technomarine, Steiner Sports
Sunday, 11/29/09: James Perse, Carla Mancini

HauteLook
Tuesday, 11/24/09: ABS Allen Schwartz, Gucci, Designer watch sale, Fusion Beauty, Angel Dear, Rhonda Faber Green, Petunia Pickle Bottom
Wednesday, 11/25/09: Qi, Timi & Leslie, King Baby Studio, Queen Baby, Clean, Cover FX, Buckler
Thursday, 11/26/09: Earnest Sewn, Gara Danielle, Tysa, Borba, Lady Primrose, Demeter, Metropolis
Friday, 11/27/09: Luxury watch blowout, Rebelette, Pop Beauty, Lodis, Boy Meets Girl, Santuario de Bellezza, Leila
Saturday, 11/28/09: Hape, Mulberry Bush, Caden Lane, Pitty Shants

Billion Dollar Babes
Monday 11/23/09: Ella Moss, Little Ella, OiOi
Wednesday, 11/25/09: Briana Rene, Veda Pure
Friday, 11/27/09: Free People, Ilume Candles, Baby Eggi, Kate Quinn Organics

Beyond the Rack (Personal invitation code NEH7308F05D)
Monday 11/23/09: Sara Jane wraps, Balenciaga, Ruby + Ed, Marc Jacobs
Tuesday, 11/24/09: Chloé, AV, Kelsi Dagger, Time Force, Divine Rights of Denim
Wednesday, 11/25/09: Faith Connexion, Franco Sarto, Jenny Bird, Maggy London, London Times
Thursday, 11/26/09: Report Collection, Baltex, Pure & Simple, Toy Watch, Katherine Barclay
Friday, 11/27/09: Blaque Label, Matiko, Gucci, Wesc, Jimmy Choo
Saturday, 11/28/09: Jenny Han, Rampage, E.T., Christian Audigier, Ed Hardy
Sunday, 11/29/09: Gucci, Sarah Briggs, Request Jeans

Editor’s Closet is a free, highly exclusive and invitation-only sample sale site. In order to join, please email me at editor (at) whatshaute (dot) com
Wednesday, 11/25/09: Functionalab, Joia de Majorca, Penguin
Thursday, 11/26/09: Rock & Bone
Friday, 11/27/09: Fendi

RowNine
Tuesday, 11/24/09: Mont Blanc
Wednesday, 11/25/09: Bosca
Thursday, 11/26/09: Radiance Pearl

Gilt Man
Wednesday, 11/25/09: Frette, Men’s Final Sale
Thursday, 11/26/09: Kim Seybert Bar & Glassware
Friday, 11/27/09: Ritmo Mundo Watches, Lexon, Slane & Slane Jewelry, D.L. & Co.
Saturday, 11/28/09: Matuse Wetsuits

Gilt Jetsetter
Tuesday, 11/24/09: The Other Side of Miami: The Modern Viceroy, Overlooking Biscayne Bay, Greenbrier Grandeur: The Greenbrier, in the Mountains of West Virginia
Sunday, 11/29/09: California Wine Country: Modern Design at Solage Calistoga, Sierra Nevada Peaks: The Resort at Squaw Creek, Lake Tahoe

The Top Secret
Wednesday, 11/25/09: Amrita Singh, Blowout sale
Friday, 11/27/09: Heys Luggage

The Skinny
Wednesday, 11/25/09: 100% Pure

Olivia Harris Round Leather Shoulder Bag

Olivia Harris is becoming our go-to brand for haute yet affordable handbags. Not one bag in the line retails for over $500 but the materials and construction are still divine! Olivia Harris bags are made of the softest lightest leather ever - they truly feel like butter in your hands. Another fave of ours this week is the Olivia Harris Round Leather Shoulder Bag. This is on our holiday gift list, as in WE WANT IT! Read more

Splurge du Jour: Diane von Furstenberg Python Hayworth Daybag

We can’t get enough of python bags. Especially this one. The Diane von Furstenberg Python Hayworth Daybag is well worth the $1,950 price. You should always expect to pay more for exotic skins like python, but some designers craft a simple snake clutch and charge thousands for it. The Hayworth Daybag is a sizeable, convertible, hugely versatile satchel, so you get more luxury bag for your buck. Read more

Guess her bag: Olivia Palermo dines with Diane von Furstenburg

For someone who is just a mere ‘accessories assistant’ at Elle, socialite Olivia Palermo seems to work more parties and make more public appearances than Elle publicist Erin Lucas. Maybe Olivia’s just doing her ‘job’. She recently attended the Audi TDI Clean Diesel Dinner at The Standard in New York City. She posed with her former ‘employer’ on The City, designer Diane Von Furstenberg and both ladies looked understated yet chic. Olivia’s carrying a black croc-leather clutch with a gold chain link handle interwoven with the same croc leather as the bag. We love the bag but can’t figure out who made it. We’re stumped. Any guesses on her bag?

Kambouris/Wireimage

Greta Satin Bow Clutch by Felix Rey

Doesn’t the Felix Rey Greta Satin Bow Clutch just put you in a party mood? If you’re the type to style your outfit around your accessories, then this bag is where you should start with your holiday dressing. The bag features Felix Rey’s signature metal-mesh with an adorable oversized black satin bow across the front. Read more

Rose McGowan and Emma Roberts rock Miu Miu bags at the Prada book launch

Fashion house Prada is set to release a book soon titled, “Prada“. Simple enough. The 706-page book offers a retrospective look back at “30 years of innovation in the world of fashion, architecture, art, communications, and cinema” and will soon be available at Prada flagship stores worldwide, select bookstores, and Prada.com. Celebrities attended the book launch in Beverly Hills, California, including Rose McGowan and Emma Roberts. Read more

Megalyn Echikunwoke parties it up in Loeffler Randall

Megalyn Echikunwoke and Olivia Wilde attended the after party for the New York premiere of “Fix” this past weekend. Olivia wore a black dress and a black and gold woven clutch. Megalyn wore this gorgeous blue Curved Tucks Strapless Dress from By Francine that is on sale now at Billion Dollar Babes. She paired it with a black cropped blazer with puff sleeves and Loeffler Randall Katia Leather Envelope Clutch with studs. The studded version is no longer available but you can buy the nude leather Clutch Nude or the black leather Clutch for $225 at Blue Bee online.

E. Gologursky/Wireimage

Olivia Harris Spider Tote

A certified arachnophobe, I usually cringe at even the sight of the word ’spider’. That said, I was immediately drawn to the Olivia Harris Spider Tote. You may not be too familiar with the Olivia Harris brand but you should be. It’s the sister line to Gryson and it’s like the hipper, cooler, edgier little sister. Not to say we don’t love Gryson, we do, but we’ll take Olivia Harris any day. The bags in the line are made of lightweight leather but still have the construction of the Gryson bags. The Spider Tote (dimensions: 13.5″w x 13″h x 4″d) is made of a butter soft black lambskin that is slightly distressed, with brass hardware and a matching Olivia Harris brass and leather tassel charm. It has multiple pockets and compartments - one exterior panel pocket, two open interior compartments, one interior compartment with zip closure, two interior panel pockets and one interior pocket with zip closure and expandable side snaps to make extra room for your things. Olivia Harris bags are certainly a brand to watch and to buy - they’re priced under $500. That’s a lot of bag for a little bit of moolah!

Rihanna lands in London with her Louis Vuitton

Rihanna should teach a class on how to stir up controversy as a celebrity. The girl around the world was spotted heading back to her hotel in London sporting a Louis Vuitton bag and donning a trapper hat and shades. Maybe to cover that huge bump on her eye? Or to draw attention to it? It’s so hard to tell what’s for publicity and what’s reality these days. So we’ll just stick to perusing her bags. Read more

Shop this week’s online sample sales

Just click on the links to sign up and shop!

Gilt Groupe
Monday 11/16/09: Carolina Herrera, Johnstons Cashmere, Gail DeLoach, Eugenia Kim and Heidi Weisel cold weather sale, Nanette Lepore
Tuesday, 11/17/09: Bric’s, Halston, Maurice Lacroix watches, AG Jeans, Bill Blass handbags, Bally and Costume National shoes, Jay Strongwater, Airedelsur
Wednesday, 11/18/09: John Hardy jewelry, TSE, Jawbone II, Baby Quasar, Just Cavalli accessories, Tufkenia, Oscar de la Renta, Just Cavalli
Thursday, 11/19/09: Michele Siegel jewelry, Trina Turk, CNC Accessories, Tivoli Audio, Gianfranco Ferre, Vilbrequin, Vilbrequin boys
Friday, 11/2009: Matouk and Lulu DK Matouk, Visconti Pens, Zac Posen, White + Warren, Olivia Harris, Links of London

Gilt Fuse
Monday 11/16/09: Earnest Sewn, C&C California, Daniblack
Tuesday, 11/17/09: Orla Kiely, Ettika Jewelry
Wednesday, 11/18/09: Members Only, Hype, Sparkling Sage, Invicta watches, Plenty by Tracy Reese
Thursday, 11/19/09: Design History
Friday, 11/2009: Susan Hanover jewelry, Susan Farber, Betsey Johnson Intimates

ideeli
Sign up to enter the ideeli ‘thanks a million’ giveaway
Monday 11/16/09: Vertigo Paris, Apepazza, Olia, 2B. Rych
Tuesday, 11/17/09: Kate Spade, Freelook, M Lab, Titan luggage, Lauren Hansen, Michael Stars
Wednesday, 11/18/09: Donna Karan bedding, KC Designs
Thursday, 11/19/09: Portolano

Rue La La
Monday 11/16/09: BCBG handbags, Robert Lee Morris jewelry, Calvin Klein Home
Tuesday, 11/17/09: The Final Sale: Act 1, Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery
Wednesday, 11/18/09: The Final Sale: Act 2
The Culinary Institute of America
Thursday, 11/19/09: Hale Bob, Corum, Corum - Men’s, hartmann, Luxury on the Slopes: Destination Hotels & Resorts

Hautelook
Monday 11/16/09: Ralph Lauren fragrances, 7 For All Mankind women’s and men’s, Ella Moss women’s and girls, Swiss Army watches, ABC Carpet & Home
Tuesday, 11/17/09: Go Smile, Giorgio Armani Parfums, Rotenier women’s and men’s, Nespresso, Designer watch sale
Wednesday, 11/18/09: Laundry by Shelli Segal, Waterford, Greg Norman, Soho, Gold Hawk, Baby Lulu by Erin Murphy
Thursday, 11/19/09: Hello Kitty by Simmons Jewelry Company, Saxon Chocolates, Luigi Bormioli, Pür Minerals, Alisa Michelle Designs, Royal Copenhagen
Friday, 11/2009: Plan Toys, Anna Beck, Kerstin Florian, Boon

Billion Dollar Babes
Monday 11/16/09: StyleQ multi-designer sale, Pears + Bears, Tat 2 Designs
Wednesday, 11/18/09: Erica Anenberg, Stitch’s
Friday, 11/20/09: Jami Rodriguez, Pangea Organics, Voom by Joy Han

Beyond the Rack (Personal invitation code NEH7308F05D)
Monday 11/16/09: Cyrus, Kaija New York, Carerra sunglasses
Tuesday, 11/17/09: Burberry, La Fiorentina, Bejeweled, Andre Lanzino
Wednesday, 11/18/09: Mindy Shear, Fendi, Muse Anthracite, Coach
Thursday, 11/19/09: Emilio Pucci, Joe’s, Orisue, Laura Gibson
Friday, 11/20/09: Rich & Skinny, Christian Audigier, Triple Five Soul, Apple Bottoms, Arnold Zimberg, Central Park West
Sunday, 11/22/09: Rough Roses

Editor’s Closet is a free, highly exclusive and invitation-only sample sale site. In order to join, please email me at editor (at) whatshaute (dot) com
Monday 11/16/09: tokidoki watches
Tuesday, 11/17/09: Carmen Marc Valvo
Wednesday, 11/18/09: Invicta watches
Thursday, 11/19/09: Amrita Singh
Friday, 11/20/09: Cleo & Cat, Designer handbag blowout sale

RowNine
Monday 11/16/09: Dior women’s watches
Tuesday, 11/17/09: Versace ladies sunglasses
Thursday, 11/19/09: Milus watches and accessories

The Top Secret
Monday 11/16/09: Christian Auduguer jewelry
Wednesday, 11/18/09: Falke
Thursday, 11/19/09: Designer sunglasses

Gilt Jetsetter
Monday 11/16/09: Parisian Grande Dame Hôtel de Crillon - Paris
Tuesday, 11/17/09: Madison Avenue Elite The Surrey on Manhattan’s Upper East Side
Wednesday, 11/18/09: Cliffs of Cabo Capella Pedregal, an ultra-luxe oasis in Mexico, Campton Place Style in the Heart of San Francisco

Gilt Man
Monday 11/16/09: Clae, MB 999, J Brand, Johnstons Cashmere, Warm and cozy gifts for her
Tuesday, 11/17/09: Ralph Lauren accessories, Michael Kors, Airedelsur, Alford and Hoff skincare, Maurice Lacroix watches
Wednesday, 11/18/09: John Varvatos shoes, Jil Sander, John Hardy jewelry, Tufkenian Rugs, Invicta watches, James Perse, Woolrich, Jawbone
Thursday, 11/19/09: Michele Siegel jewelry, Trafalgar, Juma, Vilebrequin, Calvin Klein Collection, Tiovli Audio, Portolano men’s gloves and scarves
Friday, 11/20/09: Links of London, Visconti Pens, Matouk and Lulu DK Matouk, Canterbury of New Zealand, Elie Tahari, Diesel men’s

The Skinny
Monday 11/16/09: Organic Apoteke

Rent the Runway is currently invitation-only. In order to join, please email me at editor (at) whatshaute (dot) com

Everything’s better in pink: the resort 2010 Jimmy Choo Mandah Expandable Hobo

It’s true - everything is better in pink! Jimmy Choo recently unveiled its resort collection which included a remake (ok, a new color) of the popular Mandah hobo. You’ve already seen the bag - Halle, Fergie, J. Lo and Jessica Alba each have one. All the details are the same - but the Mandah just looks so much fresher in hot pink! It’s the perfect color for resort, but wear throughout the winter and into spring too. The suede and calf leather combo makes the bag fitting for any season, and do you really need a reason to have a pink bag in your life? Read more

Ciara ‘works’ her boots and black shoulder bag

The last time we admitted to listening to Ciara was when she released her song ‘Oh’. Since then, her music has been on a downward teenybopper spiral. But now she’s back with a song that moves us - ‘Work’. We first heard it on a Verizon commercial - Ciara just signed an endorsement deal to help promote the LG Chocolate Touch phone, and true to form, she is ‘working’ it in the commercial. So now we heart Ciara again. But even though we took a commercial break form her music, we’ve never stopped watching her fierce style. Who can look so fab in a granny sweater, tights and riding boots? And let’s not forget that black leather embossed bag. Work it then.

LeToya Luckett: around town with the YSL Muse

Much as we love Beyonce, we can’t help but feel the other Destiny’s Child members (former and ‘current’) didn’t get a fair shake. I mean, how can you next to B? We don’t want big bad Mathew coming after us so we’ll end our rant here. But it’s good to see some of the former members achieving their own success post-DC. LeToya Luckett, one of our fave former DC girls, was spotted leaving MTV studios in New York City, likely promoting a new music project. She was all smiles and looked great in her casual look of leather jacket, jeans and chic accessories. The red cage booties? To die for. And so is that metallic Yves Saint Laurent Leather Muse Bag on her arm.

Photo: JDH/WENN

Bag Lady: Chain Reaction

They say once you go chain you never go back. Ok. Maybe I said it but, it’s true. I can remember my first chain bag, the Marc Jacobs Quilted Stam bag. Marc and I were inseparable for at least 2 months, until I saw my next door neighbor commit the ultimate sin; buying a knock off version on 5th Avenue. When I got my Lanvin Python Happy Partage last year, I knew this was it. Next thing you know, Lanvin introduced me to Nina Ricci’s Pony Bag. Although I only wore it once, it’s my favorite by far.

Every now and again I like to rearrange my closet: from light to dark colors, in alphabetical order, by fabrics, and even by price. My chain collections never really fell into any of the categories. So, I decided to make a special section for them.

10 nails and 1 hammer later I hung them all up. To my surprise, there was one nail without a bag. I could simply take the nail out and call it a day or buy my latest obsession: the Christian Louboutin Marianna Nappa Hobo.

Later that week, I found myself at Home Depot shopping for more nails.

Nooni bags by Vicki Vlachakis

No longer is design limited to FIT and Parson’s graduates; the new batch of independent handbag designers come from all sorts of interesting places and all walks of life. Vicki Vlachakis knows this all too well. She is a former Mercedes-Benz designer turned handbag designer of Nooni .

The Nooni collection features Vlachakis’ love of sophisticated lines, sculptural shapes, bold graphics (like you’d find in a Benz) as well as her passion for luxurious materials. The bags use red, white, brown, tan and black Italian vegetable tanned leather with gold plated hardware and laser cut designs.

Click the thumbnails below to check out pieces from the Spring 2010 collection and visit www.noonibag.com for more information and to shop.

New Moon’s Nikki Reed dazzles in diamonds and Jimmy Choo

We haven’t read Twilight or New Moon or any of those other vampire/werewolf teen dramas but apparently they’re all the rage. Nikki Reed, star of the upcoming movie, New Moon, was spotted on the red carpet at the Hamilton Behind The Camera Awards. (If you’re unfamiliar with the books/movies, Nikki plays the character of Rosalie Hale, allegedly “the most beautiful person/vampire in the world”.) She wore a vintage tuxedo jacket over a Nanette Lepore dress, and accessorized with diamond bracelets from Dana Rebecca Designs and the Jimmy Choo Martina clutch bag and Jimmy Choo shoes. Who knew vampires could look so stylish?

Shop Jimmy Choo at Net-a-Porter

Photo: Grant/Wireimage
Styling: Rebecca Resnick

Jessica Stroup: Guess her bag!

Puma presented ‘The African Bazaar’, a celebration of their commitment to African athletes and charities. Actress Jessica Stroup (90210) was one of the celebs in attendance, alongside Ed Norton, Chris Kattan and Joel McHale enjoying the night alongside African drummers, stilt walkers, and soccer players. Stroup was a bit dressed down for a red carpet event but her bag added some spice to her look. She carried a snakeskin flap clutch covered with rows of bronze pyramid studs. We have some ideas who the designer might be but can’t put our finger on it. Help us guess her bag!

Spotted: Blake Lively filming “Gossip Girl” with a Carlos Falchi Brooke Matte Caiman Tote

Spotted: Blake Lively filming “Gossip Girl” on location in Manhattan. We can’t get enough of the collegiate antics of Serena, Blair and Co., but we also tune in for our fix of drool-worthy handbags, apparel and accessories. Handbags primarily, but we take a peek at the fashions too. In this ‘episode’, Serena van der Woodsen, ahem, Blake, chatted it up on a cell phone while toting a gorgeous piece of crocodile arm candy. A Carlos Falchi Brooke Matte Caiman Tote, we presume. The bag is so amazing, we can’t wait to watch the episode it stars in, just so we can ogle it some more. Love the plaid tights too, S. We haven’t been this excited about a show that combines fashion, drama and sex since Sex and the City!

Shop Carlos Falchi handbags at Saks

Photo: Devaney/Wireimage

 

Ashley Tisdale spied with her Fendi Spy Zucca Embossed Leather & Fabric Bag

One of those bags that never gets old is the Fendi Spy. The all leather versions are nice, but the leather and zucca combo is our personal pick. Apparently Ashley Tisdale prefers it too - as she was spied on the streets of Manhattan with a brown leather/zucca Spy on her arm. The bag is roomy yet light, has that adorable built-in coin purse and looks great with anything. Even a black tam and grey Christian Louboutin boots.

Shop Fendi handbags at Saks

Photo: Devaney/Wireimage

 

 

 

Shakira does Letterman with Givenchy Medium Couture Padded Nightingale

We heart Shakira but sometimes we feel she needs a slight makeover. She visited the “Late Show with David Letterman” in New York City last night dressed in items we would wear (minus the hair). She wore a black coat accessorized with a leopard print scarf, those black lace up Miu Miu peep toe boots that EVERYONE is wearing right now (including Rihanna, Ciara and Mariah Carey) and the pièce de résistance – a Givenchy Medium Couture Padded Nightingale in black. This Aztec-style quilted leather satchel is a great new take on the traditional bag, and we didn’t think it could get any better. (Check out the covetable acid yellow Nightingale here.) We love each of the pieces in Shakira’s look. Just not all together.

J. Ufberg/Wireimage

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