Somebody hand me a Sprite…spring’s latest handbags are giving me a craving for something sparkling and citrusy. I’m loving the the punchy lemons and limes of this new batch of designer purses – so cheerful and suitable for spring. Below, some favorites…

3.1 Phillip Lim Kanvas Leather Shopper: This smooth square tote comes in citronella and mint…take your pick! Available for $525 at Eluxury.com.

Alexander McQueen Elvie Patent Leather Tote: Lime goes luxe in this slick and sophisticated handbag. Available for $2,160 at Net-a-Porter.com.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Posh Turnlock Hobo: This lemony hue would look great against a white or dove gray summer dress. Available for $428 at Eluxury.com.

Roberto Cavalli Oversized Leather Shopper: Cavalli goes sporty with this yellow weekend-perfect bag. Available for $1,1,75 at Net-a-Porter.com.

Fendi Doctor Buckle Tote: The softest touch of green looks oh so sweet. Available for $1,460 at Net-a-Porter.com.

posted: February 10th, 2009
category: Fendi Handbags, Marc Jacobs Handbags, Other designer Handbags, Roberto Cavalli Purses, Style Picks
comments: 1 Comment

Marlene Dietrich, Victor/Victoria, Jennifer Beals in Flashdance…for years women have been proving that they can rock a tuxedo just as well as any man. The design community seems to be agreeing, because everywhere I look I see tux-inspired cuts for the ladies. Step aside, boys.

Grey Ant Double Breast Mini Dress: This roomy tux-styled vest sports an exposed back and a satin-lined collar. Available for $596 at Oak NYC.

Motel Dianna Dress: Pinstripes and double button detailing give this double-breasted dress a sharp look. Available for $72 at Pixie Market.

Kiki de Montparnasse Tux Shirt with Kiki Bow: So, so hot with a black pencil skirt or short-shorts and heels. Available for $225 at Shopbop.

Victoria’s Secret Silk Chiffon Tux Top: Keep that feminine influence with this romantic ivory blouse. Available for $39.99 at Victoria’s Secret.

Silence & Noise Tuxedo Halter Dress: This party dress sports a tux-style bib and a sheer lace overlay. Available for $88 at Urban Outfitters.

Mayle Samira Leather and Lace Clutch: Keep the monochromatic theme intact with this sexy patterned clutch. Available for $250 at Barneys Co-op.

posted: February 10th, 2009
category: Other designer Handbags, Style Picks
comments: No Comments

Um, is it spring yet? Seriously, if that little groundhog doesn’t come through, I’m going to blast it Caddyshack-style. Why am I so antsy? It might have something to do with the luscious Jordan Almond-hued handbags headed our way. Pinks, purples, a sky blue or two…it’s one dreamy shade after another. A few favorites:

Lanvin Happy Partage Bag: Forget spring. How fab would this pretty pink shade look against one of winter’s black or charcoal gray blazers or sweaters? Alber, you do know how to make a gal happy, don’t you? Available at Net-a-Porter for $1,760.

Mulberry Bayswater Spazzalato Bag: The iconic Brit bag gets a slick lilac-hued makeover. Who needs an Easter basket when you have this? Available at Net-a-Porter for $995.

Fendi Leather B Bag: This heavenly B redux recalls a bouquet of hydrangeas. Love it. Available at Net-a-Porter for $2,000.

Fendi Mini Borderline Satin Clutch: Bubblegum pink AND crystals? It sounds wretched on paper, but Fendi has managed to deliver a beguiling, elegant little evening bag with just the right dash of glitz. Available at Net-a-Porter for $780.

posted: January 19th, 2009
category: Fendi Handbags, Lanvin Bags, Other designer Handbags, Style Picks
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The French gave us Brigitte Bardot, Olivier Martinez, and the impression that we could eat nothing but cheese, chocolate, and pastries and not gain un petite ounce. So isn’t it nice to give them some love? Right now I’m saying ‘oui oui’ to Francophile fashions, starting with the Serge and Jane Burnout Tee from Solid Gold Rags (Serge being Serge Gainsbourg, and Jane being the awesome Jane Birkin–yes, THAT Birkin). And Eiffel’in in love with the Le Paris tee from Urban Outfitters, which will go perfectly with my Forever 21 Paris Tote. I’ll be scooping up these babies maintenant.

Solid Gold Rags Serge and Jane Tee: solidgoldrags.bigcartel.com

Urban Outfitters Le Paris Tee: www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog

Forever 21 Paris Tote:  www.forever21.com

posted: November 12th, 2008
category: Style Picks
comments: No Comments

You know how you’re listlessly Windows-shopping online and then suddenly you come across something that makes your mouse freeze and your jaw drop? This Mischen Pleated Sheath Dress did that for me. So pretty yet in an atypical way, this scribbled print and ribbon-belted waist is feminine with fierce possibilities. I’d pair with Lanvin‘s Drape PM Ottoman Bag, a romantic frame bag with grosgrain ribbon details that mirror the dress’s sash. Add black patent Mary Jane heels and a shrunken black blazer and you’re in business.

Mischen Pleated Sheath Dress: http://www.lagarconne.com/store

Lanvin Drape PM Ottoman Bag: http://www.barneys.com/Drape%20PM%20Ottoman%20Bag

posted: October 14th, 2008
category: Lanvin Bags, Style Picks
comments: 1 Comment

Spinning off of the Copper craze, Rust is one of the IT colors for fall.  Rust compliments hazel, green and amber eyes best, but can be worn with any complexion.  Rust is a perfect match to denim washes and looks delicious with chocolate.  Rust also dyes up beautifully in leather.  Rich Cognacs, Saddles and Indian Reds; Rust colored leathers get better with time.  As the leather matures the highs and lows become more attractive adding to the look of the skin.  Rust is also a more natural shade in leather and does not have to be over treated.  Handbags and accessories dyed up in the Rust family are a treasure. Not quiet Hermes‘s signature color (nothing is quite like that pantone), Rust is extremely flattering and bold.  I hope this color sticks around for Spring 2009.

Photo from Glam.com

posted: October 5th, 2008
category: Style Picks
comments: No Comments

There’s just something about winter that whispers “wear the plaid” in my ear. Maybe it’s that back to school impulse to reach for my old school uniform kilt, or the rich hues that recall the falling leaves. But do you really need a justification to try out a trend? Heck no. With that in mind, mix up your holiday wardrobe with a plaid print. Rag & Bone’s Plaid Tote in black and gray (reasonably priced at $375) is great for stylephiles who fear those big brassy tartans, as is Oak’s sweeping black and white Plaid Scarf – a steal at $42. I also love the mysterious murkiness of Paper Tiger’s dark green London Plaid Coat, so hip over a dress, black tights, and ankle boots or knee-highs. Of course, if you really want to make a statement, you could always slip on the bold red and black buffalo plaid Lady Lumberjack Ruffle Dress. Bring your own axe.

Rag & Bone Plaid Tote: http://www.eluxury.com/estore/browse/product_detail.jsp?id=12083624

Oak Black & White Plaid Scarf: http://www.oaknyc.com/women/new-items/black-white-woven-plaid

Paper Tiger London Black Coat: http://www.pixiemarket.com/store/londonplaidcoat-p-505.html

Lady Lumberjack Ruffle Dress: http://fredflare.com/customer/product.php?productid=4455&cat=303#

posted: October 2nd, 2008
category: Style Picks
comments: No Comments

I’ve got enough environmentally friendly canvas tote bags to fill a gas-guzzling, pollution-producing Humvee. Unfortunately, maybe a handful of them are actually cute enough to qualify as suitable arm candy. But I’ve got a new recruit that’s not just eco-friendly, it’s fashionable to boot. Behold the Envirosax Organic Eco-Friendly Vegetable Ink Printed Bag, a chic black and white graphic tote that can take you from the farmer’s market to Fred Segal. I love the hip, modern print, and the tote’s roomy, sturdy form is vital. And wouldn’t you rather carry this than a half-dozen icky plastic bags? Available at ASOS for $12.98.

posted: September 2nd, 2008
category: Style Picks
comments: No Comments

I love my blacks and chocolate browns, but when fall comes knocking at my door, it’s rich grays that I yearn for. From slate to charcoal to soft dove, gray is an excellent grounding color for your autumnal wardrobe, and works well with seasonal hues like eggplant and Bordeaux. Some suggestions: Alice + Olivia’s cozy Cowl Neck Sweater Dress, stylish enough for work or the bar; Sunshine & Shadow’s hip little Zig Zag T-Shirt Dress (pair with black tights and a black vintage blazer for fall); Alexis Hudson‘s sleek Cortina clutch in ombre-ish gray patent leather; and Pierre Hardy’s Gwyneth-approved Cabas Tote.

Alice + Olivia Cowl Neck Sweater Dress: shopbop.com/cowl-neck-sweater-dress-alice/

Sunshine & Shadow Zig Zag T-Shirt Dress: shop.mickmargo.com/p-249-zig-zag

Alexis Hudson Cortina Clutch: pinkmascara.com/pinkmascara

Pierre Hardy Cabas Tote: Barneys.com/CabasTote

posted: August 22nd, 2008
category: Other designer Handbags, Style Picks
comments: No Comments

I’ve had a love/hate relationship with velvet for, well, all my life. I love the feel and romantic old-school texture of it, but hate the dowdy little velvet jumpers my parents forced me to wear as a kid (complete with white turtleneck and sumo-sized hair bow). I generally like velvet best when it’s used in small measures, as is the case with this smart Velvet Clutch from Stella McCartney. The purple hue is striking, and the silver trim is a nice modern contrast to the more vintage (but oh so touchable) velvet. What do I intend to wear with it, you ask? For fall, I’m thinking jeans, tall boots, a silk cami, and one of those hot shrunken black jackets that are cropping up everywhere. In the meantime though, I’m craving a boho twist by pairing it with Orion’s utterly gorgeous, totally summer Susannah Watercolor Print Dress. Think Stevie Nicks with less relationship baggage.

Orion Susannah Watercolor Print Dress: pretaportobello.com/onlineproductdetail.aspx

Stella McCartney Velvet Clutch: kirnazabete.com/accessories/bags/

posted: August 20th, 2008
category: Style Picks
comments: No Comments