Net-a-Porter Releases Fall Bag Guide | Video Announces New Season Trends

Posted on: Sep 23

Autumn leavesSo many of us look to Net-a-Porter to make sure we stay abreast of the latest fashion trends. Now the high end fashion retailer has made things even easier with the release of its latest Net-a-Porter Bag Guide for fall 2010.

The video guide gets up close and personal with some of the new season’s best looking bags. You might not recognize them all at first sight, but they’re brought together in one handy location on the Net-a-Porter website.

The guide features some of our current favorites including Halston Heritage’s pleated stingray textured Alice clutch, Mulberry’s latest success story, the Alexa, and Chloe’s cute Darla bag.

Those prices are a bit daunting though, with most of the purses costing well over a thousand dollars. It makes sense I suppose, as the entire exercise about making Net-a-Porter money rather than selflessly dispensing fashion advice. But it does provide some insight into this season’s trends. If you’re on a budget, use this information and look for similar pieces downtown!

[Source: The Purse Blog]
[Image Source: Nossirom/Stock.xchng]

Mulberry Alexa Bags on eBay

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M. Andonia Le Group Le Tote | Fun Red Reclaimed Leather Bag

Posted on: Sep 23

M Andonia Le Group Le ToteIf the latest It bag is out of your price range, this cheeky substitute from M. Andonia may be more your speed. A designer bag is sketched onto the front of this more affordable purse known by the very French title Le Group Le Tote.

But don’t make the mistake of dismissing this as an inferior accessory just because of its relatively affordable price. It’s made not from cheap synthetic but reclaimed leather. That carbon minimizing choice should please green fashionistas out there, while offering the durability that we all crave.

This bold red skin is complemented by black leather handles and trim. I wish these accents were also made from reclaimed leather, but I suppose we should be happy that M. Andonia has made some strides towards a greener product.

I also wish we had a few more pockets inside, as a single zippered pouch isn’t enough to keep most of us organized during the day. However, it does go some way towards keeping the clutter at bay; we just may need to clean it out a little more frequently.

At $196, this tote is both practical and quirky. Carry it and you’ll probably turn as many heads as those girls with the more expensive designer bags!

More Features of This M. Andonia Reclaimed Leather Tote Bag

  • Gold hardware
  • Zip top closure
  • Dual handles
  • Measures 15 x 4 x 12.5 inches

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Christian Louboutin Palais Royal Clutch | Gorgeous Intricately Designed Pink Satin Bag With Lace Overlay

Posted on: Sep 22

The late 90s obsession with layering is definitely making a comeback. Earlier today I reviewed a leather Jimmy Choo clutch overlaid with beaded crochet, and now here comes this gorgeous bit of satin and lace. If this is an incoming trend, consider me on board.

Louboutin has found a way to combine this delicate pink satin with gorgeously intricate black lace in way that doesn’t look cheesy. This combination can so easily look very Frederick’s of Hollywood. And while the bag’s aesthetic retains a nod to the world of lingerie, there’s nothing cheesy at all about it.

The hard cased, rounded box shape of this clutch gives the sweetly feminine fabric combination a little bit of structure. A lot of structure, actually, as the firm exterior will protect all your valuable necessities inside while still looking soft on the outside. The signature Louboutin stiletto clasp gives the clutch a slightly dangerous look that I love. It’s definitely both sugar and spice.

At $2,565, this bag is not for commoners, which might be why it’s called the Palais Royal. But even peasants can dream. And wait for end-of-season markdowns.

More Features Of The Christian Louboutin Palais Royal Clutch

  • 5.25″ x 5.25″ x 2.25″ size
  • 10″ strap drop
  • Lined in signature red twill

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Jimmy Choo Lareina Leather Crochet Clutch | Bold Feminine Black Evening Bag

Posted on: Sep 22

It’s been a while since I’ve reviewed a Jimmy Choo bag, but I am still thrilled by the fabulousness of the last season’s accessories. Well, Choo doesn’t disappoint with this vintage-inspired crochet Lareina clutch. It’s every bit as amazing as I’ve come to expect.

The combination of leather and crochet is masterfully executed. I can’t say that the idea of a crochet and leather bag appeals to me, but once I saw it, I was smitten. The delicately beaded crochet and macrame fabric hangs like a veil over the soft black leather, and creates a look that is alluring and dramatic.

The underlying shape of the leather clutch is simple enough, but it’s complicated by the ethereal fabric that tops it. The fabric hangs down well below the line of the bag, which creates an almost fringed appearance. It has a half bohemian, half sultry glamour look that is mysterious and beautiful.

This is the kind of bag that will work beautifully with a simple, elegant, black column gown, or something short and flapperish. It would be a tall order to pull it off in daytime, but I know there’s an ultra stylish vixen out there who could find a way. Unfortunately, at $2,195, this kind of glamour isn’t available to most of us, but we can still admire it from afar.

More Features Of The Jimmy Choo Lareina Leather And Crochet Clutch

  • 14″ x 9″ x 2″ size
  • Fully lined in camel suede
  • Internal pocket

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Cynthia Vincent Slashed Pouch | Edgy Rock Chick Leather Purse

Posted on: Sep 22

Cynthia Vincent Slashed PouchCynthia Vincent has gone for an edgier look with this slashed leather pouch.

OK, so we have seen these pouches before. The cute yet functional shape is fast becoming the mainstay of Cynthia Vincent’s designs, and to avoid the shape getting boring she is always releasing new and exciting versions. This time she has skipped the embellishments, and instead has opted for changing the leather itself, through the textural addition of hundreds of little vertical cuts.

The effect is quite cute. You wouldn’t, unfortunately, notice it from more of a distance, but if you are close to someone holding this bag it is bound to make you look twice. I do wish the rock chick look was extended to the zip and trim for a bit of variety, but it is still quite good fun.

This isn’t too remarkable, and no matter what the changes this pouch is just in the same old shape. If that is a shape you love, however, then it opens you up to even more variety.

More Features of this Cynthia Vincent Clutch

  • Also available in black
  • Cut leather exterior
  • No interior pockets or handle

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Pineider Tri-Bag Leather Satchel | Formal Multi-Level Closure Purse

Posted on: Sep 22

Pineider Tri-Bag Multi-level Closure Leather BagIf you are going to spend over $2000 on a handbag (yes, you heard me correctly, that’s two thousand big ones), then you damn well want it to be versatile. Well, what is more versatile than a handbag that converts into three different sizes?

You see those silver buckle like decorations on the front of this formal handbag from Pineider? Well, they aren’t just edgy decorations, but are actually working buckles. As the mood takes you you can make the bag transform from spacious tote, to roomy hobo, to compact purse. All in the blink of an eye. We’ve all seen convertible purses before, but this is the first one I have seen that does the deed with quite so much ease.

Of course, the problem is that this multi-level bag’s three varieties still manage to all look rather similar. So it is like buying the same bag, three times over. And then adding a thousand dollars on, just for kicks. Add to that the fact that the Tri-bag’s looks are formal and (dare I say it), dull, and it may make people hesitate.

Personally I wouldn’t spend this much on a handbag, let alone one that just screams “I am for the office!” Would you?

More Features of this Pineider Multi-Level Closure Bag

  • Calf leather exterior
  • Expandable main compartment
  • Single interior zipped pocket
  • Three closure options

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Longchamp Xlight Fantaisie Crossbody Bag | Practical Leopard Print Purse

Posted on: Sep 22

Longchamp Xlite FantaisieAfter a while, the bags from Longchamp all start looking the same. But you could never accuse this Xlight Fantaisie of running with the pack. However, while it’s a bit different I’m not sure this bag is altogether successful.

The first thing you’ll notice is that fierce leopard print body. Longchamp tends to favor conservative matte tones, so I was really surprised to see the label experimenting with something a little wilder. This print doesn’t really rev me though, especially with the Longchamp nameplate stuck in the center, but I’ve got to give the brand points for trying.

I also have a bit of a problem with the strap, which isn’t as elegant as I expected. To me Longchamp says everyday luxury, but this webbed strap is the farthest thing from opulence I can imagine. At least it’s strong though, and adjustable for the perfect fit.

The Xlight Fantaisie is relatively small, but it should have the space you need to hold the essentials. Personally I like that approach; when it’s slung across your body you’ll barely know it’s there but you shouldn’t have to leave anything behind.

The Xlight Fantaisie is a practical purse, but I just don’t like the way Longchamp has dressed it up. Do you?

More Features of This Longchamp Leopard Print Crossbody Bag

  • Made of nylon
  • Top zip closure
  • An adjustable shoulder strap with a 24 inch drop
  • Measures 10 x 8 x 2 inches

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Agyness Deyn Carries Giles Deacon Triceratops Bag | Novelty Dinosaur Purse Silly or Chic?

Posted on: Sep 22

Giles Deacon Triceratops bags

I’ve often seen novelty handbags and wondered who would ever carry them. On spotting British supermodel Agyness Deyn carrying a triceratops bag from Giles Deacon at his after party on Monday night, I guess I have my answer.

Perhaps you need to have supermodel good looks and confidence to pull off such a kitschy accessory. I’m not sure, but there’s no denying that the white leather dinosaur dangling from her shoulder looks great with her large retro T-shirt and black motorcycle jacket. I’m sure I could never work this look, but Agyness doesn’t seem to have even a hint of self consciousness as she smiles for the camera.

It seems Deacon has sold at least two of the unusual triceratops bags, as fashion editor Katie Grand was carrying a bright metallic colored one earlier this year.

So tell me, do you need to already have some serious fashion cred, or is there a way to for any of us to work such a playful purse?

[Source: Style Bistro]
[Image Source: Rag Pony]

Dinosaur Bags on eBay

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London Fog Madeline Tote | Chic Practical Brown Synthetic Handbag

Posted on: Sep 22

London Fog Madeline ToteFor a cute alternative for the office, consider trading in your briefcase for this Madeline tote.

The Madeline is an excellent example of London Fog’s design philosophy; it doesn’t scream too loudly but it makes a real impression with its sophisticated, timeless style. Rather than cover its handbags in frippery, the label instead focuses on what we really need.

So rather than decorative accents we get a pair of front pockets, which offer easy access to the items we need on hand. A pop of patent material gives these compartments some style, but they’re really only there because we need them. There’s another pocket on the back, and two more on the sides, so you’ll never be short on storage space.

The flat base makes the generously sized interior easier to manage. There are more pockets in the side walls, and enough space in the center for a laptop and your essential files.

I can imagine this Madeline bag doing double duty once you clock off though. It wouldn’t look out of place in your favorite bar or on your arm while you’re shopping up a storm.

For $115 we don’t get real leather, but we do get a lot of style and substance to boot.

More Features of This London Fog Synthetic Tote

  • Contrast top-stitching
  • Polyester lined interior
  • Zip top closure
  • Dual handles with a 6.5 inch drop
  • Measures 12 x 16.5 x 5 inches
  • Made in China

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Alexander McQueen Remembered at London Memorial | Stars Pay Tribute to British Designer

Posted on: Sep 22

Alexander McQueen tributeMore than six months after his death, around 1000 mourners gathered at St Paul’s Cathedral in London to remember fashion designer Alexander McQueen.

Fashion editor Suzy Menkes, one of the speakers at the memorial, said that the classic cathedral would have been McQueen’s “ultimate venue.” Other guests included fellow designers Stella McCartney and Hussein Chalayan, models Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss, Vogue editor Anna Wintour, and Sex and the City actress Sarah Jessica Parker. Icelandic singer Bjork paid her respects with a moving cover of the Billie Holiday song “Gloomy Sunday.”

When he needed support and solace, he found it in his family,” the Reverend Canon Giles Fraser said. “Which is why, despite the dazzle of his world, he never forgot his East End roots.

Alexander McQueen was found dead after committing suicide at his London home on February 11. He was just 40 years old. His fashion empire continues in his absence with Sarah Burton at the helm.

[Source: TMCNet.com]
[Image Source: Anya/Flickr]

Alexander McQueen Bags on eBay

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