Color block is a trend for fall that is easy to wear, whether you’re daring or not. Simply color block shades that you like, and you’re in good shape. If this idea still scares you, get fashion forward with an accessory. The Lydia Two-tone Croc Embossed clutch from Cynthia Rowley is sharp at the office or after dinner for cocktails. Available in three color ways (I love the green and blue best), the bag is edgy thanks to a fierce zipper adorned by contrasting trim. And if you’re a city girl, you’ll be thankful that the bag also comes with a detachable thin shoulder strap, so wearing it messenger style while running errands after brunch is a total go. The Lydia Two-tone Croc Embossed clutch is available at nordstrom.com and retails for $225.

posted: July 31st, 2008
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: 1 Comment

 

It’s all about exotic skins for those who want to push the luxury envelope further. Those fortunate enough not to worry about the current economic state of the nation can continue to seek the most unique posh materials available for their accessories. Politically correct? Probably not, though much of fashion isn’t. This Zagliani handbag doesn’t merely just skin a snake though. The rich python is treated with silicone for a more lush texture, a process designed by dermatologist Mauro Orietti-Carella. Saks has the exclusive hold on this baby at $ 2900.00

posted: July 31st, 2008
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

When you want a reasonably priced urban bag with a sophisticated nature and a relaxed vibe, call on Kooba. This Jaylin purse is all of the above, with cool points to spare. In a beautiful soft shade, this satchel turn shoulder bag turn messenger will compliment all your chicest city wear, without overwhelming your budget. What’s more, its $485 retail price has been slashed by Funkylala to an even more manageable $345.

posted: July 31st, 2008
category: Luxe for less
comments: 1 Comment

How’s that for a mouthful? Handbag names get weirder and weirder each season, and this is one of the longest I’ve seen in awhile (I believe the previous was also MBMJ). This laptop bag is slim and sleek, so make sure your laptop is similar. There isn’t much room for anything else, which is what disappoints me about this bag. Typically, someone who has to use their laptop a lot, also travels and needs to haul their goods, so extra space in a laptop bag is always welcomed. This one looks so slim, you’d probably have to carry your power chord in yet another bag…so fun while being frisked at airport security, no? I give this bag a nay. The intentions are good, but next time I want a laptop bag I can actually use (and still look stylish with, of course). The Jazzy Jane Slim Sloane Laptop bag retails for $288 at nordstrom.com.

posted: July 30th, 2008
category: Marc Jacobs Handbags
comments: 3 Comments

I spy a great work bag at FromBagsToRiches‘ semi-annual sale: the Chloe Edith. The Edith, rendered in calfskin and in a classic satchel shape, is roomy without being messy. Its clean lines and unfussy architecture make it a great professional bag. Originally priced at $1,275, FromBagsToRiches offers this cream colored Edith in good, pre-loved condition at a mere $510 — a steal for a bag you’ll have for years to come.

posted: July 30th, 2008
category: Chloe Purses, Luxe for less
comments: No Comments

This shopper bag from See by Chloe is perfect for those lazy summer days when you just want to throw on an American Apparel dress, a pair of Havaianas and look like the coolest girl on the black. Made of cotton, the bag can be thrown in the laundry for cleaning, and also makes a chic alternative to those plain ol’ canvas bags that everyone totes their groceries in. It also works at the beach since the minute you get home, you can chunk it, and your wet swimsuit, into the wash. Upon first seeing this bag I thought it might be a little “young” for me, but since summer makes you want to feel as such, I figured what the heck.The See by Chloe Rainbow Medium Shopper retails for $75 and is available at nordstrom.com.

posted: July 30th, 2008
category: Chloe Purses
comments: 1 Comment

Remember the good ol’ days of arts & crafts, glue guns, and friendship bracelets? So, apparently, is the fashion world. Pieces with hand-crafted details are popping up everywhere, giving the most basic items a little razzle dazzle. The shard-like beads on the shoulders of LaROK‘s bold blue Cross Me Knots Tunic give the sexy racerback top an added cool edge. Tracy Reese‘s deliciously mod Embellished Jersey Dress (on sale for $165, ahem) goes the retro route with its chunky rectangular beaded neckline. And since beaded purses have a tendency to be overdone, I’ll keep the embellishments to a minimum via Loeffler Randall’s rock ‘n’ roll studded Calfskin Envelope Clutch (also available in black or snakeskin).

LaRok Cross Me Knots Tunic: www.pinkmascara.com/pinkmascara/product.asp

Tracy Reese Embellished Jersey Dress: http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/28385

Loeffler Randall Calfskin Envelope Clutch: http://www.eluxury.com/estore/browse

posted: July 30th, 2008
category: Other designer Handbags, Style Picks
comments: No Comments

The great divider of Miu Miu‘s Shine Colour Bowler Bag is its controversial combination of black and brown leather. But if you can get behind that, there’s lots to love about this chic newcomer. The hefty bowler shape is a smart structured choice for fall, and come with a detachable cross-body strap. The leather is undeniably supple and refined, with the modern cut-out pattern to give it a fresh edge (does anyone else see a person’s neck and shoulders?). Add a dash of gold hardware and you’re ready to go. I’d be curious to see this purse in a black and white color combo, but I think the earthy brown/black just might work for autumn. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,240.

Shop for more designer purses by Miu Miu

posted: July 30th, 2008
category: Miu Miu Purses
comments: No Comments

As sensible and occasionally satisfying as diffusion lines are, there’s nothing quite like the real (read: $$) deal. That’s the case with the Botkier/Target collaboration, which is nice but leaves a bit to be desired, especially if you don’t love metallics. The designer’s Rex Tote, though, brings a fresh element to the basic carryall. The leather is crunched up accordion-style for an unusual, richly textured effect, the slinky gunmetal chain holding guard over it is strangely sexy and the deep aqua hue is just perfect. Available for $695 at Neiman Marcus.

posted: July 30th, 2008
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

A round of applause for Dolce and Gabbana, please: Their Miss Charleston Chain Strap Flap somehow makes a feast of boldly colored woven straps look chic. There’s even an almost three-dimensional quality about it, something that’s sure to turn a few heads moving into fall. After all, the runways were rife with eye-popping creations, so it’s no wonder they’re making their way to the mainstream. The chain strap is equally playful; it’s a blend of gold and silver chain links, pearls and chunky turquoise stones. Available to pre-order for $2595 at Nordstrom.

posted: July 30th, 2008
category: Dolce and Gabbana Handbags
comments: No Comments