Stylish with Substance

Wa-wa-woo! This ritzy Chanel bag is super fab, no? The Crackled Metallic Calfskin Flap Bag with cut-out signature appears to double as a clutch, making it a great party bag. Of course, who goes to such fab parties? Oh well! At least Chanel is playing up the clutch trend, which is huge I'm feeling, bigger than last year even - and that makes this bag even more fun to fancy. I can only imagine its ritzy price, but you should contact Chanel if you more than fancy. Unfortunately its a brand not-too Internet friendly, even if their photography sure is.

This bag is all silver and gold, and perfect for the holidays. That's gold metallic leather (very structured) with silver hardware. This "Crystal" clutch by Gucci would be a great gift for your girlfriend if you're still stuck on what to get - as good as jewelry! Hey, it's much better than some afterthought "present" - natch. All you need to do is take a trip to your nearest *nice* mall and go in to Neiman Marcus, look for the Gucci section or room (it's really nice in that store fellas, can you handle it?) and of course fork over the $495 dollars. Trust me, that's a pretty good price!

It'll work out, with gifts like these, you'll be virtually written a pass to get out of the dog house until your choices for Valentine's day materialize. Plus when she carries this beauty to your New Year's Eve event, you'll definitely get a nice kiss at midnight ... or something more later.

Single ladies, or less fortunate coupled gals who won't get such a nice treat, you might want to use your card money and invest in this fabu clutch as your New Year's party evening bag. This on your arm is better* than a man tying you down anyway!

*Apologies to the fabulously in love, it all depends!

Don't have a reason to party? You might if you had this clutch by Zagliani (at Browns). Taking python to a new elegant level is this skin's ruching. How do they do it? It's clear there's some major craftsmanship behind this purse, so you shouldn't feel too sad to read its price: $1165. Not convinced it's faaab enough to merit the UK Pound exchange rate (nothing is worse paying more than double, to moi!)? Well how about its truly innovative closure: not only does this purse have a toggle in the center, but each side features zippers, so one may optionally undo the bag further. Fun! At least, in the mind.

Still, we Amercian chicks will mostly just enjoy the photos on this blog, while the UK bagistas can snatch this clutch for a mere 565, their currency.

Bullocks! Party on, you lucky, fabulous ladies, you've won again. (But don't forget to check out those pictures!)

*Via Purse Page*

 

Sometimes one just finds the most unique accessories when searching for the more budget-friendly brand handbags. This opalescent clutch, the Nannette, from Claire Sanchez, features the pop of a little faux fur tuft. The mixture of shine and powderpuff is really interesting, and surprisingly attractive. Plus it makes this bag a fun, refreshing choice for holiday parties.

The bag is sized 10" x 7", made from iridescent silk dupioni, and currently going for a holiday sale price of $57.60. Buy it soon for the holidays at www.ebags.com! (affiliate)!

(By the way, it's also great that it comes in blue; the color of Hanukkah!)

 

Combining a few of the hottest trend aspects of the season: unique closures, gathered leather and ... maybe a high price point; is the new range by little-known Smythson; the Nancy bags.

In the styles of clutch, small satchel and large, and standard colors of white, tan, black and dark brown; there's almost something for every fashionista this Fall with the Nancy collection ... except that these bags are propelled into the IT race with a price range of $1,032 to $1,981. Somewhat much for a little-recognizable status bag, but the purses really are nice. And did I mention trendy? They have a lot of the appeal of a Stam, plus the more practicalities of a medium size option and no heavy hardware. The gathered leather is done in a sophisticated and unique way; sort of appearing like a diamond quilt pattern but not - and the clasp is not only fresh, but covered in luxurious leather - the same calf skin the entire exteriors are made of.

Besides the major minus of toting your new prize causing some to think you merely have a brandy inspired bag, is the lack of a fun color - which to me is the most important trend of today. A punch, some jazz! Still, these are purses meant to display elegance, maybe they need only be subtly beautiful.

And who knows what we'll see in the future if the Nancy catches fashionistas' fancy!

Made of soft metallic calfskin, this teenybopper-golden shiny bag by Miu Miu may come in ritzy leather, but the clutch says all daytime ... and then some at --- over 17" wide! This clutch is for the big bag lugging girl who needs something extra for her evenings out. That may just even be me; and even with my ban, because this treasure only costs 715 American smackeroos! Hey, when I pay my Neiman's credit bill, I'll even have enough of a line to charge it! Oh joy.

This bag is me, but even I have my doubts. It's certainly not for everyone, but it does make a big statement, no?

Some of you may be glad to know that there is a choice of the smaller impact colour choice: black. (Same size though.)

Sorry for not posting really last week; I've been depressed because of Virginia Tech. I'm trying to get back to normal, but I also am in a very busy period with other work right now.

Thanks Saks.com! They've shown us how Jimmy Choo's Foldover Clutch is convertible - and I gotta say I now really love it and .. I think I need it! Check it out below:

Jimmy Choo Foldover Clutches being sold RIGHT NOW:

That second look is oh-so fetching .. and just unique enough! With a removable wrist-strap, this stylish bag can be toted upright & tall or with the top folded to the front and secured by a magnet.

The metallic-toned Foldover, at 11" x 7", is a bit smaller than the regular (a whopping 15" x 8" x 3"), but it also goes for a better price: $825 compared to $1,250. Overall, it might be a bit less day but it's so much cuter than plain black. Would I miss the size? Is that great cost reduction worth it (especially when I'll probably still bargain hunt)?

If you're wondering, too, well - we can check it out in live action carried by Hilary Duff (5'1 / average-slim):

She's about my height, and it's not bad at all. (Here's a full-body photo.) It would even look slightly larger on moi. Now compare that to the regular on 5'3 (*disputed) / skin & bones Victoria Beckham here and this 5′11 skinny mannequin here. Super-huge, and would be even larger against my frame. Now note, this does matter in this case, because clutches are assumed to be smaller---ergo oversized clutches can dwarf a petite girl.

Close-up:

I really like it! I also like to carry a lot of *important* stuff with me, and want to use this more than just on dates/for evening. (For a designer IT bag at that price, I want to use it!) So what should I do?

 

 

You can order for yourself the Metallic clutch from Saks and the Marin Oversized Clutch from Net-a-Porter.

Continuing with their style of a very geometric logo print, is the design on Fendi's Crossword Clutch. In a word: "smart". With cleverly laid out "tiles" or strips of silver letters on white leather, which spell Fendi in a perfect rectangular "U", this bag has name appeal and is attractive "to bag". Complete with a silver metallic handle with "Fs"on each side, appearing similar to their Zucca logo, the clutch is sized 12" across x 6" down. This pieced together bag doesn't have too steep an expense, yet it's not being given away in a game! It's $920 at Neiman Marcus.

Chanel offers lots of fantastic and luxe bags each season, but since they're a classics maker, there isn't always much too unique to shout about. Still, the bags are fabu, and I vow now to blog more about this brand favored among many. (Including myself, oh my first Chanel, come to me!)

For Spring, there are a lot of bright whites and luxe skins, but what catches my fancy most is something I think is actually a bit new and different. It's a calfskin flap bag - standard enough, but it's the logo I love (well, for a different reason from usual). The Chanel inverted Cs continue on from flap to bag body ... and of course, because it is Chanel after all, they flow seamlessly and align perfectly. Super swoon!

Wow, I really need my first Chanel soon ... or two. ;-)

#5 - Bluemarine Lace and Jewels Evening Bag

That sure is glitzy. In fact, I'd name it Cher after her Vegas-style shows: The Cher Satchel.

#4 - B. Fendi Metallic Leather Shoulder Bag

Wow, look at that thing. It is one site to behold. Love it or hate it, I think it is 100% di-vinnnne!!

#3 - Fendi gold Spy Hobo

This was one of the first Spys I recognized as a bag I liked. Before then, I actually hadn't posted any. Bad me. Love those Spys now!

#2 - Louis Vuitton Monogram Satin Aumônière

This could easily pass for a high spot on our top 5 party bags list, as well. This bag is gorge!

#1 - Chloe Python Silverado

Silver Metallic Python skin in a fabu IT bag with detailed accents. Um, yes, it's number 1!

Happy New Year!! See you all this week for the top 5 bags of 2006!