
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!)

Leopard print has obviously been around forever and the trend has been building for some time, but as far as handbags go, the look is about to reach critical mass. Since some people are apprehensive of the pattern and unsure of how it could fit into their wardrobes, we’ve taken the liberty of styling the Dolce & Gabbana Miss Charles Leopard Print Bag for both night and day to demonstrate leopard’s versatility.
This bag is particularly appropriate because of its petite size and mix of hardware – it can be paired with silver or gold and used night or day. Leopard provides an interesting opportunity to create visual interest through mixing textures because multiple attention-grabbing colors would compete with the pattern, and I particularly love how it looks with dark pinks and metallic touches. Details for each piece are after the jump.louisvuitton bag
the bag
Dolce & Gabbana Miss Charles Leopard Print Bag: You can’t really have a conversation about modern leopard print without talking about Dolce & Gabbana, can you? As with most of fall’s leopard looks, this bag is made of printed haircalf, which I love to combine with other interesting textures in neutral colors, plus a pop of brightness – the pop should be bigger for nighttime looks. Buy through Nordstrom for $1550.
casual
Burberry Prorsum Military Belted Cardigan: Cardigans can be a little boring, but this one proves itself special through lots of attention to detail – the buttoned loops at the shoulder and utilitarian pockets and belt are wonderful touches. The charcoal grey color can be worn with nearly anything during the colder months, and it tones down some of the sparkle when combined with sequins for daytime. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $795.
Diane Von Furstenberg Paragan Sequin T-Shirt: Daytime sequins are set to be big again for fall, and combining their shine with the simple, casual familiarity of a basic white tee makes them easy to incorporate in pre-cocktail hour outfits. This shirt matches the glamour level of leopard print while still remaining appropriate for casual environments. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $157.
Joe’s Jeans Chelsea Skinny Jeans: You can substitute your own favorite skinnies here, but if you’re still looking for a wear-all-the-time pair of your own, try these. The ultra dark wash hides figure flaws while ensuring that the look stays clean and tailored. Buy through ShopBop for $159.
Michael Kors Ceramic Chronograph Watch: Yeah, I admit it – I’m still not over white watches. When you have a daytime outfit that uses sequins, jewelry is best kept at a minimum, and the graphic white of this watch will stand out nicely again fall’s long, dark sleeves. Plus, it’s a heck of a lot cheaper than a Chanel J12 if you want to hop on the bandwagon a little late. Buy through Saks for $450.
Yves Saint Laurent Suede Tribute Sandals: With lots of textures going on in this outfit, these sandals are all of the bright color that you need. Plus, high heels make your legs look a mile long when combined with skinny jeans. And just look at ‘em, they’re gorgeous. These shoes are the easy part. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $995.
dressy
Acne Lou Lou Satin Dress: I am in deep, inconvenient, all-encompassing love with this dress. This particular variety of magenta makes nearly everyone’s skin look radiant, and the bold bow belt is a brilliant, simple addition. The volume of the sleeves is like the cherry on top – wear this all fall and winter with black tights and statement shoes. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $300.
Miu Miu Glitter Platforms: Of course, if I had my way, the statement shoes that you’d choose would be these shiny, fantastic sandals. Just because they’re open-toe doesn’t mean they can’t be worn with tights, and a black background will make the gunmetal glitter all the more special. Since there’s no room in this outfit for additional bright colors or patterns, the shine makes sure that these shoes are still interesting. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $416.
Proenza Schouler Cable Cuff: This bracelet could go with nearly anything, but the modern, almost industrial lines make sure that the outfit doesn’t get too twee. You could pair it with either outfit, if you’d prefer not to wear a watch. $725, more info via ProenzaShouler.com.
Madewell Dangly Rhinestone Earrings: Costume jewelry with clear stones is a trend now, which is convenient since it goes with almost anything but doesn’t take up too much visual space. The vibrant color of the dress and bold print of the bag are enough that this outfit doesn’t require earrings that make a big statement. Buy through ShopBop for $45.

Today was rather uneventful.
The goal was to shop for a small present for the father(-in-law), the place to go was Bal Harbour Shops in north Miami. Unless you live under a rotting tree stump, you are aware that Bal Harbour is the place to go if you itch to visit satellite stores to the world’s biggest fashion houses. Everyone who matters is present.
Even if you are not in to blow your savings account, it’s an experience to walk around in itself. The people, the atmosphere and the shiny koi fishies make the trip worthwhile.
We ended up only staying for no more than fifteen minutes. The father-in-law is ending up with a new silk tie from the ‘H’ today, while you get to enjoy a few randoms I snapped during our brief attendance. Don’t forget to click for full-size and descriptions.



