remixing fashion and luxury for reality

If I weren’t so lazy I’d have bought this clutch by now. I mean lazy as in I can’t imagine actually carrying this bag in my hand or under my arm all night. How do girls do it? I’ve been trying to psych myself into buying a clutch all winter long. I’ve kaboodled at least 50 clutches by now. Is the Snake Glitter Clutch by Nancy Gonzalez going to tip me over the edge? Uhhh maybe if it didn’t cost as much as 2 plasma screen TVs or 3 Blue Ray DVD players (Husband…).

Guess I can just enjoy the view from my seat here… I love the new profile this clutch offers. It’s longer than it is wide, which actually looks more comfortable to carry under the arm. The space between your arm and your rib cage seems to be better complemented by this shape than the traditional wide and short shape of the traditional clutch. It also looks like I could fit more than the usual bare necessities which is quite comforting since I’m a pack rack on a daily basis.

After staring at it now for a good hour I’m thinking it may be a tinge on the simple side.. but certainly couldn’t hurt to have in my closet!

Nancy Gonazalez Snake Glitter Clutch

Is it possible to find love with a bag after not being able to get the bag you had your heart set on? I say YES… because I’m in love with my Foley + Corrina Glazed Leather Jet Setter Bag! I got this bag as a result of my husband’s denial-of-purchase on a Prada bag I was seeking while in Guam over the holidays. Let me remind you Guam is 100% duty free.. But in any case I got the hand and came back to the States empty handed and started looking for other options. If you recall I did a post on What to Wear to Work and it was even back as far as May of last year I’d had my eye on this bag. Thankfully they’ve been restocking this bag and I was able to snatch one up at Revolveclothing.com last month.

Highs

• The bag was less than $500! That is what we used to pay for the uber-luxe bags 10 years ago!
• Insanely comfy to carry. Wide opening for your arms under the straps. Can be carried as a handle bag or over one arm/shoulder.
• Roomy as hell. I put my 15 pound Shih-Tzu in there. You can carry all the essentials + more and the bottom of the bag never sags.
• The leather is a nice in-between of leather and patent leather. I’d been hot on the market for a patent bag but was a little concerned about the longevity of a patent bag. This was perfect since it’s glazed which gives the bag a nice subtle, classy glossiness.
• 3 pockets integrated across the bag for easy storage of random objects.

Lows

• The bag is just a tad over slouchy at times, especially when I want to prop the bag up on the ground or my desk. If it doesn’t have enough junk in it then it slouches over. Then again this is what makes the bag so comfortable to carry so it’s fine with me!
• I’ll let you know if I can think of any more. I’m that happy with it!

Photos of me and my bag..

What a relief that handbags got their groove back starting with 2008. I can finally drool again. I thought I might have to resort to another past time! Click, consider, click, consider… what lovely bag deserves a good home today??

I will say I have been desperately seeking 2 things: a black patent bag and an oversize clutch. I just haven’t had the cold sweats yet for any one bag in particular so the search continues. Let’s continue admiring though…

Smokey Blacks and Greys

Yves Saint Laurent Black Patent Rive Gauche Tote

Jimmy Choo Lulu Clutch

Yves Saint Laurent Capri Flap Hobo

Jimmy Choo Foldover Calfskin Clutch

Golden Neutrals

Jimmy Choo Troy Pony Clutch

Jimmy Choo Convertible Hobo

Valentino Couture Bag

Marc Jacobs Mayfair Shoulder Bag

Mid-Luxe Options

I know we can’t all afford to drop a mortgage payment on a handbag without surviving on cup-ramen for a few months or getting chewed out by the husband … but there is hope!

2007 marked the rise of the demi-luxe handbag designer who targets the mid-range anywhere from $200-$700. Kooba, Anna Corina, Botkier.. to name a few of my favorites. I guarantee 2008 will bring on a small army of new players in this space and perhaps even in more affordable price ranges from $100-$200.   

Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr Q Groovee Bag

Mayle Jean Bag

Botkier Sasha Small Duffel

Another hot designer who’s managed to pull off the handbag thing.. welcome to my world Zac Posen. Thank you for adding some interest to the fall/winter handbag lineup. It seems everyone else has fallen asleep at the wheel. Wake up everyone!

I first saw the Abbey Iconic Tote a few weeks back on Intermix Online. I loved the classic saddle bag feel to this off-set by the very un-classic rich purple leather. The straps looks comfortable, the perfect length to fit over the shoulder. Although a shorter strap would have made for a more refined bag.

Zac Posen Abbey Iconic Structured Tote available at Intermix Online — On SALE! $899 (was $1500)

Then when I saw the Antonia Patent Leather Bag here below I was even more excited for Christmas. Not that I’m really going to get this for Xmas but hey it’s still exciting to think about the possibilities. Actually to be honest now that I’m going on 1 year of marriage I think the handbag gift days are over.. So back to funding my own obsessions!

I’m so impressed with this blue color Zac chose for the bag. I ask myself do I have the balls to buy this… What would I wear with it? Am I ready to pull off such a thing? In general my rule of thumb is to only spend this much if it’s for something I could wear often. BUT this bag is so juicy I feel like I’d be ok with it just sitting in my closet.

Zac Posen Atonia Patent Leather Bag at Intermix Online.

Read more

I’m starting to find these "X+Y" designer brands a bit obnoxious.. I mean why not just make up a name for yourselves. Create a real brand! I will say that Alice + Olivia was the first one I had every really noticed so I’m cool with them, and I worship their clothes so it’s even more all good with me!

But in any case, I also have been really loving all the bags from Foley + Corinna so I might just have to be ok with this brand name too. Their style seems to work well with my inclination towards slouchy-but-with-some-structure-and-not-a-weapon shapes.

I have yet to actually buy a Foley + Corinna bag. I mean who has ever seen their bag in person? Not me. I’m very tempted to reach out and touch this tote bag though!

I love a simple clean line and this one’s got it. At the same time I don’t want a plain boring bag and this one’s got some simple detailing that gives it juuust enough. Notice the dainty gold braiding below the bag strap — NOT the oversized anchor chains on most bags these days… notice the few strands of leather straps — NOT the messy cow girl look of some other strappy bags… yay!

Foley + Corinna Le Tote Sac

I knew Rock and Republic was forging new territory after tasting sweet success in the denim department but this was the first of their handbags I’ve seen. It’s been interesting watching so many small design houses blow up after hitting it big within a niche market. The power of strong branding. Like Juicy with it’s little track suits. Who would have thought? Just wait cuz Luxemix is going to come out with her own little secret weapon. mwahah.

Back to these bags.. I like ‘em but that’s just a little arrogant of Rock and Republic to charge that much for their bags. That’s as much as some of the better quality luxury handbag labels. Who knows what this quality is like? I’d most certainly have to see the bag in person before giving this a thumbs up. They are cute though and would look good with some R&R denim. And I’m not even a hobo girl!

Rock and Republic Metallic Zipper Hobo and Rock and Republic Olive Zipper Hobo.

Patent has been in for some time now and I’ve refrained from splurging on the patent bags I’ve crossed paths with but this one from MCM is really making things hard on me. I fell in love with the subtle hardware detailing and the bold structure and roomy boxiness. I’m feeling very weak right now.

I first learned of MCM while on my travels in Korea. I started seeing these bags featured in some stores out there. At first I thought it was some kind of Asian luxury brand. After coming back here I looked around for it and found out it’s actually a European brand that was hot back in the 80′s. MCM is makin’ a comeback! The MCM Patent Tote may just be my Fall 2007 It Bag!!

MCM Patent Medium Duffle Tote / Handbag in Black @ Intershop / also available in purple