Stylish with Substance

Think I was excited about viewing the Marc Jacobs show? Well I was. But most Marc Jacobs bags are just a dream to you and me and Spring is far off.

So now with that in perspective you might try to imagine my excitement about the release of Coach's 65th anniversary line.

Oh, yes! (You must already know I love Coach, though.)

The line brings back vintage styles with more modern shapes, it brings back a little of that ol' Bonnie Cashin (designer head) kiss-lock. And it keeps new classics, like many bags in the "Legacy" collection that also resemble bags from last Spring. Coach even is introducing smaller details that instantly click with fans, like the color combo of Khaki (brown-toned) Signature with Ebony (YES, BLACK!) leather trim. Brown and black on one bag, Coach, you've finally taken one of my suggestions from my telepathic love notes!

One other thing that Coach is introducing is something major: a higher price point. Some bags cost the same, but many more rise above $600. And then---get this, there's a limited edition Alligator bag for $10,000. Hello Hermes?! Even a genuine ostrich clutch for over $1,000! Oh, my!

Hopefully that will attract some more "catwalk" cred to the brand. Gucci schmucci?

Stay tuned for more products! Preview and shop the Anniversary Legacy accessories by Coach.

More bought, more added! (The previous list is here, but only appears once, because I changed the date on the same list [I updated twice too close together].)

CHECK! Coach Signature Medium Carryall
-- (I still need something like it in black!)
CHECK! More jeans, Express "E" jeans, two pairs. I still need to get them hemmed!
-- CHECK! Coach Signature school tote.
-- CHECK! Fall, comfy boots: found in a flat! Black suede. They're so cute, I can't believe it. They suit me. These great boots were at a good price, so I might try to find the brown at different Macy*s locations.

-- Polka dot flats ???
-- Leopard flats at either Nine West or Steve Madden
-- J. Crew Wool Flats
I'm giving up on the flats, they don't fit or are not comfy---arggh.
-- CHECK! Fall grey sweater/jacket (from Express).
CHECK! Coach Bouclé Field Bag
CHECK! Coach key fobs: maroon satchel and apple (for my school tote)
-- Do I still want that Brown Satchel? I want new things now:
-- CHECK! Coach charm, Anniversary Stripe Wallet & Coin Purse... (And ooh! do I want this fabu wristlet?!)
-- Coach Legacy Signature Shoulder Bag in Khaki/Ebony! (Yes, brown + black in one!) (I think I'm getting this for my birthday, and asking for gift cards.)

I need more and more, don't I? (With lightening funds.)

Metallic and multi-shaded and quilted, but more importantly; purple and skinned---this is the bag - from Marc Jacobs - I'm wanting for Spring! I'd "take" it in a saturated green as well!

Credit: Coutorture

I was thinking that the reason I didn't enjoy writing about Marc Jacobs' Spring 2007 collection's apparel is that there were lots of negative aspects, yet I've come to adore Marc Jacobs so that I didn't feel the spirit was in me to snark on the pieces.

Well that's not right, n'est pas?!

Well, the show was actually a lot like Halloween as well. The models went as ...

The Flying Model and Princess Jasmine!

A flapper ... and Marc Jacobs, himself!

And of course, a big MJ trend, nothing fit. I'd size down, especially if paying this much. Well, hey, that looks good ... if someone sees the label.

Credit

I always get so excited over Marc Jacobs, but these past days, I was so anxious over seeing the photos that I couldn't even do it! After I saw some bags (mostly good bags!), I couldn't take it.

But this lineup was very disappointing. It was more show than clothes. Marc Jacobs not only forgot about the feminine figure, but he didn't even do it in an interesting or over-the-top way, there's not much to say!

There really are great pieces, but something is lost in the presentation for me.

Hmm ... next I'll check out Oscar de la Renta and Nanette Lepore.

Oh, and the shoes! Of course I have things to say on that, but shoes I save for the wrap-ups!

For now, here are some more interesting photos, courtesy of Coutorture.

I'm way too excited to see the Marc Jacobs show pictures, I cannot contain myself. I also need to split this up into different posts, but I don't think I can take more than one entry over a little bit of time. I'm crazy, huh?

I have something to show you that will also make you just die! (So there.) Marc Jacobs' new Stams for Spring 2007!

First we have an extra-large Stam with a push-lock instead of a zippered pocket. The straps are also very different---much less detailed, and I don't like them nearly as much.

Here you can plainly see the new quilting style for Spring 2007, and I love it! I really love the classic quilting, but this is unique; it sets the season and MJ name apart, at least for now. It's really updated and modern, but I don't want to say forever good-bye to classic quilts, of course!

Now here's the Stam in metallic and some sort of skin! This season will bring a lot of skins to Marc Jacobs, but we'll see more of that later!

Luella is bigger than ever, well her accessories are literally larger than any of last season's (I think). This red leather bag is huge, plus the hideous banana charm is bigger here (and hypnotizing).

Have you seen the girth of a bag so wide? I think a petite and slight woman could tip over carrying that! I think a small German Shepherd could fit!

I wish we could see the front of the bags in these pictures; Luella's all in those front straps to me.

Excuse me, did Luella dress her models in FootyPants? I can't get past the matching pants with shoes, when in a print, at the moment---especially the long skinny pants that bunch on the bottom with a plain, slipper-like shoe.

Say goodnight to this look!

Verrier pleases me again. Their Spring 2007 collection is sophisticated and feminine, but glitzy, with some very trendy shoes (come back later for more on that). The lines, the detail mixed with simplicity, the updated retros, and the mix of low-key neutral (black and white in, oh yes!) with bursts of Summer brights. All Love.

What's more is the models used were picked into a quite eclectic mix. There were as many variations on beauty and appearances as a typical fashion show could, in practice, have.

1. This is lovely, and the model is stunning, too. (I don't usually like models.)
2. The perfect Spring dress!
3. What sophisticated glamour, back to 60s iconic classics.

The strange redneck or just speckled fake mouth-pieces stole the spotlight from the fashion at Baby Phat (by Kimora Lee Simmons). Some of the clothing was nice, yet some was uninteresting, anyway. The gimmick or message by using fake teeth? I don't get it.

I do know that it is not yet Halloween season, but the look above is just the right amount of frightening for it. High fashion costume idea, anyone? (Where to find rainbow or glittered teeth ...)

View the show.