Stylish with Substance

Sacré Bleu! Non, Sacré Noir! What I've hoped for from Louis Vuitton is here; black monogram, in their signature denim this time in their newest shapes. Funny thing is they call it "Monogram Black Denim" instead of "Monogram Denim Noir", which is just a tiny little setback in my dream come true -- I mean I've just envisioned it a different way. Another setback; no Speedies. I do love their Neo Cabby MM, but the Speedies are more toward my price range these days. :-P

The Louis Vuitton Monogram Black Denim Neo Cabby GM features side buckles to adjust size, boasts grained calfskin trim, is sized roughly 15" x 10" x 5" and runs $1,500.

Well more good news is that these bags will age quite gracefully for eBay in years to come.

I waited & waited for the miroir collection LV bags to go online in some form, eLUXURY or just LouisVuitton.com, but the bags are just that limited that they didn't. Really wanting to feature them at least as history on the blog, I finally turned to Google, and I found photos from Twiggers on the Purse Blog. So thanks.

But no, the Miroir Speedy will not be on my arm. I don't even particularly want it there. Not the fairest bags of them all, featuring metallic ... PVC? It's not only gaudy, but ... cheap? at only $1380 for the Speedy I could easily save and afford (well, by now it's too late anyway, but perhaps eBay) to buy it, but I'd rather not.

In silver or gold Monogram and offered in the Speedy, Alma GM, Papillon, Keepall and a couple accessories in non-monogram, the Miroir collection is both famous among divas and history for the great fashion house.

But why PVC? Why not metallic monogram patent leather? I've been thinking about that lately, and it seems like a rockin' idea. *Shrug*

Search through eBoutique on eBay for authentic Miroir items.

So where are my beautiful princes of LV bags? Not here, but we'll see.

Coach recently debuted their new "Signature Tie Dye" collection of handbags (reminiscent of their Holiday Patchwork collection). Some colors/styles are not all that attractive, but I kind of favor this Demi in brass/white. It has a bit of a silvery sheen with upscale-looking shimmery white Signature jacquard fabric, also with leather, patent and suede.

On the other end of the scale are the Patchwork bags, with

"calfskin, metallic leather, suede, metallic suede, tie dye signature fabric, Signature fabric, Mini Signature fabric"

They’re a bit of monstrosities, and I can’t imagine them really being “every day” or matching much. Are they even “any day?” I will admit, though, the Coach whore in me is almost drawn to the line. I wouldn’t look down upon anyone who really likes this bag enough to sport it, I’ll say that.

If you do like the Tie Dye, I'll suggest a wallet. Just as expensive in some cases, but they carry a higher taste. It's nice in pink and it's the only item, I personally feel, which is nice in denim. (Many bags are nice in pink.)

So, no, I’m not going to tear this apart with a review, but I will say this about Coach; they know they can appeal to their biggest fans with such bags, which many are priced reasonably, and are exploiting it.

Great Expectations Straw Tote from Liz Claiborne

As you may have noticed, I am on the hunt for a summer / beach tote. I found the perfect mix of sophistication, summer hues and styling, and fun, youthful accents. Combine that with an affordable sale price, $49.99 down from $67, and we've got something here.

This faux croc trimmed, straw tote comes with bonus accessories; make-up bag and attached mirror/I.D. case combination, in a fun, bright paisley floral pattern, that also lines the interior of the bag. Like a little bit of whimsy for summer, but want to retain your Autumn sophistication? Keep it hidden inside the bag!

GREAT EXPECTATIONS LUNCH BOX SATCHEL
Mixed bag. A bright paisley floral print is accented with beading, faux croco trim and tassel. Inside lid features a mirror. Roomy and fully lined.

- 55% Linen, 45% Cotton
- 11 1/2" L X 5" W X 5 1/4 H"
- Strap Drop 7"
- Inner zip pocket
- Gold-toned hardware
- Inside mirror
- Silvertone details

On sale $49.99 from $67! If you want this adorable and fabulous summer bag, you should hurry. The nifty green tote I was going to post (also on sale) is out of stock. I'll be checking to see if they restock!

This is the handbag my mom bought at the mall this weekend. It's from a rare collection by Nine West featuring wild and fun floral prints. There are more totes and satchels based in blue, I really liked the blue satchel. We found them in Filene's, and they're not even sold on NineWest.com. Hopefully they will be. They're really nice brand bags that look like designer.

All of Nine West's bags are pretty nice, and most of them come with free accessories! This bag comes with a cosmetic case and a key ring.

You ready to hear about the pockets? Interior zip, cell phone, multi-function slip pocket and ... pen loops (2)! It also has protective feet. NICE.

The picture shows the bag a little frumpy, she has all her things in it. She's definitely a tote-carry-all.

Designer Michael Kors makes standard-style, classic, quality handbags. I was quite pleased when I discovered him, and he is now one of my favorites. (Coach being my 1st favorite.) This bag, the Delancey, with its khaki nylon (sans logo) with croc-embossed leather in striking, various colors, rivals the look of some of my favorite Coach items, again, minus the logo. It also has plentiful pockets, which won me over. (It's harder to find Coach items with sufficient pockets, but there are adequate options.)

Summary of the Delancey:
- nylon with croc-embossed leather trim and strap.
- Hobo bag
- features nickel hardware and stud detail.
- Wide buckle tab with magnetic closure.
- Inside zip, cell phone and organizer pockets.
- 11" W x 8" H x 1-1/2" D.
- $147.99

Another major plus? Matching accessories! Although far from free, nice accessories are available in a wristlet, a tri-fold wallet, and a key fob.

All of Michael's other handbad designs are quite fine and suitable for anywhere/anytime/almost any one. They are not risk-taking bags in the forward-motion of designs, but classic is always good. I'll be sure to feature more soon.

SmartBargains is the only store I can find that features this stunning floral mini bowler from Prada. It retails for $895, but their price is $529.99.

• Top zip
• Inside open pocket
• Prada triangle logo plaque on side of bag
• Mirror in matching satin pouch included
• Straps are 12" long
• 7" wide x 4.5" high x 3.75" deep

Find the bag in Women's Accessories Prada The bad news: ONLY 3 LEFT!

A surprisingly cute bag by Jennifer Lopez! The "Twister Canvas" Satchel. It's really more of a tote, and named after the fun teen game, because of its polka dots!

This bag would be really cute for Spring with fun colors and (faux) bamboo handles. It suits sophisticated, whimsical, and adorable alike. Tailored by faux suede, it may not suit the designer designated, but it's a super cute and great deal for under $60.

The bag has Inside zip divider pocket, side zip pocket, cell phone pocket and pen holders.

It would even make a nice school bag, but it's not tall enough for my notebook needs, at 14-1/2" W x 8" H x 5" D.

Included with the bag purchase are the detachable cosmetic bag and logo keychain. Super great deal!

When I hear about cell phone pockets, pen loops, AND matching accessories, I nearly hyperventillate!

All marked down to only $43.99!

Coach has new items out for Spring. Many items, including handbags, shoes, a wallet, and even a handkerchief have ladybugs on them!

Ladybug Appliqué Boxy Tote

Straw tote with leather detail palm leaves and ladybugs (front, back and side)

Matching wallet! Novelty Mini Wallet (calfskin)

Soho Optic Signature Sm Tote w/ Appliqué

The optic fabric with a multi-tonal, silver-hued, cross-logo pattern is the ultimate luxe look for Coach. (This item does not flow seamlessly, but looks very good.) This bag comes only in green/silver (with khaki). It also has a rhinestone ladybug. Could be cute or detracting. A similar style, sans buggy, comes only in pale yellow/silver. It's quite fetching.

Both of these new bags come with a cell phone and multi-function pocket. Most Coach items do not, so that is a bonus luxury. (An accessible cell phone and tidy personal items are a must.)

Matching wallet! Soho Optic Signature Compact Clutch

The bold and shiny Optic pattern is rather striking against the khaki in this wallet size. Best in pink and green, also in yellow.

BONUS!

Palm Neckerchief

Classy! Silk/cotton scarf with ladybug/palm print against a khaki mini Signature background. (You can wear it around your neck or your bag!)

Ladybug Key fob

And why not shoes? Yes, Coach 0ffers quite a few pairs of new ladybug shoes.

Green Optic Signature pattern on a criss-cross mule sandal 2 1/2" heel.

NOTE: ALL of the items - minus the key ring - listed in this entry are LIMITED EDITION.