DKNY New York Fashion Week

If Katherine Hepburn were a 20-something starlet living in New York today, she’d have fallen hard for the fall collection DKNY showed. Heavy tweeds and herringbone received a youthful update in the form of minidresses and pairings with bold shocks of silk blue and charmeuse.

Dark tights and chic berets added a European Garbo-esque allure. Scarves, wide-leg trousers, black-and-white color palettes, cheerleader-style skirts, touches of sparkly purple material, and mod shifts in cotton candy pink also appeared. Overall, this collection was one of the highlights of Fashion Week thus far - the perfect combination of classic and hip.


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Prada Vitello Daino Weave Tote

There’s nothing plain Jane about this simple white tote. Courtesy of Prada, the Vitello Daino Weave Tote is just about as glamorous as a basic white bag can get. The pebble calf leather is exquisitely supple, but it’s the rich braided handles that really bring it all together for a clean, sophisticated finish. Of course, the discreet Prada logo stamped on top doesn’t hurt either. Also available in black, Prada’s Vitello Daino tote is $1043 at Neiman Marcus.

Wide Calf Boot (Black) by Naturalizer

We have been hearing from customer feedback that this boot runs slightly smaller than marked. We suggest that you order a 1/2 size or one width larger than you normally wear. You can get a pair of Dr. Scholl's insoles to make them tighter if they are a bit loose when you receive them.

Wide calf circumference range of 16" (size 6) to 18 1/4" (size 12). This beautiful tailored Naturalizer boot has a 2 1/4" square heel and a rounded toe and can be worn as a dress or casual style with your new fall outfits. This is one of the SMALLEST of the wide calf boots that are made so please measure your calf.

Shaft height is 15" and this boot has a full inside zipper, a soft tricot fabric lining, a cushioned insole and a textured flexible outsole for extra comfort.

A Touch of Neon

Hot acid colors made their return to the runway this season. If revisiting the ’90s-inspired look is something you’d rather avoid, follow Isaac Mizrahi’s lead and incorporate a subtle flash of neon for a fresh and modern style.

Relax-Fit Pants

Forget about wide-leg or skinny jeans. Spring’s must-have silhouette: relax-fit pants. Similar to the boyfriend jeans Katie Holmes has been spotted in lately, the new cut is loose and easy at the hips, then tapers delicately above the ankle. This wins the chilled-out title of Most Comfortable New Trend on the Catwalk.

Scarlett Johansson For Louis Vuitton Part Deux

After Louis Vuitton's insanely successful Spring/Summer '07 ad campaign featuring Hollywood "IT" girl Scarlett Johansson, Marc Jacobs, LV's creative director, decided to stick with his voluptuous muse for the fashion house's Fall ad spread.

Gone is the coquettish ScarJo, swinging playfully from vines and other silly props. Instead we see a stunning (and almost unrecognizable) Scarlett striking sexy poses while draped in luxurious fabrics. This campaign will surely compare with, if not succeed, its' predecessor.

I'm certainly thrilled for Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs. They realize how important it is to have a young, hip celebrity be the center of their ad campaigns so as to distract potential customers from focusing on the questionable merchandise. Make no mistake, ladies, LV's Fall '07 handbag collection has one or two hag bags.

If you don't believe me, just look at this pic for a preview of what's in store for handbag collectors. The collection is not a total mess (I loved many of their creations), but let's just say it's a good thing they have these winning ads to back them up.

victorian inspiration

Eyola takes inspiration from the opulent style of Victorian era with a distinctive contemporary twist. Each collection consists of eight pieces witch form an Octette.

I find Eyola outfits simply amazing. I’ll sure watch it closely.

Triumph Inspiration Award 2008

Triumph Inspiration Award 2008, took place at the end of July in Beijing. That’s right… in the same town where are held the Olympic Games. So just before the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games amaze us all… there was another event that blew off the masculine part of the audience.

Triumph Inspiration Award 2008 gathered in one place 31 talented designers from all over the world, in a competition for best lingerie design. Hot, hot, hot!

Passion for black

Black is one of my favourite non-colours and maybe that’s why I’m so in love with Helena Hörstedt’s creations.

The label provides handmade garments with emphasis on structures and techniques, advanced details and classic tailoring… that;s the description on the website. But I see much more. I see beautifull lines and sharp cuts and a sense of elegance that I missed seeing lately. It’s nothing I wouldn’t wear. Love it!

Rafé New York Tracy Doctor’s Bag

I’ve always been intrigued by traditional Doctor’s bags. You know the ones: black, boxy, filled with elixirs and such? Watch any movie that is set “back in the day” and if there is a house visit, the doctor is sure to come in with a stethoscope around his neck and a doctor bag. When Megs and I were little we had a yellow plastic doctor’s bag since at that point Megs told us almost daily she wanted to grow up to be a doctor. Well, that didn’t really happen, but maybe I’ll buy her this Rafé New York Tracy Doctor’s Bag so she can pretend every now and then.

The croc-embossed leather bag is clearly finished with a luminous shine which really draws the eye. Add on some goldtoned hardware and this is a bag worth looking at twice! The exterior zip, interior zip, wall and cell phone pockets help to make sure the things you need to be able to grab right away will be found. Megs’ birthday just passed so maybe I’ll splurge and buy her an upgrade from the plastic one she used to tote around. The only other major difference is that the new Doctor’s Bag would be filled with a cell phone, wallet, lipgloss, maybe an iPod, etc instead of plastic toys.

Linea Pelle Handbags

We’ve had a wonderful chance to feature Linea Pelle handbags in the past. Now with Purse Blog Savvy up and running we have named Linea Pelle as one of our Savvy brands. And it comes as no shock to us that Linea Pelle isn’t just savvy when it comes to handbags, belts and accessories, but also when it comes to raising awareness for a worthwhile cause.

October is Breast Cancer awareness month and Linea Pelle has launched the “life is beautiful” campaign for breast cancer awareness. This Savvy brand will donate 25% of the purchase price of any of the “life is beautiful” handbags from October 1, 2008 - September 30, 2009 to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. You don’t need me to tell you what a wonderful idea Linea Pelle has, but I can tell you about the bags and where to find them!

Dolce & Gabbana Miss Glamorous Fur Print Handbag

A fur handbag. I am going to be upfront with you; I’m not sure how I feel about this. We are all familiar with how controversial fur and other exotic material is, but that’s not exactly what concerns me here. I think it is the color of the Doce and Gabbana Miss Glamorous Fur Print Handbag that really doesn’t do much for me. Come to think of it, the color of the bag just seems kind of gloomy.

Even the antiqued gold metal hardware doesn’t seem to be able to add enough contrast to the fur print leather. At the same time I don’t really like the leather handles. In all reality the style of the handles doesn’t really work well with the rich look and feel of the fur. There is one thing I like about the bag, the overall shape.

But really, there are probably hundreds of handbags out there with a similar shape that I would choose before ever choosing this bag. Of course this handbag comes with all the typcial amenities, like a zip top closure, textile lining and a few interior pockets. But, at the end of the day, the bag does nothing for me. Plus, in typical Dolce & Gabbana fashion, it isn’t cheap. Buy through eLuxury for $2,150.


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Channel Gun Shoe

Madonna, the Queen of Pop, has never been known to shy away from controversy. So it should come as no surprise that she worked her killer gams balancing on the gun shoe from the Chanel Spring 2009 Cruise Collection. Since I am sure this will trigger a response from gun control activists, what is your take on these shoes all in good fashion fun or should we cease proliferating the idea that guns are hot? The Chanel Sandal (G26369 X01008) in satin/metal will be available in Chanel boutiques starting mid Oct 2008. The price is $2200.

Marc Jacobs Quilted Jersey Tote

Once upon a time I saw this bag in an all leather version, in pink. I kept meaning to talk about it, kept reminding myself to tell you all about it, and plain and simple forgot. But Marc Jacobs is in my head somehow, perfectly planning the time to bring a new version of the bag to the forefront so I would cover it. And I have to say I love this bag!

The combination of soft cotton knit accented with leather stands out on the Marc Jacobs Quilted Jersey Tote. And while the body of the bag is mostly Jersey, it is a deep blue which will not show wear and dirt as much as a lighter color. I know, I know, jersey is no where near as sturdy or luxurious as leather, but it does bring the price down. The conversation can now still spin away from the details of the bag when in your head you are saying ‘but really, $1000 for jersey?’. Let me just tell you, I know and I even agree.

But I still like this Marc Jacobs bag! The first thing that drew me to this bag was the leather belted strap on the front, which somehow looks like the perfect feminine accent. There are double top handles and goldtone hardware. On the inside there is storage galore, an inside zip, open, and cell phone pocket. The inside is lined with canvas. Measurements are 15″W X 14″H X 5″D. So no, this bag is not perfection, and I am not running out to buy it, but I do like it! And the all leather version in the girly pink I like even more! Buy through Saks for $995.

Marni Leather Shoulder Bag

just went on and on about it over at Purse Blog Savvy so I won’t ramble much more about that. However, gorgeous weather does put me in the mood to find bright and fun bags. I guess this is why the Marni Leather Shoulder Bag caught my eye. Actually, it was the bright green color that really caught my eye. The green metallic soft suede has silver detailing throughout the bag.

You might not be able to notice from this image, but this is actually an over sized shoulder bag so there is ample room for whatever you might want to tote around. This bag also has a cut out flap over front and is fastened with a clasp. To add a little bit of contrast, the leather handle is adorned with silver links.

In the past, I haven’t been a huge fan of Marni bags, but I think this one is growing on me a bit. I really think the greed suede has tipped the scale towards the “like” side as opposed to “dislike”. What do you think? Has this Marni bag grabbed your attention? Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1,815.

Chloé Bay Medium Tote

The Chloé Bay Medium Tote looks like it is the kind of bag that would be up for the challenge. Actually, I was a little surprised when I first saw this bag. I am used to Chloé bags being a little more ornate, but I am definitely not complaining. The light grey destressed calfskin bag looks so soft and touchable.

The front and back zip pockets with large leather pulls offers the option of stuffing your to-do-list or something you need immediate access to within close reach. The double handles appear to be extremely durable which is always a huge plus for a daily use bag. No, there is nothing flashy or unique about this bag, but it is one is functional and youthful. Buy through Bluefly for $1,344.

Adventures With The Colour From Victoria's Valli

Reader Arthur brought these faux-Giambattista Valli shoes to our attention. Tweaked the color a bit, and probably eschewed any thought of comfort to sell the shoe loved by Beckhams and Olsens alike for just $44.97.
The height, and the fact that they're basically stripper shoes made out of really nice leather, are what make the originals special in the first place.

But if you're in the market for another pair of plastic shoes, or you too dream of a Beckham Halloween, by all means, buy the pink ones. Otherwise, we'd suggest spending your fifty bucks on loads of Smarties and Candy Corn.

High Heel Sandals Gone Pink

These sexy high heeled sandals are about as sleek , classy and stylish as a sandal can get, in my opinion anyway. Made in Italy (!), these beautiful sandals feature pink satin straps and gorgeous 3.5″ gold metallic nappa heels.

High heel sandals like these sandals by Kate Spade make me want to say hold on to the Fall collections a bit longer and let the summer sandals reign!

Burberry Sophie Bowler

Nothing says classic quite like this low-key, luxurious Burberry Sophie Bowler. It’s one of my favorites for fall, thanks to its understated design, simple yet practical shape, gorgeous color palette and enduring style.

Of course, longevity is the norm when it comes to Burberry, but for anyone sick of the usual colors, this darker approach to the label’s check print is more than welcome. The Price is $395.





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Coach Legacy Pieced Leather Oversized Clutch

This Coach Legacy Pieced Leather Oversized Clutch practically explodes with bits of leather, suede, metallic dusted leather, nubuck, pebbled leather, dyed hair calf…need I go on? You can’t appreciate just how overboard this little accessory goes until you see it up close.

With one or two fabrics, tops, it may have worked well, but this collection of various materials all mangled together create a bulky, messy clutch that I wouldn’t dare carry. Available for $398 at Coach.

Rust is a must for fall

Spinning off of the Copper craze, Rust is one of the IT colors for fall. Rust compliments hazel, green and amber eyes best, but can be worn with any complexion. Rust is a perfect match to denim washes and looks delicious with chocolate.

Rust also dyes up beautifully in leather. Rich Cognacs, Saddles and Indian Reds; Rust colored leathers get better with time. As the leather matures the highs and lows become more attractive adding to the look of the skin. Rust is also a more natural shade in leather and does not have to be over treated.

Handbags and accessories dyed up in the Rust family are a treasure. Not quiet Hermes’s signature color (nothing is quite like that pantone), Rust is extremely flattering and bold. I hope this color sticks around for Spring 2009.

Underwear as outerwear

In recent memory, any trends towards underwear-inspired garments have had their basis in corsetry. In 2008, bodices and boning have given way to free-flowing pieces that take their inspiration from delicately feminine lingerie styles.

Camisoles, robes and slips are taking their place as everyday garments, drawing on the soft elegance of the 1930's.

Lingerie-inspired garments were paired with bold accessories - leather belts and chunky heels. For 2008 this trend can take shape in anything from a pastel silk cami contrasted with a sharp suit, to a vintage slip accessorised for night time glamour.

Sexy And Saucy

Louis Vuitton came like a cathartic, mood-enhancing cocktail at the end of a long, grinding season. As a piece of fashion defiance in the face of incoming depression, this densely worked, heavily accessorized collection held inspiration for far more women than just leggy teenagers.

Where recent Louis Vuitton collections have fallen into either confusing high jinks or an exclusionary high style (like last season's eighties reprise), this one—with its multitude of tiny, flippy skirts, obi-cinched waists, glittery sweaters, padded-shoulder jackets, and elegant wide-leg pants—had something to seduce everyone.

What held it together was the pitch-perfect spirit of the will to dress up in tough times. It was a suggestion rather than a theme, but there was something here of the plucky glamour of women in wartime Paris: a Deco-era palette sparkled up with showgirl glints of metallic python and crystal; crepe kilts spliced with windows of dotted net in the rear for naughty jeune filles; sculpted-shoulder blazers and graceful high-waist pants for grown-up mesdames.

And then there was the mesmerizing sight of a zillion accessories. A slew of tribal-art references came in necklaces, earrings, and stacks of bangles, and amazing shoes loaded with sproutings of feathers and plastic collages of abstract African faces. The bags were back in sumptuous array: tactile, poufy shapes glowing with mixed-material suedes and multicolored metallics, python, and leopard spots. Quite brilliant.

Two-tone and multi-colour

There's no excuse to be boring with your shoes when it comes to colour. At least, not anymore. The Autumn / Winter 2008 runways had barely a plain shoe in sight, with two-toned or multiple color taking over. Different elements of a shoe can be different colours, for example contrasting straps or heels.

Seen on; 3.1 Phillip Lim, Balenciaga, Alessandro Dell'Aqua, Chanel, Christian Dior, Dries Van Noten, Marni, Prada, Valentino.

Don't think that a multi-coloured shoe can only be worn with a plain coloured outfit; use them to add colour and style to pretty much anything. For the colours themselves, they can be anything from bold bright colours through to classic shades of grey and black.

JUST SAY NO PASHMINAS

What are you doing with a pashmina schmatta wrapped around your shoulders when you are in a rockin' gorgeous gown and a Black tie gala? Enough with the pashminas.

If you don't wear fur, but want some glamour for a night out on the town, then this Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique silk velvet with gold lame is the ultimate wrap. Now, all you need is a fab gown to wear underneath it, or, surprise someone you fancy and open the door draped just in this Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique black velvet with gold lame trim evening wrap, c 1970s. Lame trim 5" border around a 21" wide by 75" long velvet wrap.

Hermes Vert Anis Lizard Birkin

Just had to share, this is such a dreamy bag! It was featured in SATC in the scene where Big shows Carrie her big closet! Here is a movie trivia- they had to hand deliver the bag above back to Hermes the same day of filming, they were only given a few hours to film with the Vert Anis Lizard Birkin.

Wow, even SJP's star power and a big budget film like SATC couldn't persuade Hermes to change their regulations. Which just makes me heart them even more. 25cm Lizard birkin at Hermes Boutiques-- retail around $8700.

Ferragamo Faustina

Ferragamo has a brand new designer and HELLO, isn't it totally obvious? Cristina Ortiz replaced Graeme Black last season and this her first collection. Although it seems curious as to how this translates to the usual Ferragamo customer, I for one can overlook the old lady classic aesthetic that the brand is known for and dive right in to a bag that I love, even if it is the only thing in the entire collection worth looking at (although that is not true because I picked up a raw edge thick crocodile belt that is astonishingly hip and rockin').

The detailing on this is so unusual and eye catching, it was the first thing that I zeroed in on - and I saw it in black so it wasn't even this brilliant and dazzling bronze metallic. The entire bag is covered with little leather squares that dangle like confetti.

It is also quite big, even the smaller version is about 18" across at the bottom. The larger size looks like a carry on and is extremely heavy. Which leads me to my next point. This bag is extremely heavy. All those little leather confettis really add up and it is also lined in leather so it is like the weight of 3 bags.

The foldover edges mixes things up a bit, which I like so it isn't all one thing all over, it also gives contrast so you can appreciate the detailing. The weight of the bag makes it slouch at the bottom but I totally love that, it loosens up the overly "done" design and gives it the girl-on-the-go look. Aside from the weight, you're not going to like the price either, it is a whopping $3450.

More Exotics for Spring 2009

We absolutely love the burnt orange/cognac color of the Bottega Veneta clutch handbag, spiced up with angular cuts straps that ran the width of the bag. Our favorite was a toss up between the delicate patchwork tote or the envelope clutch trimmed in smooth leather. We scouted around for some affordable versions of the exotic skin trend, and found several suitable bags that accommodate both our evening and everyday bag needs.

It was hard not to notice the array of luxe, exotic skin bags that firmly rested on the arms of the models for the Spring 09 season. From tiny clutch proportions to doctor's bags, expensive skin is definitely in.

We were happy to see that most designers didn't go overboard with the look by incorporating crazy patchwork and bright colors, that can cheapen the aesthetic. We found snakeskin to be quite prominent, along with croc and gator being close runners-up.