Filed under: Apparel, Shoes, Luxury Shopping

I have nursed my faithful pair of tan sheepskin boots through three years of rain, visits to the snow and — since I live in southern California where we wear our boots for reasons of style over substance most days — blistering heat. And sadly, they are now of retirement age — long ago losing their shape, their sheen, their very high coolness factor sacrificed to the elements. And at the risk of sounding like someone who casts aside an old friend in favor of the new kid on the block, I am doing precisely that: UGGs, begone. Make room for my new EMUs, which have already passed the — get this — water test.

A sheepskin boot, warm and cozy on the inside and covered with the smoothest suede-like leather on God’s green Earth — and they are waterproof?? OK, water-resistant, but the company has submerged them in water and out they came looking good as new, which makes them waterproof in my book. Bring on the El Ninos. Mammoth Mountain ski area, here we come. The leather didn’t dry or crack. The color deepened, but in a weathery happy way. The shape kept. I’m sold.

Continue reading EMUs New Water-Resistant Boots Make a Splash

EMUs New Water-Resistant Boots Make a Splash originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Handbags

Although a pale pink handbag seems fitting for the Summer, this cute little hobo by Nina Ricci makes me want to find a way to incorporate with my Fall wardrobe. The color is light and soft and so of course is the leather.

The Ricci Hobo ($1475) is sparingly adorned with just a knotted bow handle and monochromatic logo on the front zippered pocket, making it a bag that will last for years to come. Even with its small size, the hobo is perfect for your essentials. Dimensions: 8.5″ X 16″ X 5″.

Nina Ricci Small Hobo, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Apparel, Auctions, Charity

The infamous red sari-style gown that Michaele Salahi wore when she and her husband Tareq allegedly crashed a White House state dinner last year is being auctioned off for charity. TMZ reports that Salahi turned the dress over to the Potomack Auction Company. Salahi is part of “The Real Housewives of D.C.” reality television show on Bravo. TMZ has pictures of Salahi handing over the dress to The Potomack Company an all-female owned auction house. The dress will be sold on October 2 as part of the auction house’s fall catalogue sale. A part of the proceeds will benefit the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund.

Michaele Salahi’s White House Dress Up For Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Apparel, Video

Luxe British lingerie designer Agent Provocateur has unveiled its “lavish and luxurious” collections for fall, designed to inspire desire. Some pieces like the “Maddy” model above are interlaced with eye-catching fuchsia silk while others are finished in a leopard print. Several designs are inspired by the 1950s while others evoke the glamor of 1930s Hollywood. The promotional campaign for the collections has a voyeuristic theme and features several steamy “homemade” stag film-type video clips. In fact, they were shot by music video director Johan Renck, the man behind Kylie’s “Love At First Sight” and Beyoncé’s “Me, Myself And I”, British GQ reports. Nightdresses, slips, corsets, kimonos, garter belts and even a barely-there “playsuit” comprise the rest of the eye-popping offerings. Check out one of the racy video clips after the jump.

Continue reading Agent Provocateur Unveils Feisty Fall Collection [video]

Agent Provocateur Unveils Feisty Fall Collection [video] originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Apparel, Events, Charity, Celebrity Design

Italian fashion design duo Dolce & Gabbana are celebrating the 25th anniversary of Naomi Campbell’s career with a limited edition t-shirt collection and launch event. The collection comprises 14 different designs displaying iconic images of the supermodel taken by the world’s most famous fashion photographers, including Patrick Demarchelier, Steven Klein, David LaChapelle, Mario Testino, Ellen von Unwerth, Bruce Weber, Steven Meisel, Herb Ritts and Peter Lindbergh. The collection of 14 shirts will go on sale exclusively at Dolce & Gabbana boutiques in New York on September 10th, followed by London, Milan Paris, Moscow, Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai throughout the fall.

Proceeds from the sale of the shirts will benefit Fashion for Relief, a charity founded by Campbell to raise funds in the fashion world in times and places of need. D&G will hold an exclusive launch party for the anniversary initiative in NYC on Sept. 10th. The designers describe Campbell as “An icon rather than a model,” noting “Her peculiar way of walking down the runway marked an era of fashion history and has become a point of reference for many many girls. We have been lucky enough to have the chance to know the person behind the image and for this reason we are even happier to celebrate this anniversary with her.”

Dolce & Gabbana Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Naomi Campbell’s Career originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Handbags

The Lanvin Ouloulou Satin Pouchette makes us say “Ooh la la!”

There’s nothing like peach satin to give an outfit vintage appeal. This pretty pouchette has a hammered satin flap front, a delicate chain-link strap and a grosgrain pompom detail. The button covers a magnetic closure and adds shape to this lovely, peaches-and-cream purse.

Though it’s a little pinker in person, this Italian-made bag exudes charm and innocence. The pouchette itself is 6″ x 9.5″ x 2″ and lined in satin, ensuring only the very best treatment for the goodies you put inside it. While this would be difficult to pull off with a contrasting color, we’d love to see this with a little black dress, a little white dress or maybe, maybe a black-and-white pattern.

One extra thing to love about this purse: shiny satin transitions perfectly into the holiday season, and you’ll definitely be able to carry this from now until the company holiday party.

The Lanvin Ouloulou Satin Pouchette is available from Barneys for $990.

Lanvin Ouloulou Satin Pouchette, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Apparel, Auctions, Charity

Just about everyone swooned for Sofia Vergara of ABC’s “Modern Family” when she walked the Emmy Awards red carpet on Sunday. Vergara looked like an award herself in a pale yellow Carolina Herrera strapless gown embellished with gold and silver sequin detail. She teamed up with hair care brand Suave Professionals to let America choose her red carpet hairstyle for the evening and her classic glamour girl curls were chosen by votes and styled by Suave Professionals Celebrity Stylist Jenny Cho.

Sofia’s entire award show style (sans jewels of course) - the dress and the Suave Professionals products used to create the winning look are up for bid through Clothes Off Our Backs, the charity that auctions off celebrity items for good causes. Proceeds from the auction benefit Clothes Off Our Back’s charities including Feeding America, Malaria No More, Hope North, AbilityFirst, Villa Esperanza and Alex’s Lemonade Stand. The auction ends September, 13, 2010 and bidding starts at $1,000.

Bid On Sofia Vergara’s Emmy Dress originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Handbags

The bright ‘terracotta’ red of this Chloé bag looks like the color of autumn maple leaves while the shape and style bring to mind a classic piece of small leather luggage. Features of the Darla Leather Tote include a fold-over flap top, buckled strap detail with buttoned pouch and key cover/key fob dangling down (the pouch is sooo cute!), twist-lock closure, a single brown leather top handle, another buckled strap on the top, zippered sides, protective metal feet, and a full black twill lining with a single interior zip pocket. $1,995

Chloe Darla Leather Tote, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Apparel, Handbags, Luxury Travel & Hotels

Earlier this year we told you about model Dree Hemingway, 22, daughter of Mariel Hemingway and great-granddaughter of famous author Ernest Hemingway, who’s making a name for herself among the fashion crowd. Now the willowy blonde is starring in a luxe new safari-themed ad campaign for Louis Vuitton (above). Reminiscent of Hemingway’s African tales such as The Snows of Kilimanjaro, the casting choice is a fitting one as the author is often credited with introducing the Swahili word “safari” into common parlance.

The new Vuitton campaign, highlighting the famed French luxury goods house’s handmade travel items, was shot on location in Africa. Photographed by Carter Smith, the ads feature Dree and a handsome young fellow enjoying the dramatic scenery of the African veldt. Items on display include bags, trunks, journals, watches, blankets, sunglasses, jewelry, clothing and even a few items of vintage Vuitton luggage. The campaign comes on the heels of Dree’s selection as the face of Italian fashion house Gianfranco Ferré earlier this year, following appearances for Abercrombie & Fitch and DKNY.

[via JustLuxe]

Hemingway’s Great-Granddaughter Stars in Louis Vuitton Safari Campaign originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Handbags

What a pretty, glowing finish this Snakeskin Three-Flap Clutch Bottega Veneta bag has, thanks to the exotic elaphne watersnake skin that has a slight iridescent finish. The three flaps aren’t real (they all open together as one) but there are three separate gusseted compartments inside. Lined in suede it has one interior zip pocket and comes with a detachable leather strap for clutch or shoulder bag use. It’s a pretty and fairly classic style but you better love it as it’s priced higher than many other options at $3,500.

Bottega Veneta Snakeskin Three-Flap Clutch, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Handbags

Opposites attract in this Trophe Studded Nappa Bag by Christian Louboutin. Soft black leather gets toughed up with plenty of silvertone chains, zippers, and studs with a very busy, slightly feminine, biker chic result. It has a chain shoulder strap, a simple zip-top closure and two zippered pockets on the front, plus long layered zipper pulls with gobs (yes, gobs) of silver stud details. It’s fully lined in Louboutin’s signature red and has two interior pouch pockets. Lots of places for stashing small essentials and a great way to make any look a little edgier. $1,495

Christian Louboutin Trophe Studded Nappa Bag, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Apparel, Celebrity Design

Carolina Herrera will receive the distinguished title of “Mercedes-Benz Presents” designer for this season’s spring/summer 2011 collection debuting on Monday, September 13, at 10 am at Lincoln Center, the new home of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. The Mercedes-Benz Presents program has recognized designers who demonstrate dedication to the use of quality materials, unique style and innovative design for the past seven years.

Herrera has designed for many celebrities and high-profile clients including Renee Zellweger, Amy Adams, Michelle Pfeiffer, Emily Blunt, Oprah Winfrey, and Camilla Belle. She joins a prestigious list of past Mercedes-Benz Presents designers including Monique Lhuillier, Badgley Mischka, Narciso Rodriguez, and CHADO Ralph Rucci.

“Carolina Herrera’s understated grace, precision design and attention to detail uphold the Mercedes-Benz commitment to quality,” said Lisa Holladay, manager of brand experience marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA. “She is a symbol of great success within the fashion industry and especially in New York City, and choosing her as this season’s Mercedes-Benz Presents Designer represents the strength of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and the event’s bright future at Lincoln Center.”

Born in Venezuela, Herrera began her fashion career in New York in 1980 and will celebrate 30 years of her eponymous collection in 2011.

Carolina Herrera To Be Honored With “Mercedes-Benz Presents” Title originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 29 Aug 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Handbags

Here’s a nice quiet bag from Fendi, in an earthy shade of green and featuring just a few choice details to keep quiet and easy from becoming plain and boring. The Baguette Maxi Leather Bag is a reworked version of Fendi’s iconic Baguette style, updated with the season’s military trend, fringe detail, and slouchy leather. It also features goldtone hardware, designer-stamped buckles, a removable shoulder strap for carrying crossbody or as a clutch (albeit a very large one), and a brown twill lining with a single zip pocket. $1,630

Fendi Baguette Maxi Leather Bag, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 29 Aug 2010 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Handbags

The Army Handhack ($298) is the newest line of bags by Marc Jacobs that proves itself to be functional and stylish. Given its size and that it can be worn as a tote or a backpack, the Handhack can be used is so many ways - as an overnight bag, a weekender, a daily bag, or even a baby bag.

This durable canvas bag boasts an extra roomy interior, three exterior flap pockets, and a large front zippered compartment that can be accessed on either side, easily fitting everything you need and then some. While canvas is easy to clean, I appreciate that the bottom of the bag is leather. It complements the overall look and once it gets a little dirty and worn, it will only add to the bag’s character. The Handhack is accented with gold grommets, zippers and buckles while a cranberry stripe on the handles add a little dose of color.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Army Handhack Bag originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Handbags

I am absolutely loving the funky shape and look of this Barclay Tote by Be & D. Described as “wildly distressed” the lambskin leather on this bag has character and personality to spare, plus the triangular shape has folds, extra large stud details, an can be carried by the double top handles or worn folded over and hung from the shoulder. It has a magnetic snap top closure, side zippers to widen the opening, and is fully lined with an interior zip pocket. An eye-catching hobo-chic look that certainly stands out from crowd. $1,250

Be and D Barclay Tote, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Handbags

The Nina Ricci Ondine Agneau Bag is, by far, one of the prettiest bags of the season.

This beautiful purse calls forth images of extravagant architectural moldings and hand-carved details you only see in palaces like Hofburg or Versailles. While this handbag is clearly made with superior attention to craftsmanship and history, there is a certain effortless glamour about it; perhaps achieved by the pale pastel color palette.

This leather flap front bag features an elegant woven leather horseshoe and bright silvery chain strap, and comes only in this particularly exquisite shade of pale grey. At just 7″ x 12″ x 4″, it’s a delicate bag, but its sheer class and subtle detail render it unmistakably expensive.

This demure handbag is extremely versatile; easy to dress down, easy to pair with patterns or colors, and easy to carry to a black or white tie event. It’s one of those if-you-only-buy-one-purse-this-year pieces that you’ll use again and again.

The Nina Ricci Ondine Agneau Bag is available from Barneys for $2,300.

Nina Ricci Ondine Agneau Bag, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Handbags

A loud and proud bag that’s great for daytime looks but isn’t for the faint of heart, the Jimmy Choo Bree Large Calf Hair Bag comes in glossy brown leopard-print calf hair with cut-outs of gray leopard on the upper corners and plenty of goldtone-and-stud-enhanced buckles wrapping around either side. Other features include a detachable calf hair keyfob, double top handles long enough to go over the shoulder, two side pockets, top closure via twist-lock fastening strap, and a pale suede lined interior with zip and pouch pockets. A beautiful statement bag for fall and winter. $2,395

Jimmy Choo Bree Large Calf Hair Bag, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Handbags

The Proenza Schouler Leather PS1 Pouchette is a striking piece for a woman who like practicality to be chic.

Designed like a classic document-carrier, this bag exudes utilitarian charm, but doesn’t skim on the style. Firstly, obviously, it’s purple, making it an instant standout in any outfit or tucked under any shoulder. The double belting and charmingly rustic foldover closure keep its contents safe, but the jacquard lining and leather trim pocket ensure that this hardworking bag is pretty enough even for ladies of leisure.

It’s a tiny little thing, at 11″ x 3″ x 5.5″, and working women will be more likely to use it as a wallet and throw it in a larger bag than use it on its own, but it does make an excellent clutch purse for less-than-formal affairs; a genre for which it can be difficult to dress, let alone accessorize.

We love this shade of violet, the goldtone contrast and especially the belts. We’d be happy to throw our passport and flight itinerary into this. Wouldn’t it look fabulous with euros?

The Proenza Schouler Leather PS1 Pouchette is available from Barneys for $895.00.

Proenza Schouler Leather PS1 Pouchette, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Handbags

Bright goldtone studs and textured brown leather give this Badgley Mischka Melanie Studded-Flap Bag its combination of classic and trendy appeal. It’s got that cute, pouchy shape that not only makes for extra room inside but also gives off a comfortable and welcoming vibe (like a little pillow), which contrasts nicely with the starburst pattern of heavy hardware on top. Meant to be worn either over the shoulder or crossbody it has a fold-over flap top with a magnetic fastening, a drawstring pull/closure underneath, and is fully lined in matching brown fabric with three interior pockets (one zip, two pocket). $355

Platinum Label Melanie Studded-Flap Bag, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Handbags

The Maison Martin Margiela Line 11 Sleeve Frame Clutch is one of the more unexpected handbags we’ve seen in awhile.

“I could get a shammy from an auto parts store, turn it inside out and sew it up and have the same thing,” commented my fiance as he looked at the item. “And it would be a lot cheaper.”

I admit I had to use Google to find out what a “shammy” was, and when I replied that the shammy didn’t really seem to look like this, he countered with “well, what if I just turn your old pair of Uggs inside-out?”

Hmm. Well, 1. I don’t think anyone would want to do that; those are well-worn Uggs. 2. He has a point. Uggs are a lot less expensive than this purse.

This 8″ x 14″ x 5″ frame clutch is shearling, like Uggs. It has a kisslock closure and a fabric-lined interior with a leather trimmed zipper pocket. While this clutch offers a unique texture and is a perfect match for your shearling-trimmed coat … we just … we’re flabbergasted by this purse. I mean … come on. You could get a zero-emissions G-Bike for the same price.

The Maison Martin Margiela Line 11 Sleeve Frame Clutch is available from Barneys for $1,115.

Maison Martin Margiela Line 11 Sleeve Frame Clutch, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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