Stylish with Substance

Goyard might be unknown to most, and a luggage maker styled after Vuitton, after first inspection - but the company has a long history and a great fan base in today's time.

It's true, the brand makes trunks, travel cases, and bags for men and women all in a logoed coated canvas trimmed in leather (just like LV). The logo appears to be a subtle Y (why Y?), nothing that will scream label-addict, yet the owner will get all the quality.

One may argue that the actual handbags by this traditional company, opposed to trunks and travel pieces, are shape-and-style-less - while consumers still pay high for craftsmanship and self-importance by the established classics maker. On the other hand, their devoted patrons don't complain a bit - they follow the brand like any designer. This house (ou maison!), which even inspires fakes - for the record, must be doing something right.

Take the Jeanne, which I happen to like for its idea, being inspired by the hat box. (Don't you adore hat boxes?) Goyard's designs are simple and functional. Perhaps bags for the non-bag-ladies. Are they for you?

One of the spanking-new Coach silhouettes for 2007 (since the Fall, this has been a big growing time for Coach) is the Andrea Satchel in the Hamptons collection.

It's medium-sized with a rectangular shape, contrast stitching and totally modern details. Studs, lots of stitching and great side decoration make up the style's individual look, with tassels on one gusset and a dog-leash clip attaching the top zip closure to the bag (genius idea!).

In brass hardware, also with a brass lozenge hangtag, the Andrea comes in black, white, cognac brown and a dark olive. At 13.25" l x 8.25" h x 7" w, the new favorite from Coach comes in at $598.

It's becoming clear to me that designers want models skinny, but only to look fat in the end. Well, whether they intend for the models to look frumpy, it is the result. We all know models are "supposed" to be thin because the clothes just hang on---well those human clothes-hangers. And then when we have thin models, the outcome is that skinny's hot, and once skinny's hot, big is out.

BUT designers do. not. care. if the models are hot. Just look at the frowning faces most of the time - not too cute (I think). Really, the clothes hanger look makes the models appear to be in tents. This isn't flattering, and you know what - stupid designers - the clothes don't look good! Also - the models look kind of fat. Exactly HOW does this fly?!

It's odd and confusing, but true. Just take this scrap-page image I put together with 99% help from Net-a-Porter.

What do you think? How exactly are we managing to stay on one side of the line between promoting skinniness and these models clearly imitating a larger body? I want my clothes to flatter and wrap with womanly flair around beautiful bodies. Anyone else?

If you want frequent updates on the fight against skinny models, visit The Runway Scoop.

I remember when Hayden-Harnett was just starting to spread their name (while contacting bag blogs). Now, they don't even need that publicity as new but already devoted fans cheer their style and quality (and colors) in places such as handbag message boards.

The designers have forged creative signature styles that have already made their way into fashionista's memories and copier's store shelves. Medium-range pricetags give all the exclusivity an indie company needs - this brand will continue to grow as seasons change.

Will they be the next Cole Haan, Elliot Lucca - or Kooba or Bottega Veneta? My vote's for the latter - Hayden-Harnett will be huge. Perhaps they're destined for eventual fame now reserved for Chloe and Balenciaga! Let's keep an eye on this company!

Check out their styles of handbags (and more) such as the Boca Rattan (love that name), the signature Havana Hobo and the unique Mercer Clutch (want it).

From embarrassing and ugly in the 90s to faux useful and patriotic for 2007, the see-through bag is now being reported as "trendy" and even "the next big thing."

Oh gah!

The myth being perpetrated by dim-witted fashion journalists that clear PVC designer handbags hold the answer to the 21st century fashionista's travel dilemmas is insane! The see-through baggies that hold liquids for security checkpoints are required to be separate from the rest of one's purse belongings and not be sized to hold more than 1 quart. Duh! Buying one of these clear bags at ridiculous prices for that reason is misguided, and I hope no one falls for it.

Still, the possibility of these bags actually having some style to them has not been decided as completely imbecilic yet. Time and plummeting sale pricetags will tell.

Here are some photos of clear designer bags, via IguanaFashions, which is holding a contest to find the coolest indie version of the new style. (Also see our original entry: Spring 2007 Garbage Bags: Oscar de la Renta)

Having this topic and blog entry sitting on my desktop awaiting me to post about finally led me to a genius idea ...Our own contest - Pursed Lips .net's first contest ever, in fact.

A) You send in a photo or a few of a clear bag with your actual personal necessities inside - what you carry around daily in your bag. We post it here and and then - you show you're really not embarrassed. While the contest continues you post the link to your special page here in as many places as you can (forum signatures, Flickr*, Squidoo Lenses, blogs, blogrolls, e-mail signatures, MySpace, etc.) The person who shows the highest level of brevity and who has the coolest stuff in her bag will be deemed the winner - and she gets a collection of little goodies to go in her daily purse - such as makeup bags, even a wallet - by brands and luxe brands alike!

You can cheat a little taking the photos, sneak pics at a department store, you may even get away with really fantastic Photoshop skills, as a last resort. We understand it may be hard to even want to own one of these bags.

B) The 2nd option to entering is to submit photos of your favorite purse (one you think actually deserves to be "the next big bag") and what's inside, and then link to the contest entries' main page in as many fashions as above, while also blogging, or in some other way posting or publishing an article with your opinions on clear bags. The other part of this contest is to find out what people think of the trend! Plus, by sending us a photo of your own IT bag, you'll help us know which bags are actually the hottest for 2007!
Then, all that linking will hopefully pay off for you, because our visitors will help to vote on a winner! So essentially when you link to your own page here, ask for a vote! But that's not all, the links also act as votes for you, as well!

Rules:

• A photo is necessary, and so is multiple-linking. Links from a single domain do not count.


• The links must be permanent, with only up to 25% being taken down after the contest ends. (I can judge which links you'll want to remove.)


• The photos have to be of your belongings, you can not steal photos.


• *If you post the photo on Flickr, you must link to us from a comment.


• I don't want someone with all Louis Vuitton, or other impressive brands, to win based on them in the photos alone. I will stop voting and choose my own winners, in this case.


• Votes cannot be based on whether an applicant actually has a clear bag, even if you think that makes the photos better. Judge on what's inside.


• No voting until the submission phase has ended.


• Due to concerns of participation level, I can not say when each step will end at this time. This is actually quite fair to you.


• All prizes will be announced at a later date. I think I will add one prize to the pool for every 5 applicants, and stop when we have great goodies to fill a good sized bag. (So don't worry about your links announcing the contest to competitors, just submit and hope to win even more great things.)

To Enter! Submit photos, and subsequently all your URLs where there are links, to PrivatesinmyPurse [at] aol. You'll need to wait for your photos to be published here and receive that URL back before you can start linking.

Now, have fun!

A news article on Yahoo! is causing a buzz in the bag-loving community. It claims that those currently big in the trend department, and big in the size and weight department, large bags should be used with caution - for they can cause aches and pains if overused (and overloaded).

"I see so many women with neck pains and headaches and what I usually do is look for their purse and pick it up," said Jane Sadler, a family practice physician on the medical staff at Baylor Medical Center in Garland, Texas.

"We take it over to the scale and weigh it and usually they're anywhere from 7 to 10 pounds (3.1-4.5 kgs)...We're really going to see women with more and more problems later on if we continue the big purse craze."

So now are huge purses "out"?

Above all, [William Case, a physical therapist in private practice in Houston, Texas] recommended correct posture while carrying bulky purses, keeping the head and shoulders aligned upright. Patients should also frequently change the size and weight of purses carried.

Professor Alan Hedge, an ergonomics specialist at Cornell University in New York state, said similar health problems arose when laptops were first introduced.

Traditionally women adopted better postures for carrying loads, such as baskets on heads or strapping a papoose across the back, but placing objects on one shoulder was one of the least efficient ways of carrying a load.

"If it (a big bag) is a fashion accessory, then occasional and symbolic use is fine. If not, then keep it light."

The poll we have running to the left reads that our visitors still love their bags big. Willing to reconsider? I'm not, but I suggest anyone with neck or back pains to take some advice from this article.

For a humorous approach to this piece, check out Pursed Lips.

Marc Jacobs photo source: Style.com

When I posted about a similar Gucci Scarf "Positano" Tote, I was told by a commenter that another was much more expensive. The first was straw, the second---crocodile. The price of the crocodile tote? $19,800.

Nearly $20,000! Actually it's nearly $21,000 with tax!!!

Oiiiiiiiiiiiii.

It's lovely, but I don't need it. I do, however, need a new car. A nice hybrid would be an option with that amount of money. Oi.

TORONTO, Jan 16 (Reuters Life!) - With big handbags becoming a key fashion accessory for working women, health experts are warning they can also become a key health concern.

They're talking about big handbags there, and they probably mean over 17" wide or very tall ones. Specifically, if a woman's handbag weighs more than 7 lbs, it's not a good sign.


But in this modern age, women can't leave home without their 3 gadget accessories, hair products, face wash wipes, an extra set of under garments, lady-time emergency supplies and of course the required industrial-sized mase can. Some women need to fit changing tables, toy boxes and a whole smaller purse, all inside diaper bags. And yet other women need bags for a laptop, but luckily those are getting smaller and actually - lighter than a Paddington's padlock.

I feel a bit safer knowing my Paddington only weighs a max of 6 pounds, but I don't like this widely spreading bit of news here. I read somewhere this means huge bags are out. I think that was a joke though. ;-)

Actually, it might just mean large bags are more in than ever, which is pretty cool. We need to stand proud, because if we need larger bags it shows how badly we need bags in general!

And don't you kind of think people are switching from hating stilettos to bags? Perhaps men want women's accessories small so they can keep us down! Well, not I, I say! I'm going to have my bags and fill them, too!

Handbag pride!

So what about you, what size are your bags and how much do they weigh? Are you going to downsize now?

You voted against pom-pom hats in our last poll (new one's on "huge" bags), but might any of the nay-sayers be pleased with a subtler variation?

This is a hat I bought from Tristan & America (70% acrylic, 30% wool & about $20). The pom-poms are small, laid out across the base, and have a completely different look. I actually love the idea of pom-poms very much, always have, and this look is just grown-up enough for the me I am today.

So what do you think - any budging?

If you like this hat or want to check anything else the store has to offer (great store, mostly pricey and very nice) you'll actually have to take a trip to either NYC or Boston, MA. But if you would just like to purchase this item (and maybe a matching scarf), I'd call one of the numbers at the locations below!

New York
Tristan
Rockefeller Center
1230, Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY
10020
Tel.: (212) 246-2354

Boston
Tristan
Burlington Mall
75, Middlesex Turnpike
Burlington, MA
01803
Tel.: (781) 272-2540

An IT bag from Miu Miu offers more of the ruching that Miuccia Prada likes to do, but is otherwise completely new and different. The Miu Miu Coffer's front flap with lock tab and flap pockets give it a unique look, sitting on a round body a single short, braided handle and detachable long strap.

Like it, hate it? I can't quite decide, but the general bag-loving public has spoken about this IT bag. Have to have it? This Italian-made piece of camel nappa leather costs $1,445 and sells at Neiman Marcus.