Five Essentials featuring Tom & Lorenzo: Fabulous & Opinionated
We are so excited to feature the fiercely fabulous duo Tom & Lorenzo, celebrity fashion critics of http://www.tomandlorenzo.com/. Their brilliant pop culture blog (offering us honest and hilarious fashion scoop since founding their first site in 2006) touches on all things fresh, from the latest in reality TV to the best and worst of the red carpet. But it’s their spot-on observations, top-notch styling opinions, and super-smart takes on fun and froth that makes them a must-click. Even when I find myself in the worst of moods, they manage to make me laugh until I cry.
Tom & Lorenzo are not afraid to tell it like it is – celebrities, watch what you wear! – but this longtime couple is charming and real, not snarky. Sure, they could give Joan Rivers and her fashion-police squad a run for their money, but these two have an edge that’s all their own. Indeed, the opinionated pair is the toast of the fashion scene. Darlings, don’t start your day or end your evenings without a dose of Tom & Lorenzo. And take their five essentials to heart – these two know their stuff!
Balenciaga Fall 2011 Papier A4 Carreaux Tote: We LOVE this bag. Bright, bold and graphic, with the simplest of elegant lines, this is another bag we feel could pair up or down, from your best Chanel drag to your favorite pair of jeans. It’s mod and classic, chic and bold all at the same time.
Bag Snob X DKNY ‘Travel’ Bag:
Victoria Beckham Spring 2012 Bag: The ideal treasure bag for us is one that will always be in style; classic, elegant, and of the highest quality. If you can snag that without turning to the obvious choices like Hermes or Louis Vuitton; go for it, we say. Let it exemplify your great taste but also show your uniqueness and sense of personal style. Done and done with this sturdy classic.
Proenza Schouler Spring 2012 Camera Bag: Our idea of a trendy bag is one that catches everyone’s immediate attention and makes the perfect ice-breaker. Because “Oh my GOD, I LOVE your bag!” never gets old. We adore the retro-sassy take of these camera bags with thick chain straps. Small, but statement-making.
Tommy Hilfiger Spring 2012 Clutch: When it came time to pick a clutch, we found ourselves turning to this brightly colored slash of attitude to our great surprise. It’s a sporty and stylish statement-maker that can be paired up or down; a great little punctuation piece without necessarily being the bag du jour.
Valentino Chain Mail and Leather Bowling Bag: Leader of the Chain Gang
Now that I have one of my own, I’ve discovered a new appreciation for Valentino bags. They’re not just about rock studs and flower appliqués; these are pieces that have been flawlessly constructed with stitching so snug and perfect.
Check it out straight on and this bowler probably doesn’t look too exciting. A slouchy satchel in standard chestnut? Exhausted beyond ad nauseum! But don’t count this one out too quickly. Run-of-the-mill leather has an element of surprise. A splash of shimmer gives this bag new meaning, with a chain-mail gusset that looks swish, not gauche.
I have seen chain mail done with no success (and I’m sure you have, too) – it’s not easy to cleanly attach steel mesh to leather, especially without evoking the sad end of the Vegas strip. But Valentino’s meticulous quality passes the test, and this metallic flash is more Rodeo Drive.
Textured leather lets the gold really shine, and a convertible shoulder-to-top-handle style lets you know it’s about function. Classy hardware accents hold the straps in place, just enough gold to stay in keeping with the theme, and a roomy interior offers all the required pockets. Adding an unexpected component to an otherwise drab bag makes this great for the girl on the prowl for an everyday carryall who is bored silly with practicality. No need to compromise – you get function and stimulation in equal measures. On Net-a-Porter
Pair with: A blush coat with gold accents and a few interesting twists is what this bag needs to take it into painfully chic territory. 3.1 Phillip Lim delivers via his scarf-collar coat; with sharp, draping panels, the sleeves also unzip into a vest. On Ssense
Are you ready for the return of the Fendi Baguette?
Fendi Cracked Suede Baguette, $990 in blue or silver via Bergdorf Goodman
For an entire generation of women (of which I’m a part), the Fendi Baguette was the first It Bag to penetrate our collective consciousness. Indeed, many fashion people count its popularity as the dawn of the entire It Bag concept, and I probably have its existence to credit, at least in small part, to my current employment. In handbag history, the role of this little Fendi bag can’t be overstated.
Like anything, though, the heady days of Sex and the City passed and the Baguette fell out of favor to make way for the Chloe Paddington, the Fendi Spy and all the other must-have, “ungettable get” bags that followed. The fashion industry is endlessly cyclical, though, and eventually everything old is new again. Nearly 15 years after its launch, is it time for the Fendi Baguette’s second act?
As far as I know, Fendi never stopped manufacturing various versions of the Baguette but instead shuffled it to the back burner while the Spy, BBag and Peekaboo took their turns in the sun. It didn’t make an appearance on the Spring 2012 runway, but seeing this version of the bag in Bergdorf Goodman’s Resort 2012 arrivals section got me to thinking; Fendi’s spring bags look like they’re going to be a bit of a bust. Favor seems ready to swing back to shoulder bags, but smaller designs still rule the day, perhaps because we’re still all paying our chiropractors to fix our backs and shoulders from the last time that enormous bags were en vogue.
The Baguette, with its simple, familiar design, has already proved itself as a perfect canvas for bold color combinations and any manner of embellishment, both of which are important trends in accessory design at the moment (and neither seems to be going anywhere in the near future). I hated Fendi’s Spring 2012 runway bags and so did most of you, and I’m starting to think that a return to tradition might be in order for Fall. Would you be interested in seeing the return of the original It Bag? Buy through Bergdorfs for $990 in blue or silver.
VBH Spring 2012 is utterly lovely, of course
Images via Moda Operandi
VBH bags, much like Hermes, are the kind of designs that I don’t really need to review. The brand turns out functional ultra-luxury masterpieces that are consistently breathtaking, and if you’re a fan of the classics, you’re probably a fan of what VBH does. If you’re not, you’ve probably stopped reading already anyway, if you even started. With that in mind, I’m going to skip the “Are these good, or do they suck?” portion of my standard spiel.
So let’s just say that VBH’s Spring 2012 Moda Operandi pre-sale is happening through November 4th, with bags ranging from $1800 for a clutch to $17500 for a pristine white crocodile satchel. As always, Moda Operandi is members-only, but we’ve got the full gallery of presale offerings after the jump so that even non-members can start planning their upcoming purchases (or, you know, just drool over the pretty stuff).
The Dream comes true: Bag Snob x DKNY at Net-a-porter.com
Miu Miu Mini Coffer Shearling Bag: Fluff With the Right Stuff
Who says our bags can’t be friendly and snuggly? Usually, I’m not a huge fan of fuzzy-fur bags that are extravagantly tactile, unless the shearling is cropped short and neat. But Miu Miu’s fluffy blush and cream Coffer bag reminds me of my puppy and I have a strong urge to cuddle it.
Now blending the notion of cute pets and designer bags wouldn’t normally make for a chic combination, so why is this shaggy satchel a success? Because Miu Miu has the good sense to keep it playful. At a petite and super-cute 10”-wide, this flashes just enough shearling to keep its sense of humor. Archetypal Miuccia details like a braided, stitch-trimmed top-handle and bold gold hardware, plus an optional shoulder strap for more casual cross-body action, punctuate all that volume; panels of mauve suede act as the foundation and ground the furry shearling. The details save the day – there is nothing worse than a giant Sesame Street character-turned-bag that takes itself too seriously and costs five figures. Carry this winter pick-me-up when you’re feeling equally frisky, and nestle up to it when you sit it down next to you. On Net-a-Porter
Pair with: Keep the rest of your look sharp and spunky. A pleated tweed skirt by Theory is a wardrobe classic; this gray-and-black box-pleat makes for a streamlined mini that will welcome a cuddly carryall. At Bergdorf Goodman for $235.
In the Bag
58 and Counting!
No, this isn’t the name of a new reality show. It’s the number of shopping days until Christmas! Let’s face it, right after Halloween things start to move into high gear. Next up is Thanksgiving and after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, everything is a blur.
Many stores are trying to get us to start our shopping earlier by offering price guarantees through January. Truth be told, there are a lot of great sales that go on even before Black Friday, so why not start shopping now?
The best way to get the best deals is to be organized: make a list (and you really should check it twice!), know the right sizes, and have your ideas lined up. What better tool to help you stay on track this year than a sharp looking organizer?
These little beauties include a notepad, some have a pen, and others have slots for your credit cards so you can literally grab and go or keep them at your fingertips as you shop online. Pick out your favorite and make this your first holiday purchase!
The Julia Patent 6X8 Slip Jacket from Coach zips completely around so you don’t have to worry about losing your receipts or other loose papers. It includes note pads, has slots for your credit cards and even comes with a pen. Get it in your favorite color for $198.
Luxury leather doesn’t have to be expensive – check out Oberon Design for made to order leather and pewter. This Paisley Pocket Organizer was created from drum dyed leather and is available in a variety of colors and sizes. This fine piece of work is just $50, but you might want to check out the variety of covers and other leather goods at this site.
Dooney & Bourke Plaid Double Pocket Shoulder Bag
The Dooney & Bourke Plaid Double Pocket Shoulder Bag is a little preppier than I prefer my bags, but I still love it. The bright yellow tartan – which screams Cher Horowitz – is a welcome alternative to more muted, neutral plaids. While the nineties fashion that has been reemerging lately has been a little more grunge-y, perhaps this is a sign that things are about to turn a little sunnier? Either way, it’s $245 at Zappos.
Melie Bianco Lorraine Satchel
If you’re in the market for a practical everyday bag that won’t cost you a fortune, consider the Melie Bianco Lorraine Satchel. You can’t really go wrong with Melie Bianco; the label designs smart, efficient bags that generally stand the test of time, are made from quality faux leather and, naturally, are very well priced. Lorraine is a favorite for its sturdy construction and roomy interior. It’s not huge, but it gets the job done when you need just enough room for the everyday load. Find it for $110 at Nordstrom.
Solar L
How do I love this Jimmy Choo purse? Let me count the ways. I love the twelve zodiac signs, countless moons and the smattering of stars all in antiqued metal. I’ve always been drawn to anything celestial, so the Solar L bag is already on my Christmas list. The short shoulder strap, finished with a pretty tassel, makes it easy to carry the evening sky with you wherever you go. The only problem is that I’m not sure whether I like this heavenly handbag better in black or taupe. Check it out at jimmychoo.com ($1995).