The hue is perfect, the shape is functional, and the price is superb. The Kooba Aram Metallic Shoulder Bag is yet another Neiman Marcus exclusive, featuring gunmetal metallic lambskin. The chunky shoulder strap and buckled strap on the front add the Kooba touch that we have all found recognizable. The leather is patent, which we all know is a must have for this season, and the color is gunmetal metallic which is almost a must have for the season. Coyly placed side slide pockets add a dimensions on either end of the bag. While this handbag is nothing super fantastic or extraordinary, it demonstrates that style can be functional and practical (money wise). Kooba is known for good prices and young funky bags. Buy exclusively through Neiman Marcus for $595.
Jan 14, 2011
Kooba Aram Metallic Shoulder Bag
Fendi Matisse Spy Bag
This limited edition Fendi Matisse Spy is new for S/S 06. Personally, I never had much of a special regard for arts. But when it came down to it, I’ve always had favorites that I loved to look at. Monet, Picasso and Matisse always managed to impress me the most. I truely believe that Henry would have loved to see his impressionistic works on these exclusive bags; I think the Spy looks gorgeous in this version. A wonderful symbiosis of fashion and art, like I haven’t seen it in a while. Each piece is hand painted, which makes each bag in the limited series completely unique.
Dior Paris #8217;50s Print Saddle Bag
Do you remember grabbing tugging on your daddy’s pant leg when you were a little girl and crying and begging for a pony? If you just nodded your head all I can say is, “What a selfish brat!” Wait. Just kidding, I did it all the time. A pony among many other things. In fact, if you ever have the pleasure of meeting my wonderful father, don’t even ask him if I was a difficult child (because he would obviously say No, Duh!) Anyway, what does a pony have to do with anything you ask yourself. Well, as much as many of us ladies wanted a pony, we also should want a Saddle. The Dior Saddle Bag of course! Now this isn’t just any Dior Saddle Bag, this is the Dior Paris ’50’s Print Saddle Bag, and I can tell you I really really want it worse than I ever wanted a pony!
This bag not only a limited edition but also manifests a whimsical Parisian chic style, and shows off some of the most beautiful monuments and scenes in Paris through iconic sketches including Sacre Coeur, Notre Dame, and of course, fashionable women. “Prettied up with canary yellow and lilac flowers, this artful take on the classic saddle is truly a piece to treasure.” I could not agree more. Of course this classy little number is trimmed and piped in smooth leather, has the focal point at the oversized polished silver metal “D” charm dangling from the top flap, and a leather shoulder strap with polished silver metal “CD” charms. All of which I adore. Back to the pony. When you begged your daddy for that pony you just had to have, the answer was usually no. I have a feeling I will get the same response again for the much loved saddle. The Dior Paris ’50’s Print Saddle bag could be a down payment for a pony; coming in at a hefty $1,015 via eLuxury.
Miu Miu Quilted Chevron Shoulder Bag
Every Chanel lover is coming down off a fume about the recent exorbitant price increases. While we all expect our handbags to become more expensive over time, the Chanel hike has been ridiculous. Luckily there are other designers whose handbags meet our fancies. And as the prices sky rocket, it is comforting to see some handbags that remain in the lower range, which is ridiculous that we consider under $1500 lower now. A brand that is filling the shoes of its big sister beautifully is Miu Miu. Many of the recent Miu Miu handbags have been huge hits, giving us the feeling of a Prada bag with a price that allows us all to breathe easy. From the resort collection, the Miu Miu Quilted Chevron Shoulder Bag gives us a great quilt on a nude colored shoulder bag. The link chain top handle is designed with a nude toned chain, which makes this handbag sleek and uniform. The only aspect that stands out is the Miu Miu logo in gold hardware. Yet when this simple bag comes together, the look is clean and chic. And the price, this is where I get back to the Chanel price increase; because you can get this handbag for much less than a Chanel quilted bag. And no, you don’t need to play this handbag off as a Chanel, just love it as a quilted Miu Miu bag. Pre-order at Neiman Marcus for $1155.
And if you are looking for a killer pair of shoes to compliment this bag, stick to Miu Miu. Miu Miu shoes are designed impeccably well, with an understanding of how a woman’s body is made, to give you the most comfort while looking astounding. Spice up your shoe wardrobe with the Miu Miu Deco Patent Platform Shoes. The pink with pink/black trim is a great color combination and the deco look adds a modern and nice touch. Buy at Neiman Marcus for $695.
Twelfth Street Suede Studded Shoulder Bag
To be seen on the road less traveled is not always a bad thing. Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent has designed a bag that screams out shape, style, and function. Cynthia’s Twelfth Street Suede Studded Shoulder Bag stands out from the ordinary bags out there. This shoulder bag is a studded standout. Although suede is not easy to keep clean, every lady should have at least one suede bag in her collection. Let’s discuss this huge bag. We are talking about size, size, size. With a height of 16″, depth 1-5″, width 13″, and shoulder strap drop of 10″, this bag is surely in a league of its own. Then there is the fun part- lotsa studs! Detailing is in style, especially stud detailing. This bag is sure to be a hit with its shiny purple studs which are stylishly placed in a geometric floral pattern on the bags front. The bag has a magnetic top closure and an inside pocket. Bigger is not always better, but in this case it sure may be. I think bags like this take a certain person to pull it off, but I know you are out there- and you will rock this bag like ita??s your job! If I’m talking about you, hop on over to Sun Walters and buy this bag for the marked down price of $174.99.
Gucci Wine Carrier
As summer slowly approaches, it is time for pool parties, dinner parties, yacht rides, etc. I know I have always been a wine giver, hey, it’s simple, but the presentation is always lacking. Some of these dinner parties are more like royal parties, and although the
wine I give is very nice, I always feel like something is missing. I have figured it out. It’s the way I give the wine, so boring and dull.
Gucci has the perfect solution. For this summer Gucci is featuring a two-bottle wine/champagne carrier with an inside pocket which can hold an opener and your card. The carrier features their famous natural canvas exterior with beige/ebony GG plus interior, dark brown leather trim, and green/red/green signature web on the outside and handles. Each compartment is about 4.3 x 11.3 x 7.8 inches. This is where my father would chime in how impractical a purchase like this would be, but for special occasions — why not? For $290 at Gucci’s site, the carrier is available to accentuate your bottled gift.
Dolce #038; Gabbana Vitello Canvas Tote
Like I have said many times, I grew up on the ocean. Well not on it per say, although I always wanted to live in the ocean in Stilt City but that is besides the point. My family was never much of a fisher-family, seeing that both my mom and I are allergic and we all rather have someone prepare our food rather than take all that time to slice, dice, and remove parts. All things aside, we still would go on boats often and still had friends that liked to fish and use nets to catch all sorts of ocean critters. We used to wade in the sand bars and catch little crabs and other marine life in nets. The nets we used looked like a slightly different version of the Dolce & Gabbana Vitello Canvas Tote which appears more like a fisherman’s accessory than an accessory for a lady on solid shore ground. This canvas bag sports net-like woven metallic leather and a wooden top handle. Might as well give the dimensions seeing that you need to know the size of marine life that you can fit in here; 11?”H X 15″L X 5″W. Totally hideous and if I were sitting on way too much money, I’d cut out the canvas lining and literally use this metallic net to catch something or other out there. At least I would do it and make a fashion statement. Fugly and overpriced through Saks for $1550.
Press: Kelly Girls
While our site reads “Shallow Obsessing Strongly Encouraged“, there is so much more to the people of Purse Blog and Purse Forum. Boasting over 68,000 registered members, The Purse Forum is one of the fastest growing and most active communities on the web. Nestled in the vast forum are sub-forums upon sub-forums of members. These members have congregated because of their passion for handbags yet in the end have formed much more. Many have met others and become great friends, while groups of members are enjoying meeting up to shop and eat. This past spring a group of Hermes members did just that, resulting in a fabulous weekend and a feature in the New York Times. Christine Muhlke from the New York Times met with the Hermes ladies to see a little bit into their world. Yesterday in a special style section of the NYT was an alluring article about some of the women behind the Hermes group. For a fun read about our amazing Hermes Forum please check out the article at NYT!
Special thanks to all of the ladies who participated and Christine for featuring the fabulous members of our forum! 
It??s amazing the girls you can meet on the Internet. It??s a democracy that brings together collectors, fetishists and everyday enthusiasts from around the globe to share their knowledge about, say, meerkats or Churchill. Now even lovers of the world??s most expensive handbags are geeking out.
Purseblog.com is a two-year-old site whose 58,000 forum members chat about Marc, Louis, Jimmy et al. The site??s most elite forum is, naturally, Herm??s, where women with handles like H_addict and BirKineSS post their latest purchases, rhapsodize over their dream sacs and go into so much detail about leather and hardware you??d think it was a Dungeons & Dragons site.
Read the rest of the article after the jump!
??Cyclamen only comes in epsom and ch??vre,?? reads a typical post, ??and there are no ch??vre Evelynes.??
There??s also a real-time component to the community, like the New Yorkers who hit the Madison Avenue store every Friday; the group that went to Las Vegas, dining at restaurants like the Olive Garden to save money for their higher shared purpose; and the Asian contingent that met in Singapore.
During an early spring weekend, almost 30 of the faithful converged on Manhattan to put a face to the avatar. But first they shopped ?? some members recognizing one another from their purses. (??I knew that was your Lindy!??) The perky blond Southerners stuck together, as did the women in black, while locals couldn??t help flaunting their relationships with the S.A.??s, or sales assistants, the true keys to the kingdom. (Forum regulars have been scolded by their S.A.??s after posting their purchases, angering the have-nots.)
After scouring the store, SoCal and traceyd adjourned to La Goulue for Champagne. (Out of embarrassment, all of the women interviewed requested that only their screen names be used.)
??We met in the Chlo?? room,?? said SoCal, an attractive 30-something brunette in jeans, heels, a tailored jacket and a crocodile collier de chien bracelet ?? or C.D.C., as the ladies refer to it. Traceyd, an impeccably maintained Upper East Side boho with a taste for ethnic jewelry, had posted, ??Should I give my 16-year-old a Paddy???
Like others in the forum, traceyd had traded up to Herm??s, selling her 50-plus ??It?? bags to focus on Birkins, which start at $7,000: ??I thought if I had a Birkin, that??s all I needed. But it wasn??t.?? She now has three Birkins, as well as eight other styles. But, she added, Herm??s has made her more selective: ??I??ve bought less crap in other areas of my life.??
Though they??d never met F2F, they knew a lot about one another, encouraged by threads like ??Do you ever not long for anything else???
??The people on the blog think the Herm??s girls are the most snobby,?? SoCal said. And while she acknowledged that the Herm??s demographic is older and more educated, she asserted that they??re not a bunch of ??trust-fund girls,?? just powerful women who happen to have a fetish.
I asked SoCal what she does. ??I??m a tenured professor of psychology,?? she said with a laugh.
And traceyd is a successful screenwriter. They were joined by an anesthesiologist, a surgeon, a pharmacist, a lawyer, a corporate risk management consultant, another psychologist and a designer from Australia the next evening, at an Upper East Side town house. They weren??t all draped in scarves and enamel bracelets; one wore sweats. In fact, the more they spoke, the more it became clear that they were collectors, not shopaholics ?? another rabbit hole entirely.
??That??s a 28 in noisette!?? one said, checking a Kelly from across the room.
??It??s havane, not black!?? another said, showing off her C.D.C. ??It matches my eb??ne Massai!??
But soon their conversations turned to work, parenting, hobbies, the war.
??It??s beyond bags,?? said shopmom411, a Berkeleyite whose posts are accompanied by the Epictetus quote ??Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly.?? She added, ??This group has opened up my world in a way that nothing else ever has.??
Someone shouted, ??Heather??s getting a divorce. What scarf should we buy her???
For this sisterhood, which is planning a pilgrimage to Paris in ??08, their purses transcend status. ??It??s a way of life,?? explained Ninja Sue, who bought her 12th bag that day.
Shopmom411 said, ??We saw all these women with Birkins on Madison, and I don??t think any of them appreciate what they have.?? The gang clucked in disbelief. ??Some of us have more bags than the really wealthy people,?? she said. ??We??re just average ladies with a passion.??
Article via New York Times
Net-a-Porter Sale
Yes, so Net-a-Porter is a little slow coming on the sale scene, but girls, it is worth the wait!! And since our job is to advise you on smart buying decisions, we picked a few sale bags that would be great for Fall. Hey, who knew we could be so practical? But how great is it to buy a bag on sale NOW for the next season? Too good to be true. But the sale is on everything, including super cute summer dresses that you still have time this season to wear.
The Celine Clandestine frame bag is a true classic. We loved it in pink but even better for long term use is the black. You will use this for years and it’s on sale for only $837 (originally $1395).
The Bottega Veneta Leather and velvet bag is a bag we absolutely love and red is THE color for Fall. The embroidered detail is sooo beautiful. $1,780 on sale for $1,068.
Amazingly, the uber popular Marc Jacobs Ursula Bowler Bag is on sale. Metallic is of course perfect for the holiday season and it looks like the trend is going to continue because a lot of Fall bags are coming in metallic. So all in all, this is a smart buy for $645 (was $1075.00).
The Bottega Veneta Karung Snakeskin Bag was $3,150 and on sale for $1417.50. It is a great price for exotic and it is especially good for the coming holiday season. We love this bag for the tortoise shell chain handle.
Miu Miu Crocodile Embossed Patent Satchel: Fab or Drab?
The next best thing to having a crocodile bag, is looking like you have a crocodile bag. Miu Miu is keeping on their toes by designing an embossed crocodile bag that is much more affordable and looks ultra chic. The Miu Miu Crocodile Embossed Patent Satchel is available in either luscious moror dark brown or creamy talco ivory. The hardware is goldtone which adds a classy appeal. There are top handles with rings, a removable shoulder strap, and a zip top closure. Choose moro (dark brown, shown) or talco (ivory) crocodile-embossed patent leather. Yummy via Saks for $1240.
Fab or Drab?
Chanel Crocodile 2.55
I know we are going to catch more flak from animal lovers so I’d like to share the following from a New York Times article: “in the face of poaching and widespread habitat destruction, one way to save many species is to make them economically valuable. Farming crocodiles may be a means of insuring their survival”.
Look at these beauties, this is the kind of bags that make us weak in the knees and bring us to tears. Call us superficial, frivolous, bored or whatever. But you can not deny the perfection of Chanel’s crocodile 2.55 bags. I had a chance to play around with it at the Chanel boutique today and the crocodile skin is absolutely flawless. Pilar, the Managing Director of Chanel, and I discussed at length about the difference in shiny croc (from a glaze treatment) and matte croc and we both decided that shine from the glaze treatment shows off the scales better and gives it that glitzy glamour we crave from an exotic bag. The croc bags come in multiple colors, but I prefer the light blue version shown above left. It’s a young and fun color, totally unexpected from such a serious bag. $24,000 at Chanel. 214-520-1055 – ask for Alexis
For the ultimate snob, the bag also comes in a diamond/crocodile version at the whooping price of $240,000. Which is almost double the price of the diamond/crocodile Hermes birkin. Looking for a Christmas gift anyone?
Dior Cannage
Dior finally came out with a bag we like. This quilted cannage of buttery soft lamb skin is a great basic that will go a long way. The bag can be a hobo (as shown in picture) or a tote, by unhooking the straps and pulling them out between the centering rings (while not in use, the hook sits out of the way nicely). It’s quite ingenious and is much cuter than the Cannage shopper (which is a totally different style altogether and is not at all cute). There are lots of zip and side pockets on the inside making this a good option for hip mommies. Versatile, practical and stylish. What more can we say to help this bag out? Not that it needs any help, it’s already selling out everywhere. It comes in 3 sizes and 5 colors; black, cream, red, dark brown and aged light brown (which is distressed, leathery and gross and ruins the classic appeal). At eLuxury
Jimmy Choo Oversized Eel Clutch
One can not leave New York without dining at the latest “it” restaurant of the season. Currently, “it” happens to be the celeb packed “Waverly Inn” by Graydon Carter, a cozy little place in the West Village. I had dinner there the other night with my husband and a group of friends, one of which is a very chic girlfriend who walked in with a gorgeous oversized clutch in eelskin. To be honest, I have never been a fan of eel skin but this one was a stunner (seriously retro chic!); accented with gold band closure and water snake flap, it almost looked like a vintage piece from the ’70s! There was no discernible logo so I kept peeking at it discreetly to decipher the designer and as the evening went on I became completely obsessed with finding out more about the bag. Towards the end of the night, my friend went into the restroom and came out with what seemed like a totally different bag with a gold chain – wait didn’t she walk in with a clutch? That was when I could not contain myself any longer. I grabbed it and shouted “who makes this bag and is this a removeable shoulder strap?” Everyone laughed at the table because it was a classic Bag Snob moment, forget the wonderful food, wine and company. I only cared about the bag!
Turns out the clutch/bag is the Jimmy Choo Carolina oversized clutch
Remember the sold out Jimmy Choo Marin clutch we gave away? It’s now a celeb classic so you better jump on this one fast before Nicole or Paris snatch it up and steal your thunder!
Tips For Comparing GPS Devices
Tom Tom is not far behind Garmin in the GPS sales market. This is due to the Tom Tom,compare prices, 3rd Edition that sells for almost the same price as Garmin’s Nuvi 200. It also offers more features than the Nuvi 200.
No matter the price, a GPS device has one main function- it gives directions from one point to another. The problem arises when you’re comparing GPS devices and weigh the options that each has to offer. What is necessary and what isn’t?
All GPS units have pre-programmed destinations on them that are referred to as Points of Interest (POIs). They also feature touch screens that allow users to enter data via keys or by touching icons. All GPS receivers have been designed to be easy to use.
Garmin is best known. That’s the reason they have cornered almost 50% of the total GPS market. Garmin has created a device for virtually every budget, starting with the Nuvi 200 that is priced for less than $150. Garmin also has a model that sells for close to $1,000 that has every bell and whistle possible.
The best way for comparing GPS devices is to let your fingers do the walking on the Internet. Go to your favorite search engine and look at what each manufacturer has to offer.
The shelves of electronics retailers are full of GPS manufacturers. The ones who have the best reputation, however, are Garmin, Tom Tom,tan leather bag, and Magellan. You can’t go wrong if you buy a GPS unit made by one of these three manufacturers.
Comparing GPS devices can be like trying to compare snowflakes. They all start to look the same, even though you know they are different.
The challenge with trying to compare GPS devices is in determining which options are worth the price. You might find one unit with the options you desire, but then right next to it is another one with one extra feature that is just a little bit more expensive.
There are so many different brands with multiple features that it can make a shopper’s head spin trying to sort them out. This article will hopefully help consumers compare GPS devices to find the unit that best suits their needs.
When comparing GPS devices, you can’t forget Magellan. It was one of the first manufacturers and its Maestro line features units in the economical price range of $150-$350. Magellan stands behind its products and also has a partnership with auto club AAA. This partnership features AAA’s Tour Book in Magellan’s GPS devices. You have to be AAA members to have access to the Tour Book, but it does offer great travel benefits to AAA members!
Jan 12, 2011
Dior Diorissimo Hobo
To logo or not to logo; that is the question. In many cases, I say ‘Nay’, but in some cases I say ‘Yay’. So let’s see who are our logo fans out there… and who are not. For this Parisian-chic structured hobo, I say “Bellissimo”! The Dior Diorissimo Hobo looks structured, fun, and logofied. The hobo features the classic Dior Logo jacquard canvas and is trimmed with leather. If you want to opt for a less showy bag, this bag is offered in black logo/black leather trim. But if you want to add some flirty fun, like I would do, you can opt for the beige logo/red trim (shown). Another fun part about this bag are the 4 pop-out pockets neatly placed on the bag; 2 in the front with buckle details, and 1 flap pocket on each side. The shoulder strap is leather and the inside is lined in satin finished twill and has an interior snap pocket. If you love to hear the sizes, here ya go: 13.5″ (including side pockets) x 8.5″ x 6.75″ (including front pockets) — this is the exact sizing the site provides. I dig the structured look of the bag, and for some reason I don’t feel like this Christian Dior handbag was logo splurged on. What do you all think? For $890 through eLuxury, you can add this logo bag to your collection.
Celine Bittersweet Large Bag
My trip to Italy had some time for fun and much time for business. Vlad and I met up to scour the fashionable streets of Venice, and Kim joined me in Florence, to find out new info on handbags around the world. We hopped in Celine Florence yesterday to inquire about new styles, what is selling, and the perfection behind the simple Celine designs. Kim, who can be known as the gal who loves a good leather bag but hates a lot of fuss, was eyeing the Celine Bittersweet Large Bag. Simple enough for her taste but carrying a bang of style, this handbag features pebbled leather along with fine top stitching and polished metal hardware. The idea behind many Celine bags is to stay true to the beauty of the bag and let the simple elegance take over. The ruched pleats along the bottom add a little flair. Kim added that this handbag can easily be carried during the day or dressed up at night, but she wont take it to the grocery store 
. The size is rather large, but can fit plenty, 18″x 10″x 10″. Via eLuxury for $1200 or contact your local Celine boutique.
Prada Quilted Nylon Satchel
Being able to kick this sinus infection would be so much easier if I were in the sunshine laying by my beach (which I will be in 4 short days). Until then, the best remedy is looking at bags that remind me that Spring Resort 2007 Handbags are waiting for me in the stores. Prada did not disappoint this fall with their handbags (especially their Prada Gauffre) and this coming spring they have tied in the quilt with nylon to bring us a similar yet different Prada Quilted Nylon Satchel. This quilted nylon satchel is trimmed with leather and features braided leather handles and buckle detailed straps. To make this bag fit across the body, there is a detachable shoulder strap. Leather trim, braided handles and buckle detailed straps. Measuring 9?”H X 17;”L X 6?”W, this bag is love for spring at first sight. The price is high in my opinion for nylon, but it is Prada, you know we pay for the name too. Pre-order via Saks for $1745.
Nicoli Pocket Dark Brown Distressed Leather and Canvas Satchel
I always have a thing for casual chic. What better way to show off understated style than this way. I love attempting to throw on some cute but simple pieces and go out of the house to run errands. Chances are I don’t pull it off as well as some people do, but I sure as heck try. For that laid-back look, distressed leather seems to work wonders. The Nicoli Pocket Dark Brown Distressed Leather and Canvas Satchel doubles over as a practical satchel along with a rugged and distressed vibe to help you pull off the casual-chic look. Designed from distressed brown leather and canvas, this large bag ( Width 14.17″, Height 7.87″, Depth 8.27″) can be used everyday for typical wear and tear. Not everyone is into distressing, but the usability of this bag should be appreciated by most people. This satchel is accented with silver tone metal hardware, is lined with canvas, and has 4 inside pockets (3 open, 1 zipped). Buy it through Forzieri for $239.
Zac Posen Bo Small Shoulder Bag
Zac Posen Bo Small Shoulder Bag
Love his clothing, love many of his bags, but Zac Posen has totally fallen off the wagon with this one. It is an awkward handbag, this Zac Posen Bo Small Shoulder Bag. The Bo part might as well be the name of the cat that it is designed after, because right when I looked at this fug bag I saw an animal’s face. There are whiskers, eyes, a nose, just add the mouth and ears and you are set. Everything about it is off, and the dimensions are huge; 17.5″ (at base)x 9″x 2.5″! That means this will eat up your body and you either get it in the honey/yellow, a-la-Garfield, or the slate/multi. Sometimes is just all wrong. The bag looks off on so many levels. Sure, the materials are great and Zac Posen is an amazing designer, but I am hoping he signed off on this without looking at it, because it is so totally fug to me! Through eLuxury for $1,195.
Michael Kors Chain Shoulder Bag
Michael Kors is able to offer us a designer handbag for a more friendly price tag. Not quite under the $1000 mark, the Michael Kors Chain Shoulder Bag sports cream leather accented with gold hardware. Some days I begin to question these handbags that I love, watching the price tags sky rocket. Is the price really worth it? Are we getting what we pay for? Even with this handbag, sure, it is cute and perfect for that light colored bag. But the tag is still hefty, considering all of the other expenses in life. The chain detailing along with the long zipper pulls are cute. I suppose what I am saying is that I like this bag, but I would not buy it. At Net A Porter for $1095.
Diane von Furstenberg Heart Bag
If you had $36,000 spare dollars, which would you buy?
The hoopla behind the Diane von Furstenberg Wrap Dresses has yet to die down. It may have taken a small itsty-bitsy step down, but it is far from falling. To me, this is still what DVF is known for, her wrap dresses and sultry apparel line. Who would have known she makes accessories, and enormously pricey ones at that. I am all for thinking outside of the box and following your heart, and DVF does just that, follows her heart full of gold to design the Diane von Furstenberg Heart Bag. Now I am pretty sure Diane herself is not slaving for two months over creating this bag, but this piece of art is created by a master goldsmith over a two month time period. The amount of gold is astronomical for a handbag, or just to own. Merely half a foot in diameter, the gold heart bag is lined with lush black suede and features a silk black strap. Some of you thought the Judith Leiber Bag was only to be looked at, well now what do you think of this? Personally, give me $36k to spare and I’d much rather opt for a stunning BMW 328i Coupe and still have $700 to spare. If you are high rolling, buy this masterpiece of gold art through DVF for $36,000.
What would you buy with $36,000?
{Thanks Caitlin!}
Chanel Shiny Alligator
I am officially back from maternity leave! I of course have been keeping up on the great job Tina has been doing and her obsession with exotic is contagious! The first thing that caught my eye after having a baby is this Chanel Alligator tote in light green and thought that maybe I will reward myself for making a baby but then I find out that it is $39,500!! Chanel has been threatening to raise their prices on exotics for a while now and Tina and I kinda just thought it was a sales tactic to get us to buy on the spot but they’ve done it. And not only have they raised the prices, I feel like their skins are sub-par these days. I saw a 2.55 alligator recently that had really giant scales which in my opinion is not as nice, the size of the scales need to be proportionate to the bag. I would think it would be easier to get smaller alligators but this tote also has large scales and that also makes me hesitate. I saw the most beautiful blue flap bag at Chanel a few months ago for $15,000 (given it was smaller than this tote) which made sense but at $39,500 I would rather wait for a Birkin for $30,000 and is far and away a better investment than this bag. This alligator tote has not delivered yet but you can call Chanel at 800-550-0005 and they will have whichever store that gets it call you when it arrives.
Manolo Blahnik Over-The-Knee Suede Boot
Many days I forget what we ladies must do to impress men. It is a vicious circle that takes hours of prep and in the hot and humid summer my attempts usually just fail. My hair is disheveled, I begin to sweat, my skirt sticks to my legs, my heels kill my feet, but I am sure trying to make an impression for my man and in general. There are certain accessories we can wear that simply make any man turn his head and many women be quite envious and stare too. I have found the perfect pair of boots to get the job done The Manolo Blahnik Over-The-Knee Suede Boots are eye-catching sexy and sultry black suede boots. Can you imagine pairing these with little white shorts, a tight tank, and a hot necklace? The men would flock to you. These boots feature diamond cutouts on the cuff, zip up the back, and sport a 4 1/5″ heel. Ok so these boots would make me taller than Vlad, but they are sexy nonetheless. Tell us what you think- sexy or trashy. I’d love to go try these on babies on- I’m sure Vlad would appreciate it. Available exclusively via Neiman Marcus online for $1450.
Prada Napa Gauffre Antic Satchel
The last few seasons Prada bags have not been hit bags in my opinion. The fall 2006 Prada bags are completely hot and flying off the shelves. Since my birthday just passed, I may very well need to take myself birthday shopping. The Prada Napa Gauffre Antic Satchel combines a removable shoulder strap with double top handles with rings and a signature black pleated Napa leather. The pleated leather is beautiful on this bag. The hardware is silver metal and the measurements are 10″H x 17 1/5″W x 6 2/5″D. Simply divine! Buy it through Bergdorf Goodman for $2450.
Weekend Bag Envy
So here is Posh with one of my dream bags, the Hermes birkin in pink ostrich. Can you say jealous? I ordered the moon dress from RM by Roland Mouret
photo source: CU
Dilemma Solved
Remember my bag dilemma last month? I could not decide between two amazingly chic and timeless bags, the Hermes Ostrich Birkin and Oscar de la Renta Alligator Alden, so I did what any girl would do in the same situation. I took both! They are completely different styles and so very unique in their own way that I felt it too difficult to choose between the two. Along with my YSL Muse in Gray blue, this it for my Spring bag purchases. Hopefully I won’t cave in to another bag urge but one of the drawbacks of running a bag blog is that I am tempted, every hour of every day. It takes a will of iron to refrain from buying all the delectable bags I review (one I obviously lack but I am trying!). The Hermes Ostrich birkin in its signature orange and palladium hardware is sizzling hot, bright and cheery, just what I need to get ready for sunshine! Oscar de la Renta’s Alden bag made of American Alligator Mississippiensis (the best in the world, also used by Hermes) is nothing short of absolute perfection. The scales are immaculate and the bag is full of gorgeous details like the tortoise shell frame and magnetic flap which allows me instant access to my wallet. The front pocket also give the bag a youthful vibe. I have not let these bags out of my sight since I got them, can you blame me? At Hermes and Oscar de la Renta boutiques. Or See Oscar De La Renta at NET-A-PORTER
Call Mindy at 214-346-0400 to inquire about the Alden in Alligator. They were made in limited edition so get your hands on one quickly! The bag is around 14″ wide on bottom and again, the blue alligator is spectacular!
Escada Travel Bag
Recently I’ve become quite the world traveler. Jetting within the States or all over Europe. Hey, I’m not going to complain. I love it. But what I do know is when you have a short weekend get-a-way or just a short over night trip, you need the perfect little bag to hold an outfit or two and some other “stuff”. It always seems so hard to find a cute and easy travel bag. For a while I toted a Juicy Couture Bowling Bag as my carry on on airplanes or on short weekend trips, but after getting so much grief from my brothers I began buying far too many oversized bags and simultaneously began my search for cute and practical over-nighters. This is why I am lovin’ this Escada Travel Bag I just found.
Just blame it on my being blonde but I was not fully aware that Escada was big into handbag making. Actually, I’m not that air-headed, because they are not. But they are growing on their handbag endeavor and I am digging it. This travel bag holds everything you may need for your journey and can easily fit under the seat in front of you (for you frequent flyers like myself out there). What I find to be really cool is how this unique bag can be rolled up so that it takes up little space when it’s not needed for traveling. Kind of looks like a yoga or Pilates mat. Which reminds me, I need to get back into my Pilates classes. Ok let’s leave tangents out of this. Anyhow, the Escada Travel Bag is available exclusively from the E-SHOP, in dark-brown canvas with a pink soft leather strap.
Unfortunately the site does not offer more of an explanation with details about the material and size and such, but I am just going by looks and brand and thinking it would be worth the $ 204.06 (price for shipping to the US) on the Escada E-Shop.
Wedding Photography Prices Guide – How to Set Your
o Are you entitled to final prints only, or can you obtain all of the proofs?
Photography Contract Points
When reviewing your contract with a potential photographer, make sure that it is specifically clear in what it covers. Consider these questions:
When determining your wedding photography budget, keep in mind that you get what you pay for. You should expect to spend at least $1000 on having a professional wedding photographer document your wedding (not including the actual prints and other extras). Rates, of course, will vary depending on skill level,compare prices, experience and geographic region (metro areas are usually considerably higher). The size of your wedding can also affect the photography cost, as additional guests may increase the amount of time that the photographer must spend at your event. For instance, for an event of less than 100 guests, a wedding photographer will typically dedicate four-six hours of time. For a larger wedding of 300 or more guests, a photographer may have to spend eight-ten hours on the job.
o Negotiate and switch out an engagement portrait for an additional parent’s album Get even more ways to save on wedding photography prices.
o Buy a more basic wedding photography package with less prints and albums
How much does professional photography cost for your wedding? Learn how to set a realistic photography budget with this guide to wedding photography prices and rates.
The Going Rate for Professional Photography
o Is any travel time considered an extra or included in the bill?
Creative Ways to Save on Wedding Photography Prices
Now that you’re an expert on photography costs and budgeting skills, this complete guide to wedding photography will take you the rest of the way towards hiring and working with a photographer and planning your wedding day shots.
Most wedding photographers will give general pricing information over the phone or on their websites, so you can use an initial online search or phone call as your first step towards finding a photographer that suits your budget. In comparing photography costs,gucci horsebit, remember that different photographers offer different packages – so initial rates can be misleading. Some rates only include the photographer’s time, while prints and albums are extra. Other photography packages may include proofs, a set number of prints and an album. Determine what services and options you want first, then compare photographers’ rates for providing those specific options to determine which professional works within your wedding photography budget.
Comparing Photographer Rates
If you simply must have a certain photographer who commands higher rates, consider these ways to save on your photography budget:
o What is the cancellation policy? Will you get anything back?
o Do you need to make a deposit?
Jan 8, 2011
Win the Belen Echandia Bag of the Season
Every season Belen Echandia selects a Bag of the Season and sends one lucky girl a Golden Ticket email. The Golden Ticket entitles its recipient to the Bag of the Season in her choice of colour. The Bag of the Season for AW 2006 is this unique cowhide metallic purse with removable chain strap. It is perfect for day and night, fits in all your essentials and looks fantastic, too.
This season??s Golden Ticket will be sent on 1 November 2006. The recipient can choose her favourite colour from cowhide from white/silver, white/gold and chocolate/gold.
To be in with a chance of receiving the Golden Ticket, visit the Invitation page on www.belenechandia.com
Good luck!
Last year I missed out on telling you all about how to win the Golden Ticket, but this year I am letting you all know in plenty of time. The bag up for grabs is the sleek Belen Echandia’s Cowhide Metallic Purse. So hop over to Belen Echandia and sign up to win!! 
Gucci Wallpaper
Any of you thinking of remodeling your house? If you are I am sure you have to go through the never-ending process of choosing paint color, wallpaper design, cabinets, fixture selections, etc, etc. So when you are looking for that perfect wallpaper to add to let’s say your family room or your bedroom, would you ever consider this Gucci Wallpaper? I mean seriously… would you?
This unsightly Gucci Wallpaper I came across is designed with the small GG print in a beige pearlized color. If you would honestly consider it I will go on with the specs: it’s made of cellulose and vinyl with a polyurethane resin finish. There is 1 roll per pack (72 sq. ft., 28 inches wide) and the height of each GG is 0.7 inches. Gucci says that this wallpaper is not recommended for humid areas. Hum wonder why this expensive unpractical paper would not be able to go in any room of the house? So I suppose this leaves out your bathrooms. This wallpaper sells for $85 a roll on Gucci.
Personally I’d love to hear your opinions on this matter: I don’t even always like prints on bags let alone hanging all over my house. Would you use this to show people, ‘hey, I really can afford Gucci and I’ll even slab it on my walls to show you I have made it in this world!’ Yikes, I think not.
Momo Safe Chair
Kat2 posted this one on our Forums and it was just too brilliantly simply to pass it up. The Momo Safe Chair, straight Museum of Modern Art, has to be credited to the Design Against Crime Research Centre based at Central Saint Martins.
I don’t think anyone will be trying to sack your bag from between your legs anytime soon. Although I see it being not thought out into the last detail, because especially ladies of shorter stature will be more likely to fold their legs behind and under the chair, rubbing against their bag.
More on the DAC project in a little.
Marc Jacobs Soft Calf Cosmetics Pouch
I love my makeup. I do not use it hardly ever, but I love it. Whenever I go to the mall I always head into Sephora or Nieman Marcus to buy makeup, which I do not need or use. Prices on makeup are ridiculous. Funny how I can say makeup prices are ridiculous when I am telling you day after day about multiple exorbitantly pricey handbags. But here is where I’m stuck in a sticky situation. When I love both makeup and bags, am I willing to spend $325 on a makeup bag? Actually I have a greater question, do I even have over $300 to spend on another bag?
Answer: not really. But will I consider it? Of course I will. That’s a bad personality trait, trust me. The Marc Jacobs Collection Soft Calf Cosmetics Pouch is just one of those beautifully simple bags that I can’t pass up. It is simple, small, divine, and the perfect unnecessary accessory. When I look at this bag I swear I can feel the craftsmanship of the smooth calf leather. Another simply beautiful addition is the signature press-lock, which adds some flirty fun. Now I have to rave to you about the color. The aquamarine is so gorgeous I can’t get over it. It is just one of those elegant blue colors that makes you smile. The bag is lined in a colorful suede and is the perfect size, 7.5″ x 4″ x 2″, to be carried around in your large oversized tote. If you are one of the lucky few to be able to afford this makeup pouch and con promise me you won’t let it get as dirty as you do your other ones, then hop over to eLuxury and buy it for $325.
Ashlee Simpson UGG Dog Carrier
The phrase ‘zoned out’ can be personified with Ashlee Simpson. New nose, makes new face, makes new ego, makes new ‘zoned out’ empty Simpson sister. Ashlee does love her pet though and sports her pup in an UGG Dog Carrier. The UGG Dog Carrier is made of plush shearling and features rubber mesh on the front, back, and top for fresh air. Practical with tons of storage space and the option of two carrying handles or an adjustable shoulder strap, this pet carrier can keep your best friend riding in style. While Ashlee really does look empty in the picture, I must applaud her choice of pet carrier for not being too expensive for an animal that has the option to go potty in the bag. Buy it through Amazon for $260.
