Judith Leiber has outdone herself with the fancy Ganesh clutch. Though I don’t know whether I’m supposed to carry this thing or set it on an altar and pray to it daily. Granted, it is an intricate piece by an expert bedazzler (and no, I don’t think your 10 year old can do this at home) but why would anyone want to carry around the best known and most widely worshipped deity in India!?!? It reminds me of the candles made in the likeness of Buddhas in the US, my aunt almost had a heart attack when she saw someone light Buddha’s head on fire! Seriously, the Ganesh is known as the Lord of Beginnings and a sacred deity in India, Nepal and many other Asian countries (I doubt they are happy about this). To certain people, it would be like bedazzling a statue of Baby Jesus to carry around as an accessory– to hold their cigarettes, to be dropped on the floor, etc. Sacrilegious you say? Exactly. But then I don’t think Jesus would have as fancy a backside as the Ganesh so perhaps that is not a fair analogy but you get my point. And if you want to buy the Ganesh clutch you better pray to the Lord of Fortune because it is priced at $5,595.
This clutch reminds me a bit of the Prisme from Roger Vivier but not so much where I’d accuse it of being a total copy so let’s just say it’s ‘inspired’ by the geometric shape that Vivier is known for. It’s a cute little thing but I’m a bit perplexed by the price of it. I’ve paid $1,298 for a Leger dress in the past but I’m not convinced the brand known solely for its skintight bandage dresses can get away with charging four figures for a 4″ suede clutch covered in crystals. Yes, it’s made of pale gray suede– beautiful as it sounds, sweating hands clutching it will not be a pretty sight. Herve Leger Crystal Clutch here
$1,298
I can’t get enough of Bottega Veneta bags lately. It’s the only classic brand that updates its collection each season with hip and edgy styles without compromising its core values. I see Bottega as a good brand for bag snobs who aspire to Hermes but is not yet ready for the price points and the slightly mature styles. Take this delicious Bottega calfskin bag– I saw it at the showroom and was smitten with its buttery skin (Kelly ordered the large tote version). I love that it has both the iconic woven leather plus on trend grommets lining the bag and handles. I wouldn’t go so far as call this bag trendy, however, it still has a timeless quality. This is a bag I’d “grab and go” with daily– it will lend a heavy does of style to any outfit. Easy, chic and beautifully made. Everything you want in a bag!
We are heading to Milan after NYFW (with toddlers and nanny in tow!) and are very excited about the Italian brands we’ll be previewing at shows and presentations. I’m pleasantly surprised by the effort many of them have put into bags lately (innovative design and reasonable pricing!). I’m so glad to see this Cesare Paciotti calf leather bag with studded handles priced under a thousand bucks! It’s on trend with the stud detail but it’s not in your face- the round flat studs are way less obtrusive than heavy square ones and when you’re carrying it it’s not even that discernible! The oval shape also softens up the hardware yet it still has a very edgy appeal– don’t you just love the iconic Paciotti dagger? I feel like a rock star just looking at it! What about you?
Calf leather studded handle bag is $980 at Cesare Paciotti- 833 Madison Avenue212-452-1222 (also at Bal Harbour and Beverly Hills Boutiques)
One of the trends we are seeing on the Fall 2010 runways is embellished bags. Get on the look now with this bold little sparkler from Halston Heritage. Blue sequins are less formal than black or silver and I’d love to see this with everything from a pair of dark jeans and white shirt to a formal gown. It’s so versatile not to mention tres frugal at $195. I’d be careful with the sequins if you’re wearing any kind of knit or cashmere as it does have a tendency to snag. We are heading to the Halston presentation this evening, read all our Runway Reports here!
GIVENCHY – Studded Soha
That’s it, I’m OVER studs. This bag from my beloved Givenchy has put me over the edge. I don’t have many studded bags but the few that I have I’m going to put in storage (except my Hermes Medor clutches– those are timeless and I’ll use them regardless of trend). This had the potential of being a simple chic flap bag but the mixture of pointy (not to mention dangerous) studs with stars, grommets and logo is just too much for me. In fact, the studs are so heavy it’s causing the entire bag to sag. And you know we do not like saggy bags. This is perfect, however, for the ultimate trendy fashion victim. If you want the world to know you own a Givenchy and that you are a trendoid– get this asap.designer replica bags
GIVENCHY – STUDDED SOHA TOP HANDLE
$2061.70
If you want to update your bag wardrobe with one single trend this spring, do it with a pink bag! There are so many pink hued lovelies available right now, includingRebecca Minkoff’s flowerstud Nikki Hobo. This is not for the meek wallflower, however, it’s a gorgeous attention seeking bright pink that will liven up any outfit! If you’re going hot pink make sure it is a simple shape like this with just one interesting element– the studded side strap is a nice touch plus it keeps the bag from being too frou frou.
I’ve been saving this one for St. Patrick’s Day, I saw this wristlet clutch a while ago and have had ants in my pants waiting to feature it. Sure green is fun for St. Patrick’s Day but who would actually spend good money just on that? No, this clutch is for keeps and will keep you up to date for the rest of the season (and even Christmas, just don’t be obvious and wear it with red). This metallic python gem can be worn in 3 ways, as a clutch, wristlet or shoulder bag (comes with removable silver shoulder chain). The wrist strap is ribbon embellished with silver, gold and green beads. Use the green as an accent for muted and neutrals or mix things up by wearing it with a contrasting jewel tone. At Brown’s Fashion for $1091.23.
Let me just start off by saying the photo doesn’t do this bag justice. It’s stunning in person! In fact, I happened to be shopping at Hirshleifer’s in Manhasset, NY when this clutch caught my eye. I immediately thought back to the Louboutin Mary-Jane’s Christian designed for a past Rodarte show that featured humungous spikes protruding all over (remember those?) This clutch is the perfect complement! It’s very light, although the spikes are indeed metal, and surprisingly roomy given its compact size. The multi-color mixed leather is very stylish and I like the ruching of the leather cascading down the front on either side. To keep from inadvertently stabbing yourself when you carry it, Louboutin designed a wrist handle that’s nicely festooned with silver studs but allows enough smooth leather for your hand to grasp.
It’s no secret I am not a huge fan of (expensive) kitschy bedazzled bags but this one is just magical to me! Talk about the ultimate fantasy piece, it looks like something from Alexander Palace and is so breathtakingly beautiful I can’t stop looking at it. My grandmother loves birds so we always had them around the house– parakeets, parrots, doves, wild birds she’d find hurt and would nurse back to health before setting them free– you name it we most likely had them. Though I did not care much for birds when I was a child (they scared me, especially when they escaped from the cages during feedings and flapped around the house!) I later developed a fondness for them as an adult and love watching documentaries or reading about birds (my hubby and I are bird watchers, it’s so fun to watch mama birds teach their babies how to fly. They literally just push them off a tree branch!). I believe birds should be free to fly, clipping their wings and keeping them in cages for your own pleasure is cruel. However, this cage I am wholeheartedly for!
Judith Leiber Birdcage Fine-Crystal Bag for $5,595designer replica bag
Woah!! This is beyond regular ugly, it is extra special hideous. Pretty much the worst money ever spent, $2690 for Rose Parade trash. There is no redemption in any way, I mean, how can you go so wrong with flowers, which are inherently beautiful? I can think of a thousand ways to make a bag look at least cute with flower appliques but this is just so bad. I hate to be so harsh on Valentino because they have such gorgeous ready to wear but I have to call it as I see it and this one is for the compost pile. At Saks Fifth Avenue, for a whopping $2690 (you even get polyester lining for that price!)
hermes | admin July 23, 2010 | 
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