Rihanna goes vintage with Chanel

What we love about Rihanna’s fashion choices is that you never know what to expect. One day she’s sporting a mohawk, the next – a short bob. One day she’s wearing an outfit that would (almost) make Lady Gaga blush; the next – this look. It’s cute but very tame for the rude gal. anyway, it’s a nice toned-down casual look. She was spotted at her favorite New York restaurant, Da Silvano after performing her second concert for her Last Girl On Earth tour at Madison Square Garden. She wore a floral sundress and accessorized with peep-toe heels and a burgundy, quilted Chanel backpack. We’re loving the vintage look of the bag (although secretly we think backpacks should be reserved for school kids. And Kanye West.)

Rebecca Minkoff brings us a new ‘Main Squeeze’ to clutch for fall

As much as we love colorful and light summer bags, we (not-so) secretly yearn for darker-hued totes with heavy fall hardware. In one of the season’s best silhouettes, the crossbody, comes this Main Squeeze Clutch by Rebecca Minkoff. It’s equestrian-meets-military in this little bag that packs a lot of hardcore punch. Read more

Haute bag of the week: Diane von Furstenberg Lytton Minaudiere Clutch

Just as DvF wrap dresses are the go-to frocks for many women, so will be this Diane von Furstenberg Lytton Minaudiere Clutch in Metallic Tejus. This structured frame clutch is a big beauty in a little package. It’s made of gorgeous snake-embossed metallic leather with hints of bronze, copper and silver making it utterly versatile. Read more

Stud love: Treesje Crimson clutch

It looks like studded bags aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, and neither is our love of them. Our newest stud crush is on the Treesje Crimson clutch. Vanessa Hudgens is a fan and so are we. Made of black leather (it also comes in navy), this standard envelope clutch gets a fresh makeover. Read more

Alexander McQueen De Manta clutch

We still mourn the loss of Alexander McQueen but his legendary fashion designs live on. This haute Alexander McQueen De Manta Clutch is McQueen at his very best. We’re loving the psychedelic pattern, vibrant mix of blue and pink colors and edgy design. Everything about this bag screams ‘Must carry’! It’s perfect for summer Read more

Prada debuts B.Y.O. Bags

Luxury labels seem to be taking notice of the market of women who want the brand name bag, but not at brand name prices. For Prada fans, the brand recently launched a MUCH LOWER-priced collection of bags - the Prada B.Y.O. Bags. Read more

Diane von Furstenberg Jungle Cool Beach Tote

Yesterday I shopped the Diane von Furstenburg sample sale preview, thanks to Gilt. Inside the DvF sale, there were prints galore! I snagged a cute brown tiger print dress, along with an adorable ruffled tee. There were also print wrap dresses, swimsuits, coverups, and scarves. The bag selection was small – a shoulder bag here; a pouch there, but none were as cute as this Diane von Furstenberg Jungle Cool Beach Tote. Read more

Haute bag of the week: Halston Heritage Metallic Tote

It’s safe to say that naming Sarah Jessica Parker creative director of Halston Heritage reinvigorated the brand, and the new collection has definitely gotten our attention. The dresses, like the one she wore in Sex and the City, are nice summer pieces, but check out this stunning bag from the collection. The Halston Heritage Metallic Tote could easily rival some of our favorite designer bags. Read more

Steal du Jour: Botkier Bowie Shoulder bag

If you’re wondering where to get a Botkier bag for $200, the answer is not only “at a sample sale”. Neiman Marcus is having an amazing women’s designer sale with crazy markdowns on everything, including our two faves – bags and shoes. As we tried to shield our eyes (and wallet) from those haute and severely marked down Tory Burch Ankle Tie sandals, we spied this lovely Botkier Bowie Shoulder Bag. Read more

Review: Project Runway winner Chloe Dao’s Nuo Tech bags

We all have our favorite designer on each season of Project Runway and on the second season, Chloe Dao was certainly our fave. She won us over with her pleasant demeanor and interesting upbringing and background while wowing us with her unique patternmaking skills and simplistic yet sophisticated designs. Chloe’s clothes always seemed to fit perfectly and looked as if they would flatter the widest range of body types. We became die-hard fans and when she won, we were excited to see what she would do next. Read more

Pour La Victoire now makes haute handbags (and evening bags too)

One of the most sought after shoe brands is without a doubt, Pour La Victoire. Originally designed for the “modern-day Marie Antoinette”, PLV shoes are equal parts sexy and sophisticated, with an undeniable rock and roll edge. Every girl should have a few pairs of Pour La Victoire’s in her closet. (I certainly do!) Read more

Haute bag of the week: Kara Ross Prunella Python Envelope Clutch

Kara Ross makes gem-encrusted baubles that make us swoon, and so do her luxe clutches. The Kara Ross Prunella Python Envelope Clutch is a pretty pink gem of a bag. A flat envelope-shaped clutch gets the jewelrs treatment with a central hematite stone surrounded by gleaming gold hardware. A front flap conceals a magnetic snap closure with an interior pocket and the bag is luxuriously lined in suede. Kara Ross certainly knows how to create a masterpiece, both in baubles and in bags.

Celebrate the release of Sex and the City 2 with ‘Keep Calm and Carrie On’ accessories

What are your Sex and the City 2 plans this weekend? Are you having dinner and drinks with the girls then heading over to see the film? Or are you taking your very own Mr. Big? Or maybe you’ve already hit the pre-screenings and are going to see it a few more times. However you plan to see SATC, make sure you bring along one of these limited edition collection of “Keep Calm and Carrie On” accessories to tote along your essentials and maybe a pair of flats (when those Manolos get too tough to walk in). The collection includes adorable bags, like the Small Cosmetics Bag ($20), Traveling Toiletries Bag ($25), and Large Canvas Tote ($20). Each is a playful spin on the popular UK slogan first introduced in 1939 featuring the image of King George VI’s crown.

We think Carrie, our reigning Queen (of fashion) would approve!

Buy at DecorativeThings.com.

Shop Diesel shoes + handbags, style from Sex and the City 2, Juicy Couture, and more at Thursday’s online sample sales

Shop the following editor’s picks: Divine Rights of Denim, Louis Vuitton vintage handbags, Vera Wang Lavender Label, Diesel Shoes + Handbags, Sex and the City 2, Juicy Couture, and more at Thursday’s online sample sales at Gilt, Gilt City – New York, ideeli, Row Nine, Rue La La, Billion Dollar Babes, Editor’s Closet, Beyond the Rack, HauteLook, Enviius, Gomatta Girls, Lucky Chic, One King’s Lane, Reverse by Revolve, Jetsetter, Gilt Man, Estile, DD Push, The Top Secret, The Skinny, Mintbox and Rent the Runway.

Just click on the links to sign up and start shopping!

Avelle (formerly Bag Borrow or Steal): Up to 50% off brand new Donald J. Pliner Handbags!

Beyond the Rack: Divine Rights of Denim, Dunhill, Jack & Jewel, Numi Organic Tea, La Diva, NHL, Martini Sol

Billion Dollar Babes: Institute Liberal, Daftbird, Louis Vuitton vintage handbags

DD Push is an exclusive online sample sale site. In order to join, please email me at editor (at) whatshaute (dot) com: Prince Athletic Wear (Women and Men’s)

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: CK Calvin Klein, Bulgari, Eve Pearl

Enviius: Designer Sale Featuring Diane von Furstenberg, Louis Vuitton, and Rebecca Taylor, Sanctuary Clothing, Lor G Jewellery

Estile: Karina Pires, Daniela Orlando, Multi-designer sale

Gilt Groupe: 80%20, Bensoni, Chan Luu Jewelry, Danni for Kristina Jewelry, Greylin, Postella and Wink, Morgane Le Fay, Vera Wang Lavender Label

Gilt City – New York: Del Posto, SPOT, Whittemore House, Classic Car Club Manhattan, Station Studios NYC

Gilt Home: Glitterati Books, Jeannette Farrier Throws, Moss

Gilt Man: Antonio Maurizi, Brunello Cucinelli, Converse, Earnest Sewn, Glitterati Books, Moss

Gomatta Girls: Raj, Melissa Masse, Marcia Moran

HauteLook: Romeo & Juliet Couture, Watch Blowout, Diesel Shoes + Handbags, L*Space Swimwear, SK1N Probiotics Skincare, and more

ideeli: Sex and the City 2, Betsey Johnson, Betseyville, Smitten, Melissa, Press, Pietro Alessandro, Skye, Eye for style, Ben-Amun, Mad Sky, Mad Boy, Oleg Cassini, Peter Lamas

Jetsetter: Zannos Melathron – Santorini, Gran Hotel La Florida – Spain, Mon Hôtel - Paris

Lucky Chic: Amazon, Walgreens, Bliss

Mintbox is a free, highly exclusive and invitation-only sample sale site. In order to join, please email me at editor (at) whatshaute (dot) com: 30% off Y-3, Acne, Cutler and Gross and more at Cry Wolf, Ric Pipino, Get a Second Treatment Half Off at YeloSpa, Plus a Free Gift

Modnique: Kitson bags, Murano glass jewelry, VaVa by Joy Han, Level 99, Isabella Fiore, stud earrings, Hermes watches

One King’s Lane - to join, please email me at editor (at) whatshaute (dot) com: Phaidon, The Comfortable Couch, Lavender Rugs, Lincoln Center Art, 525 America

Oohilove: Bloomingdales, Tiffany & Co., Ray Ban

Portero: Save up to 80% on pre-owned Vintage and Luxury Brands at Portero.com Including; Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Rolex, Manolo Blahnik, Hermès, Jimmy Choo, Gucci, Tiffany, Cartier and Many more!

Rent the Runway: Is Your Style Edgy or Trendy?

Reverse by Revolve: Inhabit, Left On Houston, I Hate Fashion

RowNine: Alanna Bess Jewelry, Chinese Laundry Handbags, Isabella Fiore Handbags, Luxury Spa Deals, Skin Care - Clarins, Sisley and more, Shane&Shawn Shoes, Heys USA

Rue La La: Style. I Do!, Juicy Couture, Jhane Barnes, Ercuis, Valencia Group

Shopbop: The Latest from Alice + Olivia, Nightcap Clothing

The Sample Sale: BCBG, Paige Premium Denim, Beautiful/Decay, Vava by Joy Han, Tom Ford sunglasses

The Skinny: Fenix Cosmetics

The Mini Social: Little Giraffe, Bees & Dragons and Fit 2 B Mom, + Celeb Mom To Be Tips

The Top Secret: Amrita Singh, Ed Hardy Watches Sample Sale and 3 Top Picks: Rocawear Handbag $59, Chez Ruffle Hobo $124, Sisley Shopping Bag $54

Haute handbag pick: the Marc by Marc Jacobs Party Girl Tribal Pixie Bucket Bag

There’s something about this small studded drawstring bucket bag that makes us want to don a leather vest, fedora and denim cutoffs, sling it over our arm and head to a concert in the park. The Marc by Marc Jacobs Party Girl Tribal Pixie Bucket Bag is petite yet packs a punch with its pebbled leather, gunmetal grommets and assorted stud detail. The long (24″) grommeted strap allows you to wear it crossbody style with ease.

Buy it for $398 at shopbop

Haute or Not: the Herve Leger Geometric Clutch

Hervé Léger continues to wow us with new versions of its iconic bandage dress, yet we don’t have quite the same thrill over its handbag line. Which is weird, because designer Max Azria knows how to make a mean accessory. We wore/carried BCBG shoes and handbags for years before we were even interested in the clothing. And if you’re wearing a spectacular Hervé Léger dress (which pretty much all of them are), you want spectacular accessories to match. Read more

Alexander McQueen’s Faithful medium polished-leather satchel is our new ‘old Faithful’ bag

We never tire of Alexander McQueen bags. Especially now that he’s gone, we cherish his designs that much more. His Faithful collection began with a Michael Jackson-inspired Faithful glove clutch and the Faithful large tote that all the celebrities flocked too. Kelly Osbourne, Janet Jackson and Keri Hilson, just to name a few, have been entranced by McQueen’s Faithful bags. And now there’s a new addition to the collection – the Alexander McQueen Faithful Medium polished-leather satchel ($1,335). Read more

EXCLUSIVE: Get a sneak peek at tomorrow’s handbag sale at Beyond the Rack!

As you know, Beyond the Rack has frequent sample sales of luxury handbags. We’ve seen (and shopped!) covet-worthy items from Burberry, Prada, Emilio Pucci, Gucci and more. The only thing we wish was that we had the chance to preview the sale before it started, so we could decide what we wanted to buy and get right to it come 11:00! Well, we - and you - are in luck! Beyond the Rack gave us a sneak peek at some of the bags included in tomorrow’s sale, and we are super excited. The sale includes an incredible range of handbags and accessories from Jimmy Choo, Bottega Veneta, Fendi and Tod’s. Prices range from $359-$1,999.

Which bags do you have your eye on? Click here to sign up and shop at Beyond the Rack!

Last-minute Mother’s Day gifts on Weekly Shopping and Goodies

A Few Goody Gumdrops is giving away a to-die- for Katherine Kwei Handbag and matching Cosmetics Case for Mother’s Day. Enter to Win!

Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy wants to tell you about a great new site to satisfy your shoe cravings: MyShoes.com!

Couture In The City give the gift of haute couture this Mother’s Day with Valentino

Handbag du Jour suggests that you gift Mom this smokin’ haute Jimmy Choo ‘Daphne’ ponyskin leather clutch!

Ladybrillemag.com says buy mom Freshly Ground’s New Album, ‘Radio Africa!’

Quinta Trends special: Mother’s Day, one mother style one gift.

Shopping and Info wants this 40% off Donna Karan gray messenger bag for Mother’s Day.

SomeoneSpoilMe.com wants you to WIN a $125 workout outfit from Body Language Sportswear for Mother’s Day.

Style Eyes has a fabulous giveaway! perfect for mothers or daughter Win £100 of shoe vouchers and some other great prizes.

StyleMaven is shopping for luxury accessories and designer handbags to fit her new Apple iPad!

The Well-Heeled Society shows you how mom can bank on her dreams.

TheFind loves the embellished sandal trend - see our favorite styles of the season!!

What’s Haute Magazine is giving away an item a day! Enter to win the LORAC Mini Mocktail lip gloss set, Amrita Singh bangles and more!

Image via A Few Goody Gumdrops

Matchy matchy: Giuseppe Zanotti Belt-detail suede clutch and Studded canvas sandals

We’re not big fans of matchy matchy, though fashion rules do say you should coordinate (to an extent) your shoes with other accessories, like your belt and bag. But after seeing these Giuseppe Zanotti Studded canvas sandals in person this weekend and now spotting the matching Giuseppe Zanotti Belt-detail suede clutch on Net-a-Porter, we’re pretty sure we have to have both! They’re quite the matching pair Read more

Haute bag of the week: Jimmy Choo ‘Daphne’ ponyskin leather clutch

If you’re going to boldly mix neon with ponyskin animal print, then you’d better do it right. And Jimmy Choo certainly does. It takes a special kind of woman to pull off an accessory with those two eye-popping treatments, and to make it look chic and not ridiculously vulgar takes skill. But a woman who wears Jimmy Choo is a woman who knows her fashion, and can certainly pull off this look. Read more

Bag Lady: Knock it Off

Everywhere I turn, I’m reminded of the financial crisis our economy is in. My dearest friends have been laid-off, their savings depleting by the second and things are not looking up just yet. Last week, two of my colleagues were “let go”, due to the loss of a major account. If this wasn’t a wake-up call I don’t know what was. I made a pact with myself; no more frivolous spending. Who was I kidding? I scratched that notion off my list and made an offer I should have refused.

In order to start saving for potential rainy days, one must have the proper tools. How can I even attempt to adhere to my new pact without a new wallet? My eye was on Prada’s Saffiano Leather Continental Wallet for over a year but, a little birdie told me I could get a knock-off for less than $60. Instead of flagging a cab, the new me decided on taking the N train downtown.

Ten minutes and two panhandlers later, a wave of guilt passed through my body like a bolt of lightning. How could I jeopardize my integrity for something so heinous? Yeah, so I frequent not so legal underground events for designer bags. I might even overdraft my checking account to satisfy my needs but, I have to take a stand on something that affects thousand of handbags waiting to be purchased. One must imagine a slouchy hobo sitting waiting for their new owner to pick them up or a slick satchel anticipating a new closet to call it home.

I felt very proud of myself walking towards the Intermix cashier with my Zibba in tow. Rescuing a purse is such an honorable thing to do. Hey, in this economy, a savings is a savings.

Sara Berman Jivvy studded-leather tote

Ok, we realize spring is coming but we can’t shake our love for dark, studded, punk-style leather totes. We should be eyeing soft spring colors but instead we’re trying to hold on to the last vestiges of winter with this Jivvy studded-leather tote by Sara Berman. This soft leather bag has a Rihanna-’hard’ edge with all-over gold studding. Read more

Haute bag of the Week: Burberry Check Print Knotted Shoulder Bag

It’s been a while since we featured a Burberry bag because frankly, we were sick of seeing the check print everywhere. Especially on knockoff bags. But the print is back and seems to have been refreshed a bit. We’re loving this adorable Burberry Check Print Knotted Shoulder Bag, with its lovely pleated knot design. Read more

Here comes the sun: Jimmy Choo ‘Isola’ Leather Shopper in yellow

One bag color that seems hard to wear is yellow. Sure it’s a nice sunny color, but have you ever bought a yellow bag? We’ve never really considered yellow bags as an addition to our bag wardrobes but this Jimmy Choo ‘Isola’ Leather Shopper is making us have second thoughts. It’s not a tame, light yellow – it’s bright! – so to wear it you’ll have to downplay the rest of your look to avoid looking like you fell in a box of crayons. Read more

Next Page »