Stylish with Substance

Introducing MUXO Handbags

Ella M — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:30:05 EDT

Based on the style-preference delusion that fashionistas don't detest big fringe, and seemingly out of the 70's, has arrived new bag design house MUXO. Designed and crafted solely by Camila Alves and her own dear mother, Muxo's bags are painstakingly labored over by their own hands, tools and a rarer cowhide from Brazil - no not even sewing machines are used by this team. That's not to say this indie business isn't big biz backed or have gone/are going it alone en route to already-instant fame, for the designer is a fashion-and-Hollywood-insider as a former model and current baby-momma to Matthew McConaughey's newborn son Levi.

So there's no need for Camila to pray to label namesake, an African goddess of water, for help - which is lucky because what does water have to do with land-animal-skinned accessories? No, with unique "ironing" details and bags that go beyond leather-jacket fringe and long straps, such as a frame satchel and several nice clutches - I even predict mother-daughter team will encounter a bit too much success than four hands and not much more electricity than lighting can handle. Perhaps little Levi will help in the future? The 1 month old was recently quoted, "Dad, mom, I wanna go support mom’s purses". Aww! I hope this couple is as open-minded as they'd seem. ;-)

If you're interested in these unique bags, they range from $450 to $1,400, are available through their official website, or you can check them out in person at L.A.'s Kitson.

Barack Obama Inspired a Purse

Ella M — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:15:10 EDT

Apparently Barack's message of change and hope brought "designer" Timmy Woods hopelessly back to vintage style. Even if you love true vintage, you may be bummed by this red, white and blue homage to Obama's "logo". I imagine most recessionistas and even Obama-crushers would not feel a strong desire to show off this branded symbol, even for we who think it holds a better message than Ls, Vs and flowers. Woods's work was previously showcased in Sex and the City and I'm afraid poor, classy Michelle Obama will be forced to "flaunt' this creation, possibly at the Democratic National Convention.

But will she be alone? This garbage bag will sell to the public, with partial proceeds going to charity. I picture this dressing up the walls of handbag-enthusiasts' collection areas much more than dangling far below their shoulders.

I bet, no know, that fellow fashionistas and Etsy crafters could sketch better and more stylish interpretations of political idolatry and ideology. In fact, I'd love to see your work, especially if there's interest in a contest! Leave me a comment.

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The Cost of an IT Bag vs. That to Sustain an African Village?

Ella M — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 02:30:19 EDT

BagBunch.com has recently posted a very popular and controversial argument against celebrities appearing charitable yet lavishing themselves with luxury purses. Read the article to learn a thing or two, if nothing else. But what are the ethical answers to my two questions: #1 Does a good person not deserve the best of what they love if it barely adds up to their total income? #2 Do you consider celebrities receiving free gifts so they in turn advertise the merchandise?

Feel free to discuss this issue here or on the original webpage.

I've included this "quiz" the webmaster suggests other sites share:

Celebrity Bag Quiz Provided by Bag Bunch

How to Wear this Season's Bright Bags

Ella M — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 01:00:32 EDT

Seen on Rihanna, an Olsen and Rachel Bilson...

DO wear your bright accessories with more neutral clothing.

DON'T wear them with equally bright clothing.

DON'T turn 80s by pairing bright with too much black!

Now have fun shopping!

Lydia Hearst's PUMA Holiday Multi-Function Bag, Again, Torn

Ella M — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 06:37:54 EST

We could get soo excited about model Lydia Hearst's new bag for Puma, a re-do of last year's now called the Lydia 2 Holiday Bag, a multi-function bag in either black with blue trim or silver. The bags aren't too expensive at $120, and yet they are for "environmentally-friendly material" or pleather? (Unconfirmed.) Which actually isn't eco-friendly, due to the manufacturing process of plastic. Hmm.

Right photo from TheRunwayScoop

Let's get right to it. The bag looks totally cute and fresh with that very Miu Miu/Prada ruching, until one sees it from just the wrong angle (left). The ruching part sticks out in a trés poofy way. It looks weird, but it functions as an outer zipper compartment that even has its own zippered pocket inside.

The generously-sized bag is out today, and available on store.puma.com, just in time for your holiday business/exercise/shopping/gifting.

If you're not sure, this video interview on FlyPaper with Hearst showing off both colors should answer a lot of wonderings!

Catch a Shot of Britney's Illegal "LV"-lined Car

Ella M — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 11:26:59 EST

Britney lost the law suit defending against LVMH, but what we care about second to that bit of news is finding this music video, natch!

Britney Spears - Do Somethin'

[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=lb-oyK3t7tI[/youtube]

I've added the vid to our No Knockoffs playlist on our YouTube account: Lipped Media, as well, so check it out.

And of course you should check out the news story, if you don't already know all the details.

LE Dooney & Bourke Celebrity Designed Bag by Hayden Panettiere

Ella M — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 03:06:47 EST

Dooney & Bourke really knows how to pick a celebrity to give them a little publicity, while also targeting one of their main demographics: teens (no, not sci-fi buffs). Hayden Panettiere has designed a bag for the brand, to come out for the Holidays 2007. Like a hero, super star Hayden, who plays Claire Bennett on the wildly popular, Heroes TV series, actually designed something a bit more toward the classic end of Dooney's style - no, she didn't go the teeny-bopper pattern route. (Miss P., you are redeeming yourself from your past escapades of friend's shirt licking!) Maybe the subtle look of the actress's design will help to mature her peer's own senses of fashion?

A limited edition bag, due to arrive to order in early December, it is however just a bit lacking in creativity and that something special to warrant its exclusivity, stature, and the slightly higher price tag than many Dooney's, at around $500.

Really, in order to warrant me buying a Claire Bennett purse, a kind of plain one, a bit too expensive one --- well I want it to be a true super hero bag and be indestructable, with a warranty for free repairs - or "regenerations" by the Dooney company.

But that's just the Geek Chic in me!

via Bag Bliss

Mandy Moore at COACH Event with Limited Alligator Satchel

Ella M — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 05:09:32 EDT

Fresh from an "event" held by COACH (anyone got the scoop on that?), here is Mandy Moore, with new guy pal, and a fab Coach bag. Forget the guy, it's the bag that's interesting! I've never seen this exact style before, but I know what it is. It's the Coach Soho Large Satchel in alligator and it must be super, super limited edition and expensive. No, Coach just does not do croc-embossed!

Here is a close-up of Mandy's satchel next to a regular-leather version available now for $458 at www.coach.com.

Mandy was even seen at LAX Airport wearing gold Coach (see the turnlocks?) shoes (actually, shoe, since she'd injured her foot previously), but they're not the same ones she wore to the event. Hmm.

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Well, DOES Size Matter?

Ella M — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 14:49:56 EDT

Are we prejudiced against petite women with the big bag trend? Hmm. Well to those of you who still think the size of the bag is limited by the size of the girl, get with it, I say!

Sarah Michelle Gellar (5'3") with

Lanvin Kentucky Tote $1545 @ Barneys.com

It is discrimination to not "allow" some of the world's most fabulous bags be carried by 5'0 and unders. I will absolutely agree with you if somehow you prove short girls need fewer belongings with them. Well? No, it's not true. We need just as much junk, and we deserve to carry what.ever. we. want. to keep it in. Whether it be the Stam (honestly I don't know how I could fill the thing up!) or a Silverado Tote, don't try to keep the short girls down!

I personally think that we short girls are more blessed when it comes to looking fabbu with our purses. Why would I say such a crazy thing? Well, the bigger the bag, the more it overpowers our look. Yes, I may be a true bag crazed lady to want that in the first place, but I love it! That Stam or Snake skin bag will attract more attention being so large, and people will stop to notice and they will think it must be IT (if they don't already know).

Besides, big bags can hide chubby parts no matter what the height, and don't try to keep that benefit from us, either!

But that's all just me, maybe. What do you think?

{democracy:2}

Photo Source

Cindy Crawford Carries Christian Louboutin's Metallic Hobo

Ella M — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 12:00:20 EDT

Celebrities love Louboutin, so it was only a matter of time before I spotted his new hot handbag on a star, this is model Cindy Crawford, with a general Spring-is-coming vacation look.

The handbag above is Louboutin's Metallic Hobo, which sells on Neiman Marcus for $950. There's also the "Gathered Hobo" with metallic brown leather going for somewhat more at $1020. Buying one would be a not-too-too expensive way of grabbing some star style. And a piece of history, as this gathered design is Louboutin's first handbag!

Good choice, Cindy.

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