Stylish with Substance

Nothing new and interesting has been coming from Fendi lately, but one bag of note is the Canvas Palazzo Print Tote, featuring a signature-included asymmetrical photo print and chain-printed straps on a roomy---nay, a huge 20" x 15"---tote shape, for only $650. And the design actually means something; "Palazzo print pays homage to the neo-classical architecture of Fendi's Palazzo flagship store."

Still, I'm not convinced. What do you think?

I know I do a lot of Marc Jacobs, but can you blame me? I love his bags. But I'm actually only doing another Fake Spotting about Marc Jacobs because a commenter wrote in. This is so late in relation to when the commenter asked, but LIFE ran at me like a MAC Truck! (And don't worry, I wrote to her back right away after!)

Hi could you tell me what the tale signs are of a fake Blake handbag to a real one?

I have just purchased one from Designers Imports and am really worried.

Well, first of all, the website you bought it from is a faker. All those discount websites are. For Marc Jacobs buying online, only blindly trust eLUXURY, Net-a-Porter and the really upscale department stores, such as Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.

The Blake is a great classic bag, similar to the Venetia, but it's not one of the older classics, so it isn't quite as known to people.

Look on MarcJacobs.com for the past few seasons' collections photos and examine the Blake. Here's a photo of one:

Here are things that should be the same with all bags by Marc Jacobs similar to the Blake:

1. Any quilting will align up centered on quilted bags.


2. The leather on the pocket flap will be plain, without texture.


3. The shape of the pockets is always the same.


4. The strap detail is always the same.

There is a great guide from an eBay user to spot authentics on all classic Marc Jacobs bags. The Blake was based on the classics, but is not in this guide. Also, check out our own general article with tips on avoiding fakes.

Also you must note that with any high-priced designer bag, no company or person can afford to slash big prices drastically. You won't find big "below retail" or "our price" deals, only markdowns at the end of a season - and those don't last long.

Safe buying!

I love tweed. I love bouclé - I love nerdiness - I even love plaid but that's straying from this posts' topic. So although I'm not usually drawn to Dolce & Gabbana, I love D&G's Tweed Doctor's Bag. (They have a tote too, but it's not as cute.) It's packed tightly with shape and style, but the best part is the multi-flecked cool-toned bouclé! With two short shoulder straps, four outer pockets, and mahogany grained leather, this satchel is cu-ute. At 13 x 8 x 4.5, this Italian creation has a darn cool $645 pricetag.

I love tweed. I love bouclé - I love nerdiness - I even love plaid but that's straying from this posts' topic.

So although I'm not usually drawn to Dolce & Gabbana, I love D&G's Tweed Doctor's Bag. (They have a tote too, but it's not as cute.) It's packed tightly with shape and style, but the best part is the multi-flecked cool-toned bouclé! With two short shoulder straps, four outer pockets, and mahogany grained leather, this satchel is cu-ute.

At 13 x 8 x 4.5, this Italian creation has a darn cool $645 pricetag.

We saw the runway shots, but MarcJacobs.com has Spring 2007's collections already up! Great, clear photos of his upcoming bags! Unfortunately the website only offers one color for each style, but there are plenty more than were in the fashion show!

First we see the new quilting, colors, and a brand new style for old classics---like the Venetia (1st) and Multipocket (2nd) bags. The front pockets are now signature zippered pockets! Interesting.

I really love that Venetia, but by far my favorite bag of the whole collection is the brand new Bowler, which features four front gathered pockets, gathered-leather handles and a push-lock (to nowhere), plus a detachable long chain strap. It's gorgeous. (And I just want to eat it.)

I'm still looking back a couple seasons to that blue quilted leather Blake, though. Come to eBay ... oh why me!

A near purse-snatching was prevented because the 79-year-old victim just wouldn't let go of the thing.

The woman said she refused to let go of her purse, which was strapped on her shoulder and gripped in her hands. As the driver attempted to pull away, the alleged victim said she attempted to run alongside the truck, screaming the whole time.

*Crying* ~Wah-wah-wah.~ I always want to hear women do this! But she didn't do it because it was a Gucci or something, she had those "real" and "safety" reasons. I just want my purses safe ... still waiting on that kind of story.

We started a Squidoo Lens (what is that?) on Squidoo.com (where else?) yesterday! It has fresh info on the bag matters you care about. We're doing well, with the rank raising 34,000 points after our first day (I think that's good, he he).

If your new and relevant blog content suits our lens, just shout us a comment with the link!

Visit our Bags Lens; "Squi-Bags"!

For your consideration into our "Garbage Bag" feature, this Chanel hobo. It sort of resembles a large sack in which to stuff trash, n'est pas? Only just a little bit prettier and more colorful.

I apologize about the sheer size of this photo---to match!

You put 4'11" moi next to it, and I'm afraid we get that "big, big, big, big" TV ad. It's huge! Not only could I carry a lot of junk in it, I could tote my whole body around.

At least it has a logo.

A comment on The Sydney Morning Herald's interview with (plus-sized) Velvet (below) reminded me of another issue with fashion ...

Veronique,

As for people wanting diversity - tell that to American Vogue and most fashion designers. They want Nazi uniformity: thin, thin, thinner.

A model agency in New York had the hide to whinge that Spain was discriminating against naturally thin models. Well, hello? The fashion world discriminates against anyone who isn't a swizel stick.

Another discriminated group is the short. There are petite models, but not as far as below 5 feet petite. (And I don't think there are petite plus-sized models, because those clothes barely exist! But the bodies do!)

Perhaps it's too soon about which to do anything, as it's great we are in the midst of broadening fashion models---but I can surely talk about it!

There is a new poll below regarding "plus-sized" women in the fashion industry; particularly "plus-sized" models in regular high fashion shows. What should be done in the battling anorexia debate?

Should we ban thin models and obese women, because they both send the wrong messages? We should all try to be just plain healthy, right?

Why don't we get rid of all our standards for models? Why can't a 5'2 beauty make it big, and not be a low-key "petite model"?

Can fashion lines make all sizes, because separate is not equal? Petite and plus sized fashions are usually in completely separate lines, with different designs that are often less fashionable. Or worse, they're disappearing from malls and stores. Why can't high fashion designers make size 18s?

Or is the current system in place for a reason; should it stay? But then what about models taking drugs or getting sick to stay or get thinner? Are "obese" models just as unhealthy?

Vote below, on the left-hand sidebar under the Glam ad. Leave your comments on this post.