Wild Side of Juicy January 29, 2010

Juicy Couture never fails to come up with new and fun styles for their purses. This season, they are bringing back the wild side with their animal print designs! Just like other brands, Juicy Couture has included some animals prints to their collection. However, unlike other brands, Juicy Couture has made theirs above the ordinary with their signature material – velour and intricate details.

This Cheetah Lady Satchel made of soft, rich verlour  almost gives you the illusion of touching the real fur. Yet, it doesn’t stop there. With its vibrant color,  luxurious leather detailing, and golden hardware, this satchel will be a great accessory to complete your look this season. You can also choose the cheetah-print cross body bag or the daydreamer tote.

On the other hand, this Croc-embossed NYC shoulder bag may come as neat and elegant at first glance, but take a closer look. Its crocodile texture takes velour and animal prints to a whole new Juicy level! Details like leather top handles and extended tabs, golden hardware, logo fabric lining, and “Juicy” embroidery just make this purse even more irresistible. This design is available in desert (neutral) or black crocodile-embossed velour.

Judith Leiber: Luxurious Minaudières and Red Carpet Purses November 25, 2009

Anyone who watched “Sex and the City: The Movie” would remember that adorable pink cupcake bag that Lily -Charlotte’s daughter- was carrying. It created so much buzz in Hollywood that even big girls like Katy Perry wore it. That bag is available at Neiman Marcus ( I saw one in Dallas) $4,295. Yes, quite pricey and not every woman will look good carrying it. Still, any Judith Leiber fan would love to own one of her creations. (Why, if I had the money to spend, I would buy one myself.)

Judith Leiber’s  cutting edge designs- from simple, elegant evening clutches to fancy pillboxes have earned her fame around the globe. In fact, some of her classic works can be found in museums like the Smithsonian. Her creations have become a status and fashion symbol among many women . Several Hollywood stars have carried her bag on and off the red carpet.

Although I find each of her handbag exquisite and unique in itself,  I can’t help picking out my favorites. I found three bags I like the most.

Viola

This rich satin envelope clutch is from the Holiday 2009 Collection. It is accentuated with a silver plated flower ornament that is bejeweled with pavé set crystal. It is very simple yet sophisticated- a perfect accessory for soirees or fancy occasions.

Style H11891
COLOR: Black
Price: $1,495

Wrap Clutch

This impressive clutch is not only dazzling but promises to be soft. Wear it to glam up dark  jeans or add spark to your formal evening wear.

Style H11880
COLOR: Rhine
Price: $3,995

Sphere

This is totally a charming accessory for any red carpet event! Imagine it hanging low across the side, accentuating that elaborate (or even simple) evening gown. Those square Austrian crystals “create a multifaceted mirror ball effect” that one would not need additional accessories to sparkle.

Style M31740
COLOR: Rhine-Boreale
Price: $2,495

MK Demi Shoulder Bag in (Perfect) Red November 17, 2009

They say every woman should have a little black dress in her closet. I agree. It is an elemental item that can be used anytime of the year – for parties, night outs, formal gatherings, or special dates. What is best to go with a pretty LBD? An equally pretty LRP – little red purse! Red just pops out when paired with black. This color combination brings out allure and sophistication. The tricky part is not all reds are created equal.  Some shades of red are too bright, others too dull.

I find this Michael Kors Demi shoulder bag just the perfect shade and size. The luxurious patent leather brings out the richness of the color and the gold tone hardware gives a hint of glimmer to this elegant ensemble. The buckled shoulder strap also makes it adjustable and the zipper top makes it accessible. Although this purse does not have many details, the whole design still looks elaborate. It is an embellishment itself – the cherry on top.

This shoulder bag is definitely one of those essentials in a woman’s closet. Not only is it perfect for that little black dress but also a gorgeous pop of color to dull grays, dark blues, or even plain whites. In fact, it could go with so many colors. It is the perfect red accessory.

LV: More Than Just Monograms November 4, 2009

The monogram design is what Louis Vuitton is best known for.  In fact, several collections were made using this design. However, these four monogram collections are the most sought for: Monogram Canvas which is mostly popular, Damier Canvas which is a subtler version, Monogram Multicolore which is a youthful version, and Monogram Vernis which is the  most sleek and modern version of all monogram designs.

The monogram designs are popular among female celebrities in Hollywood and even among average Janes. It is apparently the best way to show off their LV acquisition. One quick glance and people would know it is the ever famous Louis Vuitton. But  forget about monogram designs for a while. Louis Vuitton has more  to offer. His other collections may not have his initials written all over the bags but they are also striking and yet, even more tasteful and expensive than those that scream Louis Vuitton.

The Nomade Leather collection is a classic LV design. Even without the monogram written all over it, the look of each purse exhibits the simple elegance that LV is known for. This collection has three products available- top handle purses that share the supple quality of Nomade leather, honey microfiber lining, shiny golden brass pieces, zipper closure with padlock, and discreetly stamped LV initials.The prices range from US$ 2,640 to US$ 2,920.

The Suhali Leather collection has more products compared to Nomade Leather – top handles, shoulder bags, totes, and clutches. This collection has also more variety of colors- from neutral to metallic and warm to cool. Yet, all products have common features like smooth textile lining, golden safe lock closure and key, shiny rivets and studs, and a leather tag that bears Louis Vuitton logo.

L’Essentiel is the cheapest among the products. It is a shoulder bag that is suitable for casual night out or candle light dinners. It has adjustable strap and available in three colors , big enough for a hardbound novel to fit. It sells for US$ 2,490. While the most expensive one is L’Absolu de voyage which is a travel size bag, with distinctive stitch and raw edges, sells for US$ 4,510.

The Epi Leather collection is what you can call an”understated glamour”. This collection is the epitome of class and elegance. There is no need for monograms when the leather itself speaks  sophistication. With products having microfiber lining, flap closure with “Louis Vuitton” engraving, discreetly stamped LV initials, elegant handles, and shiny palladium metallic pieces, this collection is what Louis Vuitton embodies – sheer luxury.

Surprisingly, this collection is the cheapest among non-monogram designs with prices ranging from US$ 440 to US$ 2,100. However its Speedy 25, selling for US$ 1,000 is still more expensive than that of Monogram Canvas for US$ 665. The Epi Leather collection also features smaller bags with its biggest one, Bagatelle GM (15.7″x11.4″x6.9′) and the smallest clutch, Pochette Accessories (9.4″x5.1″x2.6″). My favorite is the Montaigne Clutch in Ivory. Just slightly bigger than Pochette Accessories, with detachable and adjustable strap to be carried in several ways, it is a perfect accessory to carry around  formal gatherings or just to give your ordinary attire a refined look.

Now, envision yourself walking in a room full of people. Wouldn’t it be more gratifying to see them look intently at your purse to figure out what kind of make it is than just looking at it and figuring it out instantly? But if you are one of those few people who crave high-end fashion but don’t want to shout it out, any of these three collections would suit you. After all, those wanna-be-bourgeoisie need not to know what you are made of.