Monthly Archives: November 2008

Prada Cervo Lux Print Bowler

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I first saw this bag when i was shopping in Prada Avenue Montaigne, Paris last month. It was not on the display, rather it was being used by a girl who was shopping with a group of friends. I remember the bag very vividly because i liked it very much. While the bowler shape is standard, the combo of pink leather, black lace and gloss coating just does it all - it is unique, elegant, classy and striking at the same time. The bag turns out to be part of resort 2009 collection. Clearly by last month, the bag was not available for purchase yet so i believe the girl had got it early through VIP status one way or another. Anyway, the bag is still gorgeous by now and i can assure you that it will remain gorgeous and unique. It is the first Prada bag in the lace series that appeals so strongly to me. Buy from neimanmarcus.com at USD2,350.

Image is courtesy of neimanmarcus.com

Proenza Schouler Debut Bag Collection

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This season, New York based designer duo Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough launched their debut bag collection. The young designers have dressed top celebrities such as Amy Adams, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Victoria Beckham and it seems like they are stopping at nothing on the way to turn their label into a global mega brand. The debut bag has been named PS1 (not exactly rocket-science) and the bag comes in pouchette, medium and large sizes. Price starts from USD895 for pouchette and go up to USD4,250 for the gorgeous large in phyton. Measuring 15″ x 7″ x 9″, the large size is pretty big but it complements the sophisticated design well. My two favourite pieces are the large phyton in black for USD4,250 and the medium suede in mustard for USD1,995, both from barneys.com.

Images are courtesy of barneys.com

Bottega Veneta Satin Intrecciato Box Clutch

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One of the signature products of the Italian luxury house, Bottega Veneta is its Woven Box Clutch which has been reissued in various colours and finishings every season. The satin version of this clutch was introduced by the house ealier this year and for cruise 2009 collection, the clutch has been issued in two colors- apple green and orange. While the orange is passable, the apple green is stunning. The only problem is the price is still as steep, especially for a product with minimal leather by a luxury house known best for its leather products. Nevertheless, If you still can’t resist the temptation, this beauty is available at net-a-porter.com for USD1,150.

Image is courtesy of net-a-porter.com 

YSL White Patent Leather Small Tote

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I love everything white: white bags, white shoes, white dress, shirt, watch, you name it! There is something charismatic and classy about this non-color that is the complete opposite of black. White is not intimidating, not too-serious or formal like in the case of black, it is simply…ethereal! Coco Chanel built the empire of Chanel just based on black and white colors. White however is high-maintenance too and we can’t help but be extra cautious everytime we wear or use something white. My mom never owned a white bag or any pair of white shoes and so we never did either because she made us too until i tried and got hooked. However, she might soon change her mind too if she sees this stunning white patent leather YSL bag. The shape of the bag is structured and the design is simple, just the way she likes it. The color is not exactly white-white, rather, it is off-white and hi-gloss patent leather which means stains and dirts can be wiped off much more easily. If my mom were to need one bag that would turn her around, this would have been it. Get from bluefly.com for USD1,516 (20% saving from original price).

Image is courtesy of bluefly.com

Posted in YSL

Holidays 2008 Gift Ideas for Gentlemen

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Buying a gift for a man is supposed to be simple but could be tricky if you do not know the basic rules. First, unless you make decisions on his wardrobe and know his sizes by heart - shirts, belts or shoes are risky choices. Second, unless specifically requested or needed, avoid electronic gadgets such as ipod or mouse as they are just too easy. Third, stick to his basic needs such as work bag, town bag and wallet. Last, set a reasonable budget and pick the category accordingly before looking into options within for the item. The last one is far more important for men gifts as the options for each category are more limited and prices start higher. 

From top rown, left to right:

Work Bags: Cole Haan Leather Briefcase (USD225), Prada Saffiano Leather Top Handle (USD1,160), Bottega Veneta Woven Leather Briefcase (USD1,760)

Town Bags: Coach Quilted Nylon Messenger (USD358), Prada Nylon-Suede Tote (USD995), Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Sac Bosphore (USD1,230)

Wallets: Coach Embossed Leather(USD148), Giorgio Armani Croc Pattern (USD275), Gucci Leather (USD350)

Images are courtesy of coach.com, saks.com, eluxury.com, bluefly.com and barneys.com

Holidays 2008 Gift Ideas for Ladies

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The Holiday season is around the corner and one of the problems most people face annually is to find the perfect gifts under budget. Especially in harder times like now, each of our Dollar must stretch more than ever, don’t you agree? Besides budget, always remember that you will never go wrong to go with a nice handbag or wrislet or bag charm for a lady as there is no worry about wrong size. Here are 9 great picks (all under USD 500) to suit your different budgets. Nevertheless, never forget that the best gift comes from the heart. Taking time to write a note accompanying the gift, for example, makes it more special to the recipient.

From top, left to right:

Bags: Coach Carrie Satchel (USD298), Burberry Shimmer Tote (USD395), Furla Elizabeth Hobo (USD495)

Wrislets: Coach Signature Tote-Capacity (USD98), Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q (USD198), Prada Bow (USD310)

Bag Charms: Coach Satin Pouch (USD58), Fendi Squirrel (USD165), Louis Vuitton Mini Lin (USD470) 

Images are courtesy of coach.com, eluxury.com and saks.com

 

Juicy Couture Velour Satchels

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The brand best known for its pink, girly Velour PJs has evolved to be one of the brands with strongest original concept around. What if high school girls swear by it or if the image of the brand was somehow associated with the likes of Paris Hiltons? At one point of time these girls in Juicy decided to grow up and they are doing a great job at it. For the past few seasons, Juicy collections have evolved to be more grown-up but it does not mean that the girls have to let go of the girly stuffs they once loved. Juicy proves that they could evolve yet still remain true to their heritage (if we may call it so). Both of these Velour bags are all the current Juicy Couture is about. They are still the classic Juicy Coutures with the youthful touches, Velours and signature crown ornaments but the colors royal blue and dark purple suggest that these girls are now turning to Princesses like Grace Kelly rather than Miley Cyrus for style inspirations. In my opinion, they work for the working girls too. Buy Smocked Velour Freestyle in purple (USD295) or Madge Smocked Velour Satchel in Royal Blue (USD225) from eluxury.com.

Images are courtesy of eluxury.com

The Bags from Stuart Vevers for Loewe

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You read about the designer, now you see the bags. Aren’t they something to droll over? Well respected and desirable…Yes but Loewe has never been any sexier or cooler before.

Images are courtesy of loewe.com

Designer Highlights – Stuart Vevers for Loewe

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If you have taken notice on exciting new bags from the 160 years old house of Loewe lately, it might because since the beginning of 2008, 34-year-old Stuart Vevers has taken over the helm as the Creative Director of the house and injected new life into the under-the-radar brand. Vever’s resume is among the most powerful ones in the industry today with footprints from Calvin Klein, Bottega Veneta, Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, Luella Bartley to the most recent Mulberry where he was responsible for the popular Roxanne tote and Mabel bag. Vevers won the Accessory Designer of the Year in the British Fashion Awards 2006. Loewe, on the other hand, is one non-Italian/ French house which prides itself with strong heritage in leather goods comparable to that of Gucci, Hermes and Bottega Veneta.

Since his debut collection for the house (Fall Winter 2008), Vevers has constantly delivered pieces worthy of sharing the limelight with the house’s almighty signature Amazona bag. Will he be able to bring the brand to appeal to the commercial mass like he did Mulberry? Or perhaps the question is whether we ever really wants to? Afterall, both the brands and the designer have always been equally low-key.

Unfortunately Loewe pieces are distributed only offline via their boutiques at this point of time making them more exclusive. Visit loewe.com for the catalogs or contact the nearest boutique to you.

Image is courtesy of elpais.com

Balenciaga Lune and Arena Giant Pom Pon

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Balenciaga Arena (aka motorcycle) bag is the house’s signature bag popularized by the likes of The Olsen Twins and Lindsay Lohan. Balenciaga Lune bag might the complete opposite of its predecessor. While the Arena is rugged, Lune is elegant. Nevertheless both models are glam and very desirable. The Arena Giant Pom Pon is the newest reincarnation of the Arena bag. I personally like this shape better as it is more unique and not as awfully boxy as its predecessor but i do not think it will be as popular either (now that the craze has gone down). The Lune bag has been around for one season and is currently being marked down at Barneys. It is a tough choice as both are equally nice yet are very different. Pick your style – Arena Giant Pom Pon (left) at USD1,795 or Lune at USD1,549 (down from USD2,575).

Images are courtesy of barneys.com