Resort Retreat or House Hibernation – There’s something for everyone during this transitional time.

Tis the season to shop around the clock for those after holiday sales and to exchange that ugly sweater Aunt Bonnie bought you for a fresh off the Resort Runway accessory. Fashion is all about change and this transitional time of year is the perfect opportunity for your favorite designers to try something new by offering bags in a mix of textiles and materials from that perfect beach tote for your Barbados winter escape to that neutral satchel to relieve you from the dark dreary colors of fall and winter. I like to call it the SCOTCH GARD SEASON. All these light bags against your dark jeans and jackets – there’s bound to be a tear or two if you don’t protect your purse properly.    

Miu Miu's Raffia Fisherman's Satchel

•10"H x 17"W x 7"D

Prada's Soft Calf Framed Clutch in Sughero, italian for Cork, colored.

•8 1/2"H x 16"W x 3"D.

Lanvin Reflex Fold-Over Shoulder Bag

•16 1/2"H x 15 3/4"W x 4 7/10"D.

Chanel's Resort 2011 St. Tropez Inspired Shoulder Bags

• 7" H x 12"W x 4 "D.

Prada's Linen and Straw Shoulder Bags

• 10"W X 7"H X 3"D

Salvatore Ferragamo's Two-Toned

• H 16.9" X W 16.9" X 3.9"D

Gucci's 'New Jackie' Medium Shoulder Bag in  Crocodile Chalk.

• 14"L x 2"W x 11.5"H

And if you've splurged on your resort retreat and need a more cost effective alternative to brighten up your beach boho dress there are these colorful beaded clutches found at Forever 21.



Vibrent Beaded Clutch

•  5" H x 8.5" W

Beaded Mosaic Clutch

• Folded: 6" H; Expanded: 11" H x 11.5" W

The Row Will Debut Handbags Early Next Year

For as long as we can remember, we've been taking fashion cues from Mary Kate and Ashley ever since the trend "hobo chic" was coined. Oversized everything, Balenciaga motorcycle bags galore, and a Venti latte in hand was the basic uniform. Then our gals started to grow up. First came The Row: A more sophisticated and simple line, followed by Elizabeth and James and Olsenboye for JC Penney.The Row has garnered respect from the fashion industry as being the luxury brand of classic basics, with a slight Olsen twist. It was only a matter of time before the twins would announce this: The Row will include handbags and shoes by fall 2011."It would be a proper American luxury brand, made in America, with retail businesses and maybe collaborations with other brands," Ashley Olsen said at WWD's CEO Summit. Yes, you read it right—handbags, shoes, AND possible collabs with fellow designers? You got it, dude. - Anna Tran for http://www.refinery29.com/

Change It Up With These Cute Owl Change Purses

While most women alternate between two and three handbags it’s a lot more economical to switch it up with a sweet coin purse. If you live in a city feeding the meter is a daily task and a coin purse is a must have.

Keep it cute with these owl options:

Gama-Go

Urban Outfitters

Monsoon Accessorize

Beadesaurus

Gama-Go

WHOO WHOO KNEW!

White Party Holla!

Memorial Day being the unofficial launch of the summer season, it’s only appropriate that I suggest these white bags – always so elegantly chic for summer.

Sara Berman's stone leather across-the-body bag with gold-tone studding is an ideal blend of femininity and tough-luxe. Wear this bold carryall to upgrade city separates.

Jimmy Choo's white woven and metallic leather bag with gold-tone hardware makes a super luxe summer carryall. Wear this petite bag on your shoulder with the detachable double chain strap or carry it as a clutch.

 Made by Givenchy, this classic silhouette features a foldover style with a ladylike handle in a great proportion for summer outings. This bag will carry you right into winter as well, providing a stark contrast for your warm, rich winter colors. Right now, it’ll look great paired with the brights of the summer, as well as with cool, breezy whites. The logo-less, anonymous feel of this bag will keep your friends guessing which designer made it.

Adorned with a raw-trimmed chiffon pompom and transparent Swarovski crystals, Lanvin's off-white satin clutch is the perfect partner to a contemporary bridal gown. Carry this beautifully made accessory to hold all your wedding day essentails in style.

Christian Louboutin's ivory satin clutch with a lace overlay and gold-tone trim is perfectly finished with a diamanté-embellished signature shoe clasp. Carry this classic pochette to add vintage-inspired glamour to your big day....

Add a playful touch to your vacation wardrobe with Anya Hindmarch's cream canvas tote with brown leather handles and pink and orange 'beach bag' slogan. Fill it with essentials and take it on your travels.

PEACE OUT!!!

See you after the holiday - Have a great looong weekend!

Clutch This

I loved trading mixed tapes in high school.  I'd always make those bleeding heart, lilith fair, love of a lifetime megga mixes for my man. In return I'd get something with a lot of Slayer and a little Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. I'm still trading the tunes but now on a hard drive packed with playlists from every era. Music make your heart beat loud, and so will this flashback to the days of the analog anecdote - the Chanel Casette Clutch. 

HOW GENIUS!! It's supposedly a one of a kind, just like those old mix tapes, and it can be yours for $1500 at shopluxirare.com 

I could drum up a boom box if you want to trade! 

Sex And The City 2, Give-a-ways

The girls are back! And to celebrate the return of Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte's trip to the silver screen, Handbago and SATC2 are giving away fabulous prizes! Enter to win goodies like a Martini Kit, Umbrella's, Rhinestone Tee's, Travel Mugs, rhinestone ear bugs, leather jotter with pen, luggage tags, iphone cases, emery boards, SATC2 soundtracks, sunglasses and of course, a silver chocolate high heel shoe!!!! Prize pack total ARV over $822! Tell your friends!

The Drawstring Bucket Bag is Back!

Ladies, the drawstring bucket bag is back! And why not? It’s the best accessory to tote around this season, especially if you’re off to the beach.

Take a hint from Alexander Wang’s Diego Bucket Bag for spring. This one sold out so fast some of us didn’t even notice it was released. Just by looking at its luxurious leather material and beautiful detailing is already enough to explain why this bag sold out like it was just a dollar.

The Alexander Wang Diego Bucket Bag retails for US$825. You may try shopping for it via Shopbop.com, that is, if they still have it in stock.

In the meantime, if you’re not up to spending US$800++ on a drawstring bucket bag, there are some great affordable alternatives. One for EVERY budget.
Alexander Wang Diego Bucket Bag (S2010), US$825


The Sak Spirited Small Drawstring, US$59



Nine West Drawstring Small Crossbody, US$69

Lucky Brand Get Laced Embroidered Leather Crossbody, US$119

MATT & NAT Commix Drawstring Bag, US$230




Kooba Daniela, US$349


Forever 21, US$25.80



MARC by Marc Jacobs Tribal Pixie Bucket Bag, US$398

My Summer Pucci Pick

Pucci and its typical geometric prints are perfect for a summer handbag.

Mother Nature's Favorite Summer Bags

Collina Strada designer Hillary Taymour handcrafts ecofriendly purses and clutches from vegetable-dyed leather and organic cotton canvas. The spacious Novella Bags (pictured) can be slung across the body or travel behind. And the printed Alea Duo Bag is just-right size to fit all the necessities.

Look to London-based accessories designer Vivien Cheng for some true originals. She gives quality vintage and reclaimed handbags a modern face-lift with unique hand-painted finishes. Inspired by every era, they complement any trend.



Novella Royale handbags are made out of old leather jackets, an ecomanufacturing process that’s becoming quite the trend. But this is no reworked hippie bullshit; these creations are stunners to be coveted. Styles come in a wide variety of colors and are made right here in the USA.

The Kelly Girl has a new attitude, with bite.

This iConic bag that we all know and love to long for has gone from the Upper West Side to Bedford-sty. Edgy all over again. For the rock star in you pick up the new glittery studded Hermes bag. Don't forget your back brace.

Handbags and Hot Cars

Just HOT!

Helmut Newton born Germany 1920, lived in Australia 1940–61, died United States 2004
Henry Talbot born Germany 1920, arrived Australia 1940
No title (Model in car holding handbag in the air) c. 1960
gelatin silver photograph
24.3 x 19.0 cm
Private collection
© Helmut Newton and Henry Talbot Estates

By the Arc de Triomphe
A model steps out of a Mercedes. She wears a tea-length tweed dress, matching overcoat with a fur collar, a fur hat, and gloves, all by Patou. She grasps her handbag as L'Arc de Triomphe, that Paris monument, looms in the background. Henry Clarke's stylish portrait of French fashion—and, by extension, culture—appeared in the September 1, 1955, Vogue.

Cars and fashion both excite me, and if you are anything like me, you are going to love this. Maserati has teamed up with an Italian firm that is known for creating amazing accessories out of interesting vintage material. The firm has made use of old newspapers, magazines and clothes to come out with an exclusive and unique limited edition handbag. It's made out of old brochures gotten from the Maserati archives. This hand made bag is called Momaboma bag and it is available for about $190.

Forever Totes

Even F21 get's with the green times without losing their bright yellow brand identity . Grab this cute Canvas Shopper Tote for those repeat trips to the trend spot.

NYFW 2010

Now that the dust is settling from New York's blizzard of fashion week fashionistas and the web is rife with new images of the upcoming seasons savory designer selections I'll get back to this thing called BLOG. If anyone took a moment to notice the pause, be warned, this chic's hiatus has come to a halt.