Happy Halloween From A Cute Little Black Cat

A Happy Halloween to all who celebrate this holiday. While I normally offer a heinously ugly bag up for ridicule on Halloween, I've decided to show you a bag that's an actual symbol of the holiday. Meet Jinx the Cat, a cute minaudiere from Judith Leiber. This jet black kitty is crafted from hand-beaded Austrian crystals, measures 5.5 x 3.5 x 3 and sports a rather lazy look on its face. The folks at Leiber have definitely captured the essence of a black cat. This aptly-named feline will run you way more than its living counterpart - $3495 to be exact. This crystal creation is not for everyone, myself included, but it's cute and not the most ridiculous one of these I've run across. 'Jinx the Cat' is the perfect Halloween clutch for that over-the-top label hag of a friend we all know and love. Call her up and tell her to get one quickly, but I'm sure she's already beat you to it.

Judith Leiber Jinx the Cat Minaudiere available via NeimanMarcus.com

Happy Halloween!!!

Celebrity Style: Angelina Jolie and the Loro Piana Bellevue Pocket Tote

When did Angelina Jolie, bad-ass actress with a penchant for dating smarmy guys and wearing vials of blood around her neck, become such a demure, elegant lady? What made her change her style so drastically? Was it working for the UN, mothering an ever-increasing brood of children or hooking up with Mr. Pitt that pushed Angelina to the other end of the fashion spectrum? The world may never know, but what we do know from all the tabloids and evening entertainment news shows is that Angie is now the picture of perfection. Just this week Ms. Jolie inked a deal to star in a new movie clad in her favorite color, black, and carrying a classic Loro Piana Bellevue Pocket Tote.

This expensive leather bag ($3650) is handmade and stands as one of the most exceptional examples of high quality handbag craftsmanship in the world. I can only dream of owning one of these one day. Angelina's saddle brown version is lovely, but the 'Bellevue' comes in other equally appealing hues like red, black, grey and chocolate brown. You can find the Loro Piana Bellevue Pocket Tote (yes, that's a large, convenient flap pocket on the front of the bag) at Saks, Bergdorf's and Neiman Marcus or at any Loro Piana boutique. It has been available on-line from time to time, but your best bet to copy Angelina's style is by making a trip to any of these stores in person.

Angelina Jolie photo: Popsugar.com

Lanvin Invader Frame Bag

Before anyone even thinks about calling the Lanvin Invader Frame Bag a "granny bag", let me take a moment to point out the ways in which it is, in fact, a timeless example of handbag design. First up is the gorgeous khaki matte leather exterior. Its sumptuous nature is evident even from the web site's puny pics. Next is the classic framed top. Is there any other handbag silhouette more sophisticated and eternal than a framed bag? Of course not. Now we arrive to my favorite part of the Invader Bag - the modern yet totally retro Lucite/gold-tone metal clasp closure. This sleek design element is the bag's pièce de résistance.

This isn't a terribly large bag measuring 10 x 12 x 3.5 and it's only meant to be carried by hand or on the crook of the arm, but I could picture myself wearing it on so many occasions that it would never collect dust in my closet. Women like Olivia Palermo or Nina Garcia would be ideal owners of the Invader Bag. It's the perfect compliment for a classic, youthful beauty or an older, elegant woman with an eye for fashion. In either case, this design, without all the chains, pearls and bows we've seen from Lanvin lately, is a creation which could never be accused of being a "granny bag". Agreed?

Lanvin Invader Frame Bag available for $2135 via BarneysNY

Deal Of The Day: Donna Karan Satin Rolled Clutch

The holidays are fast approaching and that means parties, parties, and more parties. If you're in need of an evening clutch to keep you stylishly organized during your nocturnal outings, but are tired of the basic black staples available everywhere then this is one thrifty alternative. The heavenly shade of grey on the Donna Karan Satin Rolled Clutch is what drew me to the bag in the first place. The gold-tone piping and hardware used throughout the barrel-style bag which measures 7 x 4 x 3 are surprisingly complimentary. A framed opening will keep all your goodies in place while the wrap-around, self-tie strap, a decorative rather than functional detail, is a neat touch. Did I just use the word "neat" to describe a bag? Oh, boy! Who cares, though. It is a pretty neat design.

Donna Karan Satin Rolled Clutch: Reg - $710; Now - $426 via theOutNet.com

MARC by Marc Jacobs Natasha Classic Q Shoulder Bag

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS BAG! The MARC by Marc Jacobs Natasha Classic Q Shoulder Bag is the sort of bag every woman should have in her collection. It's a classic shoulder bag as well as a sleek and roomy messenger bag. Measuring 12 x 10 x 4, the 'Natasha' won't overwhelm a small frame - a major complaint of petite women about messenger bags in general. The bag's purple hue is fabulous year round, and its design is flawless. A magnetic snap closure ensures the fold-over zippered flap stays in place and all your essentials remain inside the well-appointed interior. At $330, this chic bag is an absolute steal and an absolute must-have. Almost forgot to mention, for about the millionth time, the leather on MARC bags. Seriously, thick yet flexible and sturdy as an elephant's bum. Nab one pronto via Net-A-Porter.

Balmain Bags Already Sold Out: WHY?!?

These fugly Balmain bags are available via Net-A-Porter, and, in the case of the black Matelasse messenger (3rd from left), already sold out. Are there seriously that many women out there willing to shell out nearly $2000 for ho-hum bags just because Balmain makes them? Apparently so. You can check out the Swarovski crystal-encrusted Leo (left) and Punk suede studded bag here if you'd like further information, but I wouldn't bother if I were you. They're priced at $2920 and $3925, respectively. I know, say what? At least the boring quilted version is only $1915. Oh, don't even get me started on the leather fringe thing priced at $2315. It's such a ridiculous design with the ring-embellished fringe hanging aimlessly from a suspended belt along the front of the bag. Totally uninspired and unworthy of Balmain. There is nothing "rocker chic" about these bags. Better luck next time.

Celebrity Style: Stella McCartney City Chain Tote

It hardly seems possible two divas like Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez with such opposing styles could share the same tastes when it comes to fashion, but the proof's in the pudding. Recent photos of both ladies reveal their mutual admiration for the Stella McCartney City Chain Tote. This black fabric bag coated to resemble leather (we all no how "green" Stella is) is large and, really, nothing out of this world except for the stitched chain detailing along the side seams and dual shoulder straps. The result is pure urban chic, and more than likely the reason why both Rihanna and Jennifer scooped one up. I can't say I'm a fan of this bag, but there's an equally appealing purple version I find tempting. The bottom line is that the City Chain Tote looks pretty fabulous on both ladies. Different strokes for different folks, right?

Stella McCartney City Chain Tote available via Bergdorf Goodman

Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez photos: Popsugar.com and JustJared.com

Dolce & Gabbana Miss Martini Jeweled Clutch

Let's have a few giggles, shall we? Here's a laughter-inducing handbag if I've ever seen one. The Miss Martini Jeweled Clutch from Dolce & Gabbana is so incredibly ghastly that all one can really do is laugh to keep from tossing their cookies. I'm tempted to down a martini myself in honor of this poor clutch's name just to get through writing this review, but it's only 10am and I'm not prepared to become an alcoholic.

Instead, I'll trudge ahead with a straight face and point out the obvious shortcomings the 'Miss Martini' suffers from. Let's begin with the denim exterior. Hello, the 80s are over! I had plenty of denim bags when I was 15 yrs old, but none of them cost over $20. That's just the beginning, however. It looks as if they dumped every retro fad on this clutch. Jewels, beading, two-tone hardware, flimsy chain strap - this bag has it all. Unfortunately.

OK, so I'm still laughing as I write this, but can you blame me? No one in their right mind could ever take this bag seriously, and definitely not for $1300. If you happen to like the Miss Martini Jeweled Clutch (and why do you?), pre-order it via Bergdorf Goodman.

Sale Alert: LibaStyle's 12-hour "Mad Rush" Event

Miami-based online e-tailer, LibaStyle.com, is hosting a 12-hr "Mad Rush" Sale. All items site-wide are 35% off. You can scoop up the chic Asiaphile Snakeskin Clutch (pictured above) (reg: $190, now: $123.50) or nab an intriguing Elizabeth Yarborough Chipped China Ring (reg: $210, now: $136.50). There are tons of items to choose from, and their selections are always fabulous. Follow this link to shop the sale, but don't delay. The madness ends at 9PM..

Happy Shopping!

Celebrity Style: Rihanna's Dior Resort 2010 Shoulder Bag

Who would figure Rihanna goes for the "ladies-who-do-lunch" look? Well, it's more of a psychotic lady who does lunch, but at least she meant well. The hat and gloves were overkill, but her Louboutin heels and crocodile shoulder bag are nothing less than spectacular. I'm absolutely in love with her demure and sophisticated Dior bag. This design, part of Dior's Resort 2010 collection, is a style Dior will be pushing on the fashion world in a big way. I'm glad we saw its debut on someone like Rihanna. It just proves what a bag can do for an outfit and a person. The classic look of the fold-over flap and rich, exotic-skinned exterior are spruced up with silver and tortoise hardware accents. There are other less appealing versions of this bag which should come as no surprise to handbag lovers accustomed to seeing designers ruin a good thing fast. So skip the wonky animal print renditions and snatch up a simple leather or exotic version as soon as they arrive at the Dior boutiques. I can only imagine these will be quite expensive, but the design is divine and worthy of a hefty price tag. Timeless style is priceless.

Rihanna photo: JustJared.com
Runway photos: Style.com

Balenciaga Classic Pouch Clutch

Time to feature another Balenciaga design. The Classic Pouch Clutch has all the familiar detailing of Balenciaga's Motorcycle bags, but the small size, rounded corners and chic front flap tab closure set this particular bag apart from the rest of its predecessors. Measuring 6 x 8.5, the Pouch Clutch is meant to be used for simple outings or as a sophisticated foil for modern evening outfits. It's priced at $595 which isn't bad for Balenciaga, and you can't beat the leather on a B-bag. No question about it. I'm loving the colors this bag is available in (the raisin (pictured) is my absolute favorite). There are several other tempting colors available through the Balenciaga website, including giant hardware versions, but you can purchase this beauty via BarneysNY.

Be sure to check out Balenciaga's Spring 2010 trunk show this Friday, October 16th at Barneys' Madison Ave location. Send me pics of all the fabulous accessories if you get a chance to sneak any ;-)

YSL Perforated Leather Zipped Tote

Say hello to my new favorite bag. Isn't it fabulous? She's long and lean with great detailing and the perfect zippered opening making the roomy interior easily accessible. For those of you that might baulk at the thought of owning a bag covered in perforated leather, all I can say is "don't sweat the small stuff". The overall effect on the YSL Perforated Leather Zipped Tote is fresh and edgy without classifying its owner as a fashion victim. It's because of the tote's elongated silhouette that this particular treatment works so well. It blends into the black leather exterior flawlessly. Dual top handles help alleviate the load of carrying a large, 13 x 15 x 2 bag, and the adjustable side buckles will keep the look of the bag sleek or slouchy. It's all up to you, and isn't that what we expect from expensive handbags? A bag with options is always the better buy.

YSL Perforated Leather Zipped Tote available for $1495 via Saks.com

Marc Jacobs Stardust Printed Python Rio Satchel

I was thrilled at the prospect of finding a Marc Jacobs python satchel for under $1500 until I realized the "python" on this bag is just printed on a quilted leather exterior. Oh well, c'est la vie. My disappointment has not diminished my enthusiasm for the Stardust Printed Python Rio Satchel. I still love the stud embellishments throughout as well as the multiple carrying options available with the design. In fact, my only pet peeve with this bag is, once again, that dumb padlock sitting needlessly on the front. Before everyone writes to tell me how cute the padlock is and how it doesn't really bother them, just know that it REALLY bothers me. Decorative elements are notoriously worthless, but padlocks are just ridiculous if they don't actually function as locks. Even with the pesky petite padlock, this bag is gorgeous. Pre-order the beige version (pictured) for $1395 via Saks.com.

Bottega Veneta Spring 2010 Collection: What's Up With These Bags, Tomas?

I'm still a bit shocked by what Tomas Maier delivered during Bottega Veneta's Spring 2010 RTW collection preview at Milan Fashion Week. It's evident Maier, BV's creative director, is attempting to take Bottega Veneta accessories in a new direction, but, for goodness sake, not this direction. With only a handful of exceptions, the rest of the collection was made up of some pretty fugly bags. I hate to use that term to describe a Bottega Veneta anything, but if the shoe fits...


This collection has everything from sumptuous leathers to exotics like lizard and croc skins, but, frankly, who cares? Most of the designs are wacky. One hobo sports intrecciato fringe and reminds me of the alien from Predator after he removes his special helmet at the end of the film. Not a mental image I'd ever associate with this iconic Italian fashion label. There are other offenders that look like place mats or pieces of the geodome at EPCOT. In other words, they're fugly.


On the bright side, there are a few designs that were nothing short of spectacular. A gorgeous aqua blue croc-clad tote (grass-green and dark brown versions were also previewed), quilted ivory shoulder bag and relaxed, desert tan satchel are exactly what we've come to expect from Maier and Bottega Veneta. This is not to say that the bags are boring or predictable. On the contrary, the detailing on each bag offers a departure from BV's classic intrecciato the way it should be done - with sophistication and restraint. Bottega Veneta is what it is. I hope Tomas Maier remembers that when he crafts their next collection.

Photos: Elle.com

WGACA Vintage Classic Finds

When money is tight and every penny counts, it's time for fashionistas to get creative with their purchases. What better way to make your money go a long way than buying vintage pieces? Now shoppers have the opportunity to snatch up amazing, vintage finds at Shopbop.com. This fashion-forward e-tailer is carrying items from Soho favorite WGACA Vintage (What Goes Around Comes Around).

The offerings aren't cookie-cutter pieces, but rather true retro items that will easily work for the modern woman. Take a look at this fun Versace corset. Wear it with a jacket and ripped jeans or jazz it up with a tulle mini-skirt just like Carrie Bradshaw would. Keep the look timeless with a classic Chanel flap bag. The point is to spend as much as you can on quality pieces and accessories you'll be wearing ten years from now. Even with some gentle wear, these items are a savvy fashionista's dream finds. Trust me, ladies, it's perfectly fine to wear other people's hand-me downs when they're in great condition.

Vintage Versace Couture Corset - $1219 (one size)
Vintage Chanel Flap Bag - $2860 (9.5 x 6 x 2.5)

Dolce & Gabbana Miss Sicily Plisse Tote

Here's a bag I've been eyeing for quite some time. I'm on the fence about it to be perfectly honest. There are aspects of the Dolce & Gabbana Miss Sicily Plisse Tote that I love, and there are others that leave me scratching my head in bewilderment.

The silhouette is fantastic. Elegant, classic - a real winner. The black leather is given a "plisse" effect offering us the occasional peak at an ivory leather background. The unique top handle is 'Miss Sicily's' crowing detail, but then we have a mixture of silver and gold hardware I still find no justification for. The detachable shoulder strap attaches at rings emanating from the top handle, not the sides of the bag which would offer the user more support and cause less stress on the bag itself.



In the end, I love the design, but it's little things about it that bother me. For a hefty $2800 price tag, I'd better be humming a happy tune. There simple is no room for error when you're expected to plunk down this much cash on a designer bag.

Dolce & Gabbana Miss Sicily Plisse Tote available for $2795 via Bergdorf Goodman

Givenchy Pandora Bag

Ever seen a bag that looks great sitting on a shelf, but looks absolutely horrible once you pick it up and try it on? Of course you have. It happens all the time, but I encounter that problem with cheaper bags. I certainly don't expect to run into this inexplicable phenomenon with an expensive designer bag. Yet, here is such a bag. The Givenchy Pandora Bag looks fine from the front, but a profile view will quickly change your opinion of it.

Just look at how the bag falls awkwardly to the front. The top handle is placed in a way that will eventually pull at the textured black leather, and, more than likely, tear it at the seams (even though the top is reinforced). Measuring 18 x 11 x 7, this monster of a tote will weigh a ton if it's stuffed with all the nick knacks women on the go will definitely put inside it. There are a couple of strategically placed pockets on the front which are great, and it comes with a detachable shoulder strap even though I wouldn't recommend using it because the bag would look even more distorted than it already is.

Unfortunately, this Givenchy design is a big "miss" for me. It was a good idea, but poorly executed. This is one Pandora's bag (or box) you won't want to open and much less for $2000.

Available via MyTheresa.com