Founding editor of www.BagTrends.com; Accessories Contributor for AOL Stylelist; NY Correspondent for WSA Today Magazine and www.WSAToday.com; Fashion Contributor for www.TheHuffingtonPost.com; Accessories Contributor for www.SassyBean.com; Accessories Columnist for www.Stylehive.com
I never thought I’d plug a Juicy Couture handbag, but this one is worth a bagalicious stamp of approval. You bagistas really loved that Mulberry patent tote I mentioned two weeks ago, so I thought another berry offering at a more moderate price was appropriate. The yummy raspberry-hued leather is spot on for not only fall, but equally as enjoyable during the sprint and summer with whites and metallics. The thick shoulder strap width will sit snugly against your body. I only wish the bag was a pinch larger – just an inch-and-a-half longer and an inch wider. Otherwise, a well constructed and designed handbag from a brand that I normally would endorse for handbags. Keep it coming Juicy.
I pride myself on being the handbag loop and knowing what/who is hot long before it hits the masses. In fact, designers often come to me for press writeups or a friendly tidbit before they reveal their goods to the editors at LUCKY, InStyle, etc. So, my bag-a-licious taste buds always perk up when I find something that’s already out there. Designer Tarah Smith is a former model and founder of an earlier bag line called SMAK. She’s also created handbag for Oscar gift bags. FYI I googled all of that because I had no clue who she was or what SMAK bags even looked like. Looking now at her new fall offering, I’m not only excited by the classy shapes and detailing (love the lanyard-esque handles and the buckles), I’m also flipping for the prices. Can you believe in today’s word you can get this bag for under $400? Trust me when I say that it’s not any easy task to find a bag at this price. If you own this bag or other Tarah Smith styles, I’d love to know what you think.
Given that I just gave a hefty deposit for my wedding venue, to even share with you a handbag that is over $200 is too much right now. That’s why I’m fixated on sales, sales, sales. How about what’s going on at www.SHOPBagTrends.com, where you can buy one bag that’s already on sale and get another bag (that’s already on sale) for another 30% off? Ya, crazy stuff. So if it were me, I’d scoop up the Trina Turk foldover clutch for $150 and get the David & Scotti Woods Shoulder Bag for $105. So that’s $255 for day and evening bags from great designers! Now that’s something I can still stomach.
I’m going berry picking in the fall. Do you want to join me? You can have your choice of blueberries, raspberries, strawberries ... they’ll all be must-have colors for the season. Oh, you didn’t actually think I would take myself into the forest and going picking did you? The only picking I plan to do is do I get this rosy tote from Mulberry or another berry-hued bag from, say, Rebecca Minkoff? No pricks, no bugs, no need to wear ugly shoes. “Pick” up the Mulberry “Maggie” tote in yummy spazzalato leather while you can. I hear the forest is going to be depleted soon…
In a few weeks, the leaves will begin to change colors, the air will become a bit more chilly, the days will become shorter, and fall merchandise will come out to play. If you’re looking to add a new clutch for the season, I recommend the Erego Clutch from 3.1 Phillip Lim. The camel calf hair and black leather trim is a warm color and fabric choice for the season. Something about this bag, and maybe it’s the calf hair, makes it exude a cozy effect. Can’t you just imagine sitting outside of Café Lalo in your fabulous fall coat and new Phillip Lim bag as you anxiously wait for a table to free up? Um, that makes me wish it was September already.
Mark my words, the 1980s-style purse will be worn cross-body in fall 2008. Not quite a messenger, although that’s how you’ll see it classified on many sites, the medium-sized purse on an ultra-long leather strap looks effortless. It’s that “hello, I woke up and this ensemble just came to mind” effect. This Marc by Marc Jacobs Posh Turnlock Messenger is a great option because you can adjust the length of the strap, should you feel the need to go counter-trend and wear it as a classic purse with a shorter strap length. This is one of those bags you never really get bored of and most likely will take out every 5 years or so. Another fall fashion look, it has the long chain strap – which looks even more stylish and new to me. There are more like this from Foley + Corinna, Ananas and Rebecca Minkoff. I’ll be doing a roundup on www.BagTrends.com in early August on this trend. Stay tuned!
Exotics are classic. Name one season when you’ll get bored of a good python or karung shoulder bag? Never! The king of all skins, ostrich, is the choice for the crème de la crème (translation: uber-wealthy and uber-stylish) of bagistas; and Nuti is one of their go-to designers. For fall, Nuti gives us a lust-worthy top handle bag in sinful green or decadent dark brown. I like the semi-structured crescent shape – even though I’m really more of a satchel lover. This delightful, Italian-made shoulder bag is an ideal choice for an organized and low-maintenance gal. You’re certainly not fitting folders – though a small notebook will work – in here and it would be painful to try and shove a laptop in here – obviously. With only one inner pocket, I recommend having one or two small clutches inside – one for makeup and one for tech gadgets that don’t fit into the pocket. Organization aside, the vibrant suede lining is a joyful surprise. I’m sick of so-called “luxury” brands that have $2K, $3K+ price tag bags and don’t give you the luxury feel inside. If you’re looking for a great pre-pre-pre holiday treat, indulge in this handbag. The detailing on the handle is simply divine with a mix of snake, crocodile and minimal silver hardware. This bag will age graceful and become loose and loved with time. For my sweetheart: if you’re reading this, the big milestone birthday is right around the corner! Hint, hint!!
Sometimes when a designer milks a specific handbag silhouette for too long, customers get bored and the designer - particularly if it’s a relatively new contemporary brand - begins to loose its luster. I’ve seen this in every color and fabrication imaginable. Enough! But, that isn’t the case for Rebecca Minkoff, as bagistas from China to Chicago can’t seem to get their fill for her now classic Morning After and the Morning After Mini (20% smaller, and my personal choice for daily use). For pre-fall, the hot colors include Persimmon and Sea Green. I’m obsessing over the latter - great with your denim, a nice pop against summer whites and florals, and equally ideal during winter months when you want a hint of a sophisticated color. Beccs - yes I call her Beccs - has other yummy styles for fall including new totes, shoulder bags and the launch of small leather goods. And don’t even get me started about the color options and additional new styles in store for you come Resort 2009. Regardless of the new, it seems that much like my favorite poem, “Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold,” the Morning After is most certainly a golden fashion friend and find.
Gas prices are soaring towards $5 a gallon. You’re being asked to do more at work for less money. You still need to treat yourself. So, I say, don’t say “no” to shopping! Say “yes” to bargain finds and affordable luxury - translation affordable treats that you actually want, not something that you think is just a good deal. Over the past few months, I’ve become a fan of HSN. They’re bringing in many top designers, styles and stores. Think Carlos Falchi, Sobella, The Sak, SCOOP and many more. If you tune in June 27th – that’s this Friday – I’ll be appearing on HSN to discuss fall 2008 trends and CALLA Handbags. Click READ MORE to hear about the line’s celebrity fans, and find out when you can get your hands on one for under $60!
In keeping with last week’s rant on fall merchandise hitting stores and online boutiques REALLY early, I’ve found yet another summer style that’s on deep discount. This one is a delightful drawstring shoulder bag from Brazilian-based Juliana Jabour. The muted yellow hue is great for summer, but really can be enjoyed all year around. And, I’m totally feeling resurgence for drawstrings, as well as ultra long chain handles that have the bag sitting at or just below the hip. Come fall, you’ll be seeing a ton of brands coming out with the long chain and leather handles on small purses or drawstrings handing at or bellow the hip. For inspiration think Chanel circa 1988 or Rachel Bilson circa now.
One of the beauties of having fall merchandise arrive at major department stores – and now even small boutiques – in early June is that spring/summer merchandise, which you can actually enjoy now, goes on sale! Case in point-- this white Gustto ‘Costella’ tote with chunky gold hardware and gem accents. I haven’t seen hardware like this in about three years or so and it’s going to come back in a big way. Think Balenciaga, think lots of grommets but done with a more refined touch. As for this bag, it makes for an ideal summer work option – generous strap width for comfort, the long lean shape that’s a must now and an easy to use top-zip opening.
I’m not a big fan of stars and stripes, at least when it comes to handbags. That cheesy Americana look normally doesn’t do it for this bagista. But, I’m really won over by the gray and white striped canvas bags offered this summer by Antoinette Lee Designs. If it was any combination for red, white or blue it wouldn’t be as fresh and appealing, but with the grey – still a must-have hue – it just works. The Dolce shoulder bag (which converts into an oversized clutch) has already been spotted on MTV’s Lauren Conrad – not that I’m saying this is why you should pick up the style, but for those who care I’m passing the info along. The handbag I would select is the Stella tote in grey and white canvas. It’s deep enough for files, magazine and any laptop, making it a playful work option for those sticky summer months when leather just doesn’t feel right. Plus, it has multiple strap and handle options so you can give your hands, wrists or shoulders alternating rests.
The opening of the Sex and The City movie is tomorrow (unless you got in last night’s premiere), and I can hardly contain my excitement. I don’t care if Carrie marries Mr. Big, if Steve cheats on Miranda, or if Samantha stays with Smith. Just show me the bags! Naturally, I’ve been privy to many of the styles that will be appearing in the movie. I can’t even tell you how crazy my PR friends have been working leading up to this movie release. But, I digress. Click READ MORE for the scoop on one of Carrie’s handbags, and how to get the look for less!
I just received a fabulous package from Stuart Weitzman for a TV segment I’m putting together on Sex and the City handbag trends for less (PS check out all the details here). The bag that caught my eye was the small patch hobo in black with striped patches of varying embossed exotic skins. True exotic skin would have made the price tag on this style double, ea$y; but if you really don’t mind the “embossing” the luxury is nearly all the same. Click READ MORE for the details on my newest handbag obsession!
I’m always searching for the perfect summer clutch. It must be light, great for an outdoor dinner with the fiancée (yes, I’m engaged now), ideal for casual walks on the boardwalk and perfect to take along for weekend getaways. I tend to gravitate towards traditional summer accents like floral or raffia finish, but in a subdued, sophisticated interpretation. If you’re of a certain age, you want to avoid bags that are more suitable for your younger niece. If you need to ask, then you already know where your bag falls. Rafe’s Banyan Morgan Frame Clutch is exactly what a gal like me – and you! – needs to stay sassy all summer long. If this selection doesn’t suit your style, send me an email at and we’ll work together to find the ideal handbag for you.
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