Friday, June 6, 2008

Target Finds the Next Isaac Mizrahi?

New York Magazine is reporting that Anya Hindmarch will come out with an exclusive and limited-edition line of handbags at Target.

See Below for an excerpt of the article:

Target's Next Diffusion Lines: Bags by Anya Hindmarch and Shoes by Sigerson Morrison

Target just doesn't quit! They've just announced two new limited-edition diffusion lines by Anya Hindmarch and Kari Sigerson and Miranda Morrison of Sigerson Morrison. Anya Hindmarch will do handbags:

This collection is the sixth handbag launch in a series of limited-time-only accessories designers at Target. The Anya Hindmarch for Target collection will be available at select Target stores nationwide and at Target.com October 12 through December 26, 2008.
For those of you that aren't aware, Anya Hindmarch is a British designer famous for her "I'm not a Plastic Bag" Bag and signature bow logo. Would you buy an A H bag at Target?

[Click on the images for more information]

From Trashy to Classy

I'll be honest: I usually associate Versace bags with white trash. First they were carried by the crazy stripper a.k.a. Jessi Spano in Showgirls (she pronounced it "ver-sayce"), and then Brit Brit was photographed all over town with the Quilted Snap Out Of it Bag. It's unfortunate, because I used to like that bag. But leave it to Brit to make classy accessories look like they were purchased from Wal-Mart!

Therefore I was quite surprised when I found a Versace bag that I was immediately drawn to. I thought that I'd sworn off the brand for life; apparently not. My cold, stone heart was softened by Versace's Soft Venus Handbag.


















Now, if you're a regular reader you may realize that this isn't a bag I'd normally go for. It's not really "simple", or "classic", but something about it intrigues me.

First, the color: according to Stacey and Clinton, metallics are neutral, and therefore go with everything. And who can put a price on that?

Second, I'm loving the slouchiness. The Soft Venus looks like it was just fold right into your body, molding to your ever curve.


















I also think the imprinted check pattern is glorious. It's subtle enough to keep the bag classy, but adds a touch of flair to keep it interesting and original.

Other features include: magnetic top closure, cell phone pocket, and an inside zip pocket.

Available at Saks for $3,175.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Don't Eat it With Cheese

I try to give credit where credit is due. Here's some credit, Chloe: your latest creation is the first example of what I'm sure is going to be the next new thing in handbag design - kitchen pantry items as Muse.

This macaroni clutch serves two purposes: 1) it will carry around all your nearest and dearest possessions, and 2) you can munch on some of the decorative noodles throughout the day if you get peckish. Brizzzzilliant.

Here's how I think it went down.

A Chloe designer went to the grocery store for a routine shopping trip. "What should I have for dinner?" he thought to himself. The designer decided to indulge in some comfort food and picked up a box of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese.

As the designer opened up the box of Macaroni, he pulled too hard on the blue cardboard tab and little pieces of noodle went flying allllll over his apartment. Oh my, how did those pieces of macaroni fly! They littered the floor, landing in every nook and cranny, some dropping into open cannisters of brown, grey, and beige paint.

Not wanting to pick up the pieces of macaroni one by one, said designer reached for the nearest item and began collecting the noodles in clumps, the paint acting as a sort of glue and attaching the macaroni to the item.

By now I'm sure you've guessed how the rest of the story goes. The item, of course, was a perfectly reasonable looking white and beige clutch. The designer gazed upon the now multi-colored-macaroni-covered clutch, and Voila! the Beatrix "Beaded" Clutch was born.


$2,500 at net-a-porter. Or $2.50 at your local Piggly Wiggly. Your choice.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

The Three Cs

I love things that are Cheap
I love things that are Chic
I love Clutches

I hit the trifecta when I stumbled upon Nordstrom's private label Structured Silk Clutch.

First we must address the Elephant In The Blog: This clutch was highly "inspired" by Bottega Veneta's Lux Satin Clutch. I normally frown upon this; but at less than a tenth of the price, it's hard to stay peeved.











The Nordstrom clutch comes in four fabulous colors. Pick yours up today at Nordstrom for only 80 bucks!

The Meh, The Bad, and the Fugly: Miu Miu Fall Bags at Saks

Normally this feature is called "The Good, The Bad, and the Fugly," but today I've had to resort to "The Meh" in place if "The Good". Why? Because there are NO good bags in Miu Miu's fall collection recently posted on Saks. Nothing jumps out at me and screams "buy me please!" How uninspiring.

THE MEH

I like the weave, but the bag is pretty run of the mill

Large Intreccio Woven Tote
$1,595


I can't help but see a Shar Pei

Matelasse Top Handle Tote
$1,550

Kinda cute, kinda jester hat

Vitello Patch Wristlet
$650


THE BAD

I hate patchwork, always. The colors are kinda pretty; I'd buy it if it were $1,200 less

Nappa Patch Hobo
$1,250

I'm obsessed with the shape. The patchwork? Not so much

Nappa Patch Tote
$1,420


THE FUGLY

Sinful. Shape is HORRID. Handles are waytooshort. Normally I'm a fan of black and brown together, but this looks like a second grader cut up pieces of leather and glued it.

Shine Colour Bowler Bag
$1,240


Perhaps if I was dressing up as a tree for Halloween

Nappa Patch Petals Satchel
$1,240

Sex and the Pretty (And Pretty Ugly) PART 5

Don't worry, Miranda. I haven't forgotten about you.

I love love loved (!!!) the Alexander McQueen that you carried in one of the movie's earlier scenes. To quote Tai, "break me off a piece of that!"

What: Alexander McQueen Elvie Embossed Croco
Where: Carried by Miranda in an early scene
How Much: Buy at Zappos for the odd price of $2,004
Verdict: Love the shape, color, pleats, handle, hardware, etc. Summary: Love it all!

This bag is also available in an AMAZING purple color at net-a-porter for $2,150

Sex and the Pretty (And Pretty Ugly) PART 4

Poor Jennifer Hudson. Being cast in Sex and the City: The Movie is probably any young actresses dream, especially after winning an Oscar and having the added pressure of the world wondering what your follow-up film is going to be. JHud must have been ecstatic.

That was probably, of course, before she realized two things: 1) her part in the movie was totally superfluous and 2) she had to carry around some DAMN ugly arm candy

Patricia Fields, I have to ask: did you scour the earth to find the ugliest bags possible for JHud to carry around during the movie? If so, congratulations! You've succeeded with flying colors.

What: Louis Vuitton Denim Patchwork Bowling Bag
Where: On JHud's arm when she meets Carrie for the first time
How Much: Available on Bag Borrow or Steal for the low price of:
Member Pricing $202.00/week or $595.00/month
Guest Pricing $208.00/week or $619.00/month
Verdict: The perfect bag for blind farmers, but only if you get the matching suspenders

What: Chanel Fringe Flap Bag
Where: JHud carries at some point
How Much: Available on Bag Borrow or Steal for the low price of:
Member Pricing $202.00/week or $595.00/month
Guest Pricing $208.00/week or $619.00/month
Verdict: Perhaps it would be appropriate as a Christmas tree ornament?

Monday, June 2, 2008

Sex and the Pretty (And Pretty Ugly) PART 3

Picture this. You love, love, love a handbag brand - let's say, Louis Vuitton - but can't afford to buy one yourself. You get a job as a personal assistant for a woman who is both stylish and financially solvent. It's Christmas. You exchange gifts. You receive a beautifully wrapped square package and frantically tear open the wrapping paper. Louis Vuitton(!), it says. Slowly, with great anticipation, you lift the lid off the package, part the expensive tissue paper, and see....

THIS!!! [pardon me while I go puke]
What: Louis Vuitton Motard Firebird bag
Where: Carrie's Xmas gift to St. Louise
How Much: $5,400 by special order
Verdict: Second ugliest Louis Vuitton in the history of the world, beaten only by the $42,000 Tribute Patchwork Bag

Sex and the Pretty (And Pretty Ugly) PART 2

What: Louis Vuitton Limelight Bag
Where: Held by Carrie in multiple scenes
How Much: $1,200 on Louis Vuitton
Verdict: Cute, LV monogram without being too flashy, goes with everything

What: Valentino Fleur Metallic Rose Bag
Where: Held by Charlotte in red
How Much: $1,646 at Bergdorf on sale
Verdict: Perfect for oh-so-feminine gals

Sex and the Pretty (And Pretty Ugly) PART 1

Like the rest of the women in the western world, I saw Sex and the City this weekend. Bags for Bitches is not a movie review blog, so I will restrict my comments to those that are bag-related.

I took mental notes throughout my viewing experience of all the bags carried by Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, Samantha, and of course, St. Louise. I don't have time to consolidate it all into one post (busy day at work!) but I will be writing short posts over the next few days that highlight a bag or two. Enjoy!


What: Gucci Loves New York bag
Where: On the hall table in Charlotte's apartment
How Much: Check out Ebay
Verdict: For uber-rich, New York-obsessed, Gucci-lovin' fashionistas only