What's Haute - Haute Handbags & Purses. Haute Fashion. Haute Blog

Haute or Not: Louis Vuitton Monogramouflage Speedy 35

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Girl) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:35:00 -0500

As much as I love Louis Vuitton, I have to say enough is enough! The hideousness that was the camouflage fashion trend was over long, long ago. So why do designers insist on bringing it back to the masses and why do celebrities think it's ok to wear on the red carpet? This limited edition (thank goodness!) Louis Vuitton Monogramouflage Speedy 35 satchel was designed by Takashi Murakami just in time for his exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum. If Murakami wasn't such an artistic genius, I would bash him for this multicolored green mess of a handbag. Rihanna manages to make it look more edgy...or maybe it's just the latex leggings and feathered skirt(?). Trina sports the bag in it's worst form - on the red carpet next to a bright yellow dress. She manages to make the bag look less tacky. What do you think of the Monogramouflage print bags? Haute or not?

Charm and Luck's Calla Bags

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Girl) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:19:00 -0500

Calla Bags Alicia Satchel

Though most of us women love handbags, not all of us are willing to shell out loads of cash for them, especially for those new 'It' bags that are out next season. So many designers have started to create lower priced 'diffusion' lines, (for example, Gryson and Devi Kroell for Target). Now it's Charm and Luck's turn. They have recently launched a new designer handbag collection called Calla (Charm And Luck Los Angeles). The bags have the same blinged-out styles, designs, custom hardware and construction as Charm and Luck but are made from woven fabrics, faux snake and crocodile skins. The prices range from $69 to $120. With a variety of styles, you can own multiple Charm and Luck-style bags at very affordable prices. Check out more of the bags at CallaBags.com Be sure to watch BagTrends.com editor Pamela Pekerman reviewing the Calla line on Friday, June 27 at midnight on HSN!

The Jack Rabbit Collection Concord Tote

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Girl) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 19:25:00 -0500

Such a stunning bag doesn't seem like it would be part of a brand called the 'Jack Rabbit Collection' but that is the name of the brand started by designer Mollie Culligan. The Jack Rabbit Collection is an environmentally friendly line of handcrafted handbags, belts and jewelry with a celebrity fan base including Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu, and Mischa Barton. Despite the peculiar name, The Jack Rabbit Collection Concord Tote is one of those bags that is a design masterpiece and should be part of your personal collection. It's ultra glamorous and ultrafeminine. The burgundy distressed leather has a vintage feel and the shape is amazing - it combines a hinged frame closure with a huge body so you have the style of a sophisticated purse in a hugely practical handbag. The top of the bag is pleated and has double handles for easy carrying along with a detachable shoulder strap. It also folds over to give you an additional look. Check out more at www.thejackrabbitcollection.com

Rebecca Minkoff Yellow and Silver Morning After bag

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Girl) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:41:00 -0500

I like to think I'm a savvy shopper. I mean, I do write about where to buy the best bags, right? Well my friend O.B. should be writing on this blog because she managed to get the yellow/silver 'Morning After bag' by Rebecca Minkoff or only $220! She was lucky to catch a super sale at Bloomingdale's which only had three in stock and she snagged one for herself! By the time I got to the store, they were all gone! But she brought the bag to work and I immediately fell in love with it. The leather is butter soft, the colors are amazing and the size was just perfect. The leather is glazed yellow with yellow and silver suede trim and bottom. Although the yellow trend is over, this bag has an everlasting quality about it. It even comes with a card inside that says 'Call me'. So tongue-in-cheek. Great find O.B.! Available online at Shop Jake and Revolve

Furla 'Eurice Medium' Shopper

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Girl) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 07:29:00 -0500

I always appreciate the simplicity and structural design of Furla bags. Some designers create simple handbags that are simply bo-ring but Furla's basic bags always seem timeless. They even managed to make a gold metallic purse look classic and not at all trendy! This open-top tote looks amazing in a muted metallic patent leather. There's a rounded front pocket with a striking flap lock closure. The inside has a center zippered divider and two large open compartments, with interior zip and cell phone pockets. $465 at Nordstrom.com

Cynthia Rowley 'New Survivor' Multi Pocket Satchel

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Girl) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:53:00 -0500

Wow! If I was ever stuck in the woods or some remote location with access to virtually nothing, this is the bag I'd want with me. I'm already the type of woman who carries ~~too much~~ a lot in her purse, and it drives me crazy when I carry a bag with only one pocket (you hear that Louis Vuitton Speedy?), so this one is just perfect. The Cynthia Rowley 'New Survivor' Multi Pocket Satchel has twenty-two exterior pockets, plus a roomy interior and several inside pockets! Plus it has dual handles and a removable shoulder strap. But despite all this excess, it is still designed well. It's actually pretty fashionable and not bulky or busy. It comes in black leather and putty, which is better for the summer, though the black may be more versatile. Measures 14.5" x 14" x 9". Available at Nordstrom.com

Celeb Spotting: Janice Dickinson with Le PetitPas Wilm bag

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Girl) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 08:24:00 -0500

Despite her self-proclaimed title "The first supermodel. Ever!", Janice Dickinson is not who I look to for fashion inspiration. However, she was spotted on the streets ~~posing with~~ carrying a Le PetitPas handbag. The brand has an odd manifesto - it only produces one new, exclusive handbag every six months to a year so that every bag "is always new, never more of the past". Only 500 are made in a true limited edition fashion. It's an odd concept but it caught my attention. Anyway, the bag itself is satisfactory. The design is not particularly spectacular or unique, but the concept is and the bag is nice and well made. It's made of red Italian leather with bronze plated hardware. The brand boasts "precision dual stitching to ensure robust handling conditions" as well as a "hand-stitched/thronged handle" which sounds pretty sturdy. It has a bunch of pockets - on the front, inside, etc. and just enough hardware on the exterior. It's ~~over~~priced at $1,270 but since it's a limited edition, you might think it's worth it. Image: Starzlife.com

Mulberry Milton Shoulder Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Girl) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:54:00 -0500

Mulberry is one of those handbag brands that seems to pride itself on classic luxury. So when I came across the Milton shoulder bag on Net-a-Porter's website, I was baffled. Are fingerprinted handbags the new 'It' bags? The Milton looks like the leather was handled before the paint was dry, or someone put their greasy fingers on the front of the bag. It does have some redeeming qualities: 1) It has multiple outside pockets and interior compartments, 2) The seafoam green / emerald metallic leather is a beautiful hue for the summer, 3) It is a Mulberry! However, the $1,595 for a bag that looks tarnished is only for those of you with serious disposable income. Got money to spare? Then head on over to NET-A-PORTER.COM.

Celeb Spotting: Rihanna with the JT Italia HB Satchel

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Girl) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:53:00 -0500

My boyfriend has a celebrity crush on Rihanna so I secretly despise her. But I have to admit, I really love her style. The edgy haircut, B-girl fashion and trendy accessories make her a true modern fashionista. She was recently spotted at the airport looking cute from head to toe, of course, but it was her haute red handbag that really caught my eye. I covered Rihanna's handbags before but this one was a new one I'd never seen. After a bit of research, I discovered the bag in question was the JT Italia HB Satchel There's a lot going on with this bag but it's simply stunning. There's draping, pleating, and leather wrapped around the handle. The bag is made completely by hand which makes it even more amazing, and consists of contrasting leather and buffalo skins. It's pricey (I mean c'mon, would Rihanna carry a cheap bag?) - $3,400, but it's one of those rare bags that's incredibly well made, the perfect balance between classic and trendy, and offers celebrity style. In short, it's the perfect bag! Here's some background on the designers from LuxCouture:

After 14 years of working for household names like Giorgio Armani, Calvin Klein and Donna Karan, as well as several top emerging talents, Jeff Parker and Tony Ta launched their handbag line JT (a combination of their first initials). Made in Italy using the finest materials, artisans and producers, and owing to the designers’ constant attention and continuous quest to harness old-world craftsmanship, JT bags raise the bar and redefine luxury. Driven by their instinctive passion for things inherently chic and sophisticated, the designers' sight as inspiration their love of everything from dark chocolate and Gewürztraminer from the Alto Adige, Florence, to Caravaggio paintings and Brancusi sculptures, to all things "horsey", vintage glass and the look of old alligator bags. It is easy to see how their designs reflect this depth of sophisticated sensibilities, as well as have a charming nostalgic aura to them. Yet, it’s the unique way they translate these beloved inspirations into bag-form – each design is exceptionally unique and cutting-edge – that makes us marvel at the designers' brilliance.

Image: RihannaDaily.com

Ghibli Purple Python Tote Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Girl) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:53:00 -0500

Often the best bags come in simple packages. And it's the simplicity that makes me love this Purple Python Tote Bag by Ghibli ($1,372). The bag is made of perfectly constructed Italian leather in a gorgeous purple color (though the description says 'raspberry'). I love the structured handles and gold hardware that sets off the purple color nicely. The inside has three large compartments, detachable four-leaf clover shaped key ring and shoulder strap.

"Celeb" Spotting: Vanessa Bryant with the Timmy Woods Eiffel Tower purse

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Girl) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 23:43:00 -0500

As far as Sex and the City goes, I think most women want to dress as fashionably cool as Carrie Bradshaw. I guess that's why Vanessa Bryant (Kobe's wife) channeled her inner Sarah Jessica Parker and pulled out this interesting look to wear to her husbands Lakers playoff game, complete with the Timmy Woods Eiffel Tower purse from the Sex and the City movie. I love Vanessa's outfit - the puffy-sleeved tweed-look jacket (even though it's June, Vanessa...), the leggings and blue Manolo Blahniks. The purse is kind of a throw away...it doesn't really match, it's more of a "I'm just as stylish as Carrie Bradshaw" accessory. But I guess if you're young, beautiful and rich, there's nothing wrong with that.

Elisa Atheniense Big Weave Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Girl) — Wed, 28 May 2008 22:29:00 -0500

At first glance, I thought this was one of those Gryson bags at Target, but was surprised to discover that it's actually made by Brazilian designer Elisa Atheniense. Atheniense's roomy handbags are made in Brazil of luxurious leathers and her Big Weave Bag represents her decadent design aesthetic. Though it's a bit of a Gryson rip-off, the Big Weave features weaving (duh!) - a stunningly woven body in a bright green butter-soft leather. The color looks crisp against the tightly-braided brown handles and zipper trim. And it's practical too - two interior compartments are separated by a center zipped compartment and the side panels are positioned in such a way that gives you more space inside. I love how the shape is so utterly simple yet the weaving, braiding and side panels come together to make it more complex yet chic. The color, the style, the details are all so timeless and beautifully constructed. If you can stand the green color and can stomach the $880 price tag, it can be one of those long lasting pieces to add to your handbag collection. (Measures 16" x 5.5" x 12") At tobi

Pauric Sweeney Python Ostrich Ryder Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Girl) — Tue, 27 May 2008 20:43:00 -0500

One of my favorite online boutiques, Shop Jake, has the most carefully edited selection of affordable luxury goods. I love the clean feel of the site along with the cosmopolitan chic-ness of the items. Jake already carried a cool mix of designers but I'm excited to discover that they now carry Pauric Sweeney handbags too! I'm a lover of all things python and Pauric Sweeney is the master of designing divine python bags. One of the new styles that I discovered on ShopJake is the Python Ostrich Ryder Bag. A gleaming metallic silver python hobo is pleated at the top and boasts brown leather and acid green ostrich accents. The bag is lines in suede and measures 20" x 10" x 4". This bag, like ShopJake, is the ultimate in luxe! Check out more Pauric Sweeney bags here.

Miu Miu Small Shoulder Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Girl) — Sun, 25 May 2008 22:44:00 -0500

Living in New York City brings out your fashion competitiveness. There are so many fashionably dressed women everywhere that it makes you want to shop all the time just to keep up! Along with the fashion comes especially enviable accessories, shoes and bags. But in a sea of 'It' bags, logos and tons of other bells and whistles, simplicity still seems to stand out. I've been noticing a lot of New York women with Miu Miu bags which are almost completely void of hardware and display only the smallest logoplate on the front. This one in particular caught my eye (online) - the Miu Miu Small shoulder bag. It's perfectly constructed - I love the hobo-style and ruched body, and the front flap with a gold lock closure. The turquoise leather is the perfect shade for summer and sets apart the otherwise conservative bag. Buy Miu Miu at NET-A-PORTER

Celine Patent leather clutch

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Girl) — Tue, 20 May 2008 08:15:00 -0500

Here's a great summer clutch (if summer would ever come...) - the Celine Patent leather clutch. The bright turquoise patent leather is blended with tan leather trim and the combination looks stunning. Silver hardware edges the flap closure which also features a turnlock fastening. A silver chain handle can be tucked in or carried on the shoulder. I love that it looks dainty but it's really an oversized clutch that you can cram all your stuff inside.

Botkier Lita Clutch

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Girl) — Mon, 19 May 2008 08:36:00 -0500

So, it turns out that yellow isn't as big as predicted this season. I've seen yellow fashion being sold all over the internet and in the mall but not so much on human beings. The reason? It's hard to wear, and hard to pair. Yellow is a bright, somewhat harsh color for most skin tones, but if paired the right way with another color, it can work. The pairs a softer yellow tone with surprising light tan leather trim. I would have never thought to combine the two colors but the result is fabulous. This nylon rectangular clutch features center ruching and a center tunrlock closure. The bag is soft and pretty and is a ray of sunshine in these gloomy May days!

Prada's (Unattainable) Plum Fairy Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Girl) — Tue, 06 May 2008 21:39:00 -0500

Prada debuted it's Fairy bag earlier this year in a simple cream deer skin base but did you know it's also available in a plum color? The catch? There's only one available! The bag is offered through Prada's Prototype Auctions so unless you're really lucky, it won't be yours. Sorry. :( Image via Fashionising

What's Haute and the Independent Handbag Designer Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Girl) — Sun, 04 May 2008 21:26:00 -0500

What's Haute is a friend to Handbag Designer 101 so I was honored to join the preliminary judging panel for the 2nd Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards. Over 600 photos were submitted and I, along with Handbag Designer 101 founder Emily Blumenthal and several others, pored through all of them to select five finalists in each of the following categories: Best Green Handbag, Best Handbag in Overall Style and Design, Best Handmade Handbag, Best Student-Made Handbag, and Most Socially Responsible Handbag. It was difficult to choose since the quality of the bags was incredible, and the talent in the handbag world is simply amazing! But here's a look at a few of my faves who were picked to be finalists (their bags are pictured above) Nelle Handbags: I fell in love with her adorable black ruffled clutch, as did the other judges. The detail is perfect – can you believe it's handmade? Diego Rocha: another stunningly handmade python bag, though we nominated this one for Best Overall Design. The design, detail and construction are incredible. Lina Motoki: we were captivated by this student-made red hobo-style handbag and can't wait to see it in person! How could you not love gorgeous handbags that help to save the environment and give back to their communities? Tracy Penwell's 'green' bag is made up of recycled watches - how cool! And La Chica Chic works with TodosPelaeducacao, an organization dedicated to educating and empowering the children of Brazil and the bags are beautiful! Congratulations to these and all the rest of the finalists!

Minority Ultra in Printed Leather - not Python!

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Girl) — Fri, 02 May 2008 12:06:00 -0500

I'm in love with python. Some people don't like the scaly feel of snake skin but python is just so luxurious to me, but pricey. So anytime I can get my hands on an affordable python piece, I grab it! LuxCouture has one of the best selections of luxury bags (thus the name LuxCouture!) and they have an enviable selection of python bags. This one in particular caught my eye. I was surprised to discover it actually isn't python but looks so much like it I love it anyway! The Ultra in Printed Leather is by Minority and it's a brilliant bronze-y oversized clutch with scalloped, snakeskin-like leather detailing. $725 is a price typically reserved for authentic python skin but this bag is so gorgeous it might just get a pass! And for those of you who don't like snakes, this one's for you!

Fashion Inspiration Comes From Everywhere: Jean Paul Gaultier

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Girl) — Thu, 01 May 2008 21:44:00 -0500

I never thought I'd see the day I put John Paul Gaultier on a 'Not Haute' list. But designing a women's clutch inspired by men's boxing shorts? That's not haute. Every time I look at this clutch I feel like pulling out my boxing gloves and hitting the speedbag. Ok, he gets points for creativity but really, what woman wants to carry her stuff around in a pair of luxury satin boxing trunks? Jean Paul Gaultier Satin Boxing Pochette, $415, eLuxury.

Celeb Spotting: Serena Williams with Valentino Nuage

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Girl) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 23:30:00 -0500

Source: TheYBF

When I think of Venus and Serena Williams, I have to admit that high fashion is not the first thing that comes to mind. But Serena was recently spotted out shopping looking casually chic in Nike sweats and carrying a black patent Valentino Nuage bag. The bag is a large hobo with a big patent bow on the side. It's overly girly and cute and very un-Serena like, but I love the pairing of casual wear with a luxury, haute off the runway bag. $1,195, Bergdorf Goodman

Pre-order a Fall 2008 Tory Burch 'Lux T' Canvas Tote

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Girl) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:42:00 -0500

This Tory Burch 'Lux T' Canvas Tote comes from the pre-Fall collection but it makes me think of Spring. Probably because the weather is so gloomy in New York that any burst of color makes me yearn for warm, sunny days! Anyway, this beautiful brown canvas tote has another reincarnation of the Tory Burch 'T' logo in provence pink patent leather. It's one of the perfect tote bags for those of you who take the train and need something other than a boring black tote to carry your work essentials. Even though there's no top closure (boo), the bag is still haute and it's $295 (not bad). Pre-order yours now!

SJP's 'Sex and the City' Eiffel Tower bag

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Girl) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:16:00 -0500

Only one more month until the Sex and the City movie - woohoo! There have been movie spoilers all over the web and I've been trying to ignore them all and just focus on the fashion! Sarah Jessica Parker has been photographed on set wearing all of her fabulous Patricia Field-styled outfits, shoes, jewelry and handbags and this one in particular has received loads of attention - the Timmy Woods 'Eiffel Tower' Limited Edition Clutch. Woods is known for her handmade wood, cheeky-chic clutches and this one is perhaps a snub at Alexander Petrovsky - remember Carrie's French lover? Anyway, the bag is made of acacia wood with a black bengaline shoulder strap. While Carrie's bag has 6,300 Swarovski crystals and costs a ridiculous $2500, the non-crystallized version is only $415. But you have to either be a die hard SATC fan or lover of all things French 'cause this is no everyday purse! Check out more of Sarah Jessica Parker's handbags.

De Couture Print Flap Over Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Girl) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:47:00 -0500

The reason I never throw anything away (in fashion) is that it always comes back in style. Remember when scarf accessories were in style? Scarves as belts, scarves as necklaces and scarves as bags. De Couture has brought the scarf trend back with it's Print Flap Over bag. A brown and cream floral print silk scarf is fashioned into a soft, slightly structured bag with brown leather handles and back leather pocket. It may not be really worth the $1195 price tag but it's one of those modern vintage pieces that will always be in style.

Cynthia Rowley 'Vivienne' Patchwork Dome Satchel

noreply@blogger.com (Haute Girl) — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 20:26:00 -0500

Cynthia Rowley is one of those womenswear designers that actually designs for women. Her silhouettes are always a perfect fit and the materials and details are super feminine. So it's no surprise that her bags display feminine details and beautiful silhouettes. The Cynthia Rowley 'Vivienne' Patchwork Dome Satchel is in a neutral taupe / gray tone with multicolored patchwork pieced leather. The patchwork isn't your typical square shaped patch pieces - they're rounded shapes that look like flower petals. The dome shaped top features a triple zip compartment giving it extra space and comes with a removable shoulder strap. It's utterly feminine, gorgeously designed, practical and chic and under $500!