Jean Paul Gaultier “Satin Boxing Shopper”

Love the color, hate the bag… I hate the trashy looking picture as well… No really, this bag is an insult for bags, and nothing can make me change my mind. The only thing about this bag that’s right is the name… It really looks like it’s made of the leftovers of boxing shorts. I mean, even a girlfight fanatic wouldn’t carry this around, or am I wrong? In the sea of bags of all kinds, shapes and colors, there are many items much more worthy of spending $680 on them than this one. Who would buy this? Hahaha… And it actually has stripes on it’s sides… Imagine seeing your boyfriend mistaking it for his shorts and trying to get into it. And let me tell you, the satin will get torn in that case… Maybe this bag really was a pair boxing shorts somewhere in the past… Ahhh…

As I said it’s made of satin and the open top reveales mesh lined interior featured with center and side zipped pocket.
Knock out… Black out…

SIZE: 17″ x 10.5″ x 6″

PRICE: $680.00 @ eLuxury.com

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Marc Jacobs Collection “Quilted Colorblock Soft Pouch”

I absolutely love the whole Quilted Colorblock SS collection from Marc Jacobs. All of the bags in the collection have that special feminine touch to them which makes them very alluring. They make you put your hands on them and not let go, ever! The leather is of superior quality and soft both on the eye and to the touch. The combinations of colors used on these bags do a wonderful job giving them a distinct look that makes them stand out among other collections released this season. Victoria Beckham had the Mika Bag from this collection with here everywhere for some time and did a great job putting these fabulous bags in the spotlight.

I’ve heard a lot of comments on this collection and not all are positive. Some are saying these bags have that “old lady” touch to them, and come to think about it, that’s true. It’s just that I don’t see it as a bad thing. Marc Jacobs is well known for his wild combinations of styles and his talent to make the most impossible combinations imaginable work. Quilted Colorblock defintely isn’t your everyday handbag collection, we’ve got Marc by Marc Jacobs for that. If you consider this collection to be a bit too unusual or simply not you, you can always start with the Mika Bag or this pouch since they are a bit less overwhelming due to their size.

The key signatures of this collection are the quilt detail on the leather and the large shoulder chain with leather weaven through it. We’ve already seen that on other MJ bags, but this time he decided to go for an oversized approach, and if you ask me, he did a great job because it emphasizes the soft and and gently slouchy look. He did something similar on the Louis Vuitton Monogram Olympe bags with the oversized shoulder strap and the plaited leather… In fact, the whole look somehow reminded me of the Monogram Olympe… Anyway…

As I said, this bag is made of subtle grained leather with a quilt detail. The top is in beautiful a contrast to the brown leather bag body. Featuring gusseted sides and a pleated front which give the bag it’s feminine look, the Quilted Colorblock really won my heart. Interior is fine textile lined and featured with patch pocket. I really like it!

SIZE: 10″ x 6″ x 2.5″

PRICE: $695.00 @ eLuxury.com

Louis Vuitton “Mahina XS” Update

At the time I was posting about Mahina XS there were only three versions available - the black and white leather ones and the black denim version. Now there are two more versions featured online, and I think they are worthy of our attention. It has been some time since my post about Mahina XS and I have to admit that I am not that dissapointed anymore I’ve accepted the fact the new Mahina is not better than the original version and moved on. It is not fabuolos, but it is hardly ugly either.. Anyhow, it is not on the top of my list, but I know a lot of ladies do not feel the same.

These versions are more edgy, thus more likely to become something you will have to put away next season, but where’s the fun if you buy only classics? The new colors are silver and bronze. The silver one has a more “clean” look than the bronze one, so I think I would go with that one if I was thinking about buying the XS. I also want to say that these versions are a bit more expensive than the ones that were available first.

SIZE: 4,7″ x 10,2″ x 16,9″

PRICE: $3,050.00 @ eLuxury.comLouisVuitton.com

Dolce & Gabbana “Miss Curly Clutch”

How many times do I have to say that kiss lock closures don’t work on shoulder bags? It just doesn’t click, at all, never has and never will. Kiss lock closures have that “special occassion” touch to them, looking all vintage and/or glamorous, and when you try to slap a detail like that on a shoulder bag, it has very slim chances of looking anything but fug.

It’s ok to have an evening shoulder bag (even though clutches work much better imho), but I just can’t stand seeing a kiss lock closed bag being carried on a shoulder. Maybe you’ll find my observation totally out of line, but I can’t get over it. Thank God this one has a detachable shoulder strap so not all hope is lost, but I am still under the original impression. Everything else about this bag is ok, especially the fact it is white. The leather looks very nice, soft and practical. I like how the slightly gathered leather on the top complemets the above mentioned kiss lock closure - I appreciate that, thank you - but not on a shoulder bag…

Anyway, the interior is featured with one card pocket, and if you were wondering, the shoulder strap is of a 10″ drop. Pricey, kiss lock, shoulder bag… I think I’ll pass on this one.

SIZE: 10″ x 7″ x 4″

PRICE: $1,350.00 @ Saks.com

Celine “Patent leather clutch”

Ok, I like the turqoise color, but that’s about it when it comes to the things I like about this clutch. The combination of the design and the size we have here wouldn’t get into my wanted list in a milion years. If they made it smaller it might have worked, but this is just too overwhelming for me… There is definitely too much going on with this bag and I don’t like it. One thing is certain though - you will be noticed everywhere you go with it, so if that’s what you are after this might just be the bag for the mission.

Ok, let me start with the colors. Two very strong colors - the turquoise colored patent leather and tan leather trims - both of these are pretty powerful on their own, and when they are combined like this, they create quite a bit of chaos. I wouldn’t have a problem with this if the designers stopped there, but adding a shoulder chain into this mix transforms this clutch into a chaotic something, and that something is not a purse, I really don’t know what it is. I find the tan leather and the shiny metal chain to be a terrible match to the patent turquoise leather.. As a cherry on the top, the interior is featured with a satin lining.

I don’t know, I really can’t say much more about this clutch.. It is clear the designers wanted to make an IT bag but got lost somewhere along the way. Too much of what’s currently hot - patent leather, vivid colors, oversized dimensions and a MJ style dangling link chain (alhough a lot thiner) makes this bag nothing but a wannabe bag. All mixed up like that with no beginning and no end and no story behind it - it’s really starting to hurt my eyes.

In all that chaos the bag got lost imho, and that’s it.

PRICE: $990.00 @ Net-a-Porter.com

Chloe “Odessa Leather Tote”

Now we’re talking bussiness… I am so thrilled right now that I might actually lose my mind over this one! The leather, the shape, the combination of these two colors… Everything, absolutely everything about it is nothing short of stunning. And the fact the bag is yellow just makes it… I don’t even have the words to describe the effect this bag has on me. And of course, that inner strugle that Chloe bags always get me into is nowhere close right now. It’s surprising how simple this bag is yet I can’t stop staring at it, and that’s what sets me off big time. Check out how sophisticated the smooth brown leather looks… Mmmmm… The bag body, being just a bit slouchy, creates a beautiful contrast to the framed top making it simply adorable.

The interior features brown twill lining and two compartments and a zipped pocket. The only visible Chloe detail is the clasp fastening on the top. You can carry it as a top handle, cross body or as a shoulder bag thanks to the removable shoulder strap. I don’t know which way I like better… I can imagine myself standing in front of the mirror for two hours trying to decide which look to go for, and probably ending up sitting on the floor, not going anywhere just to spend some quality time with it…

SIZE: 14″ x 9″ x 2.5″

PRICE: $1,560.00 @ Net-a-Porter.com

Cole Haan “Genevieve Gold Weave Hobo”

For all of you who like the way Bottega Veneta bags look but cannot or don’t want to spend a grand or more on one, and for those of you who like the style more then the name behind it, I have a perfect bag today. Genevieve is a is both simple and striking at the same time. Timeless shape, beautiful color and the weaves which create that intrigueing look make it a great accessory for anyone looking to add an unusual piece of arm candy to their collection. I must say that I haven’t seen any fugs coming Cole Haan for quite some time now. Most of their bags aren’t drop-dead gorgeous, but they definitely have an appeal. They are not too aggressive and overdone and that’s always a plus for me.

I really like how this beauty looks gorgeous in a very subtle and profound way, I’m telling you - people will mistake it for a Bottega. You’ll easily match it to almost any S/S outfit you can think of, and still feel comfortable because you’ll definitely get noticed but you won’t be the talk of the town. Genevieve is well proportioned and fits perfectly on the shoulder. The shoulder strap itself is woven and has a 8.5″ drop. Zip closed interior is logo jacquard lined, featured with cell and PDA pocket.

Keep it in mind…

SIZE: 15″ x 9.5″ x 5″

PRICE: $425.00 @ Saks.com

Anya Hindmarch “Luce Small Clutch”

To tell you the truth, I have been eyeing this one for at least a month. I’ve just figured out that this cutie is not only cute, but highly, and I mean HIGHLY practical. I thought it was beautiful from the moment I first saw it, but the vintage looking clasp always managed to turn me off, eventhough I liked the fact it had two compartments.

So, let’s start with two clasp closure compartments which are spacious enough for you to put all your essentials inside. One of them features a zipped pocket which always comes in handy for the things you want to have accessable without needing to dig through the whole clutch. There is another zipped pocket on the back of the clutch and another one between the compartments, along with credit card slots, secured with a double magnetic closure. I loved this multiple pocket/compartment thing going on here, which is one of the main reasons I am writing this post.

This is definitely not an every day clutch (it’s more of an every night kind of clutch actually ). As I’ve already said, I find it totally cute. It does not stand out too much, being a bit smaller than most of the clutches this season. It will not pass unnoticed however, I can guarantee that.

At this price, it’s just too good to miss - Gold, perfectly practical, too cute and very affordable - it doesn’t get any batter than that!

SIZE: 9.5″w x 4.5″h x 1″d

PRICE: $345.00 @ Net-a-Porter.com

Prada “Brown Cervo Lux Shoulder Bag”

I was hoping this bag would be available in some other color than black. I loved the shape and the shiny deerskin, but I somehow couldn’t get over the fact that it was black. I don’t know if it was because we are all more into vivid colors during this time of year, but no matter how good the black one looked I would still prefer another color. This shade of the brown, on the other hand, looks simply gorgeous! The glossy finish gives it a perfect dose of freshness, I absolutely love it!

You might say the price is set too high but hey, it’s Prada and we’ve been through that subject already. If it makes things any easier, the shape and the style are as timeless as the material is, so we might as well say this bag is one of those we would consider as a sound investment. The interior is closed with magnetic button closure. Me likey!

SIZE: 16″ x 13 x 6″

PRICE: $1,995.00 @ Saks.com

Derek Lam “Celeste Tassel Clutch”

Attention everybody, especially those of you looking for a new clutch! Well, not just you, everybody! This is a bag that will change your mind whether you’re looking for a backpack, a travel bag or a shiny new evening bag. This is the ultimate bag, I’m telling you. It has everyhing that makes a bag perfect by my criteria. It is big, but not too big. It’s fresh and feminine and simply delicious thanks to the charming leather bands surrounding the whole bag. The tassel, also completely disarming, is completely removable, so you can play with the looks you aim to achieve. There’s no need to mention the flap top since it has become a sort of a synonym for clutches recently. Interior is satin lined and featured with zip pocket. The price is somewhat high, but I love it so much I’ll just overlook it.

Must… Buy… It… Now…

SIZE: 10.5″ x 5.25″ x 2.25″

PRICE: $1,350.00 @ eLuxury.com