Gucci vs. Ferragamo: Old-School Face-Off
I spy with my snobby eye…two bags that look like they were separated at birth! I’m loving the Gucci 1970 reissue
Gucci is all about the seventies this spring (mixed with some Art Deco bling), so it make sense that theirs has a slouchy, flared shape. Topped with that metal tassel, it’s got a disco vibe going on which is so crazy-fabulous. Then there’s the Ferragamo. Never one to make a fuss, it’s a traditional structured hobo with clean lines – not as much personality as the good-time Gucci, but it’s a solid option for everyday.
Which do you prefer: the classic or the reinvented? You know my answer – anything with more personality is always the better choice.
<a href=”http://polldaddy.com/poll/5896669/”>Tell us which gold-accented shoulder style belongs on your arm:</a>
Tod’s Snakeskin D-Bag: D-Licious
It’s D-Day! Or is it Italian Day? Between Gucci and Tod’s, this snob is having a major “molto bene” moment. From their Spring 2012 collection, Tod’s candy-colored D-Bags are so sweet my tooth aches! But no cavities here – this is the kind of sugar I’m happy to overdose on.
Many of my friends just think of Tod’s as the go-to for basics, like simple brown or black leather bags. But it’s time they meet the brighter side of the brand. It looks like the world is already catching on; in Asia, Tod’s is revered as one of the best Italian brands on the planet (as evident by the 13.5% rise in sales last year, driven mostly by the Asian market).
With ahead-of-the-curve Derek Lam at the helm, the timeless brand has developed a cult following. He’s done a fabulous number on Tod’s with edgy takes on the classics, like the D-Bag (which is “D” for Princess Diana). Bubblegum pink, robin’s egg blue, spearmint green: in snakeskin, it’s all delicious. As for me, I need the bright yellow snakeskin D-Bag, stat! To be available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Gucci Emily Shoulder Bag: Love, Italian Style
After my trip to Florence last month, I am experiencing a serious love affair with all things Italian. And what feels more iconic Italian than Gucci?! The brand has always been about living la dolce vita, and now they’re undergoing a bit of a renaissance. For me, at least.
Not only have I pulled out several ageless Gucci bags I’ve had since the nineties, I’m craving a slew of new ones, too. The Emily shoulder bag is at the top of the snob list (it comes in five alluring colors, but I’ll take lilac leather, please!). It incorporates all those classic Gucci details I know and love: hand-stitching, horse-bit hardware and tassels. Yet it feels utterly fresh, feminine, and modern.
The petite size certainly has something to do with it; at 9” by 5.3” (with a width of 2”), it’s cute, not ostentatious. I’ve been all about smaller bags lately – they just feel more “now” than anything heavy and clunky. With a 17” chain, I can swing it messenger style or from my shoulders. (Tip: pull the chain from the inside and tie into a knot to adjust it for a shorter shoulder length.) At Gucci for $1,090.
Pair with: I’ll keep it Italian with Sergio Rossi’s wrap-around platform wedge. Cork and caramel leather is a classic combo that feels so current this spring. At Barneys New York for $450.
LAST DAY TO ENTER TO WIN! January Giveaway: The Dax Tote by DAX GABLER!
I was incredibly sad when I’d learned Devi Kroell had left her namesake brand, Devi Kroell, Inc, in 2010. But in record time, she regrouped and is now back with a vengeance! Meet DAX GABLER, Kroell’s addictive new collection of must-have bags.
The Dax tote has the kind of versatility I love: metallic platinum python with a matte-black python base goes with virtually everything (from rose-gold to neons to primary brights) and best of all, snap the sides for chic flatness or un-snap them for a larger, more functional version. Devi shows us that glamour is not only reserved for evening! Infuse it in your daytime uniform, via the eye-catching Dax tote.
This gorgeous and unique bag (worth $1,990) can be yours if you sign up for our newsletter (to be shared with DAX GABLER).
To win: Sign up for our newsletter. Even if you have signed up previously, you MUST sign up again to qualify to win!
Major thanks to Dax Gabler for this generous and fabulous giveaway!
* International readers welcome to enter.
Follow Dax Gabler on TWITTER
Like Dax Gabler on FACEBOOK
DESCRIPTION:
PLATINUM PYTHON ON MATTE BLACK PYTHON BASE, CRINKLED PATENT LEATHER TRIMS, CALF LEATHER HANDLES.
THE PYTHON SCALE IS UPLIFTED TO REVEAL A CONTRASTING BLACK BACKGROUND.
THE TOTE CAN BE WORN WITH THE GUSSET OUT, OR WITH THE GUSSET FOLDED IN (BY BUTTONING THE 2 SIDE STRAPS) TO BECOME A FLAT TOTE.
BLACK SIGNATURE RUBBERIZED HARDWARE.
SATINATED CHAMPAGNE LINING WITH 2 INSIDE ZIPPER POCKETS.
MADE IN ITALY
DIMENSIONS:
WIDTH: TOP: 13 3/4″
BOTTOM: 14 5/8″
HEIGHT: 14 1/4″
DEPTH: 6″
Framed! Get Caught Red Handed in Top Handle Frame Bags
A well-crafted frame-top bag will never lose its appeal. Classic, ladylike, and enduring for the ages, these frame bags are gorgeous in a minimalist way. My current faves run the gamut of price, but each is perfection in its own right – and I can’t decide between them.
Rochas’
Snob Exclusive: LOEWE Bags on Moda Operandi tomorrow!
I am a huge fan of designer Stuart Vevers and love what he’s done with Loewe, one of the world’s premier and most luxurious brands. In fact, the Loewe boutique in Madrid is a favorite store of mine (from scarves, belts, to drool worthy bags and ready-to-wear, they have it all!), but back home in the States a mere handful retail outlets carry the official supplier to the Spanish Royal Crown (including Bergdorf Goodman and FortyFiveTen).
Starting tomorrow, however, visionary site ModaOperandi.com will offer an exclusive collection of Loewe bags for us to purchase online (yay!). The Amazona is an obvious classic with its clean lines but updated in patchwork exotic skin, it’s as on trend as it is timeless.
As much as I adore the structured Amazona, however, it’s the buttery soft Flamenco bag (in a bright juicy color please!) that I’m obsessing over. It’s the cool and casual devil-may-care sibling to the Amazona– with playful contrasting tassels and the busy girl’s must have messenger/shoulder strap– this is the bag I need for my summer travels through Europe and Asia! You need one, too- trust me on this!
Don’t forget to sign up so you can see all the yummy bags up for grabs tomorrow on ModaOperandi.com, and they will be shipping only within the United States!
Brunello Cucinelli Leather-Canvas Messenger Bag – A Message from the Messenger
Brunello Cucinelli is one hell of a man. Brunello has managed to redefine the modern male wardrobe when it comes to luxury, and he has always used the finest of everything; his bags are no exception. Recently, I was asked by a friend to name a designer who makes a fantastic messenger bag, and after thinking for a bit, I excitedly screamed out “Brunello!”
His Leather-Canvas Messenger is no “murse,” — a term that makes me cringe, since a good chunk of bags could be unisex — but the modern bag for any metropolitan man! Two parts luxury, one part sport, this bag is at home in the country or at the King Cole Bar. This is also a messenger that will age so gracefully, it can even be passed down! So I’m going on an adventure, and all I can say is, “Take me away, Brunello…”
Available for pre-order from Bergdorf Goodman for $2,385.
Stella McCartney Structured Shoulder Bag: Less is more
This simple, yet chic gorgeous green shoulder bag with chain detail that is just delicious. The color pops with the gold and it is the lightweight and compact enough to throw over your shoulder or across your body making it wearable yet functional and fabulous. The clean shape of the bag is what makes it stand out the most to me proving that less really is more. This vegan friendly bag is made of soft faux leather and has inside pockets and a snap button closure. This bag is subtly classic and sophisticated making it not only timeless but ageless as well; anyone from a teenager to a grandmother could get great use out of this green grab and go. The other great thing about this bag is that it could be worn to almost any occasion. Have a wedding this spring? Throw on a sweet pink one shoulder dress by Riller & Fount
LAST 4 DAYS TO ENTER TO WIN! January Giveaway: The Dax Tote by DAX GABLER!
I was incredibly sad when I’d learned Devi Kroell had left her namesake brand, Devi Kroell, Inc, in 2010. But in record time, she regrouped and is now back with a vengeance! Meet DAX GABLER, Kroell’s addictive new collection of must-have bags.
The Dax tote has the kind of versatility I love: metallic platinum python with a matte-black python base goes with virtually everything (from rose-gold to neons to primary brights) and best of all, snap the sides for chic flatness or un-snap them for a larger, more functional version. Devi shows us that glamour is not only reserved for evening! Infuse it in your daytime uniform, via the eye-catching Dax tote.
This gorgeous and unique bag (worth $1,990) can be yours if you sign up for our newsletter (to be shared with DAX GABLER).
To win: Sign up for our newsletter. Even if you have signed up previously, you MUST sign up again to qualify to win!
Major thanks to Dax Gabler for this generous and fabulous giveaway!
* International readers welcome to enter.
Follow Dax Gabler on TWITTER
Like Dax Gabler on FACEBOOK
DESCRIPTION:
PLATINUM PYTHON ON MATTE BLACK PYTHON BASE, CRINKLED PATENT LEATHER TRIMS, CALF LEATHER HANDLES.
THE PYTHON SCALE IS UPLIFTED TO REVEAL A CONTRASTING BLACK BACKGROUND.
THE TOTE CAN BE WORN WITH THE GUSSET OUT, OR WITH THE GUSSET FOLDED IN (BY BUTTONING THE 2 SIDE STRAPS) TO BECOME A FLAT TOTE.
BLACK SIGNATURE RUBBERIZED HARDWARE.
SATINATED CHAMPAGNE LINING WITH 2 INSIDE ZIPPER POCKETS.
MADE IN ITALY
DIMENSIONS:
WIDTH: TOP: 13 3/4″
BOTTOM: 14 5/8″
HEIGHT: 14 1/4″
DEPTH: 6″
Top Granny-Chic Handbags: Off to Grandmother’s Fashion House We Go
Grandmothers are known for sharing sage advice – they’ve seen a thing or two, so we’d be smart to listen to their wise words! But had it occurred to you to take a cue from Granny’s bag style? The answer’s probably no (unless your grandmother passed on a killer Chanel and Hermès collection, and if so, you know how lucky you are). Until now! Bags inspired by the matriarchs of the family are popping up and looking modern, cool, and, gasp!, youthfully fun. Here, my top picks that both you and Nana would surely approve of:
1) Delvaux Tempête MM Handbag: It’s all about structure – slouch isn’t ladylike! Delvaux nails it, by adding the arresting detail of side straps that wrap around the bag. And the color? Scandalous yet old-time movie-star classic.
At Barneys New York for $3,600.
2) Valentino Demetra Patent Leather Bag: Old-world innocence, and elegance, to boot. Valentino’s details make for standbys to last through generations, and nothing says “granny-chic” like a proper frame-top.
At Bergdorf Goodman for $2,245.
3) Gucci Bella Medium Top Handle Bag: We all know grannies love Gucci. This one looks fresh in champagne-metallic leather. A neat little bow attached to the signature bamboo-and-tassel detail keeps it just prim enough.
At Bergdorf Goodman for $1,995.
4) Fendi Chameleon Large Colorblock Satchel: Here’s to the ladies who lunch…or don’t. So gorgeous, the edgiest girl in black jeans and Jimmy Choo biker boots could carry this creamy sensation and look right-on.
At Bergdorf Goodman for $2,520 (expected to ship by May 5th).
5) Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Leather Tote: What’s a grandma collection without a little traditional Bottega? White says you’re pristine, and the fact that your carrying a Bottega top-handle says you know how to appreciate the quality of a classic.
On Net-a-Porter
6) Nina Ricci Python Liane Shoulder Bag: This is the epitome of granny-chic. The pert top-handle, fold-over design, complete with neat clasp, is so old-world. And the amazing, almost rugged python skin is so you.
Available for pre-order for $3,750 at Barneys New York.
Photo Credit: Zimbio