Mini Me's

It seems like fashion is always moving from one extreme to the other and back. As much as I love my carry-all supersized hobo, I'm so excited about switching to petite crossbody bags for the summer.  Goodbye winter and my kitchen sink. Hello flirty skirts, shimmery chapstick and... yep, I think that's all that would fit in my new summer bag!

Check out all the "mini me" versions of last season's it bags:

Lanvin's Happy Mini Pop Bag $1,390

Mulberry's Postman's Lock All In One Clutch $495

Proenza Schouler's PS1 Mini Crossbody Pouch $1,225

Hermès by Leïla Menchari

Hermès gave us a peek at their flagship's window display via Facebook and it is amazing!

Each year, Leïla Menchari creates intricate window displays for Hermès' flagship store in Paris. 

How many Hermès bags do you see?

Burberry: Structured Rouched

I've been sitting on the sidelines silently rooting for Burberry to make their big comeback. After all, there's something about Burberry that's so core to the preservation of being English. I always imagined myself (in Burberry) sipping tea with my pinkie up while being highly satirical in an old world accent. To own a piece of Burberry used to translate to owning a piece of the past and that little bit of English sass. And, although they're not quite there, the fashion house has been making progress towards restoring their brand and business.

With that said, I still can't help but gripe about their recent collection of handbags. Being a bag fiend (and on a mission for a new tote), I've scoured and scrutinized all the current collections asking, "Are -you- my next bag?". And Burberry came pretty close. Their new line of bags seemed low-key and versatile, with a casual personality, enough room to be street-ready, modern dark metal buckles and functional tote-to-shoulder-bag-to-messenger convertibility.

Below is a gorgeously shot ad from Burberry on its new line of bags

(this style comes in many different variations: check and non-check).

Also some nice variations of the same shape:

Medium Brit Quilted Leather Hobo Bag
$1095 (relatively well priced for an all-leather bag)

Cotton Canvas Lowry Bag
$1395 (semi pricey for a non-all-leather handbag)

When I visited these handbags in person, however, I was disappointed to discover that the handles of these bags were stiff - like metal-hanger stiff. The bags themselves were also stiff. This entire translation felt contradictory and uncomfortable. How could anything be "structured rouched"? Isn't this an oxymoron? I think this may be the dealbreaker for me.

What do you think?

Proenza Schouler PS1 Pouchette

Today I saw a clutch version of the Proenza Schouler's PS1 satchel, the "it" bag of the season, on Barneys. But best of all: it's in yellow. What a delightful hue!  A yellow clutch - sure to spice up any outfit!

Proenza Schouler

Leather PS1 Pouchette

$895.00
 

Leather flap front clutch with metal foldover closure, leather pull-tab straps and exterior zipper pocket. Jacquard fabric lined interior with center divider and side zipper pocket.  11" x 3" x 5.5".

It also comes in python white, which is amazing, but it'll set you back twice as much. :)

J.Crew Desert Army

The J.Crew late summer/fall catalog arrived in the mail today and the theme for the spread was a desert army look.

My interest was piqued: the creative vision of J.Crew really astounded me.  How did a preppy-casual, semi-upscale brand translate their look into a desert adventure? I'd love to have been in that concepting meeting. Bold, bold move, Crew.

The overall cuts and shapes for the apparel were consistent with their current line (a-line skirts, lived-in shirts.. and of course, tons of layering). But, their new collection of handbags really stood out. The one above (Brompton Sachel) reminded me of a Speedy with shoulder straps. And this summer, I'm all about the shoulder straps.

I personally loved the Brompton purse because it offers a perfect blend of prepster geek with Cali casual.

Brompton Purse $278

(I'd wear it slightly higher than shown on the mannequin. ;)

Relative Value

Whoo.  Sorry for the long pause.  I've been working on an entry about the ingenious way the Nordstrom preview sale works, but I haven't gotten around to finishing it off.  It's full of business mumble jumble, so I'm not sure if it's something that is of interest to the readers of this blog.  But, let me know if it is and I'll try to finish it.  At this point, I'm thinking about abandoning all together since it's gotten much too long.


Anyway, I wanted to present the topic of "relativity" in this post. For example, if you've seen Inception, you may think that reality is... well, "relative". But, since this is more of a retail blog (or a long rolling wish-list), I thought it'd be appropriate to talk about relative value. 


A good example of something that's of relative value (for most people) is a handbag. Some women pay thousands for designer handbags while others enjoy distributing their income more equally. I guess my only vice would be handbags and potentially vacations -- but only when I'm ON vacation. I'm always "practical" right before I go and then I get so swept away while there that the locals can talk me into anything. What do you guys think?  What has relatively high value to you, but not others? 


Here's an interesting story form 2006 about a Canadian who traded his red paper clip for a house (took a few trades of course).  A great story on relative value.

Or, more recently, an American traded an old cell phone for a porche.  YES.  HE DID IT.

Balenciaga: Arena Giant Evelope

I hope you all had a happy Fourth!

My parents were in town and we had a great tour de vino up in Napa. And, I got to use my first Groupon purchase... though since my mom joined the "extended family club" of the vineyard, the tastings would have been free. But, hey, it's $15 for a four person tasting - I had to try.  Otherwise, a great Groupon experience overall. 

With that said, Barneys sent an announcement for the new Balenciaga colors for fall.  The colors are Seigle (deep cowboy shade of beige), Castagna (deep wine brown) and Bois de Rose (peachy nude), which you already know is my favorite color for fall.  But, they're all winners in my book.  

What I'm fanatic about are the new rose gold studs.  I've always adored the boldness of the large hardware, but was hesitant about how the flashy gold and silver would translate into daily wear.  Naturally, I'm smitten by these perfectly balanced vintage warm toned studs!

P.S. There is a slight difference in the hues between Barneys email and site. I've seen this shade in person and it's closer to the latter (lighter).

Are you loving the Arena Large Evelope?

Louis Vuitton: Cosmic Blossom

Louis Vuitton launched a new collection with Takashi Murakami called Cosmic Blossom, a "Colorful Collaboration" that comes in four colors - perfect pink, bright blue, pop purple and multico yellow.

Although I'm a fan of bright hues and Murakami's artistry, I'm not a fan of the collection.  I love LV's continued foray into keeping the brand young, but these collections seem like a force fit. On one end of the spectrum, LV signals stodgy old world luxury; on the other end, it wants to expand its market appeal and cater to the newer generation.

The teenybopper style and the four-digit price tag seem like a miss.  Maybe a spin-off brand would be more appropriate. 

Are you a fan of Cosmic Blossom?

Balenciaga Anniversary Bags

To celebrate its tenth anniversary, Balenciaga has teamed up with Neiman Marcus to offer a limited edition collection of six of it's "it" motorcycle bags.  Three of the designs are of the classic "City" and three are of "First".

As with all BBags, the excitement lies in its color palette.  And the finalists for the anniversary collection are Noir, Bronze and Bois de Rose.

So what's so special about this collection?

Unlike its peers (which has black cotton lining), this collection will have a special patterned lining!  Balenciaga has never done this before and to its fans, it'll be tempting not to pick one up.

    

Peek at its lining.


The outer shell of the bag will have a hint of shimmer, helping it stand out from the collection's regular leather.  Handbags are available for pre-order on Neiman Marcus.  Prices start at $1,195, in line with their regular collection and not bad for a limited edition.

    

I can't decide which I like better?  The Noir or the Bois de Rose? 

Which BBag color is your fave?

A Second Chance (but not for me)

How did this happen!???

How did I miss Gilt's luxury vintage accessory sale by A Second Chance!?  

I missed out on the opportunity to adopt this gorgeous vintage overnighter from Chanel.  Sigh.

 

cry.

Gucci Fall Winter 2010

Gucci came out with their Fall Winter 2010 collection today.  The palette is black, nude and red; some staple colors that have stuck with us throughout the last year.

What's exciting is that shoulder bags ("clutches") will be sticking around for a bit longer.  I'm a huge fan of these downsized shoulder bags since they're a nostalgically retro and hippie-ishly feminine.  They're also convenient.  As you've found out from my previous post, I can't trust myself not to lose anything that's not attached to me.

Left: 'gucci 1973' medium shoulder bag with oval GG ornament. $1300.

Right: 'croisette' evening bag with bamboo detail and metal beads. $970.

What do you think of Gucci's Fall Winter line?

Wishlist: Elsa Leather Clutch by Derek Lam

I'm really liking the Elsa Leather Clutch by Derek Lam.

I love how this is a fairly roomy clutch (measures 11" x 7"); I adore both the electronic aquamarine hue and the adorable gold trimmed tassel.  I became a fan of the tassels this season with Gucci's 2010 Spring Summer line (I own the large black leather hobo).

Currently on sale at Saks for $553, originally $790.  The only thing stopping me from hitting "check out" is a shoulder strap.  I haven't got it together enough to not lose anything that's not attached to me. Sigh.

Balenciaga City Patchwork

Balenciaga released their latest design "Patchwork" for their famous city bags.  Patchwork comes in two different colors, navy and beige.

The Patchwork retails around $2,300. 

What do we think about this?  Yay or nay?

The new Patchwork is...

Transparent Purse

I recall see-through bags being a hot trend during middle school.  But, I'm not sure how I'd feel about showcasing my mundane items through a plastic bag today.

Prada decided to bring back this trend with their transparent handbag line below.

 

These bags run from $1,295 - $1,695 (though on sale at 20% off on Bluefly) -- quite pricey for a sheet of plastic and some fancy leather handles.

Would you wear transparent handbags? 

Personal-izing Handbags

Remember in high school when you used to doodle on your backpack during class?  Or have friends impart their love onto your favorite tote?  Well, fear not that you have to leave this habit behind because I discovered today adults can still do this.

Allow me to submit my witnesses...

Mary-Kate Olsen is notorious for carrying around her scribble-ridden Balenciaga.  Today on People, I noticed even Lady Gaga's got some ink on her Birkin bag (yes, writing on a Birkin!).  Since I'm just an average worker bee, I'd most likely never own a Birkin in my lifetime.  On a good fortune that I might, I may never let a it out of its shrink wrap; it will sit nicely in an air-sealed container next to doorway waiting for rescue in case of a fire.  THE Birkin bag, averaging $6,500-$65,000 (and a potential waiting-list of 5 years), has become the most coveted handbag of our time.

But, that's what we love about Gaga: her laissez-faire, too-cool-for-school attitude about it all.  She can do whatever she damn well pleases.

What do you think?  What are you doodling on?

Other reading . . .

   
(yes, the book in the middle is really titled "The Official Filthy Rich Handbook" at $3.52)