I've been looking for the perfect tote all summer and I've come up short because all the ones I've seen either are of the cheap canvas variety or they're too structured and briefcase-like. But this Gunmetal Shoulder Bag by Deux Lux is just perfect. The classic tote shape is what I need to carry all my papers and stuff, but the edgy, metallic color keeps it from looking to matronly. There's a zip top which is another characteristic that's usually hard to find in a tote. And the cluster of glittery gems on the front gives the bag a bit of bling without being too gaudy or old-lady-like. And it's on sale for $137! (Measures 12½" x 5½" x 13").
Pre-order a Fall 2008 Tory Burch 'Lux T' Canvas Tote
April 29, 2008
This Tory Burch 'Lux T' Canvas Tote comes from the pre-Fall collection but it makes me think of Spring. Probably because the weather is so gloomy in New York that any burst of color makes me yearn for warm, sunny days! Anyway, this beautiful brown canvas tote has another reincarnation of the Tory Burch 'T' logo in provence pink patent leather. It's one of the perfect tote bags for those of you who take the train and need something other than a boring black tote to carry your work essentials. Even though there's no top closure (boo), the bag is still haute and it's $295 (not bad).
Pre-order yours now!
More Bag for Your Buck: Tracy Reese 'Tangiers' Tote
April 06, 2008
Tracy Reese designs for the 'girly-girl'. Her clothes are ultra-feminine with the usual girly details like flowers, ruffles and pastel colors. But this bag has an unexpected rough edge, which I love, and I also love the fact that the bag is huge but still maintains a feminine feel (it has a floral lining, after all). The Tracy Reese 'Tangiers' Tote is an expensive looking textured leather bag that is priced at only $594! It looks like it is worth so much more! It measures 13"W x 16"H x 6"D with an 8" strap drop and displays angular seams across the body of the bag. A front pocket with a zip closure also has a magnetic bridged strap, and there's an exterior pocket as well. Best of all is the top zip, as large totes generally tend to have magnetic or no closures at all, so I love that this one does. This is truly 'plenty' of bag for your buck (pun intended).
I think I'm obsessed with Fendi. As much as I've hated on their bags, I can't help but stop looking at them and writing about them. And now, once again, buying them. I actually really like this Fendi Shopping Tote. Except for the Fendi Multicolored Doctor B Bag it's been a long time since I've had a strong urge to buy a Fendi due to their many recent disappointments. But this bag reminds me of vintage Fendi (and when I say vintage, I mean bags from when I was young!), with the simple shapes and the inverted FF logo (the zucca) as the only decoration. But it's the simplicity that I love. This chic tote has a zip top closure, leather zucca applique and a completely pointless lock and key that's oh so adorable regardless.
€275 @ Trendora
Like many, I'm a huge fan of Christian Louboutin stiletto heels. The beauty of his shoes lies not only in the fabulous design, but also in that signature red sole. So when I saw this bag with the peek-a-boo red lining, I was immediately sold. It's like having those coveted shoes, but in bag form! The Christian Louboutin Studded Leather Tote black leather bag is accented with gold hardware, including pyramid-shaped studs, two front zips (revealing the lining), and dangling stiletto zipper charms.
Best of all, it's actually two bags in one. The long strap gives you the look and feel of a hobo, but drop the strap and the two top handles make it a large duffel. If you read What's Haute, you know I have a love for convertible bags, and this one amazingly converts into two stylish bags, making it well worth the reasonable price tag of $1650, and even more reason to own one! Pre-order now at Neiman Marcus.
Purple has been the reigning color for the past two Fall seasons and now it's carrying over into Spring too. And Badgley Mischka, the reigning red-carpet-couture-gown-design-duo has entered the handbag market and designed a gorgeous purple bag that I want this Spring. The Scarlet Tote comes in a bunch of lovely colors but I'm addicted to this luscious grape color. The purple is rich, the leather is luxe and the bag is haute! The bag is almost completely flat so it may be impractical for someone like me who likes to overstuff my bags but fashion isn't really about practicality anyway. The color, double front vertical zippers and chain/leather strap have got me hooked. And the price is the cincher - I'd expect to shell out a grand or more for Badgley Mischka but it's only $375! There are less prestigious brands selling bags for more than that!
Forward-looking faces on paintings kinda scare me (don't you feel the eyes following you around the room?) but on this bag I love them. Inspired by the New York-based artist Richard Phillips, the Jimmy Choo Polly glazed canvas bag incorporates several of Phillips' paintings chosen by himself and Tamara Mellon, which he says "completed a perfect conceptual ellipse where the painted image traveled in and out of fashion and then back again." The bag is a multicolored glazed canvas print tote with black straps and a zip closure. If a tote's not your style, then check out the vintage-look limited edition Richard Phillips/Jimmy Choo clutch.
Fashion Inspiration Comes From Everywhere: Yves St. Laurent
February 19, 2008
Is it just me or does this YSL tote closely resemble Mariah Carey's spray-painted abs? Just a little fashion food for thought...
Yves Saint Laurent Overseas Medium Leather Tote, $1,895, Saks Fifth Avenue
I always love it when bags go on sale, expecially bags that are gorgeous and resemble It bags that I can't afford! The Giorgio Brato Metallic Tote looks suspiciously similar to another bag that I love, the Givenchy Nightingale, and even though I don't condone knockoffs, this tote is too good to pass up!
It's made of a muted metallic leather so it doesn't look too on-trend. The bowler shape has cute rounded double handle with pleating underneath the handles giving the bag a playful edge. At 16" x 21" x 6" with a 7" strap drop, it's large and roomy but not bulky. I'm always on the hunt for a great work bag and this one doesn't look too much like a common tote, is big enough to store all my junk, and still manages to look stylish doing so.
Marked down from $823 to $411.50 at shopbop.com
Karen Zambos is best known for her carefree bohemian clothing which she calls "Vintage Couture", but last year she partnered with longtime friend Lisa Siega to launch a modern yet retro handbag line. My favorite is the Zambos & Siega Full Moon Tote (available at shopbop.com) which is a fresh take on a handheld satchel. The half moon handles are quite mod but the rest of the bag is simple and classic. It's a large satchel but also converts to a shoulder bag, giving a twist to the modern messenger. And since I've always been a fan of cutouts and geometric shapes, I love the triangular shaped body of the bag topped with the cutout handles. The 'Full Moon' looks like one of those great finds that you discover in a vintage store that will surely draw envious stares from your fashionista friends. The price for this 'Vintage Couture' bag? $803. But with it's dual modern and vintage influences, this double duty bag will truly transcend time.
These days it's all about going 'green' and the latest designer to join the cause is Diane von Furstenburg. If you can't afford one of her signature wrap dresses, you can certainly afford this handbag. Priced at $65, the "Go Green" Canvas Tote is affordable, eco-friendly (it's made of certified organic cotton), and it's a limited edition she personally designed for Art Basel. There's a note inside the bag from Diane that reads "Save and Love the Planet". Covered in ivory hearts, black edging and Intermix and DVF logos, this green tote is simply adorable, and did I mention affordable?
Pick one up at Intermix
Visit the Haute Forum for even more handbags and fashion!
Haute or Not - Stella McCartney Metallic Patent Patchwork Tote
December 16, 2007
I'm typically not a huge fan of patchwork bags because they're usually hideously ugly like this one and this one. But there's something about this Metallic Patent Patchwork Tote ($1,195) by Stella McCartney that I kinda like. This flat tote has a cool mix of navy patent, blue, and metallic light and dark denim patches making up the body of the bag. The shape is a rounded tote with double rolled handles, curvy, overlaid top/side zippered pockets and dangling SM charms. I love the glossy sheen of the bag, and the fact that it is eco-friendly is an added bonus. The more I look at it, the more I love it.
What do you think? Haute or not?
Discuss this post in the Haute Forum.
Even though I prefer luxury, I love finding adorable and inexpensive bags that are chic enough to satisfy a handbag elitist like myself. Erin Fetherston's Heart Handbag is one of those. Direct from her new line at Target, Fetherston's bag is whimsical and feminine, much like her design sensibility. It's not necessarily meant to be carried as an 'everyday' bag, but it is a cute addition to your bag wardrobe, and for $29.99 it's a steal! (Also available in cream).
I'm totally living in the wrong climate because all I can think about right now are bright colored bags! In New York it's not quite winter yet, but the weather is getting colder and the skies are getting grayer so there's no better time to buy an eye-popping bag. If you need one that's both bright and big, the Furla Loto Patent Tote is just what you're looking for. I love that this bag is the perfect size to tote all your stuff and the top zip helps to keep the elements out. The patent leather is ideal for winter weather because the rain and snow slide right off and the red 'candy-paint' color pops and shines despite your drab surroundings. The best part is you can carry it right into Spring and Summer too!
$625, Saks Fifth Avenue
Metallic Gold Pebbled Leather Round Tote Bag - Julia Cocco'
I’m in love with metallics right now and even more in love with these bags from Italian designer Julia Cocco. Her Metallic Pebbled Leather Round Tote Bags are utterly adorable. I love that they look like hanging metal discs! The straps are nice and long (8") so there's enough room between your arm and the top of the bag, and the bag itself is roomy, measuring 10.63" x 10.63" x 4.33". The front of the bag features a round zip pocket with a stamped logo and a hanging luggage tag adds a cutesy touch. And the best part is it's only $249 so you can afford one of each!
Metallic Silver Pebbled Leather Round Tote Bag - Julia Cocco'
I really love the classic chic that is Burberry. I was growing tired of the plaid and thought the Fall collection was refreshing, but the check is back for Spring and I love the way it is incorporated into this new tote. Hot off the Spring 2008 collection is the Burberry 'Heather' Tote. Following the metallic bags trend, the 'Heather' is made of metallic mesh leather imprinted with the traditional Burberry check pattern. The bag has double handles, a removable shoulder strap (which I really love on big bags, so you can carry it without your arms getting tired), and measures 13 3/4"W x 4"H x 2"D. The price tag is hefty at $3,295.00 but it is available in limited quantities so you won't see every other woman on the street carrying your bag! Pre-order now!
Trick But No Treat - The Thomas Wylde Fairground Tote
October 22, 2007
As Halloween approaches, stores are filled with frightening costumes and haunted houses and horror movies are everywhere. But one of the scariest things I've seen is the Thomas Wylde Fairground Tote. This loud bag is not for the faint of heart. Canvas material is covered with the Thomas Wylde signature skull and the bag is trimmed in black patent leather with gunmetal logoplates on the face of the bag, as well as on the zipper pulls. Double rolled handles measure 5.5" to be carried on your shoulder or in the crook of your arm. I'm not sure if this bag was designed solely for everyday wear, but it's too much, even with the simplest of outfits. But if you have $990 to spare, you can treat yourself to this bag for Halloween, but the 'trick' may be on you.
I've always loved Anya Hindmarch's cheeky totes. She's one of the few accessories designers that can create something unusual without it looking less than high fashion. Even her recent low priced 'I am not a plastic bag' bag has had monumental success and high fashion appeal. One of her latest cheeky handbags caught my eye; the 'Hell' bag - a tote made from black gaberdine and metallic bronze leather trim, and the face of the which reads 'Hell in a Handbag' (meaning a person who is troublesome or hard to handle and comes in a small package). I love the look of the bag - it's adorable and chic; the message on it (I think most people who know me would agree I'm difficult to handle!), and the price - affordable at $395.
Luxury accessory designer Devi Kroell is the next in line to offer low-priced luxury accessories to the masses. Her 'New Luxury Collection' for Target consists of high-quality, faux snakeskin handbags, in similar styles to her luxury collection. The bags look just as luxurious as her original collection.
Kroell rose to fame several years ago when celebs like Jessica Simpson were spotted toting her unique, oversized python hobos, spray painted on the underside with various metallics. Her Target line offers a similar slouchy Hobo at a severely discounted price ($34.99). The bag has a top zip closure, single shoulder strap and metallic accents.
The Shopper ($39.99) is a large nylon tote, great for carrying to the office or a day out. The faux snakeskin straps and sheen of the nylon add a glam factor.
The Anthracite Clutch ($29.99) is my favorite - a small, sturdy barrel-shaped clutch with a bar clasp and chain strap. It's a chic bag for a haute night out!
