Marc by Marc Jacobs Natasha Classic Q Shoulder Bag: Earlier this month I was checking out my handbag collection and saw a few areas I would like to beef up a bit. I need a bit more color in my collection and I want something that is as versatile and durable. I can always count on Marc Jacobs and that is why I would love to call this bag mine. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $330.
4. J. Crew Cashmere Ribbed Shawl Popover: It doesn’t matter what kind of climate I live in, I love sweaters and I can find a use for them throughout the year. I love this J. Crew Cashmere sweater. Why? Well, hello, it is cashmere. Yet, more than that, pink is a color I like to add to my wardrobe. It is the kind of color that can soften an outfit or add just the right touch of color. Buy through J. Crew for $218.
5. Ohio State T-Shirt: Like Megs and Vlad, I too went to Ohio State. And for any of you who are die hard devotees to your Alma Mater you know that you can never have too many items that broadcast your school. In case there are other fellow Buckeyes out there, you can get this t-shirt through Buckeye Corner for $29.95.
6. Dior Limited Edition Vernis – Black Sequins: I am all about the dark nail polish craze right now. With New Year’s Even quickly approaching, I would totally paint my nails with this limited edition black nail polish. Well, not just black, it actually has sparkle in it. Obviously you can’t go wrong! Buy through Sephora for $20.
When it comes to Christmas I typically have a few things I’d love to have, but I rarely consider myself one to have a wish list. However, this year, there are a few things that I would absolutely love to have. So, whether any of these things are given to me or I end up getting them for myself, I am pretty sure I am going to make everything on my list mine!
1. Christian Louboutin Hyper Prive 120 Pumps: I have been dying to get a pair of Louboutins for a few years now. Since I need to start my collection, I want a pair like these: classic, timeless, and sexy! Buy through Net-a-Porter for $835.
2. Apple iPod nano: Every morning, before I start my day, I go for a run or a walk. I’ve had several iPods before, but it is totally time for an upgrade. In fact, I don’t just need an upgrade, I need an iPod. I lost the last one I had and now I run without one. Furthermore, a cool new iPod would be great for traveling. Buy through Apple for $149.
If you are a Burberry fan but are looking for an edge, the Burberry Barbed Wire Check Tote(bottom right, $1695 at Neiman Marcus) is for you. If you look closely you’ll find barbed wire (yes barbed wire!) accenting this otherwise ordinary Burberry signature plaid top handled tote.
Be&D gets its links on with the Ludlow Studded Leather Tote (bottom left, $795.00 at Bloomingdales). This studded leather and obviously moto trend inspired tote has a detachable chainlink strap to lend a glam-rock edge. Wear it as either a shoulder bag or carry it as a top handled tote. Inside you’ll find interior zip, cell phone and additional pockets and key ring enclosed by a top magnetic closure to keep your essentials organized.
Stella McCartney‘s Falabella Tote (upper left, $1,145.00 at Neiman Marcus) is surrounded on four corners with chains that merge at the top into a set of double straps. I do think the price is a bit outrageous for black coated cotton. This bag is also a bit floppy and sloppy and I’m no so keen on this style.
From Dior is the Le 30 Medium Tote (upper right, $2600 at Saks) which is made of a handstitched cannage lambskin leather and accented with silvertone hardware and double chain-link shoulder straps. A Dior logo tag is attached and inside you’ll find one zippered and two open pockets. The Dior chain link tote chain straps are secured by a leather strap which offsets the chain digging into your shoulder.
The trend toward chain link totes seems like an obvious choice this season. Although totes are somewhat on the practical side of the handbag spectrum, the addition of chains to ordinary totes makes them into something special. These totes featured are far from your generic 9-to-5 envelope tote and are just as adept at toting around loads of stuff during your busy weekdays. Or they would also serve a practical purpose on weekend getaways.
Chain straps do add a few extra ounces of weight to a handbag, so they are not for everyone. I know that when I overpack a tote I feel the strain on my shoulders at the end of the day. If you are looking for just a touch of chain link on your bag for added glam then there are also styles such as the Burberry Barbed wire that feature just a touch of chain as an accent.
Tory Burch Nylon Ella tote, (top left, $195 at Net-a-Porter) is perfect for weekend getaways or even as a gym tote. It is made of nylon which makes it light and travel friendly. Embellished with a turquoise and plum leopard-print heart appliqué on the front, this over-sized tote features two patent top handles and base corners. Inside you’ll find two zipped pockets and a stone canvas lining.
The petite and sweet Mulberry Heart Zip Purse (top right, $125 at Mulberry) makes a noteworthy gift for your sister or BFF. It is lined with a grosgrain fabric. From Marc by Marc Jacobs is a nylon printed heart tote, (middle right,$150 at Shopbop). The multicolored ditzy print shopper tote folds into a compact pocket inside the applique heart.
From Burberry a patent leather heart keyring (bottom, $85 at Net-a-Porter). The keyring has pewter-tone hardware and a heart charm. It would make a perfectly charm-ing Valentine’s for a loved one as well.
Another heart-inspired design from Marc by Marc Jacobs is the ‘Party Girl’ Heart Appliqué Clutch, (bottom left, $248 at Nordstrom). A scattering of fringe-edge hearts add a whimsical touch to a satiny clutch handbag embellished with MJ embossed studs. Any picks of these would make a special Valentine’s gift indeed.
What is on your wishlist for Valentine’s Day?
Believe it or not, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. I am a fan of the day of romance, in spite of the overblown commercialism. A true romantic at heart I adore all things pink, girly, and sweet – but all in good taste of course. And even better if there is an edge to the sweetness! Can you say Lanvin? Well I’ve scouted out some heart inspired handbags and accessories to get in the mood for Valentine’s Day. I’d much rather receive a handbag than perfume or candy, wouldn’t you?
You know, I am not really sure what to say here… and that rarely happens. So, let me see what I can conjure up given the fact that my mind is suffering from various states of confusion.
As I was catching up on some news (as well as daily celeb gossip), I came across a tidbit of information that I *HAD* to share with you all. Lindsay Lohan is planning on breaking into the handbag world. And no, I am not talking about her discussing the various expensive handbags she owns. Instead, I am talking about Lindsay designing handbags of her own.
If you are anything like me, you need to reflect on this a little bit.
Confession: I don’t watch Mad Men. I know that I should. I know that I’d love it and become utterly and completely obsessed with Joan. I believe all of the people that tell me how great the show is. I have no excuse.
Thankfully, it appears as though Valentino’s accessory designers aren’t as behind the times as I am. Mad Men‘s midcentury style has influenced designers far and wide since the show’s advent in 2007, and with the fourth season set to debut on AMC this Sunday, the show’s fashion caché is unlikely to subside anytime soon.
Fall runways saw a nearly universal embrace of 60s style, including shoes and accessories like the Valentino Jolie Framed Patent Bag. This prim, streamlined handbag would be right at home on Betty Draper’s gloved arm.
For all of you who watched The Rachel Zoe Project last week, this bag will ring a bell. Behold, the Missoni Chicken Foot Bag that Rachel made a very sour face at while in the Missoni showroom. I was on a personal mission to find the bag and make fun of it myself. I figured it would be ghastly and almost disturbing to look at.
But a funny thing happened. Once I saw the bag I found it, well, somewhat intriguing.