Christian Louboutin Loubis Angel Clutches: Angels and Demons
Inspired by a web series Christian Louboutin created for his website, entitled Le Carrosse Noir (meaning the black carriage) about a group of showgirls who kick butt, enter the wild shape of the Angel clutch. It looks like it could almost take off into flight.
But I’m torn between matte python and embroidered suede ($2,095): I love the detailing of the suede; the embroidery has spirited Indian inspiration. But the color isn’t thrilling me the way it should – it’s so bright, it almost cheapens the effect. Is it sensory overload? The color could be surprisingly versatile, but lets not mince words: this is a eye-catcher that should not – and does not want – blend in.
And then there’s the stunning, sleek matte python variation ($2,195) – so elegant. Louboutin’s angular rouching of lush snakeskin makes the exotic skin take on a velvety look. Either way, the winged edges add to the fascinating show for the senses, one that you won’t want to take your eyes off of.
CHLOÉ Sally Textured-Leather Shoulder Bag: Color Pop Into Spring
I’m a big fan of bags I can wear during the day with a casual outfit but still can translate easy to night to save me from running like a lunatic around my apartment right before I go out the door stuffing money, cards and lipstick into a bag last minute. This pop of color by Chloé has gold metal trim making it glam yet is simple and sophisticated making it wearable for daytime. For a day date, I would pair this with a pair of A.L.C. soft blue pants
Net-a-Porter
Top 5 Glossies: Patent (Not) Pending
After a long winter, bring on the shine! Not sunshine, silly. I’m talking about patent-leather shine, the gleaming texture that will look lovely in April showers. Whether you opt for a cheerful bright or classic neutral, squeaky-clean high gloss will bring brilliant texture to any outfit.
1) Chloé Madeleine Patent-Leather Duffle Bag: Seafoam is popping up everywhere this season. It’s no surprise – the color makes for an early spring pick-me-up with a quirky twist, especially in the form of a casual duffle. On Net-a-Porter
2) Fendi Patent-Leather Pouchette: Something suddenly looks so brand-new about their trademark double-F. The artistic, brushed gold-and-silver spin certainly doesn’t hurt. At Bergdorf Goodman
3) 3.1 Phillip Patent Pashli Satchel: Lim’s bags made a big showing outside the tents of New York Fashion Week, and it’s easy to see why. Accessibly priced high shine goes practical with smart city edge. At Barneys New York for $895.
4) Burberry Prorsum Patent-Leather Shoulder Bag: A burst of lime looks smooth in minimalist patent leather. Toss it over monochrome day looks of black, tan, or white or contrast it against fuchsia, aqua, or lilac. On My Theresa
5) Madame Lanvin Shoulder Bag: Architectural lines, hints of geometric hardware, and a boxy shape look just right in burnished leather. Ladylike meets edgy with real finesse. At Neiman Marcus
REMINDER! FEBRUARY Giveaway: TWO “Meant to B” Ostrich Messenger Bags!
In honor of the second month of the year, we are so excited to give not one, but two fabulous ostrich messenger bags to TWO winners! Meant to B is an obsession-worthy line offering gorgeous bags in every shade of ostrich-skin under the sun. A big thank you to designer and founder Bernice Angelique Oehl for generously offering up two of her luscious bags! Growing up in South Africa, she garnered a deep appreciation for ostrich – where her designs are handcrafted by artisans. And now two snobs have the chance to make Meant to B their own!
International readers are welcome. Remember: to enter, you must sign up for the newsletter again.
Jérôme Dreyfuss Carlos Expandable Leather-Trimmed Canvas Tote: Week In, Week Out
It looks like wife Isabel Marant’s sense of unfussy Paris cool is rubbing off on Jérôme Dreyfuss. Not that he didn’t have it to begin with – this bag is just a much more laid-back take than many of his colorful leopard and python shake-ups. But Jérôme is a designer who always keeps us on our toes.
This season, it feels like he is saying, “It’s time to chill out.” This linen-canvas blend comes in a cool, funky shape that’s a great casual piece for relaxed summer. Golden hardware fancies it up, while the trademark red, white, and blue zipper-pulls are in keeping with Dreyfuss’ sense of eclecticism. And you can expect this bag to have an eclectic life – this top-handle-to-shoulder style is also expandable, which is great for travel. From city to country (Isabel and Jérôme divide their time between Paris and a cabin in the woods), this dark linen is as cool as can be. Perhaps the most awesome touch: it comes with a mini-flashlight so you’ll never be fishing around for your belongings in the dark! On Net-a-Porter
Pair with: Show your styling prowess by taking Étoile Isabel Marant’s contrast-denim Guan shirt from the week (wear it with something unexpectedly polished) to Saturday afternoon (mix it up with super-dark indigo jeans). At Barneys New York for $435.
WebSnob February 17th, 2012
With precision-perfect craftsmanship, innovation of fur, evening dresses with endless sexy-louche appeal, J. Mendel presented one of the most beautiful collections of the week! At CoutureSnob.
Coquette says go bold with color this spring with a colorblock mix of pink and reds.
What makes you feel more protected – and more tough and powerful – than a great pair of boots? Proenza Schouler at ShoeSnob toyed with the concept of “protection” for Fall 2012.
Lots of new exciting beauty looks have been making their way down the runway. Check-out some of the recent standouts at BeautySnob!
The Jet Set Girls love the Jimmy Choo Cruise 2012 Collection.
This Alexander McQueen gold skull bangle bracelet is the perfect addition to Shopping and Info’s must haves for a spring 2012 Arm Party..
J. Mendel Fall 2012 Collection: No Introduction Necessary
J. Mendel furs? Yes. J. Mendel dresses? Oh, yes. J. Mendel Bags?! Oh my god, YES, YES, YES. In case you couldn’t tell, I am very excited about J. Mendel’s first handbag collection.
What to wear with Fall 2012’s paneled alligator jackets, creamy winter whites, and chiffon miniskirts mounted with dégradé alpaca, Mongolian lamb, and long-hair goat? These bags are the perfect finishing touches for a full-on luxe look, from head-to-toe. Think of everything you love about their ready-to-wear, especially their latest collection – luscious fur, timelessly femme silhouettes, unforced glamour, nonchalant luxury – and picture it in the form of bags. Gilles Mendel has translated his sensibility flawlessly. Everything as chic and streamlined as you would expect.
Molded crocodile totes have been lined in butter soft alpaca and mink – there is something so decadent about fur on the inside of a bag. It turns it into a treasure chest of sorts, cementing the fact that your other belongs are as precious as the bag itself. I adore the way the alpaca fur barely peeks over the top of the bag, daring you to further investigate what lies beneath. For a more understated affair, they also introduced simple leather totes with little more than a subtle “M” logo detail as the trim on outer pocket. But how can you resist crocodile? Especially when it’s of this caliber; Mendel’s matte-black croc-skin quality is unbelievable (and this is from a girl addicted to Hermès croc). It’s safe to say Fall 2012 welcomes a game-changer on the bag scene.
Proenza Schouler Fall 2012 Collection: This Means War!
With the concept of “protection” in mind, Jack and Lazaro sent a glorious fleet of Samurai warrior-girls down their cool, bare runway. Their weapons? A selection of bags, the likes of which we have never before seen from Proenza Schouler’s prolific accessories line. Bags that will make you say, “PS what?”
They were going for a look that is “Asian but in a New York way” – and they nailed it. What would be the perfect complement to crisp, oversized jackets of white cotton, full of angular lines to keep your eye stimulated; obi-sashed skirts and innovatively waxed woven leather; silk embroidery depicting traditional Japanese scenes of exotic birds; hard riding boots and mussed-up hair? Fur! But not fur in the plushy, fuzzy, snuggly sense.
This fur is hardcore – it looks like these warrior girls almost hunted their catch themselves. Deer and antelope skins right off the battlefield bring new meaning to terms like “clutch,” “duffel,” and “gym bag” – it was a brilliant move to keep the shapes classic and easy. Some with mohawks, others spotted, their naturalistic state is the perfect antidote to clothing, whether clean or embellished, so purposeful in its craftsmanship, so thoughtful in its treatment.
To counter the fur: beautifully devised bags of black leather, much of it piped with contrasting shades of maroon and royal blue, the best of it woven in a magnified fashion. Proenza classicists will take delight in these more minimalist creations, while those looking for something new and statement-making will obsess over the fur. But most of us will want it all!
Akira Bag, $4,595, and Large Chieko Bag, $1,295, available for pre-order at Proenza Schouler.
Ralph Lauren Fall 2012 Collection: The Legend Continues…
I have been a Ralph Lauren girl since I was a teenager. From the classic preppy polo shirts and cashmere sweaters to immaculate velvet smoking jackets and sequined leggings (yes, Ralph makes the best skintight sequined leggings on the planet – I bet you didn’t know this!) to bed linens, picture frames, and sick shearling boots, I am loyally addicted to it all.
But it’s only been in recent years that I have gotten into Ralph Lauren’s bags. (Aside from the Ricky, of course. I have several, including a rare white crocodile version.) I have been watching Ralph’s ever-expanding foray into day bags closely: they’ve been known primarily for their exquisitely crafted clutches, but each season, the bag collection just gets better and more versatile. Now for Fall 2012, bag lovers are in for a real treat!
1. Gold Leather-Covered Frame Bag: This is shimmering beauty is the standout of the new collection. Distressed and crackled gold pony-hair skin is unexpected in the form of a modernized doctor-style bag. There is also a smaller messenger style that’s my favorite for the season.
2. Fold-Over Clutch with Serpent Detail: Rustic and rugged yet deeply sexy, as only Ralph can achieve.
3. Large Ocelot Printed Goatskin Clutch: Ocelot is rapidly cementing its place as the must-have animal print of the season. This elongated take on the pattern is so luxe!
1. Square Chain Bag in Tomato Suede: Like Chanel’s classic chain-strap bag, this is an instant must for luncheons, cocktails, and dinner parties.
2. Small Hobo with Metal: Slouchy chic at its best. I love the addition of the chain detail; it’s the perfect way to spice up a laid-back hobo style.
3. Herringbone Etched Metal Top-Handle Clutch: Not only is this bag fascinating to the eyes, the craftsmanship is meticulous. This is my version of high art.
4. Beaded Frame Clutch in Black Velvet: Ornate details like this bring a strong sense of whimsy to the evening clutch – perfect for a winter’s night.
Theyskens’ Theory Fall 2012 Collection: The Medium is the Messenger
When it comes to darkly urban cool, Olivier Theyskens and his revamp of Theory have got a monopoly on the aesthetic. It all started with a surprising first collection, followed by the flared corduroys that launched countless fans. And then his criss-crossy messenger bag came on the scene last year, solidifying the label as a lower-priced line high on casual luxury.
Leather jumpsuits and wool coats, autumn shorts and sheer mullet-maxis: much of it paired with bags high on shine and low on color. It’s not the polished, peppy kind of shine we usually see. Fall 2012’s gleam is roughed up and gritty. This glossy leather and sheen-filled pony-hair are creased; they’ve been through something, giving the clutches a relaxed, daytime-appropriate vibe.
Theyskens also mixed up the lean, leggy, youthful looks with a lightly structured top-handle style – more toned down, more grown up than anything we’ve seen so far from the brand. But the best of the bunch was a super-textural crocodile-effect crossbody bag, trimmed in crackly patent leather – that somehow doesn’t look at all cheesy. It drove the point home: the messenger is Theyskens’ Theory’s jam.