Stylish with Substance

Got ya there, didn't I? True, true, this purse is not practical (and the Birkin is the ultimate in class), but at least this satchel has a convenient closure. A ha! I got you again!

I'm good.

So's the bag.

This bag is me, but even I have my doubts. It's certainly not for everyone, but it does make a big statement, no?

Some of you may be glad to know that there is a choice of the smaller impact colour choice: black. (Same size though.)

Sorry for not posting really last week; I've been depressed because of Virginia Tech. I'm trying to get back to normal, but I also am in a very busy period with other work right now.

Thanks Saks.com! They've shown us how Jimmy Choo's Foldover Clutch is convertible - and I gotta say I now really love it and .. I think I need it! Check it out below:

Jimmy Choo Foldover Clutches being sold RIGHT NOW:

That second look is oh-so fetching .. and just unique enough! With a removable wrist-strap, this stylish bag can be toted upright & tall or with the top folded to the front and secured by a magnet.

The metallic-toned Foldover, at 11" x 7", is a bit smaller than the regular (a whopping 15" x 8" x 3"), but it also goes for a better price: $825 compared to $1,250. Overall, it might be a bit less day but it's so much cuter than plain black. Would I miss the size? Is that great cost reduction worth it (especially when I'll probably still bargain hunt)?

If you're wondering, too, well - we can check it out in live action carried by Hilary Duff (5'1 / average-slim):

She's about my height, and it's not bad at all. (Here's a full-body photo.) It would even look slightly larger on moi. Now compare that to the regular on 5'3 (*disputed) / skin & bones Victoria Beckham here and this 5′11 skinny mannequin here. Super-huge, and would be even larger against my frame. Now note, this does matter in this case, because clutches are assumed to be smaller---ergo oversized clutches can dwarf a petite girl.

Close-up:

I really like it! I also like to carry a lot of *important* stuff with me, and want to use this more than just on dates/for evening. (For a designer IT bag at that price, I want to use it!) So what should I do?

You can order for yourself the Metallic clutch from Saks and the Marin Oversized Clutch from Net-a-Porter.

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.

The Dior Gaucho bag just keeps getting better. When it first came out, ehh not so good. But with style re-inventions there have been improvements, like interesting texture and different straps.

Now they have the classic in a shimmering gold metallic washed calfskin. My BFF's mother picked that out as her dream bag, and I say "good choice!"

But here's how the conversation went with my BFF, introduced here for the first time (who otherwise will be known as the Evil Fashionisto! dun dun dunnn).

Ella: "And that's an It Bag!"

TEF: "A **it bag?"

Ella, ignoring: "I found the price! It's about the same as my dream quilted Bay; $1760."

TEF: "**** ****."

Ella: "It's less expensive than the Gaucho she liked last trip to Neimans. Over $2,000."

TEF: "****. Ma, you should get a fake."

Ma: "I don't want a fake."

TEF "No, don't they have inspireds?"

Ella: "Yeah, I can find one for you, without metallic leather though, probably on ASOS."

TEF: "What's that, pesos? It's for pesos? That's a perfect price!"

Ella, laughing: "That's priceless. Ooh, get it?!"

Burberry has a new & interesting line out called "sliced check", which is basically their plaid pvc interrupted with stripes of silver and silver leather trim. It's a glitzy collection, for sure. You can see the effect best on their classic hobo shape. Sized 16" x 11" x 2.5", The Sliced Check Hobo costs $895, which is totally an already slashed price for such a luxe looking bag. Go Burberry!

Also in the collection are the Manor and the new Beaton.

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.

The new style of Marc Jacobs' Venetia, with patchwork leather and zippered pockets---called the "Met Patchwork" Venetia---is available for pre-order on Neiman Marcus now and shipping by April 6th.

The bag is certainly the classic Venetia, a satchel sized 15" x 8" x 4" with double handles and a real strap closure, but all new with bronze metallic "patchworked" leather and changed front pockets.

Priced $1,475, currently offered in bronze, is this the next covetable bag by MJ?

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!